Shabby Chic Decor Inspiration: Rachel Ashwell

August 02, 2013

 

This shabby shack in Malibu can only belong
to Rachel Ashwell, who never fails
to capture my heart and imagination
with her understated and soulful
lovely.

She is still rocking my world
with her brand's
comfort, beauty, and function.
And what a treat to chat
with her on the phone
this week...more bout
that later.
She has a new book comin' out, donchaknow.


me in my wedges and apron from Shabby Chic Couture


So chic, so nostalgique!

image_thumb584

May I please have a word with folks who
have yet to grasp the fab of the shab
and the enduring beauty of the nearly
25 years of Rachel's Shabby Chic brand?

Nahhhhhh, forget it.

This is not one of those blogs
to duke it out over faded florals
and chippy fleamarket treasures.


It's about ROMANCE, playas.
Effortless, artful, strokes of
funky-fresh-dressed-to-impress-
ready-to-party style.

I'm certain a more hormonally balanced
human would phrase it more eloquently.

 image

A sight like this from Rachel Ashwell's
beachy haven makes m'heart soar and
ignites my passion for gorgeous
natural light and a dream
to live by the sea.

 That's her Malibu place, and
stay tuned to see and hear more
about Rachel's B&B property
the Prairie and her forthcoming book


Who craves a romantic Marie Antoinette-ish
moment or ten?

Peace to you right where you are.


images via here and here






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23 comments

  1. Michele, I love Rachel Ashwell, even though I don't decorate in the shabby chic style I so appreciate her being the first unique person who made this a style that has lasted for so many over the years. I love when someone stays true to who they are . I have her books and will probably get her latest,always a pleasure to read,
    Happy Weekend,Kathysue

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  2. Can't you just feel the sunlight and the ocean air in that room by the sea where she is arranging flowers... oh my gosh, i want that to be me! and yes, you know i love her style. I was grabbing shabby tables, vintage rugs, and worn needlepoint footstools out of dumpsters about the time she started her line... so she and i are kindred spirits. Love the pic of you in your bathing suit on Facebook... you're the perfect combination of sexy and cute, (what movie is that saying from anyway?!)

    Cindy

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  3. What a fabulous home! The view out those windows! Not to mention all the lovelies inside!! Heaven!!

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  4. So pretty Michele. I'll be in Malibu in a few weeks. I've been to her boutique there ( I think it's closed now) and the one in L.A. I always enjoy flipping through her books.. so fresh, feminine, and chic!

    Speaking of Chic:) you look FAB!

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  5. How wonderful it must be to live in a house by the ocean with a gorgeous view and full of sunlight. Ahh, dream on, I guess. Thanks for sharing a bit of Rachel and shabby chic.. I have loved her pastel taste fo so long.
    Have a lovely weekend,

    Cindy
    Cynthiasvintageinva.blogspot.com

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  6. So dreamy...love Ashwell's effortless style. I shall never grow tired of it.

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  7. First off, the wedges are FANTASTIC. Love, love. Secondly, so jealous that you got to speak to the wonderful Rachel who has totally left an imprint on my style of living. Love the romance, the softness, the comfort, the ease. Without sacrificing elegance.
    Beautiful. Cant wait to hear more about your chat.
    Happy Weekend! XOXO

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  8. As you well know, Michele, shabby prairie chic courses through my veins and makes my heart sing! But ohhhhhh....how I dream of a home like hers by the ocean's hem.... ♥ I pre-ordered her book and can hardly wait to get it. You spoke with her??? What's she like??? :)

    xoox laurie

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  9. Love her creativity...and her view...looks like the ocean is in her back yard!

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  10. Has it been 25 years? Thank goodness for Rachel Ashwell. She is a pioneer, and has been true to her vision. Look forward to her new book ~
    x Loi

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  11. I LOVE Rachel Ashwell but then I guess being a Brit I would ;-)
    Her Malibu home is really to die for. I love that she has stayed true to her vision and hasn't "branched out" to follow the masses.

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  12. exactly! hers is a signature style that transcends what happens to be coming down the catwalk any given season. i find it challenging to make a space feel warm with pastels, but the brand has taught me how to balance the pretty and the rustic. :)

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  13. I have always loved her style... you both remind me a lot of each other! Both effortlessly gorgeous!
    Can't wait to check out her new book!

    xoxo
    Desiree

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  14. 'the fab of shab'.....I love that. I've been a fond follower of Rachel forever and I love this post because it captures her style so well. And wow. What an ocean view. Is that part of the shabby look too because I want that house!!!
    xo
    Leslie

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  15. It is a way of romance and a getaway to a fantasy world.
    Did I tell you how gorgeous you look!

    xoxo
    Karena
    2013 Design Series

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  16. Totally pretty and comfortable at the same time!
    Lovely, Karolyn

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  17. I love everything she does, and I need this book!!
    I hope that all is well with you, sweet Michele.
    Happy Wednesday.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  18. Beautiful photos all of them! :-)

    http://tinajoathome.com/

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  19. i need the book too! september 25th!

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  20. She was definitely the queen of shab and started the whole revolution! I think her style has also changes and gotten even better. So there.

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  21. Sigh, drool... wish...
    That home of Ahswells has to be the dream house. And you are looking beautiful Mich!
    BEAUTIFUL :)

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  22. umm, where did my comment go :(

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