A little bit of Bling.......

Just last week we had our London Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture store party.

The little shop in Notting Hill was packed from corner to corner and overflowed into the street.



The first stop was the local Pound Store on Portobello Road.





I find pulling together special events from bargain shops and fleamarkets so rewarding. Often I don't know what I'm going to find, so I go with an open mind until I find bits and bobs that I feel will pull together and make a story. All I knew with this event was I wanted as much Bling as I could find.





I couldn't find an affordable cupcake stand with the bling I wanted so decided to make one.





I find a bit of silver, gold, or jewels goes a long way to create a feeling of special. But this is also where the "less is more " theory comes into play. Even though my designs are always thought to be subtle, time worn and faded, where I can I sneak in some quiet sparkle.





The words shabby and chic, continue to be the perfect description of how I like to dull down the chic and twinkle up the shabby. Crystals, rhinestones, metallic threads, mercury glass and silver leather are constants in my design ensembles, often hidden in the ruffles or carvings as a little surprise. Las Vegas glamour I will never be, but a touch of tattered elegance captured from some quiet bling is very me.



This is plenty diamond for me..... I have a hard time getting dressed up fancy, but sparkle and bling is often all that is needed ...........

For store locations, please visit rachelashwellshabbychiccouture.com