(Docker's oxford, makeshift bow, Forever 21 skirt, Bebe shoes)

This skirt has officially replaced my Opening Ceremony shorts for the holidays. Jason once tweeted: "I’d say that style is consistency and fashion is made up of lots of soon-to-be-obsoletes." (Scott Schuman) I'd have to agree wholeheartedly. Although the studs have been a trend for several years, I'm really taken by the silhouette of the skirt. It makes me feel sexy and feminine. Yet the oxford tucked in adds the sophistication that I prefer for brunch. Today will be fruitful as I finally get to taste the wonders of another Donald Link restaurant - Herbsaint. This is my eldest sister's favorite New Orleans restaurant and she is THE final word on food. I'll let you know how that goes.

And thank the heavens it is vacation time for teachers!

(Brandy Pham shirtdress, Forever 21 oversized vest, Chelsea Flea Market bracelet/belt, Topshop boots)

For readers who are thinking about visiting, this is the time to do it! New Orleans is transitioning into a more and more beautiful city each day. The Saints are uplifting, the education system is changing for the better, and our city is coming together. It's a beautiful thing. I get a lot of emails from readers about where to go, shop, and eat while in New Orleans so here is a list of the top places that I frequent. I bleed Black & Gold!


Food
1. Cohon's Butcher - A top spot for food and an all around good time. It was opened by Chef Donald Link following the successes of his other restaurants (Herbsaint and Cochon). The array of happiness begins with the in-house cured meats (think duck pastrami), cheese from St. James Cheese, homemade hotsauces and pickled everything.
2. Il Posto Cafe - I really don't want to tell you about this hidden jewel, but it deserves a spot on my list as I frequent it several times a week! I was introduced to this quaint little Italian cafe by my bestest Sara(miss you!) and instantly fell in love with it's charming decor and homemade selection. It houses the freshest caprese salad and paninis. But what I really love are the seasonal items - sage and fontina biscuits and butternut squash soup. An overall very healthy alternative to the gumbos and jambalyas.
3. St. James Cheese - I am so grateful to have befriended the peeps at St. James because they are literally my neighbors! St. James is the best purveyor of cheeses to many of the restaurants in New Orleans. It houses the finest selection of both American and European cheeses. Come on Fridays where they generously give out cheese tastings. Their sandwiches are to die for.
4. La Boulangerie - Best French Bakery ever known to New Orleans and a Saturday morning ritual. I come here for its authentic french pastries, the butteriest baguettes, and seasonal goodies like kicked-up pecan pie.
5. Vietnamese food - Next to Houston, our Vietnamese restaurants shut it down. There are plenty in the outskirts of the city so take your pick.


Bars + Lounges
(click for my friend Richard's reviews, he's more qualified for this)
1. St. Joe's
2. Bridge Lounge
3. Le Phare
4. Pat O'briens
5. Juan's Flying Burrito - happy hour!

Shopping
1. UAL - my favorite spot for designer goodies for cheap
2. Magazine Street - vintage shops and boutiques
3. Shops at Canal - for the high rollers
4. Famer's Market - for fresh produce. There are several scattered around
5. Whole Foods

Things to do
1. Ride the street car to Camillia Grill, a historic New Orleans diner
2. Eat beignets at Cafe Du Monde while listening to live street perfomers
3. Jazz Bars - Snug Harbor and DBA on Frenchman
4. Go to a Saints or Hornets game - we are a crazy bunch of fans
5. Wake up at dawn and take a walk in the French Quarter while it's still quiet
6. Do cartwheels in Jackson Square
7. Help rebuild the city with Habitat for Humanity
8. Join a secondline
9. Come to Jazz Fest
10. Eat the best gelato at La Divina Gelateria

(Bebe blazer, UO romper, Gucci scarf, vintage loafers)









Despite sleeping in hours after being hit by the Thanksgiving itis, I couldn't resist my chance to try Surrey's Cafe & Juice Bar (1418 Magazine St) today. I tried to stay on the lighter side with scrambled egg whites and smoked salmon, but caved and ordered grits and a biscuit. It's no wonder I can't find my waistline! Brunch was followed by more stops to local spots and then watching hours of Disney movies.

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If you're reading, Frickys from FricChic, please send me your mailing address to juleytl@gmail.com because yay you've won the Rachel Leigh bracelets from the recent contest! I'm excited to see how she rocks the bangles. She has the cutest style! In case you're wondering, I simply used a random number generator to select the winner. Thank you all for entering! There will be more contests in collaboration with ChickDowntown.com. And please forgive me for I've yet to answer all of the questions. I'm thinking of a video post to answer them but fear that I'm quite the bore on camera.

Momofoku Ssaum Bar




Famous pork buns


Fresh cured hamachi with dried seaweed, wasabi, and edamame
(Winner of the OMFG moment for the freshest flavor I've tasted in a long time!)


Cracked Jonah crab claws with our requested Siracha chili sauce to spice up the fresh flavors




(Doo.Ri blouse, Opening Ceremony shorts, Nine West boots)

I had the chance to meet up with one of my favorite street style photographers - Jason of CitizenCouture.com. It was great fun hearing about his firsthand experiences with people he's taken photos of (including Kate Lanphear!). He has a great talent for making the simplest backdrop illuminate his subject's personality and bringing out their best features. I'm excited to see his site gain its well-deserved momentum!





Here are just a few more random snaps. You'll notice that I am glued to these shorts and wore them throughout the entire trip. I think I'll give them a rest for a few weeks. Hah.

Thank you all so much for the thoughtful questions following my previous post! There is still a day left to enter to win the Rachel Leigh bangles.

I had a little time to answer a few questions about TFA and New Orleans:



Sam Aguilar: What's the most unexpected thing about life in New Orleans?
A lot of people view Louisiana as country and generally it is, but New Orleans has a European charm to it. It’s not a hugely populated city but you won’t see cow pastures. There is a big easy state of mind that visitors inherit from the locals. Life moves at a slower pace and people enjoy themselves here because of that easy pace. I love the simplicity.

Amelia: What job do you do? And do you enjoy it?
I’m a Teach For America corps member, teaching kindergarten at a transitioning charter school in the Bywater neighborhood. The experience altogether has been humbling and exposes the great educational needs of New Orleans every day. It’s been the most challenging, yet rewarding mission I’ve committed myself to.

Phyllis: How are you liking Teach for America? And you've always lived in NOLA right? did you get want to stay there for TFA and afterwards?
I actually grew up in a smaller town 45 minutes south of New Orleans and then moved up for college. My aim is to move to New York and pursue a career in management consulting and/or work towards my MBA. I love New Orleans but opportunities await elsewhere.

Cindy: How is your experience with TFA? What experience did you have that helped you get in? What is the most inspiring thing that has happened in your teaching experience?
I am thoroughly enjoying my experience with TFA. The mission itself is bigger than me and I’m thankful to be a part of such an empowering organization. I graduated with a degree in finance, was very active in diversity organizations and held leadership roles during undergrad. It seemed natural for me to take the TFA route where I could apply the skills that I acquired.
I work with a goal-oriented staff whose sole mission is to give our students a great education. My co-workers and the growth I’ve seen in my students have been awe-inspiring!



DV: I think I read in one of your posts that you are a teacher? If I'm correct what age do you teach and are you able to/how do you incorporate fashion into your job?
I attempted to wear a pair of Prada pumps to school one day, but they lasted a mere 2 minutes. There’s definitely a need for function rather than fashion at work although I like to think my cardigans and pencil skirts give the typical teacher wardrobe a run for its money.


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Thanks again for all of the thoughtful questions! I will try to answer them as efficiently as possible and will post the winner after I return from New York this weekend. Packing for the trip...







Thinking of neutrals, textures, black+white, and some pretty sick boots that I got this weekend.

I am the most inconsistent blogger so this post is to make it up to my lovely readers. Here's your chance to win this beautiful set of Rachel Leigh
"Audrey" gold bangles courtesy of www.chickdowntown.com.

I was inspired by Ms. Aimee to have this contest as a Q&A. So to enter, simply leave a question that you want answered. I'll compile your names and randomly pick the winner. You may enter as many times as you like! And hopefully, I'll have some interesting questions to answer in a future post.

The contest is open to both domestic and international readers (woo-hoo!). You can also hear more about chickdowntown's giveaways on their twitter page.

Contest ends Thursday, November 12th.

(BCBG puff-sleeved blazer, H&M printed scarf circa 2005, Gap oxford shirt, Forever 21 black denim, vintage boots, Chanel mohair bag)



Splendid days include doing yoga with my mom who is bringing back her 70s fashion sense, witnessing my pops voluntarily cut 100+ flashcards for my kindergarten students, listening to my kid sister and brother's adventures in grade school, and finishing off the day with pomme frites and a glass of Chardonnay at a classic uptown bar.

Yes, it says braised osso bucco. (Hello, Beatrice)

Local beer and truffled mac-n-cheese (hello, ji)