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Book Review: Rachel Ashwell's Couture Prairie and Flea Market Treasures

Wednesday, September 25, 2013



Good morning!  I recently received a copy of Rachel Ashwell's Couture Prairie and Flea Market Treasures, and I think it's my very favorite of all of her books to date.  I love how her style is still apparent, but her color palette has evolved to include deeper, more unusual shades.  Plus she's embracing more rustic with the shabby.  I love how she's humorously accepting Texas decor staples at The Prairie, like a large wagon wheel chandelier in the dining room of Liliput Lodge.

I love the opening line of the book flap because it sums-up the style depicted in the book:

"Think Marie Antoinette in jeans and a cowboy hat
-that is Rachel Ashwell's prairie style."

The book is basically about Rachel's purchase of a farm with many outbuildings near Round Top, Texas.  Round Top is a sleepy little town in the Texas Hill Country that hosts a world-famous antiques fair twice annually. Rachel started visiting Round Top for the fair several years ago, and she fell in love with the area.  She opened The Prairie B&B and a Rachel Ashwell Couture store at The Prairie.  I enjoyed reading a little about the farm's history in the book.

Each chapter showcases the different buildings and outbuildings on the property.  There are also chapters about events held at The Prairie and the Round Top Fair.  The Resources page is a comprehensive list of fun places to see if you're ever in the Round Top area.

I would love to visit Round Top and stay at The Prairie.  My favorite structure is the Faith Cottage, and I would love to sleep there a night or two!


Flowers waiting to be arranged for an event at The Prairie



Rustic floors and walls make the lace curtain even prettier in the Bluebonnet Barn.


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Rachel is mixing deep teal, turquoise, deeper lilacs (almost a K&B purple for you folks from New Orleans) and dusty roses (think Meggie's Ashes of Roses dress in The Thorn Birds).
I love the brightness of the Blue Bedroom in Liliput Lodge.



I would love to shop here at The Prairie!

All gorgeous photography by Amy Neunsinger

I'm so inspired by this book, I'm putting together a pretty coffee table vignette this afternoon.  I hope you'll stop by tomorrow and see what I create!


Until next time...

Blessings!
Ricki Jill


14 comments

  1. So pretty Ricki.. I like how she's evolved over the years to a more rustic feel. Her bed linens are fabulous and get better the more you wash them:) I too would enjoy visiting here and I need to order her new book!

    xxL

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  2. Oh! How about you and I just move in? We can read and finally have a good relax.

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  3. She has such beautiful style! I know I would love this book, too! Enjoy your afternoon!

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  4. I have always loved Rachel's style. I'll be back tomorrow to see your creation. xox

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  5. What a nice gift! I also like how she is using darker, rustic woods, and deeper hues these days. I like how it contrasts with the white. I also like her style, because I have an old house ;) My furniture actually looks better in my current home, than in my previous home.

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  6. Oooooo, everything looks soooo pretty! Looks like a great book to keep on the coffee table. to pick up again and again...
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  7. I agree. This is a great review! I would love to visit there... And even to order the book. I adore Shabby Chic with some zingy color! For me, I crave color...

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  8. Oh wow! That photo of the table with all the flowers is swoon-worthy!

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  9. I've always loved her style and I too adored all things WHITE!
    But lately I'm feeling the pull towards Color.
    I'm completely in love with the Blue bedroom!
    Yep, I need to get this book too
    Thanks for the review!

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  10. I have always been a fan of hers and this book looks fantastic. I love to see that she has evolved while still maintaining the essence of her style. That blue room is stunning. Love it.

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  11. If you say it's her best book ever, than maybe I'll pick it up! I'm trying to swear off decorating books and as much as I love Rachel and think her shabby chic style is awesome, I just never connected with it.

    I can't wait to see your coffee table!

    XO,
    Jane

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  12. I have a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble burning a hole in my pocket. Now I know what I am going to buy!!!! I have really been on a No More Buying Books spree but I might just have to splurge on this one! xoDiana

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  13. I'm totally in love with that cover picture!

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  14. Well, that's enticing! I love the Blue Bedroom....*swoon*

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Hello!

I'm Ricki Jill. Welcome! I'm honored that you're reading my blog. I enjoy sharing my creative lifestyle @ The Bookish Dilettante. For more information about my blog, please read the Start Here page. Thank-you for stopping by, and I hope you'll consider following me via email.

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