Tuesday, October 12, 2010

old is new

I won this lovely bag and it arrived just in time for the weekend. I had a visitor who commented that it needed to be "cleaned." I replied, no, it is meant to look old explaining that old is new and very in vogue.


Yes, honoring the old is new again. Timeworn seems to be the one word that I spot trending in fashion. From patinated boots, to reclaimed wood floors, things that have a "patina" of age to them look right. Recycling something old and giving it a new twist seems fresh and right for today.
In a time of economic and political challenges, designers are faced with challenges of trying to make something new look familiar. Dyeing a white tablecloth black seems modern and appropriate for a Halloween table.
There is a newfound respect to bring back an element out of your Grandparent's attic or barn and honor that with a nuance to make it suddenly look modern.

This week, I shall be devoting my posts to things that have a timeworn or well loved flair. Please feel free to share with me your most treasured new item that has that old is new again appeal.

26 comments:

Melissa Blake said...

I love it! It's not old -- it's classic! :)

quintessence said...

Love things with little patina - makes them look like they've lived a bit and have a store to tell. Love the boots!

La Maison Fou said...

Great looking bag, just the right amount of age.
L.

Elizabeth said...

i like mixing old with new for a nice twist. love the bag and boots. perfectly worn in my opinion!

Southern Lady said...

I don't know how to link you to it, but I did a post on my favorite things one time and included a picture of an old chest in my sunroom that belonged to my husband's great grandparents. I had someone tell me that I should paint it once...how crazy is that. I'll try to link if I can to show you a picture.

Joyce said...

Congrats on your treasure- the purse is beautiful!

I am so in love with those boots!

I love to bring a piece of yesterday to our home I have a few pieces around. I also like recyling packing materials for gift wrapping. I will send to you a photo. Enjoy my friend! xo

Southern Lady said...

Oh well, the link didn't work. Someone will have to teach me how to do that.

Unknown said...

What a fab bag!! I fell in love with the cameo necklace JK Rowling wore in her interview with Oprah. It was oversized...and so chic. Very old is new!
xoxo E

Moments and Impressions said...

I have drooled over that bag since you won it...

here is my newest old find...

http://momentsandimpressions.blogspot.com/2010/10/pretties.html

Anonymous said...

I have some of my grandmothers china, old but fashionable again - probably doesn't count. Although last week I met a lady who hand sews quilts and then dies them to give an aged look.

Anonymous said...

ps love the bag!

Maia said...

The bag is gorgeous, and I love the "patina"!

Formerly known as Frau said...

I've been in love with all things old to decorate my new house. I'm having a blast visiting flea markets,garage sales etc... looking for Grandma's treasures to call my own. Living in Europe opened my eyes to a whole new style.

Gretchen O. said...

Right up my alley! Being a girl that has ALWAYS loved old things even before it was "en vogue". Can't wait to read the posts.

Nice bag, btw!

--Gretchen o.

Unknown said...

You know my love for time worn things. They come with a history and patina. And if you love them, they will fit right in with your modern life!
This bag is darling, can see you carrying it for a little outing. With jeans and cashmere sweater...and those boots!!!

Nelle Somerville said...

I really love your bag. Love that it is white but you can use it in the fall...not too, too white. I'm on a spending freeze but I have to say my most favorite old item that is still so classic and works is a vintage needle point bag that my mother had in college. It has medals embroidered on it. I get more compliments when I pull it out. Hope you are well!!! xoxo

Purple Flowers said...

I have a pair of clogs (maroon) in color w/a patina finish, just by being worn. Love them!

Gwen Driscoll said...

LOVE that table cloth! Awesome and beautiful. May have to try it.

Debra said...

I adore things that appear to be well-loved! I have those boots in brown and black- they are certainly well-loved. I'm always drawn to things that look like they have enjoyed some wear. Enjoy your sweet purse- it's you!

katiedid said...

I ditto the sentiments! I think my cracked concrete steps and front porch are something I would have a very hard time replacing...they have an air of gracious decay...I have let the wisteria vine twine around the front porch bench in tribute, haha!

jacjewelry said...

Love the bag! My favorite "new" things are items my grandma passes on to me now and then - whether it's her jewelry, scarves or other accessories. They are new to me, but are so precious because she has used them for a long time!

christina @ greige said...

I am so glad that you liked it- after such a long wait!! That is so funny- Have a good day!

best,
Christina

LPC said...

One of the young women I know told me, it's not old, per se, it's low fidelity that everyone wants. OK.

Carole said...

I love (and use daily) old silver w/ a patina. I like old linens w/ beautiful crochet work or embroidery; I like the crisp white pillows and letting them dry in full sunshine.

ALR said...

Love the boots!

Amy R.

home before dark said...

To Katiedid: as a gardener I was loathe to have big machinery come in and haul off my cracked concrete porch...so I painted it. Actually used the three colors on the house (grays/greens) diluted and rubbed into concrete: better than old, mine.