If I were trying to explain a Parisian shopping experience to someone who has never been to Paris, I’d reference Magazine Street. The blocks and blocks of small, quaint retail shops peppered in amongst restaurants and leafy patio bars conjure the Rue des Francs Bourgeois in the Marais District of Paris. It is a little slice of walkable heaven that’s nearly impossible to find anywhere else in the U.S. Big box stores are few and far between and the owners are typically still a presence in the store assisting customers and checking folks out behind the counter. And though Magazine Street is quite reminiscent of a Parisian shopping jaunt, it is still uniquely New Orleans. Each boutique, furniture store, art gallery along the street has a singular perspective and delivers it unapologetically. Like walking around in the imagination of every individual shop owner! No two perspectives are alike.
My birthday is this Saturday and I’m kicking off the celebrations at the Magazine Street Champagne Stroll. The stroll goes from 5-9 p.m. and 90 participating stores will serve champagne and treats, offer discounts and some even have live musical performances. I don’t like to pick favorites, but I’m limited on time so here’s my condensed itinerary covering an easily walkable .8 miles.
Champagne Stroll Itinerary:
Stop 1: Aux Belles Choses for beautiful vintage and contemporary Parisian textiles, flatware and garden accessories. I always find something here I didn’t know I needed, like a rooster adorned kitchen towel!
Stop 2: The Collective Shop features an array of locally crafted and mostly sustainable hand made goods. The ceramics are my favorite. They feel organic and fresh but classic.
Stop 3: So Susu is high fashion, feminine, flirty heaven. I’ll pop in (only open until 6pm) for champagne and a peek at this skirt by Rachel Gilbert and funky Pertegaz jumpsuit.
Stop 4: Vintage Green Review is a small but mighty emporium for all sustainable things. I love the hand made, upcycled coasters and Madonna Lily beauty oil. Plus, they’ll host a live jazz trio out front!
Stop 5: Perch is a feast for the eyes. Full of art, furniture and gifts with a cheeky sense of humor. Catch me here on Friday at noon for a live Shop Talk @stcharlesavenuemag !
Stop 6: Peony is the sweetest little shop for both moms and kids! Brands like Love Shack Fancy and Louise Misha will have you feeling girly and boho chic.
Stop 7: A quick stop into ByGeorge (not part of the stroll but open until 8) for IT gal treasures by both established and indy brands alike. I’ll be swooning over the vintage watch collection and Elder Statesman garb before I grab an Italian Margarita (it‘s a thing) at the Paradise Lounge.
Stop 8: A lady never tells…
**Don’t forget to look for the custom decorated champagne bottles in participating stores like Picnic, Reginelli’s, Casey Langteau and Kevin Gillentine. Dark Garden even designed a custom “bottle garter” that will be auctioned off as part of the festivities!
Other deals to note:
Kendra Scott – 20% off purchase
Fait Nola- 10% off all products
BLO Blow Dry Bar – $5 off blowouts, 10% retail products
Clockwise:
Jumpsuit, So Susu
Tulle Dress, Peony
Recovery Oil & Liquid Gold Serum, Vintage Green Review
Tere Bonne Candle, By George
Loewe bag, By George
