Right now, we're deep in a costuming drought. Mardi Gras was three months ago, and Halloween is still five months away. It's really hard for New Orleanians to go this long without donning wigs and getting drunk in public, but fortunately, a slate of loosely thematic, costume-esque summer events (e.g., Sippin' In Seersucker, Red Dress Run, White Linen Night) has emerged to help us cope with the pains of withdrawal.

This week sees two such events: It kicked off with a cruisewear-themed costume contest that was part of Yelp's Passport to Freret Street. Participants spent $25 at Bloomin' Deals Thrift Shop and modeled their creative interpretations of the theme before discerning judges (cough: me and Christy Lorio of Slow Southern Style) and a rapt crowd at La Nuit Theater:

• MC and organizer Joi Brozek admires Julia McMahon's creation.

The Oxford American recently launched Parish Chic, a new online column in which journalist and photographer L. Kasimu Harris showcases the sometimes elegant, always eclectic pastiche of styles endemic to his hometown of New Orleans. The Circle Bar hosts a party celebrating the column from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. this Thursday, March 29. Here, Harris tells us why fashion matters and how jazz influences even the way we dress.

• Photo by Irving Johnson III
• L. Kasimu Harris

How would you describe New Orleans' fashion sensibility?

We definitely dress for heat, and our attitude comes out as far as being easygoing and being really improvisational — the roots of jazz and black American music. Perhaps once upon a time, you could look at someone and say, "This person is from New York," but with the advent of technology and prevalence of travel, a lot of people borrow from each other, so styles aren't as easily defined or recognized. But I think those three things are definitely incorporated in anything we do.

Your subjects are all very different. What makes somebody's style stand out?

I like people who take risks in style. Someone who has tried something different. I never intended for the column to be, "This is stylish, this is not." It's just people who care about style and have done it in a creative and interesting way.

• Photo by L. Kasimu Harris for Parish Chic

Between boasting its own native Mad Men alumnus and hosting a slew of season premiere parties, it's safe to say New Orleans is in the thralls of the critically acclaimed AMC series. So when costume designer Janie Bryant copped to being "kind of obsessed" with New Orleans, it felt just as flattering as when your pretty, popular, perfectly dressed crush likes you back. She's in town to judge Fashion Week New Orleans' Top Designer Competition and will speak at its Career Day this Friday, March 23. Here, she shares why she loves her work, fashion and New Orleans.

• Janie Bryant

Yes, everyone is very curious! I'm zip-lipped about it. You'll see soon enough!

As owner of The Revival Outpost, a Magazine Street boutique dealing in vintage and vintage-inspired clothes, Christina Flannery brings her styling and photography skills front and center. Her shop's Facebook page is a succession of affordable, colorfully offbeat outfits she styles and photographs herself. Its website boasts original fashion photography that's both dreamlike and menacing, and Christina herself is living proof that every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it.

How would you describe your style?

It's a mash-up of high streetwear and '90s grunge. I'm heavily influenced by vintage clothing and wear it in every aspect of my wardrobe. I love '60s bright neon prints, '70s free-spirited, loose, flowing clothing, and '90s hip-hop and grunge. I've never been much to stick to one category.

Who or what are your style icons?
The Fanning sisters, Isabel Lucas, Kate Bosworth, Atlanta de Cadenet and Rihanna.

What style blogs or magazines do you read?
What style blogs don't I read!? A few of my tops: Earth Age, Strange Ambition, The Drifter and the Gypsy, A Pair & A Spare, Fashezine, and of course, Style Rookie!

Where do you like to shop?
In town, I frequent my co-op pals Blue Dream Vintage, Ragdoll and Buffalo Exchange ... out of town TIME WARP!!!

Tell us about The Revival Outpost and how it reflects/influences your style. Where does the name come from?

The Revival Outpost reflects my own personal closet. I am ever-changing and have the inability to stick to one style. In the store you will find new, indie and vintage (pieces). All of the items range from '40s-'90s vintage and influenced. I also have a warm spot for crafters and try to cater to my love by bringing on local artists. The name Revival came to me in two different aspects: one, reviving vintage clothing, but also my love for the Deep South and eerieness of church revivals. ( I may have been watching a bit too much True Blood at the time.)

What are some of your fashion tips?
Wear vintage! It's eco-friendly, and it's a lot cooler than shopping at large corporate companies who replicate vintage items.
Loud, bright prints are awesome! Stay up with belt trends and you will never lose. Gym shorts, baggy T-shirts and sweatpants are OK for the gym ONLY! Seriously though, you're not young forever, so wear short shorts, crop tops, and fitted clothing as much as possible!

If you've perused an issue of Gambit's CUE, you know we're committed to seeking out the cutest canines and profiling them in our monthly "Shop Dogs" feature. As a journalist who covers both fashion and dogs (and occasionally, fashionable dogs), it gives me great pleasure to write up (and be a judge at) an event that combines both beats: Alegria, a fashion show benefiting the Louisiana SPCA (LA/SPCA) takes place at the W New Orleans from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. this Sunday, March 4.

Now in its fourth year, the show features a Project Runway-style competition for emerging fashion designers. The winner receives a prize package worth more than $1,000. Danielle Arthur, Al Beauti, Susan Henry, Emily Riche and Molly Stackhouse will compete. Alegria creator John Delgadillo will showcase his newest collection, as will Alicia Zenobia, last year's winner.

“Alegria showcases the booming talent of this community ... (and) benefits an organization (that) has given so much to New Orleans,” Delgadillo said in a press release.

Individual tickets start at $25 and include hors d'oeuvres, unlimited specialty cocktails and the satisfaction of knowing that proceeds benefit the LA/SPCA's education and community clinic programs. Tickets can be purchased here or by calling LA/SPCA event coordinator Marisa Collins at 504-762-3307.

• Fashion and dogs unite at Alegria, a fashion show benefiting the LA/SPCA