Celebrating Easter

A Seat at My Table

Before any special meal, I like to "set the scene." 

Creating a tablescape that matches the mood and menu is a key element for entertaining.

Easter is a time of renewal with new growth and blooming color.
Reflect what the season means to you and your family on your Easter table.

This Easter, I want to use my new asparagus motif plates I discovered on a recent antique shopping trip for clients.  (Remember, last week I shared my obsession with china.)

I found these flocked bunny placemats at HomeGoods, mixed with cheerful pink napkins and flower napkin holders from Pier One.  The lettuce leaf placemat adds an additional layer of texture and color.

Organza bags hold candy treats at each place-
setting.  Six bags for $1 at Dollar Tree.

By now,  you know I like to use ordinary objects

in extraordinary ways.  For the centerpiece, 

I filled a crystal Kate Spade ice bucket with plastic 

Easter eggs. The Easter eggs add a festive touch 

and help keep the flowers in place.  For the flowers, I 

gathered an assortment of fresh flowers in a pastel palette.

The buffet holds dessert dishes (Kate Spade for Lenox) beautifully displayed on a white hobnail milk glass cake stand.  Easter egg colored hydrangeas are arranged in an antique lidded silver ice bucket.  Some bunny wants dessert!

For more Easter decorating and
entertaining ideas, see my 
Pinterest board.


What did we do before Pinterest?

Dress:  Alice and Olivia, Lillyanne Puff Skirt Mini Dress; Purse:  Rebecca Minkoff, Mini Affair Diamond Quilt; Statement Necklace:  Bauble Bar, Desert Flower Bib; Shoes:  Jimmy Choo via Saks Fifth Avenue, Addison Leather d'Orsay Pumps

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Interior Designer, Associate ASID

#positivelychicblog
#rebeccaminkoff
#jimmychoo
#aliceandolivia
#saksfifthavenue
#easterbrunch
#eastertablescape
#baublebar
#statementnecklace

Everyday Elegance

Table Top Edition

A Few of My China Patterns

I have a problem.  My name is Paula Chamblin and I am an avid collector of dishware.

Why is this a problem?  It's two-faceted (at least):

 (1.) I am running out of storage space, and
 (2.) I don't use the dishes nearly enough.

Given this situation, I have made a decision (two actually):

(1.)  If I can't use the dishes as they were originally intended (I am assuming to serve food.), I will discover other ways to use them.
(2.)  I will host more dinner parties (to actually use the dishes as they were intended to be used).

Decorator Tip

Have you lost or broken a piece of your treasured china?  

Replacements, Ltd.

Decorating with Dishware

If you're not setting the table with your dishes, try decorating with them.  When placed on the wall, they can create a visually interesting art installation.  

Photo Credit:  Houzz

Dishes…not just for the dining room.  

Photo Credit:  Paula Chamblin Interiors, Inc.

Likewise, when grouping a collection of similar style or color…the impact is artful.

Here is a display of my personal collection of hobnail milk glass. 

The first piece collected was a hobnail milk glass plant container which my mother received as a gift when I was born.  The collection has grown from that one piece over time.  Each time I see a "yard sale" sign, I try to stop for a minute to see what piece I may be able to add to the collection.

Yes, I brake for yard sales.  

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Interior Designer, Associate ASID

Fendi for Your Friday?

Okay, I could get used to this.  Another Thursday evening at Saks Fifth Avenue (Columbus), filled with friends, food, spirits, entertainment and beautiful art d'objects (otherwise referred to as handbags).  Why the continued celebration at what some (i.e., my husband) call my favorite place on earth (remember last Thursday with Rebecca Minkoff)?  Which, by the way, it is not -- though on my top 20 list.  Smile and a wink.

It was the grand opening of the Fendi boutique.  There were baguettes and peek-a-boo's galore...all for the taking.  The new boutique is beautifully decorated and loaded with inventory of the latest "it" bags for those of us who are interested.

Join me for some fun at Saks Fifth Avenue Columbus!  Upcoming events include:

SOPHIA WEBSTER CRUISE/SPRING TRUNK SHOW April 10 - 13

The event will take place in the Ladies Shoe Salon on level One, 10am to 5pm*.  Sunday noon to 5 pm.

MARCO BICEGO SPRING 2014 TRUNK SHOW April 17

Level One Jewelry Department from 10 am to 5 pm.

JOHN HARDY SPRING 2014 TRUNK SHOW April 24

Level One Jewelry Department with presentation from 1pm to 4pm and trunk show 10 am to 5 pm.  Thursday, April 24

LAFAYETTE 148 EVENT April 24

To benefit Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Columbus Chapter.  Tickets $50 per person.

Presentation by Lafayette 148.  Meet representative Todd Headrick from 6pm to 9 pm.

Light refreshments.

Registration on Level One, Men’s Department Entrance.

For ticket information, please call Jack & Jill of America at 614-312-0574.

I hope to see you there!  Happy shopping!

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Interior Designer, Associate ASID

Spring Showers

Chic-ly Take Cover

Even Coco has a chic trench coat -- Isaac Mizrahi, Target circa 2005.  

Nothing pulls together an outfit like a great looking coat.  Technically, it doesn't matter what you have on underneath the coat, when all you see is THE COAT.

With spring FINALLY on its way, I thought it would be wise to look at the trench coats that are currently available for your every-day runway.

The Trench Coat

It's an undeniable classic.  Whether you prefer single or double breasted, classic tan, a standout color (red, anyone?), or a fun print, the trench coat is one you'll be reaching for quite often.

When I think of trench coats, I think of Burberry; however, they're not the only coat in the closet.  There are many options at a more budget-friendly (while still chic) price point.  Let's take a look…

1.  Burberry London Littleton Coat via Saks.  Yes, it's at the higher end of the price spectrum at $1195, but it's timeless.  I love the ruffled hemline which softens the unisex feel of the trench.  It totally creates ladylike polish to a classic double breasted profile.  Navy?  Absolutely.

2.  Flared Trench via Banana Republic.  I personally have a classic Banana Republic trench coat.  This one is updated with (similar to the Burberry Littleton) a flared hemline.  Also comes in black.  At $225, a great look at a great price.

3.  Gingham Trench via Banana Republic.  I'm crazy for gingham and seer sucker.  Blame it on my southern roots.  This is a preppy cool, more casual cover up for the rain.  $175

4.  Burberry Buckingham Cotton Trench via Saks.  This is classic with all the traditional details.  $1,495.

5.  Steve Madden Faux Leather Mixed-Media Trench via Macys.  This is maybe not as "timeless," but certainly has the style we're looking for in our wardrobe.  At $149.99, you could likely afford to replace it in a couple of years.

Style Tip:

Switch out the self-belt that the trench comes with for a colorful thin leather belt.

Why? Three good reasons.

 (1) It accentuates your waist or helps you create one.

 (2) It adds a pop of color on a rainy spring day.

 (3) It is more interesting than the same kind of belt everyone else is wearing.

Now bring on the spring weather….showers and all!

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Interior Designer, Associate ASID

#burberry

#trenchcoat

#springrain

#cutestpetever  

#IsaacMizrahi  

#Target

#saksfifthavenue

#macys

#cocobonbon

Rebecca Minkoff

A Profile in Positively Chic

 #RMROADTRIP

Last night, Saks Fifth Avenue Columbus welcomed fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff to town.  Known for her ever-growing collection of cool casual luxury handbags, accessories, and apparel, the designer shared her Spring/Summer 2014 line with a packed house.



Taking center stage was the Perry Satchel, a Saks exclusive.  Beautiful, with an up-town look, the new Perry satchel is roomy enough to hold the essentials and then some, all while majorly amping up your chic factor.
#RMPERRY

Three Questions in Five (or so) Minutes

Sitting down with Rebecca Minkoff was like sitting down with a friend.  She was so warm and friendly, I could have talked to her for hours.  Suffice it to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the time we did have to talk.

PC:  You've shared that your latest collection was inspired by Latin America.  How do you take that inspiration and translate it into your clothing?

RM:  I start by pulling and studying imagery, textiles, the women of the area.  All this becomes inspiration for what I do.

PC:  You're obviously a very busy woman -- designer, wife, mother, new mother-to-be (the designer is expecting her second baby…Yay!), how do you "recharge" and find new inspiration?

RM:  When I walk into the office, I am a clean slate.  I tear a lot out of magazines, from the books I read, pictures from my travels…All these things give me inspiration.  I go down a "worm hole" and put it all together.

PC:  There is such a connection between fashion and interior design.  Being an interior designer, I have to ask how does your fashion style impact how you design your home?

RM:  I love color and while my bags are colorful, I have a more neutral home.  I like to add pops of color through my home accessories.

See pictures of Rebecca's new Brooklyn home in a Lucky Magazine exclusive here.  

I Heart Rebecca Minkoff

In 2001, the designer got her break into the fashion world when her "I Love New York" tee shirt, worn by actress Jenna Elfman, got air time on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.  After that, orders piled up and Rebecca focused on sewing and bedazzling the NY-centric tees on the floor of her NY apartment.

Fast forward to 2005 (and a lot of hard work and dedication in between), Rebecca ventured into handbag design with the creation of the Morning After Bag (or better known as the M.A.B. for those hipsters "in the know" where Rebecca Minkoff and all things positively chic are concerned).  The M.A.B. is considered a classic among the fashion forward set, remaining consistent in comfortable style and current with varying seasonal color options.  Today, the designer's handbag collection has grown exponentially to include clutches, totes, minis, cross bodies, satchels, and hobos…just to name a few examples.

In 2011, the designer relaunched her ready-to-wear to great success.

To me, the Rebecca Minkoff woman exudes a cool, sexy vibe, independence, confidence…

 while being effortlessly put together.

All this at a very fair price point.  As my mother used to say, "A lot of look for the money."  

And, guys, you are not ignored by the fabulous Rebecca Minkoff.  Check out her recently-launched accessories line for men, Ben Minkoff.

Now if we could only convince her to do an RM Home line, our lives would be complete!

A Few of My RM Favorites

One of my favorite pieces from the collection, the Mara jumpsuit, is now in my wardrobe rotation.

Christina Klein, Bill Carson (Saks Columbus General Manager), Me in the Mara Jumpsuit

(styled with Helmut Lang jacket, Tibi sandals, Forever 21 belt)

The pattern of the fabric is amazing -- blending this season's floral fixation with a graphic print.  It doesn't get much better than that?  Or does it?!  Did I mention that it is soooo comfortable?

Okay, I also added a purse to my collection.  Pink is my "signature color" you know.  I couldn't resist!

Inspired to add a piece of her latest collection to your closet?  Shop RebeccaMinkoff.com.

"I think for a woman, a handbag is a love affair."

Rebecca Minkoff

I couldn't agree more!  

Thank you, Rebecca, for visiting Columbus 

and for creating such chic clothing and accessories.

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Interior Designer, Associate ASID

The ABCs of Monograms

Oh, So Lovely

I don't know about you, but I think southerners have a lot of things figured out.

Case in point today:  monograms.

You can't spend any time with a southern lady and not see a monogram on something.  Perhaps a signet ring, her great-great grandmother's china, linens, or even on her precious child's clothing.  No, they're not afraid they'll lose these things and a monogram will make them easily identifiable.  Only a certain type of person who lives north of the Mason-Dixon Line would think that way.  Umph!

Monograms are elegant, civilized, and draw us back to a day when not everything was done electronically.  I dream of those days gone by….

My Life in Monograms

Remember Laverne and Shirley?  Laverne is the one with the "L" monogrammed sweater.  LOL

Want to Use Monograms in Your Life?  

There are oh, so many possibilities!

1.  Monogrammed Wall-Mount Mailbox, Frontgate; 2.  Wooden Decorative Monogram, Etsy; 3.  Tote, Land's End;  4.  Monogrammed Soap, Frontgate; 5.  Monogrammed Hemstitch Napkins, Horchow;  6.  Monogrammed Parsons Chair Slipcover, Ballard Designs; 7.  Monogrammed Stationery, Horchow; 8.  Monogrammed Towels, Horchow;  9.  Monogrammed Door Mat, Ballard Designs; 10. Mongrammed Outdoor Pillow, Frontgate.

How to Use Monograms

A one-letter monogram typically represents your last name.

Use two letters for the first and last names of one person or the first names of a couple.  Or you may choose to connect a pair of two-letter monograms--with a meaningful symbol or motif in between--to represent two people.

For a three-letter monogram, you have a few options.  Make all the letters the same size for your first, middle (or maiden), and last names, reading left to right.  Or use a larger center initial for your last name, flanked by your first and middle (or maiden) initials.  For a couple, use the larger center initial for your common surname, with your first initials on either side.

Make it a chic day!  Monogram something…anything.

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID