Okay, so just to clarify, this is how I perceive Shabby Chic. In my mind, the 'shabby' refers to the item before it has been prepped, painted and preened, in its not-so pretty state. And the 'chic' refers to the item after it's been sanded, painted and generally glam'd up.

I am one of those people who get a buzz from saving money, but I also have very expensive taste when it comes to decor. I love luxury french and shabby-chic style furniture, and bit, by bit, I have been buying little gems that I have come across, on the cheap. Just today, I saw a gorgeous painted white french wooden table that I bought for 99p. Yep, 99p!! 

It's safe to say that lately I've been bitten by the 'up-cycling' bug. Up-cycling is where you sand, paint or do a little D.I.Y job on your old furniture, rather than buy it already 'shabby chic'd' for you. Not only does this knock off at least 70% of the actual price, but it also means you can put your own stamp on whatever you're making!