Last weekend I flew down to New Orleans to meet up with my husband. He had a work trip there, and some of the other guys he works with were flying their wives down for the weekend, so we decided to do the same! Todd’s parents were kind enough to come and watch the boys for us, and the boys were thrilled to be with their grandparents. I flew down Friday afternoon, and we were home by Sunday at lunch time. It was a quick trip, but so fun to experience the New Orleans culture and food, and to get away for a bit. We double-dated with one of Todd’s co-workers and his wife and had a blast. I received lots of questions about what I was wearing, so I wanted to share that, along with where we ate and drank and explored.
Todd’s sneakers (on sale for $35!!)
The only other time I have traveled to New Orleans was on a college spring break trip after Katrina hit. Todd, some of our other good friends, and my cousin were actually all there too. It was a relief trip to help clean up some of the mess and devastation the hurricane left, but the trip did not turn out at all how we planned. Long story for another day – but we did get to help some people clean up their homes. Needless to say, I had never seen New Orleans in all of it’s glory, so I was very excited to see it in a different light.
The Saints were hosting a playoff game on Sunday, so my flight on Friday was filled with football fans. And I actually (accidentally) packed all Saints colors. The city is normally vibrant and full of parties, but there was some extra celebration happening because of the hype around the game.
The whole experience was lovely and fun. All of our servers at every restaurant and bar were kind and helpful and great at their jobs. Our Uber drivers were sweet and knowledgeable about New Orleans, and proud of their city. My driver from the airport to the hotel lost everything during Katrina. She can’t find a single picture from her wedding, yet she said many times that she’s thankful they survived. It was refreshing to speak to hear someone be so real and raw, yet with a positive outlook.
I arrived Friday, and Todd and his work friends had already been out having cocktails. I had some catching up to do, but I’m a total lightweight! Todd came to meet me at the hotel and we walked to the Carousel Bar in Hotel Monteleone to meet the others. Then we headed for a glass of wine and oysters at Bourbon House before our reservation at Coquette. We enjoyed each place, and the food at Coquette was especially delicious. I would highly recommend this restaurant. After dinner we went to see a show at Tipitina’s. The music there wasn’t our favorite, but it was still fun.
What I wore on the plane and out that night:
Blazer (wear this all the time) | Jeans | Turtleneck | Sneakers | Bracelets
On Saturday I was wide awake at 7, and felt like I needed coffee and something green asap. We threw on some clothes and headed out. Todd googled smoothie places and healthy restaurants, so we walked to one. Well, apparently that particular one isn’t always open. The city was dead early in the morning. There was hardly anyone out, and many places weren’t open. But we did end up finding Two Chicks Cafe and got a green smoothie. All of the food in New Orleans is really heavy, so it felt good to have some kale!
We went back to the hotel and got ready for the day, then met Todd’s co-worker and his wife for brunch/lunch at Commander’s Palace. I had no idea what we were in for! It was so fun, and the service was over-the-top impeccable! But it was 3 courses of major food, plus live music by the table, plus balloons on the tables! We left there stuffed.
We walked through Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, then walked around the Garden District.
What I wore during the day on Saturday:
Blouse (sold out, linked the current pattern) | This blouse is another super cute one from there. I like the neutral motif. | Jeans (old, I linked some similar) | Boots (old, but this is the current version) | also love these Boots
After that, we went to Bourbon St to have a drink at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, and waited out the rain. There was a big group of guys who were Eagles fans, and they were having a good old time. At one point they were singing “The Middle” in high-pitched voices, ha! Then we went to Jackson Square and walked around some more. We stopped for a snack at Mahoney’s, then went back to get ready for dinner.
What I wore to Dinner and Out on Saturday:
Faux Leather Leggings (I bought mine from Uniquities in Birkdale Village, but you can also order them) | Boots | Bodysuit (Amazon find!) | Cardigan (old, but I linked a similar one)
We walked to dinner at Sylvain, which was delicious, and we loved the atmosphere. On the way we saw a wedding party doing a second line. I would be so embarrassed to dance in the street, but all of the guests looked like they were having a blast!
After dinner we went to The Bombay Club for martinis and to listen to a swing band. We met up with some more of Todd’s work friends there. It was another great spot!
We flew home Sunday morning, and were back to see our boys by the afternoon. It was such a nice getaway!
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