Summer is a hot time in the city.
If you cannot stand the heat, then leave. We are entering my least favorite time in New Orleans. There are not enough sno-balls and frozen rosé (bless you Willa Jean for this creation) that will make the upcoming months tolerable. The termites swarming, the blood-sucking mosquitos, the larger-than-life cockroaches and the daily monsoons are not what I would describe as the finer points of NOLA life. This is not a sci-fi flick; this is summertime on my front porch.
Gallivanting around town with your hair pasted to the side of your face and sweat dripping down your back is not the ideal setting for remaining a polished stylist. In fact, Corrie and I sometimes look as if we coined the term Big Hot Mess. However, a fortunate blessing about living in NOLA in the summer is that we live only three hours away from beautiful Gulf beaches and breezes.
Road Tripping
Packing for a week’s stay or a weekend getaway this summer can be simple with the right summer essentials. We found a few fashion experts and jet-setting style setters at one of our newest local obsessions: Swoon Boutique on Harrison Avenue in Lakeview recently opened, and it carries all of the must-have trends to survive summer and look flawless on your vacay.
Owner Alyssa Mannina is a New Orleans transplant from New Iberia, La., with a degree in marketing from LSU. Mannina took her savvy marketing skills and passion for the world of fashion to the exponentially growing Lakeview neighborhood, and, on April 2, after many trips to market and a multitude of prayers, Swoon opened its doors. “I was looking for a place to plant roots and to start a new beginning,” Mannina says. “I was drawn to Lakeview because of the family friendly community.” Her intention for Swoon is to provide affordable, quality, on-trend clothing. Swoon carries smart stylish brands — such as Dolce Vita, Mavi, Tolani, Sanctuary and Paige Denim — that will not break the bank.
The ladies at Swoon, although glued to the new store, are fortunate enough to escape the New Orleans summer heat and humidity for a few days. Mannina’s right-hand lady at Swoon, manager Natalie DeCourt is headed to Los Angeles for shopping, sight-seeing and eating! DeCourt has a knack for pulling together a complete and polished ensemble. “I am addicted to the vest trend this season,” she says. “And I truly believe that hats can make your outfit.”
We adore DeCourt’s addiction to accessories.
Swoon Boutique
130 Harrison Ave.
(504) 516-2770
Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Meanwhile, Mannina is headed to Playa del Carmen, Mexico this summer. She says that she appreciates the “one and done” versatility of a dress or jumpsuit. “You can effortlessly take these items from day to night,” she says. In her suitcase, she will pack spring 2016 trends — such as matching short sets, gladiator sandals and embroidered blouses.
We were curious to find out what these two beautiful and trend-setting ladies stored in their beach bags and carry-ons. Here’s what we found.
She’s Got Baggage
Alyssa Mannina, Owner at Swoon Boutique, Traveling to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Fancy beach towel
Plenty of Sunscreen
Colorful kimonos
Pink aviator sunglasses
Natalie DeCourt, Manager at Swoon Boutique, Traveling to Los Angeles
High-waist vintage bikini
Polaroid camera
Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunnies
Light-wash flared denim
Haute and Bothered
We do appreciate a good excursion, but, this summer, Corrie and I will be stay-cationing a bit closer to home. We promise our summer tote will — at the very least — be as marvelous as any exotic location.
Aimée Gowland, ALG Style, Traveling to Pensacola’s Red Neck Riviera
Expensive tequila
Cheap sunglasses
Small bikini for husband
Big bikini for kids and waves
Corrie Pellerin, ALG Style, Traveling to Her Nephews’ Kiddie Pool
Benadryl
Tinted moisturizer
Us Weekly
Headphones
Happy summer and happy shopping!
–Aimée Gowland and Corrie Pellerin, ALG Style