The Spree: Still Shabby. Chic? Not So Much, And Other Stories

• A while back there, we are sure that Rachel Ashwell's combination of vintage-y floral and embroidered linens, oversized, overstuffed couches, weathered white chairs and tables and a profusion of cabbage roses must have looked like a fresh new look. By now, however, that look has been so co-opted at every price level that its not terribly surprising to hear that Shabby Chic, Ashwell's brand, is finally liquidating after filing for Chapter 11 protection earlier this year. While we are sure the economy has something to do with this, we can't help thinking that this look has long since passed its sell-by date, without updating particularly well. It was once popular enough to spawn a series of books and a show for Ashwell on the Style network.
If, by chance, you are still in the market for piles of pillows and frills, and perhaps a $1,200 vintage prom dress or two (seriously), the brand's New York stores are conducting liquidation sales (currently at around 30% off) in SoHo and on Columbus Avenue. Though it is really not our style at all, we have to point out that there are still some perfectly nice items to be had individually, just not stacked atop each other.
Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic 83 Wooster Street at Spring Street & 450 Columbus Avenue between 81^st & 82^nd Streets

In other news:

• Confirming the worst kept secret in Paris, Nina Ricci and designer Olivier Theyskens have officially parted ways one season before his contract was set to expire. If the rumors continue to follow suit, then he will be replaced any minute now by Peter Copping, Marc Jacobs' primary assistant at Louis Vuitton. For Theyskens' part, he has always retained the rights to operate under his own name, and it would seem that it's time for him to stop working for famous fragrance houses that continue to fire him despite critical adulation and positive reviews from retailers. (WWD)
• A preview of the French Vogue Editor Carine Roitfeld profile set to run on CNN International this week. We have no idea if or when it will run here at all, but isn't that what the magical interwebs are for? (CNN)
• The doors at Zara's new store at 42^nd & Fifth are too darn heavy! Frankly, we liked that corner better when it was a Nat Sherman tobacconist, and we don't even smoke. (RACKED)
• Sascha Baron Cohen (Borat) has previewed a bit of his new, fashion spoofing movie Bruno, and New York Magazine has a round up of the various reports. It sounds vicious, evil and hilarious. (NYMag Vulture)
• And today's sales on GILT.com: Narciso Rodriguez, Marc By Marc Jacobs for women, Designer Costume Jewelry and True Religion for men. Click HERE for an invitation.