SALES Lauren Cunningham, Alyssa Hauptmann, Bennett Geston, Abigail Bordelon, Kelly Sonnier, Charlie Thomas
CONTENT PRODUCER Marigny Lanaux
CONTRIBUTOR Melanie Warren Spencer
TRAFFIC MANAGER Jason Whittaker
SENIOR CONTRIBUTING CREATIVES Emma Da Via, Tiana Watts
CONTRIBUTING CREATIVES Maria Boue, Gavin Donaldson, Scott Forsythe, Jasmyne White
PHOTO BY KATHLEEN FITZGERALD OF TWO STUDIOS
PHOTO BY AUGUSTA SAGNELLI
Pleas e welcom e
While 2025 has felt like the longest year ever (the snow day, Super Bowl, Scrim, a late Mardi Gras, etc.), our team has kept ourselves busy with the launch of The Pearl. This new monthly publication will provide insight into exciting trends in the fashion and home spaces; profles of creatives and businesses around the city; tips, tricks, opinions, health information; and so much more! Plus, every item featured in The Pearl can be found at a local boutique or business!
We covered a lot of ground in this inaugural issue! With March being Women’s History Month, we knew we wanted to focus on women-owned and operated businesses. Melissa Shelton of boutique hospitality group Dear Valentine graces our cover, and “New Lease on Life” dives into the business, her four beautiful properties (which were all thoughtfully and meticulously restored), and the type of mark Dear Valentine wants to leave on its guests, its employees, and the city.
Our frst “A-List” profle (an Adore section we will continue to produce) is none other than Ti Martin and Lally Brennan of Commander’s Palace. Learn more about this dynamic duo and all of their favorite things, places, and hobbies around New Orleans.
In this month’s “Word of Advice,” we invite you to participate in Sorted Professional Organizing’s 40 Day Decluttering Challenge. It’s free and very manageable, and by the end of the 40 days, you will have purged 1,000 items, resulting in a cleaner home and possibly decreased stress levels.
Inspired in part by my successful attempt at Dry January this year (I loved it!) and the urge to detox after parades, we peek into life sans alcohol in New Orleans in “Let’s Thrive.” Melanie Warren Spencer explains that although her life is booze-free, she still has plenty of fun without any of the many health risks.
“Shop Dog” (another Adore favorite) features the adorable Vincent of Century Girl, and our shopping stories blend life in New Orleans with trends we’re seeing on the runways, in beautiful homes, and across social media.
Thank you for reading The Pearl! We hope you love it.
- Michaela Bechler
Currently reading: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins and Comedic Timing by Upasna Barath
Currently watching: The Traitors, Severance, and The White Lotus (just like everyone else!)
Excited for: The New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University on March 27-29, 2025
Best mocktail in New Orleans: “Turn Up the Beet” from Bar Brine
THE CENTER OF THE GARDEN DISTRICT SINCE
1884
GIFT SHOP & GALLERY
HEIRLOOM LINEN BEDDING
Elixir of Love Goes Old West
And a Cajun- Cowboy Fais Do Do
Featuring Amanda Shaw
by Christopher Tidmore
Aclassic opera reimagined in the Old West; A New Orleans-born acclaimed national opera star returning home to shine as leading lady ; a massive 'Fais Do-Do' starring the musical talents of Amanda Shaw on April 4, a pre-show cookout overlooking Congo Square (which some consider the birthplace of both American music and barbecue) hosted by local celebrit y chef Byron Bradley on April 6; and an audience encouraged to attend both performances in full Western Attire (fringe, denim, cowboy hats and/or boots) with a prize for the top three best dressed!
"People are star ting to realize Louisiana had its own cowboy culture," explains New Orleans Opera's General Director Lila Palmer, "This gives us a chance to celebrate that heritage, reinterpret a classic, and have a good time doing it!"
"Its like Yellowstone and Bridgerton and Calamity Jane had a comic opera baby,"
Lila Palmer
New Orleans Opera General Director
The New Orleans Opera's April 4 & 6 staging director Ned Cant y's production of L'elisir d'amore (The Elixir of Love) definitely will not be your standard version of the comedy classic It will be fun and approachable to the firsttimer and veteran alike.
This version of The Elixir of Love, combined with Cowboy-Cajunthemed hoedown straight af terward, merges the Old
World with the Old West for an all-night entertainment experience in which our audience gets to participate, be part of the costume, be part of the dance.
Leading this innovative American frontier production will be New Orleans-born Lindsey Reynolds , returning home to play Adina af ter winning acclaim on stages from the Philadelphia Opera to the Lyric Opera of Chicago Reynolds graduated from the New Orleans Center for the Creative Ar ts (NOCCA), where she studied under another New Orleanian opera star, Phyllis Treigle (who will star in NOOA's just-announced 2025/2026 Season along with her daughter Emily, a Met Competition winner.)
a poor young man in love with the wealthy and independent Adina, competing with Sargeant Belcore, (G rammy winner Jonathan Mc Cullough). Hoping to win her hear t, Nemorino buys and drinks what he believes to be a love potion from a traveling salesman When he unknowingly inherits a fortune, the town's women flock to him, falsely convincing him of the potion's power. In the end, Adina realizes her love for Nemorino, leading to a joyous conclusion "What I love most about this opera is the way Donizetti portrays women," Lindsey said. "Adina has so much agency, just as she learns what love truly means."
The Elixir of Love is a comic opera centered on a comic love triangle, with Nemorino (star tenor Matthew Swensen),
For tickets to the April 4 & 6 performances of The Elixir of Love, go to www.neworleansopera.org or call th e box of fice at (504) 529-3000.
Now Ne w +
Picture Perfect
Framebridge New Orleans is now open on Magazine Street! The popular and designer-loved store ofers expert design consultations and custom framing services. Patrons can bring in almost anything to be framed, from a piece of clothing with sentimental value to Jazz Fest posters and Mardi Gras doubloons. For inspiration, look toward the custom gallery wall flled with New Orleans memorabilia like a Drew Brees jersey, Commander’s Palace cocktail napkin, Tipitina’s concert poster, and New Orleans water meter cover. Framebridge New Orleans is open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Marigny Lanaux
5530 MAGAZINE STREET
Garden Party
Welcome in a new season with the 2025 Rhythm & Roses Concert Series beginning Thursday, March 20. Hosted by the BK House & Gardens, this musical series of fve weekly concerts will be held in the Parterre Garden and feature a roster of genres with food and beverages available for purchase. The frst concert features Grammy-nominated New Orleans funk band Cha Wa. Tickets are priced at $30 for nonmembers and can be purchased online at bkhouse.org. — Michaela Bechler
New Releases
Join the Garden District Book Shop for two great signings this month. New York Times bestselling author Sloane Crosley will visit on Wednesday, March 19, to discuss and sign her book Grief is for People which explores multiple kinds of loss following the death of her closest friend. On Sunday, March 30, Tamron Hall will sign copies of her latest book Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid. The bestselling author, journalist, and a two-time Emmy Award-winner brings readers an endearing story about Moses, who is inspired by her real-life son. Tickets can be purchased in advance at gardendistrictbookshop.com.
— Michaela Bechler
2727 PRYTANIA STREET
Rent, Wear, Repeat
In 2025, buying something to wear once is out, and renting the perfect piece is in. To avoid outft repeating while still standing out from the crowd, The Closet by Saint Claude Social Club (SCSC) is here to help. After operating a store in the Lower Garden District, Margaret Sche saw a need for an in-person clothing rental concept that would do away with the buying, wearing, and discarding process. With plans to open a mini retail shop inside the Columns hotel, Margaret worked with owner Jayson Sideman to bring the idea to life in the hotel’s billiards room.
Unlike online clothing rental services run by big corporations, The Closet by SCSC allows you to visit in person, try multiple items on, and utilize Margaret’s styling expertise. “It’s meant to look like the closet you have always had in your dreams with all things accessible to you...every item sparks joy and stands out in the crowd,” she shared. “As all items are one-of-a-kind; you will never be at a party and see somebody in your outft.”
Guests can shop The Closet the day of an event or reserve a garment in advance for a special occasion. A swanky cocktail dress, dazzling headpiece, or designer gown are just a few of the possibilities! The Closet is open Wednesday through Friday, on Sundays, and by appointment on Mondays and Tuesdays.
— Marigny Lanaux
3811 ST. CHARLES AVENUE
PHOTO COURTESY OF FRAMEBRIDGE
PHOTO BY MADELINE ROSE @LADYMADRAMA
PHOTO COURTESY OF MACMILLAN PUBLISHERS
PHOTO COURTESY OF HARPERCOLLINS
Fresh
START
Clea n with Purpose this Season
BY VICTORIA TRAN AND LORI BYARGEON PHOTOS COURTESY OF SORTED PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZING
There’s no place like New Orleans. Mardi Gras is just a Tuesday everywhere else, but here, the preceding months are flled with revelry, parades, balls, beads, and lots of king cake. After the last foat rolls away and the street cleaners tidy up, our community undergoes a natural reset and renews good intentions with diets, cleanses, and spring cleaning. Almost like a second New Year, New Orleanians pledge to clear the chaos of carnival, and start fresh. This is the perfect time to join Sorted’s 40 Day Decluttering Challenge to simplify your space and rejuvenate your energy, just in time for festival season!
Local business Sorted Professional Organizing challenges New Orleanians to declutter 25 items per day, and in 40 days your space will be 1,000 items lighter! Sorted founder Victoria Tran suggests starting small to keep goals attainable, setting a 15-minute timer to keep it manageable, and celebrating small wins as every decluttered drawer or shelf is a step toward a more organized home!
For the full 40 Day Decluttering Challenge and more organizing tips and tricks, visit sortednola.com/blog.
Here is a sample of what you can expect from Sorted’s 40 Day Decluttering Challenge:
Prompt: An easy place to start decluttering on March 5 is all the Mardi Gras throws and costumes.
Why: Capture the joy of Mardi Gras in memories and pictures, not in clutter that inevitably keeps reproducing glitter. Consider donating excess beads to ArcGNO, and only keep costumes that you know you’ll wear again.
Prompt: To see immediate impact, declutter your home’s entryway or drop zone by tossing junk mail, expired coupons, broken umbrellas, and old shoes. Relocate seasonal coats or bags cluttering the area. Why: This area is the frst and last space you see in your home daily. A tidy entryway can help to relieve stress.
Prompt: You don’t have to wait for a hurricane to clean out your refrigerator and freezer. Discard expired food, condiments, and leftovers no one will eat. Why: Having a decluttered refrigerator makes meal planning easier and can prevent you from purchasing what
you already have, saving you both time and money.
Prompt: Clear of bathroom counters and remove clutter by storing daily essentials in drawers or cabinets. Toss old toothbrushes and expired skincare. Why: Having a clean bathroom counter can make your morning and nighttime routines more peaceful, not to mention sanitary.
Prompt: Declutter your phone by removing apps you don’t use, deleting
blurry and duplicate photos, and unsubscribing from unnecessary emails.
Why: Deleting data you no longer need can help you save digital space and keep your phone optimized for better performance.
Prompt: With kids in the back seat and meals on the go, our cars can easily get cluttered. Grab a shopper bag (you might already have one in your car) and declutter all the remnants of past trips you no longer need.
Why: Declutter dangerous distractions for a safer ride.
LIVING Lush
Without the boo ze
BY MELANIE WARNER SPENCER
For many New Orleanians, the thought of giving up alcohol for Lent — or to be honest more than a few days — is not a recipe for bon temps. I know, because for decades I was an enthusiastic tippler. But for me and many others, moderating or going alcohol free is no longer such a madcap notion. According to marketing performance analytics company NC Solutions’ 2025 consumer sentiment survey, 49 percent of Americans are trying to drink less alcohol this year. The report says this is a 44 percent increase since 2023. Survey participants cited reasons ranging from not liking the taste of alcohol to addiction concerns and improving mental and physical health. The latter comes as no surprise given studies regarding the safety of alcohol over the past 15 years, which I fnally started paying attention to in 2020 when I gave up alcohol for Lent.
Over the past nearly five years, my foray into non-drinking challenges like Ochsner’s #AlcoholFreeFor40 challenge and later Dry July turned into a gradual and informed decision to go completely alcohol free. Week after week, as I enjoyed the benefts of abstinence (better sleep, brighter eyes, hydrated skin, mental clarity, and zero hangovers to name a few), I extended my booze break, deep diving personally and journalistically into the efects of alcohol on my brain and body via “quit lit” (especially This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life by Annie Grace and
Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker), recommendations from public health agencies, and the many ominous reports coming out. For example, in 2020, the United States Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee updated its guidelines to indicate that “emerging evidence suggests that even drinking within the recommended limits may increase the overall risk of death from various causes, such as from several types of cancer and some forms of cardiovascular disease.” In 2021, The Guardian published a bracing report stating even low levels of drinking can increase the risk of cancers including “breast, liver, colon, rectum, oropharynx, larynx, and esophagus.” In recent years, the World Health Organization and similar agencies across the globe stand frm that no amount of alcohol is safe. Cut to Jan. 3, 2025, when Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, the outgoing Surgeon General of the U.S., proposed adding cancer warning labels to alcoholic beverage bottles and cans. (This measure requires Congressional approval.)
Despite researching, writing about, and watching the sober curiosity trend rise at a rapid clip, even I didn’t have alcohol cancer warning labels on my 2025 bingo card.
When I first broke the news of my breakup with booze, my peers were exclusively found online via the Ochsner Eat Fit #AlcoholFreeFor40 Challenge Facebook group and “sober Instagram,” where I too eventually started an account and online community called Drink Fit Club
(@ drinkftclub). In real life however, it was a little lonely being the only teetotaler in a band of teetotally pro-level drinkers. Thankfully, my friends are supportive and curious, jumping in to help me taste test non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits for reviews and articles (see my list of go-tos at drinkftclub.com/drinks). But over the past two years, more of my circle and acquaintances are jumping on the wagon.
Julie Anne Pieri, former bartender, artist, and co-owner of Petite Rouge Cafe Camionette, has been alcohol free for about four years. “My goodness I do not miss hangovers at all,” she said during a recent exchange. We discussed how much more fun it is now with non-alcoholic options becoming more plentiful. “Chemin À La Mer has an incredible mocktail. So good. Chais Delachaise on
Join the Drink Fit Club
Follow Melanie’s Drink Fit Club (@drinkfitclub on Instagram or drinkfitclub. com) for alcohol-free beverage recommendations, restaurants and bars with fun and fabulous NA options, and to see what it looks like to party without the booze in New Orleans.
Maple has a great, fresh herbal mocktail. Friggin fab.” From cocktail bars like Cure in Uptown to French Quarter dives like Harry’s Corner, there’s almost always an option, even if it’s not on the menu (just ask!). But as demand kicks up, I’m fnding thoughtful zero proof options like the mojito made with rum alternative at Saint John and alcohol-free programming at iconic New Orleans events, including Tales of the Cocktail and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
Initially, events and alcohol-free happy hours were a little awkward, and I was nervous about activities like marching sans a can of bubbly with my Mardi Gras krewe The Merry Antoinettes in Krewe Bohème. After a few frsts, I realized most activities were actually more fun, and no one really notices if you’re not drinking. In addition to being present and remembering every joyful moment, the natural dopamine rushes are palpable. I fell down the dopamine rabbit hole early in my sober curiosity when I read about alcohol’s efects on the brain’s pleasure chemical in the above-mentioned books and science-forward social feeds like Reframe. In one post, Reframe shared that “one part of the brain that is most impacted by alcohol use is the production of dopamine …” and “when we drink alcohol, our brain is fooded with a synthetic spike of dopamine far greater than the amount produced by average pleasurable experiences.” I found this alarming, especially when the post went on to say that, ultimately,
even with things you love (think playing with your pet, seeing an inspiring piece of artwork, enjoying a big hug from a loved one), your brain hits a threshold that can’t be reached with anything other than alcohol. Thankfully, not only does the brain have remarkable neuroplasticity, but also, it can “reset your pleasure threshold.” Every time you say no to booze, you create a new neural pathway, and as you continue to abstain from alcohol, your brain chemicals and hormones begin to level out. Hence the rip-roaring fun me and my alcohol-free friends have during Mardi Gras.
If you think being sober in New Orleans is lame, there was a time when I would have agreed with you. But after nearly fve years, I know that while facing bad times without alcohol as a quick and easy relaxant can be a bit of a wild ride, removing alcohol is a secret to better health, energy, and vitality and — even in a city renowned for boozy fun — a superpower for good times.
The Ochsner #AlcoholFreeFor40 Challenge
The #AlcoholFreeFor40 Challenge by Ochsner Eat Fit was the catalyst for my alcohol-free lifestyle. Are you interested in the 10th Annual challenge? Give up alcohol for 40 days between Mardi Gras and Easter and see the transformation. While registration to take advantage of pre-challenge metrics has ended, you can still participate and get support via the Facebook group, Mindful Monday talks, and other fun activities. For more info and to register, visit www.AlcoholFreeFor40.com.
Make Delicious Zero Proof Cocktails
Zero proof cocktails have come a long way from the fruit juice mocktails that come to mind when we are thinking about not drinking. Enter Craft: The Eat Fit Guide to Zero Proof Cocktails by registered dietitian, nutrition journalist, and Eat Fit founder Molly Kimball, with drink recipes developed by Ethan Scaggs and editing by Melanie Warner Spencer. With recipes inspired by drinks from some of Louisiana’s most iconic restaurants and bars, you won’t miss the alcohol even a little bit. The book is available via local and online booksellers and proceeds support Eat Fit and its programming.
BY MICHAELA BECHLER | PHOTOS BY KAT KIMBALL
A List The Ti Martin Brennan Lally &
CO - PROPRIETORS OF COMMANDER’S PALACE
Recently featured in Wine Spectator, Forbes, and Food & Wine
Commander’s Palace is synonymous with 25 cent martinis, jazz brunch, and its cousin co-proprietors Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan. The two can be seen roaming the restaurant greeting guests or f lming a new video for their popular Instagram account (@commanderspalace) where they deep dive into history, unique traditions, and current menu o ferings (all while having fun!). Ti and Lally also recently launched Commander’s Collection, a curated selection of home goods. “Exploring the possibilities of retail has been a fun project for our team, and we look forward to sharing new products designed to celebrate life, just like we do at Commander’s,” Ti shared.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
Ti: That it’s multifaceted. That I get to push our team and New Orleans to be more than we ever thought we could be. And I also love mentoring.
Lally: Our amazing, talented, passionate, and professional team and co-workers. They are the best. I love all our gracious, fun, and well-traveled guests…it’s like a party twice a day!
WHAT ARE YOU PROUDEST OF IN YOUR CAREER?
Lally: Creating dining memories, and the recognition of our peers as well as the numerous awards and accolades.
DESCRIBE YOUR CHARITABLE WORK:
Ti: I’m the co-founder and chair of the board of New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI), a 93,000 sq ft facility and 501(c) (3) nonpro ft organization that educates a diverse community of learners to sustain an ever-evolving hospitality industry
WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Ti: I have my own Pop-A-Shot basketball arcade game at home and I’m very good at shooting hoops. Lally: I have a severe case of FOMO.
Ti Martin (left) and Lally Brennan (right)
FAVORITE BAR:
Ti: Jewel of the South
FAVORITE MUSEUM:
Lally: The Historic New Orleans Collection
FAVORITE SIMPLE INDULGENCE:
Ti: Brocato’s cannoli: half vanilla, half chocolate, and NEVER refrigerated
Lally: Audiobook while walking in Audubon Park surrounded by the majestic oak trees
FAVORITE PLACE TO GO WITH FAMILY:
Lally: My home for dinner
BOOK YOU RECOMMEND:
Ti: Uncommon Service: How to Win by Putting Customers at the Core of Your Business by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss
Lally: Any Walter Isaacson book
FAVORITE NEW BUSINESS:
Ti: Ayu Bakehouse
Lally: Piqué by Parker Kennedy
SOMETHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT:
Ti: Cheese
Lally: A latte in the morning
LIFE HACK:
Ti: I do 40 full pushups and 260 sit-ups every day and it doesn’t take long at all. Short workouts can be very e fective.
Lally: Sticky notes — I have them everywhere, even on my front door, so I don’t leave anything at home that I need for the day.
Shop Home Décor, Jewelr y, Gift Registry &Tabletop
BOIL
1
CRAWDADDY TOWEL
$12.99, Nola Gifts & Decor nolagiftsanddecoronline.com
2
CRAWFISH CLAW HAIR CLAW
$22, Colette Bernard artistcolette.com
3
BAMBOO PAJAMA SET
$46, JuJu’s Kids Boutique jujuskidsboutique.com
4
CRAWFISH EMBROIDERED SWIM TRUNKS
$95, Perlis Clothing perlis.com
5
LEMON FRESH GRUBBIE SCRUBBIE
$20, Little Miss Muffin shoplittlemissmuffin.com
6
CRAWFISH CROSSBODY PURSE
$38, 504 FUNK 504funk.com
7
PETIT CRAWFISH PENDANT
$1,620, Mignon Faget mignonfaget.com
8
CLYDE THE GIANT CRAWFISH BOOK
$19.99, The Garden District Book Shop gardendistrictbookshop.com
9
GOOD TIMES BOIL NUTCRACKER
$42.95, Forever New Orleans shopforeverneworleans.com
10
CRAWFISH GARDEN FLAG
$18.99, Nola Gifts & Decor nolagiftsanddecoronline.com
OF 1 7 8 9 10 11 12 2 3 4 5 6
11
CRAWFISH POLO SHIRT
$32, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com
12
CRAWFISH CHEESE BOARD
$42, Little Miss Muffin shoplittlemissmuffin.com
1
CRAWFISH DOOR HANGER
$55, 504 FUNK 504funk.com
2
NOLA TAWK
CRAWFISH BOIL MEN’S SHIRT
$60, Forever New Orleans shopforeverneworleans.com
3
SWIG CRAWFISH PARTY CUP
$39.95, Forever New Orleans shopforeverneworleans.com
Chartres 1883 was designed by Logan Killen Interiors for Dear Valentine.
LOTS OF LAYERS
Melissa prefers a layered and collected approach to interiors.
The Francesca Sofa, a new design recently launched by Sunday Shop, adds to the fun.
Several pieces, including this canopy bed, were created by local furniture maker Doorman
CHECKING IN
New Orleans architecture is undeniably special — there are dozens of Instagram accounts documenting historic homes, organizations dedicated to their preservation, and businesses who restore these spaces back to their former glory. In 2024, local boutique hospitality group Dear Valentine stepped onto the scene with visions of giving old buildings a new, fashionable life as rentable guesthouses with unique and exclusive amenities. Since its launch, four delightfully curated properties have successfully opened in the Bywater, Uptown, and the Lower Garden District neighborhoods with two more en route.
The idea for Dear Valentine came to founder Melissa Shelton during her time as a corporate executive for an international company while living in New York and Los Angeles. “I traveled constantly for work in my corporate job, which became more of a chore than an enjoyable experience, especially with the hotels I sometimes had to stay in. I knew that there was an opportunity to create high-end environments for people like myself who put as much emphasis on choosing the right place to sleep as they do the right destination.”
Melissa turned her dream into a reality by securing partners in 2023 and leaving her corporate role to focus fully on Dear Valentine. Armed with her design and business degrees, corporate experience, love for hosting and taking care of people (fun fact: Melissa bartended for 12 years in New Orleans and Baton Rouge), passion for historic restoration, and the desire to work with local creatives
Melissa Shelton on-site at one of Dear Valentine’s properties. Photo by Kathleen Fitzgerald of Two Studios.
SLEEPY HEAD
Designs.
NEW
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Each property is named for its location and history. “Chartres 1883” is located on Chartres Street in the Bywater. The building was built in 1883 and was a feed store that sold goods coming off of nearby merchant boats docked on the river.
and craftspeople, the New Orleans native returned home to start working on the frst property, a Victorian home that ended up inspiring the company’s name.
“New Orleans is my home, and this business is a way to share all the things I love about it — like a love letter. We’re on a mission to create one-of-a-kind environments and experiences for those who share a devotion to travel and design. That embodiment of devotion and adoration drove the name to be Dear Valentine.”
When considering property, Melissa is drawn to buildings that are architecturally interesting or historically signifcant projects. It doesn’t hurt if it also contains some of the city’s signature touches like high ceilings, medallions, large windows, balconies, porches, and lush gardens. Each space is designed by interior designers and puts the design-minded guest at the forefront by including elevated brands in each property. “When guests check-in, they receive a comprehensive property design book with construction details, architectural history, and links to source products from brands we love that are
“Preservin g these spaces, especially with buildings that would otherwise be crumbling or left derelict, helps keep the magic and distinctive look of this city alive.”
– MELISSA SHELTON
TRIAL RUN
Dear Valentine properties provide a unique opportunity for elevated brands and designminded guests to discover one another outside of the traditional showroom environment.
“Everyone can offer a nice bed, a nice shower, a coo l s pac e . We believe it’s the little things, often unseen, that make a stay feel special.”
– MELISSA SHELTON
found in each space. Guests that are in that world, and are hunting for these kinds of experiences, love this detail.”
The properties are designed for full buyouts and can host anywhere from four to 24 guests. Each is stocked with amenities such as eye masks, sound machines, luxurious bath products, custom robes by local womenswear brand Lekha, and fully stocked fridges and cofee stations. “Our concierge services are done at a 1:1 level and are bespoke to each guest…we believe in the ethos of hospitality, the level of thoughtfulness that may seem unreasonable or unnecessary. But that’s what New Orleans is about. At our core, we open our doors and invite people in.”
Dear Valentine works with local artisans and craftspeople on each property including Logan Killen Interiors for interior design; Toulouse Street Millworks for cabinetry, custom millwork, and window and door restoration; Southkick Historic Preservation and Inhab Group for restoration and construction; Helm Paint working with Benjamin Moore to create historically accurate and inspired paint palettes; Cicada and Studio BKA for architecture; Swamp Studio for custom wall fnishes; Sunday Shop, Doorman Designs, Merchant House, Left Bank, and Fireside Antiques for furnishings and décor; Ganza for content marketing and experiential; and Also Known As for branding and web design.
While Melissa and her team are happily occupied with their current oferings (and wishing to grow at a sustainable rate), they look forward to expanding out of state next. “We’re looking at friends LeBlanc + Smith or Turkey and The Wolf who have been able to build a strong New Orleans presence before building concepts alongside current team members in Nashville and Asheville. We want to grow and give local talent the opportunity to grow with Dear Valentine for years to come.”
CONSUMMATE HOSTESS
Melissa adores hosting and sharing her love for her hometown. “Even when I lived in New York and LA, my heart was always in New Orleans. I was a proud ambassador — always sharing travel recommendations and making sure friends who visited knew all my ‘local favorites.’”
STAY AWHILE
Dear Valentine properties encourage gathering with multiple entertaining spaces from fully stocked chef’s kitchens to large-party dining spaces.
Blu e, GREEN &SPRING
MACK WELDON SILVER PIQUE POLO
$88, Ted and George tedandgeorgenola.com
2
STAUD CAROL DRESS $495, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com 3
JAPANESE BRIDGE FOLDING UMBRELLA
$30, NOMA Museum Shop shop.noma.org 4
PETER MILLAR JUBILEE JERSEY POLO
$115, Iron Horse ironhorseclothier.com
5
FISH WINE HOLDER
$55, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com 6
COASTAL ROUND SHRIMP PLATTER
$25, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com 7
NOLA TAWK GATOR MEN’S SHIRT
$60, Little Miss Muffin shoplittlemissmuffin.com 8
$22.99, Nola Gifts & Decor nolagiftsanddecoronline.com
7
MADRAS SPORTS COAT
$795, Ted and George tedandgeorgenola.com
8 FIFI TABLE LAMP
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
$1,087, Eclectic Home eclectichome.net 9
POMEGRANATE SEA PAJAMA SET
$475, Sotre sotrecollection.com
ShopDog
BY MARIGNY LANAUX
Vincent
Age: 2 years old | Breed: Toy Poodle | Store: Century Girl
It’s hard to miss Century Girl on Magazine Street with its pastel pink building, eye-catching window display, and a petite pup stationed by the entrance. This endearing Toy Poodle is Vincent, the shop’s adorable greeter who entices passersby to step inside.
Upon entering, you’ll f nd a beautifully curated selection of vintage clothing and accessories. The shop carries an array of special occasion wear and statement jewelry from designers like Chanel, Schiaparelli, and Vivienne Westwood. “Every piece in our collection is meticulously inspected and restored in-house to ensure museum-quality standards — we don’t just sell vintage; we preserve history,” shares Century Girl manager and Vincent’s mom Bethany Pickard. “We seek out rare, culturally signi f cant, and archival pieces that aren’t just beautiful but also meaningful — items that will continue to appreciate in value over time.”
One of Bethany’s favorite parts of working at Century Girl is having Vincent alongside her. Named after Vincent van Gogh and his Sun fowers series (a tribute to Bethany’s late sister who loved sun f owers), the pup enjoys socializing with customers,
coordinating mail deliveries, and scoping out the store’s fashion — especially anything with tulle! “He used to try to sleep in the tulle dresses when he was a baby.”
Vincent has developed exquisite taste working in retail and has even donned custom attire. “We had a vintage 1960s coat with rabbit fur trim come into the shop, and left in the pocket was a scrap of rabbit fur from when it was altered. I took the scrap to make him a fancy rabbit fur collar!” Besides dressing up, he loves salmon treats, cuddling, running outdoors, and his crinkle Santa toy.
Vincent has been a staple of Century Girl for the past two years, but the vintage boutique has been operating since 2014. Curated by Leah Blake, Century Girl continues to seek out high-quality pieces that span di ferent decades and styles, all while supporting female makers. “Our modern jewelry brands are all made in the USA by female entrepreneurs, which is something we’re really proud of.” Throughout the year, the shop plans to bring in new consignors, expand the bridal collection, and create one-of-a-kind pieces using vintage fabrics and patterns.
Favorite nearby spots: Pet Wants and Mojo Coffee House
Impressive trick: He can “dance” by getting on his hind legs and spinning
Favorite places to walk: Magazine Street and Coliseum Square Park
