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

Designer in Focus: Tess Giberson

Saks Fifth Avenue--Columbus recently welcomed Tess Giberson back to town.   After researching the designer extensively, I could detail the many accomplishments and vast experience of the incredibly talented Tess Giberson, but it is her attention to detail and her modern take on wardrobe classics that I want to focus on here and now.  Read:  This is what should be important to you as a fashion forward female.

While in town, the fashion designer and her business partner, Vickie See, shared highlights from the Fall and Resort 2014-2015 Collections with an eager group of C-bus based  fashionistas.

Tess explained that the inspiration for Fall 2014 came from her New Hampshire childhood, where LL Bean was haute couture.  Taking classic pieces like the down vest and cable knit  sweater and combining them--deconstructing and mixing media and textures--creates a modern day classic.

Look at the amazing down vest…

Front

Back

What makes this piece a new classic is not only the interesting combination of nylon and cable knit, but also the curve of the hem which adds a subtle detail not to be missed.

Details like these are seen in EVERY, yes, I said EVERY, piece of Tess' collection.  


Other highlights include...

Hand Knit Birdseye Stitch Cape 

In case you haven't heard (been cut off from all forms of communication lately?), capes are on the fall fashion radar.  Tess' interpretation of the trend is on my list.

Did I mention that Tess collaborates with artist/husband, Jon Widman?  His drawings come to life in the Fall 2014 Collection in the form of the silk forest-print cocoon dress.  It is also available in a maxi dress creation which would be simply stunning at your next special occasion.













On my spring wish list?  The abstract plaid fur jacket and denim trousers in just the perfect shade of white.

How do I summarize Tess Giberson's style?

Classic with a modern edge.  
Downtown cool and feminine.  
Love.  It.  
Period.

Even better than the amazing clothes?  Tess -- the woman.  

Talking with Tess was like talking to a friend.  She understands our lives; it's her life.  

Work, family, rest, repeat.  

She understands a busy life with little people.  Having a busy life doesn't mean sacrificing style…real style.










Thanks, Tess and Vickie!  I look forward to your next visit.


Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino
Associate ASID

#tessgiberson
#saksfifthavenue
#s5a
#positivelychicblog