Michaela Bechler CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dora Sison
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Sandy Stein SALES Lauren Cunningham, Alyssa Hauptmann, Bennett Geston, Abigail Bordelon, Kelly Sonnier, Charlie Thomas
CONTENT PRODUCER Marigny Lanaux
CONTRIBUTOR Melanie Warner Spencer
TRAFFIC MANAGER Jason Whittaker
SENIOR CONTRIBUTING CREATIVES Emma Da Via, Tiana Watts
CONTRIBUTING CREATIVES Maria Boue, Gavin Donaldson, Scott Forsythe, Jasmyne White
An d just like that, it’s already June! This month marks the official start of summer, and we’re taking the opportunity to enjoy it to the fullest. There’s something about this season that invites a slower pace but not necessarily a quieter one. In our Summer Guide , we cover events, specials, and other great info about making the most of this sweltering time in New Orleans. Whether you’re finally ready to learn how to play mahjong (look out for a fun giveaway we have this month on Instagram!) or looking for new swimwear designed right here in town, this issue has you covered!
If you’re on the hunt for a great gift for dad for Father’s Day, a vacation-ready wardrobe, or adorable pieces inspired by our swamp and its creatures, our shopping stories are sure to please. This issue of The Pearl also includes a profle on pelvic foor physical therapist Dr. Sara Reardon and her new book on pelvic floor health (which is essential for everyone, FYI). Meet “The Vagina Whisperer” and get your copy of Floored signed on Friday, June 13 at 5 p.m. at The Garden District Book Shop (2727 Prytania Street).
Currently reading:
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry. Interested in more book recs? Check out our Summer Guide!
New business alert:
Delphinium Boutique and Massage (3950 Magazine Street) ofers self-care and shopping a.k.a. two of my favorite things! I’m excited to shop the selection of vintage and unique pieces after treating myself to a massage or meditation class.
Workout with a twist:
I’m excited to add some yoga back into my routine this season. The Garden District Hotel (a sister property of The Blackbird Hotel) hosts poolside yoga each Sunday this summer at 9 a.m. Tickets are $10 and include 1-hour postpool class access. Our team also just participated in Yoga on Tap with Nola Vibe Yoga at Abita’s New Orleans location. The classes are $10 and take place on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Yogis will receive a complimentary pint of a featured brew on tap!
This issue also highlights two women in ftness, Michele Washington and Kelsey Greenfeld. Michele, owner of Lagniappe Fitness and a top ranked CrossFit competitor, is our featured A-Lister this month. When she isn’t running the gym or competing across the country, Michele is mentoring and coaching clients and making her gym an inclusive place for all. Kelsey, the owner of Body Shoppe, is also known for her welcoming studio and her adorable sidekick Shirley. Learn more about the two in this month’s Shop Dog .
Here is to the long days of summer that lie ahead! I hope this issue inspires you to make the most of it.
- Michaela Bechler
THE CENTER OF THE GARDEN DISTRICT SINCE 1884
BY MICHAELA BECHLER
Join award-winning Chef Nina Compton as she celebrates Compère Lapin’s 10-year anniversary. Since opening its doors in 2015, the Warehouse District restaurant has earned well-deserved local and national attention for its flavorful food inspired by Carribean, French, Italian, and Southern traditions. Throughout the month of June, Compère Lapin will offer a special “Greatest Hits” pre-fixe menu highlighting favorite dishes from the past decade and will feature everything from the Conch Croquettes to the Snapper. The 4-course menu is available each evening, and reservations are strongly encouraged.
535 TCHOUPITOULAS STREET
B. Dylan Hollis takes readers on a delicious road trip in his latest cookbook Baking Across America: A Vintage Recipe Road Trip. The author and TikTok sensation delivers his signature wry humor as he explores the US and uncovers the history of nostalgic local favorites (be sure to look for the New Orleans shoutout!). The book includes over 100 uniquely American recipes.
To celebrate the new release, The Garden District Book Shop is hosting a discussion, Q&A, and book signing with Dylan on Friday, June 6. The event will take place at The Academy of Sacred Heart at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online (gardendistrictbookshop.com) and include a signed copy of Baking Across America
4301 ST. CHARLES AVENUE
Coinciding with Juneteenth, the New Orleans African American Museum is launching a major new permanent installation titled Vince Fraser: Ancestral Odyssey. Created by Vince Fraser, a London-based digital artist, the immersive experience reimages the traditions of the Black Masting Indians. The artist worked alongside local collaborators and artists like Big Chief Shaka Zulu, Marcus Akinlana, Nana Sula Spirit, and Sunni Patterson to create the multi-sensory environment which “fuses technology, cultural memory, and mystic energy to offer a sensorial, digital environment for contemplation and meditation on identity, resistance, and reverence.”
“We’re honored to have Vince’s installation joining NOAAM, giving us an opportunity for historical reflection through new expressive mediums,” Gia Hamilton, NOAAM Executive Director and Chief Curator, said in a statement. “Fraser’s work connects African roots with modern Black life and aims to inspire, particularly young artists of color, by showing how digital art can honor the African diaspora. As our institution aims to reflect the cultural past, present, and future of New Orleans, Ancestral Odyssey embodies NOAAM’s vision for a future where digital innovation becomes a powerful tool for cultural memory.”
To celebrate, the museum is hosting a public opening reception on Thursday, June 19, at 8 p.m. Guests can expect activations and music, and registration is encouraged (noaam.org). Following the public opening, Ancestral Odyssey will be a permanent part of the museum with plans to expand in the future. 1417-1418 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS STREET
A chic evening awaits at Ogden Museum of Southern Art! Magnolia Ball, the museum’s annual fundraising event, returns Saturday, June 7 from 7 to 11 p.m. and celebrates the exhibition Hoa Tay (Flower Hands): Southern Artists of the Vietnamese Diaspora (on view through September 21, 2025). Guests will mingle in the museum galleries while viewing a range of works by emerging and established Vietnamese American artists working throughout the region. Live music, premiere local cuisine, and a silent auction round out the fun!
925 CAMP STREET
If you’re ready to upgrade your summer wardrobe, Ted and George, a local men’s shop located inside The Rink, is ready to help. On Saturday, June 21 at 4 p.m., the store is hosting a fashion show in conjunction with local nonprofit Son of a Saint featuring some of the organization’s mentors sporting seasonal looks. The day will include door prizes, signature drinks from Bar Epilogue, food, bourbon tastings, music, and more! Judy at the Rink, Maisonette, and PamelaDennis will also be open and will join Ted and George in donating a percentage of sales made during the event to Son of a Saint.
2727 PRYTANIA STREET
Looking to spruce up your space this season? Visit Left Bank, a vintage furniture and design marketplace filled with curated treasures from local collectors and vendors. Visitors can expect everything from art and small accessories to luxury reupholstered chairs by Spring and Twine alongside clothes, jewelry, and other fun finds! Located in the heart of the Irish Channel, the spacious warehouse is open each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2401 TCHOUPITOULAS STREET
BY MELANIE WARNER SPENCER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF PARK ROW BOOKS
Ask five random friends to define pelvic floor health and they might say something about Kegel exercises, start blushing, or issue a blank stare. Unless they are one of the over 670k followers of board-certified physical therapist Dr. Sara Reardon’s Instagram account @the.vagina.whisperer. There, followers quickly learn about this group of superstar muscles that support pelvic organs including the bowels, bladder, and, in women, uterus, and their various functions. Since taking to social media in 2016 to post pregnancy and postpartum tips she frequently shared with friends (who dubbed her The Vagina Whisperer), Dr. Sara’s account has grown to include all things pelvic floor health from baby’s first pee to perimenopause and everything between. And there is a lot between, thereby fueling her mission to educate as many pelvic floor-having humans (that’s all of us) as possible. Often, she does this while dancing in a vulva costume, so rest assured that while she takes her life’s work seriously, she herself isn’t
overly serious. Her new book Floored: A Woman’s Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage (scheduled for release on June 10) brings her message offline to a new, wider audience. Women are starving for reliable information, preventative practices, and practical solutions to common health issues, so Dr. Sara’s timing couldn’t be more perfect. But why now?
“Many women and even some medical providers weren’t aware that the pelvic floor even existed,” says Dr. Sara, who founded and still sees patients at NOLA Pelvic Health. “I started my social media account, and it really grew. I think that’s a testament to how many women wanted this information, and they weren’t getting it from other healthcare providers. They were like, ‘Why didn’t anybody tell me this? I’ve had these problems for years. I was told it was normal.’”
Her Instagram account blew up during the COVID-19 lockdowns and through the platform, her goal has been not only to educate
and empower, but also to normalize talking about basic functions, body parts, and common health issues related to the pelvic floor. For women, the latter can look like everything from painful intercourse, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary or fecal leakage, and back, hip, and vaginal pain. In males, it can also be back and pelvic pain, as well as post-prostatectomy symptoms and urinary or bowel dysfunction. Urinary and bowel dysfunction (aka the loss of urinary or bowel control that sends sufferers to the adult diaper aisle) are so common in fact, we’ve been led to believe it’s a normal part of aging. Floored offers Dr. Sara a medium where she can be comprehensive. By design, it reads more like a conversation with your knowledgeable bestie than a medical manual, but it is chock full of essential healthcare information, tips, and relatable stories about her patients.
“This is a healthcare issue. Diapers don’t have to be our destiny. There’s so much you can do to prevent or overcome these issues, to have a better quality of life at any age.”
▶ Kegels (pelvic floor exercises) are what you need to do if you have a pelvic floor problem. Incorrect. For example, while a weak pelvic floor can call for Kegels, a tense pelvic floor requires exercises that help relax the area, not tighten it.
▶ It’s just females that have pelvic floor problems. Wrong. All genders have a pelvic floor. Not just females. Males can have pelvic floor problems, too.
▶ A childbirth education class told women they need to do Kegels all the way through pregnancy to have a strong pelvic floor to push their baby out of their vagina. Your pelvic floor muscles actually need to relax. Your uterus pushes the baby out, not the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor muscles need to be soft and relaxed for vaginal birth, not super tight and tense.
▶ Pelvic floor issues only happen during pregnancy, after giving birth, or with menopause and aging. False. You can have a pelvic floor problem at any stage of life. Every season of life requires different levels of care. Periods shouldn’t be painful. Sex shouldn’t be painful. Pregnancy requires learning how to relax your pelvic floor for a vaginal birth. During menopause, less estrogen and muscle tone affect your pelvic floor. People need to be aware of how to proactively care for their bodies at every stage.
▶ One in three women (likely a low estimation) will experience pelvic floor dysfunction at some point in her lifetime. By age 65, 50% of women leak urine. Consider the money spent on incontinence products, procedures, and surgeries. These are things that could have been prevented.
▶ More women have urinary leakage than osteoporosis, high blood pressure, or diabetes. We get so much education on osteoporosis. DEXA scans every year. Exercises to strengthen bones. Yet nobody talks about exercising the pelvic floor with aging to prevent leakage, prolapse, and pain.
BY MICHAELA BECHLER | PHOTOS BY KAT KIMBALL
Originally from Lacombe, Michele Washington wanted to be a psychiatrist but ended up having a successful career in sales after graduating from the University of New Orleans. In 2019, she purchased Lagniappe Fitness, one of the only Black female CrossFit gyms in New Orleans. The gym is open daily for members to take classes, drop in to use the equipment, or train one-on-one with a coach. When Michele isn’t coaching or mentoring members, she’s competing in top-tier CrossFit competitions across the country proudly representing Lagniappe Fitness and New Orleans on a national stage.
Recently ranked in top 1% worldwide and competed in the In-Affiliate Semifinals
Michele is a Lululemon Ambassador, an Airbnb Experiences Personal Trainer, and a Utility Player for the United Grid League. “My role as a leader within the New Orleans ftness community is something I deeply value,” she shares. Michele has also taught nutrition seminars and worked with several non-pro ft organizations including the OUT Foundation. “I want to help spread awareness of the lack of diversity in health and wellness. This is something I will continue to push and f ght for!”
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
I am passionate about empowering individuals to achieve greater strength and health, both physically and mentally. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their progress and the positive transformation that fitness brings to their lives.
WHAT ARE YOU PROUDEST OF IN YOUR CAREER?
Building a supportive and inclusive fitness community at Lagniappe Fitness.
SOMETHING THAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT NEW ORLEANS:
The vibrant culture and the strong sense of community in New Orleans are truly unique and constantly inspire me.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT:
Doris Metropolitan
FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE VISITORS :
Our first stop is always Café Du Monde for beignets, followed by a scenic walk along the Mississippi River, and then to Canal Place for shopping and enjoying the views.
BOOK YOU RECOMMEND:
Matriarch: A Memoir by Tina Knowles
SOMETHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT:
My morning coffee and protein shake are essential to my day.
FAVORITE HOBBIES:
I enjoy hiking and experimenting with new recipes.
LIFE HACK:
I find that cooking meals on the weekend saves a significant amount of time during the busy work week.
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Nestled in the Lower Garden District, The Blackbird Hotel quietly opened in 2024 with beautifully designed rooms, a hidden oasis, and a spirited jewel box bar in the lobby. The boutique hotel also offers refreshing cocktails, bites, and coffee from its café and pool bar and kitchen.
Visitors and locals alike are welcome to experience The Blackbird Hotel and its amenities this summer. Louisiana residents will receive 15% off their summer staycation when booked with code NOLASTAYCATION (reserving party must show valid LA driver’s license at check-in). Guests are greeted with a welcome drink, and each room features a king-sized bed with luxury linens and dedicated in-room Wi-Fi, with some even boasting private balconies.
Looking to pop in for a pool day? Non-hotel guests can enjoy the saltwater pool this season from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily for $30 Monday through Thursday and for $45 Friday through Sunday. For those interested in a shady outdoor spot or a comfortable air-conditioned bar, The Blackbird Hotel has both at the ready and hosts a happy hour each weekday from 3-5 p.m. Be on the lookout for live music, group fitness classes, and other offerings that are sure to make summer in New Orleans a little bit sweeter. — Michaela Bechler
Dog Days of Summer returns to The Rink on Monday, June 1, with plenty of opportunities to socialize, flex your creativity, enjoy some peace and quiet in the AC, and try new beverages! Events are hosted daily (except on June 19 and July 4) in The Garden District Book Shop and are free to participate unless noted.
On Mondays, ease into the week with quiet time during “Extroverted Introvert.” It’s the perfect time to catch up on emails, read a book, or work on a solo hobby without being stuck at home. “Crafternoon” will take place each Tuesday and will feature a different, user-friendly art project. Join The Pearl on Tuesday, June 2, for a special Crafternoon collaging bookmarks! Wednesdays are for “Punch Drunk Parlour Games” — expect board games and weekly door prizes. Thursdays are dubbed “Martini Thursdays,” where the team at Bar Epilogue will be shaking up a new twist each week. Kick off your weekend with “Live Music Tonight” on Fridays. The series features talented local musicians and is a great way to shake off the week. “Miss Your Flight” will take place each Saturday — join The Rink for tasting flights with selections by VINO Wholesale. End the weekend on a high note with weekly cornhole tournaments during “Cornhole with Ted and George” on Sundays. Visit gardendistrictbookshop.com/dogdays for more information. — M.B.
2727 PRYTANIA STREET
Many New Orleanians have experienced the “small world” phenomenon of running into old friends or someone with mutual connections. This was the foundation of NOA Collective, a sustainable swimwear brand founded by former elementary school classmates Veronica Droulia, Ben Seago, and Carter Kronlage. After Hurricane Katrina, the three ended up moving to different cities to pursue their own professional ventures. Unexpectedly, they reconnected over a shared interest to redefine the co-ed luxury swimwear market.
“I’ve always been drawn to swimwear. It has the ability to evolve — into resort wear, activewear, and beyond,” Veronica shared. “But more than that, it’s the most vulnerable item of clothing someone can wear. I love that challenge. I want people to feel empowered when they wear our pieces — not like they’re just buying into a fleeting trend they’ll toss the next season. They’re wearing a story. That, to me, is powerful.”
“NOA” stands for “Nature’s Own Art,” supporting the brand’s ethos that luxury and sustainability can co-exist. The three have created a brand that focuses on product and purpose, utilizing a high-quality blend of recycled materials that feel luxurious and are as equally flattering as they are durable. The first two collections were manufactured right here in New Orleans by women who specialize in Mardi Gras costume design. As their brand has grown, so has its demand, now allocating production to a family-run manufacturer elsewhere.
Patterned with chic snakeskin, the Spring/Summer ‘25 Collection explores themes of transformation and rebirth. “Snakes represent the shedding of old skin, embracing evolution, and stepping into new versions of ourselves. That’s exactly what I want our community to feel when they wear NOA. I’ve always believed what we wear can reflect our energy.”
Each purchase also benefits eco-friendly initiatives. The brand currently has a long-term partnership with Glass Half Full, the city’s first glass recycling organization that diverts glass from landfills to support causes like coastal restoration. As the temperatures rise and the pools have reopened, make a meaningful fashion statement this summer and beyond! “We’re not chasing trends. We’re creating timeless, elevated designs that move with you — season after season.” — Marigny Lanaux
In honor of Pride Month, Saint John will host a special drag brunch each Sunday in June! Brunch will be hosted by the legendary Queens Debbie with a D and Laveau Contraire and will feature special guests. There are two available seatings (11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.) that will offer the restaurant’s weekend brunch menu, lots of cocktails, and plenty of fun. A portion of Saint John’s Pride Month specialty cocktail (the “Tongue in Cheek”) will be donated to PrEP on Demand, an internet-based medical company dedicated to HIV prevention and treatment. Reservations can be made online or by calling the restaurant at 504-381-0385. — M.B.
715 ST. CHARLES AVENUE
When Mauree Brooksher was first exposed to the classic Chinese game mahjong on vacation, she wanted to share it with her friends back home in Baton Rouge. After having a hard time finding an instructor and getting her group hooked, she recruited Stephanie Politz to start Mahjong Rouge. “We quickly began following mahjong teachers and influencers on Instagram and realized that outside of Louisiana, mahjong was extremely popular,” the two shared. “We knew that if we brought the game to Louisiana, taught it in a modern and user-friendly way, and made it fun that we would have a winning combination.”
In the past year, Mauree and Stephanie have taught over 1,300 students in Baton Rouge. They soon received numerous requests for lessons in the New Orleans area and decided to expand. “In April, we partnered with Robin Carubba and created Mahjong Orleans. Robin is super-knowledgeable about the game and has a way of teaching the game that is unintimidating and fun!”
Mahjong Orleans offers a “Bird BAM Beginner” lesson where the basic rules are covered, and game pieces, tables, and chairs are provided. A “Connect the DOTS” lesson follows that dives deeper into the rules and how to choose a winning hand. Classes are taught in an 8:1 student-to-instructor ratio, allowing for large groups of up to 32 students!
Mahjong Rouge and Mahjong Orleans utilize The Mahjong Line, stylish and colorful tile sets that have contributed to the game’s rising popularity. “We teach all of our lessons and events on The Mahjong Line’s gorgeous tiles and accessories, which makes for a visually stunning experience for our players.”
For those interested in playing, summer lessons will soon be released to the public! Stay tuned by following @mahjong_rouge on Instagram or contact themahjongorleans@gmail.com to inquire about private lessons. — M.L.
Keep an eye out for an exciting giveaway with Mahjong Orleans! Be sure to follow @thepearlneworleans on Instagram.
“Should we just start a podcast?” After hours of discussing different topics with your best friend, this might seem like a no-brainer. Former middle school English teachers Amber Borchers and Colby Lansou did just that, launching The Open Books Podcast in 2023. “It started as a passion project and has grown into something much bigger: a space for other people to connect over books, pop culture, and real-life conversations,” the duo shared. “We’re really proud of how far it’s come and can’t wait to keep growing, especially here in New Orleans.”
Besides books (mostly thrillers and buzzy fiction!), the two New Orleanians discuss trending shows, viral moments, and their own life updates. Like a virtual book club, Amber and Colby tell listeners what’s “Next on the Shelf,” encouraging them to start reading before an episode diving into the book is released. “We give full recaps, so you don’t have to read the book to enjoy the episode, but we love when people read with us.” Join in on the fun by checking out their five picks for summer reading. The Open Books Podcast is available anywhere you stream podcasts, and you can follow along on Instagram and TikTok (@openbookspodcast). — M.L.
by
Emily Henry
“Emily Henry does it again with a heartfelt story that gives all the summer feels, romantic, bittersweet, and packed with characters you’ll fall in love with. This one is a perfect vacation read, but don’t be surprised if it gets a little emotional. It’s sunshine and tears, just how we like it.”
2 The Tenant by
Freida McFadden
“We love a McFadden thriller for summer: fast-paced, binge-worthy, and always with a wild twist. The Tenant is the kind of book you’ll finish in a day because you need to know how it ends. Great for poolside reading, but maybe don’t read it alone at night…”
3 The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva
Rose
“This one is spicy, messy, and full of courtroom drama, basically everything we love in a thriller. It’s a quick read with major popcorn energy, making it ideal for summer. Think beach day with a side of betrayal.”
*Note: this is the sequel to The Perfect Marriage
If you tend to stay inside during the summer months, The Batture invites you to rethink your strategy! The 10-acre outdoor space overlooking the Mississippi River is launching The Batture Beach Club, a seasonal spin on riverside leisure, in late June. Visitors can expect a taste of the beach with shady spots, water activities for kids, and a breezy beach chair setup.
The Batture is open to the public Friday through Sunday with great lunch and dinner options from local food trucks and beverages from the Clubhouse Bar (The Batture is BYOB when the bar is closed). The space is also the new home to the Crescent City Farmers Market every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and frequently hosts workout classes. While there is a large on-site parking lot, The Batture encourages visitors to bike, walk, or grab a rideshare when possible. For summer hours and other happenings, follow @thebatture on Instagram. — M.B.
4 Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
“We’re heading back to Panem! If you were obsessed with The Hunger Games like we are, this prequel will be the ultimate nostalgia trip. It’s a great summer pick because it’s immersive, cinematic, and will definitely spark debates (which we’ll be having on the pod).”
5 The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
“Sometimes summer is the perfect time for a little reset. This quick but powerful read is all about letting go, setting boundaries, and embracing your peace, something we all need. Read it with your iced coffee in the morning and start your day feeling empowered. Follow up your reading by listening to our podcast episode that we have available now!”
On select Thursday nights throughout the summer, Palm&Pine will host talented chefs for its Summer 2025 Collaborative Guest Chef Series! Each evening will include a spectacular, five-course meal priced between $85-100 prepared by the visiting chef with Palm&Pine chefs and co-owners Jordan Herndon and Amarys Koenig Herndon. The restaurant’s bar team will also create special beverage menus to enhance each dining experience!
“The summer series embodies the spirit of collaboration and community that Palm&Pine stands for,” shared Amarys. “It allows us to team up with chefs that we admire and enjoy spending time with to create something truly unique for our guests.”
An upcoming dinner includes David Barbeau of Resurrection Gardens on Thursday, June 5. Zak Walters of Sedalia’s in Oklahoma City, Martha Wiggins of Café Reconcile, Sophina Uong of Mister Mao, and Thomas Billie of Belly of The Beast in Houston are a few of the culinary participants who will take over the kitchen through September. Reserve your table online or by calling 504-814-6200. — M.L.
1. Mr Chile, $21
2. Vino da Sete Vino Rosso, $27 LAZIO, ITALY | FIELD BLEND ( NATURAL )
Bright, chillable red with cherry, strawberry, and a hint of funk. Juicy, playful, and wildly drinkable. Try it with: Pizza by the pool, sandwiches, or a patio hang.
3 . La Boutanche, $28
4. Ochota Barrels The Green Room Grenache, $53
Make this season a little more bearable with a tasty and cold glass of wine! Old Metairie Bottle Shop offers a wide selection of wine and spirits to taste at the counter or bring to your next celebration. Whether you’re looking for the perfect poolside rosé or are interested in exploring the world of orange wine, the shop has you and your summer plans covered with expert recommendations! — M.B.
1. Finca El Molar Macabeo, $19
2. Parajes del Valle Macabeo, $21 JUMILLA, SPAIN | MACABEO Zesty and refreshing with lemon, green apple, and almond. Clean and crisp without being boring. Try it with: Grilled seafood, manchego, or roast chicken.
3. Halo ž an Orange, $22
4. È Orange, $23
1. Domaine Guion Sparking Rosé, $35 LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE | CABERNET FRANC Dry, fizzy, and earthy with wild berries and a little rustic charm. Like a French garden party — just add snacks! Try it with: Fried chicken, chèvre, or salty chips.
2 . Black Cottage Rosé, $15
3. Brunn Rosé, $21
4. Ameztoi Rubentis, $28
1. Sonnhof Social Club Grüner Veltliner, $21
2. Azul Y Viura Garanza, $21
3. Rémi Larroque “Gaillacoise”, $24 GAILLAC, FRANCE | MAUZAC ( PÉT- NAT ) Cloudy, crisp, and a little wild. Green apple, citrus, and herbal zip in every joyful bubble. Try it with: Funky cheese, sushi, or brunch favorites.
4. Ameztoi Txakoli, $28
Craving a taste of Broadway? No need to book a flight to New York when the Summer Lyric Theatre at Tulane University returns for its 58th season! This summer, experience three exceptional productions of A Chorus Line (June 19-22), Company (July 10-13), and Carousel (July 31-August 3). Each of the iconic musicals is led by an all-female team of directors and choreographers and features a full orchestra. The shows will be staged in Dixon Hall, which offers pristine acoustics.
Tickets are available as both season subscriptions and single-show options and can be purchased online (liberalarts.tulane.edu/summer-lyric-theatre), by phone, or in person at the Dixon Hall Box Office. — M.B.
104 DIXON HALL
Staying stylish and feeling fresh amidst the New Orleans humidity is no easy feat. Morgan Dixon, the CEO and Lead Nail Artist of Lab & Lounge, shares some beauty tips and trends to help you breeze through a hot summer! The concept salon is a one-stop beauty destination, offering a range of services for nails, hair, eyebrows, and lashes, as well as skincare treatments, spray tanning, and waxing. “We’re professionals with a strong passion for what we do and don’t want to limit clients to minimal options,” Morgan shares. “We pride ourselves on having the best quality products, monthly trainings and workshops in the shop, and allowing our clients to enjoy a comfortable space so they can escape.”
1 More natural, effortless makeup looks are in.
“We have had a rise in clients booking the lamination and tints for their lashes and brows to help make being in the sun easier to deal with. Lip stains are also on the rise, and we’re loving it! We think dewy skin is always a look, but we can thank New Orleans for that easy glow-up.”
2
Try out some fun nail art.
“Cowhide nail art is coming back, and we are so excited for it! Longer nail trends are here, and so are the fun, bright colors as well. Junk nails with colorful rhinestones are also very popular right now. Everyone is loving length a little more than they used to.”
3
Soothe your skin after a day in the sun.
“We’re obsessed with face mist. Having any hydrating one or even just having rose water is the best feeling after being outside. We also really love gua sha rollers as a way to cool down and depuff. Just placing your stone or roller in the freezer for 10 minutes makes such a difference, helps with puffiness, and gives the best lymphatic drainage you didn’t know you needed.”
4 Utilize braids and hair clips to avoid frizzing.
“We think playing with braid styles is the perfect way to style your hair in a cute, fun way. We also think having some hair clips handy is always a must. Keeping one in your purse or car for last-minute styles that keep your hair off your shoulders is great.”
5
Spray tanning can help you achieve a sun-kissed look — no UV exposure required.
“Some benefits of spray tanning are simply allowing yourself to get that perfect summer glow without the gamble of “forcing it” and ultimately burning. It helps take the stress away and makes it easier to enjoy those summer activities without forcing yourself to overbake. It doesn’t matter how light or dark you are; it gives everyone that perfect bronze look effortlessly.”
To get started, book online at labandlounge.com or call the salon directly at 631-9386245. Lab & Lounge has a ton of amazing summer specials like free hair tinsel with all blowout services! Be on the lookout for the salon at Essence Festival and Tales of the Cocktail later this summer. — M.L.
4209 MAGAZINE STREET
Rivington Stud Sandals $70, Pronto shopitpronto.com
Silver Croc Clutch $275, PamelaDennis pameladennisnola.com
Maiara Mini Dress
$298, Pronto shopitpronto.com 5
Golden Gaia Signature Stretch Bracelet $250, Cristy Cali cristycali.com
Retrofête Lark Embroidered Dress $898, FEBE febeclothing.com
Lizzy Midi Dress $248, Hemline shophemline.com
Butterfly Rhinestone Sunglasses $19.99, Nola Boo nolaboo.com
Merlette Deco Embellished Pouch $250, Pilot and Powell pilotandpowell.com
Simkhai Bridget Oyster Heels $545, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com 1 4 3 2 6 5 8 9 10 7
BY MARIGNY LANAUX
Age: 10 years old
Breed: Dachshund-Cocker Spaniel Mix
Business: Body Shoppe
Fr om sunbathing in the lobby to pacing outside the studio during classes and even being featured on branded merchandise, Shirley is an integral part of Body Shoppe. Owned and operated by Kelsey Greenfield, the Uptown fitness studio focuses on creating a warm, positive environment — something Shirley helps bring to life.
“I saw a huge gap in New Orleans for a truly welcoming and accessible fitness community,” Kelsey shared. “I wanted to create a space where people felt comfortable showing up exactly as they are, without pressure or comparison. More than that, I wanted to create a safe space where people could explore their relationship with their bodies, learn about their strengths, and feel supported — no matter where they are in their fitness journey.”
Kelsey came across Shirley on an online adoption site and immediately knew she was going to be the ideal pup. “Her name was already Shirley, and it just felt too perfect to change.” The adorable Dachshund-Cocker Spaniel Mix gets excited to clock in for her shift. She loves being surrounded by the sta f and members, sprinting down the hallway (towards the treat jar, of course), and taking laps around the studio before and after classes.
Besides work, Shirley loves to lounge on Val’s patio while eating tortilla chips, hang out at The Batture, curl up underneath Kelsey’s bed, and even travel! Shirley can impressively go through TSA ofleash and has recently explored Mexico City and Playa del Carmen. She also loves to visit Kelsey’s parents in upstate New York and roam around the open fields.
For those seeking an encouraging fitness community, the Body Shoppe team will welcome you with open arms, and Shirley may greet you hoping for a few pets. The studio ofers a range of classes like Tempo Dance Cardio, HIIT, and Pilates-inspired Hard Core, as well as recovery tools like an infrared sauna and cold plunge. “Whether it’s through partnerships, events, or simply fostering a space where people feel connected, Body Shoppe isn’t just a place to work out — it’s a space where people come together, grow, and uplift one another.”
Impressive trick: Can stand on her hind paws for a long time
Pet best friends: Her cat cousin, Bonzo, and Kelsey’s boyfriend’s parents’ labs, Daisy and Maya.
Nicknames: Shirley Girl, Squirly, Squirly Girl, Moo, Girly Goo, Señorita Patitas, Pateets, Toots, Tootie, and Grinchy
Ideal lounging spot:
A stack of pillows, giving her the nickname “Princess Pea”
Favorite thing: Treats! A few favorites include bacon, jerky treats, and Fritos
