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

On Display

Art as an Accessory
Accessories make an outfit.  Accessories make a house a home.  They add style and personality. They tell a story…your story.

Source:  Paula Chamblin Interiors

Art is a fabulous accessory.  Art doesn't have to be expensive to be "good."  Some of my favorite pieces have been picked up at flea markets and antique stores.  The artist may not have works in the Louvre, but they have spoken to me in some magical language.  Maybe it was the color, the scene, or the feeling the piece evoked.

Art can be singularly displayed or artfully displayed en masse for impact.

Most of the time, the single placement of a piece of art is not a challenge.  A question I receive frequently from clients is…

What is the best way to 

display 

several works of art 

together?

How to Build the Perfect Gallery Wall

When putting several works of art together to create a "gallery wall" in your home, follow these simple guidelines:

1.  Create unity with a color scheme.  This doesn't mean that all of the pieces should have all of the same colors.  Pick one to three colors and have them threaded in the majority of the pieces.

In the photo to the left (source:  Houzz), you'll see subtle shades of blue in a majority (doesn't have to be EVERY piece) of the works of art.















2.  Mix art styles and mediums.  Combine various styles (abstract, traditional, etc.) and mediums (oils, watercolors, photographs, sculptures, etc.).

Sculture adds dimension and interest to this hall gallery wall.  Also note how the colors of the simple gallery style frame picks up the colors from the bolder art piece on the bottom right.  Source:  Houzz

3.  Or don't mix art styles and mediums.  Maybe you collect a certain type of art or a particular subject matter.  For example, I collect portraits.  Family portraits, you ask?  Yes, just not my family.  Grouping all the different portraits together in a hallway or small space (as I did in the powder room of my last house) creates an interesting display.


4.  Vary sizes.  Create interest not only with the color or subject of a piece, but also with the size.


5.  Or don't vary sizes.  

5.  Frames matter.  A great frame should complement a piece, not take over and be the focal point. When you are displaying art en masse, the frames should be simple.  The type of frame depends on the style of the art and the mood you are trying to create.  

For example, if you want to create a more modern feel, simple gallery style black (or complementary color) wood frames could work.  If you want  a more traditional feel, use a variety of simple frames in similar color tones.  They don't have to match, but they should coordinate.


Still need more guidance…

Here is a helpful tutorial from The Glitter Guide:

http://theglitterguide.com/2014/05/21/how-to-build-the-perfect-gallery-wall/

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

#gallery wall

#positivelychic

#PaulaChamblinInteriors

#art

Interior Design 101: Quick and Easy Updates

"Master Bedroom" Edition

What kind of master suite do you want to create?  For me, the answer is simple.  I want to create a relaxing, warm, luxurious place to unwind and sleep at the end of each day's adventures.

How do we create such a space?

Color.  Color has a huge impact on the mood created in any space.  I tend to like muted, relaxing colors in a bedroom.  

Source:  Paula Chamblin Interiors Inc.

Texture.  As in any room, varying the textures adds visual sensory interest.  In the master bedroom, I like to rotate bedding on a seasonal basis.  In the fall/winter season, I break out the velvet and faux fur.  For the spring/summer, the materials are lighter with cotton and linen.  

Extra Seating.  It's nice to have a comfortable, quiet place to relax and read a book (I wish!) or just sit and glance through a magazine.  In the master suite, seating should be plush and comfortable.  An ottoman is a must for maximum relaxation.

Good Lighting.  Bedside sconces with a light switch located at the level of the night stand is oh so convenient.  If you have a newer home with a tray ceiling, add rope lighting under the crown molding to provide soft ambient lighting.  A dimmer switch is a must.  A Control 4 System gives you the ability to turn the lights off from the bed.  Downright decadent!

Window Treatments.  Think form and function.  Window treatments should look great while blocking out light.

Storage and Security.  You can never have enough storage.  Bright Idea:  Use bookcases to store shoes.  




Well hidden wall and floor safes keep valuables protected.

A must in the master suite is a security system control panel to conveniently activate and deactivate the alarm.  Cameras to monitor the activity at your door and/or driveway gives an additional sense of security.  That, and a big fluffy blanket.

TV or No TV?  That is the question.

Source:  MarthaStewart.com

There are two schools of thought regarding the question of whether or not to have a TV in the bedroom.  Usually people feel strongly on either side.

The Case For a TV -- "Me" Time.  It is a luxury to be able to stay in bed and watch tv.

The Case Against a TV -- Researchers say it's bad for sleeping.  Takes time away from talking, etc.  Wink Wink

If you do have a tv in your master suite, it certainly doesn't need to be a focal point in the space.  Consider a TV that recesses into the foot of the bed or into a console when not in use. 


Ambiance -- Fireplace anyone?

Comfort -- A separate HVAC system to heat and cool the bedrooms is a great luxury and ultimately contributes to energy efficiency as well.

Convenience -- If you have the space, consider including a washer and dryer in the master suite.  A stackable pair takes up less space, but still provides the convenience.










Restfully yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino
Associate ASID