Mardi Gras Checklist

Now that you’ve been schooled on Mardi Gras balls, it’s on to parades! You want to be prepared on the parade route, so use FWNOLA’s Mardi Gras checklist and you’re good to go.

Start with a sturdy bag. Think backpack, fanny pack, or cross-body bag, and make sure there are zippers so you don’t lose anything! Don’t leave home without these essentials in your bag:

• Dollar bills (for bathrooms!) 
• Toilet paper (because you know they ran out) 
• Hand sanitizer (for after the bathrooms!)

Mardi Gras in February means that it will may be COLD, so layer up! Fun, colorful tights are a MG ‘do’, and extra socks never killed anyone. Wear gloves to catch all those beads! No necklaces - You’re catching hundreds of them remember! Finally, top it off with a warm, chic hat!

Mardi Gras is not kind to fabulous footwear so wear your rain boots. This is the ONLY TIME we prefer flats, so you know we’re serious! Finally, pack a warm jacket - tie it around your waist if you have to. Yes….you read that correctly…  at Mardi Gras, anything goes! 

Mardi Gras is the one time rules don’t apply, so go crazy and wear whatever your heart desires! Peruse your favorite thrift stores because whatever you wear will likely get damaged. Be fun, be bold, be crazy! A little (or a lot of) glitter - DIY never hurt anyone!

Don’t forget to share your photos with FWNOLA!

Happy Carnival Y’all!

It’s that time of year again - Carnival season! New Orleanians and visitors alike countdown to this much-anticipated event and FWNOLA is here to guide you through all your Mardi Gras fashion needs. The most glamorous events are always the plethora of Mardi Gras balls taking place all over the city. We love Mardi Gras balls because it’s another chance for glamour & glitz! Mardi Gras is about having fun, so try a new look and be daring!

Here are some of our favorite stores for fun Mardi Gras threads:

• Chattabox 
• Red Carpet
• Mimi
• Yvonne Lafeur
• Swap

Boutiques all over town are packed with festive clothing, but shop early to get the best picks. Mardi Gras is all about bright colors, sequins, & sparkles! Keep the neckline of your gown in mind and necklaces minimal – you’ll want room for all the beads! Also, make sure your shoes are broken in so you’re prepared to dance the night away and remember that going barefoot is NEVER an option! Be bold this Mardi Gras season and try that fabulous gold stunner you’ve always dreamed of wearing - you won’t regret it!  

 

2013 Pants Party

If you’re following us on Facebook like good fashionistas, you’ll know how excited we are for the new 2013 trends. We love expanding our fashion horizons, and one trend that we predict will be in full force is Palazzo pants! Any woman will feel great in these billowing pants – and will never risk having a Marilyn moment! And P.S. DVF swore by Palazzos when she was married to a German prince and agrees with FWNOLA that they’re coming back in a BIG way for 2013!

Palazzo pants require some planning – specifically, hemming. So, when selecting your pair, make sure the hem just grazes the floor and bring your favorite pair of heels to make sure the length is just right. It’s a great trick to make your legs look miles long, too. If you insists on wearing flats, make sure you’re at least 5’10 like Cindy Crawford or that the hem is p-e-r-f-e-c-t! If you can’t take your Palazzo’s off, buy 2 and have each altered appropriately. We say the more Palazzo, the better, so don’t shy away from this power-woman look!

Calling All Models!

Attention models! It’s time for the Fashion Week NOLA 2013 model casting call! This year we’re expanding our horizons (and yours too!) by holding casting calls in 4 different cities to scout runway talent.

Models selected will compete in a Model Walk Off to win a scouting trip to Los Angeles, compliments of John Robert Powers. You could follow in the footsteps of FWNOLA models, Taylor Hamric and Victoria Henley. Taylor was discovered at FWNOLA and now lives in New York where she is signed with Wilhelmina! Victoria was on America’s Next Top Model Cycle 19, where she was in the Top 5!

Things to remember when attending casting calls: 

Makeup: Don’t go overboard! You are a blank canvas waiting for transformation!

Hair: Wash it & pull it back.

Shoes: You’ll be barefoot when we measure your height and numbers, like Shakira’s hips, don’t lie. Wear heels you can walk in and practice, practice, practice!

Clothes: Wear black. Don’t hide your figure. Keep it classy. Taylor and Victoria always wear black leggings and a black tank top to castings – so take a cue from the pros! 

If you have any other questions, please email us at info@fashionweeknola.com or contact us through Facebook. We hope to see your fresh faces at the casting calls!

Quick advice from the pros: “If you are truly passionate about something always strive to become better and never give up on your dream. Once you get on the runway, just work it and have fun. Practice makes perfection! Practice walking in heels so you will be well prepared once you hit the runway.” – Taylor Hamric  (her first walk was at FWNOLA ’12!)

Ultimate NOLA Holiday Gift Guide

The holidays are here! Shopping can be a chore, so to help, FWNOLA’s elves have gone in search gifts that are sure to please that someone special on your list.

1. Who doesn't love a little pampering? So, nothing’s better for a post-apocalyptic (aka: Holiday) renewal than a visit to Earthsavers in New Orleans, Metairie or and Mandeville. 

2. For the discerning guy in your life, consider a tie from The Wildlife Reserve. Locally designed using sustainable, hand selected vintage-inspired fabrics means high quality and uniqueness. 

3. Are you a guy who needs a little help? House of Lounge, at 2044 Magazine, will host their annual “Holiday Gentlemen’s Nights” from 6:30-9:30 pm on December 15^th & 22^nd, for gents to shop for a haute negligée in comfort and style – with a drink in hand.

4. Give the fashionista in your life something special from an up-and-coming local collection, such as Jolie & Elizabeth, Loretta Jane or MESDRESS, all available at Hemline stores.

5. Have someone on your list who knows what it means to miss New Orleans? Gift the year ‘round pleasure of a magazine subscription. Our favorites are New Orleans Magazine, Amelie G, and Louisiana Life.

6. Shopping for a music lover? Basin Street Records reps all of our local favorites, including Theresa Anderson, Kermit Ruffins & Rebirth. Not only are digital tracks available, but remember how cool & retro it is to open a CD, hang a band poster, or wear a band tee – just not to their concert!

7. Passion and beauty are at the heart of life, and 3 local jewelry designers prove it with their creations. Jess Leigh Jewels, Nancy Rhett, and Construct Jewelry are tops when it comes to custom baubles.

8. Every Southern Belle should own a chapeau that turns heads. Fleur de Paris houses the largest selection of extravagant hats this side of the Mason-Dixon. Visit 523 Royal St. to have a custom hat designed and fitted.

9. Treat your stylish guy to new threads from Rubenstein’s at 102 St. Charles Ave. The finest men’s haberdashery in New Orleans will keep your man looking dapper year round. P.S. – they have valet!

10. When it comes to New Year’s Eve, the sparklier the better! Visit to The Red Carpet, Ballin’s Ltd., or Prima Donna’s Closet for the city’s largest selection of glitz & glamour.

STOCKING STUFFER BONUS: Tickets to Fashion Week New Orleans 2013 make the perfect treat!

No one will be disappointed if you keep it local with these fabulous gifts! Happy holidays from Fashion Week New Orleans and happy shopping!