Madame Butterfly’s Vintage Clothing and Accessory Collection over 8,000 items for Sale

My name is Patricia O’Donnell and I’m a 65 year old clothes addict. I have been collecting used clothing for over 40 years and have accumulated an extensive collection (about 3,000 sq. ft. of clothing & accessories). Clothes are not just something to wear to me, they are all individual works of art. Just like in architecture, each building is beautiful and unique. Each item has set off a special feeling in my soul. Almost every piece I own has a story behind it; a party it was showcased, a special event that took place, where & when I purchased it.

Due to circumstances beyond my control, the time has come for me to reluctantly and with much sadness in my heart, to part with my life’s work. Much of the collection was worn by me and other items have stories of their own. The collection consists mostly of vintage dresses, hats, shoes, gowns, coats, furs, and much more. It also contains a large costume collection.

I think my addiction started after going to a Catholic school, and having to wear a uniform everyday for 13 years. Then as a single mom, raising a young boy in the ’60s, money was tight, so I frequented rummage sales instead of department stores. I would find the most unusual clothes on my shopping trips. After realizing my style was very different than everyone else, and that I had an inborn eye for fashion. I realized how much I loved the search.

I always had to work a regular job, to co-inside with my son’s school schedule. I did everything from house cleaning, waitressing, and office work. When I was diagnosed w/ lupus in 1985, I had a hard time keeping a job because of the doctors’ appointments that kept me from working regular hours. I had to get creative, so I bought an old Victorian house that no one else wanted. I fixed it up, and ran a rooming house to pay the bills. I lovingly worked on that house fro 8 years. A recession hit in the late 1980′s, and I almost went into foreclosure. I somehow managed to sell the house, but for much less than its true value.

Thankfully I had enough money after paying the creditors, to have a little left to relocate to a new place. I read at the time, 1992, that the cost of living was way lower in the south, so I moved myself & my extended family (my dogs) to Asheville, North Carolina. I have always been a big animal lover, and have rescued all kinds of animals over the years. I bought a house in Asheville for $25,000 cash. Unfortunately, the house collapsed and I went into debt again, trying to put it back together. I still carried my collection with me and had even added to it over the years. Nine years ago I opened a store ” Madame Butterfly” in the heart of funky downtown Asheville, and have been doing costume renting & retail ever since. I’ve been told by many experts that I have over a million dollars worth of inventory.

I love what I do. It’s never been about the money for me. When I opened Madame Butterfly years ago, I was satisfied with just keeping up w/ the rent (for the shop), and that my mortgage could be paid every month. I also love putting smiles on peoples faces everyday;

I get such enjoyment helping people play “dress-up”. Again, real life has jumped up & bit me and I will be losing my home & the store if I don’t part with my collection. I have put a lot of work into this collection, as well as creating the Madame Butterfly reputation. This has been a labor of love for me, and only a true vintage clothing collector could understand that.

I am trying to appeal to someone or even an existing business that wants to expand their inventory. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone that has ever wanted to own an authentic vintage clothing collection or open their own boutique.

My only wish is that my collection will bring smiles for many years to come. All requests for info will be kept confidential, I assure you.