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Mardi Gras: Look ma, no pants!

Oh, Mardi Gras. It was one of the coldest and rainiest Fat Tuesdays ever, but that didn’t stop the die hard crazies from heading out, including us. Since I never take the weather into consideration when planning a costume, wool socks under wool tights under green tights under fishnets was the only way to go. I felt like a contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race underneath all that hosiery. Despite how nasty it was, we managed to laissez les bon temps rouler anyway. Needless to say, I didn’t bring my camera in fear of getting it wet, so these were the only non iPhone pics we took. 
This year, I decided to make our hats. With about 12 hours total of hand stitching ( I rarely glue anything, unless sewing isn’t an option) I gave myself a bit of a break and thrifted our tops, minus some embellishments that I added. It’s always fun to play dress up, but I’m allowing myself a sweatshirt and jeans day today after freezing my toes off. Hopefully we’ll have better weather next year but hey, a little rain never stopped me from having a good time anyway. 

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oh hey now

Oh hey now, I went and started a Slow Southern Style Instagram. I’ll be sharing some of my favorite snapshots of New Orleans culture, served with a side of personal style. Of course y’all can still keep up with my personal account if you’re so inclined. We’re in the thick of Carnival season this weekend. Parades are rolling all day, every day and I’ll be out on the streets snapping pictures all weekend long. Of course Mardi Gras Day is basically my Christmas morning; I’ll be up at the crack of dawn on Fat Tuesday, ready for some carnival adventures. See y’all on the parade route. 

Necklace Bayou Bohemian| Sweater LnA via Rise| Jeans Banana Republic|
Jacket vintage Levi’s via Buffalo Exchange| Oxfords Frye via Buffalo Exchange

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What I Wore: Freret Market

I’ve always been a bad fashion blogger. I %#$*@! up this picture with the port-o-let in the background, and zero $%*@# are being given about my bra peeking through my tank top. My bad. What I do care about  is putting my money where my mouth is. With the exception of a necklace, everything I’m wearing was either bought from an independent fashion designer, secondhand, or made in the USA. I’ve always been an advocate of ethically sourced clothing, and after the atrocities that occurred in Bangladesh, it’s hard for me to buy clothing made in  factories that engage in surreptitious practices without feeling guilty about it. Read this article from this past July that explains the complexities of child labor for some particularly disturbing insight. How do we combat that? Spend your money at  local art markets, support independent fashion designers, buy secondhand, and give fast fashion a big FU. Sorry for being so crass, but it’s really a simple choice that could result in a great deal of change if enough people get behind the movement. 
Tank top: Everlane
Shorts: Tallulah Faire
Necklaces: Haus 131 (old) & Nelson & Little
Cuff bracelet: Satchel
Shoes J. Crew via Buffalo Exchange
Handbag: Lucky via Buffalo Exchange 
Sunglasses: Celine via Buffalo Exchange 
For more of the Freret Street Market, check out these Vine videos I took for Propaganda New Orleans
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Cavortress at Bonnaroo

If you’re headed out to Tennessee for Bonnaroo, be sure to say hi to my fashion designer/stylist friend Julie Wheat (aka Cavortress) and her pink, black, and silver booth. She’ll be slinging vintage clothes, jewelry, handmade items, even some costumes. Y’all know how I feel about costumes. Julie’s also snapping some street style photos, so check back for some of her favorite Bonnaroo fashion in an upcoming post!

cavortress.com
cavortress.etsy.com
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Blue Dreams

You know when you’ve found an instant wardrobe staple. It makes you feel confident, attractive, and you want to wear it every single day. This Puella dress is perfection for me. It’s flattering, comfortable, and multi seasonal thanks to the lightweight fabric.  The cascading hemline and the henley neckline elevates it from your ordinary basic jersey knit dress, steering clear of lurking into boring territory. When the weather warms up, I’ll ditch the leggings and pair it with a pair of bright colored sandals to keep it spring worthy. 
What are some of your go to casual pieces? 

Dress: Puella
Tights: Lucky Brand
Blue suede buckle flats: Belle by Siggerson Morrison
all from Buffalo Exchange

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What I Wore: Paisley and Polka Dots

During warmer months, I stick to natural fabrics to stay comfortable. But when it gets cold outside, I start breaking all of my self imposed rules during the more forgiving chilly days. Polyester? Bring it, baby. I couldn’t imagine wearing this sheer button down two months ago, but winter on the Gulf Coast is like a get out of jail free card. We get to wear practically whatever we want, so long as layering is an option. Need help? Read my Uptown Messenger column for tips on practical winter dressing. Old Man Winter, come at me bro. 

Rhinestone earrings from Armoire
Luxurious wool blend tights from Sock Dreams.com
Sheer polka dot blouse, paisley J. Crew skirt, Ann Taylor heels all from Buffalo Exchange
photo bombed by hubby’s Filson bag
 psst! get a closeup shot  of the Armoire earrings on my Instagram here.

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Summer School: eBay Shopping Secrets

In case you don’t feverishly hit the search engines seeking out every morsel that I spit into the digital world, this week’s Summer School is a piece I wrote for my Uptown Messenger column. Click on over where I share the tricks that I use to navigate that online marketplace behemoth that is eBay. Hint: narrow your selection and reap the rewards.

http://uptownmessenger.com/2012/07/christy-lorio-tricks-of-the-ebay-trade/

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What I Wore: Old Faithfuls and Extra Minutes

I have a confession to make. I didn’t start Slow Southern Style to plaster my mug all over the internet. There are enough lovely gals out there who do a much better job of it than I do. Not to mention there are enough “skinny white girl bloggers” documenting their personal style. Oh wait, I’m not skinny. Anyway, schedules synced up again and I coerced my husband to take some quick pictures before I jetted off to work.

Considering I’m on my feet for 8 hours a day, dressing for comfort is a necessity. While I’d love to wear heels more frequently, it ‘aint happening. When the weather is nice I bike the 2.5 miles to work, so I have to make sure I’m wearing something quasi practical for my commute.

I’ve got my spring uniform down pat. Do you? Several months ago I decided a button down/skirt combo would be my warm weather staples. Now I just need to stock up, since I keep rotating the same old faithfuls every week. This pink skirt has made several appearances on Slow Southern Style, most recently in the French Quarter and at Saks Fifth Avenue. You might call it wardrobe remixing, I call it wearing the hell out of something. One thing I’ve realized is that I always go back to this basic skirt shape. Give me something that sits on the waist, flares out to disguise my lack of assets, and have it stop slightly above or below the knee and I’m sold.
Not gonna lie, I own more Native American jewelry than should be legally allowed. Most of it was procured in Arizona, but I’ve managed to pick some up in Louisiana as well. If you are looking to add to your own collection, I’d suggest checking out Louisiana’s own Choctaw Silverworks.

Polka dot chambray shirt- Lands’ End Canvas

Everything else- Buffalo Exchange, minus one bracelet gift from hubby

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Exclusive Photoshoot: Blue Dream Vintage Part 2

If you didn’t catch the first part of this photo shoot last week you can see it here. 

 Inside of Revival Outpost there’s a store within a store. Blue Dream Vintage complements the rest of the inventory but stands alone thanks to owner Akasha Rabut’s keen eye for mint condition, one of a kind vintage clothing, accessories, and household items. 

“Blue Dream is heavily curated by myself and my boyfriend Sam, who is also my business partner. Sam and I are obsessed with collecting old objects and clothing which is why we opened Blue Dream.  Everything in the shop is personalized and has a story. All of our fixtures are hand made by Sam from old cypress and other trees native to New Orleans, we even hand painted our floors! All of our items are hand picked by the two of us and have been gathered from around the country. We staunchly believe in recycling the old and supporting artisans and independent designers. In addition to vintage clothing and goods we also carry cold press soap, beeswax candles, household items, plants and terrariums.”

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Buffalo Exchange Earth Day Dollar Sale

While everyone is gearing up for festival season we can’t forget about Earth Day, an important time to make a difference with the daily choices we make. Each year, Buffalo Exchange hosts a Dollar Day Sale to help raise awareness of this important day and donate money to one of their favorite charities, The Humane Society of the United States. On Saturday, April 21 each store across the country will set up racks ou, with men’s and women’s clothing and accessories for a mere $1.00. All proceeds will go to the Humane Society, and it’s a great way to stock up your spring closet on the cheap and help the environment at the same time. Since 1997, Buffalo Exchange has raised over $345,000 for environmental causes during these Earth Day sales events.The store will be open our normal summer hours, 11:00am-8:00pm.


From the Buffalo Exchange website:


Save ocean animals while shopping for hip used clothing at a bargain. In celebration of Earth Day, Buffalo Exchange is recognizing the work of The Humane Society of the United States, the nation’s largest animal protection organization, and its international arm, Humane Society International, in helping to protect ocean animals. All proceeds from the sale of items offered for one dollar each at your local Buffalo Exchange on April 21 will go The HSUS and HSI. The oceans are home to millions of animals. From whales to polar bears, sharks to sea turtles, marine mammals to the smallest fish — each plays a vital role in the life of the ocean. The health of ocean ecosystems is critical to each animal’s survival, and to the health of our planet. Earth Day benefits at Buffalo Exchange stores have raised over $345,000 for environmental causes since 1997.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. Humane Society International (HSI) is the international arm of The HSUS. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty. 
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