I’ll often shop to avoid the summer heat, and I did so recently when the temperatures got to uncomfortable heights. I went to a thrift store that has booth areas for different vendors; the vendors all sell different stuff and set their own prices. It’s always an interesting mix of things. Some are carefully curated items. Others are handmade. And then you have some that you
know they’re just cleaning out their garage.
I planned on buying nothing because I didn’t
need anything. I got about halfway through the store and was pleased with myself…nothing caught my eye. Yes, there were some interesting items, but nothing I couldn’t live without.
Then I came upon a clothing rack with about twenty jackets and coats on it, and I
immediately knew these were quality items. These items didn’t feel piecemealed from thrift stores—they felt like they all belonged to one woman with expensive taste. Many items were nice but not my style. Then I saw this vintage tan coat with white fur trim that I
had to try on.
The large pockets, the stitching detail on the pockets, the hood, and the tie belt feels very 1970s to me. Although I’m often wary of anything in the brown family, (because the wrong shades make me look sickly), this tan was very neutral and flattering. It doesn’t say what it’s made of, but I’m guessing wool (whether 100% or a blend)—it’s a
very warm and heavy coat. I have very little knowledge of fur, but I’m guessing it’s rabbit.
And the back has a lovely pleating detail.
It’s a Youthcraft coat.
And it was union made in the U.S.A. It’s just so well made. [Sigh of appreciation.]
I admired the coat in the mirror and then took it off and put it back on the rack. I certainly didn’t
need another coat—I already had a
wine-colored wool coat and
gray wool cape that I loved. So I was on the fence on getting this tan coat. However, as I walked around the rest of the store, every so often I’d think, “Did anyone take my coat?”
That’s when I realized that I was going to buy this coat. I already owned it in my mind.
I bought the coat for $25. It’s in very good condition—no stains or holes. It does need a little mending where the lining is torn about three inches at the waistline, and both arms need a little stitching on the outside of the coat. But these are very minor things. I want to wear my new coat…but it will be some months before it’s cold enough to do so.
