This week's design post is a little different than the usual. Sticking with the New Orleans posts (I've got so much more to show you!) I wanted to highlight a local artist that I met while I was away.
We were wandering down Frenchman Street, because that is where EVERYONE we spoke to said to go at night, and we came across this ADORABLE market, the Frenchman Art Market. It was a nighttime market with local artists selling their work.
When I'm away, I try to always buy a piece of jewelry. It can be costume or dress, don't matter, just something that when I wear it it reminds me of the trip... SOOOO ... when we stumbled upon this market it was a perfect storm! They had tons local artists products, and TONS of jewelry.
Lauren Noel King of The Magpie Collections had BEAUTIFUL, unique, handmade jewelry. Because it was just after my birthday, my ladies said they wanted to buy me something on our trip as my gift (score!), and there was no questions I was getting something from The Magpie Collection. The decision was a difficult one, I mean, check out all the cool stuff she has in her Etsy store!
I decided on an African Porcupine Quill necklace. (You can see some better pictures and description of a similar one in her shop here.) Not only was her work great, Lauren was adorable and sooo sweet. Her business card is this blue sparkly piece of goodness, and she told me to contact her at any time if I have any issues with the necklace.
I went with a more simple design because I like to have pieces that I can wear everyday, but I LOVED this one too.
This night was beyond perfect. We started at The Spotted Cat and listened to Kristina Morales and the Bayou Shufflers for a looooong time. She (THEY) are amazing, check them out! I fell in love with the trombone player and then we stumbled upon the Frenchmen Market!
The space was soooooo coooolllll. There were different interesting sitting areas, including a GLOWING sofa! I'm uber sad I didn't get this mirror, but really, how the hell would I have gotten it home?!
While I write this, I am actually away in Vancouver for work and I realized that I actually have the necklace with me! I like to keep the jewelry situation light when I travel, I stick to the basics that I love and would wear while home on the reg (unless there is a specific piece that makes an outfit of course!). Pictured above we have the gorgeous NOLA necklace I can't stop talking about, a ring that I bought on my first business trip to Arizona at vingage shop (over 4 years ago!) and my favorite piece that reminds me of home. My grandpa Al had a business and had this watch face made SOOO LONG AGO. My mama found it at her house and gave it to me this year, I don't leave home without it!
Do you pick up trinkets along while away to remind you of your trip? I've collected quite a lot of interesting items, maybe I'll share the whole collection with you one day soon!