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Shabby chic ...
Antique clothes and home furnishings
I have always believed one should not throw out older clothing,
good furniture and various accessories, just because they are not 'in-style'
any more. Clothes can be altered and furniture re-stored. That's the
reason weekend flea markets are doing a roaring business, as we go gaga
over 'Shabby Chic'!
My love of antique clothing dates to my childhood - and my mother who
was a fashion designer. That 50's style twin set or the silk or rayon
dresses that seems to hang so perfectly on your body - the fabric was
the best they could offer.
Today this market is hotter than ever! We enjoy going from store to
stall, vendor to vendor, to try on hats, gloves, and purses ... then
moving onto furniture, bed linens, tablecloths, and knick-knacks - all
called Shabby Chic.
Visiting New York a few weeks ago, I found my daughter's bedrooms
done in such a comfortable design. One can loll on the main bed with
the wrinkled converter and toss pillows, or curl up in a comfy, slip-covered
chair to read. Well-used blanket throws on the end of another bed
make perfect wraps for a 15-minute nap. And clusters of partly used
candles brought the mood into focus.
Over the years I too have been a collector of sorts - and yes, some
of my home is Shabby Chic. The large white, Indonesian wicker fan chair
by the bedroom window - not painted in years - adds a welcoming peacefulness
to the white-theme bedroom, highlighted with white comforter and white
lacy pillows. A tall, antique etagere - also in white - holds plants,
partly used candles, an old wooden rabbit, and an antique hat. A chipped
iron baker's rack - rescued from a bakery years ago - and painted white
too, displays treasured family photos in pewter frames. Books rest in
a not-so-perfect arrangement on a skirted table beside the bed.
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