Polar Vortex Uniform

Chunky Knit + Slim Pant = Polar Vortex Uniform

Michael Kors

Look No. 1 by Michael Kors.

Look No. 2 by Stella McCartney.

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

A Passion for Purple

Purple Reigns

Emerald is green with envy with 2013 behind us.  Looking forward, purple reigns supreme.

PANTONE has declared "Radiant Orchid" as the color of the year, stating the color "blooms confidence and magical warmth."  Who doesn't want to be warm and confident?

Since 2000, PANTONE has selected a color of the year to express the mood and attitude of consumers for the upcoming year.

Radiant Orchid is a gorgeous color.  From a beauty and fashion viewpoint, it is a universally flattering tone.  Incorporate it into your closet in the way you feel comfortable whether it be a head-to-toe look or just a purple POP with accessories.  

Color is not just for your wardrobe; radiant orchid (and its many shades) can transform any space in your home.  Again, with as much as painting an entire room or as little as adding pillows or window treatments with a POP of purple.

1 Simona Jaquard Full Skirt in Boysenberry, Tibi;  2  Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in African Violet, Nordstrom;  3  Rock N Rose Pale Purple Oversized Crown, ASOS; 4  Milly Blaire Combo Shift Dress, Revolve Clothing; 5  Ralph Lauren Soft Ricky;  6  Purple Floral and Striped Pillow Group, Horchow.

For more inspiration, check out my "Radiant Orchid" board on Pinterest.

Coco had to get in on the trend too.  Positively chic!

How will you translate the trend into your home and wardrobe?  I want to hear from you!

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

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