Whether you are a local or visiting the city, New Orleans is a great place to update your wardrobe with affordable contemporary finds, buy unique gifts and even treat yourself to one-of-a-kind designer splurges. From amazing vintage and antique shops to tons of locally owned boutiques to some of our favorite chains, this city truly has it all. Stick with us to find some of the best shopping around!
Boutique Shopping
You will undoubtedly find the greatest capacity of trendy boutiques strolling along Magazine Street, most in walking distance of each other or a short Uber ride with at least a few grouped together.
Coming from Downtown, start in the Lower Garden District and hit some of our faves like Armoire Boutique ($) for really freaking cute clothing at very reasonable prices (sizes 0-20) and Head Over Heels ($$) for a range of affordable to higher end fashion. Don’t leave this area without a stop at Funky Monkey ($) even if it’s just to look around. We can’t live without their colorful costume selection, lightly used second-hand finds and super cute, inexpensive new clothing and accessories as well.
A few blocks down you’ll find Lucy Rose ($$), a fashion and home decor boutique owned by two local sisters and Hemline ($$$), a regional boutique with several New Orleans locations that carries fun local items as well as your favorite higher-end brands like French Connection, Hanky Panky and Dolce Vita.
Further Uptown, you won’t want to miss The Elizabeth Chronicles ($ – $$). The owner Rachel has an amazing style and stocks a super curated selection of affordable, but very on trend pieces as well as her own line of super chic tees and other New Orleans items like tote bags and party decor.
If you are up for a little drive, there are a couple of super cute boutiques right outside of the city on Metairie Road including Wildflower ($$) and Mirabella ($$) on Metairie Road. Cella’s Boutique ($$) also has a location on Metairie Road and in the French Quarter. They have a great selection of super cute cocktail dresses plus more casual jumpers, jeans and tops as well.
Of course, there’s no shortage of places to stop and re-boost with a coffee, snack or even a drink while you’re strolling along Magazine.
Unique Local Finds & Gifts
While there are plenty of kitschy nola souvenirs to be found, there’s also no shortage of super cool local brands where locals and tourists alike can find cute New Orleans-inspired tees, prints and much more to take home as a souvenir or show your wardrobe and home a little Nola pride.
Dirty Coast ($) and DNO ($) (Defend New Orleans) are two brands with perhaps the most recognized designs around the city that have been around since the early 2000’s. Both have multiple locations around town at this point.
Woman-owned business, Lionheart Prints ($), began as super fun hand-lettered greeting card line and now has their own store on Magazine Street with one-of-a-kind cards, prints, tees, and super fun gifts.
Another woman-run show, Schnell Studio ($), creates custom tees and prints that can be found online and in stores throughout the city. We are literally OBSESSED with her designs, and want every single print hanging on our walls.
Designer Splurges
KREWE ($$$$) eyewear carries high end sunglasses and glasses that have been rocked by celebs all over since their humble beginnings in New Orleans. The glasses are truly gorgeous and one-of-a-kind. Most locals know to hold out for their yearly flash and sample sales, but if you’re in the mood to splurge on something hit up their flagship store on Royal Street or their newer Magazine Street location.
Also located on Royal Street, Porter Lyons ($$$ – $$$$) jewelry, is inspired by culture, mostly that of New Orleans. While everything is gorgeous and each collection meaningful, one of our favorites remains the classic New Orleans coordinates bracelet so we can keep our city close no matter where we are.
One of the latest brands to capture the hearts of New Orleans ladies everywhere is Fringe + Co ($$$). The handmade head wraps and sequin adorned garments by Kelsey Campion are the definition of #extra and frankly the best way to make a statement these days.
Designer fitness anyone? Check out the chicest active wear in town from Sweat Nola ($$$) on Magazine Street. This active wear is seriously so cute, we are guilty of being those babes that wear it for everyday outings now and then 😉 New Orleans- made Laya Active ($$ – $$$) is another favorite for fun New Orleans themed leggings and tops. From their Carnival leggings, to the Magnolia print, their designs are the hint of Nola to rock any day or to dress for the occasion from Mardi to Who Dat season. While they don’t have a storefront, their leggings are available online and in retailers around town.
Vintage and Antique
There’s no shorter of awesome vintage in New Orleans whether you are looking for moderately priced items found at Buffalo Exchange ($), Funky Monkey ($), Miss Claudia’s ($) and Blue Dream ($) or higher end options which can be found in the quarter at UAL ($$ -$$$) or on Magazine Street at Century Girl ($$ – $$$)
If you’re up for just browsing or in the market to purchase antiques, stroll down Royal Street and you will stumble into the most awesome selection of antique stores you’ve ever seen.
Go-to Chains
Of course we love to support local businesses, but sometimes the best places to fill our wardrobes with basics are at our favorite chains. You will find an H&M, Sephora and Urban Outfitters in the French Quarter on Decatur Street all next to one another. Just about a block away in the Shops at Canal Place are Anthropologie, Lululemon and several higher-end brands. The Riverwalk Outlet Collection is another few blocks down and is worth a visit for the Nordstrom Rack and Steve Madden Outlet. They also have a Forever 21 if you are feeling brave.
If you’re up for about a twenty minute drive outside of the city, our largest shopping mall in the area, Lakeside Shopping Center, has faves like Zara, Madewell, Free People, and Sephora.