Orleans Couture

Beware of Outlet Malls

2009-12-06T08:58:00.001-05:00

This holiday season its especially easy to get swept into Outlet Mall shopping. Unbeknownst to most of the public, most designers have special lines they sell only at the Outlet Mall. Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers and Coach are three examples of designers that sell a "separate" line manufactured especially for their "outlet" stores. Be wary when paying discounted prices online for these goods which could be counterfeits. Opt instead for quality construction and good design without the overpriced label.

Saints Geaux 11-0

2009-11-30T23:33:00.001-05:00

Thoughtful Gift Giving

2009-11-30T07:09:00.000-05:00

Gift Giving is so personal we believe it only appropriate to include a handwritten note. It makes your gift more personal and meaningful. Afterall, no one wants to feel like an afterthought.

Orleans Couture personalizes all our giftwrap to your specifications. We can pen an elegant handwritten note to convey any sentiment. Personal Service.

Our signature Mocha and Blue Stripe Tissue and Blue Wrap is a present in itself!

Splurge!

2009-09-20T09:45:00.000-04:00

If I could choose one word to inspire you with your wardrobe this Fall and Winter it would be "Splurge". Accessories are plentiful in rich vibrant colors and extravagant textures. Selective purchases will inject your personal style with a certain flair.

If you can only make one splurge this season - try one of our fabulous cocktail rings. They're solid - most are created in .925 sterling silver. If you haven't indulged yourself in fashion jewelry recently - the cut and quality of our stones is superb. Most are priced about $55. These would make a delightful gift and yes, Sterling Silver can be sized.

How to wear the trend...

No matter if your treat yourself to some fleur de lis bling for Saints games or a cocktail ring keep in mind that you should only wear one piece at a time. Opt for either the necklace or earrings near your face and only wear one of these cocktail rings per hand. Too much of a good thing is just that - too much of a good thing!

Shopping Sense

2009-09-16T11:23:00.000-04:00

Here's a great idea for a gift. Try one of our delicious Gift Certificates. They will arrive beautifully wrapped with a handwritten note. Certainly the icing on the cake for any fashionista. Available in all sizes on our website.

Meet the Picayune Bag

2009-09-14T08:35:00.000-04:00

The Picayune Bag. Rich chocolate velvet feel materials with brass colored accents and faux leather trims. 5 inches wide. 17 inches across at the bottom of the bag. 7 inches tall from the base of the bag to the top. 15 inches from the top of the handle to the bottome of the bag. $85

How to wear the trend? Skinny jeans and boots, Bundled and layered. Also comes in black and cream.

Meeting Audrey for Breakfast

2009-09-13T09:53:00.000-04:00

Its brunch at Murphy's on a chilly September morning. Our Audrey bag in shiny red patent. Always sophisticated. Audrey with a vintage inspired frame and closure. $65

Vivien Learns to Tango!

2009-09-12T09:01:00.000-04:00

Living in New Orleans inspired me to develop a real style all my own. On random balmy evenings - where you can sit on the porch and enjoy a breeze - I would ring several girlfriends to meet. New Orleans has several types of drinking establishments - and when I got the girls together we would begin at a particuliar small swanky coffeehouse. The rooms of which were bejeweled with antique sofas recovered in vibrant colors, lit by the glow of exquisite chandeliers and the walk to illuminated with gas lanterns.

All for a mere $5 could I have a delicate French pastry and tea. Just sitting inside I would feel rich and well traveled. Those evenings are the inspiration for this bag. Vivien. Vivien is a modern girls clutch, flashy enough in silver faux python yet whimsical enough to pair with jeans and a tank. Vivien. $50.00

How to wear the trend... Vivien is for concerts and cocktails, out on the town or just to add a touch of flair to your evening. The rich silver faux python works with denim, black trousers, flirty cocktail dresses and of course to the Ball. I took mine to a movie at The Fox.

Fall Is In The Air

2009-09-09T09:47:00.000-04:00

Fall is in the air and the Orleans Couture girls are busy accessorizing. We're setting up at local markets and festivals this month bringing the latest in handbags to you. Subscribe to our fashion blog! Add us to your MySpace friends.

Kelly is pictured here with our vintage inspired Audrey bag which comes in shiny patent black or red. A gold toned hinge closure with large gold button detailing. $60

When you host a purse party with your friends, Kelly brings a selection of earrings, necklaces, baubles, bangles and cuffs starting at $10 in addition to handbags. No two items are alike. You can earn gift certificates for hosting.

Autumn is in the air

2009-09-05T09:40:00.000-04:00

There's a little chill in the air. The leaves are beginning to change. A new wrap to take the chill off my shoulders. These soft wraps add a bit of instant glamour to jeans and boots. Say "Buh Bye" to those dowdy suede jackets of last season. "Bonjour" to a glamorous new wrap in cocoa or red hot. $60

Autumnize

2009-08-27T15:09:00.000-04:00

Autumnize your Fall wardrobe with our Orange Tote. Sleek patent with silver grommet details. On to the pumpkin patch! $70

Monday Night Football

2009-08-24T09:46:00.000-04:00

Show your team spirit with our Monday Night Football bag. The wide shoulder strap has a gold buckle and grommet detail. Touchdown. Our best selling bag this football season. $55

A Twist Of Lemon

2009-08-21T10:02:00.000-04:00

Marisol in Lemon. A Rich Bright Yellow Patent Bag. Marisol is the choice for gals who want a handbag that takes a twist. Who doesn't like a twist of Lemon?

Wide 6 inch base. 17 inches wide. 13 inches from base of bag to the top of the bag. 16 inches from the top of the handle to the bottom of the bag. And did you see all that cut detail? Ooh la la.

$70.00

How to wear the trend... Dark Denim, Black, Chocolate Brown and then repurpose the bag for next Spring with a crisp White skirt and sandals.

Black Petal Bags

2008-11-04T14:13:00.000-05:00

Petal Bags. Whimsical. Marvelous. Perfect for an afternoon shopping in the Highlands. $40
Kelly's tip - The coca cola cupcakes are my favorite part of the afternoon. Where can you find the best tasting coca cola cupcake in Atlanta? Belly in Virginia Highlands. For our friends who can't visit, we've included their recipe.

BELLY COCA-COLA CUPCAKES
"Anyone of a certain age knows that the best way to drink Coke is out of an ice-cold, glass contour bottle with a few Planters peanuts dropped inside. Belly storekeeper Melanie Manning kept this in mind when she developed the store's recipe."

2 cups self-rising flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup Coca-Cola1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped Fudge and Coke Frosting (recipe follows)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 24 cupcake pan cups with foil or paper cups.In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar; set aside. In a saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, Coca-Cola, butter and marshmallows. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Pour the boiled mixture over the flour mixture and stir to combine. In a small bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the buttermilk and vanilla. Stir into the flour mixture; stir well to combine. Pour the batter into lined pans, filling each 2/3 full. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, until a tester inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting.

WHIPPED FUDGE AND COKE FROSTINGMakes 24 servings
"This fluffy frosting tastes like chocolate mousse with something extra. You can use any combination of chocolate chips, as long as you have a total of 1 2/3 cups."

Tester's note: Keep a close eye on the frosting as you beat it. One trick is to use the electric beaters until the mixture begins to lighten in color and texture, and then finish beating it by hand to the right consistency. If the frosting becomes too stiff to spread, use a spatula that's been held under hot water and dried off to frost the cupcakes.
1 cup heavy (whipping) cream
6 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/4 cup Coca-Cola1 cup milk chocolate chips
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup coarsely chopped Planters peanuts (for garnish)

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the cream, corn syrup and Coca-Cola and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and add the chocolate chips and butter, stirring until melted and smooth (if the chocolate doesn't melt completely, return the saucepan to low heat and stir constantly until melted). Pour the mixture into a mixing bowl and chill for 1 hour.Using an electric beater, preferably with a whisk attachment, beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy but still spreadable. Do not overbeat, or the frosting will become too stiff to spread. Use frosting immediately to frost the cooled cupcakes, and then sprinkle them with the chopped peanuts.Makes 24 cupcakes
All the credit goes to Belly storekeeper Melanie Manning
Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - April 24, 2006

We're Putting The Icing On The Cake!

2007-09-18T22:13:00.001-04:00

Wow! We have our new boutique open and have had such accolades from all our friends.

Thank You!

Recently, I sat with my Mom and we looked through old photographs. We giggled with ourselves - at ourselves - and I found this picture appropriate for today. I was about three years old when this was taken. And I'll admit they caught me - sampling.

This week, I am busy putting the "icing on the cake" so to speak with a photo shoot for our new Winter line, editing this new Blog, managing our Boutique and our Web Site. Check back with us for delicious handbags and sweet styling trends.

Sophie and I think every girl should be two things -
Classy and Fabulous!