Dear Rachel Ashwell...

I was in 8th grade when Rachel Ashwell opened her first shop, Shabby Chic, in Santa Monica California in 1989. When her first design book was released in July of 1996, I was 1 year married and already putting her style into practice into my little newlywed apartment.

I got her book and remember LOVING every detail... I finally had a name for my style, my ideas and my favorite things. Ever since then, my house has changed in ways, but always has maintained that soft, comfy, relaxed flea market feel. Shabby Chic.

I was DYING to have visited Rachel's original Santa Monica shop a few years ago... here's a photo of the shop then...

If you've been keeping up with Rachel Ashwell and Shabby Chic at all, you know that she's had a really rough year. Through it all, she has maintained her blog where all of us who know and love her style can follow her thoughts and dreams and new ideas.

At last, her original store, on Montana Ave. has reopened. Last weekend, Sept. 12 the shop's lights were turned on once again!

I feel so so soooo lucky to have visited the new shop, Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Couture shop just 1 week after reopening! Let me tell you, the feeling of the store is fresh, clean and so very inspiring! I had a nice chat with the gals inside, who as you can imagine, are so lovely and welcoming and are over the moon about the reopening of the shop. 

With permission, I took a TON of photos to share with you, some of the features you will recognize from Rachel's blog, and some you will recognize from her new book, Shabby Chic Interiors! So FUN!!!

So here they are... enjoy!

Here I am, so excited to be there!! hee hee

I heart you Rachel Ashwell! Thank you for Shabby Chic!!!!

Muah!

xo, Analise

Comments

[Linda Naccarato-Lupia]

i knew that Rachel would be back, wish i lived in California where i could walk into her sea of crisp hues of white heaven. Don't stop your creativity engine girl! it keeps us all alive!

[zanne]

Glad to see Rachel's shop is back. I knew she would turn it around!

[Valita]

YEA! She's back. I used to watch her shows on TV all the time. Love love her style. I hope to one day visit her new store.

[rachel]

analisei had to just thank you for taking such lovely lovely photos of my shop.
you captured my dream. rachel

[Margarita]

So happy she has reopen some stores, I know how difficult it is right now, specially for small business. Nice blog you have got here I am off to explore it!!
Regards from London

[Shenandoah bed and breakfast]

Nice Interiors i love all that sofas and everything so beautiful.She is a great interior designer.

[Karla Nathan]

Beautiful, thanks for the peek!

[amy faldet]

This made my afternoon catching up with your posts and my watching my three year old point at the yummy pretties as he called them. Blessings dear gal!

[Victoria]

Looks like you had great fun in the store.

I'm so excited as next Thurs I will be meeting the lady herself at a book signing in London.

Victoria xx

[Kathi]

The hoop skirt lighting fixture. How awesome is she!!!! I love that!!! I would totally do that just to peeve my ex husband!! And it would.... Haha! Rachael Ashwell is genious. So glad she's back! Thanks for the pictures. Made my day.

[Angelina Mast]

You are a lucky girl!! Love her too! I have missed reading your blog. it always cheers me up!! Love the new look!
Hugs,Angelina

[Wendy McDonagh-Valentine]

I am so thrilled that Rachel is back!! Her new shop has such a personal feeling about it. All of the little touches such as the vintage millinery are just so sweet. Thank you so much for sharing your pictures with us. I still haven't had a chance to see her new book. Today just might be the day!! :)

~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

[Di]

Great photos... I hope her store does well. She always seemed like a very special person whenever I saw her on television.

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

[Cyndi Smith]

Hey ladies! Just wanted to drop a line and say I found a lady who has LOADS of the old fabric for sale. She's got roseblossm, serenity and much more. Thick linen, all the great patterns. Selling at less than original retail too! Her email is erin@epiphanyageny.com if you are interested. Just a thought as we all have been missing and loving these patterns. And Analise - just found your blog, love it!

[Michelle]

So happy that she was able to reopen one of her stores! I have only been to one and it is now closed. :( I have loved her since her first book came out. I used to record and watch her shows over and over!! She has been such an inspiration to me and my decorating style!!
Michelle

[Bunny Rose Cottage]

Oh Analise, You are soooo lucky!! THANK YOU so much for sharing this beauty with us!! You are such a cutie too :):) Rachel's shop is so beautiful, I can hardly breath!! I would love to visit in person!!
Hugs,
Amy

[Ele]

Gorgeous. How fun. Thanks for taking us with you on your little trip.

[Tiffany]

ok girl, I am jealous, yes, seriously envious, I know these are not good traits, but I am! So glad yo got to go!!
xoxo, Tiffany

[Diane]

Thanks for all the lovely pictures, I will be heading over to Santa Monica very soon!
Hugs, Diane

[Alison Gibbs]

Analise thanks for sharing your visit to Rachel's store with us, Fabulous that she has been able to reopen one of her stores
Alison

[Kathy]

Don't you just love the feeling when walking into one of her stores? There's nothing like it!

Thanks for the great photos!

[Holly Abston]

I heart YOU, Analise. Thank you for being awesome.