You know the feeling when two of your friends meet for the first time? It’s a colliding of worlds in the best way - unless you’re worried they won’t like each other.

But I know you’re going to get along swimmingly. How could you not love a dreamy haven of curated vintage and whimsical modern fashions?

Meet Century Girl Vintage.

First things first, take a deep breath and clear your mind of ‘vintage shop’ visions of musty clothes smooshed too tightly together in a way that makes you a little dizzy.

Now picture a candy shop. Only instead of sweets lined up under the glass, it’s rows of earrings. Sparkly beading instead of sprinkles, ruffles and pleats instead of frosting.

Best meditation exercise ever? Probably.

Ooh, and you should also know that there’s more than vintage here - it’s part of the magic. Leah, the shop owner, brings together an amazing collection of vintage and modern, designer and not. It’s curation at its best, and not in that Instagram-parlance way.

Everything from Oscar de la Renta gowns to red heart-shaped sunglasses are laid out like a shopping feast. And you’ll even find some quick escape coats from my friend Jen of Suite (unless they sold out again)!

Really, isn’t taking the time to *find* good things the most frustrating part of shopping? You have the opposite problem here - so many great things at your fingertips, it’s hard to choose which ones to keep!

On my first visit to the shop a handful of years ago, I gave myself just 30 minutes (!) and loved so much that I didn’t buy anything at all. Obviously I couldn’t let that happen again.

Especially after using Rent the Runway (and then cancelling), I’ve been more focused than ever on adding vintage styles and unique designs to my closet. Since I learned that I need at least an hour in there, I’ve developed a Century Girl budget for each NOLA trip - time and money, both very necessary. 🤣

On my last trip in November, I made off with a printed Marni coat (you know I love a colorful coat!) and that aforementioned pair of red heart-shaped sunglasses. It took all of my self-control to also not get a D&G lemon headband and a pair of Chanel button earrings.

At this very moment, it is taking me for-ev-er to finish this post because I keep accidentally shopping. Do I need this velvet hair bow?

If you’ve read my New Orleans travel guide, you know that Century Girl is in my favorite neighborhood, the Garden District. You should probably just make a whole day out of it.

Start with a quick breakfast and a long stroll around the neighborhood (Prytania Street is a favorite). Make your way down to Magazine Street, and start popping into shops - you know what my first stop would be, but I’m also a fan of Sunday Shop, Spruce Wallpaper, Perch.

Make a rest stop for lunch (hmmm...Turkey & the Wolf or Juan’s Flying Burrito?), then shop and stroll onward. It’s up to you whether you end the day with dinner reservations + your fancy new finds, or room service + a bubble bath.

No travel plans at the moment?
Ugh, join the club. Luckily, Leah is still shipping orders from the website and sharing new items on Instagram while we’re all stuck at home.

But I’m calling dibs on that velvet bow, so dooooooon’t even think about it.