New Blog Coming Soon!

In the Fall of 2010 I plan to launch a new blog fueled by my passion for another realm of the fashion world; the world of street style on the intimate streets of my new home, the beautiful Crescent City of New Orleans. . .

I thank you my loyal friends and family for the continued support.

Farewell for now,

Otylia Jane

One day we're gonna live in Paris. . . . I promise. . . . I'm honest

Oscar Wilde once said, "When good Americans die, they go to Paris." If that's the case, then lightning strike me down beneath the warm comforts of my fleece blanket and take me home!! In four weeks I will be returning for the second time to the city that has stolen my heart, one in which I plan to fuel a deep and long love affair with during my (hopefully) long lifetime. In three weeks, I begin a six week long Europe adventure, a graduation present from (the best) mom and dad. . . . who needs a new laptop after all? Well, I wouldn't trade in this opportunity to go to Paris once again for any old Mac book, but a Chanel quilted clutch, you may get me thinking about that trade off. I will be lucky enough to spend four days and three nights in my love of loves, Paris, the movable feast that plants a fire in the soul of any artist, or fashionista like me and makes them yearn for more crepes, red wine and cigarettes! I'll be counting down the days until my arrival, but in the meantime, I've gathered up my favorite Parisian street style photographs (not mine) over the past few months and would like to share them with you! I use them to get inspired and daydream about lunch dates on the Champs Elysees :) Fashion blogs deserve lots of pretty pictures, and I deserve lots of french kisses on the Eiffel Tower! Pretty pictures, check! Now about that bisou. . . .

And your winner is. . .

Seth Aaron!! This season of Project Runway came to a close on Thursday with a Seth Aaron victory. Going into the finale with only Tim's critiques and a prayer, Seth Aaron was the lucky contestant left jumping for joy and wiping away tears. While these signs of emotion proved to be truly touching, especially coming from such a rough looking teddy bear, I feel this season lacked the spunk and personality of so many of the past. The fashion world is filled with big personality, imagination, and pizazz (perhaps you've heard of a little birdie named Michael Kors?), and usually Project Runways follows suit, but I felt this season lacked personality, especially concerning these last three designers. Although I do feel Anthony didn't deserve to show his dated cocktail wear at Bryant Park, he was severely missed after his departure (both departures!). If only his big, hysterical, southern mouth could have rubbed off on the likes of smug Emilio and drab mono-toned Mila! Seth Aaron didn't lack in any visual spunk, but his design aesthetic didn't surprise us either. While he did deservingly walk away with the prize and the 100 G's, his aesthetic, as Nina puts it, "approaches costumey." Well, his finale show was no different, yet much more polished and sophisticated than looks throughout the competition. Had Emilio not played it so damn safe with the day wear and made a better transition into his knockout evening gown, perhaps he would have been the king with the crown. As predicted, Mila got the big black and white boot first, perhaps due to her lack of color (once again), and overblown mod influence. While I believe it does have a place in fashion, and black and white will never go out of style, it will get old when overdone in one season. She did an excellent job of mixing texture, especially tough to do with so many blacks, and I absolutely loved her biker gloves in the overused color combo. The sequin dress is to die for, especially when that black and white stripped lining peeks through at the bottom, unfortunately it wasn't enough to win over the judges. So dear Heidi, Michael, and Nina, bring back the crazies please! I was left yawning and a bit uninspired. If not for us, please do it for Tim! Let's put some sweat back on his brow and get that jaw dropping again. It's time to make it work producers!

Seth Aaron

 Emilio

 Mila

 

Ring around the rosie, pockets full of Posen!

The long awaited Zac Posen for Target line hit stores across the country yesterday, and I am happy to say I am the proud new owner of my beloved lipstick tank ($17) as well as a sweetheart cut strapless two piece swimsuit ($40) in a distressed black and gold material. It will look so chic on the beaches of the Mediterranean this summer, where I'll be traveling for six weeks! I picture a midnight pool party, Barcelona perhaps, accessorizing with bold gold bangles or hoop earrings, and a mojito in hand :) A girl can dream, cant she? Since Zac has been on the brain over the weekend, Ive decided to bring you my favorite looks from his fall 2010 runway collection, which walked the runways in New York City on February 15th. The line encompassed a strong 40's influence, apparent in the thin netting veils adorning the faces of multiple models, lots of cropped sleeves (especially in outerwear), broaches embellishing outerwear as well as a work pants, and strong floral fabrics. The line lacked anything close to a gown or evening wear, a beloved signature of Posen, and his strong suit in my opinion. Should I ever grace a red carpet, Posen will be on the top of my list! Despite this lacking element, the collection was colorful, accessible to a real woman, and spoke to this woman. Posen has a way of capturing a sophisticated flirt and sex appeal in his shape, body conscious cocktail dresses, and bold color. He does not design for the woman who wants to blend into the crowd (wallflowers need not waste time). Each piece has a subtle element of pop and surprise, which I find alluring, yet secretive. It's as if you have to hunt for the fashion surprise (pom-poms on the high heels, hello? so adorable). I am absolutely in love with the multi-colored fur jacket, encompassing a bright blue, burnt orange, black, and a taupy-tan, making one beautiful combination. I also loved the bold pink and orange flower print fabric used in a number of cocktail looks near the end of the show. My favorite is the strong shoulder pictured below, a spot on trend for fall 2010. I wish these beautiful numbers could be tried on at Target as well, but for now, I'll take what I can get. Beautifully done Mr. Posen, but please bring back some evening wear in the spring :) The red carpet needs you.

A girl can never have enough shoes. . .

Thanks to the excellent journalism efforts of New York Magazine, I recently discovered Kathryn Kim, solo designer and creator of Kathryn Amberleigh designs, a two year old shoe label about to burst onto the radar of shoe-aholics everywhere. Kim graduated with a BFA in fashion design from F.I.T and immediately wanted to jump into the spotlight, and that she did. The young designer has already been picked up by Shopbop and has a website of her own (where you must witness more of this chic's creativity come to life). As if I wasn't excited enough about the color-blocked, ultra feminine, and delicately detailed collection from Miss Kim, the entire collection is in the $250 price range. Which isn't exactly the ideal price range for a soon-to-be college graduate, but it's a hell of a lot more realistic than Louboutin dreaming (a hobby of mine, or should I say bad habit?). I am absolutely in love with the silver strappy numbers with the wooden cone heel ($255), the royal blue cone heels with the orange horizontal strap ($225), and the strappy black knee-high gladiator flat sandals. These shoes are young, bright, colorful, happy, femininely minimal, and fun. Here are some beautiful shots of Kim's creations, brought to you by her newest fan. . .

(photos courtesy of New York Magazine's The Cut)

Zac Posen Line for me :)

The Zac Posen line I have been anxiously awaiting for all these months now is almost here!! Now that its April, I feel I can unveil the best of the new collection that will soon be in Target stores across the country. The line hits stores April 25th and will be available until May 30th. Prices range from $17-200, and you'll find everything from swimwear, to cute cocktails, to separates for day and night. There's some sexy menswear (tuxedo jackets and ties), a gold bikini bra top that I want ($20), an awesome yellow raincoat that's only $50 bucks!! Not to mention the Zac lipstick tank ($17) and the tiger print sailor dress ($40), which I want to wear to five places already. I love it. I love Zac :) Thank you for allowing me to drive down the road to buy your line for under $200 Mr. Posen. You rock!

(photos courtesy of fashionista.com)