<p>Way back in the day, right when New Orleans was coming around to Twitter, I signed up. Not really knowing what to make of it or even what to do with it, the Nola Twitter community was taking shape. One of it's mavens was and has always been <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nolachick.net" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nolachick</a>. Marielle, aka Nolachick, has become one of the most well known, versatile, and prolific models in and around town.</p>
<p>Stylist and photographer Victoria Barkley is perfectly comfortable and at home in front as well as behind the camera. Here <a target="_blank" href="https://instagram.com/victoria_barkley/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram feed</a> is beaming with images filled with vibrant and authentic color that truly shows off her Nola bred eye for contrast and composition. We were fortunate enough to run into some thick and heavy fog as we started out shooting and it proved to be quite perfect. Check out the rest of our shoot as well as the her profile down below.</p>
<p>There's nothing more naturally n'awlins than burlesque. A few years ago, I was mesmerized by the fantastic "Burlesque Ballroom" show at Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse within the Royal Sonesta Hotel. It was the first time I'd Cherry Brown perform that night, and I remember thinking even back then that she'd be perfect for a feature here on iHeartnola.com. I was thrilled when she agreed to shoot around the Bywater, and I was even more thrilled to get an inside look into the life of such a gifted performer. Below you'll find our favorites from the day, and some answers to our favorite questions.</p>
<p>As this site continues to evolve, I wanted to put a stake in the ground and move forward and beyond posting just style profiles on iHeartnola.com. I began to realize that the person I'm profiling is so much more than the outfit and their accoutrements. At the core of it, each person I've profiled over the years has a story beyond their style.</p>
<p>It's been at least a hot minute since we launched our <a target="_blank" href="https://scott-simon-pmti.squarespace.com/blog/fashionandstyle/my-nola-perfect-10" rel="noopener noreferrer">"Nola Perfect 10"</a> feature. Out of the 10 ladies featured for their individual style and grace, Katie Dumestre has grown and changed the most. As 1/2 of the prolific creative team behind <a target="_blank" href="http://the-elizabeth-chronicles.myshopify.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Elizabeth Chronicles</a>, Katie has truly come full circle.</p>
<p>Hustler has carried many different connotations over the years. In it's current pop culture state, a Hustler is someone who does what they desire anyway they can. Even though I would consider <a target="_blank" href="http://jhesikamenes.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jhesika Menes</a> a hustler, she's more of a renaissance woman. Writer, model, and chef, Jhesika is full of knowledge & sophistication, and is most importantly modestly rock n' roll. I could certainly go on why we fawn over her, below is her bio, which happens to be one of the coolest we've seen in a while.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.84flash.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kris Gabik</a>, since I've come to know her, has been an un-relenting New Orleans mover and shaker. As founder of 84 Flash, a brand management & marketing firm, Kris has become well known for her tireless dedication to creating true 21st century marketing efforts for all her clients.</p>
<p>It was a pretty frigid morning when Hollie and i met up for our shoot at the Orange Couch. Shimmering with energy and excitement we set out into the cold to snap a few pics.</p>
<p>As an actor seen on both small and big screens, writer, producer, and director <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lauracayouette.com/Laura_Cayouette/Home.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Laura Cayo</a>uette, has seemingly done it all in front and behind the camera. Most recently she's starred in the Quentin Tarantino Oscar Nominated blockbuster and New Orleans shot Django Unchained, as well as become a much sought after muse.</p>
<p>As founder of marketing & pr company Copy That Services, as well publisher of the Nola based lifestyle blog A Little Happy!, <a target="_blank" href="http://copythatservices.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dominique Ellis</a> is certainly one of the busiest ladies in Nola. Her style is eclectic and sophisticated with a hint of I do what I want.</p>
<p>At this moment i couldn't be more addicted to fashion blogs. Of course i have my favorites from around the web, but i couldn't be any more proud of our local fashion blogger collective here in New Orleans.</p>
<p>Designer/Nola fashion blogger/stylist <a target="_blank" href="http://chaptertwentynine.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lana Hunt</a> takes each new day on with fashion. Her fantastic blog - chapter twenty nine, showcases her innate ability to pull together a look effortlessly. She's confidently creative in her choices and it shows through each post. P.S. Check out her music photography while you're at it.</p>
<p>For years GQ editors, writers and photographers have been drinking, eating, and grazing their way throughout Nola without any recourse, and just like a tourist. They seem to enjoy themselves just like everyone else, but continue to fais chier on us. I'm over it! Shortly after Katrina their words and photos were bit more forgiving, and they seemed to finally soak us in. But in the last few years, GQ has forgotten about our charm, wit, love and devotion to our culture, and more importantly the essence of our city.</p>