it's about life.. down here in ...

letter F Cast Iron Capital Letter R (North Scituate, RI) alphabet series - e letter N C letter H L metal verdigris letter I typewriter key letter Q U white paint on blue - rusting chocolate letter E

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Shabby Chic Interiors... my new read...

I arrived home this evening to find that my friends at Amazon.com had shipped my new book to me, just in time for a rainy weekend... If you've read my blog for very long, you know I love my books... what you may not know is that I LOVE my Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic books... I own every one... and I love to read them and look at the wonderful photos over and over again...
Ms. Ashwell's latest edition (her first in 5-years) is Shabby Chic Interiors My Rooms, Treasures, and Trinkets. I think that this book will become my favorite among the Shabby Chic editions. The front cover really says "it" for me... a vintage pink upholstered settee; pewter chandelier dripping with clear and pink crystals; table lamps with creamy white shades trimmed in pink ruffles and lots of crystals... and big poofy pillows of vintage fabrics... just beautiful.

The first half of the book is full of photos and information about Rachel's L.A. house... and I have to say... "I want that!"...

I, along with photographer Amy Neunsinger, am in love with this big bowl of pink hydrangeas... photographed here...

and here on the dresser with the vintage dolls...

I adore the floral wreath laid around the neck of this vintage mannequin...

and how sweet are these frilly parasols...

and finally, from Rachel's workshop... a beautiful vintage chandelier sitting on a shabby blue green pew... now that is shabby chic! Want more? Well you're just going to have to go out and buy the book... I mean really-really buy this book!

So Rachel and I will spend some time together one weekend soon, listening to the rain and day dreaming of what the ranch house might look like someday, down here in
French Lique...
ps... just hoping the rain will hold off long enough for me to join Candy in Wimberley for some serious junk treasure shopping... wish us luck!

13 comments:

bj said...

Hi, Dixie girl...glad you are enjoying your new book. I am not shabby chic but I do think it is pretty. Her books are really fun to pour over...lots of ideas.
xo bj

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Sweet, sweet Dix....

Oh my....you are one lucky gal! I love Rachel Ashwell books (and everything else of hers too)...too! She sure started a phenomenon, didn't she? It's made decorating so much more fun and interesting. So many original and unusual things have wound up in our homes. I LOVE it....(and it's on the cheap)

Have a wonderful weekend. I'm totally envious of your shopping trip with Candy. What fun.

Hugs,
Spencer

Kat said...

I'm with the photographer, I would have been taking pix of those hydrangeas all day. And that last shot of the chandy is just beautiful. Have fun in Wimberly, can't wait to see what you come up with there. Kathy

SmilingSally said...

I know how it feels when you get a book in the mail from that special author. Enjoy your weekend--rain or shine!

Candy said...

I'll be at the bookstore Monday afternoon looking for this one!
Looking forward to tomorrow...rain or shine ;-)

Anonymous said...

I have never read any of her books, but that one looks lovely.

Willow

donna baker said...

Dixie, you know a little rust goes a long way. I think Rachel started the shabby chic era, but intermixed with nice things, not so much junk. Pics look beautiful.

Angela said...

Hey Dixie!

Your books looks like it is full of some good decorating tips. I can't wait to see if you make some of her displays at your store.

Have a Great Weekend!
Angela

Laura said...

Miss Dixie you and Candy have a great in Wimberly.

I'm in kind of a blog slump Dixie.
Life is calling-

Enjoyed visiting-as usual. I can just picture your booth in Geronimo.

Laura

Tes said...

interesting magazine :)

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Hi Dixie,
I don't have any of her books but I do love the shabby chic style. I know the excitement when you get home and a book has arrived...LOVE THAT! Hope you curl up with something tasty to drink and have a wonderful weekend! It's sunny here today and after our floods, we are so glad to see it!
Susan

dana said...

Hello, Dixie! I used to love to watch Rachel's show on TV. . . she truly opened us up to the wonders of Shabby Chicness, even though many folks were already decorating that way, she made it the real deal. Her new book looks wonderful.

Ah, I hope you and Candy have a blast shopping! So wish I could join you. I hope you post photos of your fun.

Have a great weekend. L, Dana

Lee said...

Hi Dixie,
Thought I would pop in on you.
I haven't seen any of Rachel's books but I bet they are wonderful. I am a shabby chic-er...I think there are many flavors of that style.

I bought a book at a garage sale this weekend and what did I find... your profile picture, which I love by the way, I didn't realize it was Gloria Swanson dated 1924...now thats chic!
Have fun shopping tomorrow!
Lee