You don't have to be heading to a black tie, red carpet, hoity toitty event to be elegant. Some of the most fabulous, stylish, yes, positively chic women I know exude elegance every day. It's not what they wear, or their hair color, physical condition or age. It's the confidence they emanate. Confidence comes from within, bolstered by how we look and how we feel. Of course, Audrey Hepburn also said "Happy girls are the prettiest girls." I couldn't agree more!
If the saying "first impressions are everything" is true, what is your front door saying about you? A door draws you in. It sets the tone for what's inside.
Before
In the Club Road Project, the architectural details of the home were lost with the front door and trim painted to match the stone exterior.
After
To create curb appeal, we not only changed the actual front door, but also changed the trim color. The darker trim color sets off the amazing wood pediment (original to the home) that surrounds the front door. In the "before" color, this detail simply blended into the stone. Next step: Creating a new front porch to enjoy the beautiful view of #2 green.
You don't have to change the actual front door to make an update. Paint your door a signature color.
Is your door exposed to the abusive afternoon sun? If so, use marine-grade stain/varnish for durability. Remember to always keep your threshold clean. Wipe your door down on a regular basis. Last, but certainly not least, is what I like to call "door couture." Unleash your creativity on the wreaths and decorations for your door. Celebrate each season with something new for your front door. Don't forget about rugs too!
According to the "2013-2014 Cost vs. Value" analysis by the National Association of Realtors, an average door update cost of $1,162 will recoup 96.6% of the remodeling cost at resale. Money well spent, I'd say.
Why Stop at the Front Door?
Garage doors don't have to be boring. There are so many different styles of garage doors to choose from today. Which style complements your home?
With the Club Road Project, we converted two single car garage doors to one large garage door. Let's just say it had to do with a certain someone (I'm not mentioning any names) backing out and leaving a rear view mirror behind. So, one door is easier to navigate. Yes, I'm speaking from personal experience.
The fiberglass door was painted and hardware was added to transform the basic fiberglass garage door into, what looks like, carriage doors. A wrought iron detail was also added to the window above the garage for added architectural interest.
Now, what are you waiting for? Dress your door!
Positively yours, Paula Chamblin Aulino Associate ASID
If you're like me, your email is getting absolutely hammered with sale notices. Summer is out and fall is in! That said, I thought it might be helpful to remind you of the "Do's and Dont's of Shopping a Sale."
One of my favorite blogs, WhoWhatWear, put together these helpful tips.
Not a day goes by that I don’t miss my mom (a.k.a. Chief). She lost her battle to breast cancer eleven years ago today. Some days it feels like yesterday that she left us; other days it feels like decades.
My mother taught me so many valuable lessons in life. The grace and elegance she showed in everything she did resonates with me today.
I think about the little moments we had together, sharing laughs and knowing looks. It makes me smile.
I am so thankful for my mother and proud of the true lady she was in our lives.
In one of our last conversations, she said “I so wanted to see how your life turned out.” In my heart, I think she can. If your mother is still with you, call her now and tell her how much you cherish her and all the things she has done, and continues to do, for you today. XXO P
Fashion Advice from Mom:
It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. If you've ever entered a room and immediately felt underdressed, chances are you don't want to repeat that feeling…ever…ever again.
Never buy anything on sale that you wouldn’t buy at full price. If you didn't like it at full price, why is it so appealing on sale? I think it's just the desire to "find a deal." If you don't really like it…will you wear it? It doesn't matter that it originally cost $498 and you can score it for $14.99! It's still $14.99 wasted if you're not going to wear it. I always think of three things I already own that I can wear with a new piece. If I can't think of three ways to style the new piece, I don't buy it (usually).
You always feel better in something new.
Note: This piece of advice probably led to my shopaholic tendencies.
You know what I mean. Enough said.
Always dress like a lady.
You can never go wrong dressing like a lady. This doesn't mean you have to be prim and proper (i.e., stiff). It just means, look elegant and leave a little to the imagination. You can even incorporate "edgier" elements into your look and still look classic. Olivia Palermo, one of my current day fashion icons, is a role model for lady-like dressing. She still looks elegant, even when rocking a biker jacket, jean cut-offs, or leather shorts. Look how she puts with these edgier, more casual pieces with dressier ones (e.g., maxi skirt, longer length car coat, fitted blazer, etc.). They totally elevate the more casual pieces to a new (higher) level.
Study your fashion icon and see the different ways she incorporates different looks into her style.
Invest in a few quality pieces rather than many lesser quality pieces. My mother built her entire wardrobe on this premise. She always invested in a few quality pieces each season instead of cramming her closet with many lesser quality, less expensive pieces. I try to do the same thing. I have pieces in my closet that I've had for years. Why? Because they are a classic style and a higher quality to stand the test of time and wear.
Timeless pieces are just that: Pieces that you should be able to wear for years with proper care. Think classic camel colored coat, fitted black jacket…you get the idea. Those trendier pieces (and you know what I'm talking about) come and go each season. Don't watch them leave with all your money.
Fashion Advice from Someone Else I Admire:
My Husband
Avoid the "Clark Griswald" syndrome. My husband, who loves to vacation, constantly reminds me that it's not always good to "do as the Romans do" -- even when in Rome! He has a point.
We just returned from another lovely trip to LA -- lower Alabama. While there on the beautiful Mobile Bay, I had the pleasure of visiting with the incredibly talented and renowned southern artist, Kent Walsh. I've known Kent for several years and have placed her art in clients' homes.
Kent started painting at the age of five when her grandmother gave her her first set of oils. From there, a lifelong love of art was born. Lucky for us!
The scope of Kent's work is amazingly broad; she doesn't focus on one particular style or subject. She paints and draws still lives, figures and landscapes and all with the same beauty and skill level. Regardless of the medium, each of her works has its own unique history of building up and tearing down -- painted on and scratched away. She continues with this process until the piece proves its merit and is truly a reflection of the artist.
"Each piece is a fresh new love from my soul."
--Kent Walsh
Thank you, Kent, for graciously welcoming me into your home.
If you're interested in learning more about Kent's work or acquiring a piece for your own home, let's talk!
Okay, I read a lot of blogs. Call it "market research." It amazes me how much you can learn from these new resources. Today, my friends, I thought it might be helpful to share some of the things I've learned with you. Hope it provides an "a-ha" moment! Happy Monday!
Get Organized
Spring has sprung, but it's not too late to do some "spring cleaning." Seeing as how we haven't been able to put two cars in the garage since moving, cleaning out and organizing the garage is tops on my list.
While we're on the topic of bathing suits, here are some tips for how to properly care for your bathing suit. If you FINALLY find one that makes you feel marhhh-velous, darling, take care of it!
Listen carefully and learn: Underpinnings are a girl's best friend. Here's a great guide for how to and when to use what underpinnings to unveil your inner-svelte self. Thank you, Rachel Zoe!
It's time to enjoy the bounty of the season. Here's a tasty, simple summer soup recipe to enjoy.
A dear friend of mine made this for a baby shower she hosted for me, aptly named "Pink-a-palooza" as we share an affinity for the color PINK. Thanks, Beppie!
Strawberry Soup
1 pound fresh strawberries
1 cup sour cream
1 cup half-and-half
1/4 granulated sugar
2 tablespoons white wine
Clean and stem strawberries. Puree in blender. Add the remaining ingredients and blend on low speed until smooth. Chill 3-4 hours.
To serve, garnish with a fresh strawberry and mint leaves. Serve cold. Yields 4-6 servings.
