As my Estate Sale obsession grows I attended yet another one last Friday.
A massive old house filled to the brim with authentic antiques. Through the maze of hidden rooms and passageways that are inherent to very old houses loads of treasures were waiting for someone to give them a home.
I was disappointed that I don't "need" more for my house honestly. The prices were excellent. For a brief moment I almost thought, I could buy a bunch and then resell them! Then my brain caught up with me and said, "Woa! slow down! That is all you need, a garage full of antiques. You are only a hop skip and jump away from full-on hoarder. " And as difficult as it is to walk away from amazing finds at these Estate sales that is just what I did.
Until…
I discovered hidden in a secret closet along with a rack of vintage professional ice skating costumes (wild right?) was this incredible coat.
When I saw it hanging there in all it's glory I literally exclaimed out loud, "oh hello! What have we here?"
I think the person behind me thought I was crazy.
That's okay. I'm becoming a "real" Estate sale junkie. I know they are a bit loopy after my near rumble with the Estate sale mafia.
The coat is called "The New Yorker" and it is made in Canada. (Hooray!)
I have never seen one like it. I am sure that it will keep me very warm this winter which is great since winter seems to have shown up like a terrible dinner guest this year…shockingly early.
The coat is heavy, and beautifully crafted. The name of the previous owner is embroidered on the inside lining. There is a deep pocket on the inside as well as a belt. I don't really understand why there is a belt or sash on the inside. Do you know what it's for?
I still can't believe it fits me. What are the chances?
At $35 it happily came home with me along with a couple of classic books and a tweed fedora from Ireland.
I added my belt since it was missing the orginal but honestly it doesn't look bad without it.
I asked one of the people working at the sale what they thought it was made out of and he thought it was sheep's wool.
This was the year I said I wanted a vintage coat and the Estate sale fairy deemed me worthy.
Although I'm happy with my find I can't help but feel a sense of sadness each time I enter someone's house at these sales. Knowing that woman was a professional ice skater, maybe toured with Ice Capades or something, loved needlepoint and cooking. Now her needpoint images were being sold for a few dollars. The costumes were $2. Her Gourmet and Bon Appetite collection of cooking magazines were free.
The reality that all of one's personal beloved possessions become worthless once we leave this earth is very sobering.
When you get right down to it, even though I enjoy collecting and searching for treasures, in the end we leave just as we came into the world, with our bodies. The only thing we leave behind are memories with those that loved us.
so cool !
That is quite an amazing coat, and an amazing deal! But I can definitely understand the sadness–our own possessions mean more to us than to anyone else, even those that have no monetary value. But we can only hold onto them for this lifetime–if even that long!
Ice skating costumes?! And you didn’t think of me?!!! (No reason you should, but I love costumes, particularly feminine ones.) Your coat is amazing.
Amazing coat! I’m intrigued by estate sales now – I’m going to have to start looking around here.
If you get this comment it means Typepad is working again!
WHOA–That coat is OMG unvbelievably FABULOUS!! Lucky you!!
I get sad at sales when there is a box of baby pictures and such. I often wonder why no one wanted them anymore…..
That coat looks gorgeous on you. I’m guessing it’s what they used to call “beaver” – actually sheepskin treated to look like fur, incredibly warm and so heavy. Most vintage fake/fur coats have interior sash ties. Keeps them snug and cosy. x
I do have similar feelings at Estate sales, a bit of sadness for the one whose belongings are offered up. As I am a decided thrower-outer, there probably won’t be a sale when I shuffle off. That said, woo-hoo to your new coat, it’s a beauty!
This coat is stunning and perfect
The length, the color, it’s just amazing and only 35$!
I know what you are saying about people belongings after their decease- Sad indeed, but lets put it that way, this marvel of a coat is a piece of her and kinds of relives through you -This coat is gone to a good home, she would have love it i think –
you state the end of your post so poignantly. I agree with that so much. In the end, we are organic beings and all the things in our life are just things that we can’t take away. But, having said that, during our lifetime we certainly enjoy the things and the memories we associate with most things.
That coat you have is just absolutely amazing. Things like that just cannot be found in modern stores today.
xo,
nancy
OMG, it’s GORGEOUS!!!!
We don;t, that I know of, have estate sales here. It’s more an auction thing. I’ve never been to an auction, nor an estate sale, they sound rather exciting!!! I often fret about what I’ve left behind at an opshop, but a gal HAS to be realistic sometimes! XXX
Do you collect them? These were very small in size. Let me know for future sales. Sometimes when thrifting I come across the wildest things and I’d pick one up for you.
I’m HOOKED on these Estate sales…they are like one huge box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.
And yes…the comments are working again : )
I agree. Seeing any photos left in the house is very sad.
Thanks for letting me know about the sash! I found where it is supposed to tie up on the inside now : )
Have you been to many Estate sales Patti? And if so, did you buy anything?
That is a lovely way to think about it.
I couldn’t agree more with your last statement. Dressing with originality is easier when you are thrifting, estate sale shopping, consignment shopping or vintage hunting. There is such a vast mix and almost all vintage clothing is better made that 95% of what we see in stores now.
As I age I find that being realistic is overrated. : )
Now seriously this coat is just the best! It was made for you, the color and fit is beautiful. Isn’t this the way life is? You just walk into what you need. I used to go to so many sales and antique stores with my Mom. I must do this again. When we were looking for our house we saw what you describe. Peoples things……..it is sobering, but true for all of us.
blue hue wonderland
I hope you didn’t bump into the mean bullies again. This coat looks very luxurious and that it will keep you warm during the winter months. Great find and great control on not buying extra furniture 🙂
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlfie.com
This coat couldn’t be more perfect for you if you’d had it custom made…beautiful! I’m sure the super cool lady who owned it is looking down at you with a huge smile on her face.
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com
I am totally addicted to estate sales! and super cute jacket.