Brrr, it's cold. My coats and hats are on rotation, and you may not see a denim jacket again on this blog till Spring.
I know winter has truly arrived when it's too chilly for a denim jacket.
I'm road-testing this 1960s coat, but it may not be destined to stay in my wardrobe.
As much as I like it, there is something off about the proportions.
Perhaps it's that halfway house/car coat length; I look as though I'm wearing a child's coat. In fact, the whole outfit feels like something I would have worn when I started school on 1968.
And I'm not sure what I think about that.
Wonderful label though!
1960s Horrockses wool coat, 1960s St Michael skirt, 1950s mohair scarf, 1980s Japelle bag, and everything else apart from the boots - charity shopped
Wednesdays are fast becoming my favourite day.
The couple who donated the vintage fabrics and clothes last week came back with an epic load of clothing and linens. I persuaded the manager to let me price some up and put them out in the shop, and two 1960s jackets sold within minutes. Everything looked a bit smarter after a going over with the steaming machine, and I deliberately priced the stock very reasonably in the hope that it would sell and therefore prove the point that there is a market for vintage. (And then I tipped off a friend to go and look, and she bought several pieces.)
So I am optimistic that all this manoeuvring means that the shop will develop a vintage rail, and if I can be in charge of it, so much the better.
In addition, look what will be heading for Ebay this week;
Early/mid 1960s jackets, coats, dresses and a suit...
1970s tweed waistcoats, dresses, and a maxi skirt with tags...
early 1960s lace and knitwear.
And a late 1970s panne velvet dress by Mary Quant. I assume it is from a range she did for a catalogue, so sadly it doesn't have the value of her earlier designs. And it's something of an oddity amongst the more classic styles of the other donations, but maybe the lady who collected all these treasures had a disco moment. Good for her.
The couple are coming back next week with more. The manager specifically requested they bring their donations on Wednesday as I will be there to sort them (no one else wants to) and I am overjoyed. I know the volunteers are amused by all of this, and by me, but there is a business point to be made here; vintage sells. The charity is missing out on much-needed revenue if they overlook this.
So - my plan is to sell the above stock on Ebay and give the proceeds to the shop (minus my fees). It's for the greater good. And of course I will have the opportunity to buy for myself along the way.
Like the red Horrockses coat. Although I think I've changed my mind and that can be sold too.
If you are interested in any of the pieces here, email me and I'll give you the details and my Ebay seller ID. I'll be listing this little lot either today or tomorrow, but if anyone is keen to buy, get in early for a price and I'll happily sell direct to keep the fees down. Everything is a wee bit musty and needs a good airing, but I've washed what I can, and there are some great labels.
What were the chances that I would start to volunteer at the charity shop just as this lady's house was being cleared by her relatives? If they had brought in all these donations before I started, or on another day, everything would have ended up in the rag bag.
Sometimes the universe moves in wonderfully fitting ways.
Classic 1960s English-made heritage label wool coat for sale - make me an offer. It's all for charidee, folks!
I'll be showing my wares over at Patti's for Visible Monday.
Have a great weekend. xxx
