by Katharine Elizabeth Monahan Huntley
Lindsay: So this piece is really going to happen? Hilarious! No rush . . . take your time. I’ll send over anything else I find around the city or on Amazon I think you’d like to wear.
Teal Mosanana Oval Retro Trendy Sunglasses: $15.99 “They made me think of you! And ofc these, but this would be a treat.” Krewe Margaret—doesn’t follow the trends, she makes them: $335.
Carmen and I were in New Orleans to hear Emil play Sax in the birthplace of Jazz. After the clapping, we were on our own to explore tourist trappings.
On the return trip from the Garden District, we hopped off the trolley for a quick refresh. Commander’s Palace beckoned, and we answered the call. Bellied up to the bar; Flies on the wall.
L.A. jaded, we were drawn to a young couple celebrating with champagne in a chiller and oysters on ice. Chris sported a trimmed strawberry blond beard and Lindsay—a bejeweled headband and cape.
Date night for these high school & college sweethearts, parents of three. Carmen and Chris spoke of career connections. Because of my magenta faux fur, Lindsay thought I was from NoLa.
A brief interlude turned into a four hour stay, dry ‘tinis, bottles upon bottles of crisp rosé.
True to her name, Lindsay had a lot to say—Y’all, I was here for the drawl.
Owner of the White Oak Fields blueberry farm that also serves as wedding venue, Lindsay’s mission is “to create beauty and connect with others” and her quiddity is the sweet tea.
I had to know how she got her glow.
“The Ordinary.” AHA 30% BHA 2 % Peeling Solution. e.l.f. Bronzing Drops.
Hair?
“Batiste Dry Shampoo, Brunette Hair.”
Erimish “Monet Pillow Set” stacking bracelets. Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin hand gel.
Mac Whirl lipliner.
Onto sunnies:
Carfia Retro Tortoise Frames “Perfect for flattering small faces. You don’t want to miss it!”
Lindsay tried on my signature “Kurt Cobain’s” purchased from Iguana Vintage in NoHo, and we both went through my “hitt’n’ the town bag,” lined up my lip liner, lipsticks, lip oils, eyeliner, lash extension and eyebrow brush on the bar.
Naturally, the next step was for Lindsay to paint wings. Washing my hands in the Ladies, a Lady compliments my eye makeup, and Lindsay’s disembodied voice floats from the stall. “Would you like me to do your eyeliner?”
Chris, referring to his wife as a ”smoke show” made me immediately crave a Capri. The Christian couple offered no judgment, and Lindsay offered to come outside with me.
Alex, one of the Gen Z boys off the party bus, bummed a cig and sat between us on the bench. Lindsay name-checked her husband several times, and suggested the young men check out The Gold Mine, famous for its Flaming Dr. Pepper shots.
Strolling back to our krewe of two, Lindsay announced we were all going to the bespoke saloon in the French Quarter. Carmen seconded that notion, and we were in motion. Chris and I smiled, eyes rolling—we both knew it was too late in the daze. Time to part ways.
Back at the Omni’s Royal Bar, Carmen and I quaffed an ill-advised final final and on the advice of the entire bartending staff, chomped a cricket.
Lindsay: Hope y’all made it back okay! We enjoyed y’alls company!
Southern Charmed, we’re sure.
