Penn Iarocci is a born and raised New Orleanian. After graduating from Tulane University she lived in NYC for nine years working in sales in marketing at an investment bank. When she missed New Orleans more than she could stand, she moved back home, met her husband and started a family. She’s now raising two rambunctious little boys and spending her free time on environmental sustainability projects. You can reach her at penn@myneworleans.com.
As New Orleanians, we routinely gripe about the negatives of living in a tropical climate, but what about the benefits? Think about it. How many other places can you host a pool party for Halloween and a Thanksgiving dinner al fresco? Sure, our hair will never sit crisp and flat like it does for our northeastern friends but think about the additional motnhs (not weeks) we have to comfortably rollick about in nature.
This Friday, the New Orleans Museum of Art hosts one such weather redeeming event. The annual Love in the Garden fundraiser is set in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden among swooping oaks and multifarious, towering works of art. Guests are encouraged to wear floral cocktail attire to conjure the magic of mother nature. The party invites party goers to revel in the beauty of the natural world. A stellar example of why we should remember not to forget why we live in this beautiful, tropical city.
This year’s event chair, Elizabeth Grimes says, “I’ll wear a silk, sarong-style midi dress with a paisley print in yellow, orange and purple. Other attendees will have a range of dress styles. Many lean towards casual cocktail, but some folks really dress it up!”
Here are a few floral dress ideas in various colors to inspire your outfit.