Sweet Goodies for Gal Pals
This Valentine’s Day, share some love with friends.
No need to fret if you do not have a significant other to coo and woo over. It’s okay if you deem February 14 as a silly marketing ploy invented by Hallmark to boost greeting-card sales between Christmas and Easter — it’s not a real holiday … wink, wink. Let us enjoy the day with our lovely gal pals instead. Feel free to show the love — offer them a thought, a treat and some goodies from our equally lovely local shops.
For Sizzle Some Fizzle
After being closed for more than a decade, Martin Wine Cellar is open for business — and just in time for Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras. Whether you’re looking for the perfect bottle of bubbly for your sweetheart or for your best buddy, you’ll find it here. And be sure to stop in for that oh-so-important sustenance to help keep you going on the parade route. Martin’s high-end liquor store, full deli and gourmet food shop carry what you need to stock an impeccably packed cooler for a day of revelry. Martin Wine Cellar, 3827 Baronne St., (504) 899-7411, martinwinecellar.com
Babes Need Baubles
Plastic pearls are for parades – these beauties are for parties! Local jewelry designer Michele McKeon of Sennod Jewelry Design creates gorgeous, traditional pieces with a stylish, modern twist. Her Roman Replicas series features necklaces that consist of Venetian glass, oversized coins, and baroque pearls on varying lengths of 14K gold-filled and vermeil chains. You won’t want to throw these babies from a float, but you’ll surely want to wear them to a ball! FeBe Clothing, 474 Metairie Road, (504) 835-5250, febeclothing.com
Parade-Worthy Pocketbook
She will be the chicest parade-goer on the route with this ultra-bright, ultra-lightweight purple leather cross-body bag with coordinating periwinkle suede fringe by Rebecca Minkoff ($195). This compact bag goes from daytime fun to evening flair with just enough space to stash all your must-haves (lip gloss, cell phone, wallet, keys, cash and sunglasses). FeBe Clothing, 474 Metairie Road, (504) 835-5250, febeclothing.com
Candy Crushing It
Many of us may not be completely thrilled about February 14, but no one ever said we should not enjoy the copious amount of chocolate that’s synonymous with the day. Certainly, if we are going to indulge in such treats, we should only ingest the best. Crafting culinary delights for years, artist Cheryl Scripter of Bittersweet Confections makes divine fudge, caramels, barks and cupcakes to create a torrid love affair with her delicacies. Bittersweet Confections, 725 Magazine St., (504) 523-2626, bittersweetconfections.com
Girly Greetings
Anna Marilyn Boyer and Kate Alice Wyman, cousins and owners of The Grove Street Press, create custom greets and stationery on their antique Chandler & Price letterpress. Pick up lovely little notes for all your loves this Valentine’s Day. You may even want to snatch up every card in this quaint little shop to deliver to someone special each and every day. The Grove Street Press, 521 St. Joseph St., (504) 281-4575, grovestreetpress.com
She’s the Cat’s Pajamas
Functional and fashionable, sassy, sweet or naughty — Bonjour Lingerie has something to fill every girl’s desires. A cozy robe or a cheeky nightie is a thoughtful gift for any and every friend. Why not look pretty even if you’re crawling into bed alone? Prince Charming may show up in your dreams. Bonjour Lingerie, 4214 Magazine St., (504) 309-8014, bonjourlingerie.com
Happiness for the Hangover
After a night of bountiful bubbly and decadent delights, a visit to The Remedy Room is the answer for all that ails you. Even better, the mobile unit can to come to your front door! Re-hydration treatments are available for those suffering with flu symptoms, low energy or perhaps the ramifications of an overdose of fun. The Remedy Room, 1224 St. Charles Ave., (504) 301-1670, theremedyroom.com
Let love rule this month with a little something sweet for all the loves of your life. Happy shopping! –Aimée Gowland and Corrie Pellerin
“What’s Galentine’s Day? Oh, it’s only the best day of the year. Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and boyfriends at home and we just kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies, like Lilith Fare — minus the angst, plus frittatas.” –Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation (Season 2 Episode 16)