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A little bit of history

December 16, 2013

One of the great things about buying antique and vintage clothes is to imagine the history behind the pieces. Unless we have something that belonged to a family member, sometimes it is difficult to know where it came from or who owned it. When I get that rare glimpse of it, it is a fantastic feeling. I ordered this beautiful 2nd World War American nurse cape off Ebay. I was extremely surprised when the receipt printout came with a handwritten note, that I felt was imbued with love. It reads:

“Sara,

Do hope you will enjoy my Great Aunt Maude’s cape. She was a fine lady and very dedicated to her profession.

Regards, Roberta”

That got me imagining what Maude looked like. How did she dress? What did she see during the war? If only our clothes could talk. All I can do is cherish it and wear it to my heart’s content.

Details: Cape – Vintage American Nurse cape from Ebay, Dress – 70’s vintage, from Vintage Basement in London, Boots – Rocket Dog (via TK Maxx), Cardigan – H&M, Peace Belt – Primark, Head Scarf– Moschino (via TK Maxx).

I’m joining Patti’s Visible Monday, as it has become a habit.

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24 Comments

  • Reply Connie* December 16, 2013 at 05:33

    Oh how sweet. You KNOW I Love things like this. Well, you must certainly be channeling Maude’s nursing skills because you certainly make me feel better.

    • Reply Mrs D December 18, 2013 at 15:05

      Good! It’s the power of my magical cape!

  • Reply Kizzy @ The Dainty Dolls House December 16, 2013 at 09:41

    That is wonderful…it’s one thing I love about vintage clothes and other items…the story and history they have. What a gorgeous cape and it’s so sweet the note that was put in there too. You look great, it suits you perfectly!! Have a fab new week doll xx

    • Reply Mrs D December 18, 2013 at 15:06

      Thank you my lovely!!! Have a lovely week you too!

  • Reply Amber of Butane Anvil December 16, 2013 at 11:44

    Wow, how dear is that!!!

    • Reply Mrs D December 18, 2013 at 15:07

      I know! I was extremely happy!

  • Reply Patti @ NotDeadYet Style December 16, 2013 at 14:21

    Oh, I love this story – that your cape was worn and loved by Maude. And you look fabulous in it! Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday.

    • Reply Mrs D December 18, 2013 at 15:07

      You’re welcome. thank you for hosting it!!!

  • Reply Vix December 16, 2013 at 16:05

    How lovely, a piece to treasure! So good to know a teeny bit about the original owner, too! You’ve styled it to perfection! x

    • Reply Mrs D December 18, 2013 at 15:08

      It really is a treasure! It makes me warm up inside, these little stories.

  • Reply Curtise December 16, 2013 at 16:40

    What a lovely note to receive. I always
    I particularly enjoy buying vintage that has some personal history attached; I have bought various items in EBay which have been listed by the original owner who has written about when they first bought them, I’m a sucker for that! It’s a great looking cape, wish my mum still had hers… xxxx

    • Reply Mrs D December 18, 2013 at 15:08

      That’s fantastic! I never had that luck, unfortunately! xx

  • Reply PinkCheetahVintage December 16, 2013 at 20:04

    That is so gorgeous and so special! The note <3

    • Reply Mrs D December 18, 2013 at 15:11

      It really is 🙂

  • Reply ariane December 16, 2013 at 21:14

    Hi Sara,

    What a wonderful post! Getting a note with the garment btw, the cape is beyond words!

    Hugs

    Arianexo

    • Reply Mrs D December 18, 2013 at 15:11

      It was a wonderful surprise 🙂

  • Reply Hollie December 16, 2013 at 21:47

    That’s beyond cool. Note, cape and all!

    • Reply Mrs D December 18, 2013 at 15:15

      I know, right?

  • Reply Jan Graham-McMillen December 17, 2013 at 20:19

    That, for me, is the best thing about vintage anything. So sweet to have the note. I had some luck once doing a Google search on a relative, long deceased. I used the image search, and found a considerable number of clues that way … just a thought.
    You look sweet and retro-romantic in your new cape!

    • Reply Mrs D December 18, 2013 at 15:16

      That’s really cool. I really wouldn’t know where to start with this one, though…

  • Reply Connie* December 18, 2013 at 16:12

    I showed this post to my husband and it blew his mind. He normally has zero interest in fashion blogs so I was pretty surprised. We both agreed that you have awesome fashion skills. Of course, I already knew that. 🙂

    • Reply Mrs D December 19, 2013 at 10:32

      That’s fantastic! I’m glad I can appeal to more than just those interested in clothes 🙂

  • Reply Jocy December 19, 2013 at 21:42

    OMG this is so cool! Fashion nowadays has become kind of a ‘fast food’ concept that it doesn’t tell a story anymore. Could you please digg in and find out what Aunt Maude was like? Where did she use the cape? What were the situations? Would be cool if you could recreate some Aunt Maude scenes using the cape! 😀

  • Reply ollieotson December 22, 2013 at 01:00

    oooh,ja nao basta a capa ser linda e estar cheia de ‘historia’ mas o bilhete foi lindo.

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