What one person throws away, another person might cherish. And sometimes, that cherished item is a beautiful gown crafted by a dressmaker from the Golden age of Hollywood. Kansas Michalke, a content creator and mother of two from Austin, Texas, has always had a talent for uncovering hidden treasures during her thrift store adventures.
The unexpected find in the thrift store.
The woman confessed that this passion for thrift shops stems from her childhood when her family didn’t have enough money to buy new branded items. “We were just simple little country people who go straight to the clearance section or thrift shops,” she said in the interview. However, she also mentioned that she was not ashamed of it.
This time, Michalke was doing her usual shopping routine. She was almost done with her shopping when she spotted a bright, shiny evening gown. Michalke remembered, “I saw the twinkle of the dress and I thought, ’Oh my gosh, this will be so fun to play dress up with,’ and I just tossed it in the cart.” She continued, “I didn’t look at the label. I didn’t look at anything. I was like, ’My daughters will love this.’”
It wasn’t until Michalke got home that she realized she had found something extraordinary. “When I typed in the designer’s name and I thought, ’NO WAY, THIS IS CRAZY!’” she recalled the moment she discovered she had just bought a gown crafted by a dressmaker from the Golden Age of Hollywood.
The fortunate woman continued, “And then that’s when I started doing full research on Oleg Cassini and discovered just how iconic he was.” Michalke bought a vintage dress designed by Oleg Cassini for just $15. At first, it was the sparkle and elegance of the dress that grabbed Michalke’s eye. But as she inspected it further, she admired the meticulous sequin work and the delicate pearl detailing.
Oleg Cassini was deeply loved by Hollywood’s elite.
Oleg Cassini was a legendary fashion designer known for his elegant and innovative creations, as well as his close relationships with Hollywood’s elite. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Cassini became synonymous with American fashion, dressing some of the most iconic figures of the era, both on and off the screen. His clientele included Hollywood royalty such as Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner, Gina Lollobrigida and many others.
Cassini’s designs were celebrated for their timeless elegance and attention to detail. He was particularly renowned for his mastery of the sheath dress, which became a staple of women’s fashion during the mid-20th century. His creations embodied the epitome of sophistication and grace, reflecting the glamour of the silver screen and the allure of high society.
Michalke’s find is unique.
Michalke and Marilyn Monroe, both in gowns made by Oleg Cassini.
What made the $15 discovery even more thrilling was how perfectly the dress fit Michalke. She excitedly shared her discovery on social media, where many users chimed in with their own Cassini-branded pieces. However, Michalke’s find was unique among them. The detail of the dress suggests it wasn’t a mass-produced item. Upon researching the tag, Michalke learned that the dress might belong to Cassini’s “Black Tie Collection.”
She explained, “It’s definitely ’80s or earlier because of how the tag is hand-sewn in, and they didn’t use machine sewing until the ’90s, so I know that it’s either ’80s or before, but there’s nothing else I can find on it.”
Despite her efforts, Michalke couldn’t find anything quite like her shimmering gown. “I can’t find anything like it, and so I’m thinking that’s what makes it even more special. Is it potentially like a one-off piece? Maybe a runway piece. I just don’t know,” she mused.
Though Michalke hopes to uncover more about the dress’s history and value, her main joy lies in sharing it with her daughters during dress-up time. “My four-year-old Memphis is obsessed with fashion, and her exact words were, ’Mom, this is iconic,’” Michalke shared with a laugh.
Michalke lives by the motto, “Boycott being boring,” and this find certainly embodies that sentiment. Her passion for thrift shopping and uncovering hidden treasures at Goodwill has motivated her to create a thrifting guide for others, packed with helpful tips on navigating the clearance rack to find exactly what you’re looking for. “There’s not a bad thrift store. I’ve never met one, and I go thrift shopping at second-hand estate sales, at least four times a week,” she shared.
Another fortunate woman found a $6,000 designer dress at a thrift store for $25, and she’s not even engaged. To take a close look at the dress, click here.
Michael Phelps’ Wife: Former Miss California and Her Stunning Support in His Struggles
The Olympic legend Michael Phelps, known for his extraordinary accomplishments, never ceases to wow fans with his combination of personal charisma and physical brilliance.
A remarkable 28 Olympic medals, including an unparalleled 23 golds, have cemented Phelps’s place among the greatest sportsmen of all time.
Phelps, who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 30, 1985, began swimming at a young age and went on to become a worldwide sports superstar. His outstanding Olympic accomplishments have established him as a champion of the highest order.
Whenever someone is discussing who the best Olympian of all time is, people like Usain Bolt, Carl Lewis, and Nadia Comaneci are usually mentioned.
But Michael Phelps is unrivaled in terms of the sheer quantity of medals. His twenty-three gold medals exceed the amount of the majority of Olympians, including some accomplished swimmers.
Other than the likes of Jenny Thompson, Matt Biondi, and Mark Spitz, no swimmer has ever achieved the historic number of gold medals that Michael Phelps has.
Beyond his in-pool accomplishments, Phelps has won love and respect from people all across the world. Devoted followers have flooded his Instagram with comments, referring to him as their “idol” and “legend.” Some have even confessed to having a “crush” or being “obsessed” with him.
Even though Phelps has had a fantastic sporting career, the public is also fascinated by his personal life. Upon accepting his awards for Best Record-Breaking Performance and Best Male U.S. Olympic Athlete at the ESPY Awards, Michael Phelps conveyed his happiness in commemorating these events with his family. He has a special place in his heart for the ESPY Awards because he met his wife, Nicole Johnson, there more than ten years ago.
Nicole Johnson is not just gorgeous; she has been a staunch advocate for Michael Phelps. She has demonstrated her dedication to their shared objectives by actively participating as an Ambassador for the Michael Phelps Foundation since 2015.
Johnson has a history in modeling and beauty pageants, and VC Star lists Miss California USA as one of her accomplishments in 2010. In addition, she placed second in the Miss California National Teenager competition in 2004 and placed in the top 15 during her debut compete at Miss California USA in 2006.
Viewers have observed Johnson’s grace in the pictures Phelps posts on social media. She is regularly praised by admirers who call her “cute,” “pretty,” and “absolutely beautiful.” Fans admire the couple for their close bond and remarkable appearances; they value their bond just as much as Phelps’s sporting achievements.
Nicole Johnson is an important source of support for Michael Phelps despite his outward look. She helps him deal with his worry and melancholy. Phelps has been open about his struggles with mental health and frequently gives his wife credit for her unwavering support.
Nobody else could provide me with the kind of support that she has. In an interview with Today, Phelps said, “She’s the glue that holds all of us together.”
Phelps and Johnson are parenting Boomer, Beckett, Maverick, and Nico, their newest kid, together.
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