When the blog post about this haul didn't even exist yet, I thought it was too late for writing one, as I felt I was too far behind in the pictures and my first impressions/clear descriptions of the pieces. However, I got time to snap some pics a while ago, and then I started to write the blog post, so it became clear that I would want to complete it. Here's the result.
🎕 50s Purple Plaid Skirt (maggzh0 on eBay)
Let's start with this skirt I bought last December (yep, 9 months ago... though the other stuff is more recent, like from spring 2021...)
I had seen it about 1 month ago and loved it immediately, but it was quite expensive. I tried to forget it, but after regularly checking back if it was still listed, it was clear I really liked it and that kinda justified getting it in the end.
The first time I saw the skirt, the fact that it had a 27" waist was another reason that kept me from buying it. Eventually, I thought altering the waist wouldn't be such a big deal (and in fact, my mom only had to move the button a bit further on the waistband).
When I received the skirt, I was a bit disappointed by the number of loose threads (see above picture). My mom pointed out that the skirt was surely homemade (which would make sense since the seller mentioned that the skirt did not have tags).
Another unpleasant surprise was the dirt spots that hadn't been mentioned by the seller, and I don't recall reading a statement that despite a thorough inspection, the garment may come with small defects.
Some of them can be harder to find, but they're still noticeable.
The stains may be washable, I'm not sure. I should wash the skirt if it doesn't pose a risk for the fabric.
Nonetheless, the pattern and colour were exactly as expected, and I was relieved to see that the skirt was in a generally good state. I would've preferred the price to be fairer for the product received, but eh.
My mom made some small repairs to the skirt; she fixed the waistband and the belt loops that had loose threads and ironed the pleats. The skirt looks much better now. I'll try to pair it with a purple belt or an ivory one.
🎕 Butterick 50s Duster Sewing Pattern (22Curtis on Etsy)
If I remember well, I was googling duster patterns and found this one. I instantly fell in love with the one that had a bow at the back (see the red duster on the cover). A quick search on Etsy and I found the pattern in the size I wanted and fairly priced. The "search & buy" process for this item was exceptionally simple.
Again, lovely packaging of the item.
Love the pink bubble mailer and the gift-like wrapping of the pattern.
I haven't made the duster yet... and it probably won't be until next year since I've been focusing on work and school.
I spent a lot of evenings looking for sweater guards both on Etsy and eBay. Not because they're rare or looked ugly, but because they're quite expensive... I never expected this type of jewelry to be that costly. Unfortunately, I never got to see someone selling a sweater guard in an in-person store, so I'm not sure how much they go for when not listed online.
Also, the fact that I was picky with the look of the crocodile clips didn't help. I was particularly worried that bigger clips (with bigger teeth) risked damaging my clothes.
While looking on eBay one day, I saw this Barbara Lee sweater guard – still with its original card! – auctioned on eBay.
It wasn't cheap cheap, but it was definitely lower-priced than the ones on Etsy. Plus, the condition was much better and it came with its original card. I didn't hesitate to place a bid and ended up winning it.
The only thing I was hesitant about was that the pictures didn't show the crocodile clips of the sweater guard... arg and it's not the only one where the clips aren't shown! I should've asked the seller about it, but I was lazy and thought that if the clips did happen to be giant, I'd try to figure out a way to correct this...
The sweater guard looked even better in person.
Very shiny and looks totally new.
Fortunately, the crocodile clips are rather small, rounded but still sharp.
For sure not the worst on the spectrum!
This sweater guard is in amazing condition. Some pearls have been lightly "scratched", but it isn't noticeable unless you look at them carefully. Very satisfied with this purchase and I haven't been furiously looking at sweater guards whole evenings again.
🎕 Black & White Dress to Skirt Only
I previously talked about a beautiful black x white dress I got, for which I expressed my disappointment over the fact that the top didn't fit me.
Well, my mom unstitched the bodice from the skirt, and we brought the skirt (with its petticoat) to a seamster to have it made into a single skirt:
🖤🤍
This was such a great decision. The skirt fits even nicer, the amount of volume is perfect and I'm so happy I can now wear it.
I felt sad to throw the top away but remembered that it isn't as unique as the skirt and that it's fairly easy to find/make a similar top (and made of a better fabric). In my opinion, the skirt is what really made the whole dress stand out. Plus, having only the skirt means I get to pair it with other tops, blouses or cardigans (black or white mostly). This is pretty much even better. It provides many more outfit possibilities.
Note that I kept the matching bow/knot brooch on the top's collar (it would've been a disgrace to discard it along with the top...).
You can see the petticoat that the seamster successfully managed to keep.
Concerning the waistband, there was enough hem at the bottom of the skirt to use some to make it, but since I plan on wearing the skirt with a belt, I told the seamster that a black waistband would look perfectly fine.
The skirt would look FABULOUS with the sailor top in black from Fi.n.t. I bought the one in white and it has become one of my favourite tops. I'm not a fan of black fabrics prone to lint, but I had made an exception for this top. Since it didn't seem to sell well in all three colours (it was in stock for like one year on the website?), I didn't feel rushed to get it. Then during last summer, it turned sold out. Another thing I'll have to look for on Fril and Mercari, oh joy.
