Shabby Chic Goes Super Sophisticated

Back in 1989, Rachel Ashwell opened her first Shabby Chic store in Santa Monica, California and the look quickly gained momentum across the U.S. throughout the 90s.  I loved the look as much as the next girl, even going so far as to buy one of her books to read and reread (okay, let's be honest, I looked at the pictures).

I never did transform my decor into the shabby chic look, mostly because it just seemed so over the top feminine and un-guy friendly.  There were so many flowers and ruffles and girly things.  Still, I always thought doses of it here and there were gorgeous. 

Recently while perusing a Brit decor magazine, I came across a company that takes the shabby chic look to a new level of sophistication.  Many of their furnishings are quite contemporary, but still capture the shabby chic vibe perfectly. All of the following images are from their website, http://www.chicshack.net/
and I think each one is more breathtaking than the next.  Enjoy...

Okay, I'm exhausted.  Go to the site...there is much eye candy to be had.  And if you love a traditional nursery, they have amazing baby rooms too. 

Spend or Save? Carved Candlesticks For Less

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that I had recently gotten a PT job at Restoration Hardware and that I had a wish list of goodies I wanted to use my awesome employee discount on, including these lovelies:

 I did break down and order two of the 18" candlesticks for my mantel.  They are back ordered until late October, so I can't show you how amazing they'll look on my mantel until...well, late October :(.

I decided to do a quick web search to see if a similar look could be found for less and here's what I found:

At www.avid-home.com, I found this 21.5" tall carved wood candlestick with a distressed finish that looks strikingly similar to my Resto version, except for the price...$112.50... GASP!!  The 18" Resto candlestick is just $49 without my discount and the 22" (1/2" smaller than than this avid-home version) is only $59.  So, you can get two of the 22" candlesticks from RH for a few dollars more than one of these avid-home candlesticks. 

This set of two carved candlesticks from www.accent-furniture-direct.com can be had for a mere $231.00 and that's apparently a discount from the regular price of $288.75.

No thanks, I'll stick with my Restoration Hardware candlesticks.  I just wish I didn't have to wait two plus months to get them...sigh.  And no, unfortunately I'm in no way compensated by Resto for this post :-).