Adore: April 2024

EDITOR Michaela Bechler

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dora Sison

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Sandy Stein

SALES Lauren Cunningham, Sofia Gomez, Alyssa Hauptmann, Brad Breuhl, Jill Dryden, Matt Guidry, Kelly Sonnier

CONTENT PRODUCER Marigny Lanaux

CONTRIBUTORS Cynthea Corfah, Misty Milioto

CONTRIBUTING CREATIVES Tiana Watts, Scott Forsythe, Emma Veith, Jasmyne White, Jason Whittaker, Gavin Donaldson

PHOTO BY VIETA COLLINS

I’m writing this letter the morning after Daylight Savings Time, and although I’m tired, I am ecstatic for spring. I’m excited to walk in the evenings again, sit outside more frequently at restaurants, hang out with friends at festivals, and pull out my warm-weather clothing and shoes. Last year, I scored a fun Lenox deviled egg dish in the shape of a butterfly from Merchant House — I can guarantee it will be making an appearance in my home and at gatherings all season.

Adore’s April issue was particularly fun to work on. Our team loved covering the efforts and successes of Glass Half Full and Passion Lilie, sourcing festival and orange pieces for our shopping stories, and featuring two different types of designs: a music-inspired kids’ room and the glamorous estates seen in Bohemian Soul: The Vanishing Interiors of New Orleans. You’ll be tickled pink by the beautiful wedding and heading straight to Balzac Antiques after reading about this month’s Shop Dog. We hope you enjoy this edition and have an amazing festival season!

- MICHAELA BECHLER

Things Michaela

Adores

OUT & ABOUT

On March 6, Alex Snodgrass (commonly known as @ thedefineddish) made a stop in New Orleans for her latest cookbook Dinner Tonight. I had the pleasure of leading the conversation during the event at Hotel Peter and Paul’s The Elysian Bar — my dress from Wildflower was perfect for the occasion, and I loved getting ready for the evening with Drybar. Pick up a copy at the Garden District Book Shop and prepare to have healthy and delicious (and no-fuss!) weeknight meals going forward.

STAY IN THE KNOW

For fun events, spring sales, new store openings, and other fun happenings in New Orleans, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok (@nolaadore on all platforms), and sign up for our weekly newsletter (nolaadore.com/newsletters/).

SPRING READING

Just Finished:

-A River Enchanted and A Fire Burning by Rebecca Ross (Scottish-inspired fantasy)

-Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen (rom-com about fate)

-Love, Me by Jessica Saunders (rom-com about first love — who is now a celebrity)

COURTESY OF HACHETTE BOOK GROUP

COURTESY

CAFFEINE, PLEASE

Trumpet and Drum Coffee House, located at 3642 Magazine Street, is the perfect spot to start your morning, get some work done, or curl up with your next read (like Brei Delahoussaye of @sweethoneyandbrei). It’s also just a block away from our friends at Hilltop Shoppe and Art & Eyes — fuel up before shopping local!

PHOTO COURTESY OF BREI DELAHOUSSAYE (@SWEETHONEYANDBREI)

Currently Reading:

-The Women by Kristin Hannah (coming-ofage during the Vietnam War)

OF ST. MARTIN'S PRESS

COURTESY

Up Next:

-The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem (Egyptianinspired fantasy)

-The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins (gothic thriller)

R AISE A Glass

(Before Recycling It!)

BY MICHAELA BECHLER PHOTOS BY VIETA COLLINS

It’s safe to say that Glass Half Full, the city’s first dedicated glass recycling organization, has taken New Orleans by storm. Founded by Franziska Trautmann and Max Steitz in 2020 during their senior year at Tulane University, the grassroots program continues to grow with each collection. “I think I’m most proud and amazed by how many people are involved and now recycle their glass,” Franziska says. “When we started Glass Half Full, we weren’t sure if other people would care as much as we do about recycling glass. We are so glad to have been wrong.”

New Orleanians can recycle their wine bottles, jars, broken drinking vessels, and other glass items at their Louisa Street facility run by staff, volunteers, and community members. A pick-up service is also available for residents and commercial customers in Orleans and Jefferson parishes.

After all the labels and plastic are removed, the collected glass is pulverized with hammer-mill crushers to produce sand products. The recycled glass sand can then be allocated to coastal restoration — rebuilding barrier islands and sandbars to levee maintenance with sandbags — and disaster relief. It can also be used to create new glass products or be used in home design projects. In 2023, Glass Half Full helped secure 500 pounds of Cointreau bottles to make Terrazzo flooring for the Cointreau House, one of architect Albert Ledner’s New Orleans designs. The flooring was completed by Terrazzo Masters, a local company the organization has worked with since the beginning.

As awareness for glass recycling grows, so do the organization’s efforts. There are now multiple free drop off locations throughout town and beyond in Baton Rouge, the Northshore, and Birmingham, Alabama. The Glass Half Full team and volunteers worked throughout Mardi Gras with Recycle Dat!, a parade recycling partnership between the City of New Orleans, New Orleans & Company, Grounds Krewe, ArcGNO, and other non-profits. The coalition recycled 4,288 lbs. of glass; 154,263

Last year, Glass Half Full began accepting aluminum, cardboard, paper, and #1 and #2 plastics in partnership with environmental contractor Osprey Initiative and Coca Cola. They recently began offering this as a pickup option for Jefferson Parish residents due to recent issues with their government recycling contract.

Franziska Trautmann, Co-founder and CEO of Glass Half Full

aluminum cans; 8,300 plastic bottles; and 12,729 lbs. of beads during the 2024 season. Lastly, Glass Half Full is currently finalizing plans to build a full-scale glass recycling facility capable of recycling all the glass going to Louisiana and Mississippi landfills.

When Franziska isn’t recycling glass or saving the planet, you can find her walking her dog in City Park and trying new vegan foods around town. To learn more or get involved with Glass Half Full, visit glasshalffull.co.

How are you feeling about the coastal restoration efforts?

Have you seen any improvement?

I feel an overwhelming amount of pride and gratitude for our coastal restoration projects! Thanks to my professors from college, Dr. Russell and Dr. Albert, we received funding from the National Science Foundation to prove the safety and efficacy of using recycled glass sand in coastal restoration. The projects we’ve been involved in are almost unrecognizable! I cannot wait to do even more coastal restoration as we continue to show the improvements.

What do you wish New Orleanians knew about recycling?

I wish more folks understood the complexity of recycling and that recycling should be one of the last options for a material — always reduce and reuse first.

What did recycling during Mardi Gras 2024 look like?

Mardi Gras is now our busiest time of year! From extra glass at our bar, restaurant, and hotel partners to recycling along the route with Grounds Krewe, we were recycling

just about every day! The numbers from the Recycle Dat! program show that.

Are there any festival recycling pop ups happening this year?

We recycle at French Quarter Fest, so you’ll see our blue glass recycling bins out there. We hope to get involved in more festivals as well! (Festival organizers reach out if you want to recycle your glass!)

What is your hope for the city?

I hope we continue to become a leader in sustainability. New Orleans is on the forefront of climate change so it’s up to us to show the rest of the world how we come up with solutions.

Passion PROJECT

BY CYNTHEA CORFAH | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY PASSION LILIE

Over the last decade, words like “sustainable,” “fair trade,” and “eco-friendly” have become buzzy marketing tools. For some, these words are an easy way to attract customers, but for Passion Lilie — a small New Orleans label — it’s the mission from beginning to end.

Katie Schmidt, originally from Fresno, California, started Passion Lilie in 2013. Prior to that, she was a costume designer with a love for sustainable clothing. She felt like there weren't enough colorful, printed, and affordable options, so she started designing the types of garments she wanted to wear. Now more than a decade later, Passion Lilie has something for everyone from dresses and jumpsuits to maternity-friendly pieces and baby clothes to men’s button-ups and matching sets.

From the start, Katie has partnered with Indian tailors to produce ethical, breathable, and stylish clothing made from organic fabrics and eco-friendly dyes. The brand uses traditional methods like block printing and ikat (a laborious technique that involves resist-dyeing yarns before they are woven). These processes take longer to complete than the average massproduced garment but result in long lasting clothes with unique prints and high-quality fabrics.

The latest 100% cotton collection features neutral and colorful wrap dresses, comfortable pants with pockets, maxi dresses, t-shirt dresses, and familiar silhouettes with new prints.

“I always start with a color,” Katie says. “From there, there’s usually something I have on my mind. With this collection, I was thinking a lot more of fruits, which transcended into more tropical vibes with the suns and palm trees. With everything going on in the world, I really wanted something that was vibrant with saturated colors and full of life. Even if you’re not in a good place physically, mentally, or emotionally, at least you can put something on and feel good about yourself.”

"There is a greater rise in fast fashion. It makes it hard for people to want to invest in sustainable products. There needs to be more regulations on these companies." - KATIE SCHMIDT

Pomegranate Organic Dress, $86

Island Escape Organic Cotton Men's Button Down Shirt, $64

According to Earth.org, the fashion industry is the second largest industrial polluter, creating about 10% of global pollution, which ranks higher than emissions from air travel and maritime transport combined. In a time where fast fashion companies are producing clothing in as little as 15 days with significant carbon emissions, tons of textile waste, and polluting wastewater, sustainable clothing brands are more important than ever.

With a mission to reduce textile wastage, Katie partnered with Beatrixbell Handcrafted Jewelry to use leftover scrap fabric for earrings. The remaining fabric is also repurposed into accessories like tote bags and headbands. For any fabric that can’t be re-used, she donates to a nonprofit in India that uses the scraps to make pads and other feminine products.

"If the system is broken, change it."

- KATIE SCHMIDT

Blue Ikat Throw Blanket, $64

Throw Pillow Cover, $26

High Tide Crossbody Bag, $44

The 38-year-old designer is incredibly intentional with how her company does business and its global impact. “What we do in one country, affects another country. And [our actions] always end up affecting the poorer countries.”

Passion Lilie provides fair wages for female tailors in India and offers job training to those who are interested in entering the apparel industry. The program provides three months of free job training, a salary, a loaned sewing machine, and a free space to work in their sewing unit. After they complete training, trainees can accept a job with Passion Lilie or apply their skills to another career.

Anyone can feel good when shopping with Passion Lilie online (passionlilie.com) or in their French Quarter flagship (831 Chartres Street). The store is also a onestop shop for other sustainable goods. You can also find the brand's accessories and home décor alongside fair trade finds from other environmentally conscious companies. Customers can also find the new collection at upcoming festivals like Congo Square Rhythms Festival, Wednesday at the Square, Bayou Boogaloo, Festival International de Louisiane, and Arts Market New Orleans.

Katie says everyone can play their part in preserving the environment and living more sustainable lifestyles. She suggests thrifting, buying from sustainable clothing brands, and buying less clothing.

Stratus Wrap Dress, $106

Jazz A LL THAT Festival Finds for Everyone

1 Geometry of Music Art Set $110 Each, Estella’s Home estellasmetairie.com

2 Jazz Matchbox Print $48, Hilltop Shoppe hilltopshoppe.com

3 Folk Art Ottoman $1,990, Eclectic Home eclectichome.net

4 Paige Floral Skirt $52.68, Honeypot Boutique shophoneypotboutique.com

5

Deni by Freyers Sunglasses $65, Chouette chouette-nola.com

6 Jungalow Decorate Wild Book $40, Eclectic Home eclectichome.net

4 5

1

2 3

1

Ivan Crochet Top $49, Wildflower NOLA wildflowernola.com

2

Diamond Alligator Ring $2,500, Porter Lyons porterlyons.com

3

Rosewood Canvas Fanny Pack $62, Chouette chouette-nola.com

4

Whereable Art Jazz Cocktail Napkins

$8 / Pack of 20, Little Miss Muffin shoplittlemissmuffin.com

5

Hello Sunshine Matchbox $15.50, Relish relishneworleans.com

6

Reusable Kind Bag

$14, Forever New Orleans shopforeverneworleans.com

WWW.SOSUSUBOUTIQUE.COM

1

2 3

4

5

6

1 Nation Crop Top $122, Skirt $178, Peony peonynola.com

2 Michelle Straw Bucket Bag $80.33, Honeypot Boutique shophoneypotboutique.com

3

Allie-Gator Door Hanger $48, Forever New Orleans shopforeverneworleans.com

4 Indian Blooms Disposable Placemats $32 / Pack of 24, Estella’s Home estellasmetairie.com

5

Evi Grintela Judy Dress $578, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com

6 Monaco Bag $60, Wildflower NOLA wildflowernola.com

7 Kuboraum Sunglasses $495, Art & Eyes artandeyesneworleansla.com

1 Michelle’s Art Box Hibiscus Hat $88, Little Miss Muffin shoplittlemissmuffin.com

2 Sundays Miley Dress $326, Peony peonynola.com

3 Anatole Paris Compact Umbrella $45, Chouette chouette-nola.com

4 Strawberry Fields Earrings $14, Judy at the Rink judyattherink.com

5 Toddler Sunglasses with Neoprene Strap $17, Susie’s Boutique @shopsusiesboutique

6 Custom NOLA Stainless Tumbler $34.95, Forever New Orleans shopforeverneworleans.com

Shop Home Décor, Jewelry, Gift Registry &

1

2

1

Crawfish Boil

Quick Dry Polo $56, Susie’s Boutique @shopsusiesboutique

2

Nola Dawg

Crawfish Shirt

$60, Forever New Orleans shopforeverneworleans.com

3

Peter Millar Dazed and Transfused Polo $115, Iron Horse ironhorsemetairieroad.com

3

4

Jaunt Backpack Cooler $100, Phina phinashop.com

5

Linksoul Breeze

Heather Polo $98, Iron Horse ironhorsemetairieroad.com

6

Crawfish Shortall $38, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com

7

Thomas Striped Short Set $31, Susie’s Boutique @shopsusiesboutique

5

6

2

3

4

Bayou B ORN ON THE

BY MISTY MILIOTO | PHOTOS BY LAURA STEFFAN

When it came time to renovate a children’s room in her parents’ retirement home, Brittany Butler (along with Rachel Kwaw), designers at B. Noelle Design, turned to the Treme neighborhood for inspiration.

Brittany’s main goal was to create a playful hideaway for Clover (age 3) and Briar (age 4) to feel loved and safe while also having the freedom to express themselves as individuals. She and Rachel began designing the room last September, and they brought the kids in to help make design decisions. For example, the children joined on each local sourcing trip to New Orleans Millworks to select their own moldings and trims.

“We discussed with Briar and Clover what they wanted in their bedrooms — or as they call them, their houses,” Brittany says. “Briar is obsessed with the Rougarou stories his dad tells him, and Clover loves purple and pink. To tie their room with the essence of our family being deeply rooted in New Orleans culture, [we chose] a swamp theme called ‘Born on the Bayou.’”

Threadz Nola helped with the headboards within the bedrooms, and Anderson Painting assisted with most of the paint work. The whimsical artwork of Terrance Osborne and Becky Fos — both local artists — also inspired the space.

“Once a theme was pinpointed, Brittany wanted nothing but local artists and artisans for most every feature in the room. It had to tell the story of kids growing up in the fabric of New Orleans.” - RACHEL KWAW

DAILY DOPAMINE

Briar and Clover also helped select headboard materials from Brittany’s bin of vintage and leftover fabrics. Once all materials were gathered, the designers pulled paint swatches, and the kids narrowed down the colors.

“We rarely get to dive headfirst into a colorful project, so as we were deliberating what color palette to settle on, I stood firm in the decision to layer in all the colors possible,” Rachel says. “As the project progressed, I sourced lighting, area rugs, and a few final details.”

The room now features a combined play space, plus separate sleeping spaces tucked behind the facade of a Tremeinspired double with bookcases, reading corners, and a toy-storage alcove. “There is also space for deep-drawer storage beneath the bed platforms,” Brittany says.

BAYOU BABIES

The bedrooms within the children’s suite are modeled after a home that might be found in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans.

Meanwhile, Briar’s godfather recreated classic lap siding by ripping sheets of maple panel board. “We layered many different trims to emulate the ornate gingerbread New Orleans homes are known for,” Brittany says. “The ‘exterior’ became a deep turquoise, which complements both the purple and the green. The trim and details being highlighted in lime and magenta brought the turquoise to life and made the facade of the house playful and eye-catching — just like the inspiration homes.”

HIT THE HAY

SPRUCE Wallpaper and Fabric Showroom supplied the wallpapers and suggested Paper and Paste, who hung the watercolor-style wallpaper painted by local Gentilly artist Annie Moran.

Citrus

1

3

1

Faune Meadow

Sandstone Dress $220, Peony peonynola.com

2 Butterfly

Wine Glasses

$22 Each, Home Malone homemalonenola.com

3

Veuve Money Coin Purse $50, Judy at the Rink judyattherink.com

4 Cocktail Napkins $10, Susie’s Boutique @shopsusiesboutique

5

Woven Cotton

Dinner Napkins

$34 / Set of 4, Estella’s Home estellasmetairie.com

6 Frances Valentine

Minnow Dress $278, Peony peonynola.com

7 Dinosaur Stuffed Animal $10, Susie’s Boutique @shopsusiesboutique

5

6

4

7

1

Life of the Party Puzzle $40, Hilltop Shoppe hilltopshoppe.com

2

4

2

3

Raynaud Mazurka Dessert Plate $195, Judy at the Rink judyattherink.com

3

Opinel Spreader $23, Chouette chouette-nola.com

4

Sea Life Reusable Sponge $6, Little Miss Muffin shoplittlemissmuffin.com

5

Orange Wheel Stir Sticks $20, Susie’s Boutique @shopsusiesboutique

5

1

2

3

1 Indira Dress $96, Wildflower NOLA wildflowernola.com

2 Daisy Stud Earrings $48, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com

3 Jellycat Neo Fish $38, Peony peonynola.com

4 Blood Orange Cocktail Mixer $11, Phina phinashop.com

5

Jellycat Zingy Chick $16.50, Phina phinashop.com

6

Isobel Midi Skirt $99, Wildflower NOLA wildflowernola.com

7 Ezra Tote $88, Phina phinashop.com

7

1

Juice Sunglasses $95, Relish relishneworleans.com

2

Dandelion Dress $88, Pronto shopitpronto.com

3

Bee Clothing Skirt Bikini $42, Little Miss Muffin shoplittlemissmuffin.com

4

Mandarin Dress $198, Ballin’s ballinsltd.com

1

5

2

3

Amélline

Little

5

Carved

Simkhai

8

6

4

1 Vietri Regalia High Ball Glass $74, Hilltop Shoppe hilltopshoppe.com

2 Antique Ottoman Empire Pillow $1,025, B. Viz Design bvizdesign.com

3 Italian Made Custom Frames $395, Art & Eyes artandeyesneworleansla.com

4 Ecru Prince Crop Flair Pants $172, Ballin’s ballinsltd.com

Beauty REMAINS

A Glimpse Inside “Bohemian Soul”

BY MARIGNY LANAUX | PHOTOS BY SARA ESSEX BRADLEY

Many would agree that New Orleans is distinct, with houses unlike anywhere else in terms of architecture, design, and character. As life goes on, so do the city’s people, as they may move away, sell their properties, or renovate them to please the masses. Bohemian Soul: The Vanishing Interiors of New Orleans by Valorie Hart, a new release from Rizzoli, treasures the remaining charm and soul of local homes, offering a juxtaposition to the ever-changing modern decorating cycle.

As a “New New” — someone from New York who lives in New Orleans, a term coined by fellow local writer Debra Shriver — Valorie was enchanted by the design choices of those living in the Crescent City. Her experiences as a poet, rock band singer, event designer, interior decorator, and everything in between have fueled her to create this project. For those who may not be familiar with the bohemian aesthetic, she describes “Bohemian Soul” as “a balmy morning with the scent of jasmine in the air; the dizzying chaos of Carnival; a street band on Royal Street in the Quarter; a foggy night so thick you see ghosts; a tango danced with a Creole lilt.”

To capture the beauty that remains, Valorie entrusted Sara Essex Bradley, a photographer who has been shooting interiors for over twenty years. Living in the city for most of her life, Sara recognizes that the way New Orleanians decorate is special.

Velvet accents and ambient lighting evoke bohemian soul in this musician-owned household.

Formerly the home of Micaela Almonester, the Baroness de Pontalba, this drawing room with high windows and ample seating is found in the oldest apartment building in the country.

“The fact that most people live in homes that are over 100 years old, and the challenges of the weather here, inspires a different way of living and decorating,” Sara shares. “You know it when you see it.”

The duo collaborated by utilizing their personal and professional networks to seek out the 17 featured residences. There were no restrictions as far as size, neighborhood, or economic criteria — each home simply has a fabulous story to tell. As you scan the pages, you’ll notice that the rooms are perfectly lived in. You may see paint chipping off the walls, shoes kicked off by the staircase, or a mantel covered in antiques. Of course, this is amongst the bevy of gorgeous furniture, art, and family heirlooms.

Besides the incredible images, you can read the story behind each home and how the owners acquired it. Some have been passed down through generations while others were bought and restored to their original state. For those inspired by this book, take the advice of Valorie and Sara — try not to heavily curate your décor. Instead, collect things that inspire you and go from there. You can obtain your own copy at the Garden District Book Shop and get it signed on May 9.

(504)

WILDFLOWERNOLA.COM

Located in the Bywater, Jessica Harris’ second home has high ceilings that are amplified by the hand-painted Greek key border. Plenty of surfaces are covered in books and memorabilia that reflect her life story.

In the home of master colorist Louis J. Aubert, a sculpture from Bali named Nicolei stands out against the floor-toceiling bookcase.

LET'S Celebrate Blair & Eric

11.11.23

BY MARIGNY LANAUX PHOTOS BY BROCATO PHOTOGRAPHY

HAIR: Drybar

MAKEUP: Katie Malone

When Blair Davis matched at the University of Virginia for her pediatric residency, her childhood best friend thought she and Eric Linde, a student at the business school, would make the perfect pair. After the introduction, they immediately hit it off and began their two-year relationship. Eventually, the couple traveled down to New Orleans to visit Blair’s family and see the New Orleans Ballet Theatre’s production of “Swan Lake.” Blair is a former dancer with the company, and when they went backstage, Eric fabulously popped the question with a pink padparadscha sapphire and diamond ring by Friend & Company surrounded by ballerinas in white tutus.

With Eric from Bethany Beach, Delaware and the couple now living in Alexandria, Virginia, most of the wedding guests were visiting the Crescent City for the first time. Blair and Eric were excited to work with Grand Events Nola to create a fabulous local experience that exhibited

Blair got ready in hot pink feathered pajamas with her bridesmaids at her family home.

Besides the blush dress, Suzanne Perron also created a stunning lavender gown for the Mother-of-the-Bride.

New Orleans charm through various events throughout the weekend. A rehearsal dinner at Commander’s Palace, a bridesmaid luncheon at Arnaud’s, and a bon voyage brunch catered by Chez Nous were just a few gatherings on the full agenda.

In preparation for the big day, Blair designed a custom pale pink duchesse satin gown with Suzanne Perron. “The color was kept top secret until the wedding,” Blair shared. “The entire design process felt like a fairy tale — from drawing pencil fashion illustrations for inspiration, to the muslin fitting, to adding custom-pressed organza flowers and Swarovski crystals for the finishing touches. Suzanne did not miss a single detail!” Blair embraced the blush hue with matching Badgley Mishka pumps and accessorized with her mother’s antique ring as her “something borrowed” and “something old.”

Eric first laid eyes on his bride as Blair walked down the aisle at Trinity Episcopal

Scriptura created the invitation suite for the wedding weekend.

Eric suited up in a custom tuxedo from Enzo’s with the wedding date embroidered on the interior. His groomsmen sported classic tuxedos from Perlis.

Church. A lively reception followed at New Orleans Country Club where Dunn and Sonnier brought Blair’s “La Vie en Rose” vision to life with beautiful white and pink floral arches and ribboned topiaries. Live music by Big City Rhythm, bites bursting with local flavors, and the groom crowd surfing added to the excitement! After indulging in the late-night sundae bar and chicken biscuits, the newlyweds hopped in a getaway golf cart before meeting guests at Blair’s family home for a silent disco.

The wedding party consisted of 22 bridesmaids and groomsmen.

The groom’s cake was a replica of UVA’s Rotunda in honor of the couple’s time together in Charlottesville.

The Cocoa Bean Bakery baked the traditional wedding cake with a raspberry compote filling that also featured the newlywed’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Daisy.

After cocktail hour, guests were led onto the dance floor with a second line to “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

“We were so overjoyed to be surrounded by so much love from all of our family and friends. There simply isn’t a better feeling than that!” - BLAIR DAVIS

Suzanne Perron used the same fabric from Blair’s wedding dress to create her chic two-piece reception look. Light up cowboy hats and flower crowns were passed out and were a big hit on the dance floor!

PHOTO BY LOVE IS RAD FOR ELYSE JENNINGS WEDDINGS

BY MICHAELA BECHLER

Shop Dog Theo

Take a trip to the past when visiting Balzac Antiques, a shop filled with treasures. The antiques store sells exquisite European furniture and fine arts from the 19th century and earlier alongside interesting one-ofa-kind items. Owned by Sarah Thomas, Balzac Antiques has been a staple of Magazine Street for more than 20 years. “It’s a blessing to be in the neighborhood with beautiful architecture, trees, and colorful New Orleanians and tourists,” Sarah says. The store is also home to B.Viz Design, a purveyor of luxury pillows, making the space a true feast for the eyes.

Another delightful sight: Sarah’s regal Standard Poodle, Theo, who always accompanies her to work. “He believes that his job is to allow people to pet him,” Sarah shares. “He’s very good at that. He also likes to sit guard outside of the front door were passersby stop to take his photo.”

While Theo enjoys all the antiques and pillows abound, his favorite things are tennis balls and dog toys that squeak,

including his beloved blue rubber chicken that has remained intact for years. Theo likes to incorporate these toys into the décor at Balzac Antiques — you might find a ball waiting to be thrown on a chair. He also enjoys spending time with his coworkers Birdie and Bou (a.k.a. the shop dogs of B.Viz). “Having Theo here makes the shop feel even more like a home away from home.”

When Theo’s off the clock, he’s either still being a guard dog at home (he’s a little more vocal when the doorbell rings) or enjoying the great outdoors at a horse barn in Folsom. The barn comes with several dogs for him to run around with as well as a pond filled with turtles that like to play with him. “The turtles stick their heads out of the water and then sink and pop up in a different spot. This tactic makes him crazy, and I think the turtles know that they're teasing him.”

The next time you find yourself strolling on Magazine Street be sure to visit Balzac Antiques and give Theo a pet — it is a part of his job description after all!

Name:

Theo

Age:

9 years old

Breed: Standard Poodle

Story behind his name: Somebody suggested Theo during a family gathering, and everyone knew it was the perfect fit. “The name is a little playful and also somewhat serious, just like him.”

Favorite food: Cheese

Favorite part of the store: Underneath Sarah’s desk

Go-to vacation spot: Durango, Colorado

"Decorating presented by Theo. If one toy doesn't catch their eye, maybe two will.”

Theo modeling one of B.Viz’s Canine Couture collars made of Fortuny fabric.

CLASSIC FRENCH-INSPIRED DISHES SIGNATURE CREOLE FLAVORS

AT HARR AH ’S NEW OR LEANS LEAR