4.07.2013

Surprise estate sale

I hadn't planned on posting today, but this morning my sister and I got a phone call about an estate sale with vintage clothing from the 20's and 30's. (Of course we dropped everything and made our way over there!) The sale was run by the late woman's daughter, who told us that her mom was an antique dealer with a soft spot for vintage clothing. While she had an amazing clothing collection, with Victorian blouses, Edwardian underthings, and 20's shift dresses, my sister and I found a lot of accessories and housewares as well.

The best part about the sale was talking with the family. Sometimes family-run estate sales can be a little bit sad and uncomfortable, but the folks at this sale were so joyful and excited to encounter two girls who love vintage as much as my sister and I do. When I got back to my apartment, I snapped a few photos of our purchases, and I wanted to post about them with the sale still fresh in my mind.

A 1950's green velvet fascinator, a floral papier mache tray, two 1920's photographs, a 1920's crocheted handbag, a leather wallet from the early 20th century, and a pile of vintage hankies.

A closeup of the 1950's fascinator.

An Edwardian step-in that I couldn't leave behind in spite of a few stains and pinholes! I also bought a slip dress from the same era, and both will be getting a good soak once I finish up all my end-of-the-semester schoolwork.

I didn't even take photos of everything I came home with; there's also a 1940's rayon blouse and skirt set, a pair of 1920's heels, two vintage picture frames, and an old advertisement for a hat shop! I still feel a little high on vintage, and hopefully, I can redirect that excitement into all the final papers I've yet to write... I may be a bit scarce over the next few weeks, but I hope to be back soon with more photos and maybe even an outfit post in that 40's blouse and skirt.

11 comments:

  1. Great stuff, nice luck! Was it by chance on Butler St.? I was going to go to that one but never made it.

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    1. It was on Butler Street! Amy and I thought of you while we were there because there were lots of vintage trims and millinery supplies--feathers, in particular. It might be worth contacting the family via their Craigslist post to see if you could swing by, because there was a ton of great stuff left.

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  2. Cool thanks for the heads up! Now I'm kicking myself for not going! Even though I got lots of good stuff this weekend, I always want more!!

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    1. Part of the vintage "illness," I think. ;)

      Which other sales did you hit this weekend?

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  3. It is an illness, I am feeling ill now that I didn't go. I went to a sale in Bridgeville. It was family run. I went particularly for vintage Christmas ornaments that were in the ad but that was some clothing there. A neat 20's/30's fringe flapper dress and I picked of 7 pairs of little boys 20's knickers. They are so cute! That's the only place I went to. Did you girls hit up any yesterday?

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    1. We were thinking about going to the Bridgeville sale, but we went to a b4youmove sale in Squirrel Hill instead. We found a great metallic 60's dress and a black cotton eyelet 50's dress! Also, you should post a picture of the fringe flapper dress; I hardly ever encounter dresses from that era with fringe, and I'd love to see it!

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  4. I will try. Enjoy your week. I'm sure I'll be seeing you girls this Saturday:)

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  5. Wow such amazing finds! I absolutely love the 50s velvet bow hat and the Edwardian lingerie sounds so dreamy! I cannot wait to see pictures of all the other things too! xxx

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  6. Wow wow wow. What a haul! Looking forward to seeing the complete bundle. x

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  7. Wow such amazing finds, the crochet bag looks so lovely. It makes me a bit jealous of all of you in the States :)

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  8. ohh wow that velvet fascinatior is beautiful! i've only ever been to one estate sale because i never know when they're on or how people even find out about them but i feel like there would be so many treasures to find at those sales.

    little henry lee

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