One of the best things about New Orleans is that it's the nearest place to where we live, where anything goes. Meaning: people can express themselves and be who they choose without worrying about what others think. No one looks twice or cares what you look like or what you are wearing and let me tell you, here you will see it all! It's been my experience, that port cities collect such a fine and colorful assortment of people from many cultures, all walks of life. I feel right at home and most myself in these places. Needless to say, there are characters aplenty and where else might you discover a life sized plastic virgin waving and blessing passers by from her balcony stationed above? It just seems apropos in the French Quarter.
There were other balconies that caught my attention. Peace Ya'll! Wish I could have caught this one, all lit up at night!
We bumped into three bands featuring 4 string banjo players (even a girl banjo player) and THAT would have made my father very happy, yes indeed! The instrament on the right is called a gut bucket. We used to have one of those. I know, I know, crazy but true!
There was a most excellent looking super red door that jumped out at me...
and this curious mannequin representing what? Who knows?
An elegant detail from the most gorgeous Supreme Court Building on Rue Royal caught my attention.
I must conclude by divulging a little secret about two of the most exquisite shops called 'Oh!'. The proprietor of these fine establishments is an extremely creative and tasteful man named Sandy Thigpen. The boutique on Royal reminds me of entering into a fantastic fairytale. It took my breath away being surrounded by the colorful dresses, sequined headdresses, fashionable chapeaux, the soft silk curtains dividing two rooms, not to mention the French boudoir dolls holding court upon two armories. A magical confection of a shop, yes! *Best yet, Mr. Thigpen owns two places in the Quarter, both specialize in Vintage Couture and fine lingerie and both called Oh!
In his second shop you will not only find more pretties, but meet the stylish and a most friendly lady named Marina.
Oh! Check it out! It's ooh la WOW!
******************************
Oh! 829 Rue Royal / 504.524.8807 (Sandy)
Oh! 330 Chartres St. / 504.525.8880 (Marina)
**************************************
Hope you've enjoyed coming along for your stroll in the Quarter!
xox
Constance
