Thursday, September 3, 2009

~STILL LOVING VICTORIA MAGAZINE and my Journey with White~

AT HOME WITH WHITE
VICTORIA BOOK - 1996

Many years ago, long before any of us saw the words "shabby" and "chic" used side by side, or even recognized the name "Rachel Ashwell", there was VICTORIA! When the gorgeous, high-end MAGAZINE hit the stands in the late 1980's most of us 'die-hard romantics' were in heaven. We had never seen such a thing...

Had we?

In 2002 while browsing at our local Tuesday Morning I came across several books published by the Hearst Corporation. This first one I found was the book shown above called "AT HOME WITH WHITE". It was published in 1996 and quite simply, both the writings and the photographs took my breath away!

(I loved the ORIGINAL VICTORIA BEST when Nancy Lindemeyer was her Editor. Sadly, when she left the Old VICTORIA was never quite the same. Do you love the NEW VICTORIA? If so, why? I'd love for you to SHARE!)

DOES THIS "LOOK" LOOK FAMILIAR?
(Photo Credit: At Home with White - Victoria)

Layering white on white, collecting vintage china, many with pretty florals and pink roses, catapulted Ms. Rachel to the front of a very short line. This LOOK of pure femininity has been around for a years and thankfully Ashwell's vision for beautiful fabrics combined with her love of repurposing the forgotten has helped the 'VINTAGE WHITE LOVERS OF THE WORLD' stand up and audibly beg for more.

VISIONS OF SOFT WHITE AND PURE LINEN
(Photo Credit: At Home With White - Victoria)

As a result, those of us who adore romantic decor with a white-based theme no longer feel so neglected...

I've spent a lot of time this past week planning the major decorative overhaul of my Formal Dining Room. Once used as our front living area, my Mr. AGPMan and I have discovered the growth of our little family has gently demanded MORE SPACE...

My wintertime project is beginning to take flight! Change is indeed coming! The dark cherry wood pieces I once dearly loved have got to go.

Am I a bit nervous?

You bet!

Still, I can't wait to begin sharing with you my journey and just how my love for the ever fresh, ever changing WHITE will continue to fill my home with beauty, warmth and comfort.

More soon...

Blessings to you as your heart and home welcome the new season...Rebecca

24 comments:

bj said...

I stopped my subscription to V. a few moths back..just did't ejoy it as much as I used to..new editor, I thik. I did the same with BH&G..loved it for years, then new editor moved in and I didn;t like her articles, stopped subscription, after 30 years. The new editor didn't last long and now, with another new one, I am liking and taking the mag again.
I love all white, too...we just have too large a family to do whites everywhere..

Deanna said...

Lucky you for coming across the Victoria Book! I hope I can find one at the local Tuesday Morning Store next time I go.

I have been a fan of the Victoria Magazine since the first issue was on the stands. Each month I delighted in the newest issue.

I was very sad when the magazine stopped being published and then excited to see the magazine be resurrected.

I enjoyed the romantic side of the magazine and not fond of anything else in the mag.

Blessings,
d

Sandra said...

Oh Rebecca. I am looking forward to seeing your transformation. Are you planning to paint your furniture in the dining room? I think it would look great!
I love white and I decided to change my red walls in my kitchen to a shade of white. But it's been tough. There are sooo many shades of white. Who knew? lol?
Anyway, i'm rambling here.....
I'm looking forward to seeing your updates on your project. :)
Blessings,
Sandra

Barb said...

Hi Rebecca, I loved Victoria magazine the first few years...but after a while, I thought it lost something. Excited to see all your goodies.

Life is funny indeed....I used to hate cherry furniture and now, I lust after it. Actually, there really aren't many kinds of furniture I don't like. I like variety and you can tell that from my home. ha-ha.

Sorry I haven't been around as much....I am far more tired from the Rooster Party than I realized. Yikes.

Thinking of you, sweet girl!
Barb

Mary Ann said...

Rebecca,

I can still remember the thrill when I bought the very first issue of VICTORIA magazine years ago. I bought it had the grocery store, came home and sat down in my chair. The lovely and sweet pages just took my breath away. Anne of Green Gables and Prince Edward Island were featured. It was such a sweet and restful time looking through that magazine. I have no idea just how many times I looked through that magazine. I became a subscriber from then on. I do also get the "new" VICTORIA magazine subscription. I enjoy them. I have the complete set of all the issues from the new Victoria.

blushing rose said...

I wish I had kept my years & years of Victoria magazines ... I am not as impressed with this new Victoria as I was with the old ... not sure if I shall subscribe like I had intended to do, Rebecca.

Have a beautiful day ...

Hugs of love, TTFN ~Marydon

Simply Debbie said...

HI REBECCA,
I HAD TO DROP BY FOR A HUG AND RECEIVE MY DAILY DOSE OF LOVE AND INSPIRATION.
I HAVE LOVED VICTORIA MAGAZINE FOR YEARS AND THEN THEY JUST STOPPED PUBLISHING IT...I HAVE BEEN MAKING MYSELF NOT LIKE VICTORIA SO MUCH NOW AS WILL THIS ONE JUST BE PULLED OUT FROM UNDER US....IT IS LIKE DON'T TEASE ME WITH WHAT I LOVE AND THEN PULL IT AWAY
I AM EXCITED TO SEE HOW YOUR DINING ROOM COMES ALONG. IT WILL GIVE ME SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO.
HAVE A WONDERFUL EVENING MY BEAUTIFUL FRIEND...ALWAYS KEEP THAT GORGEOUS SMILE AND LAUGH.
SOMETHING WONDERFUL HAPPENED TODAY...MY DAD CAME TO SEE AMY!!! AMY SLEPT THE WHOLE TIME BUT IT MEANT THE WORLD TO ME!! A BIG PRAYER ANSWERED THAT BROUGHT ME PERSONAL JOY!
ANGEL HUGS
LOVE
debbie

DeeDee said...

I so wish I could live in whites, I love it so much and it is very appealing to my eye but I am stuck in the rich dark hues that look so elegant. I will watch with great anticipation of your recreations....

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Rebecca,
Can't wait to see your transformation! Victoria magazine is well-loved by many of us. Such a beautiful and inspirational read. Have a lovely weekend.

Blessings,
Sandi

Julie Marie said...

Hello Rebecca... yes, I love the original Victoria and when Nancy Lindemeyer left as editor that was definitely the magazine's demise... I even wrote a letter to the new editor that took over back then about all changes I did not like... I do love the "new" Victoria, because Phyllis Hoffman (the editor~in~chief) is such a lovely, gracious lady... for those who do not know, she is also the editor~in~chief of another of my favorite magazines "Southern Lady"... PS The picture of you and Tanza on her blog is beautiful!... Bisous... Julie Marie

Vicki said...

Hi, Rebecca,
I liked the old Victoria better. I still buy the new one, but it just isn't the same for me. I had many old copies of Victoria and during a move decided to do away with them. How I wish I had not done that! Congratulations on your nomination for your beautiful blog. I just cast my vote for you. Hope you win. Have a wonderful end of the week and a terrific weekend. Vicki

Anonymous said...

Oh Rebecca.... I have the dining room suite that was my Mother's. It is solid maple... I am afraid if I painted mine my Hubby would have a stroke!! Can't risk it!! LOL!!
I will be waiting to see how yours turns out!!
Smile!
Marilyn

blushing rose said...

Awwww Shucks, Miss Rebecca!, I think that there toidie would be marvelous by your front left gardens.
Chuckle!

Got more goodies for you tomorrow. Chuckle! TTFN ~ Marydon

Sue said...

Hi Rebecca,
Just checking in to see how you are doing, and what's this about a contest!!!! You've got my vote, and just as soon as I get through commenting i am going to do just that, and if possible vote twice. Good luck you deserve it and more, you are such an inspiration to all of us.

Checked your previous posts, and enjoyed everyone of them, what a sweet son you have and let me wish your dear sister a belated and happy birthday wish, what a beautiful and loving tribute to her.
Must go and see about voting.
Sue

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi: I just came by for a little love and I got it, thank you! I can't wait to see your new remodeled room. I have all antique oak, I just can't bring myself to paint it white, but I would love to. Blessing my friend, Martha

Unknown said...

Hi Rebecca!
Thanks so much for your sweet comments on my Dearest Daughter Sr Pix!

I have this HUGE 2 foot stack of Vintage VICTORIA's that I could never part with. They moved almost 2000 miles with me in 1993. If my dh would just agree, I'd probably go mostly creamy white..but alas, he's a man who loves wood and I have to carefully pick/choose what I can paint. So I use a lot of laces to soften and give me that softer vintage feel. I can truly say, VICTORIA has given me many hours of dreaming.

I have only seen a few of the Newest Victoria's and really am not sure if they match my older copies.

Have a blessed day!
Lorena

Unknown said...

Oh yes, I too, loved the old Victoria mag better than the new one. I have heard so many complaints about the new one. Are they not listening to us? Hello!!!

I also just recently purchased that book and I love it!!!!!

My Pink & Cream Cottage said...

Hey Reb how r u my oh so Sweet friend....I have seen this book & often wondered if it was worth getting (Im a real hoarder of books & mags) ok so after the piccies you showed & your rave review I know It is a must! Hope you have a great weekend & happy hunting tomorrow...

With love always

Lyn xxx

June said...

You got to me this time sweet Rebecca, first with your beautiful post about your sister and then with this one about my beloved 'Victoria'. When it went out of publication I thought I would die of beauty and grace starvation. I am happy that it is back, albeit, not all that I loved has been restored, but I can tell they are trying. I have every issue of the beautiful magazine and I think I have all the books. It's like a dear friend to me.
Hugs,
June

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I have always taken Victoria magazine...and like others, treasured every single issue.

This time my daughter gave it to me as a gift...and my first issue arrived today. When I finished looking though it...I felt it was wanting of something. Not the same. Perhaps it will get better.

You know I love everything you do and I am excited to see what new venture you are on! Your beautiful Cherry furnature going out is a HUGE step for you...
Can't wait to see! :)
My love and hugs to you!
Mona

Tanza said...

Good morning sweet ~r~,
Yep.. this was the magazine that started my love and passion for everything beautiful and soft !! It really didn't have a name back than.. It just spoke to my heart and since I've always desired for everything soft, romantic, and beautiful !! I sure wish ALL these Romantic, Cottage magazines would stay true to their followers, and NOT change their direction and look to try to please every taste.. Stay true to what you do, and let others find the magazines they enjoy for their special tastes !! I'm soo discouraged when I get a new magazine and open it, only to discover it is soo different and NOT Romantic !! We pay Big bucks for these pages !! Thank God for my bloggy friends and the beautiful pictures you all share !! And, this is free !! The ideas and inspriation you give are endless !!
Blessings sweet friend for a safe, blessed holiday week-end !!
hugs ~tea~xo

Mary H said...

~Dear Rebecca~~Just dropping in to say hi and to comment that today's message is "simply stunning and beautiful". Love this book!! Everything inside is so gorgeous and white! Can't wait to see your dining room transformation. I can almost picture it with the "white" look. Will be another gorgeous room in your home.
I'm enjoying putting the house back together...baby around the corner, so will have to put on "hold", again. Love my family though...love and hugs to you and will enjoy your "white" transformation going on at your house and know I will someday enjoy mine! LOL! You are much faster than I...xxoo-Mary H.

A Southern Rose said...

I have that book and I love it. I'm not very impressed with the Victoria magazine. I pick it up at Walmart whenever I see it but I just look through it to see if there is anything interesting that I really need to spend that money on. So far...not really. I can save that money for more paint, supplies, etc. I've been thinking about painting some of my dark pieces of furniture too. I'm still a little nervous about it! I'm sure that I will eventually! Yours will be beautiful! Can't wait to see!

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Sweet Rebecca...

I have that book too! And, I love it...

I just had to tell you....because Bellamere Cottage is itty bitty, I can't keep hoards of magazines, so I tear out the pages that thrill me...I was going through a rather large heap 'o ideas yesterday when I ran across your photo shoot from Romantic Homes! Ahhhhhh.....so pretty.

How exciting to be doing a bit or room arranging. Isn't that great that your house can be re-arranged?

I've been slipcovering a chair today...nearly done. Back to work!

Hugs to you Dear GIRL....

xoxox
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