CUE

A GAMBIT PUBLICATION | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 2

HOME FASHION

BEAUTY

J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 03

TWO GREAT STORES, ONE GREAT LOCATION

Something for everyone on your list!

Mon - Sat 10-5:30 504-891-6141 Open Sundays through Christmas 12:00 - 5:00pm

Activewear that goes anywhere Have you been

NAUGHTY or

Nice?

504-899-2212

5523 MAGAZINE 04 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

(between Octavia & Joseph)

CUE

CONTENTS

FASHION

21 37

CUE KIDS

Budget- and eco-friendly party clothes

THE WEATHER INSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL Warm up in hot holiday frocks.

HOME

12 27

BUILT IN STYLE

Sweat it out in a home sauna.

HOME FEATURE

09 16 47

The Bowens’ Uptown estate in its holiday splendor

SHOPPING

11

43

NEW&COOL

Mardi Gras ball favors fit for royalty

19 44

JANUARY 2012

CUE TIPS

Two new shoe shops and a repurposed art gallery

PERSPECTIVES

FROM THE EDITOR Sneaux days

INDIE FRIENDLY

The bright, bold art of Julie Silvers

SHOP DOGS

Duchess Chiquita Linda Bergen

BEAUTY

WHAT GUYS WANT You glow, boy.

MEG FARRIS

Advances in injectable filler procedures J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 05

Available in

Galleries

Canal Place • 3801 Magazine • Lakeside Mall www.mignonfaget.com

Bernardo • Big Buddha • Born • Chocolat Blu • Corso Como • Dr. Scholl’s • Feelgoodz • Fit Flop • Havaianas • Ivanka Trump Jack Rogers • Lane Boots • Me Too • NAOT • Nicole • Nina • NOLA Couture • Noyo • Poetic Licence • Saints for Sinners Sam Edelman • Sanita • Sesto Meucci • Sofft • SPANX • Thriv • Two Sprouts • Van Eli • Volatile

Santa Knows

Where You Got

Them

BOOTS!

UPTOWN 4119 Magazine Street 504.899.6800 • FRENCH QUARTER 526 Royal Street 504.569.0005 Monda – Saturday 10–6 • Sunday 12:30–5 • FEETFIRSTSTORES.COM

06 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 07

Photography: Glade Bilby II

HIVE Photography: Glade Bilby II

BY

HIVE JEWELED CUFF STERLING SILVER WITH HONEY CRYSTAL $725 OPEN SUNDAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS 3801 MAGAZINE STREET 504.891.2005

CANAL PLACE 504.524.2973

BATON ROUGE TOWNE CENTER 225.932.9783

08 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

LAKESIDE 504.835.2244

WWW.MIGNONFAGET.COM

T

he night before this month’s CUE fashion shoot, I stood in the Chalmette Walmart’s checkout line behind a grocery cart heaped with fake snow: both the particulate variety meant to mimic a swirling blizzard, and white, cottony blankets to achieve that snowdrift look. My relationship with artificial snow is extensive — the first time I saw it was at City Park, when a snow machine was hauled in and the kids had snowball fights in the middle of an expanse of luxuriously green grass. I might have worn shorts.

The adults agreed that kids needed to see snow, like it was some kind of rite of passage our Southern upbringing denied us.

There’s a tacit consensus that warm, humid Christmases are unnatural or just plain wrong; my grandmother moans about the weather if she has to switch on the air conditioner while decorating her tree with silver icicles. On the rare occasions that it snows in southern Louisiana, there’s a burst of joy as the presence of a certain precipitation validates holiday celebrations. Though the sight of a snow-dusted, bewreathed streetcar rivals a pug dog in a Santa suit for sheer charm, I’m trying to overcome my bias for white Christmases, which was instilled by the annual barrage of holiday imagery produced

oN CUE m i S SY W i L K i N S o N |

PHOTO by Que DuONg AND THe MAkeuP L Ab ArTISTry

from the editor

Real Clients...Real Results!

No coNtracts!

735 octavia stREEt UPTOWN NeW OrleaNs • (504) 891-5121 1 block from Magazine St. Whole Foods

www.onetoonepersonaltraining.com

in chilly Northern climates. There’s nothing wrong with a green Christmas — heck, it’s summer in the entire Southern Hemisphere. So I’m swearing off the white stuff. At least until next summer, because artificial snow doused with wedding-cake syrup and condensed milk is nothing short of sublime.

mArGo dUBoS | editor

IN as lITTle as 30 mINUTes Weekly

dorA SiSoN |

editorial

K A N dAc e p o W e r G r Av eS m anaging editor

contributing writers

L e e c U t r o N e , L i N d S e Y dA r N e L L , c A r r i e m A r KS intern

p u b l is h e r production director

micheLe SLoNSKi

adv e rti s i ng adm i n istr ator 4 8 3 -314 0 micheles@gambitweekly.com

chriStiN JohNSoN

adv e rti s i ng co or di n ator 4 8 3 -313 8 christinj@gambitweekly.com acc o u n t e x e c u t i v e s

JiLL GieGer

ALe x peNce production gr aphic designers

S h e r i e d e L Ac r o i x-A L fA r o , L i N d S AY W e i S S , LY N B r A N t L e Y, Britt BeNoit, mArK WAGUeSpAcK pre- press coordinator

G eo r G i A d o d G e d i s p l ay a dv e r t i s i n g

S A N dY S t e i N B r o N d U m

advertising director 4 83 -3150 sandys@gambitweekly.com

senior account executive 4 8 3 -313 1 jillg@gambitweekly.com

JeffreY pizzo 4 8 3 -3145 jeffp@gambitweekly.com AmY WeNdeL 4 8 3 -314 6 amyw@gambitweekly.com L i N d A L Ac h i N 4 8 3 -314 2 lindal@gambitweekly.com ABBY SheffieLd 4 8 3 -314 1 abbys@gambitweekly.com meGAN mic ALe 4 8 3 -314 4 meganm@gambitweekly.com S tA c Y G A U t r e A U 4 8 3 -314 3 stacyg@gambitweekly.com

GAMBIT | 392 3 Bi eN v i LL e Stree t | N e W o r Le A N S , L A 7 0 1 1 9 504 . 4 8 6.5900 | response@gambitweekly.com

GoT An IdeA for cue ? Email Us: cue@gambitweekly.com

HOME DÉCOR + GIFTS BREAKFAST & LUNCH

3717 VETERANS BLVD · METAIRIE · 888-4141

N E X T TO BARN E S & NOBLE OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY

Specializing in Silver and Gold Repairs Silver-plating Open Tues - Sat established 1966

3246 Severn Avenue · 454-1170 J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 09

The Perfect Gift THIERRY RABOTIN � ARAVON � MBT � MUNRO � LA PLUME � THINK � FINN COMFORT � DREW SANITA CLOGS � TAOS � KORK EASE � EARTHIES � ORTHAHEEL � HELLE � AEROSOLES

SHOES & ACCESSORIES FOR WOMEN & MEN • INJINJI TOE SOCKS • COMFORT, COMPRESSION & DIABETIC SOCKS SUPPORTIVE INNER SOLES • FOOT EXERCISER & MASSAGERS • GIFT CERTIFICATES

LIKE US ON

VISIT OUR BLOG

FOLLOW US ON

Comfort Couture • Nutritive Footwear PERSONAL SHOE FITTING - CUSTOM ORTHOTIC FABRICATION/FITTING

Perfect Fit Shoes Unique to New Orleans

Shoe Brands known on East & West Coasts now available in NOLA

Gini Davis, Physical Therapist, Foot/Ankle Specialist - Crescent City Physical Therapy Presenting an outstanding collection of stylish, comfortable shoes for any season (or reason)!

5525 MAGAZINE STREET ( B E T W E E N S P R I N G A N D P R I O R I T I E S • C A D DY C O R N E R F R O M W H O L E F O O D S )

OPEN MON–FRI, 10 AM –6 PM • SAT, 10 AM –5 PM | 504.456.5993 W W W. PE R F EC TF IT S H O E S . N E T 10 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

ROYAL FAVOR

NEW + COOL

SHOPPING

CROWN WINE COASTER, $50 AT JUDY AT THE RINK.

MARDI GRAS BALL FAVORS FIT FOR A QUEEN (OR A KING).

BY ALEX PENCE

DECORATIVE IRON CROWN, $29.95 AT MISS SMARTY PANTS.

CROWN VOTIVE BY MARY ROSE YOUNG, $75 AT JUDY AT THE RINK (2727 PRYTANIA ST., 891-7018; WWW. JUDYATTHERINK.COM).

FLEUR DE LIS WINE STOPPERS, $18 EACH AT LOLA BOUTIQUE(622 S. CARROLLTON AVE., 301-9410).

INDIA STEWART JESTER AND FLAMBEAUX PINS, $32 IN SILVER, $38 IN GOLD AT JUDY AT THE RINK.

HAND TOWEL, $13.95 AT MISS SMARTY PANTS (5523 MAGAZINE ST., 891-6141).

SILVER AND GOLD MARDI GRAS MASK RINGS, $18 AT ARMOIRE (4222 MAGAZINE ST., 304-3537; WWW.ARMOIREBOUTIQUE.COM).

CROWNSHAPED BOTTLE OPENER, $13.95 AT MISS SMARTY PANTS.

J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE

11

HomE

BUILT IN STYLE

Steamy

Home saunas aid HealtH and beauty — and are surprisingly affordable.

H

By L in dse y da rn eL L

affaIrS

ome saunas offer more than an opportunity to relax and sweat in the privacy of one’s own abode. When used properly, they become a restorative health and beauty haven.

“Steam saunas and dry saunas are used to open the pores and detoxify the body,” says Andrea Knaps, spa coordinator at Paris Parker Salon and Spa (citywide; www.parisparker.com). “In a sauna, the heat and steam are indirect, allowing pores to be opened without hot water landing directly on the skin.”

Estheticians say regular sauna users experience numerous cosmetic and health improvements. “Steam rooms are most helpful in skin purification and are wonderful for softening skin and removing dead skin cells,” says Beth Weiser, an esthetician at The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton (921 Canal St., 524-1331; www.ritzcarlton.com). “Saunas also relax muscles, relieve tension and improve blood flow.”

There are two types of saunas available and recommended for homes, says Nick Jensen, a sales consul-

tant at Saunas.com (800-906-2242; www.saunas. com). “Traditional saunas, which have been around for over 2,000 years, can run dry or you can add water for blasts of steam,” he says. “Infrareds have been around for about 40 years, and they heat the body directly with infrared rays, which increases your body’s core temperature, causing you to sweat.”

While some people enjoy the feeling of soaking up warmth, there are options for people who want the benefits of the sauna experience without the intense heat.

“Infrared provides the heat-bathing experience at a very comfortable air temperature for a wide range of users,” says Mark Raisanen, national sales manager at Finnleo Sauna and Saunatec Inc. “The traditional sauna is the most flexible since it can be used wet or dry, hot or cool and anything in between,” he says, adding that traditional saunas are the most popular choice.

With prices ranging from $2,000 to $12,000, prospective buyers should make their own decisions

DOMINIQUE

GIOR DA NO

JEWELRY DESIGN

12 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

SAuNAS CAN BE CuSToM MAdE, lIKE THIS vERSIoN, WHICH SEATS EIgHT pEoplE ANd CoSTS $7,400.

IMAgE CouRTESy of fINNlEo SAuNA.

BUILT IN STYLE according to the type of heat they favor.

“Benefits are pretty much the same, it’s the experience that differs,” Jensen says. “Traditional is high temperatures (140° F-194° F) combined with humidity, and infrared is lower temperatures (100° F to 150° F) with no humidity. First-time buyers need to identify what type of climate they prefer.”

Prior to purchasing a sauna, homeowners can prepare by determining the unit’s size, location, user capacity, insulation, power requirements and mobility.

“For the larger traditional saunas, you may wish to have a tile, linoleum or cement area to place it, but saunas with built-in vinyl floors are also available,” Raisanen says.

Prices for installation typically range from $200 to $1,500, with more complex projects costing more.

“Portable traditional saunas take about one hour to install; portable infrared (saunas) take 15 to 20 minutes, regular modular saunas take about four hours, and custom saunas take about eight hours,” Raisanen says.

Once installation is complete, home saunas require minimal upkeep: Owners should clean the floor and benches once per month and occasionally replace the rocks, which crumble over time.

“They generally do not wear out other than occasional parts needing replacement, but the sauna itself lasts a long time,” Raisanen says.

To get the most out of a sauna experience, Knaps recommends users remove makeup prior to entering in order to facilitate skin detoxification. Postsauna, a cool shower will help remove sweat and harmful bacteria, as well as keep pores clear. Follow with moisturizer.

“Oily or dry, dehydrated skin types are best suited for sauna use, and those who have rosacea or more sensitive skin types should avoid saunas,” Knaps says. “You should only spend 10-12 minutes in the steam. In a dry sauna, the process takes a little longer so you can spend up to 20 minutes in the treatment area.”

If dizziness occurs at any point, exit the sauna immediately. Rehydrating with water after all treatments is essential.

“Anyone with any health concern should visit with their doctor prior to using a sauna or sauna regimen,” Raisanen says. “The good news is many people with health concerns can actually find a lot of benefits from using it.”

THIS UNIT BY FINNLEO SALON ACCOMMODATES TWO PEOPLE AND COSTS $2,900.

HOME

THIS STIX FIREPLACE BY ECOSMARTFIRE HAS WON SEVERAL DESIGN AWARDS AND FUNCTIONS INDOORS OR OUTDOORS.

8110 HAMPSON STREET IN THE RIVERBEND

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM L E VISAGE

504.265.8018 MO N - SAT O PE N E ARLY - O PE N LATE B Y A P P O I N T M E N T & WA L K I N S

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE F AC I A L S | M A S S AG E S | M I C R O D E R M A B R A S I O N |

B O DY T R E AT M E N T S | WA X I N G

M A N I C U R E S | P E D I C U R E S | M A K E - U P | M A K E - U P A P P L I C AT I O N & L E S S O N S T H R E A D I N G | O R G A N I C S P R AY TA N N I N G | L A S H T I N T I N G J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 13

27 ft

c

fl ome v eu isi r d to e l ur is t re e

Shop The Historic

FRENCH MARKET THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Visit our 27 foot fleur de lis topped tree and six blocks of garlands, lights and bows Browse our more than 40 retail venues, restaurants, and cafes stretching from the Shops at the Upper Pontalba to the Farmers and Flea Markets Locally made confections—artwork—clothing—culinary gifts Follow us on Facebook “French Market New Orleans” Twitter “FrenchMktNola”

LATE NIGHT PARKING AT THE FRENCH MARKET $5 FLAT RATE 10 P.M. TO 7 A.M. SUNDAY - FRIDAY ( EVERY DAY BUT SATURDAY )

FARMER’S MARKET NEW EATERIES

FLEA MARKET NEW VENDORS

WWW.FRENCHMARKET.ORG

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PARKING, SHOPPING, AND SPECIAL EVENTS 14 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

Passport Wallets $150 each Leopard Cashmere Gloves $49

Cashmere Robe $489

cocktails and

holiday shopping

Spray Cologne $55

Silk Scarf $99

Cashmere Socks $40 each

Silk Eye Masks $39 each

Every Thursday through Christmas 4pm-8pm Enjoy champagne cocktails, sweet treats and let our staff help you select the perfect gifts for everyone on your list!

Cashmere Plaid Scarf $49

Lace Retro Thongs $29 each

Silk Peignoir Set $159

happy holidays!

Cashmere & Fox Cape $999

8131 Hampson Street

New Orleans (504) 866-9666

J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 15

PERSPECTIVES

I N D I E F R I E N D LY

SILVERS’ STREAK JULIE SILVERS’ ART CELEBRATES FEMININITY — AND BRINGS SERENDIPITY. B Y C A R R I E M A R K S

J

ulie Silvers (www.juliesilvers.com) is a painter, sculptor, mother and wife — and a self-proclaimed hermit when inspiration strikes. Cluttered with stacks of half-finished paintings and a hodgepodge of brightly colored fashion spreads, advertisements and photographs, Silvers’ studio is a monument to her artistic process. “I never leave home when I’m working,” she says. “It helps to be surrounded by things that inspire me.”

Silvers is the daughter of artist Susan Wittenberg, and many elements of Silvers’ paintings reflect her mother’s earlier work. Despite a childhood spent in close proximity to the art world, Silvers didn’t consider pursuing the same career until later in life. “I became a mom,” she says. “And that’s what I did for many years.”

After Silvers was asked to help

SILVERS IN HER STUDIO

T. 3900 Magazine Street at General Taylor open Monday - Saturday 504.891.8101

Inhabit • Graham & Spencer • Genetic Denim • Raquel Allegra • Rag & Bone • Etoile by Isabel Marant • Jerome Dreyfuss 16 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

I n d I E f R I E n d ly coordinate a mother-daughter art show fundraiser at her daughter’s school, she began to consider devoting more time to her own work. When Hurricane Katrina displaced her family to Houston, art supplies were the first thing she laid hands on. Without access to her kiln, Silvers explored painting as a creative outlet.

Another stroke of luck came her way when she struck up a serendipitous conversation with a stranger outside Houston’s Kuhl-Linscomb gallery.

“I had some paintings in my car, and (the stranger) turned out to be the owner’s husband,” she says. And just like that, “they started carrying my stuff.”

After being featured in well-known galleries and garnering the support of Jamie Meeks and other women in the art community, Silvers had the confidence to “pound the pavement” and explore showing her work to a larger audience.

Her diligence paid off: She currently is helping curate a show of her work at Ezair Gallery in New York City. Slated to open May 9, 2012 and run for a month, the show will feature Silvers’ totems, paintings and clay sculptures.

She’s also investing energy in the New Orleans art community and operates an artist’s co-op called Atelier Magasin (3954 Magazine St.; www.amcollective.homestead.com) with five other local artists

including George Marks and Fifi Laughlin.

“People can just come in, look around and buy if they want to, and one of us is always working in the back,” Silvers says.

An undercurrent of powerful femininity pervades Silvers’ work, which she credits in part to her relationships with her mother and daughter Taylor. The clay sculptures she makes and keeps in her private collection feature abstract, full-figured women in proud and celebratory poses. “I love a voluptuous body — curves, chunkiness,” Silvers says. “Everything in life, I like large.”

Her paintings are expanses of canvas teeming with color, texture, patterns and not-so-carefully placed geometric shapes.

“As soon as it starts to feel too structured or stiff, I scoop my hand in some paint and start throwing it around,” she says, smiling. Silvers shies away from providing explanation for the finished product, leaving it open to interpretation. “It doesn’t always have to be about anything,” she says. “It’s just happy and bright.”

When her New York show concludes, Silvers plans to return to her clay figures, a “labor of love,” and to pursue wider audiences for her work. “So much of what’s out there looks the same to me,” she says.

“My work is about joy and happiness, and I know in my heart that what I’m doing is not safe.”

PERSPECTIVES

SilverS' totemS range from 4 to 7 feet tall.

J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 17

WE’R E READ Y FOR THE PARTY

7725 MAPLE STREET 504.866.109 2 18 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

5519 MAGAZINE STREE 504.899.8992

T

W H AT G U Y S W A N T

BEAUTY

THE

SKIN HE’S IN

SKINCARE TIPS FOR GUYS

BY A L E X PEN CE

W

hen it comes to the average male’s list of priorities, skin care usually falls just above catching the newest installment of the Twilight series. However, all the bromantic time a man spends outdoors playing pick-up basketball or Ultimate Frisbee takes a toll on his face.

“A man’s No. 1 enemy is the nuclear ball of energy in the sky,” says Aidan Gill, owner of barbershop Aidan Gill for Men (550 Fulton St., 566-4903; 2026 Magazine St., 587-9090; www.aidangillformen.com). “Men hunt and fish constantly with no regard for protecting their skin, so all of a sudden they turn 50 and are stuck dealing with skin cancer, wrinkles and other unpleasant side effects.”

For macho men who prefer to avoid looking as leathery as the footballs they’re so fond of throwing around, Gill recommends Alchimie Forever 4H Royal Cream Moisturizer ($55).

“Men naturally exfoliate while shaving, so hydration is really key — moisturizer with SPF and intense masques will do the trick,” says Jeanette Netherland, an aesthetician at Duke Morgan The Spa (3607 Magazine St., 309-9394; www.dukemorgan.biz). Her favorite masque is Dermalogica’s Multi-Vitamin Power Recovery Masque ($49). For guys suffering from dry, chapped lips, Netherland recommends Juara sweet black tea lip treatment ($25) or Ellie Mae lip balm ($10), both available at Duke Morgan.

Paris Parker (citywide; www.parisparker.com) offers Aveda products, which are unisex and a favorite among male clientele. “I swear by the Aveda Lip Saver ($8.50),” says Tina Nguyen, a representative at Paris Parker’s corporate office. “It’s like a miracle stick. It can also be used on cuticles to keep them in good condition.” For dry, ashy skin, Nguyen suggests Caribbean Therapy Body Scrub. “(It) gets rid of dead skin cells, making lotion adhere to the skin and work better.” If hands and feet are problem areas, Nguyen advises clients to try Aveda Hand Relief and Foot Relief ($20 each).

FOR MALE SKIN, HYDRATION IS ESSENTIAL. IMAGE COURTESY OF AVEDA.

AVEDA LIP SAVER, $8.50

1

at PARIS PARKER.

2

ALCHIMIE FOREVER 4H ROYAL CREAM MOISTURIZER, $55 AT AIDAN GILL.

2 1 J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 19

A N T I PA S T socks

4011 MAGAZINE STREET 895.6278 weinsteinsinc@bellsouth.net

For thesta Fashioni

Foo For t tba he ll F an

e h t r eler o F rav T

1915 Hickory Ave ( just minutes off of Earhart in River Ridge)

(504) 324-2454 â&#x20AC;˘ www.facebook.com/hickor ychicksboutique

20 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

Fo ry ou!

SECONDHAND

SWAG

CUE K I D S

FA S H I O N

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH FABULOUS REUSED PARTY CLOTHES.

BY ALEX PENCE

SEQUINED CREWCUTS CARDIGAN, $39.99, WHITE COTTON CREWCUTS TANK, $14.99, RALPH LAUREN CORDUROY PANTS, $19.99, ALL AT SWAP FOR KIDS (7722 MAPLE ST., 218-5996; WWW.SWAPFORKIDS.COM).

OILILY EMBELLISHED RUFFLE SWEATER, $59.99 AT SWAP FOR KIDS.

RALPH LAUREN KNIT SWEATER, $18.99, BABY GAP SATIN AND TAFFETA DRESS, $24.99, BOTH AT SWAP FOR KIDS KIDS.

CLASS CLUB HOUNDSTOOTH SPORTS COAT, $5 AT BLOOMIN’ DEALS THRIFT SHOP (4645 FRERET ST., 891-1289; WWW.JLNO.ORG).

MULBERRIBUSH SWEATER WITH DOG DETAIL, $12.99, PLAID RALPH LAUREN SHIRT, $14.99 AT SWAP FOR KIDS. PAGE 23

J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 21

CLOTHING JEWELRY ACCESSORIES GIFTS 622 S. CARROLLTON 路 NEW ORLEANS, LA 70118 504.301.9410 路 MON-SAT 10AM-6PM 路 SUN 10AM-3PM

22 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

CUE K I D S

FA S H I O N

PAGE 21

CHEROKEE FLOUNCY WOOL SKIRT, $3 AT BLOOMIN’ DEALS THRIFT SHOP.

LE’ZA ME SMOCK DRESS, $21.79 AT BEANSTALK KIDS (7024 VETERANS MEMORIAL BLVD., METAIRIE, 887-5437; WWW.-BEANSTALKKIDS.NET).

Thousands of Affordable Gifts by 26 acclaimed local Artists

S t o r e W i d e L i q u i d at i o n S a L e

20-70% OFF

Earrings • Artwork • Furniture & Accessories

great gifts

for

her...

LINGERIE ROBES PJs SLIPPERS

gift

certificates available

(504)322-2931

bra fitting available

701 MEtaIRIE Rd OLd MEtaIRIE VILLaGE

M-Sat: 10-7 • Sun: Noon-6 Call for extended holiday hours!

Validated Parking, Complimentary Gift Wrapping & always Tax Free!

RHINO Contemporary Crafts Co 3rd Level The Shops at Canal Place 504. 523.7945 • RHINOcrafts.com

3 2 4 M e ta i r i e r d • M e ta i r i e M O N - S A T • 1 0 - 6 504-835-9902 J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 23

24 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

“We’re Making New Orleans Beautiful!”

Photo: Stephen Houser, www.stephenhouserphotography.com

DECEMBER DEALS Special savings storewide Wednesdays through December Wish List services available Now booking holiday and carnival makeup services

3426 Magazine Street · New Orleans · 504-891-9688 · www.MakeMeUpNola.com

Spend $250 on Trollbeads and receive a

White Jewelry Box Spend $100 on Trollbeads and receive a

Jewelry Roll

Isabella’s Gallery Available at both Isabella’s Gallery locations: 3331 Severn in Metairie ~ 504-779-3202 1901 Manhattan on the Westbank ~ 504-304-4861 www.isabellasgallery.com • www.facebook.com/isabellasgallery

www.trollbeadsuniverse.com

J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 25

Vera Bradley Gifts under $100

clothing, shoes & accessories

create a buzz 8438 oak street corner of joliet & oak parking lot in rear

mon - fri 10-6 sat 11-6, sun 12-4 (504) 324-3488 www.abeillenola.com Party Dresses under $200 26 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

A PlAce To GATher MiMi And John Bowen tAke A StreAMlined (But Still SpeciAl) ApproAch to entertAining For the holidAy SeASon.

By

Lee

Cutrone

|

Photos

By

eugenia

uhL

the Living area inCLudes a veLvet sofa, a Pair of fauteuiLs Covered with a fortuny faBriC and a BenCh Covered with a sCaLamandre siLk. the ChandeLier is from maC maison Ltd. page 28

J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 27

An upstAirs bed And bAth, formerly bowen’s youngest dAughter’s, hAs been redecorAted As A guest suite.

T

hree days before Thanksgiving, Mimi Bowen is pulling out Christmas decorations, putting in a full work day at the Magazine Street boutique that bears her name, making a trip to the airport to collect family members in town for the holiday and overseeing plans for several gatherings she’ll host during the week. Yet she seems remarkably unfazed. Bowen has simplified her holiday preparations so the real joy of the season — spending time with family and friends — isn’t lost in a haze of details.

“This house lends itself to the holidays,” Bowen says of the circa-1914 home she and her husband John Bowen share. “There was a time I’d take a week to decorate. But now that the children are grown and I work six days a week, it’s got to be manageable.”

Bowen has pruned her approach to decorating: Aromatic evergreen spray, a well-designed artificial tree and garlands pre-strung with lights have replaced the short-lived natural greenery she once favored, and she enjoys dining out rather than holding formal, seated family dinners. (Since John has two children and two grandchildren and Mimi has four children, eight grandchildren and another on the way, the Bowens frequently have houseguests during the holidays.) In years past, Bowen handmade every bow that adorned her tree. Now she stores them in tissue paper so they can be reused in years to come.

The approach may be simpler, but the effect is no less elegant. The same things that appealed to the Bowens when they bought their stately Audubon Place home 20 years ago — the blend of classical and Mediterranean architectural elements, the accommodating yet warmly intimate scale of its rooms — remain suited to the season’s festive, traditional nature.

A porcelAin compote in the dining room contAins hydrAngeAs And holly.

28 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

A SAntoS And A bowl of gold-pAinted pineconeS top An Antique itAliAn conSole from mAc mAiSon ltd. frAmed 18th-century itAliAn printS hAng Above.

“

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten more traditional and I seem to want to warm things up.

- Mimi Bowen

originAlly A porte-cochere And lAter An encloSed gArden room, the AreA juSt beyond the foyer iS once AgAin An outdoor SpAce. the bowenS turned it into An elevAted porch. french doorS frAme the view of the chriStmAS tree, decorAted with gold-Accented ornAmentS And cord. A quArtet of meSh AngelS StAndS At the foot of the tree. page 31

J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 29

“

30 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

Sparkling StarS and SnowflakeS hang from the brancheS of a maSSive oak tree. with the addition of white lightS, the topiarieS that alwayS flank the entrance become inStant chriStmaS decor.

However, there have been a few changes. The quiet palette of monochromatic whites and beiges has evolved into a richer color scheme full of golden accents and swaths of orange and red. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten more traditional and I seem to want to warm things up,” Bowen says. Working with restoration expert Michael Carbine, interior designer Patricia Brinson and decorative painter Keith Guy, she periodically tweaks everything from furnishings and upholstery to paint finishes, always with an emphasis on remaining true to the integrity of the house.

“I don’t know whether it’s something you’re born with or whether it’s engendered in you, but I have to be surrounded by beautiful things, and I’m lucky to be able to do that,” says Bowen, whose love of the decorative arts has been put to good use during her more than 30 years as a fashion retailer. “If you’re going to have a house like this, you share it with people. I feel like it’s my duty. I don’t enjoy it as much if other people don’t enjoy it with me.”

golden wreathS with ruddy appleS complement the roSy colorS of the living room’S antique aubuSSon rug. page 32

J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 31

page 31

OPPOSITE PAGE: ThE dInInG rOOm mAnTEl IS dEcOrATEd wITh GArlAndS And rEIndEEr bElOw A 16Th-cEnTury clOck. ThE TAblE IS SET wITh AnTIquE ArmOrIAl rOyAl wOrcESTEr chInA bOwEn InhErITEd frOm hEr mOThEr. ThE AnTIquE cAndElAbrAS wErE PurchASEd AT kEIl’S AnTIquES In ThE 1970S.

In addition to being available for numerous fundraisers and organizations, the Bowens’ home is a gathering place for planned and impromptu affairs. The main house has more than 6,000 square feet of space that includes formal living and dining rooms, a cozy library, a sunroom, four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths. But the heart of the home has always been the informal, combined kitchen and family room, one of the only spaces the couple chose to enlarge when they bought the property.

During the holidays, visitors to the Bowen residence are greeted by snowflakes hung in the front yard’s massive oaks and wreaths made from pomegranates and crabapples. A vestibule filled with white poinsettias leads to a commanding view of the Christmas tree, visible through French doors overlooking the porch, garden and pool. Inside and outside, live topiaries echo the tree’s shape and provide a recyclable alternative to the shedding needles and fading hues of evergreen swags.

On Christmas Day, guests sip eggnog homemade from a closely guarded family recipe handed down from Bowen’s paternal grandmother, Myriam Dinkins Robinson. “This has been a great family house that has served every purpose beautifully,” Bowen says. “And even though it’s just the two of us now, we still feel comfortable here. Every time we think about downsizing, we have 33 people for Thanksgiving. There are always people in the house.”

MiMi’s Holiday

decorating tips

This has been a great family house that has served every purpose beautifully.

- Mimi Bowen

“

“

A JAPAnESE ObI SErvES AS A runnEr On ThE dInInG TAblE. PlAcE SETTInGS cOmbInE AnTIquE rOyAl wOrcESTEr chInA, A mIx Of SIlvEr And crySTAl STEmwArE And mOnOGrAmmEd lInEnS fASTEnEd wITh GOld TASSElS And GlASS cAndy cAnES. A crySTAl cOmPOTE fIllEd wITh frESh crAnbErrIES IS PlAcEd AT EAch End Of ThE TAblE.

Use pretty, wired ribbons to make bows. They last several seasons when stored properly.

Replace live trees with pre-lit artificial trees. Add a few bows and ornaments, and they’re good to go.

Scatter bowls of mixed fruit, pinecones and flowers around the house for decorations that look and smell great.

Add white poinsettias to an empty fireplace for a fresh, festive note.

J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 33

WE MEAN BUSINESS

V E R N O N

2049 Magazine Street New Orleans LA 70130 504.309.5929

www.vernonclothing.com

T RENDZ

M O N D AY- S AT U R D AY

4214 MAGAZINE ST.

1 1 A M - 5 : 3 0 P M

(one block off Napoleon)

(504) 891-0601 â&#x20AC;˘ www.facebook.com/trendznola 34 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

This holiday season, shop local, shop NOLA on Magazine Street!

Support mom & pops in our community!

Check Out Our Daily Prize Give-Aways Online through Christmas Eve! VISIT WWW.MAGAZINESTREET.COM

MEN’S & WOMEN’S ECO-FRIENDLY APPAREL | LOCAL DESIGNERS | GIFTS

BRANCH OUT

Vintage + Sustainable Goods 2022 Magazine St | BranchOutShop.com | 504.371.5913

ESTATE TREASURES

CONSIGNMENT FURNISHINGS NEXT TO SHOE-NAMI

3112 MAGAZINE ST. | 504.301.9864

ING

CCEPT Now AIG NMENTS CONS

VISIT OUR NEW STORE! ESTATE TREASURES, ETC 1320 VETERANS, METAIRIE 504.835.2299 2014 MAGAZINE ST 504.679.6600

THEO’S GIFT CERTIFICATES! Stuff Those Stockings With A Gift Certificate To New Orleans’ Best Pizza Joint

Spa Reyna NAILS

… your boutique day spa ~ FACIALS ~ WAXING ~ MASSAGE

Gel Nails & Pedicures starting at $30

Purchase 5 manicures and receive 6th manicure FREE Super hydrating hand and foot treatment complimentary with any massage service, when you mention this ad.

5221 Magazine Street

(504) 899-4171 Tues – Thurs 9a – 8p • Fri – Sat 9a – 6p

www.spareyna.com

MID-CITY

4024 CANAL ST. • 302-1133

MAGAZINE

4218 MAGAZINE • 894-8554 THEOSPIZZA.COM

3102 MAGAZINE ST. | 504.895.1717 3319 SEVERN AVE. | 504.885.0805

J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 35

Salon

Diversions M A K E- U P

H A I R

Aveda Concept Salon.

Specializing in Hair Extensions and Color Give the gift of great hair, gift certificates available, Holiday gifts available 838 ROYAL ST · 299–0040 HOURS: TUES-SAT 11–7

JACKSUTTONROYAL.COM 315 ROYAL STREET 504-522-0555

36 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

SHOPS AT CANAL PLACE 504-522-8080

The WeaTher InsIde Is FrIghTFul hoT looks For Cold WInTer nIghTs

By Missy Wil kinso n | Ph otos By GreG Mil es

TWEED SUIT, $529, RED FUR WRAP, $129, boTh AT YVONNE LAFLEUR.

J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 37

GET A

N

LO EN YS SA P A IR O ND A H OW O NNM O

MASSAGE

RELAX. RENEW. RECONNECT.

HAIR SALON NAIL SPA MASSAGE FACIALS facial

massage

WAXING YOGA GEL MANICURES

KERATIN TREATMENTS GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE 6312 Argonne Blvd. | 504.482.2219 Open Mon-Sat | www.myspabythepark.com twitter.com/MYSPAbythepark

38 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

VINTAGE 1920S BEADED GOWN, $200 AT MISS CLAUDIA'S VINTAGE CLOTHING & COSTUMES; R. J. GRAZIANO EARRINGS, $124.99 AT FEET FIRST. J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 39

40 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

PREVIOUS PagE: FaUx FUR WRaP, $189 aT YVONNE LAFLEUR; SEqUInED DRESS WITH PEaRL DETaILIng, $598 aT THE RED CARPET; BEaDED 1920S-ERa CLUTCH, $275 aT Miss CLAUDiA’s ViNTAgE CLOTHiNg & COsTUMEs; nIna BEJEWELED SILVER HEELS, $99.99 aT FEET FiRsT. LEFT: STRaPLESS EMPIRE-WaIST gOWn WITH BROOCH DETaILIng, $547 aT THE RED CARPET; R.J. gRaZIanO STaRBURST EaRRIngS, $124.99 aT FEET FiRsT. On THE COVER: SILVER BEaDED COCkTaIL DRESS, $110 aT FiFTEEN22 bOUTiqUE; BEJEWELED CHaIn nECkLaCE, $194.99 aT FEET FiRsT.

MODEL:

PaTTy RaTERMann

HaIR:

JULIa ELEna FOR sALON CALLiDORA (4033 VETERanS MEMORIaL BLVD., METaIRIE, 4561099; WWW.SaLOnCaLLIDORa.COM)

MakEUP:

MaRIa BaRREDa (274-7061; WWW.MaRIaBaRREDa.COM)

PHOTOgRaPHER’S aSSISTanT: naOMI MaCDOnaLD

aSSISTanT STyLIST: aLEx PEnCE

STORE InFORMaTIOn: FEET FiRsT (526 ROyaL ST., 569-0005; 4119 MagaZInE ST., 899-6800; WWW.FEETFIRSTSTORES.COM) FiFTEEN22 bOUTiqUE (1522 ST. CHaRLES aVE., 522-8885; WWW.FIFTEEn22BOUTIqUE.COM) Miss CLAUDiA’s ViNTAgE CLOTHiNg & COsTUMEs (4204 MagaZInE ST., 897-6310; WWW.MISSCLaUDIaS.COM) THE RED CARPET (1901 HWy. 190, ManDEVILLE, 985-231-7177; 3425 MagaZInE ST., 281-4610; WWW.REDCaRPETLLC.COM) YVONNE LAFLEUR (8131 HaMPSOn ST., 866-9666; WWW.yVOnnELaFLEUR.COM) SPECIaL THankS TO TyLER SanDLaSS, MaRCEL WISZnIa, TERREnCE SanDERS anD THE sARATOgA (212 LOyOLa aVE., 522-4555; WWW.THESaRaTOganEWORLEanS.COM) FOR HOSTIng OUR PHOTO SHOOT. J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 41

JOIN

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN GREAT PRIZES BY PLEDGING TO SHOP LOCAL

A VeRy SweeT gIFT SeT $25 gift certificate to Fun Rock'n $25 gift certificate to Symmetry $25 gift certificate to Antoines $25 gift certificate to Taj Mahal $25 gift certificate Nir vana a special gift from NOLA Brewing a special gift from Blue Frog Chocolate 2 free classes from Pure Barre

Take a break from the big box stores and online shopping and support the Greater New Orleans economy this holiday season by shopping at locally owned businesses.

VISIT: and pledge to spend a minimum of $100 at locally owned businesses and you will be entered to win one of our fabulous gift sets. *No purchase necessary to win.

Chances of winning based on number of entries

Thank you to the following businesses for supporting our Shop Local Campaign:

42 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

THE ART OF RECYCLING

CUE T I P S

SHOPPING

A

re you aware that it’s possible to create an elegant piece of furniture from rusty car parts? I wasn’t, until I stepped into Nouvelle Lune (938 Royal St., 908-1016), where local artists display unique and compelling artwork made from repurposed junkyard items.

“Yes, Benjamin (Bullins) made that out of antiquated car ramps,” co-owner and featured artist Linda Berman says, gesturing at the finely crafted jewelry case. “He also built a table out of a fedora, an old keyboard and a shoe.”

These odd, eye-catching creations were exactly what Bergen and her business partner, Georgette Fortino, had in mind when they opened Nouvelle Lune last September. Until then, Fortino used the space to purvey fine arts under the name P.K. Gallery, but her admiration of close friend Berman’s artwork, which is made of recycled materials, led the two to focus on a niche. “We have yet to advertise … but the shop has still been very positively received by both tourists and locals, and is already doing better than P.K.,” Fortino says.

Laid-back and breezy, the shop features more than 20 local artists, including David Bergeron, Michael Guidry, Tony Nozero, Kelly R. Guidry, Kiki Huston and Tress Turner. Nouvelle Lune offers paintings, furniture and other decorative items, as well as one-of-a-kind jewelry.

“What’s so appealing about Nouvelle Lune is the fact that the work is very New Orleans-inspired, and it is also highly affordable for an art gallery on Royal,” Berman says. Prices range from $60 for a piece of jewelry to $2,600 for the most expensive artwork, and paintings average between $200-$300. — Alex Pence

HAPPY SHOE YEAR S

hoe fiends rejoice: This holiday season sees the arrival of two new shoe boutiques: French Sole New Orleans celebrates its grand opening this month, and CeCe Shoe has a soft opening in mid-December.

French Sole New Orleans (The Shops at Canal Place, 333 Canal St., Suite 119, 267-9000; www.theshopsatcanalplace.com) specializes in European ballet slippers. “(They’re) classic, everyday and elegant,” store manager Melanie Perret says of the flats, which have been spotted on celebrities such as Joan Collins, Barbara Walters and Cindy Crawford. “They’re the perfect transition piece from day to night.”

The shoes range in price from $100 to $425 and accommodate feet of various widths. “A lot of our flats come with a string that allows them to be as narrow or as wide as you’d like them to be,” Perret says. French

MIMI BOWEN (LEFT) AND HER DAUGHTER CECE COLHOUN CELEBRATE THE GRAND OPENING OF CECE SHOE NEXT MONTH.

NOUVELLE LUNE, A NEW ART GALLERY, FEATURES ART MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS.

BALLET FLAT BY FRENCH SOLE.

Sole also sells trendy heels and accessories by designers Dana Davis and CC Skye. A grand opening party at the shop from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13 features complimentary Champagne, wine and hors d’oeuvres from Morton’s The Steakhouse CeCe Shoe features an array of styles and designer labels including Alexandre Birman, Coye Nokes, Gianni Milanesi, Michael Kors and Valentino. The shoe boutique is inside Mimi (5500 Magazine St., 269-6464; www.miminola.com), a 5,000-square-foot boutique specializing in high-end women’s fashions and accessories. CeCe Colhoun, daughter of owner Mimi Bowen (see “A Place to Gather,” page 27) continues her mother’s legacy with the addition of the shoe boutique.

— Lee Cutrone and Alex Pence

LAST MONTH, EUROPEAN BALLET FLAT MAKER FRENCH SOLE OPENED ITS FOURTH U.S. LOCATION IN THE SHOPS AT CANAL PLACE. J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 43

Beauty

YOU & Improved

yes We

Cannula! cannulas offer a safer, less painful way to inject fillers.

I

By meg farris

njectable fillers like Juvederm, Restylane and Sculptra plump up wrinkles and reverse sun damage with a quick trip to the doctor’s office.

But some people don’t like being stuck several times with a needle for the treatment. Now there’s a safer way to use fillers to get rid of wrinkles on the face and in some areas of the body.

Dermatologists are putting a modern twist on an old medical tool. Instead of injecting fillers with needles, they’re using a cannula, a long, slim tube with a blunt end. With one initial stick, the longer cannula can be moved around under

swap boutique has every designer label you can think of, in one little shop. including: Gucci, Cynthia Steffe, Theory, Rebecca Taylor, Marc Jacobs, Chloe.

Great deals.

Every day.

designer

the skin, fanning out and filling in the damaged crevices. A topical numbing cream is used to stop pain, which patients say is minimal.

“A little pressure, that’s it. Nothing major,” says Kimberly Maronge, who received fillers because she was concerned about photodamage and wrinkles in the decolletage area, damage incurred from decades of regular tanning.

Tara Engeran agrees the procedure isn’t painful. “It didn’ t hurt. It was just a pressure-type feeling. So it wasn’t like a prick, pain-type feeling,” says Engeran, 43. The mother of three keeps

UPtown

PopUP

clothes for

the holidays

Art Gallery SHOP LOCAL

for the holidays

clothes • bags • accessories

It's

Mardi time...

Gras

Great Selection of Formal Gowns.

Shop or Consign.

44 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

consignment visit us to shop or consign 7716 maple street

504.304.6025

swapboutique.com

encore shop

an upscale resale boutique

7814 maple street · 861-9028 The Encore Shop is owned and operated by Symphony Volunteers Inc., a non-profit organization benefitting the LPO Musicians. www.SymphonyVolunteers.org

Arhur Silverman Chester Allen Collective World Photo Show Joan Zaslow Ro Mayer Barnett Fine Art Artists Scot Evert

Todd Rojas Susan Jamison Shawn Hunsaker Carol Pulitzer Lily Filson Jack Pollack Dick Buckman Marc Pagani

7834 Maple Street • 504-813-8292 reg. gallery hours: Wed-Sat 10am-4pm

YOU & Improved take longer than those with needles. “Right now I think there’s a big learning curve (with cannulas),” Bopp says. “Cannulas will be the way of the future though, without a doubt.”

Because cannulas are not as easy to work with, it’s important to find a doctor who has experience using them. “Cannula injecting is very new and so those of us who are doing (it) are in our infancy in terms of our use of this particular new procedure,” Farris says.

Fillers are not permanent fixes, but they can last years when injected in places that don’t move very much, like the cleavage or the area around the eyes. They may even stimulate the body to produce its own natural collagen, which means fewer touch-ups.

“Studies have shown even with hyaluronic acid fill, when you stretch the skin, you stretch the fibroblasts,” Lupo says. “This actually stimulates the fibroblasts, which are your cells in your dermis that make collagen. You actually wake them up and stimulate them.”

For certain areas, a combination approach is needed. In Maronge’s case, getting rid of the sun damage on the chest area required laser treatments and prescription retinoids in addition to fillers.

Maronge says she’s happy with the results.

“I definitely see a change,” Maronge says. “Yeah, it’s definitely tightened up.”

“

Cannulas will be the wave of the future.

— Dr. Barbara Bopp

“

her body lean by teaching yoga and taking ballet.

While a lean body is youthful, fullness in the face takes off the years. “As we age, we lose fat pockets in specific areas,” dermatologist Dr. Mary Lupo says.

“The temple is the big one.”

Engeran is getting fillers in her cheeks, chin, jawline and the area under her eyes. According to Lupo, a cannula is safer than a needle for injecting fillers under the eyes because it is much less likely to puncture a blood vessel.

“It just gives you an overall increase in the safety margin when you’re dealing with these very delicate areas,” Lupo says. “It reduces bruising; it reduces the potential of getting into a blood vessel, but it also reduces any possibility … of penetration or injury to the globe … if the doctor slips.”

Cannulas are popular in Europe and are gaining fans in the United States because they’re less traumatic to the skin.

“We believe that cannulas have much less chance of causing any kind of bruising because the tip of the cannula’s blunt,” dermatologist Dr. Patricia Farris says. “It’s not like a sharp needle where you’re entering the skin over and over again.”

Lupo says her patients are more comfortable during the procedure, and she can treat areas of the face that she couldn’t with a needle. “The cannula is better because you don’t have as many sticks,” says Joann Roberts, a 70-year-old patient of Lupo’s who received fillers because she was tired of having a thin upper lip and creases on the side of her mouth.

However, Dr. Barbara Bopp, a Metairie dermatologist and Tulane University School of Medicine faculty member, says cannula procedures can

Beauty

Look for Meg Farris’ Medical Watch reports weeknights on WWL-TV Channel 4 and any time on wwltv.com.

S

D

P

I

E

C

S

C

receive

O

I A L

U N T

15% off

your 1st purchase with this ad EXP. 1/31/11

New to the neighborhood!

VINTAGE-INSPIRED CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES, HANDMADE JEWELRY, ACCESSORIES, AND HOME DECOR, ORGANIC FACE, BATH AND BODY CARE 5235 MAGAZINE STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70115 11-7 TUESDAY-SATURDAY | 12-5 SUNDAYS | CLOSED MONDAY

www.facebook/com/ILoveRagdoll • 504-304-5073 E X T E N D E D H O L I D AY H O U R S :

BEGINNING NOVEMBER 26TH | MON-FRI 11-7 SAT 11-8, SUN 12-6

J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 45

LOOKING & FEELING GOOD your body. your mind. your life.

A yoga and personal training studio

hEad 2 TOE Touch of Aloha

Massage & Bodywork $65.00 hour of Swedish!

Attack your “holiday pounds” now!

customized color, precision cutting, skin care, waxing and nail care services.

Global Keratin, retexturizing, make-up application, tanning, his & her spa and bridal packages.

Start an exercise program today and you won’t have anything to lose!

Woodland Oaks Center 2209 Lapalco Blvd. Suite# F-F • Harvey GROUP TRAINING, YOGA, AND NIA CLASSES.

Gift Cards Available Online

8422 Oak St. • 985-640-2648

www.TransformNOLA.com

46 CUE

> > > j a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2

504-258-3389 - Cell 504-366-9300 - Business Open evening hours Mon-Fri & Sat 10-7pm...by appointment only!

Massage Therapist License #2983

SHop DoGS

pERSpECTIVES

DUCHESS CHIQUITA LINDA BERGEN

By Alex Pence Photos By cheryl GerBer

U

pon entering Casell Art Gallery (818 Royal St., 524-0671; www.casellgallery.com) it’s hard to tell who’s the bigger diva: the energetic woman behind the counter or the regal pup luxuriating on a pillow beside her. Both sport glitzy black top hats cocked at a jaunty angle and an over-the-top quality.

Easily recognizable to the trained New Orleanian eye, the duo consists of socialite Margarita Bergen and her almost equally well-known pooch, Duchess Chiquita Linda Bergen. “I never thought I’d love a bitch,” Bergen says solemnly, “but Chiquita is the joy of my life.”

Bergen was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. She moved to the United States in 1962 to pursue a degree in bilingual education and school administration at City College in New York. Owing to her Caribbean upbringing, Bergen revels in New Orleans’ relaxed attitude toward life in general and dogs in particular. She loves that Chiquita is welcome almost everywhere she goes, including shops, restaurants and parties. “I think (much of) the United States is very discriminatory about where they allow dogs,” Bergen says, explaining that she moved to Spain for a brief period so she could tote her previous dog, Tito, wherever she pleased.

A miniature Doberman pinscher, Tito was “like the child (Bergen) never had.” When he died at age nine from “too much foie gras and filet mignon at Galatoire’s,” Bergen was devastated. Attempting to console Bergen, a friend offered her a teacup Chihuahua from an abandoned litter she’d rescued. Bergen was reluctant to accept, because Chihuahuas have a repu-

tation for being shrill and hyper. However, after one fateful look at little black-, white- and brown-speckled Chiquita, Bergen was enamored. “I named her (Chiquita) because it means ‘little pretty one,’” Bergen says.

On the day of her photo shoot, Chiquita was decked out in a custom-made polka-dot dress, with painted nails to accentuate the ensemble. As the social editor for New Orleans Living magazine, Bergen makes numerous appearances at parties, accompanied by Chiquita (in a matching gown), and she and Chiquita even held a charity event — a wedding — to raise money for the fight against animal cruelty. “Yes, Chiquita is a married woman,” Bergen says. “She was married ... in a $2,000 wedding dress, by an ordained minister in front of over 200 guests.”

What’s next on three-year-old Chiquita’s bustling social agenda? Having already checked “being a Duchess for the Krewe of Bacchus” off her bucket list, Chiquita now aspires to be appointed Bacchus Krewe Queen for Mardi Gras 2012. The petition to crown Chiquita is already in motion on the dog’s Facebook page.

After visiting with Chiquita, who sat quietly and demurely on her throne and even deigned to be petted, it is apparent why Bergen is so staunchly against the misconceptions about Chihuahuas having highstrung temperaments: “Chiquita is perfect in social situations. She gives me so much unconditional love, and not only is she calm, but she keeps me calm,” Bergen says. “The Chihuahua is a breed I would recommend to everyone.”

my

favorite things ...

HANGING wITH MoMMA My pLUSH DoGGIE Toy T-BoNE STEAk THE pARk pARTIES, pARTIES, pARTIES! J a n u a ry. 2 0 1 2 < < <

CUE 47

English Turn, LA

NORDIC Kitchen & Bath design featured in the “Kitchen & Bath” presentation at the Architectural Digest Home Show/New York Times Speakers Series (March 2011)

4437 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, LA 70006 504.888.2300 | FAX: 504.888.1911 NORDICKITCHENS.com