this is my luggage.
up until the other day it is all i had for travel.
larry bought it for me about 15 years ago.
i remember the matching rolling luggage that went with it but was way out of our price range.
my weekender has worked well for me - taught me how to pack light.
but recently...what do you think i found at the goodwill?
uh huh.
its sister.
together again.
finding this was like finding a needle in a haystack - probably harder.
some people would say i'm lucky but i think it is has more to do with tenacity.
so the next time you think the goodwill or salvation army doesn't have anything good in it, you might want to think twice. in all honesty this piece is in better condition than my piece. it looks like it has maybe been used once or twice.
now i just need somewhere to go.
have a wonderful weekend.
xo
janet
That's great Janet. That looks very nice. You are very lucky.
ReplyDeleteWow Janet! I never have this kind of experience at thrift stores. I went just yesterday after a months absence and there was nothing and it was even ewwww, more than I remembered. The past 2 years, because of the great stories I'd heard on blogs, I was a didligent thrifter, several times a month, usually twice a week (or more). My sister was skeptical and advised me that I'd just wind up with a bunch of old stuff in my house. Very few purchases have made the cut after I decluttered this month. What is your trick to finding such treasures? It could be my location in the midwest? You manage to make vintage look great!
ReplyDeletesweet!! a lovely reunion indeed! I hear that a lot too, that we've lucky with all our antique finds, but it really is just about tenacity and the hunt. many a trips we return empty handed, but you can't give up!
ReplyDeletexxojoan
p.s. they are just completing a huge new good will not too far from us and can't wait to see what shows up!
AMAZING! There are no coincidences and I think a travel opportunity must be headed your way. I love the set. Classic. ~Lina
ReplyDeleteHa! I think the deals find YOU! I find the best stuff at Goodwill and SA. I`ve trained myself to look there first. The money saved is mind blowing. Love this find, Janet!
ReplyDeleteWas your porch floor always painted in stripes?
s
xo
I have tenacity too and I have never found such a good treasure! I think it's a sign...you are destined to travel.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually headed out today to do a little thrifting, although my chances of finding something as good are probably very low. California thrift stores seem to be a little more upscale than Nebraska ones!
Good Find! Here the thrift shops now have people to find all the goodies and they separate them and price them accordingly, so no longer can we find treasure. It's become big business.
ReplyDeleteTalk about sweet serendipity! It's a sign Janet.
ReplyDeleteWhat chic luggage. Congrats on your fabulous find. My local Goodwill does not have the quality items that you can find in other parts of the country. Just not worth the bother. On the other hand, my local thrift stores and garage sales can be great for home furnishings.
ReplyDeleteI love the way arranged your pictures and paintings on the wall. I have been trying to hunt down picture frames and mirrors at the local thrift stores to make an arrangement of family photos along the wall going upstairs in my house.
w☼w!
ReplyDeleteHoly smokes! What a find.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of finding - I just found your blog and I'm so glad I did. Enjoying reading back through your posts.
kindly,
Jenny
How lucky for you ! They belong together ! :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful find! I rarely see things like that in our Goodwills or SAs. One question, do you worry at all about getting bedbugs or other crawly things? I love some of the things I see at garage sales, etc., but that is always in the back of my mind... Although I have never known it to happen to anyone! I do agree, it's a sign that you have a special trip in your near future.
ReplyDeletei don't worry about either:)
DeleteIf you are worried about bedbugs, moths or anything of that ilk--one word: HEAT. You can put almost anything into the dryer as long as it is DRY. Dry cashmere does not shrink...and set it on medium (typically about 130F) for about 30 mins or or high (about 160 F) for about 10 mins and NOTHING WILL SURVIVE. The proteins of all stages of the life cycle (egg, larva, adult) are denatured. DEAD. Or if it is a hot day, just put them in your car and park your car in the sun and it will easily get to 130F in there in an afternoon and again, kill everything. Museums are now using heat to sterilize textile collections because it is safer and more effective than chemicals. Just a suggestion. I now do this routinely on anything second hand that I am not washing or dry cleaning.
DeleteTo be on the safe side, heat will kill all stages of insect life forms (egg, larva, adult) of any insect (moth, bedbug, etc). Dryer is the most efficient (10 mins on high, which is about 160F) or about 25 - 30 mins on medium (130F) will sterilize any bedding, cashmere sweater etc. And do not worry--wool and cashmere do not shrink if heated when dry. Another option for things that might not fare well in the dryer (though you would be surprised at how well most things do in there) is to put stuff into a car on a hot sunny day and park it in full sunshine. It will get up to 130 pretty easily and again, kill everything. otherwise, wash or dry clean. A plastic bin with a lid in the hot sun also works to cook the contents (in fact, this trick works for anything that might have pantry moth eggs that needs to be sterilized)
DeleteThanks for the tips! What do you do with larger pieces , like furniture? Heat as well? Carefully inspect?
DeleteHi Jill,
DeleteI have not worried as much about furniture (wooden--obviously a sofa could have bed bugs) but if you had a friend with a minivan....you could always heat treat a smaller piece of furniture the same way. With antique veneer, changes in temperature and humidity can cause cracking...always a risk to be aware of. But the biggest risk of bringing things into the home are probably moth eggs (which might be on sweaters with no visible moth damage--in fact they are riskier than those that have already been eaten since those moths have flown the coop so to speak) and possibly other vermin on clothes, so I would focus on that mainly.
Thanks again for the information.... I guess with all the bedbug news I was focusing on them, but moths are most likely to sneak in! Now I just need to have some luck- our thrift stores do not have a lot of exciting things. The antique malls/consignments are a bit overpriced. But you never know! And it is really fun to look.
DeleteGood things come to good people. I'm so jealous! (But not in a mean way.) Our GW stores in Memphis never have anything that I like. And that smell. Ewwww.
ReplyDelete....I know....how to get past the smell......and mine never has brand name either!
DeleteLaura
Good for you, Janet! I will say - I imagine that Goodwill in California has a little better stuff than Goodwill or Sally Anne where I live. I have only seen one or two coach bags in the whole province!
ReplyDeleteAwesome find. I pop into the goodwill on occasion and find a great deal, but this find is like the holy grail of great deals!
ReplyDeleteOh, what a happy find, and how elegant. You will have to travel somewhere special now, Janet! (England? But wait until it has stopped snowing!)
ReplyDeleteMany times I end up leaving empty handed, but sometimes I find a treasure! My kids needed laptop cases for new school laptops. My neighbor spent $35 at Bestbuy and I found one that is better quality for $3.00 at the Goodwill. It never hurts to stop there before buying something new.
ReplyDeleteJanet, I love Goodwill....and your new suitcase. I've been looking for a chair for my family room and found a La-Z-Boy in Goodwill, marked down to $12.50. It is in excellent condition. I cleaned it thoroughly and everyone thinks it's brand new.
ReplyDeleteIn comparison, I need a new bathroom rug, 24" X 40" (appx.) and I found just what I wanted in a big name retailer. $69.00!! I did not buy it. Crazy.
are you kidding me?!?! just when I think I cannot go to goodwill anymore...you give me hope! what a great score!
ReplyDeleteit was meant to be.
ReplyDelete:)
Congraulations on your find!! What a blessing. Our Goodwill has now opened up a "Boutique" and only put in all the high-end stuff. Needless to say, it's no longer a bargain. Rats. SS
ReplyDeleteExcellent find - they look so good together!
ReplyDeleteI think you are on a roll...
ReplyDeleteperhaps you'll win a trip to go with the luggage!
No way! That is just the best story! I am so glad for you. I do hope you find you self traveling soon. Have a beautiful weekend!
ReplyDeleteExcellent find! I think it's in the cards - someone is about to offer you a trip. I wish I could pack in an over nighter. 2 check-in and a carry on and a "hand bag" (biggest tote know to man). I can't help myself and I seriously work at light packing!
ReplyDeleteOh well. Have fun with your matched set:)
Sincerely,
Miranda
SF Bay Area
You deserved to find it. What a fantastic looking set.
ReplyDeleteI assure you, the Goodwills here don't have Coach bags. Only poor people. Only in California...land of wealth and fashion!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a find!!!! Good for you! Now you'll have to go somewhere good and use it.
ReplyDeleteA complete set! And in such beautiful condition...can't imagine anyone getting rid of those Coach bags.
ReplyDeleteAmazing!
ReplyDeleteGreat score - so pretty. So do you think you take more luggage now you've found the sister bag?
ReplyDeletei think it will be great to have this companion piece for longer trips. if i ever take a longer trip.:)
DeleteJanet, with rest of the crew in thinking there's more travel in your future. Happy landings and wonderful memories wherever that matched set take you.
ReplyDeleteI think its a sign too. A trip must be in the mix and some writing too.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations-they are both so lovely! This post is a wonderful reminder that anything is possible to get at a thrift store - with enough patience :)
ReplyDeleteI dream of finding treasure like this, Janet. Well spotted.... Seek and thee shall find xx
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteWow, what a fabulous find! Such a beautiful set. Congratulations!
Don't you just love these finds? I know I do!
ReplyDeleteToday I found a decanter designed by Tiffany & Co. at Habitat for Humanity.
Yup.
I won't tell you what I paid.....
Okay...well, you can come here janet. You have my address. I know it's not luck, it's never ever giving up....I keep stopping at thrift stores and am often discouraged, but the other day I founds some really cool vintage napkins, fresh from the laundry. I was standing next to a very well dressed older gentleman and he was looking at them...Just his look made me think I had found something great. We walked out and he drove away in a car that costs more than a house with Vermont plates....I would love to see his shop. I'm sure he has one.
ReplyDeletesee you soon! Oh and your matched set of luggage is gorgeous!
xo
annie
Hey, Janet, didn't I just suggest that you take a few days off and enjoy them in Ojai or Santa Barbara or Idyllwild...places not far from Redlands, relaxing and not too spendy. Palm Springs are has great thrift stores! Now pack up and go!
ReplyDeleteThat was some find!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!! What a find. I bet you couldn't believe your eyes when you saw that piece.
ReplyDeletebtw - I love seeing a new post from you in my inbox! It truly makes my day brighter.
~Angela
What a wonderful find. Are you planning to take a trip soon?
ReplyDeleteAs I read this, the song "Reunited...and it feels so good" kept rolling through my head....and then I would literally giggle out loud. I know it's silly but I had to share. That is one gorgeous set, by the way, and I'm glad I was laughing....to keep from crying (I love thrifting and consignment but I never get quite that lucky!).
ReplyDeleteOur thrift stores don't have "great" finds because the employees get first shot at donations. They hold items back for their own purchase. I don't know how common this practice is, though.
ReplyDeleteDear Janet
ReplyDeleteCongratulations - it was meant to be! Like others, I'm sure it's a sign.
In Oz, the best finds are usually in shops in or near the more expensive suburbs. I enjoy Op. shopping though many times there's nothing. But occasionally there are treasures. In our local Salvos have found designer sunglasses, Dior, Prada and Gucci. In other places have found Hermes scarves which appear never to have been worn, and even a Balmain sportscoat for my husband. Yesterday at our local Salvos the woman next to me bought a fabulous Mulberry black leather handbag, only slightly worn.
I work once a week at our local church Op. Shop as a volunteer and love it. It's amazing the things that come in and the wonderful community spirit of most of the donaters. It's a very happy place. We're very careful to ensure that our shop does not smell eww. We sort very thoroughly and mend and iron. Things not suitable for our shop we recycle on to other places. So our clothes are all fresh and clean, there is dried lavender in bowls and usually fresh flowers in a vase on the counter. Donating and buying from Op Shops is a way of gving thanks for our own blessings and helping others in the community. Best wishes, Pamela
I think it's your location. I live in a low income city and they don't even have major dept stores here. I stopped by Goodwill a lot last year looking for worn jeans to garden in. Yuck. Polyester garbage. I even have popped in Goodwill in Dallas. Not much there, either.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful piece of luggage. Your persistence has paid off. Many folks do not realize that the deals are found by going into thrift stores on a regular basis. My husband and I looked for months for a desk. Finally found one...in Redlands GW for $80 (third trip). At first I thought that was a bit high for a thrift store. Turns out his desk is an 'executive' type desk made by Paloi, Inc. They do not sell to the general public....designers, government etc only. I'm thinking his desk cost new...maybe $1500+ based on my searches. It is solid cherry, and took three strong men to get it home.
ReplyDeleteI am always on the look out for 100 percent linen clothing. I am shocked how many times I find brand new clothing still with the tags.
Have you tried Deseret Industries store in Calimesa? Lots of great designer clothing there. Also, Angel View in Yucaipa. Recently picked up a brand new RL linen shirt for my husband, $4 after the 50% off color discount.
blessings, jill
yes, love the deseret and angel view. both great places.;)
DeleteThat luggage is beautiful, what a great find! Like others, my Goodwill does not seem to have the upscale items that you occassionally find. Enjoy your Coach "sisters".
ReplyDeleteWow . . . it was meant to be . . . together again! Great find indeed . . .
ReplyDeleteSerendipitous! Love matching luggage sets. This suitcase will teach you how to overpack, like I do.
ReplyDeleteso cool.
ReplyDelete-suzanne in illinois
You are a lucky girl, what a great bag. I must go to Goodwill more often.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't have gone a better home or a nicer person Janet... am thrilled for your wonderful find... How lovely. S x
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on finding the bag! I love the thrill of the hunt at Goodwill. Your bedroom is so pretty. What is the pretty white on the walls? It makes a restful mood!
ReplyDeleteall the walls, trim and cabinetry in the house is painted benjamin moore's simply white.:)
DeleteI can't believe you found that! I don't usually have much luck at the Goodwills down in San Diego, very hit and miss and sometimes a little pricey for a thrift store. So what did you pay for the luggage?
ReplyDeleteEvery once in awhile I get lucky at a garage sale or estate sale. I went to a garage sale today near my house and ended up talking with the homeowner for a long time because it was slow. She asked me if I would like to go to an estate sale sometime with her. It's not every day you make a new friend out of it!
Linda
xo
nice story linda. i paid $150.
DeleteGreat find! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteJanet - I really like the small dresser you are using as a nightstand. I have been looking for something simalar for myself and not having luck finding anything like it (except for something made of pressboard sold at kmart) I have looked at thrift and furniture stores.May I ask where you found yours?
ReplyDeletei found it many years ago at the deseret, a thrift store in my area. it's solid maple and cost $8. ;)
DeleteFantastic! I am going to keep looking.
DeleteI wish I could visit your Goodwill!
ReplyDeleteAmazin" I have found some treasures and it is a great feeling! Classy set of Coach!
ReplyDeleteI was pretty happy with my 12.00 radio from last weekend until I read this post.
ReplyDeleteFabulous. If you travel our way we can turn on the radio and dance!
xo Jane
Such a great find! And I agree with others, there's a fun trip in your future.
ReplyDeleteI do think your location has a lot to do with your great finds. I'm tempted to go to So. Cal just for the thrifting!
Wow! How excited you must have been to found that! How often do you go to the Goodwill? How many thrift stores do you frequent? How have you fine tuned your shopping so that you don't make mistake purchases?
ReplyDeletei go to the gw about once a month. and every once in awhile i go to a few others. but mostly stick to the gw. hmmm, i don't know about the fine tuning. i still make mistakes but i'm getting better...i think.:)
Deletewell these stores do have the best return policies--just re-donate any mistakes and take the tax deduction. Voila!
DeleteWow! What a fab find. Good will stores here make me feel kind of sad so I tend to avoid them. People's cast offs and single mothers shopping with small children make me feel guilty buying things there. I guess that sounds kind of weird. I love vintage, second hand stores though. What a gem you've found, Janet.
ReplyDelete
DeleteDear Lisa
Don't feel guilty about buying in Op. shops because what you spend is used in good works of different kinds to help those who are in need, after the shop's expenses like rental and power etc are taken into account. In Oz, most people who work in Op.Shops are like me, volunteers. Depending on the size of the shop, the manager usually is paid though often not much more than pocket money, but the rest of us are not. Some people are afraid to buy because they think they might be taking things that disadvantaged people need. But most Op Shops have so many donations of goods (we were absolutely snowed under with donations when we re-opened in the New Year) and need to sell them to whoever wishes to buy (to pay their expenses and then help the needy). There are always plenty of goods available for people who buy in Op Shops out of necessity.
It's also good for the environment that clothes and goods get re-used in this way.
Best wishes, Pamela
Thanks, Pamela for the info. That's a great reminder that the $ goes to a charity. I won't feel that way again! :)
Deleteand lisa i'd like to add that one of my favorite thriftshops here in redlands is run by volunteers and every dime they make goes to a dentistry service to provide free dental work for all no or low income families. so i really feel great donating to them and also buying from them. :)
DeleteThat's excellent, Janet. I'm up in Canada though, wish I could contribute.
DeleteI can not imagine anybody else, walking this planet, who could treasure this find more than you do!
ReplyDeleteWow...great find...good eye!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Linda :o)
Holy crap- It's so chic and looks BRAND NEW! SCORE!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSuper sorted, good for you.
ReplyDeleteYay!! Friends tease me, but I readily admit that GW is my favorite store. Sometimes it takes some digging, but there are great things to be found ... at even greater prices. Yesterday I did a preliminary purge on my closet, and I took a bag of 35 shirts and sweaters, and one formal, to GW. I returned home with FOUR new pairs of pants (Express and Levi's jeans, J Jill corduroys, and a pair of Tommy Hilfiger cropped jeans for summer). The wonder of this haul of new pants is that I have really long legs and all of these pants were Talls! (except the cropped jeans, of course.) Having just cleared out my closet, I even have room to store my new pants.
ReplyDeleteI kept wondering why you - and not just you, but many US-bloggers - find beautiful deals at thrift-shops whereas in Vienna you could find mostly wornout things: In the US people have always been comsuming more stuff compared to Austria. The multiple creditcards etc ...
ReplyDeleteAs consequence they give away stuff that is still in mint condition, because they would not know where to put the new stuff.
In Austria people use to buy less and keep their stuff for a long time. There is no pressure to let go of things since you mostly buy when something old is broken or needs to be substituted. The goods at thrift stores don't shine anymore but have scratches, stains etc.
Since consumerism is on the rise in Europe, things on display in thrift stores should become more attractive (unused, new stuff) in Austria, too ... in the near future.
you are right paula. it is very common here to find things in thriftshops with the original price tag still on them. also, very, very gently used things are quite common too. especially pants and shoes.
DeleteOh, shoes! You would not want to get close to them in our shops. They are an absolute no-no, and I am not just speaking for Adrian Monk in this case ;-) *yikes*
DeleteHow do you constantly do this????? SCORE! I think the thrift fairies live in your pocket. I never have your luck.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, what are the chances?! It was so meant to be! You will certainly have to travel somewhere just to use it...even if it's overnight in your same town. LOL!
ReplyDeleteMazel tov! To all those doubintg the GW, I hear you! I would say my GW has a 90% rate of failure to produce any treasure...but just finding one treasure one time is worth it :) keep looking!
ReplyDeleteJanet, I covet your toile comforter.
I am also from chef background and love to enjoy reading new things. I have come some advice to about culinary classes dixie CA. Thanks for sharing.....
ReplyDeleteWhat an excellent find! I had a similar, though not as exciting, experience recently: I tried on a suit jacket in an op shop (as we call them in Australia) that was nice and a really good fit, despite my weird proportions that make buying tailored clothing a nightmare. But I didn't think it would go with anything in my wardrobe so in the end I left it behind.
ReplyDeleteMonths later, in another local op shop, I found a skirt that I was sure was its partner, and kicked myself for not buying the jacket when I had the chance. The next morning I went back to the first op shop as soon as it opened on the off chance that the jacket might be there and sure enough it was! I snapped a photo on my phone, raced across the street to the second shop to confirm that the skirt matched, bought it, and raced back to buy the jacket. To top it all off, they were having a half price sale on jackets that day! It cost me $11 for the whole suit.
It was only a cheap brand, but what's especially amazing is that the two pieces were different sizes. If I had found the suit as a whole it wouldn't have fit me, but luckily a my-shoulders-sized person owned the jacket and a my-bum-sized person owned the skirt and they both happened to donate them.
I agree that tenacity is a huge factor in finding awesome things at op shops. I do think there is a little bit of luck too though, that's what makes it so exciting!
I keep checking in...maybe you and the girls (your luggage) are traveling together!! Went to Goodwill today...the entire time I'm looking around I'm thinking...I wonder what janet would find that I'm not seeing!!
ReplyDeleteI love that, what a fantastic story! I do envy your thrifting skill/luck; you uncover some real gems. This story made my day; enjoy your glorious set of luggage!
ReplyDeleteWow just wow, someone is definitely on your side - what a wonderful coincidence.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little late, but I think it's definitely time to break that luggage in! So glad you found it!
ReplyDeleteTim
Оригинальные таблетки Плавикс (Plavix) исключительно производства компании SANOFI (Франция -54, rueLaBoétie-F-75008 Paryż-Francja) по цене 360 гривен за одну упаковку №28 (28 таблеток содержащих 75 мг.
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