Art & Design
JaRon’s Guide: To wearing Designer Clothes for the price of your Lunch
British Philosopher Francis Bacon stated, “Fashion is the only attempt to realize art in living forms and social intercourse.” Fashion is one of the most monumental forces in culture. What we choose to wear is actually just highly functional art. Now, this art form has given way to the artists behind the art. Fashion designers are on another level, bridging all knowledge of fashion together to perpetuate a new era of style. That being said, in this age we have the upper hand (too much of an upper hand) on fashion trends. If Kanye West wears something today, it’ll be sold out tomorrow. These swagger-jacking “hypebeasts” crave the attention that the celebrities have, so they steal their appearance. I’m sure Mark David Chapman would be proud… Some of us are more expressive in our style; we dig deep into that special place that allows us to create combinations that make us look and feel good. Confidence is everything in someone’s personal appearance and can only come from within. It cannot be found in the price tag of your garments, but how you wear them.
For those of you who are always looking how to expand your approach to clothing, check out these reviews on my favorite spots around the area to stay sharp for less than the price of your lunch. So skip a meal and step your style game up kids!
- (2$-10)
With less than 10 dollars, you could walk away with some killer stuff from these places.
- Salvation Army (Across the Tracks 115 E 3rd St, Lafayette, LA) – Thrift shopping is no secret. Go to this location right now and find some cool stuff. Men’s shirts are priced at $2.50 and you can always find some with like new quality. You’ll find great things like high quality men’s dress shirts worth $50 (95% savings!!)
- GoodBuys Good Will Outlet (On the Frontage Road 4712 Hwy 90 E, New Iberia, LA 70560) – May be a road trip to some, but if you want to get some serious thrifting done, look no further than here. EVERYTHING is priced at 2 dollars. No Tax. Just some incredible finds. You can go here and get a full, matching suit (tie included) for 8 dollars even (10 if you throw in the suspenders). After you get that tailored, you are ready for business. Less than 30 bucks later, you’ll have a high quality suit that looks like a $750 suit.
2. ($10-50)
Let’s take it up a notch.
- Burke’s Outlet (Right past the Ambassador intersection 5700 Johnston St, Lafayette, LA 70503) – This Burke guy is known for bringing us low prices. Outlets on items still popular today. You can find some cool stuff here. It’s a good place to find some solid staples, such as a white dress shirt. If you want cheap athletic wear I suggest this seller as well, if you want to look good while you workout for less.
- TJ Maxx (Conveniently next to Burkes Outlet) – TJ Maxx reigns supreme ruler of the slogan, “Designer clothing, without the designer prices”. If you stumble in the right location you may even find some Maison Martin Margiela. For those of us that aren’t into the Italian fashion scene, you can find some serious heat here. Ralph Lauren is usually priced half off, so whether you have a polo match coming up or you just have a thing for Americana, run over there and make a good steal. TJ is best place to find nice designer pants; corduroys, joggers, chinos, etc., some are even priced at $15.
3. ($50- up)
Who spends this much on lunch..
- If you made it this far, I will just give you some sound theology. I call this the 50 dollar rule. Given these above places, among others (do research) I believe that you should never spend over 50 on a garment of clothing. You can get high quality stuff for way less. If done right, you will look like you dropped $100s on your outfit every time. One thing that I do do, occasionally is spend over 50 on certain accessories. Shoes, Jewelry, and other accessories can and will take you over the top in your appearance (in the best way possible). Pair a 75-dollar pair of shoes with your 10-dollar outfit and look like a million bucks.
Never tread lightly. Always dress nicely.
Infographic: The Definitive Guide to a Great Cajun Jam Night at Blue Moon Saloon
Freetown Press Episode 1 – Dub 37
Freetown Press interviews local reggae infused jam band Dub 37 in this premier episode!! Let us know what you think…
Freetown Interview with Damius ( It sounds like Damon so we’re already homies)
I don’t know Damius very well, but since he’s one of Cameron’s best friends he checks out in my book. We asked him the same questions as Cameron…. and we now understand why they’re friends. Enjoy.
1. What’s the hardest thing about being a kid?
SCHOOL!!!?!!, I’m in 5th grade and the math only gets harder!
2. Favorite Place
Atlanta, it’s such a huge city and I really like huge cities. It also has a water park just like Oregon!
3: What would make the neighborhood better?
If it had a pool. Even where Glen’s parking lot is. We could jump from our roof into it!!
Freetown Interview with one of the craziest dudes in town: Cameron
If the manner in which people met reflected their personality, it would explain why Cameron is one of the wildest guys in Freetown. About 6 months ago my friend and I were playing a spontaneous game of “Leap Frog”. Yea, I know, weirrrrrrd right? But it was SO much fun and cars kept encouraging us to continue our childish game with the ever present “Honk and Wave”. Well, someone not in a car took notice of our strange activity…. can you guess who that was? Cameron. He walked over with the confidence of a seasoned Leap Frogger and demanded he be given a shot to swoop over one of our backs. So we let him, and have been friends ever since. I have other stories about Cameron, but I’m sure y’all would rather him share a few of his thoughts with the community. That’s why we interviewed him today and got some pretty funny answers…..
1: What’s the hardest thing about being a Kid?
SCHOOL!!! I’m in fourth grade and schools fun, but its hard at the same time. Math is the worst.
2: Favorite Place
Oregon. My brother and dad live in Oregon. It also has this AWESOME water park. I don’t know the name though…..
3: What would make the neighborhood better?
If it was made of trampolines………Trampolines.
The History of the Mouton Monument Downtown
This is a special piece dedicated to anyone who has ever been down Jefferson St. in downtown Lafayette, LA. More specifically, this is a piece intended for the folks among us who’ve gotten caught at that three way stop in front of the Filling Station, looked around frantically for any other drivers, said a prayer, and jetted across the intersection hoping to reach the other side in one piece. Among all the commotion you may have noticed a large, commanding, marble statue staring you in the face. If not, that’s ok. Just look at that instead of the road next time you’re cruisin’ downtown. Joking…….
That “statue” being referred to is the monument of General Alfred Mouton, a confederate leader during the American Civil War. He was born in Opelousas, LA in 1829 and soon moved to Lafayette where he spent most of the rest of his life. Mouton is remembered for many feats of courage, his undying loyalty and relationship with his fellow brigadier members of the confederacy. Mouton played a key role in keeping the union army from infiltrating the Bayou Teche region of Acadiana. Sadly, the general died at the forefront of a cavalry charge at the battle of Mansfield in 1864.
So Who Created the Monument?
According to Eric Scott of Acadiana Historical, “The motion to construct a monument to General Alfred Mouton coincided with the founding of the General Alfred Mouton Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1914. The decision was ultimately approved that year at the U.D.C. statewide convention. During World War I, members of the U.D.C. dedicated their time to the Red Cross, and planning for the monument came to a temporary standstill. By June 1921, the U.D.C.’s fund raising efforts were back in full swing, and the city had contracted the monument to F. R. Blakesley.”
A sketch of a photo of Mouton was draw from a photo taken years earlier and sent to Italy. Here a local Sculptor named Valdemar E. Smith, (whom I’d like to find more out about), sculpted a full-bodied replica of Mouton from solid marble. Four biographical plaques were also set in stone at the base of the statue, highlighting Mouton’s life and accomplishments. The statue was unveiled in 1922 by Alida and Alice Mouton to the city of Downtown, Lafayette. Since then, it’s remained at the corner of Lee and Jefferson St. for all to reflect and remember this southern hero’s life.
PRO TIP: View the Statue at night to see the dramatic effects the lights at the base of the monument have on Mouton.
“General Alfred Mouton Monument,” Acadiana Historical, accessed August 6, 2015, http://acadianahistorical.org/items/show/87.
The Guide to an Unforgettable Week in Lafayette: Party Style
When it comes to having an unforgettable time, Lafayette has never been one to fall short. And these following places are chock-full of killer entertainment that will definitely leave you wanting….More.
…Monday…
Atmosphere Bistro: Janky Karaoke
“Janky” is an understatement for this booze filled karaoke event held every Monday night at Artmosphere Bistro. However, make sure you get there early to sign up for Karaoke, the list fills up FAST.
…Tuesday…
City Bar Downtown Presents: Bullshit Bingo
It’s Loud, It’s Out of Control. City Bar does it better than anyone else when it comes to turning seemingly harmless games into drinking marathons every Tuesday. Just make sure you have an Uber Driver on Call. Peace be with you
…Wednesday…
Blue Moon Saloon: Cajun Jam
Of all the places and events on this list this one is my personal favorite. Every Wednesday Blue Moon Saloon in Freetown throws a culture packed Cajun Jam party. The combination of people, booze and music makes this one of the most authentic Lafayette experiences you can possibly have. Order a Gunslinger.
…Thursday…
Cafe Cottage: $5.00 Pitcher Night
Ohhh dear Cafe Cottage you have treated me to some of my best and worst nights in this town. However, Thursday is quite the exception with your insanely cheap pitchers and endless cups of coffee. I personally recommend Abita Amber.
…Friday…
Acting Unlimited Presents: The Addams Family a Musical Comedy
I’ve always and will always be a fan of local theatre in Lafayette. We have extraordinary talent in this town and I can’t wait to see the showing of the “Addams Family” at Burke Hawthorne Hall on UL’s Campus.
…Saturday…
Feed n Seed: Professor Phineas Sinclair’s Medicine Show
Ok, so I definitely saved the best for last on this list. This is a fairly new monthly event held in Lafayette, but it’s gaining ground quickly to become one of our premier shows in the area. The show highlights vast amounts of out of this world acts and immersive experience that have you talking for weeks . Get your tickets soon, the next show will be Saturday and spots will sell out quick!
6 Incredible eats in Freetown
There is one ultimate truth in Freetown. You will NEVER go hungry in Freetown. Walking the streets today I found six local eateries that will leave you speechless. Full. But otherwise speechless.
1. Taco Sisters Lunch
Recommendation: smoked chicken burrito w/black beans, cheese, jalepenos and sisters secret sauce
2. Gary’s Breakfast
Recommendation: Burgers. That is All.
3. Tammy’s Lunch
Recommendation: fried chicken with a side of bread and boudin. Tammy fries almost everything.
4. Borden’s Dessert
Recommendation: large chocolate-strawberry shake. Add chocolate syrup with a coffee
5. Cedar Deli Lunch
Recommendation: Chicken curry wrap and a box of hookah coals
6. Acadiana Superette Breakfast
Recommendation: Plate breakfast with a side of homemade cinnamon sticks add ham and toast
Freetown Press gets “Hands On” in the latest interview with: Pottery Alley
Ever noticed that exceptionally large warehouse situated on Garfield St. in Freetown, next to the train tracks? Well even if not, all that matters in this story is that I have, and the mystery behind what it functioned or functions as has been completely eating me up since I first moved to Lafayette. So, today I decided to do something about this lingering curiosity and went home, grabbed my car keys, threw on my lucky interview shirt (that corduroy one I promised to never wear again), checked my camera power, looked for my notebook for 15 minutes and jetted out the door. Today would be successful I promised myself. Today curiosity will not kill the cat, it will feed a community of cats and everyone will live happily-ever-after. As cats.
Vroooooom. Park. It was short drive, that’s the beauty of Freetown.
The first thing I noticed, as anyone would passing this building is the large Odell’s Pottery sign. Earlier in the day I did some research and found a website for Odell’s and the various clay ceramic creations they offer. It was all quite expensive, but for good reason, handmade objects are difficult to come across nowadays. Power to em’
As I approached the bright red side door I was greeted with a blinking “Open”, neon sign and a message that informed all newcomers and possible ne’er-do-wellers that there was a dog present inside. Taking a deep breath, as I always do before jumping into uncertainty I knocked firmly Tap-Tap-Tap. I paused a moment, then reloaded my fist for round two just as the door quietly creaked open and I was greeted by a welcoming “Hey There!”. Standing in the doorway was a woman in her mid-fifties with a smile as friendly as I’d ever seen in Freetown. She encompassed every aspect of your stereotypical ceramics aficionada: clay stained palms, paint stuck gently to the tips of her bangs and a handshake that contained the firmness of a blue collar steel worker. Her name was Susan, I was definitely in the right place, and she was the in-house ceramics artist (not owner or manager) for Pottery Alley.
Susan ushered me in and quickly dispelled the first lie I had come to believe about this place. This warehouse was not “just” Odell’s Pottery, Odell operated in the back, the front was a completely different business called “Pottery Alley”. In fact if you direct your gaze underneath the large Odell’s sign on the front of the building you will in fact see the hanging “Pottery Alley” sign. Small, but once you see it you’ll notice it every time from then on, I promise. 
After our initial introduction she went on to explain that Pottery Alley specializes as a ceramics studio that offers multitudes of workshops, classes and events for persons of all ages. I’d go into detail about the specifics of these various offerings but that would be a waste of time, if you’re interested, just check out their website at pottery alley.
A pause in conversation allotted me a moment to really take in my surroundings. The main room consisted of four walls, each of which was completely filled with shelving, and amongst this shelving, ceramics making supplies and current student’s work. On the left hand side there was a corner specifically for the chemicals used to make the glazes. Apparently this is an exact science, pottery alley only has one person who does this and they require complete silence when calculating measurements. The right hand side of the room contained a “slab” used for free forming clay and a table with huge chunks of material they order for their projects. Amongst the middle of the room were between five and seven (can’t remember the exact amount) “wheels” used for creating bowls and circular pottery that the public is most used to seeing. It was actually pretty awesome walking in on Susan using one of these bad boys, we were so immersed in conversation that it remained spinning, mesmerizingly, the whole time.
Finally, following a little over 15 minutes of touring the facility Susan began getting to the exciting stuff, the stuff I came here to learn more about…..the process. In the following photo essay I’ll describe in as much detail as I can, the process of making ceramics. Start to Finish.
Step 1: Wedging (not pictured)
Sorry for not getting the VERY photo for the beginning process y’all! I probably bring shame to my family or something for that. Basically, in this step you mix the clay by hand and knead and knead it until there is absolutely no air bubbles left in the clay. If you leave even a few your beloved project will explode in the kiln….EXPLODE.
Step 2: Forming
Personally my favorite step in the ceramics making process. Forming can be done by methods of molding, pinching, coiling, wheeling and slabbing. Pottery Alley only uses two forming techniques… Slabbing and Wheeling. The photo below is of the wheels used to form the clay.
Step 3: Drying
This stage comes once you’ve formed your clay to the basic/almost complete shape that you’d like to see as your final product. You wrap your creation in plastic to slow down the drying process and then place it in the Damp Room. This allows you to return back to the piece a few days later and still have the ability to work your ceramic. You can see the plastic wrapped around some of the pieces below..
Step 4: Greenware
Greenware is the name given to pottery that has dried completely and can no longer be formed or carved. Your piece is in its permanent state and is very delicate, any forms of pressure risk the cracking of your ceramic. At this stage the pottery is ready to be fired in the kiln.
Step 5: Bisque Firing
If you’re a fan of extreme heat and danger this is the step for you. Bisque firing takes place in a ceramics oven known as a “kiln”. Here the piece is hardened and strengthened at over a period of three days at temperatures of up to 1800 degrees F.
plugs used to regulate temperatures
Step 6: Glazing
This is the process of coloring the ceramics once it leaves the kiln. The glaze material is made up of a mixture of ground glass, water, clay, and color dye. It can be applied in many different ways such as brushing, sponging, pouring etc..
Step 7: Glaze Firing
This is the last step in the ceramic making process. The kiln is set and programmed to over 2000 degree F this time! It cooks for almost 3 days and when completed needs a day or two to dry. After, You’re finsihed!!
I’ve definitely kindled a new love for the art of ceramic/pottery making after writing this article. It was an incredible and extremely “earthly” process that left me itching for more after I left. I definitely recommend Pottery Alley to anyone interested in pursuing the art, the people there are insanely friendly and passionate about their work. Thanks Susan and the rest of Pottery Alley for the interview!
By: Damon Robert
Freetown Press 