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A Vintage Affair (2009)

by Isabel Wolff

MembersReviewsPopularityAverage ratingMentions
9707621,649 (3.84)51
Fiction. Literature. Historical Fiction. HTML:“A captivating story about the power of friendship . . . More than a novel, it is a recipe for happiness.”—Anne Fortier, New York Times bestselling author of Juliet
Every dress has a history. And so does every woman.
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Phoebe Swift’s friends are stunned when she abruptly leaves a plum job to open her own vintage clothing shop in London—but to Phoebe, it’s the fulfillment of a dream, and her passion. Digging for finds in attics and wardrobes, Phoebe knows that when you buy a piece of vintage clothing, you’re not just buying fabric and thread—you’re buying a piece of someone’s past. But one particular article of clothing will soon unexpectedly change her life.
Thérčse Bell, an elderly Frenchwoman, has an impressive clothing collection. But among the array of elegant suits and couture gowns, Phoebe finds a child’s sky-blue coat—an item with which Mrs. Bell is stubbornly reluctant to part. As the two women become friends, Phoebe will learn the poignant tale of that little blue coat. And she will discover an astonishing connection between herself and Thérčse Bell—one that will help her heal the pain of her own past and allow her to love again.
BONUS: This edition contains an A Vintage Affair discussion guide and an excerpt from Isabel Wolff's The Very Picture of You.
“Romantic and sumptuous, this is a must for fans of vintage dresses and vintage romance.”—Hester Browne, author of The Little Lady Agency
“This colorful new novel has something for everyone. There is mystery, romance, great characters, as well as London and France.”Naples Daily News

“Deftly blends past and present, romance and mystery, and a theme of forgiveness and redemption.”—Mary Kincaid, HuffPost.… (more)
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English (76)  Spanish (2)  Swedish (1)  All languages (79)
Showing 1-5 of 76 (next | show all)
A Vintage Affair hit the spot! The main character, previously employed by Sotheby's in London, opens her own vintage clothing store. We peek into the lives of the people who come to sell clothes and people who come to buy. We also meet boyfriends and friends from the past. Just a warning that this is not a bubble headed always feel good story, included is a character who is haunted by the betrayal of a Jewish girl during WWII and the death of the pirmary character's best friend. A really good read that will keep you engaged until the last page. This is the first book I've read by Isabell Wolff but will be looking for more. ( )
  clue | Oct 3, 2022 |
Molto bello. Isabel Wolf ci accompagna in un viaggio nel tempo tra Londra e Avignone, storie d'amore e di amicizia si intrecciano con finale a sorpresa. Da leggere tutto d'un fiato, impossibile stacarsene. ( )
  Lillymao | Aug 4, 2022 |
I like the plot...but if the story has to do with "a little blue coat" why is there a hot pink dress one the cover.

Just a little thought
  Litrvixen | Jun 23, 2022 |
How appropriate to buy a book about vintage clothes in a second-hand book store? When I saw the book, I fell in love with the cover. The summary was intriguing, so one plus one equals I had to have the book. Please, don't think it is a fluffy read; oh no, it isn't. It is very well written, filled with excellent characterizations, a compelling plot (for that matter, many plots), deeply researched concerning vintage clothing.
A Vintage Affair is about our regrets over relationships that have ended, how to forgive and move on. The necessity of forgiving so that we can move on. The necessity of accepting the truth so that we can move on. The sadness when it is obvious that even with forgiveness, the relationship cannot be repaired--the tragic parts will always be hanging in the background, casting a spell of gloom over all potential happiness. The acceptance that sometimes it is impossible to gain forgiveness because the other party is gone will make you figure out how to make it right and forgive yourself.
If you love reading about the recent past, especially about beautiful clothes, and if you enjoy reading something that will stir your emotions and cause you to think, this is the book for you.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Isabel Wolff soon.
  AvigailRGRIL | Jan 7, 2021 |
Cute, light read. I would've given it four stars, but I got really annoyed with the bratty daughter and spineless father. Also, the descriptions of clothes were fun for a while, but there were just too many. ( )
  tiasreads | Dec 11, 2019 |
Showing 1-5 of 76 (next | show all)
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Epigraph
What a strange power there is in clothing. - Isaac Bashevis Singer
Dedication
In memory of my father.
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"...seven-teen, eight-teen...nine-teen...twenty! Coming!" I yell.
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Wikipedia in English (1)

Fiction. Literature. Historical Fiction. HTML:“A captivating story about the power of friendship . . . More than a novel, it is a recipe for happiness.”—Anne Fortier, New York Times bestselling author of Juliet
Every dress has a history. And so does every woman.

Phoebe Swift’s friends are stunned when she abruptly leaves a plum job to open her own vintage clothing shop in London—but to Phoebe, it’s the fulfillment of a dream, and her passion. Digging for finds in attics and wardrobes, Phoebe knows that when you buy a piece of vintage clothing, you’re not just buying fabric and thread—you’re buying a piece of someone’s past. But one particular article of clothing will soon unexpectedly change her life.
Thérčse Bell, an elderly Frenchwoman, has an impressive clothing collection. But among the array of elegant suits and couture gowns, Phoebe finds a child’s sky-blue coat—an item with which Mrs. Bell is stubbornly reluctant to part. As the two women become friends, Phoebe will learn the poignant tale of that little blue coat. And she will discover an astonishing connection between herself and Thérčse Bell—one that will help her heal the pain of her own past and allow her to love again.
BONUS: This edition contains an A Vintage Affair discussion guide and an excerpt from Isabel Wolff's The Very Picture of You.
“Romantic and sumptuous, this is a must for fans of vintage dresses and vintage romance.”—Hester Browne, author of The Little Lady Agency
“This colorful new novel has something for everyone. There is mystery, romance, great characters, as well as London and France.”Naples Daily News

“Deftly blends past and present, romance and mystery, and a theme of forgiveness and redemption.”—Mary Kincaid, HuffPost.

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Description From Early Reviewers Page:

Every dress has a history. And so does every woman.

In Isabel Wolff’s captivating A Vintage Affair, a treasured child’s coat becomes a thread of hope connecting two very different women.

Her friends are stunned when Phoebe Swift abruptly leaves a plum job at the prestigious Sotheby’s auction house to open her own vintage clothing shop in London—but to Phoebe, it’s the fulfillment of a dream. In the sunlight-flooded interior of Village Vintage, surrounded by Yves Saint Laurent silk scarves, Vivienne Westwood bustle skirts, cupcake dresses, and satin gowns, Phoebe hopes to make her store the hot new place to shop, even as she deals with two ardent suitors, her increasingly difficult mother, and a secret from her past that casts a shadow over her new venture.

For Phoebe, each vintage garment carries its own precious history. Digging for finds in attics and wardrobes, Phoebe is rewarded whenever she finds something truly unique, for she knows that when you buy a piece of vintage clothing, you’re not just buying fabric and thread—you’re buying a piece of someone’s past. But one particular article of clothing will soon unexpectedly change her life.

Thérèse Bell, an elderly Frenchwoman, has an impressive clothing collection. But among the array of smart suits and couture gowns, Phoebe finds a child’s sky-blue coat—an item with which Bell is stubbornly reluctant to part. As the two women become friends, Phoebe will learn the tale of that little blue coat. And she will discover an astonishing connection between herself and Thérèse Bell—one that will help her heal the pain of her own past and allow her to love again.
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