Old is New or New is Old?

Hi there shabby followers...here's a submission for our blog from a wonderful woman named Wheezy who helps me at my shop in West Point, Pa. She has a wealth of knowledge and is an invaluable asset to my store! So...shout out to Wheezy! Here's what she wrote...

Old is New or New is Old?

Okay newbies...if you are reading this blurb on the blog you must be the proud owner of a computer...I will assume the bulk of you are under the age of forty. In the "antiques" business over the past twenty five years there have been major changes. I am one of those "dinosaurs" that have been in the business for the past thirty years and I am embracing the new movement, therefore my message to you.

A little history. Thirty years ago people "collected" items...be it beer steings, mesh purses, hummels, Shelly, chintz, whatever. It was a quest to find another item to add and complete the collection. Young people today don't wish to possess the same things that grandma had-and very often those same items would not be practical in today's society. People today don't mind a flavor of the past-but wish it done in an up-to-date-fashion.

Makes me laugh...antique dealers were one of the original RECYCLERS...be it restaining, recaning, etc. With today's fashion it is usually recycled, refurbished in a "pop" color or in a shade of white with a little distressing...for us today, eye candy. As with everything over time, different is acceptable. Twenty years ago if the paint was peeling or missing the furniture was not saleable...today it is the "hot" fashion.

Twenty-five years ago I was in the quaint town of Red Bank, NJ shopping for that "vintage" piece. This piece of furniture had an original 1930's shade of green paint with a lot of "blemishes". The tag quoted the price and in it's description said "shabby chic"--this was long before Rachael...my point being "shabby chic" has been around a very long time. In fact, time for the length of skirts to go down again, no? Let me have your thoughts what direction you think home decor is leaning towards--and how the "Shabby Attic" can help you on this journey.