Hello everyone! It’s been a busy April in my neck of the woods. Estate sale season is in full swing and I’ve been on the road hitting some really fun destinations. It feels good to be out in the world again rubbing shoulders with the elderly and seeing some gorgeous old barns and wide open fields along the way.
A particularly interesting sale I visited recently was an abandoned seven unit apartment complex circa the 1960s attached to the back of an equally abandoned 1940s hardware store. No come ups in the clothing department from that adventure, but we did get a 1940s wooden table lamp for the house.
We also expanded into a second booth across from our current space in Atomic, so our offerings in person here in Asheville are now twice as nice. I’ll share more of that process and some images of the revamped booths soon!
Now let’s see what treasures time has left us,
<3 Kari
Treasure Trove is a weekly catalogue featuring freshly unearthed vintage offered through the Passage Keeper shop. Items previewed are available online and in person at my booth.
1940s Blue Linen Dress with Cape - Eleanor Harris Bailey, born in 1903, owned several clothing stores in Hot Springs Arkansas. During the 1940s the store was a dress shop for women seeking elegant bespoke pieces for their wardrobe. Over the decades her success expanded, seeing her open department stores in the area carrying both mens and womenswear. This beauty is one of the most spectacular 1940s dresses I’ve had pass through my hands. Made from a navy linen with pockets and a matching cape, with cuffs and collar lined in a lemon yellow silk for a subtle punch.
1950s Yellow Plaid Cabana Short Set - One of the behemoths in mid century sportswear, McGregor was on top of their game in the 1950s, producing a range of casual wear for men and boys. This set was originally produced for a teenage boy, but works very well as a womenswear piece!
1980s Cotton Pointelle Top - Though the fabric has existed for centuries, the name “pointelle” began it’s use in 1950s France as a way to describe the knitting processes, which resembles lace.
1960s White Tank Top - Pulled this from the floor of a very dusty attic!
1940s White Cotton Sailor Top - Worn in the summer months for general and off-duty sailors, the “Undress White Jumper” is one of the most iconic pieces we associate with the “cracker jack” look. These uniforms are made of a sturdy cotton twill, making them perfect layering pieces for the summer months. The middy collar is superior to all other collars imo!!
1980s Navy Trench Coat with Puff Sleeves - Sometimes I pick up a piece that at first glance is seemingly ordinary, but upon closer inspection kinda blows my mind with it’s design choices. This take on a classic navy trench did just that, with a pop-able high neck reminiscent of an Edwardian collar, puff sleeves, and diagonal ruching along the shoulders… perfection…
1950s Green Plaid Loop Collar Shirt - The past couple years I’ve really fallen in love with learning more about vintage menswear, thus… I’m always on the hunt for a good loop collar. I think my favorite color to find is green!
1950s Yellow Loop Collar Shirt - I was lucky enough to recently score several loop collars straight for the closet of their original owner. These two are the first of the bunch being release back to the world.
1980s Ralph Lauren Polka Dot Silk Skirt - Bias cut silk… timeless!
1950s Black Velvet Shell Top - A wardrobe staple that elevates using classic 1950s tailoring.
1940s Tan Cotton Skirt - The perfect summer skirt! A lightweight cotton rayon blend with texture.
1990s does 1920s DKNY Black Cotton Dress - As much as I love finding antique and especially old vintage pieces, it’s always a treat using fashion history knowledge to find more modern pieces that reference silhouettes of prior decades but are less delicate and easier to incorporate into everyday wear. This DKNY dress updates a classic 1920s boyish shape while referencing pleating and embroidery techniques of the era. There is no doubt in my mind an antique dress was on the mood board.
1980s Denim Duster Coat by Australian Outback Collection - THE Mk.gee jacket but in denim with bondage style harness straps.
1970s Hooded Cream Trench Coat - Big rectangle brass zipper pull, and a hood!
If you enjoyed reading, I encourage you to please leave a like, comment, or share. It really does make an enormous difference in helping Passage Keeper grow and be seen by a wider audience.
Previous Treasure Trove editions…
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.