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Fashion at Federal Army & Navy Surplus in Seattle

Jumpsuit and satin bomber available at Federal Army Navy Surplus in Seattle

The Federal Army & Navy Surplus is a store I pass by often in my walks around Seattle. It’s just a couple of blocks away from the famous Pike Place Market and a stone’s throw from Sassafras, the boutique that started my love affair with Seattle’s local fashion scene.

Storefront of Federal Army & Navy Surplus in Seattle
Photo by Blue Hour Photography.

Their store windows always showcase interesting things, but as mentioned in my previous post about the Indies on 1st, the Federal Army & Navy Surplus does not at first glance appear to be the kind of place a “woman of fashion” might find said fashion. Even their shop sign boasts “camping & hunting supplies,” which is not something I do.

Store window of Federal Army & Navy Surplus store in Seattle. Photo by Blue Hour Photography.
Photo by Blue Hour Photography.

But, woe is she who poo-poos the Federal Army & Navy Surplus!

Before Amy Tipton from the aforementioned and beloved Sassafras and I set out on our shopping day together, she told me the Federal Army & Navy Surplus was a must-shop. I trust Amy as a friend and as a voice of fashion in Seattle. So, when we set out together, that was the first place we stopped.

Maggie from Blue Hour Photography joined us and captured all the fun. All the photos here are her work.

Are you ready to see what we found???

Autumn finally broke into Seattle with the typical rains at the end of October and now we’re edging toward winter. When the rain first hit, the temps were still fairly warm and I realized I was without a basic rain jacket. All my other jackets were padded for warmth.

One of the first discoveries I made at Federal Army & Navy Surplus was this yellow slicker. It’s the color of sunshine and reminds me of raincoats I wore when I was a kid.

Yellow rain slicker at Federal Army Navy Surplus in Seattle.
In my yellow slicker I am ready for my stint on the show Deadliest Catch. (Okay. Let’s be honest. I wouldn’t last five minutes, even in this cool slicker.) Photo by Blue Hour Photography.

Another perfect rain jacket I found was also sunny yellow and it had pockets all over it to carry and protect things like my smartphone. For a little more fashion pizazz, we added the beret and a fabulous messenger bag. The black long-sleeve tee and the army boots are from Federal Army & Navy Surplus as well!

Beret, rain jacket, messenger bag, and army boots make up a stylish outfit from the Federal Army Navy Surplus Store in Seattle.
Photo by Blue Hour Photography.

Amy put together a more winter-friendly look with her padded olive-green parka. It has a faux-fur lined hood. I think she looks rather chic with the blue beret and brown messenger bag.

Warm olive green parka with faux-fur lined hoodie, blue beret, and messenger bag from Federal Army & Navy Surplus in Seattle.
Photo by Blue Hour Photography.

Amy also found a classic striped tunic that goes with pretty much everything–even mismatched boots!

Striped tunic and black army boot at Federal Army Navy Surplus in Seattle.
Photo by Blue Hour Photography.

Back to Basics

It probably comes as no surprise that the Federal Army & Navy Surplus has basics like black hoodies, but sometimes it’s surprisingly difficult to find these kinds of things. They, of course, come in a variety of sizes that fit both men and women.

The striped tunic even looks great with a basic black hoodie! Amy makes it all look fabulous. Photo by Blue Hour Photography.

Another basic we discovered was black long johns. The top (pictured below) is perfect for wearing on its own, but both the top and bottoms are great layering pieces to keep warm in the winter.

Croatian fire helmet at the Federal Army Navy Surplus in Seattle.
Federal Army & Navy Surplus also has not-so-basic long johns, as well as not-so-basic hats! I think the Croatian fire helmet really sets off my eyes. (ha ha.) Photo by Blue Hour Photography.

Amy also tried on a black blazer with some figure-flattering lines and pretty fabulous buttons:

Basic black blazer at Federal Army Navy Surplus in Seattle.
Photo by Blue Hour Photography.

And then there were the jumpsuits.

You wouldn’t think a jumpsuit would be a fashion item for the masses, but I am here to tell you that I fell completely in love with this black jumpsuit. Maggie spotted a group of them hanging in the kids’ section. She casually mentioned I should try one on.

I did. I fell in love. And I bought it.

Black jumpsuit with burgundy satin bomber and black army boots available at Federal Army Navy Surplus in Seattle.
Maggie said I was getting my Rihanna on. I did feel pretty much like a booty-kicking rock star in that outfit. Photo by Blue Hour Photography.

With the satin bomber jacket and army boots–both of which are available at this store–I look a little bit like a hero in The Hunger Games or Top Gun. But just wait until I belt that puppy and add some red boots or high heels.

For the Gents

It goes without saying that the Federal Army & Navy Surplus has lots of options for the guys. Amy and I both found Christmas gift ideas for our hubbies.

Flannel, bandanas, and striped shirts at Federal Army Navy Surplus in Seattle.
Photo by Blue Hour Photography.

They have every color of flannel shirt available, many of which can be worn by either men or women.

All stripes of flannel at the Federal Army & Navy Surplus in Seattle.
Photo by Blue Hour Photography.

In addition, they carry pants and jeans and, as demonstrated above, jackets of all kinds.

Jackets, pants, and flannel at Federal Army Navy Surplus in Seattle.
Photo by Blue Hour Photography.

For the Home

Another surprise came when our hostess Davina, the Chief Operating Officer, pointed out some of the items they have for decorating the home.

Except for the flag pillow, the khaki and green throw pillows are made from old army tents. We all agreed they’d look great in an industrial loft or rustic style home. Check out the metal boxes behind the pillows in the picture. Unique organization ideas for the office or a funky kitchen! Photo by Blue Hour Photography.

The pièce de résistance came when Davina took us to their warehouse area and showed us the vintage, one-of-a-kind wool blankets from Poland they had just gotten in. We were allowed a sneak peak and now you get to see them too. These blankets weren’t even for sale yet, but they will be and each one is unique.

Bright vintage army blankets from Poland at the Federal Army Navy Surplus in Seattle.
Photo by Blue Hour Photography.

A lot was happening in my mind when the photo below was taken.

How soon can I get my hands on one of these blankets?
Why didn’t I know before that these kinds of blankets existed?
What else have I missed never having visited this shop before?

Photo by Blue Hour Photography.

Accessories for a Cause

My previous post highlighted some of the winter accessories, like caps and scarves available at Federal Army & Navy Surplus. Not only do they make excellent gifts for the guys and gals in our lives, Davina and her team are partnering with the other Indies on 1st I visited during my shopping day. Together, they’ll donate hats and scarves from Federal Army & Navy Surplus to the homeless for Christmas.

If you’re interested in learning how you can participate in this program, I’ll have more details next week.

Knit caps at Federal Army Navy Surplus in Seattle.
Photo by Blue Hour Photography.

Good Upon Good

It does the heart good to shop at local places like Federal Army & Navy Surplus. Supporting them as they support others brings about a feeling of peace. It makes me feel a part of something bigger than myself.

It might not mean so much for me to say that if what they have to offer isn’t amazing. But it is amazing. There is so much worth checking out. I’ll be back again and again.


Federal Army Navy Surplus is located at 2112 1st Ave in Seattle. If you like what you see on my blog but live far away or if you simply can’t make it downtown, head over to their website. They have a large selection of items available online, including gift certificates. They can also be reached by phone at 206-443-1818 or 888-276-9689.

Store Hours:
Monday through Saturday: 9:30am-6pm
Sunday: 11am-5pm


Affiliate Link Disclaimer: Although I received a discount for my purchases at Federal Army Navy, I was not paid by them to write this article. Nor will I receive compensation from them if you shop there. There are, however, advertising links embedded in my blog that could garner me commission if you purchase something from those advertisers. The money I make from these commissions helps me do what I do here at Petite Over 40. If you make such a purchase, thank you for your support!

About Author

Freelance writer about food and fashion. Obsessed genealogist and history nerd. New to sewing. Love all dogs and one hubby. Seattle

(11) Comments

  1. […] style of jumpsuit had it not been for the urgings of Maggie Gialamas of Blue Hour Photography who convinced me to try it on, touting its modern […]

  2. […] For as much as I love a good fashion item rooted in history, I wouldn’t own this style of jumpsuit had it not been for the urgings of Maggie Gialamas of Blue Hour Photography who convinced me to try it on. […]

  3. […] shops in the historic neighborhood of Belltown in Seattle. I wrote previously about the Federal Army & Navy Surplus, Sell Your Sole Consignment, Endless Knot, KUHLMAN, and Reclaim Decor. Last but never least, […]

  4. […] shops in the historic neighborhood of Belltown in Seattle. I wrote previously about the Federal Army & Navy Surplus, Sell Your Sole Consignment, and Endless Knot. Today is all about KUHLMAN. Before the week is out, […]

  5. jodie filogomo says:

    Well, I’m like you and would never think to set foot into this store! But look at all of the fun goodies!!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    1. I love it when I’m proven wrong about a place! Now I can’t wait to go back with Hubby and see what he sees!

      Hugs,
      Sherry

  6. […] Yesterday’s post featured many of the surprising fashion gems Amy from Sassafras and I uncovered at the Federal Army Navy Surplus store in Seattle. […]

  7. Marilee says:

    When you lived in Minnesota you may remember Mills Fleet Farm…? I think you could find tampons as well as tractors at this farm supply store. Anyway, I loved going there and finding the unexpected fashion items. They had some international military surplus that was great to check out. I really believe in shopping the stores you think you’ve pegged because they can reveal an unique underbelly that brings out your creativity!
    I loved the yellow slicker, the black jumpsuit ( so many embellishment options!!), and the striped tunic shirt!!

    1. I do vaguely remember Mills Fleet Farm, Jude! I think we went there once. It cracks me up that they sell tampons as well as tractors–I don’t think I remembered that! I can only imagine what you would discover there to enhance your wardrobe. I bet you had a ton of fun! If I knew you back when we lived in Minnesota, I might never have left!

      Hugs,
      Sherry

  8. You made this into a really fun store bursting with cool stuff. Cross-purposing is an awesome way to create unique viewpoints. I love the coveralls you are wearing, well, really everything you and Amy tried on. And again, great photos by Maggie. The blankets, oh yeah, those are winners indeed. How cool that you got a sneak peek!

    1. Your spirit was with us during this visit, Mel. I really wonder what you would have put together.

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