At the same time, I am distrustful of the almost hallowed, chi-chi cult status Vintage fashion has been given in recent years. Whatever their intentions, you can't deny that 'Vintage,' as a label, is a good way to justify selling old, second-hand clothes at expensive prices. And I also don't think all vintage is necessarily chic. Some of those floral print go-go dresses must be accompanied by a whole lot of attitude and smart accessorizing, lest you end up looking like mouldy curtains.
So as far as I'm concerned, one treads a flimsy line between looking stylishly retro on one hand...and playing dress-up with grandma's discards on the other.
Despite my reservations, I do enjoy sifting through the racks at Vintage stores just to see the colourful, often quirky and occassionally flamboyant creations from an era long gone. The vintage outlets I've seen usually take the form of cosy, little boutiques which make for a pleasantly different shopping experience than the kind you get at Top-shop, Zara and other similar high-end, mass outlets.
Roamed around Westport Street today in the Grassmarket area. Fashion-lovers may be pleased to know that there are several vintage outlets sprinkled in the vicinity. Here are two which I sampled:
1. Herman Brown
151 West Port, Edinburgh
Racks of clothing line either side of this store which stocks "Vintage & Retro to Modern Clothing, Jewelry & Accessories." They've got a selection of totally cute dresses hanging up on the walls as well. Amongst other things, I was quite taken by their selection of gingham frocks. The sad thing about Vintage however, is that being unique and "one of a kind," they don't usually do sizes. So many dresses which I wanted to try on simply did not fit!
However I did take this with me into the dressing room:
So apparently it dates back to the 1960s and has a 'Harrods' label on it! It was cute but pretty plain compared with some of the others on the rack which had more detail - however all too big for me! I also shimmied into a 70's-era black shiny top which wouldn't look out of the place in a club today!2. Godiva Boutique
9 West Port, Edinburgh
The vintage fashion here is loud, outrageous and screams attention. Think billowing mini skirts resembling multi-coloured stripped circus tents, and polka-dotted mini dresses ending in an explosion of white ruffles at the hems. It's fun, bordering a little on the theatrical. Personally I don't think I would have the guts to pull most of it off!
They also stock a line of jeans called Hi-DEE which was pretty darn attractive - I really coveted the stretch skinny jeans in an absolutely gorgeous shade of fire-engine red. Roar.
But vintage clothing aside, Godiva's Made to Measure line is what really stood out for me. Basically, you choose a plain 'template' dress from their Made to Measure rack and try it on to see the cut. If you like it, you'll get measured up and the store will arrange a consultation session with the designer. You'll be allowed to discuss your specifications for the dress right down to the kind of fabric, any additional details, or minor tweaks you wish to make to the design - say you want the sleeves off or an extra bow at the back etc.
And two weeks later, voila - you get your own customized frock!
The helpful salesgirl informed me that Made to Measure is extremely popular with ladies wanting something a little special for that summer party, or fancy wedding dinner they've been invited to.
This made to order service is not exactly cheap. The dresses range from about 60 to 150 pounds, excluding the fabric and other bells-and-whistles you might want to add.
On the bright side, I guess you can be assured that fashion faux pas will be eliminated with Made to Measure - no chance of you showing up with the same dress as someone else! It'll also fit perfectly since it was made for you and only you in mind. Finally, it's also a rather environmentally-friendly concept; dresses are only made on order and are produced within Edinburgh by local designers, minimizing waste and air miles in the process.
That's fashion with a conscience for you.
Hey Michael, thanks for the link! Will check it out :)
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