Rummaging around for hidden treasures at annual Christ Church sale
“For the good stuff.”
That’s the reason one shopper, who wished to remain anonymous, and hundereds of others queued up as early as 5:30 a.m. Oct. 7 at the Christ Church Rummage sale.The nameless shopper was after top-notch electronics, while others were in the hunt for premium denim, fishing rods, handbags and furniture.
Skip Worth of Evanston was early, but not early enough to be first in line.
His mother, Beatrice Cooley, formerly of Evanston and now of Montgomery, Ala., and her sister Mikki Cheeks went to the other entrance and found themselves with highly desirable spots in line — Nos. 4 and 5.
“She pulled me out of my bed at 4:30 this morning,” Cheeks lamented.
While some didn’t want their names or faces in print, others were ecstatic to trumpet their scores.
Jaqueline Sabian of Wilmette found a pair of vintage Ferragamo riding boots, which originally retailed for about $700. Her deal? $25 firm.
While she didn’t need professional help, it never hurts to have a professional stylist in the family. Her daughter Mallory Sabian works on films and shops for a living.
The pair have shopped the sale for more than a decade, and Mallory’s decidedly expert eye led her to start the morning in the handbags room.
“It was kill or be killed in there,” she said.
Her instincts proved correct, as she found a vintage Gucci purse for pennies.
Megan Chadwick of Winnetka had her own mission: Outfit her son for his debate team competitions.
“He’s growing fast and going through clothes,” she said. “I can buy them here.”
But first things first: Prior to her launching her search for blazers and shirts, Chadwick inspected the dovetail joints on a dresser after claiming a Tiffany-style lamp.
“For the living room,” she said.
Ladies lined the hallway, velvet rope-style, to gain entry to the rummage sale creme de la creme: the French Room.
Volunteer Robin Anstaett from Winnetka held the coveted task of upholding the classic “one in, one out” policy that keeps the room from overcrowding.For those looking for designer apparel, cocktail dresses, fur coats and even ocelet pelts, this was the place to find it.Speaking of those furs, the first item out the door of the French Room was one such pelt.
“Ocelots are not endangered, they’re flourishing in South America,” Anstaett stressed. “Some folks were worried about the origins, so we checked.”
Seems the top tip is one for those looking for premium denim, which can retail for upwards of $200.
Marie Nehmzow of Oak Lawn found pricey jeans in the women’s clothing section, not the French Room.
“Joe’s, Citizens of Humanity, Sevens,” she said. “I got six pairs for $10 apiece.”
But those Ferragamo boots were the bargain that got away.
“Those boots are probably $700,” she said. “Go see.”
Originally published October 14, 2010 in Pioneer Press Newspapers.
Reposted with permission.