Shop at Swap

Swap Boutique—the best designer consignment store in New Orleans, hands down. Actually, in my life, I’ve never been to a better store that sells used clothing. This little shop at 7716 Maple Street is the only place I go anymore, especially when I want to avoid the mall. Walking into this little place, you’d never know it was mostly second-hand, though there is quite a bit of new clothing and shoes that are overstock from local boutiques.

They only take items in near perfect condition and only accept vintage and current things that reflect today’s trends. The best part is that it’s high-end items, often new with tags, that I could never afford otherwise--$400 Diane Von Furstenberg dresses for $100, and $650 Chloe shoes for under $90! The lowest brand they take is Banana Republic; I’ve stocked up on $100 cardigans for $30 a pop.

The owner is a really wonderful woman named Michelle Reinhardt who started the store with the philosophy of recycling. She wants to bring fashion into the green movement, and I can see why her clients are so loyal—she genuinely wants the women who shop there to be happy and confident with their appearance. The staff goes out of their way to help customers find what they’re looking for, and it’s always fun to shop in such a warm atmosphere.

Consigners have to make appointments, but they can bring in any amount of items. If Swap decides to sell them, the items are sold at 30% of the retail price and the consigners can make 40% commission in cash or 50% commission in store credit. There’s also a super cute Swap for Kids store next door.

For locals and tourists alike, this is a must-see stop for shopping. It’s incredible what you’ll find—I never leave empty-handed because everything goes on sale after 30 days. The markdowns get to 60% off; I definitely have my eye on a sequined Tory Burch dress and Prada shoes that I can only hope other people are blind to!

http://www.swapboutique.com/

*Photo Credit: http://www.swapboutique.com/consign.html

Benardett Wins Statewide Award

Benardett K. Jno-Finn, owner of Sénica, LLC was announced as the winner of the 2011 Small Business Administration (SBA) Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the State of Louisiana. The SBA announced the regional winners of the Small Business Champion Awards On March 8, 2011.

"I was surprised and humbled when I found out I received this award. There are so many young entrepreneurs with viable businesses that will help sustain their communities, I'm truly honored to be among them and the one who was chosen to receive this distinction," said Jno-Finn.

The award recognizes entrepreneurs under the age of 30 who demonstrate entrepreneurial potential necessary for long-term business success and economic growth, utilize innovative or creative business methods and serve as a majority owner and operator or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business with a three year track record.

“Small business owners embody the spirit of entrepreneurship and strong work ethic that lie at the heart of the American dream. They are the backbone of our Nation’s economy, they employ tens of millions of workers, and, in the past 15 years, they have created the majority of new private jobs. During Small Business Week we reaffirm our support for America’s small businesses and celebrate the proud tradition of private enterprise they represent.” Barack Obama, President of the United States, 2010 Small Business Week Proclamation.

Founded in 2007, Sénica is a New Orleans-based company whose mission is to promote a holistic approach to health, beauty, wellness and restoration by providing quality natural products for bath, body, hair and home. Product offerings are complimented by resources that link nutrition and a healthy lifestyle as integral parts of achieving natural beauty. Sénica has won several notable awards and has begun to garner a solid reputation on local and national levels. Most recently, the Company was featured at the 2010 Miss Universe Gifting Suite. For more information on the company, please visit www.senicanaturals.com.

National Small Business Week 2011 will be celebrated the week of May 15, 2011. During this week, Ms. Jno-Finn along with seven other SBA business champions will be honored at a reception at the Governor’s Mansion and a local luncheon.

Shop Local: Sew Groovy!

When it comes to gift giving these days, the general rule of thumb is to provide your recipient with a gift card to one of their favorite stores and call it a day.

How boring is that?

This February, Good Nola wants you to think outside the box of boredom with your gift giving and support local artisans in the process. Let's go back…way back to a time where you had to make your own dress in order to stand out at the school dance.

Why not get more involved with your gift-giving?

I came across 504 Stitches while reading a local NOLA blog and instantly fell in love with the vintage-chic style of owner Rebekah Apotre.

So sewing…gift. You still haven't put it together. 

Rebekah offers sewing classes to locals and teaches them the basics of sewing where you can…get this…MAKE a gift for a family member or friend. 

"But I'm too lazy to actually make a gift."

Rebekah's got something for those of you too. Her handmade, unique accessories can also be found under her She Loves Me Not Clothing Company. Quilted necklaces and rings…who knew sewing could be sew much fun?

Check out Rebekah's Blog at: The Craft Fiend.

Hot Chocolate in Nola

It's that time of year to enjoy a wonderful cup of hot chocolate. That yummy warmness will make any cold New Orleans day better. Recently, Good Nola twitter followers let us know their favorite places for hot chocolate, check it out!

1. PJ.s Coffee& Tea Cafe - 7624 Maple Street
2. Still Perkin' - 2727 Prytania Street
3. CC's Community Coffee House - 2800 Esplanade Avenue
4. Rue De La Course - 3121 Magazine Street
5. Chateau Coffee Cafe - 139 Robert E. Lee Blvd

Got Garb?

garb (gärb)
noun
1. clothing; manner or style of dress, esp. as characteristic of an occupation, profession, or rank
2. external form or appearance
3. Obsolete style; manner

You just got paid. It's Friday night. And now you're in your closet looking for something to wear to the hottest party of the year.

And nothing is looking back at you.

Another road trip to the mall? Negative. This time you're going to stop by a new shop on Magazine Street simply called "Garb." And then you're going to smile when you realize it's owned by N'awlins native, Antonia Carter (a.k.a. Toya from BET's Tiny & Toya show). And if that's not enough to have you singing in your stilettos, then you're going to lose your mind at the chic clothing at affordable prices.

No, really. It's affordable.



I'm talking the cutest Fall boots for $40, fun and frilly dresses under $100 and for those of you with caviar taste, an exclusive section of Garb known as Toya's Closet where you can find vintage items from designers such as Christian Louboutin, Fendi and Gucci for a fraction of its original costs.

Spotlight Nola: Yoyodyne Galactronics (Stitchery Division)

I've Always been a compulsive crafter.

Okay, let's see... I don't know what the NORMAL process for starting up something like this is, but I probably didn't do it that way. I've Always been a compulsive crafter. I will pick up just about anything and try to learn how to do it- soapmaking? French-wire beading? Candle-Dipping? Stationery design? All of those are things I do from time to time. I've been sewing since I was a kid, and my educational background is in Costume Design, so it figures that when I finally light on something that I can market, it would be some sort of stitchery. 


The two things I mostly sell right now are accessories and scarves made with cloth Yo-Yos (fabric rosettes made popular in the 1930's) and weird little mutant stuffed sock monsters. I think the key to both of these for me is their portability and the fact that I can do it all sitting on the couch, thus justifying my TV-watching. The sock monsters are, as you'd guess, stuffed animals made out of socks, kind of along the lines of the famous "Sock Monkey" we all know and love. The thing is, every time I tried to make one that looked like a real animal, I was kind of disappointed in the result, so I thought I'd play to my strengths- if I'm not trying to replicate a real animal, I can let it develop as I build it and it becomes whatever it becomes, which is kind of great, because they end up with so much personality. The final step with the sock monsters is writing down their names and bios.


 Each one of them comes with a tag that has their name and some information about the creature. Not so much care and feeding, but something like, "SPLOGHM: If you're looking for something, Sploghm probably ate it. Sorry..." or, "Milo McFenderbender is a bit of a mystery. He hasn't said a word since he showed up at the lab. We'd be worried, but he seems perfectly content just observing the houseplants." It's really funny, the names and stories usually pop into my head within minutes of finishing the dolls, and there's no getting around it- I've tried to change names I didn't particularly like, and I can't do it- they just stick, you know?


 Also, a lot of folks ask me about the name of the company, most folks who recognize it take it for a Buckaroo Banzai reference, and I do adore that movie, but actually I took it from Thomas Pynchon's novel, The Crying of Lot 49. I didn't do it to be particularly pretentious- I've always liked Pynchon, and he has a gift for some of the most outlandish character names ever, so that's my inspiration every time I come up with a name for a weird little creature. Also, the accessories and scarves are made from "Yo-Yo's," so there's the tie-in there. 


I just really liked the dichotomy of the retro-futuristic-techno name, and the idea that this fictional rocket laboratory would have a "Stitchery Division," which would of course produce weird mutant (yet cute,) monsters. Makes all kinds of sense to me, but I just hope it's catchy.

Louisiana businesses to be chosen for exchange program

Louisiana businesses will take part in a new foreign exchange program developed by the U.S. Department of State, but they haven’t been picked yet, a New Orleans businessman says.

Kevin Langley, chairman-elect of the board for Entrepreneurs’ Organization and co-owner of Mid-City-based Ellis Construction, said he is helping the Department of State craft the program, Entrepreneurs for a New Beginning.

FULL STORY

Nica Mom of the Year Essay Competition

Do you think your mother should be the "Nica Mom of the Year"? Tell Nica Naturals why and she could win a Nica Naturals gift basket valued at $100 and you could win a $25 Nica Naturals gift certificate for a job well done. The essay can be about your mother or someone who has played the role of a mother to you. Essay Submission Deadline: May 5, 2010 12:00am CST

Fill Out The Form!

Also Check Out Nica Natural Products

Z'otz Cafe

Zotz cafe is a very upbeat type of coffee shop not only with yummy drinks, but treats and all the good music you can handle. This is a shop I can sit in for hours because of the laid back atmosphere and affordable prices found. 

Zotz also has something I absolutely adore,an extensive tea collection. You name it they probably got it.  In Zotz, you can find three rooms, outside courtyard, books, board games, and computer for use. To top it off you can't go wrong with venue on

the great oak street.

Zotz on Twitter

Zotz on Facebook

Location:

8210 Oak Street

New Orleans, LA, 70118

Phone:

504-861-2224

Mon - Sun:

6:30 am - 1:00 am

The Sound Cafe

The sound cafe just like its name has definitely great sound soon as
you walk in the door. Nice atmosphere making you feel right at home.
At sound cafe, you can find all types of good eats and drinks for
reasonable prices. The plus for me was individuals ordering tea receive a 
full tea pot with possible several cups of yummy tea! You can get
your study in or have a good conversation at this great wonderful
cafe. Another great find in bywater. Definitely somewhere worth
trying out.

2700 Chartres Street
New Orleans, LA 70117-7314
(504) 947-4477

The Orange Couch

The Orange Couch quickly became one of my favorite coffee shops for its
service, atmosphere and the yummy treats and drinks all for reasonable
prices. On Royal Street, you will definitely find a friendly helpful staff
delivering quality treats such as a Lychee shake. The decor is very
contemporary and opening for relaxation moments, to have a
chat or get some work done. Comfy chairs, couches and spacious tables
present for all type of patrons of this fine establishment. This a great place to check out and get motivated.

The Orange Couch Website

Blue Cypress Books

My favorite bookstore has to be oak street treasure blue cypress. Not only can a great book be found but great customer service. Here you get superior service and great conversation about your purchases as well as informed recommendations. This store makes you feel comfortable with your purchases and makes you want to come back for more. 

This is one business you can honestly say is a relationship building business. At blue cypress, you can find all types of great books from classics to more current books as well as local finds and much more.  All your favorites for very very reasonable prices! If you haven't visited you need to like right now. 

Blue Cypress Website

Blue Cypress on Facebook

Blue Cypress on Twitter

Location:

8126 Oak Street

New Orleans, LA, 70118

Phone:

504-352-0096

Mon - Sat:

10:00 am - 5:30 pm

Sun:

11:00 am - 4:00 pm

American Sector

The National WWII Museum has done a great job creating an experience for
restaurant visitors. Not only great food and service but great
experience based on the cultural heritage of Louisiana.   You will find good eats like Crabmeat Pie, Shrimp Etouffe with Jasmine Rice as well as Peppermint Patties.
Also, you can find a quart of delectable sector soda.  Be prepared to
try each course you won’t be able to resist.   This is a perfect place
to take a family or go on a nice quiet date. 

American Sector Website
945 Magazine Street New Orleans, LA 70130-3813 - (504) 528-1940
American Sector on Facebook