Shopping with Rachel Ashwell

Adapted from March 2007 More Magazine

It started with slipcovers and a small store in Santa Monica. Today, Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic line of furniture, accessories and baby gear is stocked in stores from South Carolina to Singapore. Below are her top shopping haunts:


LOS ANGELES

"I love flea markets because I never know what's going to inspire me: It could be a ruffle on a funky tablecloth or a flowery hat. I often find unique gifts at the Santa Monica Airport Market, which is open the first and fourth Sunday of each month. I recently bought an hourglass with a pearl interior, which I could give to someone I don't see often to symbolize that our time together is precious.

"My favorite store in L.A. is Indigo Seas (see picture). The owner buys everything herself-sofas, pillows, paintings-and she likes to pair vintage and modern pieces. What really grabs me is the way I'm transported on a journey, whether I'm looking at a matchbox from Africa or an old book from Italy.

"Another home-decor shop that I like is Orange (see picture). It specializes in midcentury lighting and furniture, such as chrome chairs from the Time-Life building in New York. And the owner will reupholster purchases in any material."


LONDON

"When it comes to clothing, I'm always inspired by the whimsical selection at Koh Samui. You might find vintage Chanel next to a modern piece by Marc Jacobs hanging next to an old cabinet with the perfect vintage postcard inside."


ITALY

"I went to Milan for the first time recently and fell in love with the lifestyle store 10 Corso Como, owned by a former fashion magazine editor. There's also an exhibition space and a restaurant. I like to think of it as Fred Segal meets Anthropologie."


TEXAS

"There's a 10-day event usually held each April and October in Round Top that brings together antiques dealers from across the country. It traditionally culminates in the Round Top Fair, which showcases the most expensive offerings. The week before Round Top is the Marburger Show, where I buy everyting from tables to chandeliers, provided they're in my palate of pink, green or ivory. When I go, I stay at the Outpost Inn, a cluster of barns, casitas and cabins, each decorated around a different theme there's even a vintage Airstream suite."