Planning a day trip to New Orleans? Amid delicious meals, live entertainment, sightseeing and shopping, be sure to include a stop at the iconic Yvonne La Fleur boutique. Yvonne has operated her eponymous shop in the friendly Uptown neighborhood for more than five decades.
“I love New Orleans,” says the 78-year-old, who works six days a week and, through the efforts of digital marketing agent Angélique Frizzell, has amassed nearly a half-million Instagram followers. “I like to share all the good things about our city. It’s wonderful to visit. We have a lot going on, it’s so much fun.”
For your getaway to her hometown, Yvonne suggests a stay at Park View Historic Hotel, a ride on the St. Charles Streetcar (her store is at stop #299) and meals at Atchafalaya, Lilette, Gautreau’s and Brigtsen’s. Of course, your itinerary must include plenty of time to explore the Yvonne LaFleur New Orleansboutique, a 10,000-square-foot mecca of women’s apparel, trinkets and treasures. (Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
“I invite you to come take a look at my store,” says Yvonne, who has dressed generations of women. “It’s a step back in time and a step forward in fashion.”
There’s truly something for everyone at Yvonne’s “pleasure palace,” as she calls it. Casual daywear and business suits. Wedding dresses and ball gowns. Luxurious coats, cocktail dresses and fancy capes. Accessories include elegant French scarves, antique gloves and chic handbags. Gifts range from costume jewelry, candles and silk lingerie to hand lotion and hair ornaments. There’s even an in-store cocktail bar so clients can enjoy refreshments during their excursion.
Yvonne sells a popular signature perfume and designs her own clothing line. Her style mixes classic and contemporary looks, all with a uniquely NOLA flair.
Don’t miss the beloved hat department enhanced by her vast private collections from around the world, including exquisite veiling, turn-of-the-century flowers from France, silk ribbons from Switzerland and antique feathers from Germany. Taught by her aunt Elise LaFleur, Yvonne mastered the art of custom millinery and continues to share that passion with clients. She designs hats for every event: the Kentucky Derby, Mother’s Day, Easter, weddings and christenings.
“There’s always a perfect occasion for these timeless pieces,” says Yvonne, who dreamed of opening her own store from the time she was a young girl and achieved that dream in 1969. She grew up in New Orleans and was influenced by her aunts, who worked locally in the fashion industry. Yvonne began her career working in stores up and down Canal Street as a teenager. She majored in fashion merchandising at Louisiana State University, and shortly after graduation, at just 22 years old, she opened the doors of her shop.
“Come discover the charm of New Orleans style at Yvonne La Fleur!” Yvonne says of her home away from home, located a block from the Mississippi River on the corner of Hampson and Dublin streets, near St. Charles Avenue. “Nestled in the heart of this vibrant city, our boutique brings timeless elegance with a touch of southern glamour.”
With summer winding down and New Orleans’ colorful fall festivities beginning soon, this is a great time to plan a quick trip to The Big Easy. Rich culture, an offbeat vibe, delicious beignets and an unforgettable shopping spree are a few of the treats that await you. Pack your bags and enjoy a dreamy rendezvous to this lively, gracious southern city.
“I invite you to come take a look at my store. It’s a step back in time and a step forward in fashion.”