Have you ever seen a toy that made you stop and wonder what it was? You’re not the only one! There’s one toy that left a lot of people confused – Toy Clackers. Even today, most people, about ninety percent, don’t know what they are. So, let’s explore the interesting world of Toy Clackers and figure it out together!
A Blast from the Past
In the fun 1970s, Toy Clackers (also called Klik-Klaks) were super popular. These old-school toys are still loved by collectors who enjoy the memories of simpler times. But what are Toy Clackers, exactly? Imagine this: two plastic balls connected by a string. When you swing them, they hit each other and make a cool “clacking” sound. It’s a unique and fun experience!
The Birth of Toy Clackers
It’s hard to believe, but Toy Clackers were invented in 1969 by Wham-O, the same company that gave us famous toys like the Hula Hoop, Frisbee, and Superball. Toy Clackers became super popular fast, and in just the first year, Wham-O sold over 10 million of them. These toys were everywhere, catching the attention of both kids and adults. They were a huge hit!
Safety Concerns and Controversy
With their big popularity came big problems—safety concerns. Unfortunately, Toy Clackers were banned in many places because of accidents and injuries. Some of the plastic balls would break apart, sending sharp pieces flying and hurting kids. To fix this, Wham-O made a new, safer version, but it didn’t become as popular as the original.
A Lasting Legacy
Even with their mixed history, Toy Clackers still have many fans, especially among collectors and people who remember playing with them when they were kids. These vintage toys connect us to the past and remind us of the fun times spent with friends. They might seem simple, but the happiness they bring is priceless.
Let’s Relive the Joy
Do you remember how much fun Toy Clackers were? For me, they bring back memories of playing with them at my friends’ houses. There was something really satisfying about swinging those balls and hearing the clacking sound. Did you get to enjoy the fun of Toy Clackers too? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive those happy moments together!
Woman Stunned to Discover Her $15 Thrift Store Dress Might Be Worth Millions
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.
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