Shabby Chic

     Years ago I used to watch the Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic television show.  I can't even remember what station it was on, maybe Style Network, maybe not - that's neither here nor there, but something about the Shabby Chic Lifestyle really rings my bell and it sings to me.  I like that it is feminine, clean, formal and comfortable all at the same time. If I was millionares living in a beach house in Malibu, sans my husband, I would decorate my beach front cottage from top to bottom in shabby chic.  I love antique furniture, painted furniture, china, flowers, linens - I love it all - I'm an uber-girly-girl.  I grew up in a bedroom that I frequently joke looked like "Laura Ashley threw up all over it."  I've attached a picture for your viewing pleasure (please disregard the mess, I had just graduated from college and found out my parents had sold our house). 

     In a land far far away from my Malibu fantasy - a young girl (insert me) was walking through Target one day after work and somehow without fail ended up looking at the Simply Shabby Chic collection in the bedding and bath section.  This particular line, which is one of three for Rachel Ashwell, is carried exclusively at Target.  There are two reasons that I never buy anything (1) I don't think Matt would appreciate it, he's a sport, but I can't have chintz and flowers everywhere and (2) I feel like a fake because isn't the whole premise behind Rachel Ashwell's designs the antithesis of a big warehouse type store?  Isn't the premise of work to find an old chair at a salvage yard, refinish it, upholster it with antique linens, and then resale it for a lot money? 
     Lucky for Matt, I'm over my "pink phase," but I still love hints of pink and adore the beachy, french country, vibe.  Here are some things that I think every home needs:

(1) A peticoat hanging lampshade - it would be perfect for a bedroom.  I kid here, but it's pretty creative.  I love crystal chandeliers and Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Couture has plenty of those - I don't want to even think of the price.  

(2) No dining room is complete without farmhouse table.  In my opinion the bigger a table and more rustic a table is the better.  I like when wood tells a story.  Don't you? 

     And unfortunately, for those of us that are just starting out - riddled with student loan debt (courtesy of my husband's schooling) there is always Target and the stuff is pretty nice. Maybe I'll buy something one of these days, because like Rachel says "Homestyle that fits your lifestyle and pocketbook:" Simply Shabby Chic.  Maybe one day, when I hit the lottery I'll be able to afford her higher end brands, but it's fun to look: Shabby Chic.