Slow Southern Style

Mamie Ruth: Georgia's Music Fest Fashion Designer

2013-06-18T10:08:00.001-05:00

Music festivals are so much more than just the music that’s being performed. They embody a free spirited vibe, where you can literally let your hair down, become completely absorbed in the music, and just let loose. It’s this same care free spirit that 28 year old designer Emily Bargeron achieves with her clothing line, Mamie Ruth. Describing her customer as a free spirited “chill kind of chick” that doesn't shy away from bright colors and bold prints; she’s a hippie at heart.

Bargeron started making jewelry when she was 13, selling it at craft fairs. Shortly after college, boutiques started picking up her clothes. The basis of her clothing line started in large part from her desire to wear something unique at music festivals, and grew out of necessity. “People would stop and ask if they could buy the clothes off my back”, she explains. Named after her grandmother, a florist, the Mamie Ruth line “started 6 years ago as something I did on the side. I slept on the couch and ate nothing but tuna for a week. I definitely suffered for it but it was worth it.”

While her inaugural pieces consisted of remade vintage clothing and African wax prints, she began manufacturing when she started selling wholesale to boutiques. “When stores wanted 6 of something, they wanted 6 of something,” Bargeron explains. In 2009, she was an emerging designer at Charleston Fashion Week, and employed the help of seamstresses to showcase there. S/S 2013 was her first Atlanta Apparel Mart, and went from being carried in 5 stores to 26, from Florida to Tennessee, in just 8 months. These are impressive figures for someone who did graphic design half the week, and made jewelry the rest of the week when she first started out.

Originally from the” one red light town” of Louisville, Georgia, Bargeron now calls Savannah home. “What I love about Savannah is the slow, southern charm but it’s so eclectic. SCAD brings a lot of that hipster vibe, but we have that sweet Liliy Pulitzer lady as well. Georgia weather definitely affects the collection. No super big outerwear, because the Savannah weather is so warm. I’ll put in some pieces for other places, but I always think of the weather here.”

Like any true artist, Bargeron is an embodiment of her work. “Everything I do kind of revolves around Mamie Ruth. I don’t know how to turn it off. Every time I go out I constantly feel like I’m working, constantly promoting my brand. It’s what I love to do so I never feel like I’m working.”

Focusing on comfort, she likes to keep the line artsy and hip. Bamboo fabrics and baggier silhouettes keep the clothes wearable during the warm months of festival season. Her spring line embraces a few current trends such as dresses with side cut outs, high low hemlines, and tribal prints, but it’s all done with the quintessential Mamie Ruth Style. There’s the trademark ease to the collection, with drapy cuts, boxy, breezy blouses, and bold patterns. Leather bustiers are sexy yet sweet, Mexican dress style embroidery adorns a pair of high waisted shorts. Now that she has a bigger audience, Bargeron is revisiting the African wax print motif that she experimented with earlier in her career. Expect a “galactic, gypsy from Arizona feel” and lots of metallic, hologram, and custom prints from Mamie Ruth in the near future.

To purchase Mamie Ruth online, or for store locations visit the website. You can also keep up with her latest creations on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

All photos c/o Mamie Ruth

Cavortress at Bonnaroo

2013-06-12T15:30:00.000-05:00

If you're headed out to Tennessee for Bonnaroo, be sure to say hi to my fashion designer/stylist friend Julie Wheat (aka Cavortress) and her pink, black, and silver booth. She'll be slinging vintage clothes, jewelry, handmade items, even some costumes. Y'all know how I feel about costumes. Julie's also snapping some street style photos, so check back for some of her favorite Bonnaroo fashion in an upcoming post!

cavortress.com

cavortress.etsy.com

Bangladesh: Who's Responsible?

2013-05-10T14:36:00.000-05:00

While I don't keep up with a large amount of fashion blogs like I used to, not a single blog that I read on a regular basis has mentioned what's going on in Bangladesh. For those of you who aren't aware, a garment factory collapsed, killing over 1,000 people and injuring countless others. Sweatshops are not a new problem, and they aren't exclusive to the garment industry. However, the atrocities in Bangladesh's Rana Plaza can not be ignored.

3,000 workers were crammed into a building that was deemed structurally compromised only days before the collapse of Rana Plaza. Instead of heeding the warning, laborers were told to show up for work. According to the New York Times, April 24th is quickly becoming known as the worst disaster in the history of the garment industry.

We live in an era where many bloggers opt to be walking advertisements for big companies vs. whistle blowers, especially in the fashion industry. More concerned with scoring advertising dollars and bagging free clothes, it's no surprise that so many people have kept tight lipped. You never know who's listening in, or what PR company will be offended by your opinion and won't give you a free batch of clothes after publicly criticizing something.

The problem isn't just one factory with shoddy construction. It's the entire system. There's a reason why your Dannijo knock off necklace cost only $6. Someone's paying for it, and it's not you. It's the kid earning $50 a month, working in conditions that most Westerners would find appalling. But we turn a blind eye, so we can blissfully purchase our "affordable" designer knockoff clothes without having to stop and ruin our Pinterest worthy mood. I'm not saying I'm completely innocent either. Personally, I can't afford to buy everything I wear, from my underwear to my shoes, from small, independent Made In The USA companies. Nor do I have to time to do deep research before every single purchase I make.

So what can we do? While not everyone can afford to shell out big bucks on eco-friendly, fair trade, products, we can make smarter choices when we can afford it. Shop local as much as possible, shop secondhand, shop handmade, and challenge yourself to resist shopping fast fashion, big box stores as much as possible. Be as conscious as possible as to where your clothes come from. Ask questions, and more importantly, demand answers. Don't support the companies that engage in unfair labor practices. Eventually, they will follow suit.

Essential Reading:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nlcnet/8680380557/in/photostream/

http://www.globallabourrights.org/campaigns?id=0049

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/11/world/asia/bangladesh-collapse-death-toll.html?_r=0

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/03/business/factory-owners-in-bangladesh-fear-firms-will-exit.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/02/business/some-retailers-rethink-their-role-in-bangladesh.html

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/04/30/jcpenney-mango-among-companies-that-used-fatal-bangladesh-factory.html

http://www.theworld.org/2013/04/bangladesh-supply-chain/

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2013/04/26/world/asia/ap-as-bangladesh-building-collapse.html?_r=0

Keep You Posted

2013-04-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

I've been luxuriating in a less stressful schedule as of late, which has afforded me a better work/life balance. I've been off on little adventures, both in town jaunts and trips out of town. Research projects, twice weekly dates with the swimming pool, and long dog walks have been great for helping me refocus. See y'all soon.

old dry cleaners on freret & cadiz. i live for old buildings.

pimento cheese grits and a hearty pancake brunch from high hat cafe

Cute as a button bursts of rhinestone earrings from Armoire

F21 chambray sundress, American Apparel belt, Minnetonka moccasins, and a lavender mani

surrealist art from jason rodriguez. read my piece for propaganda to learn more about his work.

keepin' it classy with the bathoom selfie. vintage scarf, 21 sleeveless button down, joe's jean shorts via buffalo exchange, everlane tote bag that i take everywhere.

scoping out the wildlife in gulf shores, alabama

not pictured- two grey fluffy boys

NOLA Fashion Week Recap

2013-03-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Oops! It's been a month since I've updated. Sorry y'all. Life tends to get in the way of blogging. I've had some major life changes, all of which have been positive but I've been distracted, to say the least. Propaganda New Orleans has been keeping my inbox nice and full, but I was able to take time out to attend NOLA Fashion Week earlier this month. Our Creative Director Donovan Fannon took gorgeous photos of the Amanda deLeon show, and there are more on our Facebook page, with pictures still being added. There's plenty of coverage on my personal Instagram account and the NOLA Prop Instagram as well, but here are some of my favorites.

Team Propaganda- me, Lissy, and Leslie. photo c/o Lissy

Group shot!

Lissy, Meg, and I, minus my NOLA Prop wifey Leslie

Dorothy Wins, always

Blue Dreams

2013-02-20T08:00:00.000-06:00

You know when you've found an instant wardrobe staple. It makes you feel confident, attractive, and you want to wear it every single day. This Puella dress is perfection for me. It's flattering, comfortable, and multi seasonal thanks to the lightweight fabric. The cascading hemline and the henley neckline elevates it from your ordinary basic jersey knit dress, steering clear of lurking into boring territory. When the weather warms up, I'll ditch the leggings and pair it with a pair of bright colored sandals to keep it spring worthy.

What are some of your go to casual pieces?

Dress: Puella

Tights: Lucky Brand

Blue suede buckle flats: Belle by Siggerson Morrison

all from Buffalo Exchange

Instagram Slam- Mardi Gras Edition

2013-02-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

Can you believe Mardi Gras was only a week ago? Even though I'm still scrubbing glitter off my floors (and by still I mean haven't started), it feels like a distant memory already. Regardless, I've got a few more photos to share before I put it to rest. And I lie- some of these made to my Instagram feed, others didn't. I hope y'all enjoy them either way.

Kaci always kills it with her costumes. She made that Grecian goddess costume from scratch!

Dick in a box never.gets.old.ever.

Ran into this guy last year and he posed the same way this year. Mardi Gras kismet at its best.

Why yes, that is a Trojan horse running amok through the Marigny.

I love this picture of my husband- clearly he keeps himself entertained.

Form meets function- art bikes are always crowd pleasers, plus you can store booze and snacks in there.

Culture Shock Giveaway

2013-02-18T08:00:00.001-06:00

I've partnered with Culture Shock to help spread the word about this new local, globally minded business.

Owner Christine Alexis decided to open her online store this past January, with the goal to "culture shock". In addition to exposing customers to new cultures, a portion of sales goes to programs that focus on social justice.

In order to win, you must like their page on Facebook and comment below, stating which piece is your favorite on their website. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, February 27th.

Tallulah' Designs: Created Not Made Kickstarter Campaign

2013-02-15T10:32:00.002-06:00

Heather Williams of Alabama based fashion label Talullah is expanding her brand, and she wants you to help her hire. If you aren't familiar, Talullah is a "created not made" collection of dresses and separates, all handmade by Williams herself. She's looking to raise $35,000 via Kickstarter to hire on a staff and expand production from 40 dresses to 200, all while sticking to her mantra of lovingly made clothing vs. mass produced goods.

In addition to feeling good about supporting a southern fashion designer, you'll get Tallulah goodies, at all levels of support. From exclusive t-shirts, jewelry, all the way to custom made dresses. Watch the video below to learn more about the Tallulah brand, or click on their Kickstarter link here to help.

What I Wore: Mardi Gras 2013

2013-02-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

Mardi Gras always passes a little too quickly for my liking. This year was a good one, with not so impromptu dance parties in the street, run ins with friends, and a heck of a long bike ride home. Even though it was overcast, dreary skies couldn't dampen spirits. And though I've already packed up the costume box, I already have my hat for Mardi Gras 2014 picked out. See y'all on the parade route next year.

It's Lundi Gras Y'all

2013-02-11T00:00:00.000-06:00

Lundi Gras is like the Christmas Eve of Mardi Gras. In case you aren't familiar, Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday, the culmination of the carnival season where revelry in the streets is de rigueur until Lent begins at midnight.

While I didn't hit up that many parades this year, that doesn't mean that I won't be celebrating tomorrow. Not in New Orleans? Follow me on Instagram and Twitter if you want to keep up with my costumed escapades while you're sitting at your desk. Or, peruse the Mardi Gras archives, and check back after Ash Wednesday for more Fat Tuesday coverage. You can also read my piece about Southern Costume Company on NOLA Woman, and be sure to watch the latest Propaganda New Orleans episode below, where we head to Domenica to watch pastry chef Lisa White make her nearly infamous king cake, and Avenue Pub owner Polly Watts helps us pair whiskey with the sweet stuff.

Happy Mardi Gras, see y'all in the French Quarter tomorrow!

Half Price Ads In February

2013-02-08T10:00:00.000-06:00

My birthday was last Saturday on Groundhogs Day, which is fitting since it is sometimes overshadowed by major events like the Superbowl, Mardi Gras, etc... Mind you I'm not complaining- it just means people are in the mood to party.

Now that I've ate my weight in king cake, blueberry pie (thanks Dorothy!) and the presents are all tucked away, I'm offering all of my readers half price ads on Slow Southern Style for the month of February. Only two spots remain, so nab yours now. Just use the code "happybday" to take advantage. Head over to the advertising tab on the right to set yours up.

Instagram Slam

2013-02-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

Fat Tuesday is dangerously close, which means late night sewing sessions, last minute supply scrambles, and trial runs with the costumes. I'm an anything goes at Mardi Gras time kind of gal, except for one thing- absolutely no applying glitter in the house. Shiny dust bunnies just aren't my thing.

Speaking of glittery goodness, our second episode of Propaganda New Orleans is now live! Featuring Domenica's king cake and a whisky tasting at Avenue Pub, it's just the right amount of decadence for carnival season. Click here to watch it on our site, or you can always subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Bad hair days command a silk headscarf and peppy pink Dolce Vita loafers add a distraction. (similar style here)

Trying out Little Korea on S. Claiborne

J. Crew desert boots for him

Work outfit- Obsessed with my expanding collection of Everlane t-shirts. Bracelet from Sabai, one of my favorite local jewelry stores.

Post- Satsuma Cafe lunch pose with the sis

Yummy noshes at Little Gem Saloon

Winner of the NOLA Eats King Cake Tasting Tickets

2013-02-01T00:54:00.001-06:00

By a purely random stroke of luck, the winner of two NOLA Eats king cake tasting tickets is Christina McKay! If you didn't win, you can still receive $3 off your ticket price by using coupon code SSS. Click here to purchase your ticket.

Like the short video I made? I jumped on the Vine bandwagon- follow me at @ChristyLorio. If you haven't heard about this new iPhone app, it's like Instagram but with 6 second videos.

Treat Yo'Self Trunk Show

2013-01-29T09:00:00.000-06:00

I can't think of a better marriage than handmade jewelry and folk art, can you? Jupiter Lala and Rebecca Rebouche are teaming up this Friday for a special trunk show at Rebouche's charming studio, The Beauty Shop.

In addition to the whimsical mixed media art and painstakingly detailed jewelry, there will be king cake, bubbly, and handmade paper fortunetellers.

Read up about Rebecca Rebouche via my Uptown Messenger article from this past summer, or head over to the Facebook event page to RSVP.

Stealing Magnolias by Debra Shriver

2013-01-28T09:00:00.000-06:00

“New Orleanians have long memories and a high tolerance for eccentricity.” – Randy Fertel

If you’re a New Orleanian, you have an intimate relationship with the city. You lovingly talk about its nuances the same way you’d describe a lifelong friend, or a close relative. They might drive you nuts sometimes, but their faults only add to their charm. From decadent recipes to French influenced décor, Debra Shriver tells her tale of embracing the Big Easy lifestyle in Stealing Magnolias, a coffee table book that is not only comprised of her favorite haunts, but her adoration of the culture.

Alabama born and bred, this New Yorker fell in love with the city and found a quintessential French Quarter residence to call her own just weeks before Hurricane Katrina. While the photography alone is worth a glance, Shriver weaves an intimate tale, sharing her NOLA love notes with us as she discovers her neighborhood and decorates her home. When we hear so much about spikes in crime, increasing property taxes, hurricanes, and crooked politicians (I'm looking at you C. Ray Nagin), it's a necessity to take a moment to dwell on the positive details that make this city so special.

Stealing Magnolias would make a wonderful gift, or purchase a copy (via Octavia Books) for yourself and be prepared to reconnect with New Orleans. Already have a copy? Be sure to read Valorie Hart's review of Shriver's latest book, Spirit of New Orleans on Visual Vamp.

Giveaway: NOLA Eats King Cake Tasting Party

2013-01-24T09:00:00.001-06:00

My NO Prop wifey Leslie Almeida is at it again. Celebrating 5 years of sugary bliss, her annual king cake party is the largest public tasting in the New Orleans area. In fact, I'm just now coming down from last year's sugar high. With over 20 king cakes, including a home baked category, you might want to start your Lenten fast a little early to prepare for the doughy gluttony that will ensue. My personal favorites from last year ranged from Haydel Bakery's classic cake, Domenica's "so good it's not even fair" concoction of bananas, mascarpone, and salted caramel, and Cake Cafe's goat cheese stuffed variety. In addition to all of the cake cake cake cake cake, there will be live entertainment and raffle prizes, all wrapped up in the beautifully renovated Little Gem Saloon.

Slow Southern Style is giving away two free tickets to one lucky random winner. Contest runs through January 31st, winner announced on February 1st.

All you have to do to enter is:
1. Comment below what's your favorite place to buy king cake and
2. Like Propaganda New Orleans on Facebook.

Can't wait to find out if you've won? Buy tickets online here and receive $3 off with discount code SSS.

Sewn In The South: Kim Noland

2013-01-20T22:42:00.000-06:00

I had the pleasure of interviewing Alabama based fashion designer Kimberly Noland as part of my monthly column for Oxford American. Read about it on the OA website by clicking here, or cut to the chase and buy one of her superbly flattering dresses on her website.

A Mississippi Getaway

2013-01-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

Make no mistake, I'm sort of a country girl at heart. Growing up with a swamp for a backyard, I prefer to spend a little time in the woods vs. visiting big cities when I go on vacation. So January 1st we packed up the truck and headed to our little hideaway in the Homochitto National Forest. Not a shabby way to ring in 2013, no? You can catch up with my woodsy adventures in the archives here.

Hitting up the apps hard- no shame.

Needlenose and a tranquil pond

Udon noodles, goat cheese pear crustini, liquid bread

Reading material+ a good fire= heaven

Princess prissy pants aka love of my life aka Nadia

Other love of my life, besides the cats and the ball python

Performance wear is the hottest trend, not really.
Merrell jacket, Hardtail skirt, Celine sunnies via Buffalo Exchange
Ralph Lauren over the knee socks via TJ Maxx
Lululemon leggings c/o Life Boutique (last year)
Keen boots via REI

Tips to get your costume together

2013-01-09T22:13:00.001-06:00

It's officially carnival season- are you as giddy as I am? While I've already got most of my costume supplies, I haven't done a lick of sewing yet. I'm keeping it all a secret this year, but three words: orange short shorts. Want another hint? That's what my husband is wearing.

If you need a little help figuring out what in the hell you're going to be for Mardi Gras, fear not. I'm sharing my tips to get your costume together at the East Bank Regional library on Wednesday, January 23rd at 7:00pm. From what to look out for when shopping, to a list of stores you'll need to make it happen, consider this DIY Costume 101. For more information check out the library's calendar listing by clicking here or sign up on the Facebook event page. Have a question you'd like answered? Leave it in the comments below, or send it to slowsouthernstylellc@gmail.com.

Mardi Gras 2012

What I Wore: Post Christmas Festivities

2012-12-27T08:00:00.000-06:00

I've been enjoying three days off thanks to Christmas, and spending time with my sister while she's in town. From watching bad reality shows at mom's house on Xmas day, to introducing our dogs, a Greyhound and a French Bulldog, to each other and watching them fight over toys, it's been a fun holiday break.

Our to do list also included supping at Matt & Naddies, a quaint bistro "where Freret meets the river." With no hype or pretense, it's certainly an underrated spot where only locals or in the know tourists go. I've been to Matt & Naddies a handful of times, and it never disappoints. Any excuse for a stellar meal- awww hell we don't need an excuse, just good company and a reservation.

Filters and layouts result in album cover worthy iPhone pictures of my cats & neighborhood graveyard.

Oversized hoop earrings: c/o Rue Belle Maui Paris

Grey sweater: Cynthia Rowley via TJ Maxx

Celine sunglasses, silk headscarf, F21 skirt, NWT Lucky Brand leggings, and Big Buddha bow shoes via Buffalo Exchange

Local art & the shrimp bowl at Sarita's on Freret Street.

Instagram Slam 2

2012-12-23T18:07:00.000-06:00

Fish and shrimp tacos from Sarita's.

A little gift from Baton Rouge based Mimosa by ME

It's been a nonstop food fest these past few days. I don't know if it's sheer resistance to grocery shopping, but I've been tearing up some of my favorite eateries as a little treat to myself. Good food isn't the exception in New Orleans, it's the norm.

Red gel polish to get me through the holidays.

Homemade toddies

Sea dog, tomato sour cream fries, and duck sausage from Dat Dog

Vegan Pho from Pho Viet. This is the small bowl.

Instagram Slam

2012-12-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

Jeffrey Campbell pink loafers

I've been ridiculously busy lately between launching Propaganda New Orleans, working a full time job and picking up freelance writing gigs. I'm not complaining, but free time is pretty much non existent at this point. I never knew working 80 hours a week was physically possible, so I'm very much looking forward to a week's vacation to ring in 2013.

softshell crab banh mi at Origami on Freret Street

lounging, greyhound style

grilled cheese + beer= perfection at Avenue Pub

spider web on the gate

What I'm Working On

2012-12-17T08:00:00.001-06:00

There's been some changes here at Slow Southern Style headquarters. Fear not, this blog isn't going away, but I have so many exciting projects going on that I can't spread myself too thin. To reflect all of my projects, I've changed my Twitter and Instagram handles to @ChristyLorio. Super creative, right?

Here are a few links things I've been working on that y'all might be interested in.

Shop Local Style on Uptown Messenger- click here

I've also started doing some freelance work with The Gambit, a local weekly paper. Gift guide is here, my profile on local business Perfect Fit Shoes is here.

Dressing for success on NOLA Woman, a smart new website for women in New Orleans. read it here
Of course I've got plenty of goodness at Propaganda New Orleans. From The Nail Wrap, gift guides for the holidays, health topics, music coverage, the list grows every week. We're also giving away a fabulous $4,000 vacation- enter here.

And be sure to watch our first full length episode, featuring our favorite Magazine Street shopping destinations as well as new salon Bouffant Beauty & Barber.

Slow Southern Style

Mamie Ruth: Georgia's Music Fest Fashion Designer

Cavortress at Bonnaroo

Bangladesh: Who's Responsible?

Keep You Posted

NOLA Fashion Week Recap

Blue Dreams

Instagram Slam- Mardi Gras Edition

Culture Shock Giveaway

Tallulah' Designs: Created Not Made Kickstarter Campaign

What I Wore: Mardi Gras 2013

It's Lundi Gras Y'all

Half Price Ads In February

Instagram Slam

Winner of the NOLA Eats King Cake Tasting Tickets

Sponsored: Anjolee Diamonds

Treat Yo'Self Trunk Show

Stealing Magnolias by Debra Shriver

Giveaway: NOLA Eats King Cake Tasting Party

Sewn In The South: Kim Noland

A Mississippi Getaway

Tips to get your costume together

What I Wore: Post Christmas Festivities

Instagram Slam 2

Instagram Slam

What I'm Working On