Shabby-Chic

[tpypr]

As a sub-category of Collectables, I would like to
see Shabby-Chic added. One website definition is
"secondhand stylishness". Shabby-chic items are
either old with signs of usage or new items made to
look like they have been used.

Items in this category have an intrinsic core value
that is enhanced, not detracted, by signs of obvious
wear and tear, giving them an air of warmth, hominess,
comfort and character. This is a category for obviously-
used items that fall within this definition but due to
the signs of wear and tear would not readily fall within
the parameters of collectables.

Opening up this category could inspire a spiking in
auction offerings as sellers begin taking a closer look
at the veritable gold mine that surrounds them right in
their own homes (not to mention the local thrift shops,
yard sales, flea markets, . . . you get the idea!)

Well, what do you think? Do you have things
stored away that, though too worn or frazzled to
go with your current decor, have enough value (by
any definition) so as not to throw away? I'm thinking
the answer is "Yes" and those are the things that
would fall under this new category. Just bear in mind
that one "man's trash . . . "

[terry5732]

"• Use of this Web Site. The Web Site design and all text, graphics, information, designs, logos, content, and other material displayed on or that can be downloaded from this Web Site are either the property of, or used with permission by, ShabbyChic and/or Onestop and are protected by U.S. and International copyright, trademark and other laws and may not be used except as permitted in these Terms and Conditions or with the prior written permission of the owner of such material."

http://www.shabbychic.com/terms.html

[bykimbo]

I use shabby chic in the title of some items to describe their style, but wouldn't expect to have a whole section for them - it's too wide-ranging. Almost any item of decor, furnishing, collectibles, household whatever can be shabby chic. Better to put that lamp, sofa, vase etc under the right category and just use "shabby chic" to describe the style, just as one would "blue" or "French country" or "retro", in my view.

[JudesNiceThings]

Shabby Chic has been trademarked.

Unless the boys want litigation, they I don't think they can have such a category, really.

[bykimbo]

Shabby Chic has been trademarked.

Unless the boys want litigation, they I don't think they can have such a category, really.

Really? I know the previous poster gave a link, but using a phrase as a URL doesn't give any rights. And I took the text pasted to be talking about normal copyright of content, and trade-marking of logos and wotnot. I'd be very surprised if a commonplace phrase such as "shabby chic" could be protected in such a way. Is this something that's been discussed elsewhere and I've missed it?

[JudesNiceThings]

Kimbo - I was pretty astonished too !

It came up on another forum some time ago - the owners were 'asserting their rights' in another place.

[bykimbo]

Kimbo - I was pretty astonished too !

It came up on another forum some time ago - the owners were 'asserting their rights' in another place.

Good grief. Did you manage to follow the story at all? Did they win?

[JudesNiceThings]

It was on the US boards - I think feebay agreed they had to be removed under VERO - I didn't follow it to the end because I don't do anything 'shabby chic' .

[bykimbo]

Okay, thanks Jude. I hardly sell anything of the sort, but it is a useful phrase, and I'm interested in the idea of somebody trying to limit my use of standard English! I'll maybe do some Googling and see what I can find out.

[mrsandman]

I had absolutely no idea what that meant. Glad I now Know x