Whether you’re looking for something unique for a special occasion or you just want to stand out from the crowd, Edinburgh has some of the best vintage stores around. These five shops are filled to the brim with quirky, gorgeous high quality vintage wares, and should most definitely be on your list if you’re aiming for the vintage-chic look this summer.
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Armstrong’s
83 The Grassmarket – www.armstrongsvintage.co.uk
Now synonymous with vintage shopping in Edinburgh, Armstrong’s is one of the best-loved vintage stores in the city. Stepping into their weird and wonderful space feels like stepping back to a more colourful and extravagant period; a time of patterned 1950s sundresses, gold high heels and long white gloves. Their Grassmarket shop showcases the best range of quality vintage gear, while you can’t beat the smaller Newington branch for cashmere and leather.
Herman Brown
151 West Port – www.hermanbrown.co.uk
Another stalwart shop on the vintage scene, Herman Brown has been around for what seems like forever. The owner, Anna Nicholson, spends her time travelling around to secure the best quality, beautiful vintage pieces for the store. 1950s Laura Ashley dresses sit alongside delicates slips and heavy winter overcoats. The garments are all lovingly labelled with their make and era, which is extremely helpful when it comes to flicking through the rails. Anna’s daughter, also a lover of vintage, has recently started sourcing her own range of modern-vintage for the shop’s HB Electronics capsule collection.
Barnardo’s Vintage
116 West Bow – www.myspace.com/barnardosvintage
This little gem of a boutique is located right in the centre of the Old Town and contains a hand-picked selection of vintage pieces. Jewellery, hats, scarves and feather boas are draped from the ceiling, while bags and shoes are displayed charmingly around the tiny shop. Look out for their beautiful selection of dresses, and their great children’s rail.
Godiva
9 West Port – www.godivaboutique.co.uk
Godiva is a modern, quirky boutique that sells a range of clothes by independent designers, custom-made pieces and vintage with a twist. The back room is dedicated to their vintage offerings, and includes rails of beautiful printed skirts, a colourful selection of tops, and on my visit, a gorgeous cream lace wedding gown. Some of the garments are re-worked by fashion students to create a modern silhouette, while other pieces are left in their original state. Loads of great finds to be had here – especially if you’re looking for something a bit different.
Elaine’s
St Stephen Street, Stockbridge
This tiny shop with no visible name on the outside is known simply as “Elaine’s”. Tucked down a sunny Stockbridge street, you almost wouldn’t know it was there unless somebody had let you in on the secret, although the day I was there the small space was crammed full of people raking through the rails. Carefully chosen vintage pieces are displayed on the walls, the floor and even spill out onto the outside of the shop, giving it the air of an exploded dressing-up box filled with treasures from times past. Look out for the impressive collection of retro ties, as well as some lovely dresses and handbags.
Rebecca Jamieson
