Even
without parades, New Orleans dreamt up a multifarious number of activities for
celebrating Mardi Gras in a socially distant way. Whether you're going on a
biking/walking tour of the house floats or driving through City Park for Floats
in the Oaks, we've hatched occasions to dress for, out of nothing but our own
will. Even if you're not doing anything special, you don't have to justify your
Mardi Gras ensemble. In the words of the great contemporary ideologist Ariana
Grande, "You like my hair?/Gee, thanks, just bought it./I see it, I like it, I
want it, I got it."
Plush Appeal
Plush
Appeal
is a family-owned store in Mid-City that has been supplying the city with Mardi
Gras novelties and beads for 31 years. New this year is their selection of
limited-edition Krewe of Orpheus signature papier-mache flowers, available for
the first time ever. Their apparel is pretty cute, too. We want the "purple,
green, and gold sequin-trim-sleeves, black long-sleeve shirt"—sequins are
usually melodramatic, but these just provide a pop of shine instead of an
entire spectacle. 2812 Toulouse St.,
(504) 482-0000, mardigrasspot.com
Uptown Costume & Dancewear
On
Magazine Street, there's an audaciously orange building that sticks out from
the rest of the street, exactly the way a costume shop should. If you decided
at the last minute that you need a whole entire look (maybe for your
upcoming Floats in the Oaks trip), Uptown Costume
& Dancewear has you covered from head to toe,
literally. They have goggles, wigs, and hats galore, and those are just the
trappings for your cranium. Their store is sure to have something for all sizes
and styles. 4326 Magazine St., (504)
895-7969, uptowncostumes.com
Arc of Greater New Orleans
Arc is a nonprofit that empowers people
with disabilities by providing jobs and services. Their "turn beads into jobs"
initiative repackages and sells trinkets, costumes, and accessories in
eco-friendly and exciting packages. Maybe you've seen their donation receptacles
around town, or maybe you've volunteered there yourself. No matter if it's the
first time hearing about Arc or you know all about them, shop their DIY Mardi
Gras 2021 online store; it's the way to go if you're in the know. 925 Labarre Rd., (504) 324-1919, arcgnobeads.org
Mardi Gras Costume Sale at The
Kingpin
The
12th Annual Mardi Gras Costume Sale at The Kingpin is an all-outdoor, socially distanced
opportunity for you to get your gear while supporting local artists. This year,
they're advertising "one-of-a-kind headdresses, handmade and vintage costumes,
leather masks, fancy hats, sparkly shoes, weird accouterments, and many, many
more things to assist you in your costume adventures." If you missed the sales
on January 30 or February 1, don't despair. You'll have one last shot on
February 8, from noon to 4 p.m.
Home Malone
Is
your house dressed up for Carnival yet? In a pandemic, these are the questions
we must ask ourselves. Home Malone carries festive yard signs, king cake
mask spray, seasonal door hangers, and more, by over 150 Southern artists. "No
need to sift through mass-produced gifts here," their online presence says.
From owner Kristin Malone's first sale (which was a refinished chair put up for
sale on Craigslist) to their current retail incarnation, everything at Home
Malone is as idiosyncratic and adorable as their name.
Nikki's Boutique
A
year-round, 24-hour Halloween store in the French Quarter comes in handy for a
city that finds excuses to wear festive regalia at least 15 times a year.
Nicole Voltolina of Nikki's Boutique is described on
her Yelp bio as "fueled by her passion for Halloween." She and her team voyaged
the country visiting local companies, catching the best trade shows, and
meeting with costume designers. Their work culminated in a store where you can
get everything from party supplies and props to costumes and body paint.
