A Vintage Story...

Hello my darlings!! Happy Wednesday to you...a couple of days ago I came across this story & I found it really interesting and thought to share it with you. It's the story of a Vervia Todd, who passed away last November and what was discovered in her home was more than they expected. Seriously, for anyone who loves vintage, antiques or any of that kind of thing...this is for you! Getting back to the story, what they found in her home was a treasure trove of over £100,000 of designer clothes that spanned over 70 years and had never been worn. 


Vervia started collecting these fine clothes after the death of her fiance during the second world war. She travelled each year abroad and her collection developed. Vervia was 92 when she passed away, she never married after the loss of her fiance in her early twenties, something to me told of deep sadness of a broken heart. Each year, she would by a new suitcase, take a trip, fill it with treasures, return home and stash the unpacked suitcase away in her home. Many of the treasures remained hidden away for over half a century, they even found some stuffed up the chimney. She closed off rooms of her three-story townhouse to hoard her vast collection for over 70 years. The house bit by bit fell into disarray and remained unchanged for decades. This is the home she had lived in since the age of one with her father, Sam Todd until he passed away and from then on, by herself. 


{Top photo of Vervia on her retirement day, above at aged 10 & below, with her mother and father on holiday}



Vervia never told her friends or relatives about her style stash, many of them only found out about it when they came to help in clearing out her home after her passing. Now that this amazing collection has been uncovered, it is set to sell for a staggering six figure sum. Which is some ways saddens me, she spent all this time building it up because there was something inside that needed healing, so I hope that in some way these clothes bring happiness to someone new, so that maybe her spirit will feel the happiness to. I know many will read this story and only see the clothes or other items left behind, but I wanted to highlight Vervia...a person who seemed to be trying to fill a hole that wasn't able to be filled. She loved beautiful things and I hope for even a moment they did bring her the happiness she wanted. We'll never know exactly why she bought all the items and never used them, we can only guess. But, I'd like to imagine this fine lady to be someone I would have very much enjoyed talking to...full of stories and adventures. Talking about the things she had experienced while browsing her collection over tea. At least in my mind, that's how I'd like to see this. 

After taking a hard-labouring year to get everything cleaned and ready, the items will go on sale, December 7, 2013 at an event in Vervia's house in Houghton le Spring, County Durham. I very much hope all the items will go to a great home and be taken care of. Special rare items may go to a museum, it never says where the money will go to after that. I hope some will go to charity at least. This may seem a sad story to share, but I think it would be even sadder if Vervia's story never got told, her clothes will go to homes & maybe a museum, but she'll most likely be forgotten and I didn't want that!

Well, I hope you enjoyed & wish you a marvellous day dolls,
loves & loves
xoxoxoxoxox


To see original article for more pictures & info, see here



{Whole rooms in her home had been blocked off and unopened for years} 



{Journalist Emma Pearson wearing a 1940's Fred Howard satin cocktail dress with a 1920's fur & diamante clutch & 1950's shoes}



{Vintage dealer, Paula Donaldson looking through the collection that spans over numerous changing fashions}


{1940's satin dress, never worn}


{Cotton Day Dress from the 1950's}


{Above:1950's Day dress featuring a hunting scene. Below: silk printed 1930's dress. Pristine condition.}



97 comments

  1. Thank you for this magic storyand the pics. I am drooling over the Cotton Day Dress from the 1950's,ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    Love an sunshine, my dear friend.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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    1. You're welcome!! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Love and sunshine to you my sweet!

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  2. wOW this is an incredible treasure & story, many thx to share it with us ! And I was so pleased to read your com on our last post Love Queen Doll ! M-C

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    1. My pleasure doll, always a joy to come to your blog doll xx

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  3. She had so many amazing pieces.....poor woman, her story i so sad....

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    1. her story is sad, I just hope the clothes will go to someone and bring them happiness that maybe she didn't have x

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  4. This is such a beautiful story, I hope they all go to a good home x

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  5. Oh gosh it's actually really quite sad. I hope the clothes brought her a bit of joy and that she was happy at times. So sad but yet poetic in a strange way. Happy wednesday Kizzy, a xxx

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  6. Wow, what a story! And what lovely clothes! Have a lovely day! xx

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  7. What a sad story, hope it has a happy ending. I would have loved to page through the collection though, I have a new found love for vintage after visiting fashion week in Milan, and with times of past grandeur and bygone era, vintage remains charming. Beautiful post!!!
    FF

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    1. I would loved to go through the things as well. I just hope she had some happiness in some way xx

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  8. the story is not happy,... she had so much lovely clothes...
    kisses!

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    1. Yes, in a way it wasn't a happy story. I just hope that others will read, so she is not forgotten xx

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  9. so interesting- thanks for sharing it!
    happy wednesday.
    Maren Anita

    FASHION-MEETS-ART by Maren Anita

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  10. What a story. Thanks very much for sharing my beautiful friend. The dress second from the bottom reminds me of many of the dresses by Bernie Dexter.

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    1. You're welcome doll :) My pleasure. I love these kinds of stories. It does look like something from Bernie Dexter's line. xx

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  11. This lady is incredible, just an absolutely amazing story, thank you for telling us all about it Doll.

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  12. What a sad story ... Thanks for bringing it to light, dear doll. I hope the money from the sale of all these treasures is intended for a good cause, Vervia deserves that ....

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    1. You're welcome. I hope the money goes to charity as well x

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  13. What an amazing story but so sad that she never wore any of these beautiful pieces. I wonder why? I do hope that some of the proceeds from the sale will go to charity ... it seems only right. Thanks for highlighting her story ... I'm off to read up more about her. M xx

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    1. I wonder why too. Maybe she just liked buying them, not sure. Just sad really. xx

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  14. Nice story, thanks for sharing it! All are master pieces!
    www.theforeignergirl.blogspot.com.es

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  15. That is such a special and beautiful story! The dresses are all so pretty :)
    Have a lovely week Doll!

    Love Bodil,
    www.Bodil-Lois.com

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    1. Am happy you enjoyed it. Have a gorgeous week lovely xx

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  16. I love that blue dress! And her name is so pretty!

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  17. Hello! We have just found your blog and we´ve liked it very much! We follow you! :D Hope you like our blog too J
    We send you a very big hug!
    www.melodiasporescrito.com

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    1. Thank you very much. Of course, my pleasure xx Big hugs x

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  18. What a great story and these dresses are so pretty!!!! Thanks for sharing this!
    xx Easy Outfits, by Pip

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  19. The story is pretty amazing, the LOVE for her fiance is so strong that it never cross to her mind to get married with someone else. The collection of treasure, is just WOW! Thanks for sharing.:)
    http://pinayexplorer21.blogspot.com
    http://wish4less.blogspot.com

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    1. Am glad you enjoyed it. I thought that was the best part of the story, so special. xx

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  20. What a great story, thank you so much for sharing!

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  21. Kizzy this is such and unbelievable story!!! But has something magic in it. Thanks for sharing!!
    xoxo
    Patricia

    http://misstoptenimage.blogspot.com

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    1. Am happy you enjoyed it doll. I thought it was really interesting. xoxox

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  22. Wow..such an interesting story! I hope her collectible pieces find a great home! Hope you are having a wonderful day!
    -Jyoti
    Style-Delights Blog

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    1. Thank you. I hope they find a great home too. I am having a great day doll, I hope you are as well xx

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  23. what a great story! this made my day ;) thks for sharing

    x
    sartob

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  24. Vervia was an interesting lady and how amazing is her collection of gowns and dresses.

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  25. I like these stories too doll, am happy you enjoyed it xx

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  26. Hi Kizzy! Oh poor, her story is really touching, she must have felt heartbroken. You know, I have a huge passion for vintage (accessories first, love use them in a modern combo) so I'm really drooling over the treasure they have found. Kisses dear, hope your day is going fine! xo

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    1. Hi Lilli! I think she was heartbroken in ways too...I just hope she had some happiness in life. Maybe it was the buying of things and going to places. Yes, I love vintage...it's my favourite!! There were so many treasures found here. Kisses to you doll, my day is going great, I hope your's is too xo

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  27. OMG im sooo jealous of her, a vintage collection!!! kisses from http://justohana.blogspot.com.es/ feel free to stop by ;)

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  28. What a remarkable story, regarding those vintage goodies, but wow to have rooms and clothing barely untouched and worn it so interesting. I would love to peruse through those pieces myself! :-) Have a great day! x/Madison

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  30. Amazing story! =)

    http://mypetitecorner.blogspot.com

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  31. I can't believe she kept such a large collection hidden so long. I would have worn so many of those pieces.

    Come enter the Boy Meets Girl personalized hoodie giveaway as part of my holiday gift guide!
    http://www.ohtobeamuse.com/2013/12/inspiring-style-muse-holiday-gift-guide.html

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  32. wow what an incredible story! :D that is such an amazing find! :)

    katslovefashion.blogspot.com

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  33. OMG! this is amazing! I would kill for a wardrobe like this!! And I love vintage pictures!!! I love this entry! ♥♥
    http://dhariascloset.blogspot.com

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  34. OMG! thanks for sharing thisstory with us, I definetely don´t understand why she never wore all that clothes... But one thing I know, she had an incredible taste...
    kisses

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  35. The collection looks like it's amazing but what a sad sad story!!! Clothes and jewelry and dishes and furniture are to be used, love, worn and appreciated. Well I hope she at least tried them on and got enjoyment from them by herself from time to time. Such an interesting story Kizzy, thank you for sharing.
    xo Mary Jo

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  36. You don't know how I love vintage markets!! I'm in love to found out some amazing pieces at low costs!

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  37. This is a fascinating story. It is sad that she never married after her fiancé died, I wonder why? Did she travel by herself to purchase these clothes? I hope too that she will find happiness, love and peace wherever she may be. Her collection is amazing. I hope too that the sale will be successful.

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  38. cool story. I love vintage clothes...they can always be brought right back to life!
    xoxo, Ty
    http://www.toastandgrits.com

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  39. Hi Kizzy,
    It's a sad story. I hope she felt better every time she bought a dress. She must have dreamt of wearing them with her fiance in heaven. Thanks for sharing.
    Love,
    Hang
    http://poumlamode.blogspot.com

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  40. Wow! I wish I knew why she did that. So tragic about her fiancee. She had a broken heart that never mended. Those dresses are so beautiful. Amazing story. I hope the money goes to charity. It's something that she didn't leave a will. This touches my heart. God bless her soul.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  41. what a beautiful and sad story, thanks for sharing dear.
    really tragic story, but at least she reunited with her fiance...
    have a lovely day,
    S

    % % % SALES have started at http://www.sugarlanedesign.com/

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  42. I am stunned and amazed. Her story is just so touching. All those clothes.... and she just never wore any. Thank you for sharing.

    http://www.thefashionstirfry.com

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  43. In some way it is a sad story, but totally worth to be told to homage Vervia. I imagine her having fun and being pampered and cherished during her shopping trips. Thank you for sharing Kizzy, you are an angel on earth <3
    Love
    Coco et La vie en rose
    Coco et La vie en rose on Bloglovin
    Coco et La vie en rose on Facebook

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  44. Love the Dresses ,how gorgeous <3

    big Hugs :*

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  45. This is such a sad yet beautiful story! I hope that the money of the auction will go to charity as well so that Vervia won't be forgotten. Thank you so much for sharing this! Happy Thursday sweetie!

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  46. Lovely story. Looks like a bunch of fun treasures.

    Peace, Love, & Good Chocolate,

    PARIS // www.CharcoalAlley.com
    instagram: @CharcoalAlley

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  47. I really like such old vintage photographs, they are simply magical and allow us to look through times. It gives me shivers! Thank You for sharing such a nice post!
    Wish you a blessed day ahead!

    www.svetusvet.com

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  48. Sad but beautiful. In a way I can relate to her. I wish I could see her treasures up close!

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  49. Awww this is such a fabulous story my dear, I really hope they'll find a perfect closet to live <3
    Xxx doll

    Carolina

    www.the-world-c.blogspot.com

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  50. Wow, what a story! My heart goes out to her for not finding another love like her fiancee. I imagine that she found quite an outlet in beautiful clothing and also hope her clothing brings joy to someone else!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  51. oh dear kizzy, i love how you are able to bring the forgotten gems to light! vervia's story is indeed a sad one and a story that alot of people are living...trying to find happiness or meaning in things. i hope she was able to find some peace and this amazing collection of fashion and history will not only be displayed and purchased by others, but be a way for her spirit to live on.

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  52. Wow, her home is heaven! It's so sad that the treasure lost it's owner though! Lovely story, thank you for sharing!

    Fashionably,
    Patricia
    http://wingsforliberty.com

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  53. hellow! her home is heaven ;)))
    www.sandicious.blogspot.com

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  54. What an amazing collection that she had! Such a shame that she didn't ever wear these pieces! They are just so stunning! I hope anyone that gets them makes to cherish them!

    Rebecca
    www.winnipegstyle.ca

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  55. Amazing! These would make a great exhibition - with vintage fashion show!

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  56. i heard about this lady too! it´s really absolutely amazing that she collected so many to die for dresses, but how could she resist never wearing any of them? i would dress up everyday with a wardrobe like that;)
    love and kiss,mary
    http://www.maryloucinnamon.com

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  57. BEautiful story and pics, thanks for sharing! Kisses, Lucy www.tpinkcarpet.com

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  58. Very impressive and intrigueing story!

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  59. Wow, what a fascinating lady/story. The clothes are beautiful.

    Tracy @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights

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  60. I love that dress with the riding scene on it!

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  61. Wow! What a story, thanks so much for sharing! XO,

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  62. It's an amazing story, I wonder why only buy so many things for storage, I hope that the sale was intended for a good cause, thank you for sharing this story!

    www.urbanikamoda.blogspot.com

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  63. Wow! What an extraordinary story, Kizzy! So glad you wrote about this one - interesting to read and amazing to see what she collected over that time. What a treasure trove! :)

    xx

    http://vintagetearoses.com/

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  64. what a remarkable story! She created a museum of some sort by collecting all these clothes, really it should be photographed and examined in detail. I hope the clothes will see a new life and I hope they have brought her at least some satisfaction.

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