I keep it no secret that Sofia Coppola's movie, Marie Antoinette has been an endless source of inspiration for me. I love her luscious attention to detail, the sumptuous palette with the occasional quirk.
Even amongst the Big Picture of a movie or a little vignette, it is those little details that elevate art from mediocrity to magic.
Combining flea market treasures, a touch of luxury and bargains from the 99 cents store inspired by Marie, is so very shabby and chic.
The funnest part of being inspired is absorbing a vision and translating it into our own world. And then the search for the treasures.
Even for the most ordinary celebration over the top details can be layered in. Or fanciful in the most simple setting..........
In my new book, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Inspirations and Beautiful Spaces, I have included a diverse array of homes and aesthetics. All sharing the same common thread qualities. Sharon Osbourne's dining room is a perfect example of Pure Beauty.
For such a little accent, hats bring such attitude. I have been collecting floral vintage hats for years. Never quite as lavish as Marie, but maybe I will work my way up.
While I am known for my rumpled feather and down white slipcovered sofas, I also love to compliment with comfy elegance.
I know I am not alone with being continually inspired by the vision Sofia Coppola gave us all with her translation.
The covers of my last two books are quite different but for sure have elements of the tattered elegance, which I couldn't have visualized, without Marie or Sofia.....forever thankful to them both.
So in the end, the wonderful thing about being inspired is how we see different qualities, and then make them our own, whether by way of an accent or a visual symphony.
You can see more inspirations of Marie Antoinette online at www.rachelashwellshabbychiccouture.com
50 comments:
I have no words...
Amy
l too loved the Marie Antoinette movie, as much for the sumptuous sets and girlie pretty as the story. A beautiful post...thanks for sharing your vision.
I now own four vintage prom dresses ,because of YOU !! I have fallen in LOVE with them, i keep them all out and around my home for everyday beauty! Maybe one day my little girl will want to wear one to her prom!! I love this Post!! and i love the bedroom photos!!
Tausha
As always, beautiful pictures with beautiful words! I thank you for that Rachel.
Take care, Sue
I can definitely tell how they have inspired you.
Beautiful post...pictures and words.
Thank you Marie and Sofia and Rachel.
I received my copy, I blushed through your text on my studio. See you in NYC tomorrow.
xoxo
~B~E~A~U~T~I~F~U~L~ xo Rachel
Third photo down, that should be "brooches," not "broaches." Otherwise, yummy yummy yummy!
Beautiful post full of inspiration!
my favourite pages in the new book are of the Osbournes house. I couldn't believe it was theirs, it's so elegant and beautiful. No offence to them, but it just wasn't what I expected. I'm already trying to think how I can downsize the look to fit our home!
I think the husband hates it when I get my paws on your latest books, he knows I'll become super inspired.
Actually, you inspired me to make a prom dress. I didn't have the cash to buy a vintage one, so bought fabric and made one. It's not really a 'working' dress as such, the hem is wonky and the stitching a bit dodgy, but it looks really pretty on the mannequin in the bedroom.
http://cottonrose.blogspot.com/2009/05/vintage-dresswell-not-quite.html
Marie Antoinette's movie is an inspiration to me too, I love all the trimmings and silks.
I watch the movie with a pen and paper to get idea's
oxox
Angela.
I also was inspired by the movie and even threw my own birthday party this last year with a Maria Antoinette theme.
Oh so marvelous piciturs !
I love so much this movie too ! Inspiration for me ? Yes ! I go every year in VENICE -Italy for the carnavale and I sow girly costumes for the pleasure to be be a queen during 10 days...
I didn't know the words "prom dress". Here in France, unhappily, it doesn't exist.
i used to play dress up with such frilly chiffon 50's prom dresses...the sweetest memories!
i cannot think of marie without thinking cake--which can always be found in my house (baked by me). and the movie was pure magic!
michele
Love everything about Sharon Osbourne's table setting. So beautiful.
I love this inspiring post!!! You don't know how much you're books have helped me out during my fixer upper phases... Love what you do and how graceful you do it all! It was lovely meeting you at the RA in Santa Monica a few weeks ago! :) Take care and thank you for your continued inspiration!
XOXO's,
Jessie
So looking forward to picking up your book! I know I will be inspired and learn so much from you again...thank you!
So lovely, everything in this post today. I am craving to watch the Marie movie, as I have yet to see it. I truly savored and enjoyed every bit of your post today. ~Lili
Dear Rachel,
I had the pleasure of attending your book signing in NYC on Oct 20 in your beautiful store. Your book is exquisite. You are DELIGHTFUL!!!
All the Best!
Debbie
I just watched that movie..and had to stop it at a few places just to take in all the beauty. Love the coach interior at the beginning.. turquoise JOY!
Thank you for all the beauty you bring to us. xooxoxo
We had a truely lovely time at your Soho store book signing and are loving the new book! It was wonderful to meet you in person. We posted some photos on our blog: nestingranch.blogspot.com!
You really recognize the honest non-traditional but beautiful and unique qualities in all people and things. You embrace your interactions so openly and you really are a fine example of accepting of life and whatever it offers.
- H&S
Rachel, did you catch the Converse snickers in one of the scenes? They are hidden among her girly shoes and you can see them if you pause it at just the right place. I thought it was hilarious Sofia would do that. Also, I just want to say OMG!!...your new book is insanely gorgeous!! I love all your books but this is my favorite one so far! I love all the pictures of the Prairie and the other beautiful homes. The details, the patinas, and the personal touches are fab, fab, fab! Beauty and inspiration galore!! The icing on the cake is your autograph...I still can't believe I own something that was actually graced by your touch!! I'm not worthy your-shabby-chic-majesty!!!
Love ya'
Ray
And we are forever grateful for YOU as your amazing talent & magic gifts inspire us & adorn our homes like no other.
XOXOXOXO,
P.S. It was Vignettes proudest day!
Hi Rachel, your dream brand and blog is so inspiriring each time I come I am in paradise ! I just received your wonderful new book, watching everyday,searching for details i haven't seen ... and now dreaming of your next book !!!
Thank you so much !
So Beautiful, So magical. The colors...the sumptuous feel of it all.
You, Maria & Sofia, bring the fanciful to life. What a gift. Thank you.
Monica
Well, I for one am very happy that Marie and Sophia inspire you because you certainly inspire me! I read in one of your postings somewhere that you love beautiful wine bottles. Trinitas Vineyards, Napa, has 2 lovely bottles.Psalms has a picture of a harp and angel wings and their blush has a rosary. They're both so pretty (and delicious) Thought I would pass that along! Marcia in Cali
Movies often bring wonderful inspiration Those set designers are very clever. But I wouldnt be surprised if many had been inspired by you! Fiona
I have this movie, and LOVE IT!!! I hope to one day find a beautiful vintage prom dress to display in my home...without breaking the bank, so to speak, lol :) You are such an inspiration to so many, including me!
Warmest hugs, Brenda
lovely pictures, especially seeing the bedroom again with those marvelous drapes,and this time you have the bedding in similar color. this was one of the most beautiful movies to watch~you are capturing the inspiration and giving it to all of us~
Those dresses! SOOOOOOOOOOO pretty!
I was so thrilled to see you featured on QVC this mourning!!
The mirror is beautiful! I emailed my friends and they all bought one!!
smiles,
Sandy
i have had your latest book for present from my doughter and every page is eye candy!You can creat such a beautifull femenin style.I love it!
Thank you so much for sharing this
with us!
Dear Rachel, I have been watching and learning for as long as Shabby Chic has existed. I have to say this last book is exquisite. I especially love the Osbourne home. How grand and gorgeous. I too have Sophia's Marie Antoinette, and watch it often as inspiration for my floral work. I am still waiting for the bride that will give me cart blanche to execute my vision. You are a great source of inspiration to so many of us as well. Thank you. N.xo
oh ic bin immer soooo verzaubert von ihren kreationen.
einfach himmlisch wunderschön.
wünsche dir ein schönes kuscheliges wochenende.
sei lieb gegrüsst aus der kleinen schweiz
daniela
I too was smitten with Sofia's Marie Antoinette. I would have loved to have seen it on the big screen.
This film is always playing in my studio, inspiring me to create.
This film also sent me to Versailles for a day I will never forget.
Love this post.
I was thinking of you today, because it's your birthday ! Hope you had a great day surounding by your family, and friends !
Biz
Happy Birthday Rachel, so happy you are YOU!!
xo Lisa
You are always a fabulous source of inspiration, we also find it in vintage finds, flowers and the quirky placed next to the plain,..love it all!!! x
I love love love this movie and all of the lovely in it!!
Great photos!!! xo Ashlyn
You have ruined me! All I have done for the past two weeks is read about Marie Antoinette! I watched the movie, loved it, thought about it so much. I am so inspired by the story and the beauty!
Did you notice the pair of converse behind Marie Antoinette, on her left, in the scene where she is choosing shoes??
too whimsical!!
Rachel, Hello to you and blessings come your way.I was just wondering how wonderful it could be if you would include Friend Connect from Google to your blog site.If you would, every time you posted those who wish would be able to see what you had to say, because it would appear on our blog rolls.Well,just my own wondering anyways.You my Dear have a blessed day and a glimmering evening.Denise,all the long way from Coffeeberry Cottage
I love the subtle elegance of the colors in the film of Marie Antoinette--fantastic! Let's slowly bring back that style of dress, please!
pure perfection!
Sophia's Marie Antoinette has certainly inspired so many people with the whimsical, fun, flirty colors and textures. I love how you've incorporated it into your work. The film inspired my website, blog and now my home, as I'm redecorating. Joie de vie!
xo
~ Eve
www.evesappleslingerie.com
wow wow wow,amazing blog!
Rachel Hello my name is Francesca, I'm Italian and I will follow you often, your blog is wonderful, because you touch me I'm looking for a chandelier, silver or stainless steel color with retro style glass pendants white, like the one you pictured where I can ... find it?? can you tell me how much it can cost in euros??
thanks for the information and apologize for the inconvenience Francesca
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