Categories
new orleans southern street style

Southern Street Style

To borrow a phrase from Bill Cunningham the real fashion show is in the streets. I have had numerous requests for street style photos but I’m a one woman show holding down a full time job in addition to my freelance writing and this site. There is only so much one person can do! That said I’m pleased to announce a new segment here, Southern Street Style. Liz Beeson has joined the team to bring y’all interesting, stylish southerners that she snaps on the streets of New Orleans.

We are going to do our best to showcase the best of what the south has to offer and please let us know what you think of our new venture! You might even see us on a street corner near you.

Who: Luci, 22
Where: Magazine Street

Favorite piece: headphones
Loves: satirical literature, “American Psycho”

More photos after the break

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Categories
express fashion show new orleans

Express Rock the Sidewalk New Orleans

Most of you have heard of pop up shops, those fun temporary stores that spring up, sell some wares for a day or even a few weeks then seemingly vanish into thin air. Most have you have heard of Express, the popular mall brand that stocks basics as well as current trends. 


 Express took the pop up concept one step further and did a pop up fashion show in the French Quarter last Friday and I was one of the lucky people to get the memo. If you didn’t get to go you are in luck! The Express fall ad campaign was shot during the runway show so footage will be displayed all across the country.





The streets of the Quarter are narrow, with not much wiggle room for a car and a bike to pass through. In the case of Rock the Sidewalk this made for the perfect space for a catwalk and enough room for spectators to get up close and observe every detail of every look.

  Even on this steamy New Orleans day with high heat and humidity I was craving the fall looks for next season.  The two overall themes were layering neutrals and color blocking. Different entities, I know but it makes sense to balance out a wardrobe of bright colors with more somber shades to suit every mood. 


I really appreciated the chunky, short sleeved sweaters layered over a long sleeve t-shirt with well cut slim jeans. Sequins and fur added lux embellishment for a very rich, textural interest to pep up the monochrome looks.

 On the opposite spectrum there were light, bright frocks paired with equally bold accessories such as a fuchsia dress cinched at the waist with an equally vivid belt. All too often fall and winter dressing turns into boring, fight the elements survivalism mode. Color blocking is a big trend for summer and carrying this look over to fall will help inject a bit more fun into even the dreariest of winter days.

BIG thanks to my friend Joseph Miner for letting me use these shots he took from his Blackberry. I brought my camera to the event but since I’m a diminutive 5’1 all I snapped where backs of heads. Joey is a whole foot taller than me. Don’t believe me? I’ve got the evidence to prove it.

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Categories
bill cunningham fashion film new orleans

Bill Cunningham New York in New Orleans: A movie review

I’m not a movie critic but I want to tell you about a beautiful film. If you didn’t get a chance to see Bill Cunningham New York in New Orleans on Saturday you still have time to catch it today at the Prytania Theater at 5:30pm as part of the Film-o-rama Festival.

When you think of famous fashion street style photographers the names Scott Schumann of The Sartorialist, Tommy Ton of Jak and Jill, Yvan Rodic of Face Hunter, and Liisa Jokinen of Hel-Looks might come to mind. However before most of these people were even born there was Bill Cunningham.

Mr. Cunningham,  now in his 80s,  got his start by photographing New Yorkers where the real fashion shows take place, the streets of New York. He worked at a handful of publications before landing at the New York Times. He has certainly led an interesting life, having worked as a milliner in the 1950s and leading a humble and elusive existence as one of the last artist residents of Carnegie Hall.

This poignant tale makes the fashion almost a backdrop to Bill Cunningham’s rather reclusive personal life and the secondary cast of characters in the film. The film has a sense of joy but at times feels melancholic as well. While Bill attends high profile society events and photographs runway shows he never allows himself to become completely submerged in the jet set lifestyle. Instead he silently snaps away as a spectator, often patiently waiting in line to get into a fashion show with everyone else. It is amazing how level headed he remains as he gets up close and personal with venerable fashion icons and socialites such as Anna Wintour, Iris Apfel, Brooke Astor, and Anna Piaggi among others.

 One of my favorite parts of the film is Bill getting turned down at Paris Fashion Week by a doorman that doesn’t recognize the plainly dressed older gentleman as a well known photographer. “He is the most important person in the world” corrects an in the know Parisian, which literally brought a tear to my eye. Here is a man who simply wants to take pictures of clothes and is so dedicated to his work that he has eschewed romantic relationships and even modern conveniences such as a kitchen in his apartment in order to perfect his craft. His penchant for photos of the dramatically dressed is a startling contrast to his drab dress and modest means.

My friend Zachary Wilson, who I watched the film with me, said it best:

“Today, our generation worries so much about status, living a “good” life, making money, what we’re worth, but back then it was all about the work. Sometimes I wish we could get back to that basic level, but at the same time, I don’t want to be 88 and living alone in a closet with no bathroom, no family, no “life,” just work. Maybe we’ll be able to find the balance between living life and living our work.”

The biggest thing I took away from this film is just do what you love. Don’t worry about the recognition, chasing the almighty dollar, or rubbing shoulders with the right people. At the end of the day all you have is your integrity to push you through this life and Bill Cunningham is a true testament to that.

Not in the New Orleans area? If you would like to see if the film is coming to your area visit Zeitgeist Films for a complete list of showings around the country. Now get out there and put your best peacock foot forward!

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style
Categories
freelance writer new orleans

What I’ve Been Doing

Sshhh!!! Hear that? The sound of crickets? Yea, I thought so. Sorry ’bout that. I’m sure a few of y’all have noticed that is has been a little quiet here at Slow Southern Style. I’ve been working on some neat projects that have been time consuming yet utterly fun. Excuses, excuses I know but I’m finally pleased to tell y’all what I have been working on.

If you picked up a copy of April’s New Orleans Magazine you may have noticed the three part piece on “Rediscovering the French Quarter”. I was thrilled when Morgan Packard, Managing Editor, asked me to pen a piece on French Quarter shopping for the magazine. If you haven’t had a chance to read it please do!

In addition to my weekly posts for Go NOLA I’ve been proactively picking up freelance writing jobs for local and nonlocal publications both in print and online. Slow Southern Style even got another mention in the Times Picayune and in the Gambit’s Cue! I’ve been doing all of this in addition to my regular full time job which hasn’t left me with much free time. I love writing but everyone needs a break from time to time, no matter how much you like doing something.

Speaking of love (awww) I also have one day off a week with my husband now. We haven’t had a regular day off together in about a year so I’m planning to use this time wisely and take advantage of it. This means we might actually get a chance to paint the living room and plant some flowers in the yard.

But don’t fret! I’ve got some interesting articles lined up here, including interviews and profiles of some great southern fashion designers and new shops that have opened up here in New Orleans. Thanks to everyone for your support thus far and sit tight, there is even more to come!

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style
Categories
guest jazz fest louisiana new orleans spring

Festival Season In Louisiana

Today’s post comes from guest blogger Jamielyn from Seams That Way.

As the full two months of “Spring”  have come and gone, the city is picking up steam with all things that consume our social calendars of events that force us to enjoy the outdoors. The days seem to grow longer,  the hot, sticky embrace of this humid city awaiting with arms wide open.  Yes, ladies and gents festival  season is in full swing! Personally, it is my ultimate favorite time of year.

What are my favorite things about festivals? The abundance of local food vendors showcasing,  brass bands gloriously blaring and the migration of big headlining acts.  It’s the kickstart that sets the tone for a fun summer. Of course I also love watching the sizzling hot fashions on parade as everyone tries to manage through the tightly packed crowds; libations and food in hand. It is a perfect formula for our love affair with the transitional season.   

  
                                                       
With that being said, as we try our best to beat the heat there’s no denying that at this time of year  our inner haute hippie takes over. This look is quite practical , yet we are  still well concealed beneath our garments for all the crawfish bread we’ve managed to devour.

For this Spring 2011 Season, the ‘70s have dominated and it’s“THE” trend that everyone can get away with. The best part?  There’s two  aesthetics to this look we can play with: boho and glam. What more could a lady want?  Typically for Spring we expect lots of pastels and the standard floral prints along with  nautical stripes, but for 2011 this season is going in a wilder direction. Go bold or go home! The brighter the better.

You’ll expect to see visually intriguing pieces influenced by the hipster chic lifestyle with lots of texture. Crochet, macrame, eyelets, fringes, oh my! It’s also all about the bottoms. Aside from the chunky,  bumble stripes, midi skirts to the floor- grazing pleats, the hemlines are getting  fancy.
While distressed denim cut offs might be your go to choice,  opt for scalloped hems or a tribal print cotton skort-like bottom. You can even try colored denim shorts paired with a cropped tee for a comfy funday attire. Unsure about the midriff revealing top? Try a shark tooth trapeze top. You can’t really go wrong either way.

As some of us may be more  into a feminine state of mind, maxi dresses and skirts are here to stay. They’ve definitely come a long way from when we first started taking notice three spring seasons ago and now we can’t get enough.  From one-shouldered looks to the deep plunging v-neck lines, again, it’s all about the prints. Let your tribal instict come out with Native American inspired prints.  Throw some turquoise jewelry or feather  accessories into the mix and you get effortless chic at it’s finest.

 Whether you choose to get on board with the love child craze or go with the flow of the breezy silhouettes, comfort is key.

“While our inclination with the warm, sunny weather is to go with the open toe sandals, try a closed toe, chunky, rugged bootie. ” says Nicole Hershey, a sales associate of local high-end shoe boutique, Shoefty.
“People are always spilling stuff and you don’t ever know what you might step in”, she quickly adds.
“Also, no matter what, you should get inserts. They soak up the sweat and add support”, on  a wise footwear tip. Point well taken. Now slather on the sunscreen. Throw on your wide brimmed sun hat and drinks lots agua and let’s get to lots of fun in the sun! Happy Festing!!
(Images courtesy of LF.com & FreePeople.com)
Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style
Categories
charity new orleans

Support the NOLA Ferret Rescue with iGive

Okay I know what y’all are thinking. What do ferrets have to do with fashion? I’ll explain that in a minute.


Something y’all might not know about me is that I have a deep love for animals. The real reason I had to buy a house is because I was sneaking animals in and out of rentals for years. Oops, sorry former landlords!  From ferrets, hedgehogs, and even Savannah monitors I have loved and owned them all.





A friend of mine, Laura Bogren, operates the NOLA Ferret Rescue, a non profit shelter which provides a loving, caring home for these little “carpet sharks” while they are awaiting adoption. Ferrets are really quirky little animals that an old friend of mine affectionately called a “cat squirrel”. They have big  personalities in a little bitty body which makes for a silly little creature with explosive energy. 


So where does the fashion fit in here? Hang tight for a minute y’all.


I met Laura years and years ago when One Eyed Jack’s was still the Shim Sham. Laura is intensely dedicated to ferrets and having had one myself (and the heartache of a family pet loss) I know how outrageous their vet bills can be. Now imagine running a shelter with multiple critters and it becomes obvious that this isn’t a cheap date.





A really simple, easy way to support the NOLA Ferret Rescue is to shop your favorite stores through iGive.com. Sign up is simple and every purchase you make donates a little bit of money to the shelter. With 835 participating retailers there is surely one that you already shop at already. Participating retailers include amazon.com, Kensie, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Lucky Brand Jeans,  Gap, Macy’s, Steve Madden, Yves Saint Laurent, Bloomingdale’s, Brooks Brothers,and Dillards to name a few. 




  HOW IT WORKS:

1. Join iGive.com to support NOLA Ferret Rescue. It’s free, safe, and easy to join. Use this link:

http://www.iGive.com/welcome/warmwelcome.cfm?c=57819&m=772523

Don’t feel like registering? Take iSearchiGive.com out for a spin and raise a penny (or more!) per search. Just visit http://www.iSearchiGive.com and type “NOLA Ferret Rescue” in the “Select Your Cause” area.

2. Shop through iGive.com’s online mall
~ OR ~
Raise a penny search at iSearchiGive.com


And that’s it! So what do you think about iGive? Have you used it before?

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style
Categories
mannequin mondays new orleans

Mannequin Monday- Abeille NOLA sneak peek!

This week’s Mannequin Monday is a total tease. That’s right I’m showing  all of you Slow Southern Style readers here in New Orleans merchandise that isn’t even for sale yet. No fair right? Well no worries because Abeille on Oak Street  is slated to open this spring.

Wonder where the cute bee logo comes from?  L’Abeille was a French language newspaper in Louisiana that ran from 1827-1925.  Even thought the paper is no longer in publication it has still served as influence on this Oak Street boutique sharing the same name.  With brands such as Va Va by Joy Han, Genetic Denim, Sold Design Lab denim, Mavi, David Kahn, there is sure to be something for every queen bee at 8438 Oak Street.  Are parking concerns on your mind? Pffft! There’s a free parking lot behind the building which makes coming here even easier.

Glam geometric print ruffle tube top-$56 paired w/Genetic Denim Shane in white-$143
Sweetpea pantsuit in black-$124 
Bobi knit t-shirt-$30 paired with Aryn K ruffle shorts-$63

Glam Multi color dress- $66,  C Luce Off white and black faux wrap dress-$68

Keep up with Abeille to stay tuned for their grand opening on Facebook and Twitter

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style
Categories
fashion week new orleans

NOLA Fashion Week Schedule

 

With one fashion week already in full swing everyone is now gearing up for the next run of events with NOLA Fashion Week March 21st-26th. What makes this week (err next week) different from this week (as in the one happening now) are the educational workshops for budding designers, networking events, and invite only runway shows.

Many of the events held during the week will have a daytime event followed by meetups in the evenings so if you can’t make the workshops there are other networking events you can attend.

Design by Coco Bourgeoisie

I’m happy to report that I’ve teamed up with Rebekah of 504 Stitches to help bring four days of coverage to Slow Southern Style. I will be attending the Wednesday and Thursday night parties and she will be covering the runway shows on Friday and Saturday on behalf of Slow Southern Style. Which events are you planning on attending?

Monday, March 21st

Evening: Paris Parker presents The Art of Style- Artist Sarah Ashley Longshore will have her Anna Wintour Collection on display to view with other fashionable attendees.

At: LePhare, 523 Gravier St.
7pm-11pm / Benefiting Friends of City Park through JT AWEAR

TUESDAY, MARCH 22

Day: Kids Fashion Day-  Children centered dress up day

At: Louisiana Children’s Museum, 420 Julia St.
10:30am-2:30pm / Benefiting Louisiana Children’s Museum

Evening: NOLAFW’s Night on the Town- New Orleans’ boutiques and shops open their doors to the fashion industry

At: Various Venues
5pm-9pm / Benefiting the sp[OIL]ed Campaign

Design by Coco Bourgeoisie

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

Day: Production, Marketing and Styling Workshops

At: LePhare, 523 Gravier St.
10am-4pm

Evening: Industry Engaged Cocktails- happy hour event brings tenured individuals and up and comers alike  with Seema Sudan of liaMolly playing host.

At: Capdeville, 520 Capdeville St.
5pm-8pm / Benefiting Covenant House through JT AWEAR

Design by Coco Bourgeoisie

THURSDAY, MARCH 24

Day: Production, Marketing and Styling Workshops
At: LePhare, 523 Gravier St.
10am-4pm

Evening: NOLA Tidbits presents Digital Media and Local Fashion

At:  Martine Chaisson Gallery, 727 Camp St.
6:30pm-11pm

FRIDAY, MARCH 25

Day: 4 Runway Shows | 2 Accessory Presentations

At:  Ogden Museum, 925 Camp St.
11am-7pm

Evening: Amelie G Magazine presentsTri-Coastal Fashion-

 Enjoy cocktails and small plates,  hosted by Madeline Von Froomer & Chrissie Miller of the East Coast, Leah Bauer of the West Coast, and Elsa Brodmann of the Gulf Coast.

At: Ste. Marie, 930 Poydras St.
8pm-1am / Benefiting Coastal Restoration through JT AWEAR

SATURDAY, MARCH 26

Day: 6 Runway Shows

At: Ogden Museum, 925 Camp St.
11am-7pm

Evening: Scene Magazine presents NOLAFW Wrap Party.

At: Eiffel Society, 2040 St. Charles Ave.
9pm-1am / Benefiting NOLAFW Fall 2011

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Categories
holiday mannequin mondays new orleans

Mannequin Monday- How New Orleans does St. Patrick’s Day

Even if you aren’t Irish, or just have a great uncle three times removed that did a semester abroad in Ireland back in the 70’s doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate St. Patty’s Day in New Orleans.  Not only are there big parades that roll throughout the city the weekend before but the parties on the actual day is as big a deal as the patron saint himself.


In order to help spur the festivities many New Orleans retail stores deck out their mannequins in green getups to lure in customers looking for a little luck o’ the Irish. My personal favorite this week is Style Lab For Men on Magazine Street. Sporting a good haul of beads, this guy really represents the typical parade goer. 





And what did the crowd look like this year? Check it out for yourself. Somewhere in the middle of those telephone poles lies Magazine Street, I swear.



Traditionally the St. Patty’s float riders throw cabbage and other food items. What did you catch this year? And more importantly when are you coming over to cook for me?







Style Lab For Men


3326 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA 
(504) 304-5072


Mon – Fri: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sun: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm


If you have some great displays you want to share send them to nolagurl@gmail.com

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style
Categories
new orleans shopping

New Orleans Shopping Guide

I get a lot of inquires from out of town visitors and locals alike about where the best places to shop in New Orleans are. While I usually refer people to just peruse Slow Southern Style it can sometimes be difficult to use the site as a reference, especially when you are travelling.

NOLA Shopping Guide


So I’m very pleased to announce something that I’ve been working hard on, a handy New Orleans shopping guide! I have 30 of my favorite places to shop listed here. From thrift stores to high end jewelry and everything in between these are the places that I endorse.

This advertisement free guide is the first in a two part series. Part one focuses on uptown, everything from the Lower Garden District to the Riverbend area is included. You get all this hand picked information for just $4.25 via PayPal.  A French Quarter guide is already in the works and will come out just in time for French Quarter Fest.  So I hope y’all find it useful and feel free to e-mail me at nolagurl@gmail.com if you have any questions.

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