Something To Look Forward To

Happy Spring!

Well, spring is finally here (cue the cheers)!  Sunny days and cheerful dispositions are on the horizon.

Here are a couple of things to look forward to, in addition to sunshine, sandals, sundresses and beautiful flowers:

Columbus Museum of Art's Decorators' Show House

I am proud to be taking part in the Women's Board of the Columbus Museum of Art's 2015 Decorators' Show House (DSH).  This year's DSH is a 19,000 square foot gracious Georgian estate on a private cul-de-sac located in Dublin's Miurfield Village.  It is ahhh-mazing!

The DSH is a biennial event that raises funds to support the Columbus Museum of Art -- a treasure to Columbus.  The event runs April 21 to May 10; tickets are $20 through April 20 and $25 thereafter.

The Paula Chamblin Interiors team is in the process of transforming the second floor landing.  It's more than a passageway!  Our goal is to show that even the most common spaces can be creatively transformed.  Stay tuned for "before and after" shots of the project, as well as special event dates at the DSH.

Hope to see you there!  

Lilly Pulitzer for Target

 Mark your calendars for April 19th!!!

My summertime favorite is coming to a Target (pronouced "tar-jey" with a faux French accent) near you!  The colorful limited-edition collection features 15 Lilly prints across 250 items.  What do these items include, you may be wondering… I've seen a preview and, let me say, your outdoor entertaining area will be a happy and bright place.  The home goods are precious.  We can't forget about the clothes (shoes and accessories too). There are fabulous selections for women and girls (sorry guys!?!).  For good measure, they even threw in some cosmetic items.

The best part?  Items range in price from $2 to $150.  Score!



Happy Friday!  Happy Spring!

XXOO P

How to Win at Shopping

If shopping were a sport, I could be an all-star, an MVP, an Olypian.  You get the picture, right?  The girl can shop.  I do it for a living…constantly scouring the marketplace (hitting the sidewalk and surfing the web) to secure amazing pieces for my clients.

Well, I met the man who, literally, wrote the book on how to win at shopping.  Who is this man you may be asking? And where can I meet him?

Source:  DavidZyla.com

Meet:  David Zyla

A profile of accomplishments:

David is an Emmy Award-winning Costume Designer and Best-Selling Author.  His first book, Color Your Style, focused on coaching the readers how to wear their true color based on their unique hair and skin tones.  David has studied color extensively and eloquently shares his vast knowledge with his readers as if you, the reader, were sitting face to face with the dapperly dressed gentleman.  He has taken this insight further with his new book, How to Win at Shopping, by using this knowledge of what works best for you and how to find those pieces that will create the most authentic version of you and boost your confidence in the meantime.

He has designed for some of the most recognizable faces of contemporary culture including Hillary Clinton, Tom Hanks, Susan Lucci, Neil Patrick Harris and Carol Burnett.  

A Colorful Meeting on a Gray Day

On Saturday, Saks Fifth Avenue--Columbus, hosted a breakfast with David.  He was in town promoting his new book and offering practical advice for the fashion-forward of Columbus.  

Here are some of his tips for finding the best colors and styles to accentuate your own unique self:


Go for COLOR!  

Even though it's so easy to reach for that all-black ensemble, go for color.  Color makes us smile.  As David said, it's the person in pink or maroon that changes everything.  If a style you adore is available in a neutral and a color option, choose color.

Here's a challenge for you 

if you're in a black period...

The next five items you purchase, 

can't be black.

Find Your Color

David provided some interesting tips for finding your own perfect colors.  

• Pinch your fingertip, go to the make-up counter and match that color.  That'll be your best lipstick shade.  Who knew?!  David, of course!
• Look at the predominant vein in your wrist.  Whatever the color, blue, green or purple…that is your best dramatic color.
• Look at the ring around your iris.  There you will find your best color alternative to black.

Look to Your Own Closet for Shopping Clues

Do you always receive a compliment when you wear a certain color?  Hint:  Buy more of that color and wear it!  Do you have clothing hanging in your closet with tags?  Is there a trend?  Maybe it's a crew neck and you don't like a crew neck as well as a v-neck.  Maybe it's not the right style.  Whatever the reason, don't repeat your mistake.  

David always recommends knowing what you're looking for while shopping.  Have a plan.

What is your closet telling you?



Other Interesting Ideas from David

When choosing basic pieces, always consider the cost per wear or "use value."  Obviously (I think), if it's an item you're going to wear more often (let's say, in central Ohio, a winter coat), then you should pay more for it.  The cost per wear will actually be less because of the usage.


What item does David recommend spending more on… 

For women…a good handbag.

For men…a belt.



What does David consider staple pieces…

Jimmy Choo at Saks Fifth Avenue

For women…a great metallic shoe.

For men…a blazer that can go dressy or casual.







What's the best neckline to wear for your body?
Look at the shape of your chin to determine the best neckline for you.  The neckline should match your chin.  Do you have a square chin, you should wear a square neckline.  Same goes for your shoe style.

Fascinating!



All that said, after talking with David, 

I would have to describe him as a

 "fashion fortune teller."

I mean that in the most magnificent way possible.  He could simply look at a woman and tell her what colors, patterns, handbag style, neckline (and the list could go on) that would work best for her.





So what did David recommend for me?


You'll have to watch to find out!

Thank you, David, for making the winter a little brighter here in Columbus!  We hope to see you again soon.

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

Cold Weather Special Report

Baby, it's (BRUTALLY) cold outside…

Wow!  To say it's cold outside is an understatement.  If you've been stuck inside because of the bitter cold, the record snowfall or just because…your surroundings may be looking a little tired.  

Here are some cheap chic (and quick) updates to freshen up your home (aka your retreat from the weather):

The cheapest, quickest and easiest (TRIFECTA!!) way to decorate your home is to "shop" what you already own.  Walk around your house and look at everything you own.  Think how you might repurpose objects, accessories -- even furniture -- in different rooms.  

No credit card required!  Put money in the bank instead.

Whether it's an accent wall, ceiling, painting the back of your bookcases or an old piece of furniture, adding a fresh coat of paint in an "of the moment" shade instantly updates the look and feel of your room.  

Try Annie Sloan chalk paint to transform old furniture.
In Columbus, you'll find it at Fleurish Home.

While you have a paintbrush in your hand, try painting on a canvas.  I started painting this past summer, and while I'm no Renoir, it's a fun way to add a pop of color to the background of a buffet table for a dinner party or over the sofa.  

My Masterpiece

I love, love, love consignment stores.  You would be ahhhh-mazed at the treasures I unearth at these treasure troves.  Don't just think of consignment stores for buying, these places are a great resource for selling your old accessories and furniture.  Cha-CHING!

There are many online consignment stores I subscribe to as well.  You don't always have to hit the streets.  Save time on a site like "Craig's List" by subscribing to your Craig's List search terms.  This helps sort through the millions of items constantly listed.





Don't want to spend a fortune on custom window treatments or bedding?  Add embellishments to ready-made versions.  It's crazy how doing something simple and inexpensive as adding trim to the edge of ready-made window panels elevates them to nearly custom.

Restoration Hardware Baby&Child under $80

Have you ever looked at Restoration Hardware Baby & Child?  Pottery Barn Teen?  Land of Nod?  

Adorable (but not adorable in a baby way) accessories at, usually, a lower price than their "grown up" counterparts.  

Look for lamps, rugs, bedding (sorry no "king" size for the kiddos) and side tables at these design resources. 

Call me crazy, but I always feel so good after I de-clutter a drawer or clean out a closet.  There is something about being organized that takes me to my "happy place."  

While you're stuck inside, tackle a project.  Look through your closet and prepare for the spring season.  Sort out what you want to keep, store and buy.  You'll feel better.  Trust me.  It's encouraging to think that spring is on the way.  Really, it is.  It just doesn't feel like it.  

Oh, and did I mention that this is another "free" way to update your home.  





Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

PS  Sorry I've been on a little break from the blog; life got in the way.  All is good, just busy.

Hello Holidays!

Solving the Age Old Question:  

What to Wear to the Holiday Party?

There's nothing like kicking off the holiday season with a little soiree at home with good friends and cold champagne, all while wearing fabulous holiday finery.  The best way to ease the stress of the season? Laughing with girlfriends, while reminding each other the true meaning of the season.

Hint:  The true meaning of the season does not involve calling Target every hour-on-the-hour to see if that shipment of Ana and Elsa dolls came in YET.  Yes, this may be causing a little stress in my life.

My "go to" source for a fabulous holiday ensemble?  

J. McLaughlin

Now, you know as an interior designer I am known for mixing high luxe with low chic finds.  I carry the same principle to my wardrobe.  Here I've mixed a Ralph Lauren Black Label tuxedo jacket with J. McLaughlin's Milena Feather Skirt.  The combination is unexpectedly chic.

I wouldn't leave this skirt in my closet waiting for a party.  I'd pair it with a classic button down or denim shirt, slip on some black booties, top it off with a black leather moto jacket, and make an ordinary day… extraordinary.

 Christina is wearing J. McLaughlin's Signature Tee in Snow Day with the Hilary Flocked Slim Fit Pant.  She topped off the ensemble with a luxe black fur vest.  I wear a fur vest almost daily.  It's such a versatile piece.  I am loving the pattern of the flocked pant; it's perfect to dress up or down with a change of the top and accessories.  Cheers!

Pink is my favorite color.  Pair it with gold brocade and call it "perfection"!  The Elm Brocade Skirt is fabulous.  Here, Kati is wearing it with the Merry Lurex Sweater.  It would also look amazing with basic black or ivory.  Think silk blouse or cashmere sweater.  Love it!

How fun are these pants?  Debbie is wearing the Foxxy Jacquard Pant with its great pattern.  She paired it with the Raleigh Shirt -- a classic white shirt dressed up with gold metallic dots.  

The pattern on pattern is so fresh.

And my favorite part…ACCESSORIES!

 The Kelly Quilted Clutch comes in an array of colors and patterns 

and is the perfect size for your party necessities.

Putting some finishing touches on the mantle decor wearing the Telluride Vest, Ginger Sweater, belted with the Twinkle Belt and Gigi Pant in black.

Bring on the holidays!  

A special thanks to J. McLaughlin for providing the holiday finery for our soiree.  Find a store near you to create your own special party look…or two…or three.

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino
Associate ASID

Look….

1.  Gold Leopard Appetizer Plates by C Wonder.  Every home needs a little animal print.
2.  Acorn Brass & Tortoise Ice Bucket by Oscar de la Renta.  Swanky for Thanksgiving!
3.  Blanket Stitch Cape by Topshop.  Just what you need to take the chill off.
4.  Leather Fringe Glove by Coach.  Love, love!  Can't say more.
5.  Wide Brim Fedora Hat by Topshop.  A hat totally creates a look.
6.  Faux Fur Throw and Pillow by Frontgate.  Keep warm…stylishly.


Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino
Associate ASID









#cwonder  #oscardelarenta  #topshop  #coachleather  #frontgate #animalprint  #positivelychic  #favoritefinds  #november  #fall  #chichome  #accessories

The Pink Pony Promise

Have You Made Your Pink Pony Promise This Year?

As if I needed another reason to absolutely adore and admire Ralph Lauren, here he goes again doing something beautiful to benefit our lives.  This time it's not the clothes, it's the lifestyle.  I'm not talking about his furniture, wall coverings, rugs, accessories, the list could go on and on.  No, I'm talking about Ralph Lauren's commitment to fighting a disease that has taken more women (and even some men) from this world…including my dear mother.

October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is almost over.  

It's not too late!

Here's how you do it…

Go to the Ralph Lauren website…link here.

It's worth repeating:

For every Tweet, Instagram picture or post to RL's website with #PINKPONYPROMISE, $10 will be donated to cancer-related causes.  Tag up to five friends and the Pink Pony Fund will donate an additional $1 for each tag.

Please help us end this terrible disease.

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino
Associate ASID


#PINKPONYPROMISE
@RalphLauren
#RALPHLAUREN
#endbreastcancer
#love

Remembering Oscar de la Renta

A True Gentleman and Designer

When I think of Oscar de la Renta's beautiful creations,  I think:

works of art

classic and timeless

 feminine

ladylike

Dresses.  

He was one of the few designers who still created beautiful DRESSES for LADIES.   I cherish the pieces I own that were created by Oscar.

Then there is the man.  Always impeccably dressed, so chic.  A kind demeanor.  A smile on his face.

I am remembering this talented man today.  He will be missed by many, those who truly knew and loved him. He will be missed by those who admired him from a distance.  That's me.

Thank you for making the world a much more beautiful place.  Rest in peace, Oscar.

Respectfully yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino
Associate ASID


#RIPOscarDeLaRenta
#positivelychicblog