Treasure Trove No. 5

A rare literary tee, 1950s shaggy mohair, silk balloon sleeves, and a 1940s hand knit dress.

Hello to all the babes joining me for another week of Treasure Trove! While I was out sourcing this week I was overcome by an immense amount of gratitude for this job. For those who don’t know, I’ve been dealing vintage full time since 2019, and selling part time for a decade. The highs and lows of this business can take a toll on one’s sense of security and stability, and I’ve come to my breaking point (mentally and financially) more times than I can count.

But I keep coming back — because I really fucking love old rejected clothes! And when I found the 1940s sweater dress you’re about to see, hand knit in the perfect shade of eggplant boucle wool, not a moth hole in sight…. I got weak in the knees and fell deeply in love with this job all over again, witnessing actual magic in front of my eyes and feeling time melt away.

The fact that I take pictures of my vintage finds in my little Appalachian bedroom that then get to be enjoyed by people all around the world is an astounding marvel of the modern age. I have so much gratitude for anyone tuning into this project, it gives my life so much meaning to be able to consistently revive and give context to objects that have been deemed as trash.

Now on to the finds! I’m debuting a new layout this week, let me know what you think.

<3 Kari

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Treasure Trove is a weekly newsletter featuring freshly unearthed vintage offered through the Passage Keeper shop. Items previewed are available online and in person at my booth.

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1. 1970s Space Dye Cardigan - Carrots and peas!

2. 1940s Gaberdine Skirt - Holy smokes this is a gorgeous handmade skirt. The pocket’s shape reminds me of the 17th century tie pockets.

3. 1960s Mini Leather Bag - So tiny, stops you from bringing a phone…

1. 1960s Italian Wool Crochet Top

2. 1980s Distressed Levi’s

3. 1990s Silk Skirt Set - Very much a nod to the 1930s.

4. 1970s Silk Balloon Sleeve Top - A moment for the sleeves please….

5. 1960s Big Mac Work Jacket - Fleece lined!

6. 1990s Dalkey Archive Press Tee - Dalkey Archive Press was founded in 1984 and focuses on publishing works by lesser known and avant-garde writers. Published authors include Aldous Huxley and Gertrude Stein.

1. 1950s Mohair Sweater - Wear this in October and be unstoppable.

2. 1960s Suede Jacket - Reminds me of this incredible costuming.

3. 1990s Silk Bell Sleeve Top

4. 1960s Yellow Tee

1. 1940s Hand Knit Wool Dress - Sigh…..

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1. 1980s Wool Cocoon Coat - Undeniably inspired by Issey Miyake, for a fraction of the price!

2. 1980s Wool and Velvet Coat - This coat has all it’s details in order, including the back vent which is filled with velvet.

3. Y2K Juicy Couture Down Jacket - Another coat where the details make the piece, from the iconic large “J” zipper, to the ruffle trimmed elbow pads, and the zippers that read “For nice girls who like stuff”.

4. 1950s Ribbed Bow Top - Classic!

5. 1980s Daniel Burnham Tee - One of the most successful architects in the United States, Burnham can take credit for the Flat Iron Building in NYC, the Field Museum in Chicago, and reinventing the windy city’s urban look after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, bringing in skyscrapers and historically tall buildings.

1. 1980s Leather Mini Dress

2. 1960s Cotton Flannel

3. 1990s “Late Night With Cute Girl” Tee - Hehe ;-)

1. 1970s Rose Tie Dye Tank - A true hippy artifact!

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The Fall…

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Previous Treasure Trove editions…

Treasure Trove No. 4

Treasure Trove No. 3

Treasure Trove No. 2

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