St. Charles Avenue August 2018

Page 48

Old Metairie

Bon Temps Boutique

is one of Greater New Orleans’ most vibrant neighborhoods, quietly thriving out of the limelight in a city that prioritizes tourism. Located just outside

of Orleans Parish and the tourist-heavy areas of the city, Old Metairie is a place that fosters community by maintaining its family-oriented atmosphere. Metairie Road provides a charming oak-shaded drive through the area and serves as the main lifeline of the neighborhood, lined with the businesses and boutiques that supply residents with not only goods and services, but friendship and fellowship as well. A look in to the various shops offers a glimpse into the lifestyle and atmosphere of this fashionable family destination.

Boudreaux’s Jewelers is a stalwart of the neighborhood, arriving in

1985 from its original location on the first block of Baronne Street. During the 1980s, as downtown business gradually moved from the Canal Street corridor deeper into the CBD, Boudreaux’s eyed a change, choosing to serve its clientele from a more convenient location as one of the first retail tenants of the Old Metairie Village shopping center. “Getting into the Metairie Club Gardens area with a fine retail space was key. My grandfather lived out here at the time, and we found that there was a need in the Old Metairie market here,” says Brandon Boudreaux, Lead Designer and fourth generation of Boudreaux family jewelers. During this time of year, Boudreaux’s is excited to be introducing the 2019 line of Omega watches while also bringing in a new line of fine designer jewelry, Jude Frances. Another longtime occupant, with roots in New Orleans that go back 35

years, Elizabeth’s opened its Metairie Road boutique 15 years ago.

“During the past 15 years, this area has flourished, and part of its vi-

brancy, I think, is the sense of boutique shopping, the destination where you come when you want to find that special outfit,” says Sal Trentacoste, Owner and Buyer. A women’s clothing boutique, Elizabeth’s caters to the woman who travels but wants the latest fashions right in their neighborhood, according to Trentacoste. This month, fall fashions are arriving. “Old Metairie is a neighborhood that values and supports small businesses and entrepreneurs. Part of the charm of the shops in this area is that they are specialized like Elizabeth’s,” he says. You won’t find many big box stores in Old Metairie, a testament to the customer service offered by its specialized, local stores.

The Linen Registry has been in Old Metairie since 1997, and while it

has always been a major thoroughfare, Owner Lee McKee says Metairie Road became a specialty shopping destination following Hurricane Katrina. “I grew up in Old Metairie, and when I moved back to New Orleans, I moved back to where I felt most at home,” says McKee, who specializes in high-end linens for bed, bath and table while also offering gifts, lingerie and a bridal registry. A safe and central location was important to McKee, who also notes that parking is less of a challenge in this area versus New Orleans’ Uptown or French Quarter neighborhoods. In late summer and fall, The Linen Registry is popular for back-to-school bedding, custom table linens and specialty gifts for the holiday and debut seasons.

FeBe is a shop that has grown with the neighborhood, initially opening along

Metairie Road in 2003 before quickly outgrowing its space and moving to its current location in 2005. Offering over 4,000 square feet of designer clothing and shoes, FeBe receives new merchandise every day. “Over the years, more and more shops and restaurants have opened, making Metairie Road its own shopping destination. We have been fortunate to be able to continue to grow each year as more people discover this area while still getting to see our loyal customers that have been with us since the beginning,” says Effie Boihem, Co-Owner. This month, shoppers can look forward to trunk shows for Sennod Jewelry Design, Finley and Cordani Shoes.

The growing nature of Old Metairie retail is what drew Lilly & Co. to the area.

Offering casual every day clothing, gifts, shoes and salon services, Lilly & Co. boutique and salon is enjoying being one of Metairie Road’s newest additions in just its first


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