Christmas in New Orleans: a Trashy Diva Dress and Food, Food, Food

On a bit of a whim, Jon and I decided to pop into New Orleans on our way to visit family in in Florida. It's actually pretty quiet this time of year (quiet for New Orleans anyway), and the empty streets of the French Quarter on Christmas day made it an ideal time for cocktail drinkin' and photo snappin'. I know, we're heathens.

I found this 1940's dress at Trashy Diva, a New Orleans-based purveyor of vintage style clothing that fits like a glove. I've been following the company online for a while, but never had the chance to try anything on until this trip. I must say, the quality and fit do not disappoint. And I love that the green polka dot print on this dress offers a nice alternative to the red, white, navy and black that usually dominate the retro palette. Paired here with some made-in-Oakland earrings I found at Therapy.

And now for the food. Good God, the food. We took full advantage of New Orleans' culinary traditions, trying out Green Goddess, Jacques-Imo's, Cafe Carmo, and some late-night grub at Daisy Duke's and Mimi's in the Marginy. But the most memorable meal award goes to Cane and Table for their insanely tasty crispy rum ribs and the only $21 Sazerac that's ever been worth it (Nola is the cocktail's birthplace, after all). 

Fat and happy, we'll be ringing in the new year in Miami. Happy Holidays all, and see you in 2015!

// Of a Thread: Kalin's Thrifted Style

Kalin and I met in ninth grade P.E. class and bonded over our mutual hatred of flag football and love of Fiona Apple. Since then, we’ve been partners in various crimes, including public musical outbursts and theft of unattended croissants.

Hey Miss K! Thank you for letting me photograph your lovely face. Can you tell us a little about your job and what you do for fun?

Hi Jacqui! You're welcome. Few people are able to capture my natural beauty, as I'm prone to hilarious Jim Carrey facial spasms when in front of a camera. I work in children's theater. I'm currently directing a groovy musical about gender equality called Free To Be...You and Me. For fun, I like getting really high on cappuccinos and organizing my jewelry collection. I also dig binge watching episodes of 30 Rock. I'm a huge Jane Krakowski fan.

What does Kalin eat for breakfast?

Yogurt.

What would Kalin like us to think she eats for breakfast?

Greek yogurt with a handful of blueberries and almonds drizzled in local honey.

Please fill in the blanks: In high school, I dressed like ___.  In college, I dressed like ___. When I am 80, I would like to dress like ___.

A really sexy, hip drama geek; A walking thrift store; Diane von Furstenberg, but I also plan on dying my hair lavender.

You’re a recent transplant from San Diego. How has spending most of your life in Southern California shaped your style?

The majority of my wardrobe is only suitable for temperatures above 70 degrees. Now that I live in a slightly cooler climate, I still find myself gravitating toward clothes with a casual, breezy feel. I'm also a firm believer that shorts are appropriate for any season (thank you, tights.)

Describe your relationship with thrift stores.

Thrift stores are like little treasure islands with a musty smell. There are sparkling jewels hidden among the grandma sweaters. Some of my favorite clothes are from thrift stores.

Tell us about that little black dress.

That little dress is from a Goodwill Boutique. I fell in love with the bow and the square neckline - you just don't see that style anymore. I like that the straps offset the short length, so I can show off my gams without feeling too exposed. It also had the original Neiman Marcus tag on it. Score!

What is the most glamorous thing you’ve ever done, fashion-wise?

In Barcelona I rocked an asymmetrical, hand-dyed maxi dress with a thigh-high slit. It both hugged my body and moved beautifully. The dress came from India, but I felt like a Spanish goddess.

What is your style spirit animal?

A red panda. Relaxed and playful.

Outfit Details: Hazel sweater by Curator; 100% organic cotton, SF-made // Tweed blazer, thrifted // Black tap shorts, thrifted // Zig-zag tights, J. Crew // Felt hat by Goorin // Earrings, Synergy; Oakland-made // Sunglasses by Oliver Peoples

Outfit Details:

Dress, Goodwill; originally Neiman Marcus // Necklace, vintage // Purse, Banana Republic // Sunglasses by Oliver Peoples