Treasure Trove No. 12
Hand sewn sequins, Chanel heels, and cozy holiday garb.
The mood is celebratory for this week’s Treasure Trove as the newsletter has officially surpassed 1,000 subscribers!! Passing the one thousand mark was a hopeful goal I set to reach before the end of the year, and I’m tickled to have you all help me get there!
To celebrate the 1,000 subscriber milestone I’m offering 30% off annual paid subscriptions to Passage Keeper — aka 5 months free. If you have been curious about my paid content, or are currently a monthly subscriber, this is a great opportunity to save! (Offer ends in one week.)
For those who join the club, I’ve got some juicy exclusive content lined up, including — a peak behind the curtain on an abandoned house I just picked, in depth vintage laundry tutorials, and a guide to shopping estate sales like a pro.
Before we dig into this week’s vintage finds, I also wanted to share a design I have been working on… postcards! These are hand stamped with our logo and will now be included in every online order.
This week’s offerings are an invitation to lean into the coziness that can only come from short days and winter’s nipping chill. As I’ve worked on navigating the seasonal depression and not-so-fond memories that come up during the holiday season, I’ve learned that a favorite well worn sweater or a quilt hand sewn can be potent antidotes. So go forth and swaddle yourselves!
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.
1950s Green Corduroy Coat - Reminiscent of Bonnie Cashin’s iconic turn lock designs. This coat features unique “lift-the-dot” fasteners, which are often seen in vintage military gear. The fastener company is still in business today!
1960s Sequin and Beaded Swirl Wool Top - Hand sewn sequins and beading spiral bound and guaranteed to mesmerize under the glow of candlelight.
1960s Hollywood Regency Scales with Marble Base - I’m imagining this as a gloriously gaudy double snack dish for nuts and candies or other goodies for guests to gobble.
1950s Green Wool Army Field Pants - Just a perfect pair of high waisted wool pants. I bound the moth nibbles that scattered them in complimentary green thread — and ICYMI, these were hemmed with staples when I found them!
1990s Paisley Silk Gauze Ruffle Top - Airy silk gauze with looped buttons up the bodice.
1930s Plaid Wool Robe - This robe…. sigh. They really don’t make em like they used to. One of the best robes I have ever found! The details! You must click through to see them — a favorite of mine being the hidden buttons that help hold the waist sash in place. Just take a peak at the stitching on the underside of the collar and you will be converted to robe worship.
1950s Tan Jacket with Hood - A charming little coat that was missing it’s buttons so out came three bubblegum pink ones from my vintage stash.
1990s Ralph Lauren Lambswool Cardigan Dress - As cozy and soft as can be, and with pockets!
1940s Red Cotton Ric Rac Top - The first official offering from the previously mentioned abandoned house! Expedited due to it’s holiday magic.
1950s Farnell Mohair Teddy Bear - I found this well loved little guy in the back of a closet full of 1990s toys. It’s claim to fame is it’s likeness to a bear named Toffee, a popular character on beloved BBC radio program Listen with Mother, which ran from the 1950s - 1980s.
Antique Persian Heriz Rug - Good things come in pairs, and I found this rug with another antique partner that now lays on my bedroom floor. This early 20th century charmer has everything you want out of a well worn rug.
1930s Blue Floral Print Feed Sack Quilt - Also found with a parter that is currently on my bed, I discovered this quilt in a garage folded up with a pile of old moving blankets. It’s entirely hand sewn, using feed sack fabric and chambray for the backing.
1980s Chanel Cap Toe Heels - A classic!
1960s Yellow Wool Snowflake Cardigan - I was told, “This was my daddy’s favorite sweater, he wore it every Sunday.” :’) It came from the homestead of the Justus family, who have had orchards in Western North Carolina since the 1800s.
1950s Wrought Iron Hanging Fireplace Tool Set - If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, consider this hand forged set. I pulled it off the face of the fireplace inside a home that was set to be demolished.
1960s Blue Mechanic Shop Jacket - Y’all can’t seem to get enough of these, luckily I found another!
1960s Plaid Cotton Loop Collar Flannel - Softest cotton flannel ever! With a loop collar to boot!
1970s Wool and Gaberdine Reversible Tartan Cape - You may be experiencing déjà vu as this reversible cape is eerily similar in design to the Burberry cape I showed off last week. Manufactured by House of Lawrie, which at the time were the oldest kilt manufacturer in Scotland. Get the look for less than a third of the price!
1970s Boondocker Boots Black Steel Toe - The term “boondocker” derives from the Tagalog word “bundok” or mountain. During the early 20th century, American GI’s stationed in the Philippines began to refer to rugged areas as “boondocks” with their boots being worn in those terrains referred to as “boondockers”. Like many military garments, which are beacons for simple design and functionality, these originals have been copied by countless designers over the decades.
1970s Bespoke Wool Leisure Suit - This bespoke suit was custom made in the 1970s for the owner of the aforementioned house I was able to pick before it got the wrecking ball.
Previous Treasure Trove editions…
Just such gorgeous stuff here, Kari! Congrats on 1K subscribers!!💕