Friday, December 07, 2007

Thrift store glamour

I temporarily lost my mind. I bought myself a Persian lamb coat.

Perhaps I should say that my husband bought me one for Christmas in absentia.

It cost $30, which is the most I've ever paid, especially at thrift store prices. It had just been hung on the rack. I slipped it on and instantly felt like the most glamorous woman in Goodwill.

This, while wearing stretch pants and no lipstick.

For a vintage coat, the cut is remarkably modern--car length, with a swing back and high collar. I imagine myself wearing earrings to Fresh Market and slipping into church with a clutch instead of the diaper bag.

I'll have to ditch the Crocs.

33 comments:

TJ said...

Meredith I can't count the number of times I've done something similar. Problem is I never quite live up to the glamorous image in my mind. The peanut butter that inevitably ends up wiped on my shoulder, and muddy footprints on the front of my pants don't help.

Even if you change your mind on the coat, I'm sure you could sell it and get your money back or even make money.

Anonymous said...

Meredith, The coat is beautiful! And you are so funny! Ditch the crocs, indeed! Thanks for the fun and informative blog.
Vicky

The Frugal Shrink said...

Beautiful! Don't let the glamorousness of it overwhelm you- you can just as easily wear this with jeans and boots (maybe not stretch pants, though.) ;)

Mrs. Fussy Fussypants said...

Wordpess? No Way. TYPEPAD is THE BEST!

OK, I an a typepad affliate, BUT I really do love it!

And I adore your new coat! How did I not see it in Goodwill? I'm slackin', I tell ya!

Have a great weekend, Darlin'.
Alli

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

I'm glad the thrift store was kind to you today. My trip yielded nothing. Hooray for such a delicious find! Enjoy.

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy for you.

Will you have it cleaned? Will the cleaners' bill eat your lunch?

I think I would have snapped it up too.

My thrifting today was $5/bag sale. I got a Northern Reflections cardigan; 3 pairs of Lands' End/Eddie Bauer shorts; a dress for DD#2; a skort, hat, and shirt for DD#1; and 7 metal bookends.

Enjoy!
Jora

Anonymous said...

And another thought: Isn't it WONDERFUL the things people donate to the thrift stores!

Jora

Tubo Family said...

I love how a great coat can jazz up any outfit and make one feel elegant so I say "hurray" for you. Unfortunately, my nursing bosoms do not fit into my glamorous black microfiber with (fake) fur collar belted short trench coat so I'm wearing a rummage sale wool & acrylic cape instead this winter. Practical but funky instead of elegant. Alison

Jeana said...

I think this is the funniest thing you've ever written. And I lvoe the coat!

"The most glamorous woman in Goodwill" snort.

GingerSnaps said...

Oh my gosh...that looks identical to a coat of my grandmaw's that she gave to my mother back in the 70s. Wow...memories just came flooding back to my mind!

Anonymous said...

That coat is beautiful. I hope that it gives you many many years of pleasure. I know I would be thrilled to own such a coat. (and I don't live where it is cold, it is 88 and the air conditioner is blowing as I type this) I think you would look beautiful even in a 'ratty' bathrobe. You have a beautiful heart. Thanks for the blog. Great find...Roxie (in Texas)

Rachel said...

LOVE the coat! I've found some great treasures lately, in my local fave. Course, you always seem to hit them more frequently...

Maybe I need to move to TN from NC...

Rachel

Anne Marie@Married to the Empire said...

It's lovely! And $30 is downright cheap for a good coat!

martha said...

Quick - wear it tomorrow. Otherwise it will sit in your closet unworn, while you wait for the perfect moment. And then you will never wear it. You will look splendid in it. Just throw it on over something simple, add some lipstick and maybe even dark sunglasses. Maaaaahvelous darling.

IF you ignore my advice and totally chicken out, please let me know. I'd love to buy it from you

~katie~ said...

What a steal!

Connie said...

You are so-o-o cute and funny, and I bet you look simply smashing in that new coat. Connie

Anonymous said...

That is just like the coat my mother owned in the 50's. Even the style is the same. Just shows you, good styling is never out of date. My mother didn't wear hers often, we lived on a farm and it just don't fit at the local farm dances. Enjoy!

LeBlanc said...

When I see this I think...Audrey Hepburn. Looks like you got a good deal.

TheNormalMiddle said...

You so, so, TOTALLY deserve it! :)

Michele said...

Love, love, love the coat! I bet you could even wear it with a baby strapped to your front. I need a thrift store like yours!

Bettina said...

What a great coat, good catch! Do yourself a favor, wear it! If you find that you are not wearing as much after a while because you don't like the style etc, get it redone. My mother has had her's redone 3 times over the last 40 years or so. No additional resources consumed, an updated coat into the bargain and because of the way they are constructed, you'll never know any work was done. Enjoy!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE your coat! I have one similar to it, & like you, found it at a thrift shop. It's so beautiful...I feel quite elegant every time I put it on. Congratulations on your find!

Brenda

Martha said...

I would not ditch the crocs forever - :) - just would not wear them with the coat!! LOL

What a wonderful find. Looks absolutly lovely on the hanger. I am sure you will wear it with style!

Blessings,
~Jane

Karla Porter Archer said...

that is beautiful!

~K

Anonymous said...

Wear it, wear it, Meredith! It's beautiful! I am amazed whenever I watch Red Carpet shows before an awards ceremony, at how many of the stars are wearing "vintage" this or that. People will be asking you where you got the cute coat! You'll be gorgeous in it. But you gotta promise you'll post a picture of yourself in this coat for us!
Susan

The Proverbs Wife said...

Meredith I have given you an award. Do not feel obligated to pass it on. I just wanted to recognize you and your blog. I really enjoy reading and visiting.

Hadias...proverbswife.blogspot.com

Amy said...

That is STUNNING! You are going to feel like total royalty wearing it and don't forget some Jackie-O sunglasses to complete the look! Great find- enjoy it!

Anonymous said...

glamorous and beauti-mous! have fun with it : )

deb meyers

BlondeMomBlog (Jamie) said...

That is gorgeous! What a find! :)

Lylah Ledner said...

my, oh my...such a find....i love it...may you wear it like the queen you are :-)

blessings
lylahledner.blogspot.com

Lisa B. said...

Beautiful coat!

Looks like we were shopping thrift stores at the same time!

I found me a brand new pair of fleece lined boots for $2.50 yesterday! Plus a few gifts for my son that I blogged about.

Love your blog.

Anonymous said...

looks just like my neighbors black poodle! lol

Heather Anne said...

My Grandmother had a very simular coat in the 40's - I think my mum still has the georgeous red fox fur drape that she wore with it for really special days. i have her black seeded clutch but ti need some re-inforcing. I have remade two of these coats for friends - altered to look more up to date, and both aterations were fabulous. A bright silk scarf is also an option to really make it your style! Enjoy!