Gambit's CUE Magazine, April 2018

CUE MAGAZINE A M O N T H LY

LIFE + STYLE + DESIGN

GUIDE TO NEW ORLEANS

A PRIL 2018

2

CUE MAGAZINE • A P R I L 2 01 8

CUE MAGAZINE

• A P R I L 2 01 8

3

TRIM SIZE: 9.222"W x 10" H

TH ERE IS ON LY 1 PAIR OF THIS SHOE IN YOU R SIZE , IN N EW OR LEANS .

CUE MAGAZINE

• A P R I L 2 01 8

UNIQUE SOLES FOR UNIQUE SOULS

4

J O H N F L U E V O G s N E W O R L E A N S C H A R T R E S S T · · FLU E VO G CO M

CONTENTS

APRIL 2018

12

REAL ESTATE

Things you should know before you dig that pool

8

FASHION

Spring forward with four of fashion’s latest trends

19

#FOLLOWING

Making money talk with Kemberley Washington, CPA

7 Editor’s Letter 14 CUE Tips Retail News

17 Resources

• A P R I L 2 01 8

ON THE COVER: STYLES FROM DESIGNER ALEXANDRA BUJAN’S RUNWAY COLLECTION FOR THE 2018 NEW ORLEANS FASHION WEEK COMBINE SOME OF SPRING’S FRESH LOOKS: FRINGE AND TULLE. PHOTO BY EDUARDO BENITEZ

CUE MAGAZINE

REGULAR FEATURES:

5

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

CUE MAGAZINE

• A P R I L 2 01 8

Spruce Up for Spring!

6

We RE-GLAZE :

RENEW...REFRESH...REFINISH

Bathtubs · Marble Walls ·Tile Walls ·Floors Countertops • Cast Iron · Fiberglass • Tin · Plastic · Cultured Marble

SOUTHERN REFINISHING LLC 7 0 8 B A R ATA R I A B LV D .

348-1770

Southernrefinishing.com

We REPAIR:

Rust on Porcelain Fixtures Cracks in Fiberglass • Chips, Gouges and Scratches

NO MORE MOLD!

Most Jobs are Done in Hours

Our refinishing makes cleaning easier Certified Fiberglass Technician Family Owned & Operated

[ FROM THE EDITOR ]

BOUTIQUE HAIR SALON

IF YOU WERE ANYWHERE NEAR THE MONASTERY ON N. RAMPART STREET during

the penultimate weekend in March, you likely heard a persistent “clacking” sound. No, it wasn’t road work or a mic check at Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant on Esplanade. It was the sound of the high heels of dozens of models, tenaciously strutting down runways for New Orleans Fashion Week (NOFW), an annual celebration of New Orleans-area designers.

This year’s crop of talent included Project Runway alum Brik Allen’s Haus of Brik, as well as 12-yearold (12 years old!) Alexandra Bujan, whose work is featured on this month’s cover. I’m happy to say CUE kept up with the Joneses (or Allens and Bujans) when covering spring’s trends — tulle, fringe, bold graphic designs and saturated hues all featured largely in NOFW’s showcases, and also appear in our four-page fashion spread.

In this issue, we cover a few other ideas native to springtime.

Outdoor living is on the minds of many as the weather turns mild, so we spoke to real estate agent Todd Taylor about the pros and cons of common backyard features such as pools and decks.

There also is a story about who’s moving and shaking on the local

ON

CUE

M E N T IO N T H IS A D F O R

WAXING & FACIALS 1230 N. Broad St. • NOLA 70119 504.304.5826 SW E E T O LIVE SA LO N N O LA . CO M

P H OTO BY K A R L A P H OTO G R A P H Y

retail scene. Hint: now there are even more local stores to go out and support.

And perhaps less-pleasantly associated with spring is tax day — make sure you complete your civic duty and get your tax returns to Uncle Sam by April 17. Certified public accountant Kemberley Washington offers some financial advice and tells you where to go for tax help in our #Following column — they don’t call her “KemCents” for nothing.

Yours in peace, love and spring trend fever,

President & CEO | MARGO DUBOS Publisher | JEANNE EXNICIOS FOSTER Editor | KATHERINE M. JOHNSON Production Director | DORA SISON Senior Sales Representatives JILL GIEGER (504) 483-3131 [ jillg@gambitweekly.com]

Contributing Writers EMILY BIHL, SUZANNE PFEFFERLE TAFUR

JEFFREY PIZZO (504) 483-3145 [jeffp@gambitweekly.com]

PRODUCTION

Sales Representatives

Editorial Graphic Designer | LYN VICKNAIR

BRANDIN DUBOS (504) 483-3152 [brandind@gambitweekly.com]

Pre-Press Coordinator | JASON WHITTAKER Graphic Designers | DAVID KROLL, WINNFIELD JEANSONNE

ADVERTISING Advertising Director | SANDY STEIN BRONDUM (504) 483-3150 [sandys@gambitweekly.com] Sales Administrator | MICHELE SLONSKI

ALICIA PAOLERCIO (504) 483-3142 [aliciap@gambitweekly.com] GABRIELLE SCHICK (504) 483-3144 [gabrielles@gambitweekly.com]

Inside Sales Representative RENETTA PERRY (504) 483-3122 [renettap@gambitweekly.com]

3923 B I E N V I L L E S T R E E T | N E W O R L E A N S, L A 70119 504 . 4 8 6 . 5 9 0 0 | cue@gambitweekly.com

SPRING

HOME ISSUE DATE: MAY 1

AD SPACE: APRIL 20

To advertise: Sandy Stein at 504.483.3150 or sandys@gambitweekly.com

PLUS OUR

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

• A P R I L 2 01 8

Advertising Inquiries (504) 483-3150

TAYLOR SPECTORSKY (504) 483-3143 [taylors@gambitweekly.com]

CUE MAGAZINE

EDITORIAL Managing Editor | KANDACE POWER GRAVES

7

[ SPRING FASHION TRENDS ]

FRINGEBENEFITS

1

B Y E M I LY B I H L & K AT H E R I N E M .

JOHNSON

3

2

4

The go-to trim of bohemian types is reinvented this season with glamorous, it-girl appeal.

1 2 3

5

CUE MAGAZINE

• A P R I L 2 01 8

PHOTO BY JASON KRUPPA

8

6

7

Splatter-patterned wing earrings by Mignonne Gavigan, $225 at Angelique Boutique.

Maasai beaded grand cape, $1,800 at odAOMO. Metallic suede purse, $345 at Angelique Boutique.

4

Vintage macrame handbag, $20 at Ghosts of New York .

5

Crochet halter top, $148 at gae-tana’s.

6 7

Mules by Proenza Schouler, $590 at Pilot/Powell.

One-of-a-kind Thai handmade collar, $128 at Saint Claude Social Club.

[ SPRING FASHION TRENDS ]

TO

1

BOLDLY GO

BY K AT H E R I N E M. JOHNSON

2

Spring waves byebye to subtle with bold, standout patterns. Try an outfit that combines different patterns in complementary colors to add the exclamation point to your new statement look.

5 3

1 2

Pencil skirt, $104.99 at Swap Boutique.

4

Floral patterned fitand-flare dress, $79 at Jaci Blue.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER ZDON

3

Mixed floral-print dress, $40 at Miss Claudia’s

7

Vintage Clothing & Costumes.

5 6

Beaded clutch with chain, $114.99 at Feet First.

7

“Forbidden Fruit” nail design in lilac, $45 for polish, $55 for gel at Paint’d.

“Raymond” mules by Laurence Dacade, $560 at SoSusu Boutique.

PHOTO BY CHARLES DIVINS

6

• A P R I L 2 01 8

Poplin mixed print dress, $610, and grosgrain sash, $115 at SoSusu Boutique.

CUE MAGAZINE

4

9

[ SPRING FASHION TRENDS ]

HIGHINTENSITY HUES

BY SUZANNE PFEFFERLE TA F U R

Make a statement this spring by wearing rich, saturated colors. Or brighten your outfit with a bold nail polish or a standout accessory.

Strapless jumpsuit, $189 at West London Boutique.

“Lola” multicolor pompom earrings, $25 at The Pink Crawfish.

CUE MAGAZINE

• A P R I L 2 01 8

“Maier” contrast ankle-strap heels, $319 at John Fluevog Shoes.

10

Crocodile-skin cardholder by Nancy Gonzalez, $295 at Joseph.

Men’s stretch shorts, $95 at Vegas.

Nail polish in Ponchatoula Strawberry, $11 at Native Polish.

[ SPRING FASHION TRENDS ]

Post-winter, relish the chance to conceal and reveal with gossamer pieces meant to be seen (and seen through).

DELIGHT

Silk blouse by Alexander McQueen, $395 at Century Girl.

B Y E M I LY B I H L

Vintage sheer floral top and maxi skirt set (skirt not shown), $68 at Ghosts of New York .

“Flora” hat with dried flowers pressed in vinyl and felt crown, $425 at HALO MIMI.

Sheer pink nail polish in Nymph, $15 at

LaPierre Cosmetics.

PHOTO BY JA SON KRUPPA

• A P R I L 2 01 8

Embellished tulle maxi skirt by Ganni, $755 at Pilot/Powell.

CUE MAGAZINE

Vintage 1950s “Cinderella” dress, $224 at Century Girl.

11

[ R E A L E S TAT E ]

BACKYARD BUILDOUT

BY K AT H E R I N E M. JOHNSON

CUE MAGAZINE

• A P R I L 2 01 8

What to know before breaking ground

12

THE IDEA OF SPRINGTIME IN NEW ORLEANS can conjure up images of lounging on the patio in the backyard, sipping a perfectly chilled rose and listening to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band while a mild breeze rustles the oak trees. At least, that’s what it does for this writer. If warmer weather inspires you to spend more time in your backyard, you may consider adding new outdoor features to enhance your space — and your home’s value. But before you begin digging a hole for a pool or clearing vegetation for a deck, consider these insights from Todd Taylor, real estate agent at RE/MAX Real Estate Partners, to determine whether that addition really will achieve both goals.

Home add-ons such as pools and outdoor kitchens are more a commodity than an asset.

“Oftentimes, those features don’t have a long-term value, dollar-for-dollar, and in fact, they may to some degree depreciate,” Taylor says. The presence of an in-ground swimming pool may change the purchase or resale value of a home, but whether that value is merely perceived or translates into actual value in the home price is up to the appraiser, not the homeowner.

Backyard amenities such as decks, pools and outdoor kitchens increase the living space of your home and add enjoyment. But they may not add dollarfor-dollar value.

For example, imagine two similar homes are for sale: one with a pool and one without.

“If (they’re both) listed for $500,000 each,” Taylor explains, “and one went under contract for $485,000 and the other for $495,000, but (both homes) were appraised at $485,000, unless the buyer wanted to pay that extra $10,000 out of pocket, the lender would only loan $485,000. So effectively, they have the same value.”

When choosing an outdoor add-on, Taylor has two sticking points: its safety and its durability. Safety is a major concern, especially in homes with small children, and both physical and aesthetic durability matter not only to your enjoyment of the feature, but also its perceived value. Appliances and other equipment that are poorly maintained or don’t weather well — and even once-trendy items that now look dated — can detract from the beauty, utility and value of backyard spaces.

Swimming pools Taylor says pools are the most requested backyard feature of house-shopping clients, especially those with children.

“It helps you keep an eye on your kids,” Taylor says. “Your kid doesn’t have to go off the premises. And even if it’s just for you, it’s also got exercise value and hangout value.”

Having a pool increases your homeowner’s insurance, but installing safety features such as a gate with an entry alarm may reduce insurance rates.

You also want to make sure your pool is properly installed and maintained.

Pools can leak or seep into the surrounding ground and cause moisture issues inside the home — especially if it’s a slab house — leading to an expensive homeowner’s claim.

Hot tubs and spas

Taylor says the aesthetic design of hot tubs and spas doesn’t change much over time, so as long as they are clean and working properly, the age doesn’t matter to homebuyers.

Both in-ground and above-ground hot tubs add variety to backyard entertainment. In Taylor’s experience, as long as it’s clean and functioning properly, the age of the hot tub isn’t a concern — the designs don’t change much with time or trends.

Plumbing is important. You should make sure the tub drains properly and is well-lined and sealed to protect against overflows or leaks. As with any

[ R E A L E S TAT E ]

L ife

is new orleans g e a r

other water feature, be mindful of the safety of young children.

“Make sure you have a sturdy, workable cover that is safe in two ways: kids can’t open it and get in (the hot tub), and they can’t fall in and not get out,” Taylor says.

“Consider an alarm system and pool gate.”

Patios and decks “Having a patio or a deck effectively extends the square footage of the house,” Taylor says. “And if you have a particularly nice backyard already, it gives you even more pleasure and serenity.”

Build your deck out of wood — it’s timeless and durable when properly sealed, stained and treated. If you prefer Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year, Ultra Violet, over wood’s natural browns, you can always paint your deck with outdoor paint (and repaint it when 2019’s color is announced).

Awnings

NOLA Street Tile Established 1718 Shirt

Happy 300TH Birthday New Orleans Street Tile Shirt

Sizes SM-XXL $30.00

Sizes SM-XXL $30.00

Life is New Orleans Shirt

NOLA Street Tile THINK BIG Shirt

PHOTO COURTE SY NORDIC K ITCHENS & BATHS

Be sure you have a way to ventilate the area beneath the awning. Many homeowners opt for ceiling fans, but Taylor prefers portable ground-level fans because they can be stored inside when the weather gets bad.

“You can’t do that with a ceiling fan,” he says. “Also, (the ceiling fan blades) will warp in the heat and the moisture over time. It is important to have something out there though, because it keeps the mosquitos away.”

Outdoor kitchens

Sizes SM-XXL $25.00

Sizes SM-XXL $20.00

reach us 504.343.8116 | LIFEISNOLA.COM PAYPAL : R E BUIL DN O06 @YAHOO.C OM

FOLLOW US:

• A P R I L 2 01 8

“An outdoor kitchen takes your indoor kitchen and brings it into an ambient space,” Taylor says.

“You can fit a lot more people in your yard usually than you can fit in your house.”

Many homes (especially newer constructions) already have outdoor gas lines homeowners can tap to hook up an outdoor stove or grill. Taylor advises clients to make sure cooktops aren’t too close to the house and to secure the area from curious kids.

Putting up a gate to deny access to all those knobs and buttons is a smart, safe move. If there’s an outdoor sink, drainage also is a concern.

“Especially if you have a slab house, I’m almost always against cutting into the slab and into the main drain line,” he says.

CUE MAGAZINE

Taylor warns homeowners to be careful about installing awnings that extend from the house or from the roof, as they can blow away in high winds and other inclement weather — taking your roof or siding with them. If the awning is detachable, remove and store it in the event of a tropical storm or hurricane. Avoid flat roofs because they can collect rainwater, which can cause sagging and seeping.

If your awning is supported by vertical beams that meet the ground, check wood-to-ground contact often for signs of termites and ants. Make sure the wood is treated to repel pests.

“When your friends come over to your house, where do you spend the second most amount of time?” Taylor says.

“Probably the kitchen.”

13

[ CUE TIPS ]

Retail news

BY K ATHERINE M. JOHNSON

NOW OPEN

CUE MAGAZINE

• A P R I L 2 01 8

Marine Layer (www.marinelayer. com), the San Francisco-based clothing company, opened its first New Orleans location Feb. 10 at 3939 Magazine St. Founder Michael Natenshon began making super-soft T-shirts and selling them out of his van in 2009. Since then, Marine Layer has developed 25 custom fabrics from its signature beechwood-pulp base and has opened more than 30 stores in cities all over the country.

14

LUCY ROSE OPENS A THIRD LOCATION

Lucy Rose (534 Chartres St., 504267-0305; 600 Metairie Road, Suite A, Metairie, 504-218-7368; 3318 Magazine St., 504-895-0444; www. shoplucyrose.com) owners Kaitlyn Tufts and Lindsay Laws opened the third location of their home and fashion boutique Feb. 16 in the space formerly occupied by Pelican Coast Clothing Company on Metairie Road.

Pelican Coast still operates its Magazine Street store.

“It’s a dream for us to be able to do this,” Tufts says. “This location is perfect. … We’re surrounded by so many other great boutiques.”

PHOTO COURTESY M I S S Y J AY/ GIGGLEBOX DESIGN

MORE THAN JUST T-SHIRTS

NOLA T-Shirt of the Month Club (www.nolatshirtclub.com) opened its first brick-and-mortar store last month at 3646 Magazine St. Club members now can opt to pick up their orders in the store, and members and non-members alike can shop past designs.

The shop now carries art prints by Texas-based graphic designer Missi Jay, aka Gigglebox Design.

[ CUE TIPS ]

MOVING DOWN THE ROAD

West London Boutique (www.westlondonboutique.com) relocated in February, but owner Mariah Walton didn’t have to travel far. The women’s store moved just a few doors down from its previous location to 3952 Magazine St., a retail space about half the size of the old one.

Walton describes it as “more intimate, less intimidating and much more warm and welcoming.”

“It’s more of a boutique feel and a smaller space that better shows off the inventory I carry,” Walton says. She plans to add jewelry and shoes to the store’s offerings.

• A P R I L 2 01 8

Juliet Meeks and her eponymous design company (www. julietmeeks.com) launched the “Gather” fabric collection in collaboration with Cloud9 Fabrics last December. Each of the eight 100 percent organic cotton materials is based on one of Meeks’ watercolor artwork designs. The collection is available at local stores Chateau Sew & Sew and Uptown Needle & CraftWorks, as well as other retailers listed on the Cloud9 website (www.cloud9fabrics.com).

CUE MAGAZINE

LOCAL DESIGNER LAUNCHES A FABRIC COLLECTION

15

2618 D’Abadie St. • 3 BR /2BA $299,000 • 1780 Sqft

Lots 1 & 2 River Crest Estates Rd 1.5 Acres • $95,000 EACH

LOCATION, LOCATION in Mid City!! Brand new EVERYTHING. Just 3 blocks from the Fairgrounds! Near 610.

OFF STREET Parking!

3BR /2BA, plus beautifully bright office. Spacious, updated Kit and private Deck. Electrical warranty included! “X” flood zone. Walk to Jazz Fest. You don’t want to miss this opportunity!

Build your DREAM home on one of these massive lots! Amazing view of levee and river. Already filled and ready to build your home in this country, tranquil subdivision. Within 25 minutes of Downtown New Orleans and minutes from Huey P. Long Bridge. X flood zone for low insurance costs.

Melissa McClendon, BGS, MSM, Realtor Multi-Million Dollar Producer Melissa.McClendon@Delishaboyd.com

2018 President-Elect - Women’s Council of Realtors• Named “One to Watch” in Real Estate by CityBusiness Magazine 2017• 2017 NOMAR “Rising Star” Finalist

Delisha Boyd, LLC 4747 Earhart Blvd., Ste. J New Orleans, La 70125 504-417-5131 Direct 504-533-8701 Office www.Delishaboyd.com Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission

The Witry Collective is transforming every aspect of your real estate experience.

In 2017, we sold a home every 2 days!

Witry Collective

900 Camp St., Suite 301, New Orleans, LA 70130 • (504) 291.2022 (o) Licensed in Louisiana, USA • Photo: Zack Smith Photography

NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS

HOME WORKS

Luxury Residences Starting at $434,900

Six teen stories high an d boasting balco nies in every residence, Eleven Hun dred offer s breatht aking view s of o n e of New Or lean s' m o s t dyn amic n eighborhoo d s - the historic Warehouse Distric t.

FEATURES

CUE MAGAZINE

• A P R I L 2 01 8

• Rooftop pool, community • Covered, secured parking room an d fitness cen ter and storage units available for each unit • 87 luxurious 1 - 4 bedroom residences • 1Oft + ceilings in all units • 1 - 3 balconies in • SHORT TERM every residence RENTAL APPROVED • Groun d floor retail space

16

It's time to perfect your perspective.

�-�•

""

1\.

T ALBOT � l

.

TALBOT REALTY GROUP (504) 684-1100 www.11OOan nunciation.com

RESOURCES

A listing of the retailers and professionals featured in this issue of CUE Magazine.

Fringe benefits

High-intensity hues

PAG E 8

PAG E 10

Angelique Boutique

902 Harrison Ave., (504) 3049050; 5421 Magazine St., (504) 891-8992; 7725 Maple St., (504) 866-1092; www.facebook. com/shopangeliqueboutique

gae-tana’s

7732 Maple St., (504) 865-9625; www.gaetanas.com

Ghosts of New York

John Fluevog Shoes 321 Chartres St., (504) 523-7296; www.fluevog.com

Joseph 5500 Magazine St., (504) 9001422; www.josephstores.com

Native Polish www.nativenailpolish.com

The Pink Crawfish

4719 Freret St., (504) 615-5010; www.facebook.com/ ghostsofny4719

3119 Magazine St.; www.thepinkcrawfish.com

odAOMO

Vegas

839 Chartres St., (504) 460-5730; www.odaomo.com

Pilot/Powell

3901 Magazine St., (504) 8271727; www.pilotandpowell.com

Saint Claude Social Club

1933 Sophie B. Wright Place, (504) 218-8987; www.saintclaudesocialclub.com

To boldly go

1924 Magazine St., (504) 4109992; www.facebook.com/ vegasneworleans

West London Boutique 3952 Magazine St., (504) 558-4649; www.westlondonboutique.com

Sheer delight PAG E 11

PAG E 9

Century Girl

Feet First

4122 Magazine St., (504) 8996800; www.feetfirststores.com

2023 Magazine St., (504) 8753105; www.centurygirlvintage.com

Jaci Blue

Ghosts of New York

2111 Magazine St., (504) 6032929; www.jaciblue.com

Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing & Costumes

Paint’d

1581 Magazine St., (504) 3092311; www.paint-d.com

3427 Magazine St., (504) 3095026; www.sosusuboutique.com

Swap Boutique

5530A Magazine St., (504) 3248143; 7716 Maple St., (504) 3046025; www.swapboutique.com

www.halomimi.com

LaPierre Cosmetics www.lapierrecosmetics.com

Pilot/Powell See Fringe benefits

Backyard buildout PAG E 12

RE/MAX Real Estate Partners 4141 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 100, Metairie, (504) 8889900; www.toddtaylorrealestate.com

• A P R I L 2 01 8

SoSusu Boutique

HALO MIMI

CUE MAGAZINE

4204 Magazine St., (504) 8976310; www.facebook.com/ missclaudiasvintage

See Fringe benefits

17

CUE MAGAZINE

• A P R I L 2 01 8

I N S TA F E AT U R E P R O M O T I O N

18

Jaci Blue

Miette

Optical Shoppe

SOSUSU

Swap Boutique

Jaclyn McCabe is a radical self-love and body positive advocate who believes beauty is a mindset, not a waistline.

She is a plus-size shopper who adores bold prints, luxe fabrics and up-to-the-minute designs.

At Jaci Blue, she brings her signature style to women sizes 12 and up.

2111 Magazine Street (504) 603-2929 @jaciblue • www.jaciblue.com

Opened in 2010, Miette is a wonderland of original items from over 200 artists in one place. Find eclectic, unique, and off-the-wall jewelry, clothing, art, decor, wigs & accessories inside the Magazine Street Gem. 2038 Magazine St. (504) 522-2883 iheartmiette.com

This locally owned boutique offers an extensive collection of classic and sophisticated eye wear and sunglasses. Pair the frames you want with the lenses you need, and outside prescriptions are welcome.

Over a dozen sunglass brands sold in-store.

800 Metairie Rd. (504) 301-1726 www.OpticalShoppeBR.com

SOSUSU is a women’s boutique offering an array of contemporary fashion from across the globe. Each item is hand-selected by owner, Susu Stall, from casual RTW to evening, shoes, handbags and jewelry, reflecting her taste for the fresh, feminine and eye-catching. 3427 Magazine St. • (504) 309-3026 sosusuboutique.com @sosusuboutique

Swap Boutique is a contemporary designer consignment shop with locations on Maple St Magazine. We cater to fashion-minded shoppers who appreciate current trends and love to get a deal. Each dress, shoe, and handbag is hand selected. Swap is stocked with your favorite labels: DVF, Joie, Theory, Vince, and Milly.

SwapBoutique.com

Magpie

Ground Floor

Trashy Diva

Sweet Olive

Treasure Tattoo

Magpie is a family-owned estate jewelry shop specializing in authentic Art Deco and Victorian engagement rings. We also create custom settings, and have an extensive line of antique reproduction rings to choose from. Come visit our large collection of vintage jewelry, with something for everyone on your list!

4529 Magazine Street (504) 891-1333

Flickering gas lanterns welcome you across the threshold of THE GOUND FLOOR, a shop full of southern style with a distinctly New Orleans flair.

The beautify curated boutique on historic Chartres Street carries locally made jewelry, leather goods, art, furniture and furnishings.

311 Chartres Street (504) 962-6866

Slip into spring with Trashy Diva Lingerie’s Forties Follies Collection. This luxe selection of vintage-inspired gowns, slips, and robes features classic Hollywood style in elegant satin and sheer georgette.

Shop in-store, online or with an after-hours private event at Trashy Diva Lingerie!

2050 Magazine Street 712 Royal Street. www.trashydiva.com

Sweet Olive Salon is making people and the planet beautiful. As a certified Green Circle Salon, 85-95% of salon waste is recycled and/or repurposed - diverted from landfills and waterways. They use and sell products that are high quality, eco-friendly, cruelty-free and committed to sustainability. Check them out Sweetolivenola.com.

Treasure Tattoo specializes in modern and classic tattooing by @jamieruuth and @staceycolangelo; two of only a handful of female tattoo artists in the city. This vibrant tattoo shop in the Faubourg Marigny takes walk-ins, but mostly works by appointment.

2350 St. Claude (504) 344-7989 www.treasuretattoo.com @treasuretattoo

Melissa McClendon

Eleven Hundred Annunciation

O'Dwyer Realty

Southern Refinishing, LLC

NOLA Boards Spring dreaming of a kitchen reno? NOLA Boards offers a variety of woods to match the aesthetic of your home or commercial space. Why choose wood? Wood brings a unique feeling of warmth and comfort that can’t be achieved with other materials.

519 Wilkinson St. (504) 435-1485 @nolacuttingboards www.nolaboards.com

2618 D’Abadie St. LOCATION, LOCATION in Mid City!!

Brand new EVERYTHING. Just 3 blks from Fairgrounds!.

OFF STREET Pkg! 3BR/2BA, spacious, updated Kit, private deck. "X" flood zone. Walk to Jazz Fest! Great opportunity!

Melissa McClendon, BGS, MSM, Realtor • Delisha Boyd Realty • Melissa.McClendon@ Delishaboyd.com (504) 417-5131

Luxury 1-4 Bedroom Residences Starting at $434,900.

Sixteen stories high, boasting balconies in every residence, Eleven Hundred offers breathtaking views of the historic Warehouse District. It’s time to perfect your perspective. www.1100annunciation.com Talbot Realty Group (504) 684-1100

Inn by the Sea Condos.

2 & 3 bed available For Sale and Rent. Located directly on the Beach in Pass Christian www.innbytheseacondos.com Call Rebecca today (985) 507-0702.

Spruce Up For Spring!

We re-glaze bathtubs, marble walls, tile walls, floors, countertops and more. We repair rust on porcelain fixtures, cracks in fiberglass, chips, gauges and scratches. Most jobs are done in hours. 708 Barattaria Blvd, (504) 348-1770, southernrefinishing.com

Bambi DeVille's Vintage Clothing Bambi DeVille has a knack for finding fabulous vintage clothing and accessories.

Her impeccable collection of one-of-a-kind, designer vintage clothing, accessories and jewelry is ever-evolving and the result of her curator’s eye, historian’s mind and heroine’s heart.

818 Royal St. • (504) 491-0824 @bambi.deville.vintage

Life Is New Orleans Find the original Life Is New Orleans Gear, commemorating the 300TH Birthday of NOLA at lifeisnola.com or 504-3438116. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at: Life is New Orleans. PAYPAL: REBUILDNO06@yahoo.com

Benson's Upholstery When you just can’t let go of worn furniture, expert reupholstery will give it new life.

Whether it’s full-grain leather, faux leather, or designer fabric that suits your taste, or custom cushions, replacement foam, or complete upholstery that suits your needs — Benson’s Upholstery has it covered.

3044B Galleria Drive, Metairie.

(504) 831-5244

[ #FOLLOWING ]

#FOLLOWING:

KEMBERLEY WASHINGTON

BY K AT HERINE M . JO HNS O N

//

KemCents, by the numbers:

C PA , f i n a n c i a l n e w s contributor and author

100,000

@ ke m w a s h c p a

Number of times 21 Days of Powerful Breakthroughs has been downloaded on the YouVersion Bible app

PH OTO S BY K A R L A PH OTO G R A PH Y

KEMBERLEY WASHINGTON (ALSO KNOWN AS KEMCENTS) started doing accounting work at her father’s architectural firm when she was just 15 years old.

“At that time, he had just let go of his accountant and he was looking for someone,” Washington says. “He was doing some of the accounting himself. He showed me a few things and I just fell in love with it.”

She studied accounting and finance in college and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southern University in Baton Rouge. She became a licensed certified public accountant (CPA) in 2004 and incorporated in 2007, but she didn’t stop there.

She wrote her first book, 21 Days of Powerful Breakthroughs, about her experiences on a 21-day fast, during which she journaled daily, sometimes using the notepad on her smartphone when pen and paper weren’t available. She’s written three more books since — many combining financial literacy with her deep spirituality — but she doesn’t forget the journey of personal reflection that led to her first work.

“My first book was my favorite because it was the one that I did not have planned,

and it was the one where I really needed God in my life,” she says.

“I thought it was just for me, but when I see how many people have downloaded it … or if I get an email from someone in China that’s read it, that’s bigger than anything that I’m doing.”

She still journals every morning and reads the Bible when she gets out of bed at 6 a.m. She then works on her professional writing, blogging for various media outlets or her own website or social media feeds, followed by a quick workout — all before she begins her work day at 9 a.m.

“But I’ve been slacking on exercising lately since it’s tax season,” she says with a laugh.

Washington opened Washington CPA Services LLC in 2017. In her first year working as a CPA full time, she counseled more than 100 clients, while making nearly 40 media appearances and writing her fifth book, the working title of which is It All Starts with a Budget. This latest financial guide is a spinoff of her 2015 planner Are

MUSTHAVES

Pumps — “If I’m going to a picnic, I’ll still show up in heels. You have to dress for where you want to go.”

Kiehl’s body lotion

Necklace — “I love accessories — I got this on sale!”

Lipstick — “This is my favorite MAC lip color: ‘All Fired Up.’”

11,000 Average number of steps per day

4 You Wearing the B.A.D.G.E.?, which set forth her five financial principles to live by: budgeting, asset management, debt reduction, goal setting and earning maximization. But, if you’ve been to any of her financial classes, you’ve heard her mantra that budgeting is key.

“I tell everyone that, even myself,” she says. “Budgets are game changers.”

Washington began doling out financial advice shortly after Hurricane Katrina, when clients and friends came to her for help managing insurance disbursements for their storm-damaged homes. She started a blog to tackle disaster management questions.

“I didn’t realize what the end goal was going to be,” she says. “I was just doing it to help people.”

Washington’s guidance spans the financial gamut, from the quotidian (reducing credit card debt) to the nuanced (frequently overlooked tax deductions such as the bad debt expense), but her passion for numbers is obvious, no matter what she’s tackling.

“I love what I do,” Washington says.

“I just love giving back as much as I can.

That’s how all this came about — I just wanted to share this information. … (Some of this) information may not be easily available to individuals, and sometimes people can’t afford this type of advice.

I’m beginning a discussion that may never have happened before.” CM

Number of brass instruments she played in high school

Countless Number of times her first name has been misspelled

Want more KemCents?

Washington teams up with Total Community Action to provide free financial seminars and tax preparation for qualified attendees at NOLA Tax Day (New Orleans Public Library, Mid-City branch, 4140 Canal St.). The event is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 14; register at www.nolataxday.org.

• A P R I L 2 01 8

Starbucks goodies — “They know me there. The label (on my food and drinks) reads ‘Princess Kem.’”

Number of years as a licensed CPA

CUE MAGAZINE

Bible and journal — “I try to learn about (God) every day, and I like to write out prayers. My journal lets me go back and see what (God has) done for me.”

14

19