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

Shopping for a Cause

Watch Good Day Marketplace tomorrow at 10 a.m. on 

I'll be visiting with host, Shawn Ireland, and sharing fall decorating ideas with a few of my favorite products from 

Join me at the Frontgate Outlet Center at Easton Market tomorrow from 4 to 7 p.m.

Why?  One word.

Enjoy 50% off storewide on in-stock items, 

25% off catalogue orders

Thursday through Sunday.

Shop for a cause…15% of all sales will go to a charity near and dear to my heart:

Did you know that Frontgate has just launched a fabulous interiors line?  Not only can you outfit your outside living space at Frontgate, now they are inside too.

Don't forget that Frontgate is THE SOURCE for holiday decor.  It's already in stock and ready for you to deck your halls!  And did I mention that in-stock holiday decor is an additional 50% off?  I know!  

What are you waiting for?  Make a list and check it twice.  

Get to Frontgate to support Make a Noise 

and cash in on the savings.

I love a good sale!  Especially one for a good (make that GREAT) cause.

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino
Associate ASID

An Organized Closet

Tips from Birdie Brennan, Professional Organizer

(the first certified professional organizer in Central Ohio)





I've always considered myself an organized person, but I didn't know organization until I met and worked with Birdie.  She has created space where I didn't think it was even possible.

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with Birdie (okay, it was while we took a break from organizing my garage) about her top tips for organizing your clothes closet.

When organizing your clothes closet:

• Keep only what you love and wear.  Be honest.  Be brutal.  Remember, your goal is to make it easy to get dressed and out the door.

• Organize your clothes -- either by color or by like items.  

I group items by color and put like items together in the same section.  

For example, I have all my black pieces together, 

with sleeveless black shirts together, long sleeved black shirts together, etc.  

A little OCD you say?  Perhaps, but it helps me get ready in record time in the morning, 

and it just feels right.

• Give every item a specific "home."  

Put items back "home" when you're not using it. Yes, I'm talking to you.

• Use the same type of clothes hanger to create an organized appearance.

• Keep a bag in your closet to make it easy to gather donations.

If you put something on and it just doesn't fit the way it used to, put it in the bag.  

When the bag is full, take it to a donation site or your favorite resale shop.

• Use attractive containers to hold like-items (think t-shirts, jeans, socks, etc.).

• Use vertical space.  

Move your existing rod and add an additional rod to double your hanging space.  Add shelves above, even if you thing it is too tall.  Store seldom used items up and out of the way.  Use an over-the-door shoe holder behind the door or attach it to the wall to use otherwise unusable wall space.  It's not just for shoes!  It can hold belts, scarves, jewelry, undergarments, and, yes -- shoes.  

Install hooks on unused wall space for belts, ties, etc.

• When you have folded clothes on shelves, don't pile above six high.  Use shelf dividers to keep piles neat.

• Work with your natural habits.  If you normally kick shoes off on the floor of the closet, put them on open shelves on the floor of the closet.  

• Don't forget about your laundry process.  Have laundry baskets or sorters that fit how you do laundry.  Do you need individual laundry baskets for each member of your family?  Or different laundry baskets for different types of laundry?

Closet not big enough?  

Flashback:  Do you remember when Carrie and Mr. Big first toured the apartment they would eventually buy together?  Carrie was in complete awe--until she saw the insanely small closet space.  She remarked "Well, now I understand the divorce."  Later, when Mr. Big unveils the remodeled closet (the fashionista's substitute for an engagement ring) complete with glass enclosed wardrobes and shoe closets, she is too amazed to speak.   

Photo Courtesy of New Line Cinema

You may not have a Mr. Big-style closet remodel, but Birdie says, get creative!  Figure out a category of clothing that can live somewhere else.  You could put cocktail attire in a guest closet.  Of course, that is assuming you don't partake in cocktail parties on a regular basis (or at least not always in a cocktail dress!).

If you can't bring yourself to part with a piece (or several!) of clothing, hang them the opposite way.  At the end of the season, it's easy to identify the clothes that you didn't wear.  Get rid of them!  Remember, clearing out something you don't wear will leave room to add something you will wear.  Read:  Justifiable reason to shop.

Closet Inspiration from Pinterest

Use bookcases for neat and spacious shoe storage.

Use lined decorative gold picture frames for jewelry storage.

Why store your wedding dress?  Frame it!

Birdie's Bottom Line:  

Thanks, Birdie!

Contact Birdie at www.getorganizedcolumbus.com.

Bonus:  Four Easy Tricks for a Prettier Home

One of my favorite blogs, PureWow, shared these ultra-helpful tricks: 

1. Fold that Fitted Sheet into a Neat Little Package
2. Stuff Your Duvet with Care
3. Fold Your Towels the Right Way
4. Make Your Own Floral Arrangement

Now get back in the closet and get organized!

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino
Associate ASID

#inthecloset
#anorganizedcloset
#positivelychicblog