Kansas Michalke, a content creator and mother of two from Austin, Texas, is no stranger to finding hidden gems in thrift stores. Growing up in a family with limited financial resources, Kansas developed a passion for thrift shopping at an early age. “We were simple country people who went straight to the clearance section or thrift shops,” she shared, adding that she’s never been embarrassed by her humble upbringing.
One day, during a typical visit to a local thrift store, Kansas stumbled upon a glittering evening gown. “When I saw the sparkle of the dress, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this will be fun to play dress-up with,’ and I just threw it in the cart,” she recalled. Assuming her daughters would enjoy the dress, she didn’t bother checking the label or price.
When Kansas got home, she realized she had found something truly remarkable. After researching the designer’s name on the label, she was stunned to discover it was a gown by Oleg Cassini, the legendary designer responsible for dressing Hollywood icons like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. And she had purchased it for just $15.
Who Was Oleg Cassini?
Oleg Cassini was a renowned fashion designer in the mid-20th century, known for his elegant and innovative creations. His designs were worn by some of the most famous women in Hollywood, including Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, and Audrey Hepburn. Cassini’s work, particularly the sheath dress, became synonymous with glamour and sophistication, making him one of the most sought-after designers of his time.
@kansasmichalke THE most ICONIC Goodwill find to date!!!! A vintage hand beaded dress by Jackie Kennedy’s favorite designer, Oleg Cassini… and it fits perfectly?!? IM OBSESSED 🥹✨ #goodwillfinds #goodwillfind #thriftfind #vintagefashion #jackiekennedy #vintagedress #thriftedfashion #vintageclothing #thriftedandstyled #thriftstorefinds #thriftingqueen ♬ Oui, Oui, Oui, Oui – Sacha Distel
The dress Kansas found, with its intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship, appeared to be a unique piece, not something mass-produced. Upon further investigation, she suspected the gown might be part of Cassini’s “Black Tie Collection.” Kansas noted, “It’s definitely from the 1980s or earlier because of the hand-sewn tag.” Despite extensive research, she couldn’t find another dress quite like it, making her discovery even more intriguing.
Sharing the Discovery
Kansas shared her incredible find on social media, where others chimed in with their own experiences of finding items labeled with the Cassini name. However, her gown stood out as a potential one-of-a-kind piece. Could it be an original runway design or a unique piece of fashion history? “I just don’t know,” she admitted, adding to the excitement surrounding the dress.
While Kansas is curious about the gown’s value and history, her greatest joy comes from sharing it with her daughters during dress-up time. Her 4-year-old daughter, Memphis, who is already fascinated by fashion, declared, “Mom, this is iconic!” capturing the excitement the dress has brought to their lives.
A Thrift Shopper’s Motto
Kansas lives by the saying, “Boycott being boring,” and her passion for thrift shopping reflects that philosophy. Her discovery of the Oleg Cassini gown inspired her to create a guide for fellow thrift shoppers, offering tips on how to find hidden treasures at secondhand stores. “There’s no such thing as a bad thrift store,” Kansas explained. “I go thrift shopping at least four times a week, and I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Her story is a reminder that shopping at thrift stores isn’t just about saving money—it’s about the thrill of discovery. Sometimes, you might just uncover something that could be worth millions.
