With Carnival season right around the corner, our thoughts are colored purple, green and gold. Join in on the revelry with our list of Mardi Gras must-haves. From attending extravagant balls to standing sidewalk side at the parade route, you’ll be set from your first bite of King Cake to the final moments of Fat Tuesday.
Tip back a few celebratory cocktails in a personalized glass with your family name displayed proudly beneath a crown etching. Betty Hunley, 6057 Magazine St., 895-2870, BettyHunley.com
You will be the belle of the Mardi Gras ball in the Candice Gwinn Honey Long Dress. The 1950s fit and vintage style bodice in stretch cotton blend satin make for a dream on the dance floor. Trashy Diva, 2048 Magazine St., 299-8777; 537 Royal St., 522-4233, TrashyDiva.com.
Take your eyewear to the next level with a pair of titanium cut lace BOZ frames from France. These ornate glasses can be made into opticals or sunglasses. Art & Eyes, 3708 Magazine St., 891-4494, ArtAndEyesNola.com
A Mardi Gras club belt with handcrafted leather made in New Orleans will jazz up any pair of trousers. This peppy accessory is available in four colorways in men’s sizes 30-40 and boys sizes 20-28. Pelican Coast, 5509 Magazine St. 309-2314, PelicanCoastClothing.com
Be prepared for puddle jumping on the parade route in a pair of däv rain booties. The pop of color from the Glasgow Oxblood adds a touch of flair while the contoured fit keeps this weatherproof footwear looking slimmer than your typical wellie. Feet First 4122 Magazine St., 899-6800; 526 Royal St., 569-0005; 200 Metairie Road, 324-9124, FeetFirstStores.com
A stunning beaded necklace that you don’t have to catch, the Capetown from Lionette is a mix of agate, Swarovski crystals, simulated opals and plated brass. Clover Boutique, 2240 Magazine St., 272-0792. BoutiqueClover.com
Set the scene for your parade watching party with festive decor like this golden Windsor crown measuring 16-by-20-inches. Vita by Italy Direct, 1537 Metairie Road, 831-1111, Vita-Nola.com
Your Carnival ball attire wouldn’t be complete without a pair of long kid-leather gloves. Handmade in Italy, these lengthy beauties are the perfect complement to a floor-length gown. Yvonne LaFleur, 8131 Hampson St., 866-9666, YvonneLaFleur.com
Remain stylishly hands-free with a Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC, complete with an adjustable strap that can be worn on the shoulder or crossbody. FeBe Clothing, 474 Metairie Road, 835-5250, febeclothing.com