Treasure Trove No. 19
Ruched silk chiffon, side button pants, and cotton net tops.
Hi everyone! I can’t believe we’re already a whole month into summer! June starts the busy season for vintage dealers, with most of us full speed ahead now through the holidays. I take advantage of the heat by doing as much backyard hand washing as I can manage, filling my galvanized tubs again and again with wonderful but very very dirty vintage. The wool items get packed away for a couple months, and the warm weather pieces hit the shop as they become ready to face the world again.
Though I’m often working, it’s important to make time for play, and I took this advice quite literally when I was lucky enough to be invited by a friend to attend an outdoor play that was written by the talented Marcyanne of Remnants Thrift and Sew - a locally owned thrift store and sewing space that offers a small but mighty selection of used clothing, fabric, notions, and sewing classes.
The debut of the original play, called The Sopranos The Play, was held on a heavenly parcel of land. Tucked into the rolling hills of Weaverville, North Carolina a small stage was erected behind a grouping of wooden cottages. In front of the stage, several rows of folding metal chairs sat underneath a large tree, where string lights and mobiles made from CD’s and other shiny objects reflected the dusk light.
The play follows two humans in the distant future, who find themselves entranced by a copy of The Sopranos on a portable DVD player. In their time, this technology is long forgotten and mysterious, and they are so moved by it’s images that they embark on an odyssey to discover if there is more to the story.
The set and hand sewn costumes were glorious and made from secondhand fabric and materials from the thrift shop. I sat and laughed more times than I could count as we followed along on the hero’s adventures. After the play concluded with a heartwarming note on the importance of story, I felt an overwhelming buzz of inspiration. There is so much power and bravery in following through with our ideas, even if they are only seen by a small group of weirdos on a perfect summer’s night in Appalachia.
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 White Cotton Chore Coat - I have a few of these chore coat and pants in various levels of disrepair and staining. All of the jackets were missing their original change buttons, so I paired this coat with three 1930s buttons that feature leaf motifs carved in early plastic.
1940s White Cotton Chino Pants - These pants were originally worn by their owner with the jacket as their work uniform. Grab ‘em both for yourself to have a nice summer suit, or snag them as separates!
2000s Ruched Silk Chiffon Top - A romantic and airy blouse by French designer Catherine Malandrino, who’s clothing was seen frequently on divas of the 2000s such as Paris Hilton, Madonna, Halle Berry, Lindsey Lohan, and even Carrie in SATC.
1980s Distressed Levi’s 505 - For all my team 505 lovers out there! Made in the USA baby with all the work wearing in done for ya!
1940s Brown Plasti-square Clutch - Patented in May of 1941 by inventor Florence Kuhlman, these flexible plastic tile purses were a huge trend through the 1940s. I found this one with small folded up piece of brown paper inside it’s interior pocket. As I slowly unfolded it, the tiny note read “Oma Johnson” in cursive. For the curious, more can be read about the history of these purses via The Vintage Purse Museum’s research.
1940s Rayon Gaberdine Loop Collar - Rayon gaberdine of the 1940s… if you know… you know. For the uninitiated, it’s drape is superior, sumptuous even.
1980s Blue Linen Skirt by Perry Ellis - On those sticky summer days when every inch of your skin is dripping in sweat, we turn to the elegant reprieve of linen.
1940s Blue Corduroy Side Button Pants - A rare sight! Women’s pants from the 1940s, soft narrow whale corduroy no less, with oversized eggplant side button closures, deep pockets, and a wide leg.
1970s Denim Halter Dress with Appliqué - For the lovers of an open back. By the goofily named label “Oops California”.
1970s White Fish Net Tee - Perhaps the gayest shirt to ever exist… and I found ya’ll not one, but two and three!
1940s Pink Rayon Lounge Pants - You may confine them to lounging about the home as they were originally intended, or you can bring them along in all their silky smoothness to your summer adventures.
1940s Geometric Print Neck Tie - In a sea of sameness, be a 1940s geometric print neck tie.
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Previous Treasure Trove editions…
Catherine Malandrino! I have had a few of her pieces and they are always gorgeously made, usually silk. The 1940s gabardine blouse with the wide cords! If only I were built like a tall model!
A wonderful collection, Kari! I hope everything sells fast!🤘