Tonight marks the beginning of Jimmy Fallon's reign over late night television. As I write this, I am thinking to myself…"Wait a minute. How is this different from last week? He already ruled late night in my book!"
Of course, he is assuming the coveted lead role in NBC's crown jewel, "Tonight," and it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. He's following an impressive list of hosts with, most recently, Jay Leno, then -- my personal favorite until now -- Johnny Carson, and the original host, the witty Steve Allen.
I had the chance to talk to Jimmy behind the scenes at the 2013 Primetime Emmy Awards. He is as genuinely charming and down-to-earth "for real" as he is on tv. He and his wife had just had their baby and she was the main thing on his mind that night. Cue: Sigh.
I'd wish him luck, but he doesn't need it. He has talent.
Enjoy it, Jimmy!
Me, Jimmy, Mojie, Arya, and Vida at the 2013 Emmy's
Positively yours,
Paula Chamblin Aulino Interior Designer, Associate ASID #jimmyfallontonight #emmyawards
NO shopping required. Sometimes it's the simple things that mean the most in this busy world.
On this Valentine's Day, take the time to tell the people who are special to you
just how much they mean.
Or how about WRITING them an actual note…putting pen to paper…to express your thoughts.
I adore getting a handwritten note.
Call me old-fashioned. I'm comfortable with it.
Chic Chocolate Martini
This libation is a decadent piece of chocolate in a glass.
4 oz. Godiva chocolaté liqueur
2 oz. vanilla vodka
Splash of Half and Half
Chocolate syrup
Chocolate candy stick for garnish, if desired
Swirl chocolate sauce in a martini glass. Set glass aside. Mix liqueur and vodka. Add a splash of half and half and shake over ice. Pour mixture into the martini glass. Garnish with a chocolate candy stick, if desired.
Rossini Cocktail
Strawberries and prosecco. As the Barefoot Contessa would say, "How easy is that?" Postively Chic says, "Cheers!"
1 pint (2 cups) ripe strawberries, hulled
2 1/2 Tbsp sugar syrup
1 tsp Grand Marnier
1 (750 ml) bottle prosecco, chilled
6 slices orange zest
Place berries in a food processor and puree until completely smooth. Pour strawberry liquid into a fine meshed sieve. Discard seeds.
Add sugar syrup and Grand Marnier to puree, and refrigerate.
When ready to serve, rub the rim of each glass with orange zest. Pour cold prosecco into a champagne glass until 3/4 full. Carefully add 2 Tbsp puree into each glass and serve VERY cold.
"To make sugar syrup, boil 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water until sugar dissolves completely, and chill. The syrup will last a few weeks in the refrigerator."
Ina Garten
Recipe adapted from Barefoot Contessa Foolproof
Not All Pink
While j'adore PINK, not all Valentine decor has to be rose-hued.
As an interior designer, I really don't have a signature style. What I mean by that is, you can go into my various client's homes and they all look different. Now that I think about it, maybe that is my style.
I tell my clients, "I do EVENTUALLY leave your house."
Your home should reflect your style.
What, then, is the role of an interior designer?
It is the role of the interior designer to listento your likes and dislikes, look at pictures of rooms like you want to create, discuss how you want to feel in the room, how you want to use the space. Given your goals, the designer should use his/her personal style and design knowledge to guide you in creating the living environment you want to live in each and every day.
That said...
My client's homes may each have a unique look, but I typically like to add one signature element:
Animal print is a timeless classic. Adding splashes of animal print adds personality. Animal print can be incorporated into a room in many ways -- from throw pillows and upholstery to carpeting and wall coverings. It all depends on how wild you really are...
Source: Horchow
Other picture credit: Houzz
Animal Print: Not Just for the Home
I also think wearing animal print is, oh so, positively chic.
I don't know about you, but with all this cold winter weather, I am yearning for bright colors and cheerful prints. You know the kind I'm talking about. The kind that just makes you smile, reminds you of warmer days and sunnier times. Ahhh…
Snap out of your winter doldrums with the latest Target design collaboration. Yes, fashionistas, Peter Pilotto is launching a capsule collection featuring the London-based designers' signature bold prints and sculptural silhouettes.
"Our brand is about print, yes, but it's also about
the emotional feeling
you can get from color and color combinations."
After reviewing highlights from the nearly-70 piece line, I can say "I'm feeling it!"
The capsule collection includes dresses, skirts, swimwear and accessories ranging in price from $14.99 to $79.99. It's a lot of look for a little investment.
My favorite piece from the collection:
Jacquard Dress in Red Iris Print, $79.99
A classic Peter Pilotto dress.
Dresses are fabulously easy: one-piece and done.
Add black strappy sandals and a red clutch. Simple jewelry. Enjoy a night out with your favorite date.
Still chilly? Think cape and drape a black leather moto jacket around your shoulders. Feeling avant garde? Make it a red moto jacket and black clutch.
Want to make it office appropriate? Layer a white button down underneath. Swap the strappy sandals for pointy toe pumps in black patent.
One dress. So many options.
The collection will be available at Target and Net-A-Porter starting on February 9.
Mark your calendars and be the first in-line (or on-line) to score your favorite Peter Pilotto for Target pieces and still have money for your favorite morning drink of choice.
Let me know what piece (or at this price make it multiples) you added to your wardrobe!
Are you tired of everything in your home? Maybe it's the winter season. We've been more "home bound" than usual this winter. The cold, the snow, the ice…oh my!
Here are five tips to QUICKLY and INEXPENSIVELY refresh your home.
A recap:
(1) Change your paint color.
This could be the color of the walls, trim, ceiling or any combination of surfaces. Paint is one of the least expensive ways to totally change the look and feel of a space.
I'm starting the ban on white ceilings here! Please don't leave your ceilings white. I typically recommend painting ceilings two to three shades lighter than the color of your walls. You'll be amazed at how this will warm up a room.
Don't be afraid to use strong or dark colors in small spaces. It certainly can work, it just depends on the look and feel you're trying to create. Warm and cozy -- check.
Photo: Houzz
Still don't believe it? Try the dark color on one wall or one architectural element in the room (maybe the back of a bookshelf) to add visual interest.
Photo: Paula Chamblin Interiors
(2) Add decorative light switch and outlet covers.
Don't live with the standard issue light switch and outlet covers. Live graciously! March on over to your local home improvement store and find some great, not so expensive decorative accents for your walls.
I find chic light switch and outlet covers at my neighborhood Lowe's.
How can you update your sofa without buying a new one? Easy! Change the throw pillows. I rotate my pillows on a seasonal basis. I do the same with my bedding. I have a spring/summer and fall/winter look. Crazy? Maybe, but I like it!
Photo: Houzz
(4) Add accessories -- including fresh flowers.
Few things reflect your personality more than your home accessories. Select items that have meaning to you. I always recommend that clients bring back art or other decorative items when traveling. Pull out your grandmother's vase. Display that collection of bird figurines together rather than spreading them out. They make an impact en masse. Bottom line: You want to create a home that looks collected over time, not like you just raided the shelves of Pottery Barn. No offense, Pottery Barn.
Photo: Paula Chamblin Interiors
(5) Move furniture, art, rugs, accessories that you already own.
It never fails to amaze clients when I first start by moving what they already own from room to room. Don't spend money if you don't have to. The chair you're tired of in the family room may look
ahh-mazing in the entryway. Try moving things around to get a new perspective on an old scene.
Photo: Paula Chamblin Interiors
Bonus
Are your cabinets looking as tired as you feel after a long arduous day?
Give them some new jewelry. A new bauble of some sort always perks me up.
Change the cabinet hardware.
There are so many great, accessible sources for stunning knobs and pulls.
My favorite sources include:
Anthropologie They sell more than adorable clothing.
Lowe's Yes, I spend a fair amount of time in that store and no, I don't wear a tool belt -- unless it has a Chanel logo on it.
VanDyke's Restorers It's a great online source, especially for retro styles.
Check 'em out!
Source: Anthropologie
Cabinet hardware still not going to cut it? How about a fresh coat of paint or a decorative glaze?
Photo: Paula Chamblin Interiors
Positively yours,
Paula Chamblin Aulino
Interior Designer, Associate ASID
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!
