One of the perks of being an Emory Collegiatte is the close proximity to New Orleans. There is an unspoken rite of passage for Emory students to make the trek down from Georgia to Louisiana during their four years here for the party to top all parties: Mardi Gras. For us Emory girls, the frat-hopping scene ultimately ending in the inevitable trip to Maggie’s can become very routine and gets old quickly. Mardi Gras is the perfect opportunity to solve all our party needs. A new city to explore, incredible food, the parade, vibrant and artistic masks and beads that drape the streets of New Orleans, dancing in the streets and seeing our best friends from Tulane can make from an unforgettable experience and amazing Instagrams! To take the most artsy and fun pictures or have the best #foodporn photo to brag about when you get back, look no further for the fashion and food of Mardi Gras 2014!
Fashion:
1.) Campus Connection
If you’re on the Tulane campus and realized as you were unpacking last minute that your outfit is not nearly as festive as all your friends’, stop by Campus Connection and they will hook you up. If you have time, check out their website and order stuff now!
http://www.campusconnection.cc/store/by_category/18/82/Mardi-Gras-Headqu…
For a cute outfit, pair the “Keep Calm” tank with jean shorts, a purple fanny pack (Fanny packs are an absolute Mardi Gras essential), with green and gold beaded necklaces and white Converse!
2.) American Apparel
American Apparel will never fail you for any of your dress-up occasions, whether it’s Halloween, a party or a themed mixer. Of course, they have also got you covered for Mardi Gras, just as they always have. The metallic collection is especially fitting for this festival. Try the Disco Shorts in Gold (called “Caramel” on the website), Purple, or a Teal/Green (called “Deep Peacock” on the website) For something a little more silly and recently trending, try their overalls! Even though they might look a little ridiculous, that’s all in the spirit of Mardi Gras and it’s more fun that way. The overalls, called “Shiny Short-All” come in Gold. You can wear a purple or green tank/tee underneath! Make sure that you check all the Mardi Gras essentials off your shopping list before you go: a tutu, high socks, a fanny pack, and of course your beads!
http://store.americanapparel.net/the-disco-short_rsaah301
http://store.americanapparel.net/shiny-short-all_rsac344
3.) Magazine Street
Obviously you’ll be too busy during the actual Mardi Gras celebration to shop, but if you find the time, make sure to head to Magazine Street for great shopping! Although this isn’t only the place to get your outrageous outfits for Mardi, you can also get unique things that you can wear back in Atlanta! They have lots of cool places you might have heard of, like LF, or some cool authentic boutiques exclusively in New Orleans. If you want to see all the shopping they have to offer, here’s a list: https://www.magazinestreet.com/business-categories/shop.
Food:
1.) King Cakes
During the festival, it’s easy to become so busy having an amazing time that you forget/ don’t want to eat! Obviously it’s important that you make sure to stay full, so try to eat food on the go. Try to pick up a King Cake, a traditional and delicious Mardi Gras typically ring-shaped cake! A good place to go is Maple Street Patisserie. If you want to order your cake in advance, make sure to take a look at Haydel’s Bakery, an online bakery.
2.) Café Du Monde
If you have good friends at Tulane or know New Orleans at all, I’m sure you’ve heard of Café Du Monde! It’s THE tourist destination for amazing food. Most people would say that a visit to New Orleans isn’t complete without stopping in for a beignet with a cup of coffee at Café du Monde. In fact, the beignet is the café’s signature. If you’ve never had one before, a beignet is basically a square piece of fried dough, covered with powdered sugar. Don’t leave New Orleans without being able to say you tried one!
After you leave Emory Thursday night, be sure to make you long 7-8 hour drive worth it by having the perfect festive outfit and eating all the best foods until you won’t be able to fit into that outfit!