Some New Orleans Magic – Couture Finds At Thrift Shop Prices

I’m not really sure what is going on in New Orleans. I don’t understand how it is happening, or why, but if you are headed there, you should know about it. To summarize the excitement and cut to the chase, I found a Halston Heritage piece for SIXTEEN DOLLARS at my favorite consignment store over the weekend. This is a dress that originally sold for $295! Plus, I discovered an amazing boutique in the French Quarter where I found a few pieces that might have been made just for me. In short, I was in shopping nirvana.

This is not entirely surprising to me. A few years ago, my friend Ginger and I were strolling around uptown, waiting for a table at Commander’s, when we wandered into Buffalo Exchange on Magazine Street. We found so many incredible pieces that we had to put armloads on hold, then rush back after our lunch to finish. We emerged a couple of hours later, sweaty and triumphant, practically high-fiving each other with glee.

A flock of two, we migrate back to Magazine Street every year on our annual trips to New Orleans. We always find shockingly good deals. One year, Ginger snapped up a cute polka dot dress by Trashy Diva for $25. Later that same day, we stopped into the actual Trashy Diva boutique and saw the same exact dress on the rack for over $100!

This trip, in addition to the crazy Halston deal at Buffalo Exchange, I found a graphic Banana Republic dress for $9 and a J Crew cardigan for $20.

Then there is LOVE IT. The name says it all.

Located on Bienville Street in the French Quarter, this boutique is a must-visit. Danna, the owner, is one of those gals who can fit and style you in seconds. The shop is packed with creative, unique pieces.

I found three dresses that I can hardly wait to wear – all in my seventies glam vibe. Here are two of them:

My point is to leave no stone unturned. You never know where treasures are waiting. Actually, I take that back: if you are going to New Orleans, you know EXACTLY where to look. And if you’re going anywhere else, we are counting on you to do some shopping reconnaissance!

Can’t wait to hear about other hidden gems in different cities. It’s so rewarding when you know where to look.