In this monthly feature, vintage fashion expert Rebecca McCosh scours Edinburgh’s many lovely vintage shops to find unique and exciting treasures from years past. Each month she shares a favourite or two, tells us their stories and explains what makes them special. This month she gets set to party in a glamorous silver blouse from the 80s – perfect for standing out on the dance floor…
The rule ‘less is more’ did not apply in the 1980s – this was a decade of excess: big hair, big make-up and big shoulder pads!
Inspired by the golden age of power-dressing, I visited Aquarius to search for an original vintage piece that would fill the 80s void in my wardrobe. Aquarius is an eclectic little boutique on Spittal Street that stocks a mix of modern and vintage clothing. It also has an impressive collection of enticing jewellery, as well as furniture. If you’re not careful, a trip to this shop could result in the purchase of a whole new outfit - complete with accessories – and a new wardrobe to store it all!
I snapped up an original vintage 80s blouse in a shimmering metallic silver colour for £20. It’s an instantly recognisable 80s shape: oversized on the shoulders, with full puffed sleeves and a nipped-in waist. The waistline is finished with a pretty peplum frill, which harks back to a classic 40s silhouette that was widely repeated in the 80s. I teamed it with black sequin leggings and silver shoes for a quirky David Bowie-meets-Dynasty fusion look. The finishing touches included bangles, a layered silver chain necklace, and of course, the ultimate dangly earrings – in this case the gaudier the better!
It’s a glitzy retro look with a futuristic edge, perfect for wearing as I dance the night away. No need for a glitter ball, that sparkling silver colour is guaranteed to dazzle in any light!
Aquarius
3 Spittal Street, Edinburgh EH3 9DY
0131 2281199
aquariusgifts@live.com
Words, Styling, Model: Rebecca McCosh
Photo: Megan Harley
