Farewell...for now :)

 As you may have read in JP's previous post, he and I have decided to put Ooh La La on a bit of a hiatus while we regroup and think about what our next project may be. With so many things pulling us in so many directions, the duty to post was becoming just that...and that's something I never want it to become. Writing for a blog about things you adore should be a joy...and this was, from the moment it began back in the early summer of 2009. That summer was a tough one for me...and Ooh La La Du Jour was like a lovely and unexpected surprise in the middle of all that was during that time. But now, well, there are so many things pulling us all  in so many directions and maybe, Ooh La La Du Jour has just run its course. 

I personally want anyone and everyone who read and enjoyed this blog to know how much I deeply appreciate it. You all are what made it the fabulous experience that it was and knowing that we may have connected with even a few folks out there...well, that will always make me smile. If any of you are interested in keeping in touch, you may email me at oohlaladujour@gmail.com at any time. Send your ideas for future projects or anything else that might pop into you head :)

I think I speak for KJ and JP when I say, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us to express ourselves and for taking the time to participate in our thoughts, hopes, dreams and wishes. Goodbye for now kids...you've been truly, delightful :)

Time to Refresh

KatieP and I have decided to take a hiatus on ooh la la. KatieP will be writing her farewell post soon. I have absolutely adored this experience and am eager to see what projects lie ahead for both KatieP and myself. KJ is already up and running with her new Tumblr, which I love. I like this image as my last because it includes who I consider to be the patron saint of this blog sitting next to someone who, for me, represents the next generation of fashion icons. The story goes that, after this very event, Madame Wintour sent Miss Minaj a note that read "We matched!" Nicki Minaj saved that note and cherishes it dearly. Dear readers, please know that I cherish each and everyone of you! Sending much love and wishes for gorgeous fashion and delicious design. xoxo

Classic Trends

The always spot-on Julie Rath has just released her Trends in Menswear Report. I'm not sure I'm loving all the trends she's spotting but her interpretations of them are wonderful, like this outfit above. I'd love to be able to pull off white pants like this. It's never easy to take a trend and make it a classic. If anyone can do it, Julie can.

You Too Can be a Magazine Editor

I know polyvore.com has come up on ooh la la before (maybe in the comments?) but I'm loving it so much I wanted another mention. For all you fashionistas out there who fancy trying on the hat of a magazine's Creative Director, you can try putting together fashion spreads yourself. And, if you love amazing collages, you'll find some great ones on this site!

A Wise Choice

How cute are these bowls from Uncommon Goods? I can't imagine anything better to put my cereal in to brighten up my day in the morning. Delightful!

Natural Beauty

Ever since I saw Good Hair, the amazing documentary that Chris Rock made about African American women's hair, I've been kind of obsessed with the subject. So I was super-thrilled to see this wonderful Kickstarter project that is really an homage to the afro. Afros really need to be celebrated because they're just about the most kick-ass hairdo a woman can have. (And I'm also really glad to have found a Kickstarter project that we can support on ooh la la that isn't fully funded yet. Give, give, give!)

Color Splash

80s fashion is not my thing but I'm into these bracelets for those times when you've got a sedate outfit on, you're about to meet friends for drinks, and you need a quick splash of five different colors with one quick accessory.

Extinguishing Boring Design

I think one of my favorite things in life is seeing something redesigned that I never expected to see redesigned. Fire Design decided, and rightly so, that the standard fire extinguisher design was getting old so they came up with a whole line of fun and funky designs. Hm... Though I love fire trucks as they are, I'm wondering if someone can take on a redesign of those boxy behemoths to come up with something truly functional and fun to look at, just like these fire extinguishers!

Traveling Cameras

This image was created on a disposable camera that traveled, in several hands, to Walt Disney World and the Middle East. The camera was one of many that was left in a random place by the Disposable Memory Project. When and if the cameras are returned to the project organizers, the resulting images and the camera's geographical path are documented on the site. Really a beautiful concept that continues to unfold slowly as cameras are returned. I love projects like this where so much is left up to chance. In a really great way, this taps into the collective creativity that exists within all of us.

More reasons to love spring

According to Refinery 29, due to arrive this April...Kate Spade nail polish. Please tell me I'm not dreaming. I might just fall over from joy and excitement :)

Francoise

I am finally, finally getting a chance to catch up on my magazines at home...sadly, the April issue of Vogue arrived just as I finally had opened the March issue. At any rate, there is a fascinating article on Francoise Gilot and a new exhibit featuring her art along side Picasso. The thing that took my breath away was this picture of Gilot...at 90. Wait...what?!? Proving once again that French women are absolutely incredible.

Reading my mind

You know what I was just thinking...no more than a week ago...wouldn't it be amazing if the accessory queen Kate Spade had a line of those bracelets you all know I flip out for? Well, guess what I just discovered in the new arrival today...be still my heart..I want each and every single one :)

Interior Design Treasure-Trove

I am loving Lonny Magazine right now. I think they're one of the most well done online magazines out there right now, especially for interior design. The current issue has some delicious design ideas from cover to cover.

Jacques Loves...

Guess what kids...if you've been missing KJ's awesome posts, you don't have to anymore...she has a fabulous tumblr called Jacques Loves (I think we all know who Jacques is :) that I get daily inspiration from. Check it out and see fabulousness like this ...

Louis Vuitton Spring 2012

What do you kids think of the Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 ad campaign. The images have been out there for a little while now but I always like to see them the old-fashioned way (on the pages of Vogue) before I judge. I have to say, I adore them. Even though I'm not super into pastels, and I'm way more preppy than frou-frou, this campaign is about as much fun as an ad can be. In a word...LOVE!