Marche Aux Puces at Porte de Clignancourt

Some people will agree that this is, literally, the mother of all flea markets. Billed by some as the original flea market, it certainly is the Europe’s largest flea market. Located just outside of Paris, France, the one hundred acre Marche Aux Puces, has well over twenty five hundred dealers and vendors and attracts thousands of visitors every week. This Grande Dame of flea markets has been known to attract many celebrities as well; in fact it has been said that French President Jacques Chirac has been seen at this market.

According to Frommer’s, “First-timers always want to know two things: "Will I get any real bargains?" and "Will I get fleeced?" It's all relative. Obviously, dealers (who often have a pre-arrangement to have items held for them) have already skimmed the best buys. And it's true that the same merchandise displayed here will sell for less in the provinces. But for the visitor who has only a few days to spend in Paris -- and only half a day for shopping -- the flea market is worth the experience.”

NOVA-Antiques Newsletter Archives - June 15, 2006 . . . .

Decorating in the Shabby Chic Style

Shabby Chic was first mentioned in an article in The World of Interiors Magazine in the 1980’s and then was popularized by designer Rachel Ashwell in the 1996 in a book by the same name. This style of decorating uses heavily painted antique or vintage furniture that is then rubbed or sanded to make them look distressed, worn and old. Most of the items are usually painted white, mint green, pink and aqua colors. Accessories also accent the décor.

Most of the accessories used to compliment the shabby looking furniture are vintage linens and bedspreads, antique chandeliers and feminine looking fabrics, usually containing roses or other flowers. Other fabric including chintz or barkcloth and sometimes people stain their fabrics to make them look older than they really are. The look can be very elegant, inviting and romantic in the right room. Shabby Chic is sometimes called cottage.

There are many places to pick up items to start your shabby chic decorating. If you are handy, have the workspace and have the ability to do it yourself, you can pick up many items at antiques flea markets, garage sales or estate sales and transform them into the shabby chic style. If you would rather not, there are many shabby chic dealers, boutiques and shops where you can find affordable pieces for your home. In the Washington, DC and Northern Virginia metro area, there are a few shops that specialize in shabby chic décor including, Bella Villa Home Furnishings in Aldie, Virginia, Sarah Jean Décor in Purcellville, Virginia and The Cottage Room in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

There are many places on the Internet as well where you can get shabby chic items, probably too many to mention in this article. The pictured poster by artist Mary Elizabeth can be purchased at All Posters.