As summer comes to a close, you’ll be looking for ways to spice up your fall. The shops and businesses on Metairie Road can help you accomplish that goal no matter your style or flavor.
For instance Mirabella (605 C)* has a wide selection of shoes such as Donald J. Pliner, Dolci Vita, Bernardo and many more. For the last nine years Mirabella has been strictly a shoe and accessory store, but this year the store has added apparel to its list of merchandise.
“We keep our shoes and accessories in mind when ordering our apparel,” says owner Kim Smuck. “That way you can get everything at one stop.”
If you’re looking for clothing by designers such as Nicole Miller, Hemline (605 B) may be the place for you. Hemline features a selection of women’s apparel from dresses to jeans. The store also offers handbags, shoes and jewelry.
You can even pick up a locally made headband. Owner Lesley Whites says, “I like to pick out great pieces for really good prices.”
SNAP (617), also offers a wide variety of women’s apparel and accessories. Designers include Rebecca Taylor, Marc by Marc Jacobsand Rachel Pally. “We are more casual with a little bit of cocktail,” says owner Jenny Carr. “We cater to high school girls and their moms and anyone in-between.”
If you’re looking for anything from T-shirts to party dresses, accessories, scented oils or exclusive jewelry, FeBe (474) has it.
The store use to have two locations on Metairie Road; one offered casual clothing while the other offered more designer brands. The two stores have now merged into one large location where they offer a wide selection of designer clothing and accessories, which includes 20 different pairs of designer jeans.
FeBe also offers an interchangeable jewelry line made by local designer Michele McKeon called SENNOD that they sell exclusively. “We’ve always taken pride that mothers, daughters and grandmothers can all shop together here,” says manager Ron Jones. “We have something for you no matter what your age is.”
Elizabeth’s (204) offers a selection that’s sure to spice things up. If you’re looking for evening gowns or casual pants, you can find them here. You can also find all the trimmings to complete your ensemble; from jewel studded clutches to leather handbags, Elizabeth’s has it to offer. “I like to say from casual to cocktail,” says owner Sal Trentacoste when asked about what the store offers.
If you’re looking for something to dress your little ones in, Banbury Cross (100 Anterton St. at Metairie Road), will make you smile. The shop caters to smaller shoppers and has hundreds of items to choose from.
The shop offers childern’s clothing and novelties. You can pick up something for a future Louisiana State University tiger or Saints player. No matter if you have a princess, ballerina, diva or little man, you’re sure to find something there.
Boujo (701 No. 2A110) offers trinkets, novelties and treasures. There you can find hundreds of different items to brighten up your day. The shop offers shoes, luggage, a line of colorful bags and items from Vera Bradley, Jazz candles, Merle Norman make-up and much more. “I love girlie things,” says owner Angel Bougon.
Boujo also offers two distinct jewelry lines, Khamilia and Kameleon. Khamilia is the only interchangeable line that includes pieces licensed by Disney, and Kameleon is a line with interchangeable jewelpops.
Sue’s Jewelry (3122 Metairie Road) is a full service jeweler that caters to people who love to show that they love Louisiana. Pieces with local emblems such as Fleurs-de-lis, “NOLA”, LSU and Saints logos are prominently displayed in cases for all to see. The shop also offers a variety of fine jewelry including engagement rings and a large selection of children’s pieces.
If “I dos” are on your mind this fall, drop into Hiller Jewelry (923) to check out their selection of diamond engagement rings that Lisa Biderman, the great-granddaughter of the store’s founder, says are the store’s staples.
The store is also moving in a new direction since its move from Veterans Boulevard. Owner Joe Biderman says, “The store is now set up for us to be like your personal shoppers.”
Hiller is also adding more casual pieces to its selection. You can find bangles, casual necklaces and the highly sought-after Alexis Bittar line.
If a special occasion is what you’re shopping for, then Boudreaux’s (701) is where you’ll want to visit. “Even though the economy is a little soft right now, customers are still coming in to purchase pieces for special occasions such as engagements, anniversaries and birthdays,” says owner Brian Boudreaux. “There is also a selection of christening and graduation gifts.”
Not only does the jeweler offer a wide range of diamond rings such as the Tacori line, they’ll also repair pieces that are already precious to you.
If you want to take a break from shopping for great pieces and create one, Corks N Canvas (119 Focis St. at Metairie Road) can comply. You can sign up for a class or book a private party where local artists show you step-by-step how to create your own work of art to hang in your home.
The popular art class offers a different painting daily for you to create. “You can bring your own wine, beverages and food to enjoy while you paint,” says teacher Clara McGehe. “It’s a painting party.”
While technically summer is coming to a close, the residents of Louisiana know that the heat isn’t going away any time in the near future. If searching for a way to cool down Sal’s Snowballs (1823), which has been in business since 1960, has 55 ways to help you do that. Flavors from bubblegum to King Cake will have your mouth watering.
“We like to keep it old school,” says owner Steven Bel. “We make our syrup daily and every morning at 5 a.m., then I drive across the river to the ice house to pick up fresh ice. It is a lot of extra work, but that’s what my customers expect.”
So, while you may be reminiscing about your great summer, you can get in gear to start your fall right. Take a trip to Metairie Road, filled with charming shops and businesses as unique as the road on which they’re located.
*Addresses on Metairie Road
