March 19, 2011

The Most Amazing Vintage Skirt I Ever Did See

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On a random afternoon I ducked into one of my favorite vintage shops in LA and happened upon a late 40s circle skirt. At first glance there really wasn't much too it, it's pale maize yellow with faded doodles all around.

BUT THEN... upon a closer inspection...

signatureskirt

Names of people, of places, and even dates! "How curious!" I thought. "What a strange and fantastic textile pattern." I wore it the very next day and was peering down at the dates when I noticed spots along the hem which appeared like ink spots. And a few signatures barely legible.

Could these be ACTUAL signatures? Not a textile print? Later that afternoon I rushed back into the vintage shop and inquired about the origins of the skirt. And here is what I was told...

signatureskirt1 signatureskirt3 signatureskirt2

"The skirt was purchased at an estate of a lady who had worn it during her travels, and when she traveled, if she met some interesting and friendly folks, she would have them sign her skirt. The illustrations were all hand drawn and hand painted. Some of the signatures have faded away since she didn't always have the right pen. But, yep, all those signatures are authentic!"

Now... as someone who has always answered the question "What do you love about vintage?" with "Because I become a part of the story of this garment of clothing"... this little back story to my vintage skirt made me feel like I had sprouted wings and was dancing on cloud 9 with the vintage gods.

I flitted and floated on home and was very extremely tempted to twirl my way down the sidewalk past curious onlookers as I literally skipped home.

For those that sell and collect vintage, this is what it's all about isn't it? That happy magical feeling when you know you now possess something so special to someone at one point in time and you'll treasure it as much as she previously had.

And yes, I will be adding my signature to the skirt. :)
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19 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 19, 2011 4:00 PM

    What an amazing find! This would definitely become a display piece on my dress form. Though I'm glad you actually do use your vintage treasures!

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  2. NellyMarch 19, 2011 4:28 PM

    What a great find,I love the feeling a part of the history of an item too and would have been so happy to find this skirt well done.

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  3. Penelope NightingaleMarch 19, 2011 6:38 PM

    Oh my goodness, this is just a mind-blowing find! I actually got chills when I saw it up close and read about it. This find is what makes hours and hours of vintage treasure hunting so worth it.

    Bethany

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  4. brittany - moccasin runMarch 19, 2011 7:18 PM

    what an amazing piece. it's not a skirt it's a story :)

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  5. avintagespirit (Lizzy)March 19, 2011 8:02 PM

    Wow, what a truly amazing find. That's what's so great about vintage, you can always imagine the story that went with it and it's previous owner, and it this case you have the story right on the skirt :)

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  6. Elise / PennyweightMarch 19, 2011 9:23 PM

    Oh my goodness... this is so amazing. And I couldn't agree more about vintage. Love!

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  7. MeaganMarch 19, 2011 10:01 PM

    That is a great story. You're so lucky to have found that piece!
    -Meagan
    http://spunkychateau.blogspot.com

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  8. Bruklyn BelleMarch 19, 2011 11:59 PM

    That is absolutely amazing! The one downfall of vintage is that I get soooo curious about where things come from, who wore them, where they were worn... You're so lucky to know the whole background AND have the history literally written all over the garment. What a gem!

    xo, Bruklyn

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  9. LouiseMarch 20, 2011 12:32 AM

    This story has made my day.

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  10. Lulu GreyMarch 20, 2011 6:04 AM

    What a great story and an awesome skirt. I love the small stories behind our ordinary things in our lives.

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  11. MirandaMarch 20, 2011 9:35 AM

    That skirt is amazing! What a wonderful find. I would have skipped and twirled all the way home, too :)

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  12. boldasloveMarch 20, 2011 3:13 PM

    What a beautiful find!
    I hate to be practical here, but will you be able to wash it??

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  13. the Citizen RosebudMarch 22, 2011 1:28 PM

    This skirt is freakishly amazing! What a find! -Bella Q
    the Citizen Rosebud

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  14. AnonymousMarch 23, 2011 8:01 AM

    Amazing skirt, amazing story!

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  15. Rachael // ParadersMarch 24, 2011 12:52 PM

    absolutely stunning!!!

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  16. ChristyApril 12, 2011 9:40 AM

    I'm so glad you linked this post in your comment on my blog. This is precisely the reason I love vintage clothing so much! Every garment carries a vast history with it, but yours is literally marked by all the people it has met. Magical. <3

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  17. AnonymousAugust 17, 2011 8:45 AM

    Agree its really good not like others,Best dress ever.



    Laby[mens dress shirt]

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  18. fashionformJuly 13, 2012 11:56 PM

    This is such a charming dress and it’s my favourite colour! I just love this style!

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  19. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2013 5:56 AM

    what a fantastic idea :D

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Thank you for taking the time to leave me a little comment, I do try to respond back as often as I can. Have a lovely day! xoxo - Rodellee

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