Fashion Lessons Learned

Golden Globe 2014 Edition

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

And the Award Goes To...

Positively Chic on the Red Carpet

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

Color My 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

Liquid Metal

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…

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Merry New Year!

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 *&#5 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.

That's all for now.  Back to the fireplace…

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

Mom's Make It Happen

I think this is a great example of how Mom's "make it happen" every day. 

 Plus, it just gives you a good laugh.  I especially like the intense

look of satisfaction on the Mom's face in the car.  Enjoy!  

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Mom, Me and Cathy

I don't believe God gives us a greater gift as women than the opportunity to be mothers.  Regardless of whether you carry the child nine months yourself, adopt a precious little being or act as a surrogate mother to people (young or old) in your life who simply need to be "mothered" -- or any combination of these -- you are a mother.

Like anything that has a great payoff, being a mother is hard work.  That said, I haven't found anything to be as rewarding and fulfilling.  Being a mother is a tremendous responsibility.  You are a role model 24/7 -- on good days and bad.  Little eyes and ears take in every nuance of your existence.

I was reminded of this as Lily Kate and I raced off to school one morning last week.  As I'm driving, I am going through a mental checklist of all I need for my day of meetings.  My phone...where is my phone?  Thinking that I left it at home, I unconsciously say a choice four letter word.  I was quickly reprimanded from the back seat.  "Mama, queen's do not use that kind of language."  She had me there.

You see, the learning goes both ways.  When the doctor put Lily Kate in my arms, I looked at her and said "I've been waiting for you for so long."  My life was forever changed in the best way possible.  It was like my heart was now out of my body.  I do so appreciate all that my wonderful mother did for me so much more.  I only wish she was here to experience this new phase of life with us.

Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mothers!  

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

Hats off to...Tim Gunn

Hats off to….Tim Gunn 

What a glorious day!  It’s Friday, the sun is shining, ladies are elegantly dressed in their garden cocktail attire, and Tim Gunn is visiting us to share his vast knowledge of all that is chic and classic.

Ahhh, Tim Gunn, a man of classic style.  He is, without fail, always impeccably dressed.  I’d be willing to bet he even sleeps in pressed cotton PJ’s.  Brilliant! 

Beyond his outward appearance, Gunn exhibits such a strong work ethic and admirable character.  We’ve all heard him coach many an aspiring designer on Project Runway with his mantra, “Make it work.”  By all appearances, he walks the talk.

After hearing him speak today, is it possible that I like him even more?  I think so!  Tim stressed “Gunn’s Golden Rules” (AKA Manners for the Digital Age).  He makes being proper, with manners cool again.  We need more media personalities taking this stance!  Okay, I’ll stop there.

The 13th annual Les Chapeaux Dans le Jardin (Hat Day) luncheon

Left: Karen Morrison. Elegant!
Right: Darwin Brucker and Doug Preisse. These men know how to wear hats! Love, love the creativity and panache. 

Left: Dr. Carol Clinton. Makes others more beautiful...a beautiful lady.
Right: Lindsey Schottenstein and Jodelle Tremain. Two gorgeous ladies!

Left: Laura Bowen One word:  Fabulous!
Center: Lindsay from La Jeune Mariee Bridal Boutique (right) and Pretty Friend
Right: Lindsay's shoes, a pretty lady from hat to toes.

With dear friends Left: Gaby Weiss,  Right: Mojie Baharlou

Left: Mo Meuse and Carol Bowman. Lovely ladies!
Center: Pam Beeler. Side Striped Perfection!
Right: Marian Gelpi. Polka Dot Perfection!

Me and Gaby

Words of (Wearable) Wisdom from Tim Gunn

Gunn’s life mantra:  Always take the high road.

Or as amended by his mother:  Always take the high road until the high road gets so high you get a nosebleed.

I’m guessing his mother knows that sometimes you just have to take off your ladylike hat and defend yourself. 

Tim Gunn's 10 Essential Items Every Woman Needs 

• Basic black dress

• Trench coat 

• Classic dress pants 

• Classic white shirt 

• Blazer 

• Day dress 

• Cashmere sweater 

• Dark Wash Jeans 

• A comfortable alternative to a sweatsuit  (THANK YOU, TIM! Can we start the ban on OSU sweatshirts here?) 

• One trendy, indulgent item

Me chatting with Tim Gunn while he autographs Lily Kate's Sophia the First book.

In my house, Tim Gunn is known as “Baileywick,” the always caring butler to Sophia the First (NOTE:  For those of you without a nearly five year old princess in your life, she is Disney’s first child princess. Thanks to this, my daughter wants to be called Princess Lily Kate the First.  Sigh…). 

Tim Gunn is the voice of Baileywick in Disney's Sophia the First

Me and Lily Kate the First

While you have hat in hand, carry on with the Kentucky Derby tomorrow!

Who doesn’t like a Mint Julep served in a lovely silver cup.

That's a day!

And they’re off…

Paula Chamblin Aulino, Associate ASID

www.paulachamblininteriors.com

Welcome to "Positively Chic"!

Welcome to “Positively Chic”!

My mission is to create an uplifting place for you to visit for lifestyle inspiration and motivation.

And who am I?  Let me introduce myself.  I’m Paula Chamblin Aulino – daughter, wife, mother, interior designer – just to name a few important life titles.  If I’m not chasing Lily Kate, our nearly five year old daughter, I’m chasing Lola and Coco, our four-legged family members, or being chased by my amazingly talented husband, Michael.

In my downtime (she says while laughing), I make the world more beautiful one house at a time.  I’m a style connoisseur.  I crave style whether it be for the home or for the sake of fashion.

As an interior designer, I’m best known for mixing high luxe pieces with low “cheap chic” finds.  I follow the same philosophy into my closet.

A Profile in Positively Chic

Motto: 

Dress simply.  Accessorize with flourish.

Whether it be in your home or on your body, accessories are the best way to show your personality – who you are, where you’ve been, and where you want to go.

Best Advice Received: 

Invest in fewer quality pieces rather than many lower quality pieces.

That said, mixing “high” with “low” is an absolute must.

Never Cheap Out On:

Shoes and handbags.

I know you’ve heard it before, but listen, learn and repeat after me, “I will not buy (i.e., throw away my hard-earned money) on cheap shoes and handbags.”  Yes, even if it means having fewer shoes and handbags (see “best advice received” above).

Every Woman Needs:

A talented tailor.

Among other things, but more later.

Go To Style:

A dark pair of jeans in a flattering fit, a white blouse, tailored blazer and a great piece of statement jewelry.  (Paired with fabulous shoes and handbag.  Voila!  A signature style.)

My Style Icons:

Generally they are classics with “an edge” that step out and take classic to the next (tasteful) level.  Enter:  Kate Moss, Kate Bosworth, Anne Hathaway, and, of course, the all-time classics, Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.

Ralph Lauren - The King of Design

My Signature Color:

Pink. Period.  I’m the mother of a nearly five year old princess.  Plus, everyone looks good in pink (sorry Rachel Zoe).

Favorite Way to Recharge:

Spending quality time with my girlfriends.  Laughter truly is the best medicine for all that ails you.

Favorite Designer:

Ralph Lauren is an American treasure for fashion and home.  If I could shadow anyone for a day, it would be this jean-clad genius.  Ralph, call me…maybe.  I’m serious.   

Never Leave the House Without:

Mascara and Concealer

I Can’t Live Without:

My morning run to McDonald’s for a medium REGULAR fountain coke.  Yes, I know sugar is bad for you.  So sue me.  Would you believe me if I told you I can even tell the difference in the fountain cokes?  Sad, but true.

Favorite Rockers:

U2, definitely U2.   

Me with "The Edge"

Defining Accessory:

A smile.  Now, I love my Ippolita bangles and am known for wearing an armful of them every day, but the best accessory is a confident, smiling woman who isn’t afraid to laugh at herself.  And, guess what?  It’s back to that mixing high with low…a smile is free and so much appreciated.

I hope you feel like you know me a little better.  I look forward to visiting with you again soon!

Positively Yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino, Associate ASID

www.paulachamblininteriors.com