Big Bummer to Yummy

It is exactly one year ago that the world of Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic crumbled, for a while. You have all followed the journey and been part of our new beginnings.

Our Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture stores are open in New York and Los Angeles. Simply Shabby Chic treasures continues to be sold at Target.



And now, my dream of bringing a Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture store to my home country, was realized last week. The final few days to get the doors open were filled with the usual challenges, from trains being cancelled and London pickpockets to say the least.



We have a wonderful upholsterer who has painstakingly worked through all our high standards and aesthetics so the brand has the same qualities as it does in our U.S. store.



Other than upholstery most of our other inventory has been shipped from America to London. We endured quite a few delays due to record snow falls in England.

However, what I think is going to be wonderful is the unique treasures that I can bring from my English explorations to Los Angleles and New York and the treasures I can bring from the U.S. to London. There are still things that are unique to different countries.

Art is still a lovely way to bring true cultural uniqueness into decor.
Portraits, landscapes and flowers are typical subjects for artists and bring such lovely diversity from location to location.





I stumbled across a box filled with sketch books at a local London Fleamarket. It was so cold my fingers were frozen and I fear I didn't get all there was. So I will go back in next month and see what I missed. These sketchbooks are true treasures. Someone elses passion to practice their art. As cold as I was, I was captivated with the studies.



As lovely as these treasures are, all goes wasted without the right lighting. This isn't as easy to send country to country due to wiring. We found a wonderful patient electrician who sorted out our "mixed wires."



This week I will take lots of lovely photos of the complete store, but just a few little moments of texture and invitingness for our english guests to enjoy.



My eyes have been fed well this week. So much inspiration to bring to projects not yet designed. I am learning more and more that it is our down time as artists that allow us to create magic when we create.

These times of creative inspiration for me feed my eyes and soul and fill me up to start again...





(Ladelle my thoughts are with you)