You know I love a good estate sale. They are exciting and a bit addictive. You never know what treasures you’re going to find. Sure it means getting up extra, extra early on a Saturday morning which normally I would hate, but if you have your heart set on something special sometimes you don’t mind sacrificing a bit of sleep.
If you’ve never been to an estate sale they often work based on a ticketing system. The organizers state a time they will be handing out tickets at the door and people line up (often hours in advance) to get a ticket that holds their place in line. Once you have your tickets you must wait until they allow entry to the premises which is often two hours later. People are then admitted entry to the house based on ticket number.
The last few estate sales I’ve gone to I haven’t had much luck.
I was delighted when I spotted a fantastic bar cart a couple of months back in the estate sale preview photos, exactly like what I’d been looking for. We thought we’d arrived plenty early, about thirty minutes prior to them handing out tickets. Turns out we were #35 in line. Some people had arrived at 3 am! Someone else promptly went in and scooped up my bar cart before we even got in the door. Annoying!
A couple of weeks later I spotted another sale where they had a fabulous oval 1960’s teak coffee table…perfect since my pug broke the wonderful 1960’s vintage glass top we had last year. We arrived very early, we were only the fifth and sixth people to get into the home but the third and fourth people ran straight downstairs and bought the table out from under us. GRRRRR!!!
By this time I was beginning to think the Estate Sale Fairy was mad at me.
I gave it one last try in a smaller town called Kitchener about 45 minutes from where I live. I thought there would be fewer people attending and less chance I’d be deprived again of my prize, which happened to be an immaculate ankle length pink 1960’s cocktail dress with black bodice beading.
A true treasure straight off the set of MadMen!
We arrived very early but STILL managed to be the forth and fifth people in line. What is it with these people getting up so dang early on the weekend?
However, after so much perseverance the illusive Estate Sale Fairy had granted my wish! Not only did they have that swoon-worthy Ginger-from-Gilligan’s-Island cocktail dress, they had others as well that were only just discovered on the morning of the sale!
No one else was even looking at the clothes so I didn’t have to fight anyone.
They were mine! All mine!
It was finally worth missing an extra three hours of sleep.
This week I’m showcasing some of the pieces I scored at that estate sale and thanking my lucky stars that the owner was almost the same size as me.
1980’s Vintage Dynasty Dress Styled Contemporary
The first dress I’m featuring isn’t my normal style, being both black and voluminious. 1980’s fashion is borderline vintage for me. This dress really reminds me of the dress I wore to my graduation which is made out of the same crepe material, and yes, I graduated high school in the early 1980’s.
As soon as I saw the sleeves and the neckline I thought, “Dynasty”.
It has shoulder pads but they are very small. I almost wish they were bigger because I have small narrow shoulders and I think it would help the drape of the sleeve.
The skirt is wonderfully full. This would be a great dress for dancing a ballroom waltz.
It may be a bit large on me, but I think it isn’t too noticeable with the belt. It does come with its own belt but I like the additional sparkle and colour.
What do you think of the dress?
I actually think it looks quite contemporary aside from the longer hem length.
I switched out my winter clothing for my summer clothing and it appears that somehow I now own too many dresses. How is that possible? I need a bigger house. Don’t call the hoarder police. I will be arrested on the spot.
I’ve decided I don’t have enough events to attend. My pug/agent/assistant isn’t booking me enough fancy cocktail parties and red carpet events. It may be time to start selling a few choice dresses on Etsy. Either that or get a new pug, which is kind of like saying, get a new husband.
Tempting…oh so very tempting…but a pain-in-the-ass to retrain someone new from scratch. I know you all know what I’m talking about.
Wednesday I’ll show you a truly unique 1970’s maxi dress I discovered at the same sale.
Linking up with Visible Mondays, Turning Heads Tuesdays,
Wow, beautiful! Stylish, vintage, feminine and black! Yeah! I love that wall with butterflies btw. Is it wallpaper or did you made that?
http://nancysfashionstyle.com/my-week-21-2/
I made the wall. Here is the link… http://suzannecarillo.com/butterfly-floral-wall-treatment-home-office-decor-ideas/
I also made the storage unit.
http://suzannecarillo.com/ikea-hack-pimping-an-old-ikea-wooden-cd-storage-case/
That dress needs some SERIOUS bedazzling! And yes, bigger shoulder pads!
Since I went to fashion school in the eighties, we learned how to build our own ginormous shoulder pads. Not sure if I saved my stash (they’d be buried VERY deeply in the garage), I bet they’re still available at the tailoring supplier in downtown LA.
This would be cute with some sort of corselet that would give you wider waist definition AND be extra sassy!
I had my one recent estate sale experience with all the waiting and numbers and it kind of scared me off. Way too many “collectors” in LA!
I know you have a degree Anne, so I am really risking it by saying that I don’t think the dress needs more shoulder padding. Those were the eighties, now it is 2016. The dress needs to adapt.
But your idea of some sort of a corselet is brilliant.
Greetje
I understand your point, Greetje. It just looks a tiny bit droopy and sad.
Also, I think the whole Dynasty and Power Shoulder thing is trending (again).
Oh gosh… I am behind on trends. Only picked up the “bare shoulder look” and the “wide cropped trousers” (not for me..).
Those collectors are SERIOUS! Once we went a wonderful sale FULL of clothing, one lady brought garbage bags and two rather large kids to stand beside and around her as she went through the racks taking everything.
Ha. Her own security!
I never went to a estate sale, but I thought number 35 was a good number – well, it depends on how many people would be there. I am glad that you got this fabulous dress, I myself am looking for the same style, but floral. It’s fantastic! Good that the size was OK, and maybe you can put a bit bigger shoulder pads. For me, the number of events I have depends on the place I am. Right now, much less than in the first trimester 🙂 But also OK this way, good to relax 🙂 Hope you have a very nice week! Bisous!
DenisesPlanet.com
Yeah, well I was #35 which meant 35 people entered the house and took all the best stuff before I got in the door! LOL There were probably 400 people there in total so I suppose it could have been worse. Truly to be a “real” estate sale shopper you need to be in the first five that enter the house, and even then what you covet can be taken before you spot it.
Have a wonderful weekend! Wherever you are spending it Ms. Globetrotter!
Suzanne this dress is just WONDERFUL on you!! Your beautiful face has lit up a bit more with this post. Don’t know if it’s the power of the “Bs” or just an overall healthy glow, or your successful scoring at the estate sale.
You’ve styled your prize perfectly; I love the belt.
FABULOUSNESS! !!
Thanks Marilee. I think I was channeling a bit of Alexis Carrington here : )
That dress is definitely one you could wear so many places!! I like how it’s more voluminous than other dresses!!
That belt is truly wonderful—-it adds all sort of bling to it!!
I think one of the things that makes you look more contemporary in it, is the red shoes. If you were wearing black shoes–it might appear more old ladyish?
You definitely need to be “going places”—maybe you need to start working as a party crasher?
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Ha ha! Great idea! Zoe and I will arrive together and crash parties. I have to watch her though, she sucks up to people and before I know it she’s had one doggie treat too many and is making out with the cat from next door.
I agree about the shoes. I had on black ones at first and switched them out because it was borderline “Granny Goes To Church”.
That dress is stunning on you! It looks amazing with your hairstyle 🙂
http://www.thebeautybeau.com/rompin-around/
Thanks! I don’t often curl my hair as it is naturally bone straight. The only time it really looks good up like this is when it is curled.
What a wonderful look….
A beautiful 80’s dress.
I was admiring your styling (great belt) THEN …I read about your 70’s find!
Yes!
I am super-excited to see that!!!!
XXX
Samantha
http://www.fakefabulous.com
I haven’t posted my 1960’s find yet but have added some sneak peeks on my Instagram. That is the one that attracted me to this sale in the first place. It is ALL THAT.
🙂 Oh, Suzanne, you lucky, lucky lady!
I’ve never heard of this kind of estate sale in Austria nor in Germany.
I’d even get up for something like that (and i HATE getting up early. Always!).
LOVE your dress. Looking forward to the Gilligan’s Island dresses and the one on Wednesday.
Have a wonderful week.
Greetings from Vienna xo .-)
I’m shocked they don’t have estate sales there. Whenever I go to the brocante in France they must be getting their loot from somewhere. They have LOADS of great stuff.
Estate sales have become more and more popular here and there are quite a few companies that put them on. Every weekend you can find them. The real collectors that know the value of the pieces are there VERY early though to nab the best items and the best deals.
I’ll have the Gilligan’s Island dress next week if I can get some decent photos of it. I have shown some sneak peeks on my Instagram though.
Oh my gosh…I can’t WAIT to see all the dresses you scored! You look beautiful in this one!
I haven’t been to an Estate sale in awhile. You’ve inspired me to go again!
#myhusbanddoesntthankyou 😉
http://whosaprettygirl.com
Ha ha! My husband also hates getting up and going, although he has also scored some pretty darn cool stuff at estate sales. In fact we furnished most of his home office with estate sale finds.
I equate estate sales to thrift shopping on crack. It is one crazy time. All the waiting and anticipation and then a big free-for-all. I always come out pumped with adrenalin. Insane right?
I agree — you don’t have too many dresses; you have a house that’s too small! I didn’t know there was such fierce competition at estate sales. I mean, a bargain is nice but not enough to wake up extra early.
Ha ha! Where is your competitive killer lawyer instinct? I guess it is only found in the courtroom and not while shopping.
Oh man, 80’s is vintage? I guess so :)! This is a beautiful dress, and looks wonderful on you with your hair. I haven’t been to an estate sale in years, but you’re tempting me!
Yes, Lana…hate to break it to you, but WE ARE VINTAGE.
Go and cry silently somewhere now. It’s okay. I understand : )
I have never been to an estate sale before but I would love to find some treasures at one. Although I think my anxiety level would go through the roof with waiting with a number and I probably would not be able to sleep the night before. LOL! I am so happy that you were able to finally scoop up a few great pieces! The dress is fabulous and I love the belt you chose to wear with it! Such a great combination!
Rebecca
http://www.winnipegstyle.ca/Blog/
That is part of the reason I like them. The anticipation, anxiety and stress and then the rewards or disappointment. It is a big adventure every time.
I have two of vintage dresses like that! I can’t fit into them anymore but I’m still holding on to them juuuust in case.
I’m like that.
I think this style of dress would look gorgeous on you!
I think this dress is a great find and the pairing of the belt is perfect with it. I personally am not a fan of anything sleeve that are exaggerated but I think you look great.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
It’s not something I would normally choose for myself, but I quite like it.
This dress is beyond fabulous…what a super cool find! It does have a Joan Collins Dynasty flavor to it which makes it all the cooler. The belt and the red pumps make it more current and more you. Can I just say that my heart stopped for a minute because at first I thought you had cut your hair short!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Ha ha! No, I still have the hair. When I was blond I chopped my hair often. I’ve had pixie cuts before. They don’t look good though since my hair is very fine, thin and straight.
Now that I’ve gone red I like my long hair. It’ll be a while I think before I cut it short again.
Wow! That dress was well worth the early start, it looks absolutely stunning on you. I love how voluminous the sleeves are and the fullness of the skirt.
Can you imagine how much you’d have to pay for a piece made so beautifully now?
Back in the 1980s I hated 1980s fashion and always wore 1940s and 1950s (cheap as chips back then). I’m really starting to appreciate it now – the over-the-top styling is wonderful – the last decade when fashion offered something truly different.
Your hair looks fabulous. Can’t wait to see the pink number! xxx
I also used to dislike 80’s fashion. Probably because it is still a bit too “fresh” (ha ha! sad to say!) in my mind. I feel like, “Weren’t we just wearing that last year?” Then I give my head a shake and realize it was 35 years ago.
Those sleeves!! What an utterly fabulous dress. Estate Sales sound like a bit of a fight, I’m not sure I’d be brave enough! x
I’m sure you could take someone down to get a really great piece Porcelina! They definately get the adrenalin pumping.
Really suave… This dress. Elegant, a bit “dont’t mess with me, I own blocks of houses”. Very good with the fun belt.
Greetje
PS all those hours waiting would put me off.
Ha ha! I *wish* I owned a block of houses!
I do own a pug though. Does that count?
Although she would argue and say she owns me. She isn’t far off the mark on that one either.
This is a real classic piece. You look so elegant and the belt just adds a bit of necessary dazzle. Bring on the next one – we’re all ready to be wowed a bit more! Estate sales seem to be a common thing across the pond, but I can’t say I’ve come across them here in the UK. Which is probably no bad thing, otherwise my closets would be bursting at the seams.
Anna x
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
I actually think you’d be immediately hooked. They are intense and addictive. So weird they don’t have them in Europe. I wonder what happens with the items from people’s estates when they pass away? I guess the family keeps it all in the family.
I’m loving the discussion of estate sales. We have them here is St. Paul Minneapolis
but I’ve never been and now I’m thinkin I’ve been missing a lot of excitement.
By the way Jodie, when I referred to “Bs” in my last comment I was referring to the vitamin, not b—–s/ female dogs. The dynasty gals were feisty babe’s though. 🙂
I like the dress- it doesn’t seem typical but it also looks contemporary, for sure.
there’s nothing like a state sale in my neck of the woods, so it was really interesting to read about them!, and they look like the kind of event which turns me into a greedy creature!
I love 80’s style (ohhh, Alexis Carrington!!) and love how you’ve styled your dress, it looks elegant and contemporary with a twist!
besos
Kudos to you for having the patience to queue up early to get into those sales! I think this dress looks gorgeous on you, but I agree with Anne of SpyGirl, it needs larger shoulder pads. You know I’m a fan of big shouldered 80’s jackets. A wider belt might look good too, but I like the colourful one you are wearing in the photos. The updo is a perfect compliment to the dress.
We all need to get new assistants who are going to get us invites to more fancy parties!