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Black Friday

I’m the first to admit that I avoid malls at all costs during peak shopping times. This means I will be nowhere near a food court or a parking garage come Friday and neither should you! There are a slew of deals to be found and with a little creativity you can find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

Tomato is offering 30-50% off sale items during Thanksgiving weekend.
Francesca’s has 75% off sale items and you can shop online too.
Jonesing for a big box store? Macy’s is offering free shipping on orders over $99.
Miss Malaprop wrote a great piece on handmade shops that are offering sales as well.

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hiking outdoors

Roughing it in style

I’m going to take a break from the Gulf Coast today to talk about the southwest. After Katrina I relocated to Phoenix, AZ for 3.5 years. While I wasn’t satisfied with my adopted city I did get in a lot of hiking, particularly in the Grand Canyon. I took more trips to the canyon than I can count and I hiked to the bottom 3-4 times a year. In less than a month I will be making a trek to Phantom Ranch for the 10th time.

Feeling stylish on the trail but not looking like a fashion victim is a tough mountain, err canyon to climb. When you are covered in sweat, snow, dirt, mule poop, or whatever else you want to feel somewhat cute but can’t run the risk of looking like a fashion freak by sacrificing comfort and mobility. Having the proper gear and clothing is crucial not only to your comfort but for your safety as well.

These silk cargo pants from Da-Nang are easy on the eyes. Silk is also very insulating but I’d throw a pair of thermal leggings underneath for an added layer. The side pockets are perfect for throwing a camera or a mid trail snack in.

This Salomon brand trail runner tee is a nylon spandex blend that will keep you warm and dry. Available at REI. Just throw on a shell and a wind resistant jacket and you are ready to tackle cold climes.

Salomon Trail Runner Warm Tech Tee - Women's

I’m okay with a silly winter hat so long as it remains functional. This acrylic and wool blend from Monica Burnett satisfies both needs. I usually warm up quickly and start stripping away layers so this open weave hat would be great for me.

Of course you can’t leave your digits exposed to the elements. These Sugoi gloves from REI Outlet will keep your hands warm and they also have a gel grip. This is important if you use trekking poles such as myself and need to keep your “sissy sticks” in hand vs. tossed down the trail.

Sugoi Wallaroo 210 Gloves - '08 Closeout

Since the whole point of hiking is the scenery I’ll share with y’all pictures from my last cold weather excursion to the Grand Canyon. These were taken Mardi Gras 2008. Even when I didn’t live in New Orleans I always took time off work for Mardi Gras.

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designers events news sales

Slow Southern News

Stop in Feet First now through Sunday, November 29th at receive discounts if you bring in canned or non-perishable food items. Bring in 2 or more items and receive 20% off your total purchase. Bring in 3 or more items and receive 30% off your purchase. All food will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana.

Stop by Buffalo Exchange for 75% off sale merchandise now until the end of the month.

Local clothing line LiaMolly will be having trunk shows on Wednesday, November 25th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Loa in the International House Hoteland on December 16th same time, same place.

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etsy secondhand

Nifty, thrifty and best of all handmade

Post author By Christy
Post date November 18, 2009
5 Comments on Nifty, thrifty and best of all handmade

Meet Alison and her nifty little vintage and handmade shop.

How did you get into thrifting?
I’ve always adored old things. I had an “antique box” as a child. But I actually didn’t get into thrifting until the end of high school.

What makes an item really stand out to you?
My eye has gotten better. I skim a rack of clothes and what pulls me in is texture. Vintage clothing has a very different texture than most clothing today. Some modern clothes imitates the vintage texture and gets pretty close, though.
Vintage 60s/70s Victorian Gothic Cocktail Ring

Is there a certain style that you are drawn to, or do you try to stock a wide range of things in your shop?

Personally, I love mod style from the 60s. But I also enjoy many styles from 70s & 80s. For myself I am more picky. But for others I can appreciate how others express themselves and will often buy things that I think someone else will love.

Ruffle lace bolero jacket

What are your top sellers?
My top sellers are hard to determine because everything I’ve ever had was of a very limited quantity. It can pretty unpredictable on what will sell fast. I think that when my shop has been more stocked with vintage clothing, it helps my handmade items sell better.

Vintage bingo card hand bound notepad

Define southern style.

I‘m not really sure how to define Southern style only because It seems like there are people from all over here in the South. But I can say that I think Southern style probably has a warmth and charm that is as sincere and down to earth as Southern hospitality!

One of a kind brass and copper charm bracelet

You can purchase these items as well as many others via Alison’s Etsy shop.

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mannequin mondays

Mannequin Mondays

I’ve often said that when I hit the lottery (too bad I’ve never bought a ticket) I’d wear ball gowns to do the most menial chores like washing the dishes and vacuuming. Well when that time comes this would be my first pick.

Harold Clarke located in Rubenstein’s

102 St. Charles Ave., 504.581.6666

Thanks to Leslie of Nola Eats for snapping this pic for me.

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shoes show and tell

Show & Tell

I’ve never considered myself a shoe person even though my husband would beg to differ. A deep sense of lust doesn’t overwhelm me when looking at a pair of platform sky high heels. I instantly wince at the pain factor and stick to shoes that I can primarily wear to work. I do however like to wear fun colors and patterns so I couldn’t pass up these J. Crew suede chartreuse driving mocs when I saw them. I love wearing these with navy or contrasting them with another bright color. Since I walk to work everyday I don’t exactly baby my shoes and these won’t last but a few more months. Let’s all sit back and cherish them before I wreck them beyond wearability.

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designers etsy jewelry

Beautiful metal

Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into metal smithing.

My father was a silversmith as a hobby and had a workshop in the basement. I began experimenting with his tools and supplies as a teenager. I then spent many years exploring other mediums and art techniques, coming back to metalsmithing after inheriting his tools. I have made my living as a jeweler for the last 6 years.

To me jewelry should be a personal representation of oneself vs. a fashion item. How are your interests and personality showcased in your work?

I embrace hand-made, especially when it comes to jewelry. My very favorite designs come about when I try to make what I want to wear -not just make something because I think that it will sell. Many of my designs reflect collections that I have, my most cherished being a wall of heart milagros that I have collected over the years. I want my pieces to feel like they’ve been around for awhile, have soul, or a story to tell.

I couldn’t help but notice the circle themes in your work. Is that a conscience design decision?

The circles in my work are not a conscience theme, but come from designing what I like to wear.

How does living in New Orleans inspire your work?

New Orleanians have an attachment to their town and all things New Orleans that I don’t think exists in many other places. It is very inspiring. It is a town so steeped in history and ritual that it can be a little intimidating to try to reflect that.
New Orleans is very lucky to have several great art markets. I love our creative and very supportive community. Being a regular vendor at a few of these helps me strive to always improve my creations.

Define southern style.

For me, Southern style is easy and not too fussy; can it be in our humidity? It is also slightly worn around the edges with a touch of funk, a little flirtation and a measure of mystique thrown in.

You can purchase Kiki’s designs on Etsy as well as Bywater Art Market (3rd Saturday of every month) and the Arts Market of New Orleanss at Palmer Park ( last Saturday of every month)

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men's news shopping

Slow Southern News

Stop by Voluptuous Vixen, a fashionable plus sized store, to help celebrate their 3rd anniversary. On Thursday, November 19th luxe cocktail dresses will be 50% off and you can enter to win a $100 gift certificate.
Feet First is having another trunk show highlighting comfort shoe brands Born and Sofft. Enjoy complimentary wine & hors d’oeuvres on Saturday, November 14th from 10am-6pm as a brand representative helps you select the perfect pair for you.
Shoefty just got in some great kicks for guys and girls. Go snap ’em up!

Creative Recreation via Shoefty

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interviews jewelry

Bayou Treasures

Born and raised in Cajun country Thrifted Finds creates jewelry from vintage accouterments and photos.

1. The name of your shop is “Thrifted Finds”. How do you blend thrifted items with your handmade jewelry?
I love using vintage items in my work! Often times I’ll use a vintage pin as a centerpiece or pendant. Vintage watches, beads and chains also find their way into my pieces. Even chandler prisms are incorporated into my things! I just love the unique spin vintage items give to jewelry designs.

Autumn bangles

2. You are from south Louisiana. How does this influence your work?
Actually I’m not sure. I don’t think that I have noticed a particular influence but I can tell you that the culture here is very inspiring.

Sittin in a tree Sittin’ in a tree necklace
3. I noticed photo pendants and tree motifs are common themes. Tell us a little about those.
The photo pendants came when I was looking for a way to incorporate a beautiful old picture of my grandmother into my jewelry. Then I was commissioned to do one for someone else and the theme has just continued and I do lots of custom work now with photos.

As for the trees, I just love them. For some reason I’ve been very attracted to nature related items that are in a refined item like a shiny silver or antiqued stamped brass charm. The combo of nature and jewelry just intrigues me.

Photo Ring

4. What are your future plans for your line?
I certainly plan on keeping with the vintage theme and I hope to do some more whimsical items based on Alice in Wonderland and other fun themes.

Bite Me Bite Me bat necklace
5. Define southern style.
Hmmmm…Romantic. Cultured. Full of charm and a touch of whimsy.

You can view more of Thrifted Finds jewelry at her Flickr account and purchase her creations at Etsy.

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