You’re About to Get Lucky: Spring fashion pops with glitz and glam, Boho/hippie influences and bursts of color.
We cannot be more ecstatic about warmer temperatures and spring fashions! We have been scurrying around like cheeky little leprechauns digging up little pots of fashion and beauty gold! It is time to gear up for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations; attend March Madness parties (while pretending to love basketball) and forecast our fabulous festival ensembles. Here are our absolutely not-to-be-missed picks for March. And don’t worry: There’s no need to go over the rainbow; these treasures are found right here at home.
Kiss Me I’m…
Kismet Cosmetics, a local beauty brand, keeps current with all the latest trends. From matte nails, to oxblood lips, and even bronzed legs, owner Caitlin Picou has posh suggestions for attempting something new. For an evening wedding or date night, Picou suggests trying Kismet’s burgundy lip, Vino, with glitzy nail color, Boogie Nights. If you want a classic everyday look, “I like the combination of the mauve lip, Hey Baby, with the hazel nail color, Grunge,” Picou says. The very on-trend Kismet brand has the ideal shades to complement the Boho/hippie obsession. Tequila Sunrise, Desert Rose and Wildflower hues will assist in achieving that inner flower-child look.
Kismet also has the best body bronzer for a touch of color on that gorgeous bod you’ve been toning via your New Year’s resolution. Additionally, Kismet carries sparkly Stay Gold temporary tattoos (currently all the rage) to adorn your limbs during festival season. Hattie Sparks, 714 Adams St., (504) 304-5975; Kismet Cosmetics, (985) 630-6842, kismetcosmetics.com
Fun House Fashion
Founded by Kay Charbonnet, Kay’s Boutique is the place to go for some good kind of trouble. Charbonnet who is a designer herself, has followed her fashion obsession around the world — from Washington D.C. and Virginia (where she graduated with a degree in fashion design at Marymount University), to the foggy streets of London (where she apprenticed under bridal designer Angela Stone), to Paris American Academy (where she honed her couture design techniques, while working Paris Couture Fashion Week) and later to her hometown of New Orleans (to design and construct custom evening, bridal and cocktail attire under her own KMC Design Studios brand). She finally settled along the hustle and bustle of Magazine Street.
When we asked Charbonnet what she was particularly excited about this coming spring season, her response had us anxiously awaiting the commencement of festival season. She has the ultimate pieces ready for you to shake and shimmy.
“I’ve never been one follow trends that are dictated to me, but I’m currently drawn to bell bottoms and fringe accents … anything and everything fringe,” she says. We spotted the most figure-flattering and fantastic blue-lace, high-waisted, bell-bottom trousers at Kay’s. Fringe accents are also something you cannot pass up in her store. The fringe yarn ombre vest is a great transition piece for spring. Kay’s aesthetic is an amalgamation of glam hippie and rocker chic.
Charbonnet is also super excited about tailored tuxedo jackets with tails in her boutique this March. This structured piece would be a posh and polished substitution for the ubiquitous denim jacket. A tuxedo jacket always goes with a cocktail dress or gown, yet you could pair it with a tank, boyfriend jeans and killer shoes for an edgy look. We think Florence Welch and Nicole Richie would love to shop here. 5914 Magazine St., (504) 301-3366, facebook.com/shopkayusa
Site to be Seen
Local clothing brand Prêt à Porter is marching into spring with a brand new Website and a new Spring/Summer 2015 collection. Staying true to current trends, and her fusion of California cool and New Orleans funk, Carrie Licciardi has groovy spring pieces to enrich your current wardrobe. We are big fans of her version of a seersucker blazer, and we’re coveting her must-have jumpsuit of the season (in navy).
Licciardi’s inspiration for this collection came from a recent trip to Paris—staying true to her motto, “Basic Needs. Material Perfection.” “All the architecture was so beautiful with clean lines, while all the colors in the architecture and surroundings complemented the designs and made certain features pop beautifully,” she says. With this collection, Prêt à Porter took classic, vintage-inspired silhouettes then added a twist with bold, jewel-tone hues and distinguished details for a perfect complement and pop to the silhouette. pretaporterdesigns.com
Happy spring and happy shopping!
–Aimée Gowland and Corrie Pellerin