One compelling quality of New Orleans is that it’s a canvas for disparate elements interacting: old and new, high and low, classic and cutting-edge. The locals featured here embody that unique quality of New Orleans by mixing styles and textures in their wardrobes and homes. From leather accents that give an edge, to feminine cocktail attire, to vintage jewelry paired with new trends, to a classic look with unexpected pops of color, these five New Orleanians know how to keep things interesting while lending their support to charities, and in general, being notable fixtures around town.
MARK ROMIG
Age: 57
Occupation:
President and CEO of New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (but I like to call myself “chief concierge”), and announcer for the New Orleans Saints
What nonprofits do you spend the most time with:
The Sugar Bowl, Xavier University, Covenant House and Fore! Kids Foundation
If these nonprofits have galas, what do you typically wear to them?
Each has a gala – Covenant House does not. They have a “sleep out,” which is totally dressed down. (What I wear) depends. For Sugar Bowl there’s normally a uniform: a Jos. A Bank jacket with logo. For others, black tie.
Favorite dress code:
Black tie. It’s simple, sort of understated.
Personal style:
I like to be comfortable, first and foremost, and practical.
Where do you like to shop?
Jos A. Bank locally. Perlis is good. I’ve been spending a lot of time on the Bonobos website, but I like to support local stores.
Whose style do you admire?
Archie Manning and my dad
What are you wearing in this photo?
Bonobos suit – I love Bonobos – Jos. A Bank shirt, Vineyard Vines fleur-de-lis tie – but I usually wear NOLA Couture.
KRISTIN SHANNON
Age: 38
Occupation:
Executive Director of Emeril Lagasse Foundation, which funds organizations that provide culinary education, life skills development, arts enrichment and summer meal programs to young people in need of support.
What do you wear to your nonprofit’s gala?
The fundraising weekend I plan for the foundation is the ideal fashion experience for me – from casual attire at “Boudin, Bourbon & Beer’s” “Cajun cocktail” to the next night’s “Carnivale du Vin” gala and wine auction’s “black tie and evening gown.”
Favorite dress code:
I love when invitations call for “dressy casual” because it gives an opportunity to have some fun, but still be comfortable. My favorite is “Cajun cocktail” which is what we designated for “Boudin, Bourbon & Beer.” Guests had a lot of fun exploring various interpretations on what “Cajun cocktail” means.
Personal style:
Classic, modern and chic. Always professional. I dress each day as it comes, and I try not to follow too many rules.
Where do you like to shop?
Saks Fifth Avenue and The Shops at Canal Place, UAL, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and Target, Hemline, Elizabeth’s. And it’s amazing what you can find at Old Navy!
Whose style do you admire?
Gwyneth Paltrow, Audrey Hepburn, Rene Russo’s character in The Thomas Crown Affair. Locally Margo Dubos, Ti Martin and the girls I work with every day.
What are you wearing in this photo?
Elie Tahari leather dress, Prada boots from UAL and earrings by Alexandra Alexa Georges Collection. I’m dressing for “Boudin, Bourbon & Beer” because I love the leather and boots, and the dress will look great and refined even after hours on my feet.
TIFFANY NAPPER
Age: 34
Occupation:
I run a boutique PR and branding firm called Bats on Strings and I recently launched a collaborative online store called Bats on Tees, where I’m partnering with other creatives in New Orleans to make tees, tanks, bags and more.
What nonprofits do you spend the most time with?
Excite All Stars and Tipitina’s Foundation
If these nonprofits have galas, what do you typically wear to them?
I attend the American Cancer Society’s “Hope Gala” (this year called “Belles & Beaus Ball”), and usually I wear a short cocktail dress, something fitted but easy to dance in, and some sparkling high heels.
Favorite dress code:
Festive. Knowing how to put together a good costume is part of the fun of being a New Orleanian! Cocktail is a close second though – it allows me to wear my favorite dresses, jewels and heels.
Personal style:
A little bit eclectic; definitely girly. I like to mix and match unexpected things.
Where do you like to shop?
For classics, Madewell. I like Free People. Shop Bop for trendy things. I like to shop at local boutiques as much as possible. Also my company, Bats on Tees.
Whose style do you admire?
Rachel Bilson. She’s petite like me, so I like to look at what she has on.
What are you wearing in this photo?
Bats on Tees shirt, French Connection skirt, Me Too shoes, Starry Nights necklace by Jupiter Lala, gold constellation ring by Julie Noland; bracelet and other rings are vintage.
ANNA LECORGNE SCHAEFER
Age: 30
Occupation:
Institutional Equity Sales at Johnson Rice & Company, an Oil & Gas Investment Firm.
What nonprofits do you spend the most time with?
I am this year’s chair for “Just Say YAYA!”, the annual fundraiser for YAYA (Young Aspirations/Young Artists) in November. Other nonprofits I enjoy or have enjoyed working with are the Junior League, Preservation Resource Center and the American Heart Association’s annual “Go Red Luncheon.”
If these nonprofits have galas, what do you typically wear to them?
It all depends on the event, but I will typically wear either a cocktail dress or maybe some skinny black pants and a fun top with heels. I’m 5-feet-11-inches tall, but I’m not afraid of a great pair of high heels to dress up an outfit.
Favorite dress code:
Most people at work – although I work with mostly men, so maybe not – would say my dress code is Theory cropped pants, some variation of a silk top and Tory Burch ballet flats. Very easy to pick out early in the morning. And most people at the gym, Audubon Park, my yoga studio or tennis court would say you can find me in anything Lululemon.
Personal style:
Whether it’s my closet or decorating our home, I would best describe my style as classic. I would rather have a few great staples in my closet – my husband may disagree! – that I can dress up with shoes or jewelry and wear over and over again than a ton of trendy clothes.
Where do you like to shop?
Canal Place is kind of a one-stop-shop for me with Saks and Lululemon being my favorite. But I love a lot of the smaller boutiques here like Angelique, Azby’s, Em’s, FeBe, Snap and Eros (Mandeville) to name a few.
Whose style do you admire?
My mom, Julie LeCorgne! To me she embodies the kind of classic but chic style that I love. If I have to choose someone better known, the first person I can think of is Nina Garcia.
What are you wearing in this photo?
Milly navy blue belted sweater dress, Christian Louboutin gold peep toe pumps, Kendra Scott earrings and Henri Bendel gold bangles.
ELLEN MANNING
Age: 44
Occupation:
Wife and mother (attorney by trade)
What nonprofits do you spend the most time with?
Mainly the Multiple Sclerosis foundation, whose fundraiser is changing this year to “A Vintage Affair.”
What would you wear to the fundraiser?
Something unique that you won’t see on anyone else; maybe a leather dress with some different statement jewelry.
Favorite dress code:
Cocktail. I love putting on heels and getting dressed up!
Personal style:
About 60 percent of my day is spent in exercise clothes, so when I do get dressed – I love to lunch with friends – I want an outfit to be flattering most of all. Trends are great, but I need to stick to what looks good on me. I always carry a wrap because I tend to get cold, so that’s one way to bring something funky and cool into an outfit.
Where do you like to shop?
I hit all the boutiques in town and love to shop locally. However, when we travel, I love to pick up jewelry or purses that remind me of that trip. It’s fun to wear them and think of what a good time we had.
Whose style do you admire? Anyone who can throw different things together and make a fabulous outfit and not just wear one designer from head to toe.
What are you wearing in this photo?
Elizabeth and James top, AG jeans and Lisa Pliner shoes.
