The ABCs of Monograms

Oh, So Lovely

I don't know about you, but I think southerners have a lot of things figured out.

Case in point today:  monograms.

You can't spend any time with a southern lady and not see a monogram on something.  Perhaps a signet ring, her great-great grandmother's china, linens, or even on her precious child's clothing.  No, they're not afraid they'll lose these things and a monogram will make them easily identifiable.  Only a certain type of person who lives north of the Mason-Dixon Line would think that way.  Umph!

Monograms are elegant, civilized, and draw us back to a day when not everything was done electronically.  I dream of those days gone by….

My Life in Monograms

Remember Laverne and Shirley?  Laverne is the one with the "L" monogrammed sweater.  LOL

Want to Use Monograms in Your Life?  

There are oh, so many possibilities!

1.  Monogrammed Wall-Mount Mailbox, Frontgate; 2.  Wooden Decorative Monogram, Etsy; 3.  Tote, Land's End;  4.  Monogrammed Soap, Frontgate; 5.  Monogrammed Hemstitch Napkins, Horchow;  6.  Monogrammed Parsons Chair Slipcover, Ballard Designs; 7.  Monogrammed Stationery, Horchow; 8.  Monogrammed Towels, Horchow;  9.  Monogrammed Door Mat, Ballard Designs; 10. Mongrammed Outdoor Pillow, Frontgate.

How to Use Monograms

A one-letter monogram typically represents your last name.

Use two letters for the first and last names of one person or the first names of a couple.  Or you may choose to connect a pair of two-letter monograms--with a meaningful symbol or motif in between--to represent two people.

For a three-letter monogram, you have a few options.  Make all the letters the same size for your first, middle (or maiden), and last names, reading left to right.  Or use a larger center initial for your last name, flanked by your first and middle (or maiden) initials.  For a couple, use the larger center initial for your common surname, with your first initials on either side.

Make it a chic day!  Monogram something…anything.

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

Case of the Droops?

How to Straighten Your Tulips

Do you have a case of the drooping tulips?  

If so, I have a simple solution for you. 

 Drop a penny into the bottom of the vase.  

The copper alloy will make the stems stand 

straight up in no time.

Enjoy!

#positivelychic

#tulips

#spring

#copperpennytrick

Little Black Book of Beauty Secrets

Product Review:  L'Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur

As I'm always on the lookout for life-changing, anti-aging products (you know, the fountain of youth in a bottle so to speak…or the hope for one…ha!), a dear friend of mine (yes, the naturally beautiful Gaby Weiss, you know who you are) recommended Revitalift Miracle Blur by L'Oreal.

The product claims to instantly smooth lines and wrinkles, hide pores and minimize little flaws and imperfections.  I have to say, after using this product consistently for a month now, I would agree.

It's a primer, filler and 30 SPF sunscreen all rolled into one neat little package for $24.99.  A bargain in my little black book of beauty secrets!

After washing and moisturizing my face, I put the Miracle Blur on my fingers and cover my entire face.  The consistency of the product is gel-like, almost giving the appearance of Vaseline.  However, once it goes on your face, it is quickly absorbed and, as Gaby says, feels like velvet.  I couldn't agree more!

As a primer, it makes your make-up go on smoother and stay on longer.  As a filler, it definitely lessons the look of fine lines and pores.  Anything claiming "opti-blur" technology (whatever that is?!) is worth a try!  LOL

Miracle Blur is positively chic!  Give it a try and let me know what you think.

All products, potions and treatments aside, I've always enjoyed this quote by the naturally beautiful Audrey Hepburn.  I hope you do too!

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino
Interior Designer, Associate ASID

#miracleblur
#l'oreal
#revitalift
#chic
#positivelychic
#paulachamblininteriors
#audreyhepburn

Remodelista

Looking for a Change?

Let's face it.  Some changes are easier than others.

When it comes to your home, are you READY for a change?  I think the changing of the seasons often motivates us to make some updates -- minor or major -- to celebrate the end (hopefully!) of winter and the freshness of spring and the heat of the summer.  Yeah, baby!

This July will mark three years since we underwent a major renovation of our "new" old home.  While it was sometimes a hassle living through it (to put it mildly), we kept our "eye on the prize" and have been enjoying the results of our (and an extremely competent team of subcontractors') efforts every day since.

Are you contemplating a home renovation?  

First, and foremost, make upgrades that are in line with your neighborhood.  I always advise clients to think about the potential resale of your home.  Don't price yourself out of the market.

Here are some other valuable tips to keep in mind when undergoing a renovation.

1.  Create your vision.
Start by identifying the projects you want to complete.  Pull pictures from magazines, design resource books and online resources, such as Houzz, to show your architect and designer the type of look and feel you want to create in your new space.

2.  Find a reputable remodeler.
Hire an experienced, licensed remodeler that you trust. Get references from architects, interior designers and neighbors.  Once identified, visit the remodeler's former clients and current job sites.  Do you like what you see and hear?  Ask detailed questions.  The best remodelers maintain clean and organized work sites, take precautionary measures to ensure safety, and know how to keep a low profile in a neighborhood.  They also are up front with you about how they charge for their services.

3.  Make a detailed plan of action and insist on a supporting detailed contract. 
Create drawings and specifications.  Eliminate ambiguity up front.  Make a hard and fast budget.  Know the process for making changes as they will invariably occur -- especially in a remodel.  You don't know what you have, in most cases, until you open up the walls.  Contract details should include project timing and performance expectations, as well as billing and cost expectations.

4.  Pack like you're moving. 
Newsflash:  Opening walls and building new spaces creates dust, dirt and grime.  A lot of it.  Even though you're doing the project on the first floor, the second floor will still be impacted.  Pack up your belongings to avoid any kind of damage.

5.  Set up a temporary camp. 
If you're doing a kitchen remodel and living in the house while it is occurring, set up a temporary kitchen.  Equip it with the bare necessities.  Realize that it's not going to be like your full service kitchen, but a better kitchen is coming.

6.  Communicate.  
Schedule weekly (at least) meetings with your remodeler to get a status update.  Ask questions.  Give compliments, as deserved.  Follow-up on items your remodeler has asked you to do.  Making product and finish selections within the timeframe the remodeler has established will only help you get back to a "normal" life.  A good interior designer will be help you stay on schedule.

7.  Treat your workers well.  
Be respectful of others.  You're all working toward the same goal.  Don't rush the job.  Finish work tells the end tale of the overall quality of a job.

Take it from me…

Renovations can be stressful.  

Remember the end goal you're striving for and keep a positive attitude. 

 Laugh.  It will get better.  I promise.

Investment Returns

Bathroom Addition
Cost:  $72,538
Cost Recouped at Resale:  60.6%

Bath Remodel
Cost:  $51,374
Cost Recouped at Resale:  63.6%

Major Kitchen Remodel
Cost:  $109,935
Cost Recouped at Resale:  63.6%

Basement Remodel
Cost:  $62,834
Cost Recouped at Resale:  77.6%

Window Replacement
Cost:  $13,385
Cost Recouped at Resale:  76.6%

Source:  2013-2014 Cost vs. Value Report by the National Association of Realtors

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Interior Designer, Associate ASID

#remodelista

#costvsvalueremodel

#positivelychic

Green Day

Avoid Leprechauns.  Wear Green.

Our art project this weekend:  A paper dress for Lily Kate to match my Fabriana Arias dress.  Styled with Jimmy Choo python heels and Chanel accessories.  What else does a girl need on a Monday?

Sunday Bomber Sunday

Jacket:  Rag and Bone (similar chic here and cheap chic like this); Shirt:  old -- Ralph Lauren Purple Label (similar chic here and cheap chic here); Pants:  J Crew; Shoes:  old -- Prada (also like these); Sunglasses:  Chanel; Belt:  Oscar de la Renta; Purse:  Chanel; Ring (right index figure):  Stephen Dweck

Want More Bomber Jacket Options?
Check out my Pinterest board here.

Positively yours,

#cheapchic
#positivelychic
#prada
#rag&bonebomber jacket
#ralphlauren
#jcrew

Solving Fashion's Little Problems

It's Not Solving World Hunger, But It's Still a Problem Worth Solving

Ever have a stuck zipper?  No, it's not the name of a new cocktail.  Wondering how to remove deodorant stains from your favorite shirt?  Even worse, perplexed about how to get rid of dreaded sweat stains?

One of my favorite blogs, WhoWhatWear, recently posted the article "26 Fashion Hacks Every Woman Should Know."  Read it here.

They share the genius tricks your mom didn't teach you.  And, yes, they solve these and more, little fashion problems.

Very helpful, indeed.




Happy Friday!

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Interior Designer, Associate ASID


#WhoWhatWear
#FashionGirlProblems
#PositivelyChic