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. To brighten up November’s dark weather, she sources an edgy tartan look that harkens back to the nation’s punk days while being perfectly on trend for this season…
This November Edinburgh will be busting with pride as we celebrate St. Andrew’s Day. So, in honour of one of Scotland’s great contributions to fashion history, I decided to add a touch of tartan to my wardrobe.
From the traditional kilts of the clans, to the contemporary bold and bright plaids of the House of Holland, tartan has been a constant source of inspiration in fashion. One designer in particular remains synonymous with the use of tartan – Vivienne Westwood. In the late 1970s she took this classic fabric and daringly re-invented it by accessorising with safety pins and a massive dose of attitude!
This month, as a nod towards this iconic Punk era, I picked out an original vintage tartan skirt from the 70s on my vintage hunt. I found it in Barnardo’s Vintage, a bustling shop that has proven to be a regular highlight of my Stockbridge shopping trips. It cost just £8.99 and the joy of finding such a great garment at a real bargain price was only topped by the knowledge that every penny was going to a good cause.
I teamed it with a Ramones T-shirt, a leather biker jacket, Dr. Martin boots and a clashing leopard print scarf for a look that has serious attitude.
The traditional tartan has stood the test of time and it remains a timeless favourite of vintage lovers like me.
Barnardo’s Vintage,
29-31 Deanhaugh Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH4 1LR
Opening Hours Mon- Sat 9am- 5pm, Sunday 12pm- 5pm
www.barnardos.org.uk
Words/ Model/ Styling: Rebecca McCosh
Photos: Megan Harley
