Haute Coulture: Arm parties and studs

Image via Inslee By Design

If you have been awake and had the slightest interest in fashion over the past few seasons, you’ve seen the invitations to the Arm Parties. The theme being lots of leather, metal and friendship bracelets intimately getting to know one another.

If you have gotten the chance to participate in this type of gathering, you’ve also probably been introduced to the stud, the little metal accessory that can always be trusted to take things to the next level.

So when I met Linda at Frenchmen Art Market selling colorful, handmade genuine leather bracelets dotted with studs, I knew my evening at the Three Muses had just gone from lonely bangle to stud-laden soiree.

Her colors, ranging from plummy purple to classic, wear-with-everything black, give party-goers a wide variety of options. You can also choose between grand and petite. Although bigger is usually better when it comes to studs, I was happy to settle for a nice plummy petite, since the grand noir was retired for the evening.

The best part of it all: You’ll likely be the only one with this particular guest at your party and, to the tune of $25, who could dream of such a cheap date?

Consider yourselves warned: This isn’t Shopbop, people; it’s Frenchmen. Don’t expect a large inventory or the ability to place special orders. But isn’t that half the fun of shopping in a dark alley turned magical market?

So trust me on this one. The next time you find yourself in the mood for some live music and a good old-fashioned Arm Party, swing by Frenchmen Art Market and pick up a permanent date.

The Frenchmen Art Market, at 619 Frenchmen St. (next to the Spotted Cat), is open every Thursday through Saturday night from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sundays from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Emily Carrere writes the weekly column Haute Coulture for NolaVie, bringing you fabulous finds that feature artists, designers and businesses in New Orleans.