I don't know about you, but with all this cold winter weather, I am yearning for bright colors and cheerful prints. You know the kind I'm talking about. The kind that just makes you smile, reminds you of warmer days and sunnier times. Ahhh…
Snap out of your winter doldrums with the latest Target design collaboration. Yes, fashionistas, Peter Pilotto is launching a capsule collection featuring the London-based designers' signature bold prints and sculptural silhouettes.
"Our brand is about print, yes, but it's also about
the emotional feeling
you can get from color and color combinations."
After reviewing highlights from the nearly-70 piece line, I can say "I'm feeling it!"
The capsule collection includes dresses, skirts, swimwear and accessories ranging in price from $14.99 to $79.99. It's a lot of look for a little investment.
My favorite piece from the collection:
Jacquard Dress in Red Iris Print, $79.99
A classic Peter Pilotto dress.
Dresses are fabulously easy: one-piece and done.
Add black strappy sandals and a red clutch. Simple jewelry. Enjoy a night out with your favorite date.
Still chilly? Think cape and drape a black leather moto jacket around your shoulders. Feeling avant garde? Make it a red moto jacket and black clutch.
Want to make it office appropriate? Layer a white button down underneath. Swap the strappy sandals for pointy toe pumps in black patent.
One dress. So many options.
The collection will be available at Target and Net-A-Porter starting on February 9.
Mark your calendars and be the first in-line (or on-line) to score your favorite Peter Pilotto for Target pieces and still have money for your favorite morning drink of choice.
Let me know what piece (or at this price make it multiples) you added to your wardrobe!
Are you tired of everything in your home? Maybe it's the winter season. We've been more "home bound" than usual this winter. The cold, the snow, the ice…oh my!
Here are five tips to QUICKLY and INEXPENSIVELY refresh your home.
A recap:
(1) Change your paint color.
This could be the color of the walls, trim, ceiling or any combination of surfaces. Paint is one of the least expensive ways to totally change the look and feel of a space.
I'm starting the ban on white ceilings here! Please don't leave your ceilings white. I typically recommend painting ceilings two to three shades lighter than the color of your walls. You'll be amazed at how this will warm up a room.
Don't be afraid to use strong or dark colors in small spaces. It certainly can work, it just depends on the look and feel you're trying to create. Warm and cozy -- check.
Photo: Houzz
Still don't believe it? Try the dark color on one wall or one architectural element in the room (maybe the back of a bookshelf) to add visual interest.
Photo: Paula Chamblin Interiors
(2) Add decorative light switch and outlet covers.
Don't live with the standard issue light switch and outlet covers. Live graciously! March on over to your local home improvement store and find some great, not so expensive decorative accents for your walls.
I find chic light switch and outlet covers at my neighborhood Lowe's.
How can you update your sofa without buying a new one? Easy! Change the throw pillows. I rotate my pillows on a seasonal basis. I do the same with my bedding. I have a spring/summer and fall/winter look. Crazy? Maybe, but I like it!
Photo: Houzz
(4) Add accessories -- including fresh flowers.
Few things reflect your personality more than your home accessories. Select items that have meaning to you. I always recommend that clients bring back art or other decorative items when traveling. Pull out your grandmother's vase. Display that collection of bird figurines together rather than spreading them out. They make an impact en masse. Bottom line: You want to create a home that looks collected over time, not like you just raided the shelves of Pottery Barn. No offense, Pottery Barn.
Photo: Paula Chamblin Interiors
(5) Move furniture, art, rugs, accessories that you already own.
It never fails to amaze clients when I first start by moving what they already own from room to room. Don't spend money if you don't have to. The chair you're tired of in the family room may look
ahh-mazing in the entryway. Try moving things around to get a new perspective on an old scene.
Photo: Paula Chamblin Interiors
Bonus
Are your cabinets looking as tired as you feel after a long arduous day?
Give them some new jewelry. A new bauble of some sort always perks me up.
Change the cabinet hardware.
There are so many great, accessible sources for stunning knobs and pulls.
My favorite sources include:
Anthropologie They sell more than adorable clothing.
Lowe's Yes, I spend a fair amount of time in that store and no, I don't wear a tool belt -- unless it has a Chanel logo on it.
VanDyke's Restorers It's a great online source, especially for retro styles.
Check 'em out!
Source: Anthropologie
Cabinet hardware still not going to cut it? How about a fresh coat of paint or a decorative glaze?
Photo: Paula Chamblin Interiors
Positively yours,
Paula Chamblin Aulino
Interior Designer, Associate ASID
Emerald is green with envy with 2013 behind us. Looking forward, purple reigns supreme.
PANTONE has declared "Radiant Orchid" as the color of the year, stating the color "blooms confidence and magical warmth." Who doesn't want to be warm and confident?
Since 2000, PANTONE has selected a color of the year to express the mood and attitude of consumers for the upcoming year.
Radiant Orchid is a gorgeous color. From a beauty and fashion viewpoint, it is a universally flattering tone. Incorporate it into your closet in the way you feel comfortable whether it be a head-to-toe look or just a purple POP with accessories.
Color is not just for your wardrobe; radiant orchid (and its many shades) can transform any space in your home. Again, with as much as painting an entire room or as little as adding pillows or window treatments with a POP of purple.
1 Simona Jaquard Full Skirt in Boysenberry, Tibi; 2 Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in African Violet, Nordstrom; 3 Rock N Rose Pale Purple Oversized Crown, ASOS; 4 Milly Blaire Combo Shift Dress, Revolve Clothing; 5 Ralph Lauren Soft Ricky; 6 Purple Floral and Striped Pillow Group, Horchow.
For more inspiration, check out my "Radiant Orchid" board on Pinterest.
Coco had to get in on the trend too. Positively chic!
How will you translate the trend into your home and wardrobe? I want to hear from you!
Last night, Hollywood kicked off the 2014 award season with the Golden Globe Awards. So what does that mean to you and me? In a word: FASHION.
The stars were out and shining. They did not disappoint. We were seeing red and a spectrum of vibrant colors to the not-so-basic black. White was hot as were metallic tones.
Seeing Red
There was no blending in to the red carpet for these standout stars. Best in red? Lupita Nyong'o. Period. Wow! Did I mention the dress was by Ralph Lauren? Oh yeah.
Photos: People Magazine
ColorMy World
From the vibrant yellow of Lena Dunham to the fabulous teal of Reese Witherspoon, whether you are a fan of the star, their style or of award shows in general, it was a visual feast for the eyes to see such vibrant color on the red carpet. Beautiful ladies!
Sandra Bullock
Photo: People Magazine
Reese Witherspoon
Photo: People Magazine
Caitlin Fitzgerald
Photo: People Magazine
Kristin Chenoweth
Photo: People Magazine
Not so Basic BLACK
Sofia Vergara
Photo: People Magazine
Wow! As much as je t'aime color, these beauties were simply stunning in black gowns. We all know black is the most flattering color on all body types. It just works. Styles can range from the simple and classically cut (cue in Emma Roberts) to the complex but not overworked (cue in Cate Blanchett).
Sofia Vergara epitomizes what I consider my personal style mantra:
A classic, well cut dress with statement jewelry is always elegant.
Sofia could even wear this gown again (collective gasp) with different accessories, hair and makeup.
Beautiful, Sofia! (NOTE: A woman can never get tired of hearing that.)
Cate Blanchett
Photo: People Magazine
Another beautiful silhouette on Juliana Margulies. The deep V neckline is sexy without being over the top. No necklace is key to not giving this the center of attention. Perfect earring and bracelet. The "coral" embroidery in metallic gold is stunning. The up do is elegant.
White HOT
Then there were the stars who got white just right. Namely, Margot Robbie in Gucci. White, accented by metallic and emerald green. Sleek, modern, perfect. Well done!
Photo: People Magazine
Kate Beckinsale
Photo: People Magazine
LiquidMetal
Metallics take dressing up to the next level. You stand out. You shine. Don't just think gold and silver ladies. Look at the beautiful and pregnant Olivia Wilde in her emerald green metallic. Stunning.
These stars were shining brightly in their metallics: Kate Beckinsale (at right), Naomi Watts and Robin Wright.
Positively Chic Fashion Award Winners
Best Dressed of the Evening
Drum roll please….Michelle Dockery. Classic "Old Hollywood" at its best. I loved the very flattering hi-low hemline that hits just at the thinnest part of the leg to be oh so flattering. Her hair, makeup and accessories were perfectly elegant.
Photo: People Magazine
Least Favorite of the Evening
If there's a "favorite" or a "best dressed," does there have to be a "least favorite"? No, but I'll tell you my opinion anyway. I think Paula Patton is a beauty (at a minimum, she has a FABULOUS first name -- ha!), but I did not like her choice of gowns. Too much embellishment. It took over her small frame. White, but not just right.
Photo: People Magazine
Risky Business
The most successful fashion risk taker of the evening? She's young. She's had the career of a lifetime before the age of 21. She can take a risk. I loved Emma Watson's cool take on a gown. The sleek cropped pencil slacks underneath the open back tunic styled gown looked young and edgy, but still polished. Her sleek hair, smokey eye makeup and minimal accessories complemented the ensemble. Her confidence was also a great accessory! The risk paid off in my opinion.
Photo: People Magazine
Biggest Fashion Lesson Learned
The hi-lo hemline is very flattering. It's formal without being fussy. Note to self: Must find a great dress with a hi-lo hemline for next formal soiree.
I simply can't wait to see the fashions of this award season! Stay tuned…
New year -- new resolve to be more dedicated to my blog. I'm hunkered down for a couple of VERY cold (scratch that -- make it FRIGID) Ohio days. The Christmas school break continues…and feels as if it's been in process for the last two months. Has it only been two weeks? Surely not?!!
No better time for a Snow Day Luncheon for two little five year old princesses.
I collect vintage china, hobnail milkglass and a hodge-podge of other interesting "pretties" that strike my fancy. You never know when they'll come into play. Like today.
Using bits and pieces from all around the house, I put this setting together quickly. And I mean super fast, armed with a glue gun and pint sized "assistant."
Remember, five year olds have limited patience.
Then again, so do a lot of * year olds I know, but that's for another day.
A couple of entertaining tips (whether it's a five year old audience or a more sophisticated crowd):
Tulle is a wonderful thing. Read between the lines: It's cheap, readily accessible and pretty. Here I've used it as a light table cover to add color and texture. I've also draped it from tent ceilings, wrapped the backs of chairs, used it to set up a food display, created photo backdrops, curtains, worn it as a dress, etc. Only kidding on the dress part. Just wanted to see if you were really paying attention. Tulle = Good
Presentation is everything. Even frozen mac 'n cheese and packaged applesauce can look gourmet in fine bone china.
Creativity is key. Strive to use ordinary things in not so ordinary ways.
Ice cream for dessert on a day where the wind chill is minus 35 degrees F? Hey, we were inside the warm house!
Here's another tip…Dress up store-bought ice cream with sprinkles and a cookie. Present it nicely, and, voila! Pretty and tasty.
