It is the most wonderful time of the year – it’s Mardi Gras!
I enjoy putting together Mardi Gras content each year, because it is one of the many unique aspects of living in Louisiana and growing up surrounded by the culture here. It’s truly my favorite part of the year, and I want to share why I love it so much with all of you. This Mardi Gras essentials guide will be updated year after year to include more aspects on how to prepare for this very special holiday season. Keep reading to find links to my other Mardi Gras content on the blog, where I like to buy my favorite MG outfits and accessories, the tastiest King Cakes in South Louisiana and more!
— MARDI GRAS ESSENTIALS RECAP —
Here are some quick links to other content I have shared on the blog related to Mardi Gras. The following posts include what to pack for parades, outfit inspiration, and tips and tricks to get you through Mardi Gras.
STYLE | The Perfect Parade Outfit
MUST-HAVE LIST | Mardi Gras Edition
STYLE | Mardi Gras Parade Outfit
LIVE LOCAL | Let Them Eat King Cake



— MARDI GRAS ESSENTIALS: LOCAL SHOPS/DESIGNERS/CREATORS —
I am proud to say that I have put together quite the Mardi Gras clothing and accessories collection over the years and am always adding to it. I always re-wear items from past years, but I also like to pick up a few (well, more than a few), new pieces each season. These are some of my favorite local places to pick up all things – from apparel and jewelry to wigs and to-go cups and everything in between – for your Mardi Gras needs.
Sparkle City | New Orleans | Any piece of clothing bedazzled to your heart’s sequined desire
Rebl Creative | Baton Rouge | The best selection of locally designed Mardi Gras themed earrings
fringe + co. | New Orleans | The most fun, stylish, and chic headwraps available in all colors
Mimosa Handcrafted | Baton Rouge | One of my favorite local designers specializing in Louisiana inspired jewlery + a Mardi Gras collection
Two Sprouts | New Orleans | Locally designed t-shirts (+ more!) with original artwork created by my cousin
Hey Penelope | Baton Rouge | T-shirts, jewelry, local gear + Mardi Gras decor
The Keeping Room | Baton Rouge | My favorite govino Mardi Gras wine glasses + party essentials and the best styrofoam to-go cups
Parties Start Here | Baton Rouge | Where I get most of my wigs and funny props
Fleurty Girl | New Orleans | Offers a wide selection of Mardi Gras attire and accessories
Kat Noel Designs | Baton Rouge | Purple, green and gold feather earrings to finish off your outfit + other jewelry designs
Shop SFT | Baton Rouge | Casual and comfy Mardi Gras tees and sweatshirts in all different styles




— MARDI GRAS ESSENTIALS: KING CAKES —
No Mardi Gras season is complete without stuffing yourself with multiple King Cakes of all different flavors! Here is a quick list of a few of my favorite ones to get here in Louisiana, and you can get a more complete rundown of King Cakes here. Most of these bakeries will ship if you live out of town, and these King Cakes make great gifts to share the Mardi Gras spirit with others!
Poupart’s Bakery | Lafayette | Instagram
Sucre | New Orleans | Instagram
Haydel’s Bakery | New Orleans | Instagram
Nonna Randazzo’s | Northshore/New Orleans | Instagram
Manny Randazzo King Cakes | New Orleans | Instagram
Magpie Cafe | Baton Rouge | Instagram




If you have any favorite places to shop, King Cakes to eat or other Mardi Gras essentials and things to do, please let me know in the comments below! My plan is for this guide to only get bigger and better eacb year, and I would love to hear any and all suggestions.
The next Mardi Gras day is TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2019, which gives us plenty of time to get ready for next year!
YOU CAN FIND ALL OF MY MARDI GRAS CONTENT HERE!
LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULER!
