Issuu

September 2026

FASHION | LIFE | DESIGN

7: Word of Advice | 12: The Ar t of Getting Dressed | 15: Mixed Signals | 19: Show Your Colors

THE LARGEST ITALIAN FOOD AND WINE EVENT IN LOUISIANA! Thursday, October 8 Fulton Street

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6PM - 10PM

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SEPTEMBER 2026

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Vip Early Entry $ 6:00 PM

General Admission 7:00 PM

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SEPTEMBER 2026

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333 Canal Street | New Orleans, LA | canalplacestyle.com

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Editor’s Letter

New + Now

NEW ORLEANS GIFTS • LOCAL ARTISTS & DESIGNERS

Word of Advice

Be Ready to

Bring the Heat

The Art of Getting Dressed

Mixed Signals

Show Your Colors

Shop Dog

517 METAIRIE RD. OLD METAIRIE 504-510-4655 | nolaboo.com

ROLL OR ROAR!

P H O T O B Y K AT K I M B A L L

EDITOR Michaela Bechler CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dora Sison ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Sandy Stein

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SALES Lauren Cunningham, Alyssa Hauptmann, Bennett Geston,

4432 MAGAZINE ST | 504-502-6206 |

Abigail Bordelon, Kelly Sonnier, Charlie Thomas CONTRIBUTOR Sarah Ravits TRAFFIC MANAGER Jason Whittaker SENIOR CONTRIBUTING CREATIVE Emma DaVia CONTRIBUTING CREATIVES Maria Boue, Gavin Donaldson, Scott Forsythe, Jasmyne White ON TH E COVER

Claudia Baumgarten of Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing & Costumes (4204 Magazine Street) wearing a 1980s leopard print maxi dress paired with a 1950s pillbox hat and scarf combination from her personal collection.

SEPTEMBER 2026

P H O T O B Y K AT K I M B A L L

FASH ION | LIFE | DESIGN

OCTOBER ISSUE

FALL EVENTS HALLOWEEN

RESERVE SPACE

SEPTEMBER 25 ISSUE DATE

OCTOBER 5

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F Feeling That ALL

For many, September is synonymous with fashion. Runway shows happening across the globe plus the start of a new season might have you thinking about what’s in. Instead, we recommend shifting your mindset to focus on what feels like you.

On my feet: I am obsessed with these ballet flats (#6 on pg. 16) from Silhouette Boutique! They are so comfortable and really go with just about everything, despite having a pattern. Let’s match! Mark your calendar: Secure your spot for October 11th’s NOLA Dogs “Race to the Rescue” 5K! This will be my third year participating (walking or running is acceptable!), and it’s a great way to start your morning while supporting local animal shelters who desperately need funds. P.S. You’ll still make it to the Superdome in time!

Thank you for reading The Pearl! For more content, visit us online or on social media. Until next month! — Michaela Bechler

W W W. S O S U S U B O U T I Q U E .C O M @SOSUSUBOUTIQUE | 504.309.5026 3 4 2 7 M A G A Z I N E S T. , N E W O R L E A N S , L A 7 0 11 5

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This September issue also includes fun shopping stories including all things red and yellow in Bring the Heat, a fun collection of patterns in Mixed Signals, and everything you could possibly need to cheer on LSU or Tulane this season in Show Your Colors (I was able to put my Ole Miss bias aside — looking forward to September 19!). This month’s New + Now highlights a special new collection from Mignon Faget (a creative response to AI) and a delicious smoothie collaboration between Vibrant Market, The Daily Beet, and Agent Nateur. Rico of The Rising Son is our Shop Dog — be sure to pay him a visit during your next French Quarter jaunt!

SEPTEMBER 2026

You’ll see that idea pop up throughout this issue of The Pearl. In Word of Advice, we turned to local fashion lovers for tips on how to edit a closet and build a wardrobe that really reflects who you are (rather than chasing passing trends or holding onto a former version of yourself). In The Art of Getting Dressed, you’ll also meet some of the people behind our local shopping scene including Claudia Baumgarten of Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing & Costumes who graces our cover. We had a fun shoot filled with pieces from her personal collection and just a taste of what you can find in her Magazine Street store. It was also well over 95 degrees that day, so extra applause to Claudia for sporting a knit jacket outside.

Currently reading: Whistler by Ann Patchett and House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas (anyone else trying to finish this series before October 27?!)

New +Now BY MICHAELA BECHLER

25 Years

OF REMEMBRANCE To mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, International House Hotel will host an evening of remembrance to honor the lives lost and the first responders who served that day on Friday, September 11. The gathering holds particular significance at the Camp Street property, which opened in 1943 as International House, a center devoted to peace, trade, and understanding and the predecessor to the World Trade Center of New Orleans, the founding member of the World Trade Centers Association. Guests will see the “Spirit of Louisiana,” a custom fire engine built by Ferrara Fire Apparatus in Louisiana and donated to the New York City Fire Department in the aftermath of the attacks. Funded by donations from residents across the state, the engine served New York before returning home after Hurricane Katrina, when the FDNY came to New Orleans’s aid.

Glow WITH

THE FLOW

Vibrant Market , a purveyor of clean beauty and wellness finds, has partnered with The Daily Beet and beauty company Agent Nateur to create a limited-edition smoothie! Designed to support hydrated, radiant skin from the inside out, the smoothie combines watermelon, cherry, strawberry, lime, vanilla, sea moss, and coconut cream with Agent Nateur’s celebrated holi (mane) and calm (beauty) formulas. Once blended, PHOTO COURTESY OF VIBRANT MARKET the result is a creamy treat that will support hydration, collagen production, cellular health, and a healthy stress response aka luminous skin with stronger and healthier hair and nails. The antioxidant-rich beverage is available for $15 at both Daily Beet locations (1000 Girod Street and 3300 Magazine Street) from September 7 through October 7. Bring your drink sleeve to Vibrant Market for $50 off a facial (offer must be redeemed by October 31, 2026) or scan the QR code to shop the Vibrant Market products featured in the smoothie with 15% off using code DAILYBEET. We’ll drink to that!

3811 MAGAZINE STREET

221 CAMP STREET

A Delicious DECADE

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Hands ON

Meril is celebrating 10 years of business with a special one-night-only anniversary event on Wednesday, September 30. Join Chef Emeril Lagasse and the Meril team to celebrate a decade of food, fun, and memories at the lively restaurant. The party will begin with a festive welcome reception with passed bites, creative drinks, and music, setting the tone for a special evening ahead. Guests will gather for a family-style dinner featuring Meril favorites, paired wines, and the chance to celebrate with Chef Emeril and his team. Tickets are available for $195 per person.

Mignon Faget’s new collection is all about nostalgia and the beauty of objects made by hand. “Atelier,” which debuts Friday, September 11, is a line of jewelry that can only be made by hand — uncommon in today’s world where images and ideas can be generated in seconds by AI. Traditionally, its jewelry is influenced by New Orleans and its architecture, native flora, and traditions. For this collection, the stunning pieces are inspired by the tools, rituals, and quiet objects of the artist’s studio. Atelier reimagines these items as sculptural jewelry. The brand is extending this celebration of craftsmanship through a series of new collaborations with local makers Bonfolk, k.iris Pottery, NOLA Boards, and Hazeltine Scent Co., each rooted in a different Louisiana tradition of working by hand. All are invited to see and shop Atelier in person and mingle with the collaborators during Art for Art’s Sake taking place Saturday, October 3, at the Magazine Street gallery.

3801 MAGAZINE STREET

“Ten years of Meril is something I’m incredibly proud of. When we opened, we wanted to become a restaurant where people could come together, have fun, and share great food, and that spirit is still at the heart of Meril today,” Chef Emeril Lagasse said in a statement. ‘I’m grateful for our team, our guests, and our community that has supported Meril for the past decade, and we look forward to many more years ahead.” P H OTO S C O U RT ESY O F M I G N O N FAG E T

424 GIROD STREET

W ORD OF ADVICE:

Building a Wardrobe

Just for you BY MICHAELA BECHLER

ith an increasingly fast-moving fashion landscape, your own sense of style can get lost in the noise and might have you rethinking what’s hanging in your closet. Good news: keeping up doesn’t mean starting over. The key to a wardrobe that feels current — and more importantly feels good — is knowing what works for you: your body, your personality, and your everyday reality. It’s also realizing when to embrace a trend and when to leave it on the rack.

1. Get to Know Your Current Self

Wendy LeGardeur of the women’s boutique Ballin’s says that while her preferred hem lengths and silhouettes have changed over the years, her constant

2. Edit Your Wardrobe

Susu recommends investing in a black cashmere sweater or a great blazer. “Items like that will be work horses in your closet, and you will definitely get a big bang for your buck. Every woman should also have a great pair of jeans and a crisp white shirt. Both items can be dressed up or down with heels or sneakers.”

A good wardrobe isn’t necessarily a bigger wardrobe. Determine what works for your body, what fits into your life, and what you’re missing before adding new clothes.

4. It’s OK to Buy Trends (Just Don’t Be Impulsive!)

“Editing your wardrobe is hard. We tend to get attached to pieces, even if we haven't worn them in years,” Susu says. She recommends donating items that have been collecting dust, but to keep any designer pieces that are in good shape. “I have found that my old designer pieces are pretty timeless.” Kate suggests playing dress up in your own closet to avoid buying more of what isn’t working. “Get curious and pay attention to what makes you light up and what doesn’t.” She also encourages clients to stop comparing, especially to a former version of themselves. “Keep what makes you stand a little taller and let go of what no longer reflects who you are today.”

3. Invest in Pieces with Longevity The best purchases are pieces that earn their place in your closet through repeated wear and versatility. Ideally, these pieces can be styled multiple ways and worn throughout the year (like a little black dress, according to Wendy). “A good piece goes with you on vacation, while a passing trend goes to the thrift shop,” Wendy says. “Ballin’s customers choose pieces

Trends are a fun part of getting dressed but shouldn’t dictate your personal style or overall wardrobe. “Invest in the trend you’d still wear when it’s no longer trending,” Kate says. “Trends should be an invitation to play with your style, not pressure to change it. If you love it, wear the hell out of it. If you don’t, let it pass.” Wendy shares a similar sentiment and encourages women to invest in something that excites them and complements both their figure and personal style. “While adopting a new trend, consider comfort, wearability, and body type. If the trend is ‘not quite you,’ choose a trendy accessory to insinuate the trend.”

And if something really speaks to you, but it isn’t an everyday piece, it may have life again in the future. “People should be careful not to make a trendy impulse buy, but if you love it and don't care if you only wear it a few times, then go for it,” Susu says. “Often times you can hold on to these pieces and wear them again when that same trend resurfaces... this time they're vintage which makes the items extra cool!” 7

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Kate enjoys having multiple styles and she dresses for the day depending on her mood, where she’s going, and how she wants to show up. “I don’t feel the need to fit into one particular aesthetic. It differs for my clients; some women love a very curated, consistent wardrobe, while others want variety. Lifestyle, personality, career, and interest all play a role.”

to use nine months out of the year due to our subtropical climate.”

SEPTEMBER 2026

Personal style isn’t static and should evolve over time. “Different versions of me have needed different things from my wardrobe. I’ve learned that personal style isn’t something you figure out once and then follow for the rest of your life,” says Kate Balestra of Hue & Edit, a personal styling and image consulting service that does everything from color analysis to wardrobe styling for photographers and branding shoots.

is dressing in her color palette and with comfort. Sosusu’s Susu Stall shares that her style has become more conservative in recent years. “I'm wearing more solids and a bit more coverage. I tend to purchase a couple of epic pieces per season so I can make a splash every now and then!”

Bring THE

HEAT

1 Boxy Embroidered Sweater $790, Golden Goose at Canal Place canalplacestyle.com 2 Quilted Tote Bag $50, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com 3 Floral Statement Top and Maxi Skirt Set $185, Silhouette Boutique silhouettenola.com

4 Hand Beaded Clutch $188, Hazelnut hazelnutneworleans.com 5 Top Time B01 Eddy Merckx $8,450, Breitling at Canal Place canalplacestyle.com

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7 Ilio Smeraldo Marta 5 Flats $285, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com 8 Glasshouse Fragrances Sunkissed in Bermuda Candle $50, Nola Boo nolaboo.com

6 Tropical Pillow $160, Eclectic Home eclectichome.net

9 Alberta Ferretti Floral Print Mikado Top $700, and Pants $940, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com

10 “Rouge” 32” x 32” Canvas $1,305, Eclectic Home eclectichome.net

11 14K Yellow Gold Ruby Stackable Ring $1,586, Golden Quality Jewelry gq.jewelershowcase.com

12 Floral Embellished Clutch $36, Silhouette Boutique silhouettenola.com

B R I N G T H E H E AT

1 Dabria Split Neck Mini Dress $89, Silhouette Boutique silhouettenola.com 2 Crosby Alice Tunic Dress $330, Ballin’s ballinsltd.com 3 The Persistence of Yellow Book $16.95, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com 4 Cheese Shaped Plate $17, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com 5 Striped Bow Tie $24.99, Nola Gifts & Decor nolagiftsanddecoronline.com

6 Faux Suede Barrel Bag $69, Hazelnut hazelnutneworleans.com 7 Decorative Box with Two Decks of Cards $25, Steele by Iron Horse @steeleoldmetairie

Fall Trend:Micro-Suede Staples

from

www.ballinsltd.com

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Lilli Sucré

SEPTEMBER 2026

B R I N G T H E H E AT

GEAUX GOLD

1 Case-Mate Gingham Jelly Tote Bag $80, Estella’s Home @estellasmetairie

2 Sundeck Luxe Mayfair Hat $145, Silhouette Boutique silhouettenola.com 3 Bandana Print Earrings $12.99, Nola Gifts & Decor nolagiftsanddecoronline.com 4 Caftan Dress $171, Steele by Iron Horse @steeleoldmetairie 5 Labuco Studio MaryJane Sport Shoes $490, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com

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6 Jan McKay Art Box #1 & #2 $250 Each, Judy at the Rink 7 Altuzarra Envelope Clutch $595, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com

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B R I N G T H E H E AT

1 Acrylic Photo Frame $82, Hazelnut hazelnutneworleans.com

2 Red Chili Pepper Cufflinks $35, The Rising Son therisingsonnola.com 3 14K Yellow Gold Lab-grown Ruby & Natural Mozambique Garnet Dangle Earrings $1,644, Golden Quality Jewelry gq.jewelershowcase.com 4 Handpainted Cocktail Shaker $32, Hazelnut hazelnutneworleans.com

2 3

5 Hutch Avielle Dress $374, Ballin’s ballinsltd.com

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SEP TEMBER 17-20 OPEN SUNDAY 12 - 5 FOR THE SALE

6 Melissa Castrillo Mosaic Mirror Price Upon Request, LA Guild at Canal Place canalplacestyle.com 7 Ming Stool $1,740 Each, Eclectic Home eclectichome.net

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BRIDAL REGISTRY | GIFTS | HOME DECOR 5525 MAGA ZINE STREET 504.891.2424

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ART THE OF

GETTING

Dressed BY MICHAEL A BECHLER AND SAR AH R AVITS

A Life in Vintage

SEPTEMBER 2026

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Claudia Baumgarten has been surrounded by vintage for so long that she’s watched it ebb and flow in popularity, has witnessed trends come back around (for better or for worse), and has educated countless customers and employees on the quality of older clothing. She opened Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing & Costumes in 2003, fueled by her love of fashion and desire to work for herself. “I love clothes and dressing people, but I had to come to terms with the business side of it. I’d rather get a tooth pulled than do my taxes, but then that’s life,” she says.

Claudia fell into vintage through her mother and Nana’s closets. “The smell, the texture, and most importantly, the connection with them is what I loved,” she says. “Just like now, each piece has a history. Someone lived inside that dress, ball gown, or silk nightgown, or 3-piece men’s suit. Their being is still part of it.” With a deep appreciation for construction and quality of clothing, Claudia is drawn to beautiful, well-made garments and accoutrements from every time period. That’s only half the fun — she has the pop culture references to back it up. Claudia carries garments from many different decades, but she personally loves how fresh and colorful the 1960s Mod Style is. “It was a seismic change in fashion, society, culture, music, and politics. Think Twiggy and The Beatles.” She’s also drawn to the delicacy of Edwardian and Victorian garments (but is fine to leave the social structures imposed on women in the past), and Amelia Bloomer riding a bicycle in bloomers in 1850 is a fashion hero of hers. Baffled by the return of shoulder pads, Claudia does love when palazzo pants and adapted sailor pants (originally designed by Coco Chanel) reemerge. “Y2K is also cool because it

is comfortable, easy to wear, and often has no specified waistline, like the drop waist of the 1920s.” At the Magazine Street store, you’ll find vintage, men’s fashion (“We love male shoppers. They see it, like it, buy it, and are out the door!”), and costumes — fitting for a city that always has an excuse to dress up. “To me, New Orleans style is more self-expression than fashion trends. Thank God for Carnival, theme parties, school plays, costume contests, bands that dress up, period history events, and just plain freedom of expression and mutual acceptance in dressing.” It’s also appropriate as Claudia is a performer, most known for her one-woman show Wit & Wrath: The Life and Times of Dorothy Parker. She doesn’t just put on the 1940s suit and hat; she fully embodies the writer. Claudia also has a special appreciation for New Orleans fashion, with a hidden collection of garments with labels from stores that “ain’t dere no more,” including Kreeger’s, D.H. Holmes, Maison Blanche, and Krauss. In recent years, Claudia has seen more shoppers across age groups appreciate the effort involved in designing, sewing, hand-washing, and properly storing these pieces. They also love the emotion behind clothing. “A major change is that people would walk in the store, sniff, and say, ‘Oh, it smells like my grandmother’s closet. Are these clothes used?’ and exit. Now they walk in and say, ‘I love that smell. Just like my grandmother’s closet!’ or they spy a dress and say, “My mother wore this exact style when I was a kid!’” With many young consumers favoring thrifting and shopping vintage over fast fashion — which Claudia says is a tremendous burden on the earth and the workers — she hopes the current wave will last. “Young people and old vintage keep me going!”

PHOTOS BY K AT K I M B A L L

Just as vintage itself continues to evolve, so does Miss Claudia’s. Claudia has embraced social media as a way to bring the shop’s personality beyond its walls, enjoying her role as the face of Miss Claudia’s on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Her recent series visiting her Magazine Street neighbors has been a hit. “Dressing up and prancing down the street meeting old and new friends in this spirit of community brings me great joy.” With the help of her dedicated staff who offer customers attention, creative ideas, and style tips, Miss Claudia’s remains less a store than a celebration of clothing, character, and the city that surrounds it. After more than two decades, countless trends, hurricanes, and summer slumps, Claudia is still doing what she set out to do: finding beautiful things and finding people who will love them too. @MISSCLAUDIASVINTAGE | 4204 MAGAZINE STREET

THE ART OF GETTING DRESSED

Native Style

When New Orleans native Ray Clement launched Alon Apparel out of his home in 2024, his goal was to incorporate comfort, style, and versatility into a clothing brand that could be worn for all types of South Louisiana occasions. As a busy father of two, “I’m outside all the time,” Ray says. “Guys want something that looks nice but is comfortable.” The shirts are made from a performance-blend activewear fabric that stays crisp and helps combat the region’s heat and humidity, and they can transition from one setting to another, like “dinner, church, work, and your kids’ sporting events,” he says. There are polo shirts, gameday shirts, performance tees, quarter zips, and hoodies, as well as boys’ shirts. He’s also working on a line of shorts. Many of his clients, he notes, are women searching for gifts for their husbands, dads, sons, and brothers. The clothing can be found in shops across the city and region, including Iron Horse, Ted and George, and Alice & Amelia, along with The Backpacker in Mandeville, among others. Alon Apparel shirts are also popular among golfers, and the brand is a PGA Tour Partner. Ray recently sold out of merch at the Zurich Classic in April, and he’ll be creating custom polos for next year’s tournament. He also sells directly through his website, and it’s not uncommon for him to drop off local orders himself — he enjoys meeting and connecting with his customers across the city. Ray says he always wants the brand to reflect his hometown even as it expands into other regions and stores. The company’s name is “NOLA” spelled backward. He also discovered that “alon” means “oak tree” in Hebrew, a coincidence that only strengthened the brand’s connection to the city.

He comes up with many of the designs himself, taking inspiration from local traditions, sports teams, and events, like Jazz Fest, Mardi Gras, The New Orleans Saints, LSU Tigers, and Tulane Green Wave. A couple of his shirts pay tribute to local bars, including F& M’s and Snake & Jake’s. Some of Alon Apparel’s more intricate prints are created in collaboration with Lafayette-based designer Burton Durand, whose work is also featured on Dirty Coast apparel and products from Abita Brewing Company. “He brings it to a whole other level,” Ray says.

P H OTO C O U RT ESY O F A LO N A P PA R E L

One of the most popular newer releases is the “Rebirth” gameday polo, which incorporates a repeated, illustrated pattern that depicts former Saints player Steve Gleason’s famous blocked punt in 2006. On the website, it’s described as symbolizing the rebirth of New Orleans and the “unbreakable spirit of its people” after Hurricane Katrina. Ray also has some solid-color offerings that pay tribute to his hometown like “Porch Ceiling,” which is inspired by the light blue hue commonly found on porch ceilings. “Cafe” meanwhile is a green shade inspired by Cafe Du Monde. “At the end of the day, everything’s gotta tie back to New Orleans.” ALONAPPAREL.COM

A Global Eye When shopping for colorful, feminine, and elegant clothing, be sure to pay Silhouette Boutique a visit during your next Oak Street outing. Owned by the vibrant and personable Frida Morel, the shop carries beautiful frocks, shoes, and accessories from a variety of brands like Choklate Paris, Twosisters The Label, Simona Maghen, and English Factory.

Although Frida didn’t come from a retail background, she felt called to have her own store. She opened Silhouette’s first location in Huntsville, Alabama, in 2019 and added the New Orleans storefront last fall. Frida adores interacting with all of “the beautiful faces from all over the world” who enter her space and is passionate about helping them find the perfect piece. “I love life, and I love who I am as a woman. I love what I do with a passion. I smile every time I walk in either one of my boutiques, which I refer to as my happy place.”

Born on an island in the Indian Ocean and inspired by European elegance, Frida brings a distinctly global perspective to the local shopping scene, offering a fresh point of view on what it means to dress beautifully. @SILHOUETTEBORN | SILHOUETTENOLA.COM | 8611 OAK STREET PHOTO COURTESY OF SILHOUET TE BOUTIQUE

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This sense of joy is woven into the story behind the boutique’s name. “Every day I get asked, ‘You have an accent, where are you from?’ and I love sharing with them because it tells my story of why I named my boutiques Silhouette.” Silhouette isn’t just a fashion term — it’s also the name of the island in the Seychelles where Frida was born and raised. “It’s not just a name, but my birthplace.”

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Frida is particularly drawn to vintage and old-fashioned clothing and fills Silhouette with pieces that make her feel happy and pretty — feelings she hopes to pass along to her customers. “I believe life should be lived in colors,” she says. “I love vintage European-inspired clothing and furniture. I am inspired by old movies; the elegance of the costumes always takes my breath away. My styles are inspired by the women who parade them across the screen of old movies in costumes created by Edith Head, Charles LeMaire, and Givenchy.”

THE ART OF GETTING DRESSED

Treasure Hunt Vintage clothing enthusiast Katharine Schweighardt turned a longtime hobby and passion into a career when she launched her size-inclusive clothing shop and pop-up venture Schwei Style. While she focuses on brightly colored, women’s vintage finds and flowy caftans, she also sells men’s Hawaiian shirts, button-downs, and pretty much any other eye-catching items from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. Katharine has always expressed herself through fashion. “I was always committed to not wearing what everyone else was wearing.” She started gravitating toward retro items, especially in college when she discovered the vintage clothing store Time Warp Boutique in Baton Rouge. While working in charter school operations for 11 years, she continued to collect vintage and thrifted goods. Four years ago, she quit the day job and decided to pursue her clothing venture full-time. “When I go to my storage unit and sift through things I started acquiring when I was still working (my old job), I think I was always preparing for this, even if I didn’t articulate it,” she says. Her selections these days can be found at The GOOD Shop, which is a collaborative shop owned by artists in the Lower Garden District; pop-ups and local art markets; and her Etsy shop. “If I see a market, I apply,” she says. Katharine strives to keep her price points accessible, as well as making sure she has items for people of all sizes — many of her clothes are for women who are size 12 and up. “You never know when you walk into a vintage space, if they are going to have anything that fits me, and can I afford it? I want people to see that both of those are true when people come to the store and see me at a market.” In an era where cheaply made, low-quality goods are proliferating across the web, she says shopping vintage has many advantages. For one, the quality of the clothing is often much better — after all, it’s survived the decades. But there’s also a sense of satisfaction in exploring styles from different eras — and seeing how things fit and feel. “I always tell people, ‘Just try it on.’ Vintage clothes are cut differently, and there are a lot of misses, but sometimes something will surprise you,” she says. “People end up finding pleasure in the search. So much of how we operate is immediate gratification, but when you shop vintage, it’s a treasure hunt.”

SEPTEMBER 2026

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@SCHWEISTYLE | SCHWEISTYLE.COM | 1114 JOSEPHINE STREET

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW ORLEANS KNOTS

All Tied Up Sung Ja McCloskey noticed that when people visited New Orleans, they were usually celebrating something. She wanted to be a part of those special moments and opened New Orleans Knots in 1997. The business is located inside The Shops at Canal Place and carries a wide selection of unique and designer ties, bowties, cufflinks, and other special occasion pieces. “In the beginning, folks from around the world visited me and purchased my hand painted collections I designed,” Sung Ja shares. “As time went by, more conventions came to the city, as well as high profile lawyers, doctors, and VIPs.” To cater to these visitors, she wanted to create more New Orleans designs while also offering a full range of neckwear and bowties alongside her own label. Sung Ja now also carries many items for women including fine silk scarves and chiffons, clutches, and brooches. Every day and week at the store are different, but Sung Ja is always there to help clients pick out just what they need, and often, things they didn’t know they needed. “For example, just the other day, my client drove from Baton Rouge to purchase cufflinks for her husband’s birthday and left with a great tie and two sets of cufflinks that are nowhere else in Louisiana!”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF K AT H A R I N E S C H W E I G H A R D T

Originally from Korea, Sung Ja evacuated to California after Hurricane Katrina but couldn’t stay away. She re-opened the store and poured her soul back into the inventory and helping clients. “New Orleans Knots is my life and my second home,” Sung Ja says. “So many people have come to see me and come back with family and friends to visit and shop with me. I, as long as I can, will be at Knots for their weddings, parties, business meetings, court, and just to step out in, and I am there to see they dress their best.” NEWORLEANSKNOTS.COM | 333 CANAL STREET #100E

MIXED

1 Challenger Jacket $189, The Rising Son therisingsonnola.com

SIGNALS 1

2 Simkhai Tobiana Midi Skirt $1,295, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com 3 Faux Suede Skirt $64, Tyler + Tate tylerandtate.com

4 Smythe V-Neck Flounce Hem Dress $650, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com 5 Floral Blouse $78, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com 6 Strathberry Crescent Moon Mini Purse $635, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com

7 Peter Millar Foster Glen Plaid Soft Jacket $1,395, Iron Horse ironhorseclothier.com

8 Destree Yoshitomo Checker Pants $580, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com

SEPTEMBER 2026

9 Lilli Sucré Printed Shirtdress $278, Ballin’s ballinsltd.com 10 Dog in Houndstooth Handbag $134, Hazelnut hazelnutneworleans.com

THE PEARL

MIXED SIGNALS

1 Fuchsia Cubism Rain Jacket $132, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com

2 Kandinsky Circles Umbrella $35, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com 3 Hutch Tyra Dress $242, Ballin’s ballinsltd.com 4 Hinson Wu Martina Paisley Dress $448, Ballin’s ballinsltd.com

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5 Benson Trapeze Mini Dress $85, Silhouette Boutique silhouettenola.com 6 Soho Mauve Tapestry Ballet Flats $70, Silhouette Boutique silhouettenola.com 7 Kay Unger Imogen Tea Length Dress $498, Ballin’s ballinsltd.com 8 Colorbox Claw Clip $22, Hazelnut hazelnutneworleans.com 9 GenTeal Desert Green Agave Polo $115, Iron Horse ironhorseclothier.com

SEPTEMBER 2026

THE PEARL

10 Leo Lin Jacquard Midi Dress $795, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com

11 Heritage Tartan Silky Scarf $36, Steele at Iron Horse @steeleoldmetairie

12 Gingham Check Midi Dress $150, Silhouette Boutique silhouettenola.com

1 Alon Apparel Drift Hoodie $96, Iron Horse ironhorseclothier.com

MIXED SIGNALS

2 Frances Valentine Schooner Dress $248, Ballin’s ballinsltd.com 3 Nature Inspired Skinny Scarf $13, Hazelnut hazelnutneworleans.com 4 Gianny Button Down Midi Dress $119, Silhouette Boutique silhouettenola.com

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5 Olives Button Down $99, The Rising Son therisingsonnola.com

6 Frances Valentine Origami Gingham Poplin Dress $498, Ballin’s ballinsltd.com

Fall into

THE PEARL

3913 Magazine St. | New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 304-5030 | tascperformance.com | @tascneworleans

SEPTEMBER 2026

Fitness Fashion

CREATORS, CUR ATORS, & CR AFTERS OF FINE DESIGN

8211 Oak St. | 504.866.6654 eclectichome.net eclectichomenola

INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM & FURNITURE SHOWROOM

SEPTEMBER 2026

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Y Starts here! A D E M A G

Clothier & General Merchandise

Mon-Fri 10am-6pm | Sat 10am-3pm Curbside & Delivery Still Available! 5101 W. ESPLANADE • 504.407.3532 at Chastant • Metairie www.nolagiftsanddecoronline.com @nolagiftsanddecor

IronHorseClothier.com

SHOW Your COLORS

1 Tulane Door Hanger $56.99, Nola Gifts & Decor nolagiftsanddecoronline.com

2 All Day T-Shirt $54, tasc Performance tascperformance.com 3 Light Blue and Green Glitter Duo $35, Sparkle and Swag sparkleandswag.com

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4 Murano Rocks Glass $40, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com

5 Alon Apparel Wave Performance Polo $80, The Rising Son therisingsonnola.com

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6 Peter Millar Tulane Performance Pull Over $172, Iron Horse ironhorseclothier.com 7 Roll Wave Flutes $20 Each, Sparkle and Swag sparkleandswag.com

9 14K Yellow Gold Freeform Ring $662, Golden Quality Jewelry gq.jewelershowcase.com 10 Cloud Polo $88, tasc Performance tascperformance.com

THE PEARL

SEPTEMBER 2026

8 Tulane Door Hanger $56.99, Nola Gifts & Decor nolagiftsanddecoronline.com

REHAB INSTEAD OF REPLACE!

OUR EXPERTS WILL MAKE IT LOOK LIKE NEW! C U S H I O N S , P I L LO W S , A N D M O R E ! Indoor and outdoor upholstery

PDO Full Lower Before Immediate Face Lift Before & After

After

PDO thread face lift designed to create a subtle, natural-looking lift and refreshed contour -without surgery. Please note: These photos were taken immediately before and after treatment, so some swelling, tightness, or asymmetry may be present. Results will continue to settle and soften over the next 2 weeks.

CALL 504.475.5510 OR TEXT 504.475.1905 TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

DOWNLOAD OUR APP!! ASK ABOUT OUR TREAT NOW/ PAY LATER PROGRAM Book Your FREE Consultation Here!

NOW SERVING THE BATON ROUGE AREA

3246 SEVERN AVE . | METAIRIE

saintlyskin.com

2801 ATHANIA PKWY METAIRIE • 504.831.5244 • BORDEAUXUP.COM

Go to Facebook for Videos, Specials and more Before & Afters

SEPTEMBER 2026

THE PEARL

LANDSCAPE AND COURTYARD CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

VIN TAG E EUR OPE AN-IN SPI

OVER 35 YEARS

Women’s Boutique

(504) 866-0276

L ANDSCAPE DESIGNER DESIGN

•

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EXTERIORDESIGNSBEV.COM

Problem Yards Are Our Specialty

From chic everyday wear to wedding guest looks & sororit y soirées! 8611 OAK STREET TUESDAY – FRIDAY 11 AM – 5:30 PM | SATURDAY 10 AM – 4 PM FOLLOW US @SILHOUETTEBORN

S H O W YO U R C O LO RS

1 Horn Legend LSU Interlock Cheerdrop Polo $135, Iron Horse ironhorseclothier.com

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2 Horn Legend LSU Tigers 1955 White Manhattan Polo $135, Iron Horse ironhorseclothier.com 3 Tiger Sequined Mini Crossbody $78, Hazelnut hazelnutneworleans.com 4 LSU Tigers Toy Train Engine $16.99, Nola Boo nolaboo.com

5 Geaux Tigers Tina Top $86.99, Nola Boo nolaboo.com 6 LSU Tigers Pacifiers $18.99 / Set of 2, Nola Boo nolaboo.com

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7 LSU Baseball Cap $19.99, Nola Gifts & Decor nolagiftsanddecoronline.com

8 Lila Stadium Bag $102, Lucy Rose shoplucyrose.com 9 LSU Cowboy Boot Earrings $22.99, Nola Gifts & Decor nolagiftsanddecoronline.com

11 Tiger Cocktail Napkins $28 / Set of 4, Hazelnut hazelnutneworleans.com

THE PEARL

12 Harper Striped Game Day Scarf $19.99, Nola Boo nolaboo.com

SEPTEMBER 2026

10 Recess Quarter Zip $78, tasc Performance tascperformance.com

Discover new exhibitions across fifteen galleries, meet local and international artists, and explore the creative heart of downtown New Orleans. All events are free and open to the public.

S AT U R D SA DAY AY 3 O C T O B E R 5 - 9 PM 300-600 JULIA STREET & SURROUNDING AREA

+ LIVE MUSIC IN GALLERIES

SEPTEMBER 2026

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JOIN US EVERY FIRST SATURDAY MONTHLY 5-8 PM

UPCOMING 2026-27 Event Dates NOVEMBER 7 DECEMBER 5 - Holiday Cheers JANUARY 9 MARCH 6 APRIL 3 - Jammin’ on Julia M AY 1 JUNE 5 AU G U S T 7 - W H I T E L I N E N N I G H T SEPTEMBER 4

W WW. ART IS NEW W ORLEA A NS . COM

ShopDog

Favorite people: His siblings Stella and Vincent, plus Katie

BY MICHAELA BECHLER

Rico

Age: ~4 years old | Breed: Pit Bull & Bulldog Mix Store: The Rising Son

or a curated selection of men’s clothing, accessories, and gifts, visit The Rising Son. Owned and operated by Joshua Saladino and his sister Katie Goudeau, the local store carries everyday essentials, New Orleans keepsakes, and unforgettable gifts. “We felt that it was something the French Quarter was missing,” Joshua shares. “We have so many great vendors with great origin stories that make the shop what it is.” The siblings hail from a retail family and have worked closely with their mother Lisa Saladino, who owns Forever New Orleans and Nola Kids. Just before the pandemic, they launched a tween store which struggled as the years went on. Last summer, Joshua and Katie transformed it (including the purple, yellow, and orange walls) into a warm and comfortable spot that appeals to both locals and visitors. The Rising Son recently celebrated one year in business and continues to entice customers with its unique and expansive collection, set against the busyness of the neighborhood. “There’s never a dull moment,” Joshua says. “I have been coming to work with my mom in the French Quarter since I was kid and have always loved what the city means to people.”

Joshua Saladino and his daughter Stella (9) with Rico.

Like Joshua, Rico embraces all the French Quarter action. He enjoys walking through the neighborhood and visiting the employees at Forever New Orleans and Nola Kids. At home, Rico really takes his “me time” seriously and is usually lounging around or trying to sunbathe. But when his mom is making steak and eggs for breakfast, he comes running. This city dog also cherishes any time at the beach and could spend hours playing in the sand. “He’s definitely a beach bum at heart.”

T H E R I S I N G S O N I S L O CAT E D AT 5 2 8 R OYA L S T R E E T

Fun fact: Rico stands with his paws facing out like a ballerina

Favorite animals: Buster (a Shop Dog alum!) and Peanut the hamster

THE PEARL

Open daily, The Rising Son puts the modern gentleman at the forefront. With football season underway and the holidays swiftly approaching, Josh, Katie, and Rico can help you find just what you’re looking for or show you something you didn’t know you needed.

SEPTEMBER 2026

Favorite toys: “When he is home, he loves his rope or unicorn stuffy that he brought home from ARNO. When he’s at the shop, he has a squeaky alligator he carries around.”

Adding to the fun is Rico, the energetic pup that Joshua and his family adopted from Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). The rescue gave Rico his name and described him in his profile as “The Boss of Belly Rubs” — the chances that he will roll over for you ASAP are very high. Rico loves going to The Rising Son so much that when he sees Joshua in his work clothes, the pup will sit by the front door to make sure that he isn’t left behind (unless it’s raining, then he would rather nap at home). At work, he likes to hang out at the front counter (usually under Joshua’s feet) but also loves getting attention and snacks. “Rico puts a smile on everyone’s face, from the employees, the customers, the delivery drivers, and the regulars that get to stop in to tell him hi.”

Fonta inebleau, New Orlea ns

1818 Veterans Blvd., Metairie LA | 504.888.2300 | nordickitchens.com