I'm a Second Hand Hound

Its Me LuLuBelle2 · ‎10-12-2016

I've mentioned before that I'm a bit of a collector. I hate to see things from our past, made right here in America, discarded and tossed away without a thought. We used to actually manufacture here! My biggest love is depression glass (primarily pitchers). I also collect art deco powder jars (my favorites are elephants) and deco dresser sets. Vintage chicken salt and pepper shakers and pitchers also bring me a smile. As do old post cards which I frame. Lately I've been collecting 1960 paper dresses (only those in original packages).

Now, for something I don't ever think I've mentioned, I'm a huge second hand clothes collector. I'm now retired, but in my day I had to "dress" for work. I have suits and day dresses from primarily the 40's and 50's (a few from the 60's) that I bought for a song. They have the "union label" in them and I wore them to work (and still wear on occasion). About 9-10 years ago I was in one of my haunts that I scout for my collectibles. They have a small area with used clothing. I bought a suit that had a Chanel label, the jacket had the chain in the hemline to weigh it down. It was in pristine condition. I really wasn't 100% sure if it was legit, but thought it very may well be and plunked down my $50 to buy this beautiful suit. I've worn it infrequently as I view it as something for a special occasion. Three days ago my husband and I went to a pretty high end restaurant in NYC to celebrate a big anniversary and I wore the suit. I was approached by a woman asking about my outfit. Turns out it IS a legit Chanel from the 50's and I was offered $3,000 for it!!! Nope didn't sell it, won't sell it, but thrilled I own it!

Lapdog · ‎12-18-2012

What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing. Happiness is contagious.

sunshine 919 · ‎12-22-2013

@Its Me LuLuBelle2 wrote:
I've mentioned before that I'm a bit of a collector. I hate to see things from our past, made right here in America, discarded and tossed away without a thought. We used to actually manufacture here! My biggest love is depression glass (primarily pitchers). I also collect art deco powder jars (my favorites are elephants) and deco dresser sets. Vintage chicken salt and pepper shakers and pitchers also bring me a smile. As do old post cards which I frame. Lately I've been collecting 1960 paper dresses (only those in original packages).

Now, for something I don't ever think I've mentioned, I'm a huge second hand clothes collector. I'm now retired, but in my day I had to "dress" for work. I have suits and day dresses from primarily the 40's and 50's (a few from the 60's) that I bought for a song. They have the "union label" in them and I wore them to work (and still wear on occasion). About 9-10 years ago I was in one of my haunts that I scout for my collectibles. They have a small area with used clothing. I bought a suit that had a Chanel label, the jacket had the chain in the hemline to weigh it down. It was in pristine condition. I really wasn't 100% sure if it was legit, but thought it very may well be and plunked down my $50 to buy this beautiful suit. I've worn it infrequently as I view it as something for a special occasion. Three days ago my husband and I went to a pretty high end restaurant in NYC to celebrate a big anniversary and I wore the suit. I was approached by a woman asking about my outfit. Turns out it IS a legit Chanel from the 50's and I was offered $3,000 for it!!! Nope didn't sell it, won't sell it, but thrilled I own it!

Wow what a cool story. Maybe you can post a picture

Big Sister · ‎05-15-2010

What a fun, exciting story. Congratulationss on finding a treasure.

qualitygal · ‎10-04-2010

@Its Me LuLuBelle2, Your story of the suit is very cool. A few years back there was a show on t.v. about a woman who bought clothes that way, (like you) she rented them out to women for special occasions. It only was on for about one season, but I really enjoyed it.

meallen616 · ‎01-10-2013

@Its Me LuLuBelle2,

Great story, thanks for posting,

queendiva · ‎03-12-2010

@Its Me LuLuBelle2: Happy Anniversary!

$3000.00 on a $50.00 investment? I would have met that woman at the nearest ATM or bank and removed the suit from my body on the spot before she could change her mind!