If you are a fan of good writin’ then you may have heard of Oxford American. Based in Arkansas, this quarterly publication touts itself as “The Southern Magazine of Good Writing“. To celebrate their latest issue, the OA is coming down to NOLA to host two events this Thursday. First up is a kick off party at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, then it’s on to the newly renovated Circle Bar. New Orleans native Kasimu Harris will be officially launching his new online street style column, Parish Chic. This isn’t his first foray onto Slow Southern Style- check out this snapshot from back in September at the Saks Fashion Night Out event. See y’all at the party!
Category: events
Much thanks to Meghan for covering most of fashion week while I was out of town. She took a ton of photos, check them out on the Slow Southern Style Facebook page.
-Christy
Let me just start by saying, as a first time NOLA Fashion Week-er, that it was fantastic. It’s great to see so much local talent, and witness the best of New Orleans’ fashion scene. I was able to attend 7 of the presentations, and have a little recap of each.
Andrea Loest – Andrea Loest definitely let her creative side take over with her newest collection. The colors were classic pinks, black, and nudes. The construction was the main feature with allover stitching and patchwork fabrics.
Amanda deLeon – Amanda deLeon drew inspiration from the darker side of New Orleans culture. Blood red leather and studs, giant mausoleum prints, and plenty of crosses made up the gorgeously dark collection.
Matthew Arthur – Matthew Arthur’s collection was all about modern simplicity and texture. There were muted shades of black, grey and white. All of the pieces were classic pieces, somewhat re-imagined.
Cavortress – We can’t forget about swimwear and Julie Wheat certainly has not. The entire collection was fun, as swimwear should be. The colors were bright and the prints were perfect. There were also some pleated cover-ups reminiscent of those popular in the ’70s.
All photos and text by Meghan Wright
Old.New.Blue.
As one either meanders or rushes frantically along Magazine Street this season searching for the right outfit or accessories. There is a beautiful, vibrant shop that is the perfect way to start or end NOLA’s equivalent of an outdoor galleria.
The special gift for a guy, a present for a groom/groomsmen, or a man who just likes to shop, is available at Old.New.Blue as well and they have even held gentlemen-only style events.
One of the vital roles Old.New.Blue brings to the city, is the focus on hosting events that connect with local charities. Their most recent benefit on Saturday, March 10th, was a Hat Day in the store hosted by Les Dames Chapeaux, “The Hat Ladies”. Proceeds of a pre-taxed percentage of sales for the event went toward the Second Harvest Food Bank After School Dinner Program.
A hat is as vintage as it is avant gardè and New Orleans is the perfect city for the expertise of Les Dames Chapeaux.
Ribbons, feathers, lace, and gemstones, all created a progressive yet classic feel that made each hat accessible and just waiting to frame the perfect face.
The collection on display ranging from sun hats, headbands, and bridal pieces, showed their talent and versatility with the materials, architecture, and beauty; to create a subtle or bold statement when adorning a hat.
In one place, there is access to fashion consultation and styling,etiquette advice, full service event and wedding planning, just to name a few- in this dazzling and well appointed retail experience. The uniqueness of Old.New.Blue. is right at home on Magazine Street with something for everyone to accessorize with and so much more.
Model: Patrice Jones
Pink tees and Jonathan Adler mugs |
Whimsical art |
Hattie already hard at work |
NOLA worthy phrases- need to pick these up |
One thing I love about blogging are the people that I cross paths with. I don’t remember exactly how we met, but long time reader, and now advertiser, Hattie Collins just opened her own boutique, Hattie Sparks. The store is located just a block off Maple Street, a prime shopping spot in New Orleans. I went to the grand opening party a few weeks ago, and loved everything I saw. Flowy silk tops, Jolie & Elizabeth dresses, colorful housewares, and clever stationary were just some of the offerings Hattie has in store. She’s also carrying a wide array of jewelry under $100. I was tempted to scoop up almost everything, but settled on a Jonathan Adler vase in my living room’s accent color, canary yellow. Hurry in, and tell her Slow Southern Style sent ya!
Photo c/o Lizzie Ford-Madrid Photography
Blazer- Elizabeth & James via Buffalo Exchange |
Forget fashion week, March is truly fashion month in New Orleans. If you missed NOLA Fashion Week this past week, Fashion Week New Orleans is coming up on March 21st. Also, I challenge you to construct a paragraph using the words fashion, week, and New Orleans more than I did.
While their goals are the same, each organization puts their own spin on showcasing designers and retailers to the fashion community. A launch party at Twist Cocktail bar kicks things off, followed by three days worth of runway shows and Project Runway style designer competitions at The Sugar Mill. A bridal expo caps off the week at The Westin. For more info on the events and how to purchase tickets, go to the Fashion Week NOLA website. And don’t worry, there’s plenty of time left to figure out what you are going to wear.
Shrimp & grits, and a 25 cent mimosa. yea, as in a quarter. |
I love fashion, and I love me some brunch. I also have much love and respect for Justin Shiels, my good friend that runs Invade NOLA. So naturally I was giddy for the NOLA Fashion Week brunch that Invade NOLA hosted at Ste. Marie. Check out my recap of the day on Invade later this month, but for now here’s what I wore to stuff my face with shrimp & grits. Maybe it isn’t lady like to clean your plate, but I’ve never been one to waste good food. Throw in a bloody mary and a well heeled crowd and you have one extra special lazy Sunday.
Laughter is the best medicine but those shoes still hurt |
It’s March which means it is fashion season in New Orleans. Are you ready? NOLA Fashion Week kicks things off on Saturday, March 3rd and runs through the 10th. Packed with parties, educational workshops, and of course fashion, there are plenty of activities to pencil in on your calender- or add to your phone, whatever you do. Last season proved to be a polished, well executed string of events and this season will be no exception.
Designers Showing at NOLA Fashion Week
• Jolie & Elizabeth by Jolie Bensen and Sarah Elizabeth Dewey, New Orleans, LA
• Amanda deLeon Clothing, New Orleans, LA
• dope Clothing, Baton Rouge, LA
• Cavortress by Julie Wheat, Charleston, SC
• BySMITH by Smith Sinrod, New York, NY
• Libellule, New Orleans, LA
• Matthew Arthur Apparel Architecture by Matthew Arthur, New Orleans, LA
• Andrea Loest, New Orleans, LA
• blackout. by Ashlie Ming, Jackson, MS
Saturday, March 3rd
Photography w/ Robby Klein & Thom Bennett
Suzanne Perrone Book Launch: “Designing in Ivory and White”
The Elizabeth Chronicles Launch Party
Sunday, March 4th
NOLAFC Advisory Board, Designer, & Sponsor Brunch
Street Style Brunch hosted by Invade NOLA
Monday, March 5th
Kids Fashion DayOgden Museum
The Life Cycle of a Style w/ Lisa Locono
Organizing Your Life Fashionably w/ Skye Truax
Tuesday, March 6th
What 7th Ave Taught Me That I Did Not Learn in School w/ Suzanne Perrone
Libellule Presentation
Martine Chaisson Gallery
By Smith Presentation
Martine Chaisson Gallery
Material Girl Lounge
Wednesday, March 7th
MASHUP: Vitamin Water Presents Where Fashion meets Music
Feat. Jolie & Elizabeth ft Royal Teeth; Blackout by Ashlie Ming ft Big History; Dope Clothing ft Baby Bee
Material Girl Lounge
Thursday, March 8th
Fashion in the Arts District featuring:
Andrea Loest Presentation
Amanda DeLeon Presentation
Mat Arthur Presentation
Cavortress Presentation
Material Girl Lounge
Friday, March 9th
Branding w/ Julie Wheat of Cavortress
Fashion Market
Green Gala
Saturday, March 10th
Fashion Market
AVEDA’s Eco Fashion Day featuring shows by Hip Vintage, Stay by Mar, etc
For details of each day’s events be sure to check the NOLA Fashion Week website for the complete schedule, including times and locations.
Working together with three local ladies and dear friends I have founded Boho Mercantile, a gypsy boutique. Driven by inspiration and our passion to create along with our deep appreciation for nature, folklore, native cultures and our sincere love for the community. A tiny salvaged wood and rusted tin building once stood on the banks of the bayou and housed a claw foot tub but now proudly stands in town and is home to many creations of interest and repurpose. It is also where we host the monthly Bayou Bazaar, held on the first Friday of each month from 6pm-9pm. An intimate open air event focused on local handcrafts, local farm grown eats and treats, and local music. Bringing together homegrown, handmade and vintage.
Going into the Macy’s Black History Month Event, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was not familiar with Romare Bearden, his foundation, or how it all tied into a major retail company. What I found on the second floor of the women’s department at Lakeside Mall in Metairie, LA was quite metaphoric for me and a unique example of art without limitation.
Slow Southern Style was compensated for this post.