The Pearl: February 2026

FASHION | LIFE | DESIGN

theALL LOVE

I’m super excited about the arrival of February — I’m hoping for an early spring and not six more weeks of winter! Not only does the start of a new month mean there’s a new issue of The Pearl, but now we’re really in the swing of Carnival season. To make sure you’re ready for Fat Tuesday and all the festivities leading up to it, head straight to Made to Parade — everything can be taken to or fashionably worn on the route!

The theme of this issue is love, whether that means practicing self-love, appreciating friends, spending time with a partner, or noticing all there is to love about New Orleans. Our team absolutely adores the beautiful parlor featured on this month’s cover, which is a shot from Melissa Wogan of @sidehaulnola’s home. After seeing the house in person, photographer Laura Steffan did a great job capturing the home’s whimsical yet functional design. Read about the renovations and Melissa’s Instagram resale account in Home Tour.

W ord of Advice delves into the “romanticize your life” trend, which is all about making time for yourself and appreciating the little things. Bookworms should flip straight to meet this month’s A-Lister, Alexandra Vasti, a bestselling romance author and professor. Valentine’s Day might be on the back burner for some this year, since it falls on the Saturday of “Deep Gras,” but we made it easy to still celebrate. Spread the Love is full of pink and red fashion, home accessories, and gifts for those you love. Perfect for a Galentine’s Day party or fueling up before a parade, don’t miss the recipes in Gather & Graze. They’re low-lift and sure to please small groups!

Currently reading:

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. It's a thriller set in the '70s at an Upstate New York summer camp, told from multiple perspectives — perfect for readers who were raised on Judy Blume, Ann M. Martin and mysteries!

Costume closet additions:

For one-of-a-kind costume pieces, eye-catching accessories and other curated (and affordable) vintage finds, check out Goodie Bag Vintage Clothing at 1300 Poland Avenue. A recent trip yielded a fabulous, 1960s floor-length silk tangerine-colored nightgown and some bold, dangly "evil eye” earrings fit for an ancient Egyptian queen — perfect to incorporate into an eclectic Carnival aesthetic.

Learn a new skill:

If you’re looking for a unique Valentine’s Day gift, date idea, or a new activity in general, Ben Dombey aka Glassblower Ben is a world-renowned artist and teacher who offers hands-on classes for anyone who is curious about what it’s like to play around with hot molten glass (safety gear provided!). Dombey is helpful and encouraging as he helps students every step of the way to create a signature piece of art or decor. Check out glassblowerben.com for details.

— Sarah Ravits

Upcoming holidays may be top of mind, but there are plenty of other exciting things happening around the city. New + Now shares quite a few upgrades at local businesses: a French Quarter hotel has added a new jazz club and bar, a downtown bakery now sells an at-home cookie mix, and a popular Uptown hangout has debuted a market. I also can’t forget to mention this month’s adorable Shop Dogs, the two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels of Azby’s. Wishing you a happy Mardi Gras season and a lovely month!

— Marigny Lanaux

Now Ne w +

BY MARIGNY LANAUX & SARAH RAVITS

CHECK IN, StayOut

The Omni Royal Orleans hotel in the French Quarter is debuting a glow-up just in time for Carnival season and Valentine’s Day with a brandnew live music venue and lobby bar. Three Maries Jazz Club will host local singers and jazz bands in an intimate setting, and lush floral details add to the romantic, sophisticated atmosphere. Meanwhile, the hotel’s new Royal Bar serves up signature drinks, including a Royal Old Fashioned and Brandy Crusta, along with bites from a curated food menu by the Rib Room culinary team.

621 ST. LOUIS STREET

ONE Smart Cookie

BATTER a bakery is known for its delicious desserts. After success in Hammond, owner Abi Caswell opened a second BATTER location in the Central Business District, which has quickly become a go-to spot for grab-and-go coffee drinks, fresh pastries, and even custom cakes. For those who don’t find themselves in Hammond or the CBD very often, you can now get the BATTER experience right at home with its new cookie mix!

“I’ve always wanted to have a retail product for the bakery, so that we could eventually expand to grocery stores and bring BATTER to more people,” Abi shared. “I’ve never wanted to sell my recipe, so the thought of doing the cookie mix was a natural way to share it without giving away the details!” Follow BATTER on Instagram (@batterabakery_nola) to stay up to date on cookie mix drops and a second flavor coming soon.

Recycling ON THE ROUTE

The growing movement to make Carnival more sustainable is ramping up again this season with Recycle Dat! , an initiative supported by the nonprofit Grounds Krewe. It’s easy for anyone to get involved during major parades: simply grab a donation bag from one of the 8 staffed recycling stations along the St. Charles Avenue route, fill it with beads and other throws, and drop it back off when the parade ends. There are also several recycling bins set up along the route, so revelers can easily discard aluminum cans instead of throwing them on the ground, where they often end up threatening the city’s drainage system. As a fun bonus, there are plenty of opportunities for participants to earn prizes and other recycling rewards.

GROUNDSKREWE.ORG/RECYCLE - DAT

Stocked UP

A new market filled with “good-time essentials” quietly opened at The Batture, the 10-acre outdoor space along the Mississippi in the Riverbend neighborhood. Miss Market is currently open on weekends (FridaySunday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.), as well as during the Crescent City Farmers Market hours (Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.), offering a selection of curated natural wines, beer, kid-friendly snacks and picnic provisions, as well as fresh espresso drinks. Once Carnival ends, however, the market will expand its inventory and its hours to six days a week (Tuesday through Sundays) — just in time for springtime weather and opportunities for outdoor fun.

25 WALNUT STREET

DON’T F RET, Just Rent

In New Orleans, there’s always a reason to dress up. Next time you’re in search of a fabulous outfit, visit The Closet , a clothing rental hub operated by Margaret Sche of Saint Claude Social Club. Formerly nestled inside the Columns hotel, The Closet now has its own retail space right outside the Lower Garden District.

Upon entering, you will be greeted by a plethora of clothes, jewelry, and other accessories.

“We always have one-of-a-kind pieces from new designers as well as a curated selection of designer vintage and pre-loved designer garments,” Margaret shared. “I buy items that are seasonless and can be worn throughout the year and stay relevant.”

Guests are encouraged to book a rental appointment or one-on-one styling consultation in advance. Soon, you will also be able to get friends together for “The Closet Experience,” a group styling session that includes photos taken by Evelyn Carriere and a commemorative fashion lookbook. “My hope is that people come to The Closet anytime they have a special occasion and need to pull a great look together. Rather than having an impulse to go out and buy something new, I hope they think of me first.”

A List The

BY SARAH RAVITS | PHOTOS BY KAT KIMBALL

Alexandra Vasti

BESTSELLING AUTHOR & PROFESSOR

Be stselling romance novelist and professor Alexandra Vasti says even as a kid, she was always carting around notebooks filled with hand-written short stories. After she wrote her first novella at 14 — a romantic suspense story about a journalist and a private investigator — she never really looked back. “Romance has always been one of my favorite genres to read — I love to laugh and swoon and squeal,” she says.

Her latest work, The Halifax Hellions , comes out February 17 (Fat Tuesday). It’s a follow-up to the acclaimed 2025’s Ladies in Hating , which drew numerous accolades and readers across the U.S. She describes The Halifax Hellions as a “Regency-era rom-com about London’s most scandalous ladies and the rollicking road trip in which they both unexpectedly fall in love.”

Many of Alexandra’s stories are centered around sapphic love and explore other LGBTQ+ relationships. “I believe that there is immense value in celebrating joy and tenderness, and I am particularly passionate about the importance of writing happily-ever-afters for people whose love stories haven’t always been celebrated,” she says.

Originally from Orlando, Florida, Alexandra and her husband moved to New Orleans because they both got jobs as professors. She says she is inspired by the local community of book lovers and fellow romance enthusiasts, many of whom she met through Blue Cypress Books’ monthly romance book club. “Finding book clubs after moving here was what turned New Orleans from ‘a place I live’ to my home,” she says. “I have made so many wonderful friends... and it’s truly a joy to celebrate this genre with so many other wonderful, kind, generous souls.”

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I feel so lucky that my job allows me to spend a lot of time in a hammock in my backyard watching the sky while making up stories in my brain and a lot of time meeting and hugging and getting to know readers. There’s nothing more special for me than when a reader tells me that my stories made them feel seen.

WHAT ARE YOU PROUDEST OF IN YOUR CAREER?

I’m really proud of my most recent release, Ladies in Hating. It’s a sapphic romance set in a 19th-century Gothic mansion, and it is packed full of real queer historical books and people. I am so passionate about sharing real queer history — we have been here forever!

DESCRIBE YOUR CHARITABLE WORK:

I participate in a mentorship program for romance writers looking to break into publishing called SmoochPit. It has been the honor of a lifetime to watch my mentees find agents and sell their books to major New York publishing houses.

FAVORITE MUSEUM:

New Orleans Museum of Art, especially their 19th-century furniture! I have so many photos I’ve used for reference in my books.

FAVORITE SIMPLE INDULGENCE:

A muffuletta breadstick from Ayu Bakehouse

FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR IN NEW ORLEANS: Christmas through Mardi Gras

BOOK YOU RECOMMEND:

You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian

SOMETHING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT:

A privacy screen for writing romance novels in public

FAVORITE HOBBY: Yoga at Swan River

& Graze Gather

Local recipes w worth sharing

Wh ile other cities slow down post-holiday season, New Orleans keeps the momentum going! Whether it’s for a Mardi Gras celebration or a Galentine’s party, whip up these recipes that are perfect for small groups and are sure to liven up any gathering.

Deconstruct and transform the iconic muffuletta into a flavorful pasta salad! This side dish is provided by Alexander’s Meals (alexandersmeals.com), a local business that offers restaurant-quality prepared meals, private chef experiences, and food consulting.

Muffuletta Pasta Salad

Yields 8-10 servings.

Pasta & Mix-Ins:

1 lb radiatori pasta

6 oz provolone cheese, diced

6 oz ham, diced

4 oz salami, diced

4 oz mortadella, diced

Olive Salad Dressing:

1 cup chopped olive salad (with giardiniera)

¼ cup olive oil

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cook radiatori in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and cool completely. In a large bowl, whisk together olive salad, olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Add cooled pasta, provolone, ham, salami, and mortadella. Toss gently until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Chill overnight before serving to allow flavors to meld. Add oil before serving as needed.

BY MARIGNY LANAUX

Wow the crowd by putting together this delicious appetizer from Hot & Soul (2540 Banks Street). The restaurant has been open since August 2025, and owners Mike Hampton and Christy Samoy describe their cuisine as “international food with soul.”

Mushroom Manchego Toast

Yields 6-12 servings.

4 slices sourdough

1 ½ cups grated 4-month-old Manchego

1 ½ oz extra virgin olive oil

2 cups mixed sliced mushrooms

¼ cup sweet onion, diced

1 tbsp minced garlic

¼ cup sherry

½ cup heavy cream

1 oz chopped Italian parsley Salt & pepper, to taste

Set the oven at 450°F. Liberally coat a sheet pan with ½ oz extra virgin olive oil. Place slices of bread on a pan, evenly spaced. Top bread liberally with grated Manchego. Place the pan of bread in the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and the bottom of the bread is toasted. Take it out of the oven and arrange it on a plate.

While the bread is toasting, start the sauce. Heat 1 oz extra virgin olive oil in a hot sauté pan. Add onion and garlic and sauté one minute until translucent. Add mushrooms and sauté for 2 more minutes. Add salt & pepper. Deglaze with sherry. Add heavy cream. Let it reduce until thick and saucy. Add more salt and pepper as needed. Add parsley and toss into the sauce. Cut the sourdough into 3 or 4 wedges. Spoon mushroom sauce onto Manchego toasts and serve.

Crafted with CoolBrew (coolbrew.com), these double-layer Jell-O shots bring a little caffeine and a lot of fun to any event! You can also simplify this recipe by eliminating the top layer.

CoolBrew Irish Coffee Jell-O Shots

Yields 24 servings.

For the bottom layer:

1 cup CoolBrew

1 ½ cups water

1 cup Irish whiskey

¾ cup sugar

2 envelopes of Knox plain gelatin powder

For the top layer:

½ cup half and half

½ cup water

½ cup Baileys Irish Cream

1 envelope of Knox plain gelatin powder

Start by creating the bottom layer. Whisk CoolBrew, water, and gelatin together in a cold saucepan. Allow to rest for 5 minutes to let gelatin soften. Add sugar and warm the liquid over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until gelatin and sugar are dissolved. Do not boil. Remove from heat and add Irish whiskey. Carefully pour into 2 oz portion cups, leaving enough room for the second layer. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour before adding the second layer.

Whisk half and half and water together in the same saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over top and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Warm the liquid over medium heat, stirring until gelatin is dissolved. Do not boil. Remove from heat and stir in Baileys Irish Cream. Fill cups with mixture and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours before serving.

W ORD OF A DVICE:

YOUR LIFE Romanticize

Small, simple things can help bring a sense of wonder to your life — and your relationships .

BY SARAH RAVITS

As a response to the chaos and overwhelm of everyday life, a new trend has emerged: “romanticizing” your life — and it has little to do with your relationship status. In fact, it’s largely about self-love and taking small, meaningful moments throughout the day to find a sense of gratitude and wonder.

Romanticizing your life is a wide-ranging concept, but it’s centered around mindfulness, slowing down, and pausing to appreciate the little things that could get otherwise overlooked during a busy day. It could involve an act as simple as waking up a few minutes earlier to sip and savor your morning coffee out of a favorite mug, instead of grabbing a go-cup and chugging it in the car on the way to the office.

Sean Ransom, the clinical director of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Center of New Orleans, says he admires a Swedish practice known as “fika.” It’s like “going for a coffee break — except culturally, it’s way more than that,” he says. “It’s about stopping what you’re doing, taking a break to relax, re-center and connect with others ... it’s this almost untranslatable concept of just being at ease in the day and just taking a break to be OK.”

Alisha Reed, a pharmacist, Board Chair of the American Heart Association and a health advocate who teaches nervous system regulation for heart health, says one of her favorite ways to get centered and show some self-love is to go on outings that include getting outside and appreciating the fresh air. “New Orleans is beautiful — walking helps me remember that, even when I’m stressed,” Reed says. She also likes to duck into bookstores or other quiet spaces to take a break from the daily grind. “Being in quiet spaces, surrounded by books, helps me shift out of work mode,” she says. Reed also cultivates a sense of wonder by exploring museums and other art-filled spaces, including the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the Sculpture Garden. “Art slows you down in a way that’s hard to find elsewhere,” she says.

Of course, paying closer attention to one’s surroundings and developing an

appreciation for the little things in life can also do wonders for people in relationships. Ransom says there are obvious benefits when couples can point out simple things they love about their partner, especially when they’ve been together a while. Asking questions about your significant other’s day or offering a genuine compliment is also a way to stay present.

“A lot of people have admiration for the person they’re with,” he says. “But they’re not saying it (out loud).” Additionally, he says, “Having an interest in your partner’s day is easy to do. In the beginning, when you’re getting to know a person, you’re asking them questions, but if you’ve been together for 5-10 years, our understanding of what’s going on can start to become out of date. So asking things like, ‘what are you working on? What music did you listen to on your way to work?’ — it’s active mindfulness to attend to your partner’s life.”

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REVIVAL UPTOWN Colonial HOME TOUR:

BY MARIGNY LANAUX

PHOTOS BY LAURA STEFFAN

Alot can be accomplished by a one-woman show. As the owner and operator of @sidehaulnola, an Instagram account selling remarkable finds from local estate sales, Melissa Wogan makes it look effortless. Through the power of word-of-mouth, what started off as a slow hobby in 2020 quickly transformed into an exciting adventure of reselling treasures and hosting “tag sales” where she sells the contents of an entire residence. Her time exploring beautiful homes and thoughtfully curating desirable pieces shaped the way she approached designing her own space.

Upon first viewing her current home online, it was a “hard pass” for Melissa, as it seemed like a huge undertaking. But once she stepped inside, she changed her tune. “The home was in pretty rough shape aesthetically, but I had a visceral feeling that we could restore it,” Melissa shared. “I was excited about the possibility of having a blank slate and not moving into a house with someone else’s design choices. It had solid bones with an unmistakable charm and soul that was hiding.”

BOOKS & BEYOND

Interspersed among furniture and bookshelves, Melissa stylishly displays items she’s collected. “I’m drawn to color and patterns and interesting objects with histories, especially ones with ties to New Orleans. I love to mix and match.”

HELLO, GORGEOUS

The entryway makes a statement with its mix of antique and contemporary furnishings, including the heirloom choir chairs, vintage Turkish rug, and art piece by Josie Azuma. The beautiful red pagoda chandelier was originally marked “not for sale” at an estate sale, but after begging the owner to reconsider, Melissa got to take it home. The center table was found at an estate sale around the corner, and the florals were arranged by Budsies.

FROM BLANK TO BOLD

Local artist Norah Lovell brought the bare fireplace to life with a custom mural, each image representing something special to Melissa or someone close to her. The mantel is from Bargeboard, and the floral arrangement is by Kowhai Floral.

In what seemed like kismet, the layout was already perfect. “The previous owner had two boys and a girl, and so do we, so it felt tailor-made for our family.” Other highlights include the ample living space, the kitchen’s view of the outdoor area, and the spacious playroom that connects two of the bedrooms through secret passageways.

Contractor Marcie Banks helped tackle the renovations, which included painting the entire interior, remodeling all the bathrooms, replacing lighting fixtures, and installing new wallpaper. Despite the whirlwind of changes, all the 1920s architectural features remained intact, including the mantels, molding, exposed ceiling beams, and original heart pine flooring that was hidden underneath old carpeting. “I feel that our renovation honored the original essence and atmosphere of the house but brought it into the modern era.”

DÉCOR DREAMS

SITTING PRETTY

Melissa found her dining chairs from friends and local resellers Ali and Lana of Bayleaf & Besom. They were originally found at a 1940s pool hall and covered in purple leather. Through the power of reupholstery, the chairs now boast a fresh new look. “I honestly was a little scared. But they had a great unique square back shape, and I knew new fabric would do wonders, and it did.”

Besides rummaging through estate sales, Melissa visits auction houses — New Orleans Auction Galleries, Neal Auction Company, and Crescent City Auction Gallery — and peruses locally owned shops like Renaissance Interiors, Tyler + Tate, and Hazelnut to source furniture and other accessories.

PLAN A PLAYDATE

The bright blue playroom connects both boys’ bedrooms. Containing tons of natural light on the second floor, this room also feels like an indoor treehouse! The soft, kid-friendly furniture is from House of Noa, the custom carpet is by Brown and Damare, and the pendant lights are from Color Cord Company.

Before moving, Melissa sold 85% of the furnishings from her previous home. “Transferring everything from the old house into this one would not have been the right move — every house has a different vibe.” Of course she retained a few favorites, such as a 12-foot-long antique church pew that now resides in the dining room, sentimental heirlooms, handmade coffee tables from local decorative painter E. Lee Jahncke, and ceramic pieces by artist JoAnn Greenberg.

During the design process, Melissa didn’t waver from her original gut feelings, like knowing the parlor needed to be a terracotta shade and the bland powder room needed a dramatic makeover — it’s now covered in Schumacher snake wallpaper. When it came to the kitchen, Melissa was on the fence about choosing a bolder hue, but after hearing Marcie say, “It’s just paint,” Melissa went for it and maintained this attitude throughout the project. “In other words, go big or go home. So, the kitchen is yellow. Paint isn’t a binding lifetime decision that you can’t change later, so have fun with it.”

Local art inspired many of the rooms and influenced their overall design, such as the dining room, which features a custom abstract piece by Shelley Aucoin and an original landscape by Ashton Shaw Despot. In the triple parlor, two custom blue pieces by Carey Hero King and Tina Johnson complement the primarily red color scheme. A large color-blocked custom collage by Josie Azuma anchors the entryway, and there are two smaller Azuma pieces in the den.

LOCAL TOUCHES & TALENTS

LOADS OF STYLE

Laundry feels less like a chore in this laundry room, thanks to the bright green walls, quartzite countertop, checkerboard ceramic flooring, and plenty of storage.

New Orleans craftsmen and vendors left their mark on the home, such as Stafford Tile & Stone, Helm Paint & Decorating, Zion Flooring, Joey Seger of Uptown Installations, and Leslie Walters Fabrics.

“ I wanted the new house to be vibrant and cheerful and an aesthetic statement of the life we want to build here with our young family. I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to make the house feel so true to my personal style. ”

– MELISSA WOGAN

“ One goal in this house was to maximize the use of every single room and make the spaces stylish yet approachable — I didn’t want any super formal or fancy space that would be off limits to the kids and used only once every blue moon. ”

– MELISSA WOGAN

Nearly a year after moving in, the house is now a

but Melissa is excited to continue making some changes. She eventually plans to substantially renovate the kitchen and tackle more of the upstairs. And chances are, she’ll integrate even more gems from her @sidehaulnola outings!

honored and deeply thankfulto

for naming me Best

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Reggie

Age:

5 years old

Breed:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Impressive trick:

The ability to fall asleep while sitting or standing

Favorite thing to watch on TV:

Football

ShopDogs

BY MARIGNY LANAUX

Ginger &Reggie

Store: Azby’s

Owner Kerry Bruno first opened Azby’s in 1989 out of a love for fashion and needing a job right out of college. Over the years, plenty of locals have made Azby’s their destination for women’s clothing, resulting in a devoted community of stylish shoppers. “The customer relationships and friendships that I have made over the years [are my favorite part about owning this business],” Kerry shared.

Ginger

Age: 10 years old

Breed:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Favorite toy: Her “crazy ball”

Favorite person: Kerry

It’s easy to build connections with customers, as the adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the perfect conversation starter! Ginger is named after her coloring, and Reggie’s name is a nod to Elton John’s birth name, Reginald Dwight. The two pups are loyal, snuggly, and high maintenance — it’s hard not to be after being surrounded by fashionable pieces all day. They truly embrace the finer things in life!

The duo’s favorite spot to hang out is right by the window, which frequently causes passersby on Magazine Street to do a double take (literally) and check out the shop. Upon entering, you’ll discover clothing and accessories for any occasion, from designers like Sam Edelman, Marie Oliver, and Amanda Uprichard. “We carry everything from casual daily sportswear to cocktail to evening wear… we also have a large collection of casual and cocktail shoes!”

The two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may look similar, but they have their own personalities. Ginger is more mature and responsible, while Reggie is curious and mischievous — he loves getting into trouble. On work breaks, they both like to snack on carrots, go for walks in the neighborhood, spend time with buyer and manager Tricia, and visit their best friend Scout, a German Shorthaired Pointer who lives down the street.

Ginger and Reggie included, the Azby’s team is excited to see which styles will take center stage in 2026. “[We are] looking forward to continuing to bring our customers the perfect additions to their closets!” The shop is open daily, but those looking for Ginger and Reggie’s expertise should stop in on Mondays and Thursdays through Saturdays.