Essence Fest

I have been a bad blogger. Summer is here in NY and I have abandoned my blog. I just returned from a trip to New Orleans for the 19th annual Essence Festival. It was fantastic. I was there last year for the first time and found it so enjoyable I returned this year. New Orleans is a great city, the people are lovely, the food is good and there is musical talent everywhere.

Going clockwise, beignets from Cafe Du Monde, crabcakes from Pierre Maspero's, Jambalya Pasta, Oysters and Fried Alligator from Le Bayou

I met the handsome Boris Kodjoe and his equally beautiful wife Nicole Ari Parker. Both were very kind and gracious. I'm wearing a Banana Republic color block tank dress in my photo with Boris. I wore a Robert Rodriguez silk romper (sold out, but similar here and on eBay) to a party DJ'ed by Biz Markie and hosted by Doug E. Fresh. Wearing a forever 21 tank top and old navy skirt while walking around the French Quarter. And in one of my favorite tops, a Kikiclothing peplum bustier while watching King Bey slay the New Orleans crowd. It was a great vacation.