Ode to Shabby Chic

I have to admit I was sad when I heard about the demise of Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic chain. Since moving to LA I would often walk dreamily through the Santa Monica location. It was such a vision of sophisticated femininity. Even though I may not decorate my home in the entire "Shabby Chic" style, I always felt inspired after a visit.  After 20 years the store on Montana Avenue is no more, the doors closed May 30th. I created the following vignettes as my little farewell.

 

 

 

 

 

In the first image I made a simple rose bouquet wrapped in cellophane. This makes an unusual vase and a pretty way to take flowers to anyone. I know you can buy flowers in water like this but I got the idea from a fantastic little florist shop in Victoria, Canada called Ramsey and Ramsey. 

The pink cupcakes on the silver doilies was inspired by the book Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Sumptuous Settings & Other Lovely Things. Its amazing what a mix, some frosting and flowers can become in no time. In this book Rachel also shows ideas for unusual flower vases which lead to me hunting through my pantry in search of something to put my farmer's market flowers into.  You can imagine how excited I was to find a tin of tea my husband brought back from Shanghai!