However, it seems to me over the years a Shabby Chic sisterhood (some brothers too) have evolved, and I think we all have a similar point of view of what beauty is to us aesthetically and emotionally.

A few years back Lu of "Dusty Lu" blog, found her way into my world. Every now and again she pops into a Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture™ store to snap photos of new products, sometimes she will come along to a shoot, sometimes she just wants to get an infusion of beauty.
From time to time she will send me a collection of photos, "Beauty thru Lu's eyes."

This batch of photos were taken with the thought of having product shots for our website and editorials. But I loved that Lu had free reign to pick what she loved and shoot the photos just for beauty sake.


Love that left to her own discoveries,Lu shot these, aesthetically and emotionally bling, fru fru and faith, make the world go round.

What would beauty be without embracing imperfections. Beautifully patched and restored fabrics or scraps given a new lease of life are main fundamentals of the character and values of what I love in my design world.

I love candid shots more than posey ones. In my younger years they were easier to come by, now one has to step around the flaws..... Lu captured me deep in thought here.
These photos were from my latest book shoot.
Lu had an uncanny way of grabbing shots without barely being seen. Love behind the scene moments.

Lu thank you for loving all we do, we love all you do, and so grateful.
To see the inspirations behind all the photos, please visit us at www.rachelashwellshabbychiccouture.com or come into any of our three stores.
Hi Rachel, what a wonderful post and tribute to Lu! She's an excellent photographer! Inspiring!
ReplyDeleteI'm still learning even to focus, and I often peep in on her sensational blog to get tips, tricks and a bit of motivation. A fan from wayyyyyyyyy back, xoxo tami
What a wonderful post, indeed! And I love Lu!
ReplyDeletehooray, your writings on theater and writing much missed!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, love behind-the-scenes pic. Even if I´m in the business, it´s a little magical seeing other works. I think you would love my friend Nina´s balletdresses and worn shoes from French and Belgian brocantes, really so precious. Keep up the good work! Greetings from Sweden.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Rachel! I am so excited to read that you have a new book coming out in October! The stationary set is something I definitely want to order. And the votives. And the French ticking pillows *which are gorgeous* :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for a lovely post. Lu rocks!
xoxoxoxo,
Ricki Jill
I always like seeing my store through others camera lenses. I think it gives you a different perspective on the way you see things. I too loved the "behind the scenes pictures"!
ReplyDeleteTake care Rachel,
Sue
I love seeing the things of yours that adorn my house in these photos! The beauty never ceases! And those mattress ticking pillows!!!!!! Want to see in my house!!!!! Happy "almost spring" Rachel and countdown to The Prairie - yay!
ReplyDeleteA really lovely post.
ReplyDeleteOctober?! Argh. I want your newest book NOW! ;o) looking forward to adding it to my collection.
Love this post!:) More than anything I love Shabby Chic and have done so for the past 12 years! :) I am finally going to work towards my shabby chic home this year! My first crystal chandelier will soon be on order and the paint is all picked out for my now colorful rooms! Thank you for being such a wonderful inspiration Rachel!! <3
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteCannot wait for the new book in October, wish it was out next month!
Love the new products, the stationary box/line looks to die for! Everything looks simply amazing...
Congrats as usual,
Jeanine T.
Wonderful post, thanks for this little peek into your world (candid version) love it! :)
ReplyDeleteAwww, Lu's photos are fresh and true and she's a sweetheart to boot!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU FOR THE FAB POST!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIm so happy to look at the pictures and see my stationary set there i love it so much and in my notebook i write my shabby chic dreams!!!
Hoping to go to London Shop thursday and hopefully will see some new bits!!
I would love it if you did a post on your London shop!
(as it is so pretty!)
WOW i want to meet you Lu!
She looks great at photography!
Oh and must not forget... The new book is a must have and will have to squeeze on my shelf of shabby chic books!
Im hoping to transform the whole of my house to shabby chic i want sofas,bedding, cushions and lots more of your candles
Fingers Crossed!!!
Cant wait for Thursday!!!
Lots of love and shabby chic dreams
Amanda and Belle xxxxx
:)
Hi Rachel,
ReplyDeletethis is so lovely to read, I know her blog, she is so nice and her photo's are truly inspiring. Also the behind the scene photo's are funny, are some of these also coming in the book? Would be nice to see more behind the scene or before a styling and after?
I can ask the new book, again, for my birthday, the last one I got too, can't wait! All the best,
Maureen xx
Oh my gosh! I am so happy! Thank you so much for this beautiful post. My eyes are filled with tears of happiness! Thank you for all the inspiration and knowledge that you have allowed me to see and absorb. You have been such a wonderful person in my life and I am truly blessed to know you. I am a bit speechless and my heart is full! Thank you Rachel. Hugs Lulu
ReplyDeleteYou have a natural eye for beauty Rachel, so looking through the lens of a camera would bring your vision to the next level. My camera is how I share my beauty with the world. May I suggest keeping one close by, and take shots around your home, or when you purchase a fresh bouquet of roses and place them in a pretty vase, or when you notice the sun shining though a window just right. It will open up a new way of seeing beauty.
ReplyDeletePs, Thank you for your interview Rachel!!!
JO-Anne Coletti
The Feminine Home magazine
Hi Rachel ~ wonderful post ~ LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Lulu and her pictures.
ReplyDeletethis is so touching Rachel...to see you have such connection through the people that surround you....
ReplyDeleteLulu is so sweet, and always helpful to me...she does take amazing photographs...
She's told me how genuine and down to earth you are, and I can see how the two of you make a great pair behind the lens...the genuinity shows...and I can't wait to see the book!!!
xo+blessings,
Anne Marie
gorgeous photos!! i'm so excited to see more pictures of my favorite home inspiration- i recognize the lion stand and little square windows!! can't wait for your new book!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet post Rachel!;)You and Lu are both so inspiring and talented~Hugs,Rachel Noelle
ReplyDeleteFrench Farmhouse 425
So Beautiful and graceful ..I just love your style!! my home would not be the way it was, if there were no Rachael Ashwell, I have been following you for years now, and my home is all about your style. The coziest place I have made for me and my family. If there were no Rachael not sure where i would be with my decorating skills...lol You have taught me everything i know today.
ReplyDeleteluv Tausha
What a treasure Lu is:) She sees, she is present, she loves, she is a gift.
ReplyDeletexxx's
Hi Rachel, this post is full of love and compliments for Lu. She is a great person and I love her work so much. Her blog is wonderful and the pictures she took are outstanding.
ReplyDeleteStill sorry that I don't have the chance getting your products (except the books) here in Germany.
Mira!
What a lovely post....
ReplyDeleteBoth of you are romantic souls. I love that! Lu's vision behind a lens and without one is amazing. What would the rest of us do without you all for our inspiration?!
As always, looking forward to the new book :)
Best -
Lolo
Hola : me encantan sus programas, me gusta lo que hace con las cosas viejas, como las renueva, la felicito por su creatividad.
ReplyDeletesaludos
una amiga de Costa Rica
Lilliana
Lu is filled with talent and one of those people you love from the moment you meet her <3 The shots are beautiful and so is your creativity!! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteKymberley
Lu is lovely inside and out and filled with so much talent! Her photos make you feel like you're right there with her. Thank you for sharing your latest creativity Rachel. Just beautiful as always!!
ReplyDeleteKymberley
So gorgeous! love the photos and the products! so yummy...looking forward to your next book!
ReplyDeleteComing over from Lulu's (not that I'm not always here anyway!) How lovely of you to take the time to make her heart sing. She is a true talent. Love Lu & love you! Can't wait for your new book. I just ordered your white denim & Belgian (gray stripe) linen tonight for my living room sofa & french country chair slips. Can't wait!!! You are a true inspiration. I'm doing a new series next week, "What is Vintage Chic Style?...To Me." Better believe you'll be brought up. ;)
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Jami
Keep the faith, my Internet friend.
ReplyDeleteLu has a lovely eye. By the way, that wonderful throw blanket spent a lot of time with me while I was recovering from H1N1 - my husband bought it for me over a year ago at your Santa Monica shop while on business in L.A. p.s. looking forward to another book from you...
ReplyDeleteInspiring post. Looking forward to your new book.
ReplyDeleteWhere would any of us be without the love and support of friends.
ReplyDeleteI hope you know you have one in me.
Hugs
Becky
Dear Rachel,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Carlos from Argentina and I want to thank you for all the things I learnt from you when I watched you on TV. BTW, it was a great discovery for me.
I made some of the things you told there, and I reached the meaning of simple things. This message is just to say thanks a lot.
If you have some little time: please visit my blog and leave a comment if you wish. I´d like to folly this one, but I didn´t see the "follow" button. I wish you all the best Rachel.
www.interiorblanco.blogspot.com
That Rosabelle... it reminds me of my FIRST Rachel Ashwell purchase.... sheet sets for my two young girls from Mervyn's. I still have one unopened sheet that I later bought on ebay because Mervyn's stopped selling your line. I couldn't find any more after that. They were the SOFTEST sheets!
ReplyDeleteI still have the old worn-out sheets... I use them to cover my garden during cold snaps. Here in Texas where I live, that is not too often.
Thank you for so many years of beauty.... can't wait to have you as a neighbor this Spring!
Christi
Lu rocks, she's been such a help to me and my photography, you're blessed to have her around!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing,
Sandy
Sandy @ My Shabby Streamside Studio
http://myshabbystreamsidestudio.blogspot.com/
♥
Wonderful photos! I am so excited to hear of a new book I have been following you since your first book! I had a very victorian/shabby chic home and I moved into a ranch house 8 years ago.......and got rid of alot of fru fru and went dark and rustic and this year I am shabby chic' ing again! Back to what I love. I have to compliment your Simply shabby chic line as I have purchased 3 comforters that we adore, very good quality for the at a good price. I am going to the Santa Monica Store when in Cali this summer a long way from Texas and seeing the store excites me more than any of the plans for our trip! Love what you do! Keep it coming!
ReplyDeleteSherry
I doubt Rachel Ashwell actually reads her blog comments, but for whomever does, this comment is about the photo of Rachel on her knees next to the bulletin board that has "Mary watching over me" in the caption. I am pretty sure that that is not a statue of the Blessed Mother, but is one of St Theresa. If she is holding flowers and a crucifix, then it is definitely St Theresa.
ReplyDeleteLove. Love. Love. your work! Your post is beautiful as are the photographs in it. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful perspective in' beauty is in the eye of the beholder'... Lu sees beauty, no doubt! In Adoration, Deborah
ReplyDelete{the white chair}
delicious to look at (:) thanks for all the inspiration ~
ReplyDeleteHi, Rachel! I'm Daniele from Rio de Janeiro and I knew it's blog in a search for google. I enchanted myself for that you make.
ReplyDeleteso romantic, so aconchegante, so easy to love…
I have inhaled in it's style to decorate my house and I would like to buy your book, but I don't know why.
Where they are available in the Internet?
Can you help me???
Thanks a lot.
Kisses
Hello Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post and watching your pics.I love those Shabby Chic for the baby as well as the baby shower that's very nice and beautiful.Lucky for your daughter to have you as her Mom.I am also looking forward for your book but it's still too far away.But I am sure I can wait then.
Boycott ALL Shabby Chic products sold at Target. It is not fashionable to work with a company that buys Dirty Gold mined with child labor. Boycott Target!
ReplyDeletebonjour ,je suis Kate est je vis en France a Libourne à cote de st emilion et bordeaux.... Je suis une grande fan fan de ce que vous faites !!le premier livre que ma grand -mère ma offert c'est un des votre!!elle a étais durant toute sa carrière décoratrice d’intérieur!!et toute petite je passais des heures a la regarder!!un vrai bonheur§§c'est grâce a elle que je vous ai découverte il y a un un bon moment maintenant...je vous embrasse et a bientot,kate
ReplyDeleteSimplemente, me encanta todo lo que haces. Tu filosofía de ver la vida, eres una persona muy autentica Rachel. Me inspiras mucho a la hora de crear mi pequeño mundo, mi hogar.
ReplyDeleteEstoy deseando conocer en persona alguna de tus tiendas.
Ciao.
Photography is great way to capture our moment Rachel. Have a good fun with your camera.
ReplyDelete