How to Pick a Feather Boa for Mardi Gras

Feather boas call to mind glamorous flappers from the Jazz Era. Today, they're worn mostly for costume parties, as well as by eccentric celebrities and Vegas show girls. If you've ever been to Mardi Gras, you know feather boas are extremely popular. People wear boas for warmth and to dress up their outfits. Some people even use feather boas to hide bare skin in revealing costumes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sealed container for storing feather boa
• Mardi Gras costume

Pick a Feather Boa for Mardi Gras

1. Pick a versatile boa based on your Mardi Gras itinerary. Keep in mind that thicker boas are better for outdoor parades and late-night parties while thinner boas, made of ostrich, peacock or swan, may be more appropriate for masquerade balls and fancy events.

2. Read the label and look for the "ply" of your feather boa. Keep in mind the higher the number, the thicker and fluffier your boa. Expect to pay more for higher-ply boas.

3. Take a look at the weight and length of your feather boa. Select a heavier boa for added drama or outdoor activities. Select a long boa--2 yards or more--for creating layered looks and covering up exposed skin.

4. Pick up a chandelle boa made from the large feathers of a turkey. Keep in mind this type of boa costs less than boas made from smaller feathers.

5. Buy an authentic Mardi Gras feather boa. Use a handy guide, like "Lonely Planet New Orleans" by Tom Downs at Amazon.com, to find local shops and boutiques that sell feather boas and other Mardi Gras accessories (see Resources below).

6. Pick up a lightweight marabou feather boa made from the small feathers of a turkey. Keep in mind that these thin boas are mainly for fashion. They provide little warmth.

7. Pick up a lush ostrich boa for fancy events or to create a high-fashion look. Be prepared to pay more for these heavy feather boas.

8. Pick a synthetic fur or feather boa. Choose low-cost boas in traditional colors like purple, gold and green. Select a solid-colored feather boa with metallic foil fringe for a modern twist on an old favorite.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're traveling with young people, consider keeping them out of the French Quarter. This area is where the most risqué behavior takes place, including the well-documented baring of breasts for beads.
• Be sure to store real feather boas in tightly sealed containers to avoid insect infestations.

Resources

• "Lonely Planet New Orleans"