have you heard about this event? rachel ashwell's vintage prom dress collection is going on a cross country tour. they will be shown in her signature shabby chic stores, and with 50 new stores poised to open, they will surely be twirling through your state someday soon! if you love vintage prom dresses with their sweet details, layers of tulle, lace, and millinery, then this will surely top your list as a not to miss event!
the first time i saw rachel was in her mailbu store, long before she became the shabby chica we all know and love today. being an east coast girl, who grew up surrounded by dark furnishings and long cold winters, i hadn't found many kindred spirits who also created a cocoon painted vintage shades of white - i didn't want to leave. then again, i am a cali girl at heart! a couple of years ago i had the pleasure of meeting her at the be creative country home event in nyc, and she is as lovely as you would think, very approachable and warm. if you have a chance to go to one of their events, do it! the most wonderful gift of the day, besides sharing the day with my sweet friend tamsen, was actually getting to meet and mingle amongst all the designers! sue & ki from junk market (don't miss their junk bonanza!) are two of the coolest and fun chicks ever. this was my pre-blogging days, but who knew a huge flock of them converged on this event - wish i knew you then! 
a funny story about mary emmerling, or i should say me! at the event a couple sat next to us and asked if i was mary's daughter, and i laughed and said no, but they insisted that i was not being straight with them and went on and on quizzing me...i wonder what it would be like to be mary's daughter? probably great, and i'd be a blond!
one thing's for sure, i would so love to carve out a dream design gig like any of these fabulously creative and inspiring women have. to travel the country, and abroad, in search of treasures, setting up casual but elegant homes for my clients - too fun! then of course there would be the designing of my very own product line...it could happen!- prom dress photo from shabby chic
