‘It’s vintage, darling’

With so many charity shops being rebranded as retro boutiques these days, it makes it that little bit trickier to seek out real vintage clothing. Instead of finding that vintage gem we end up buying an oversized, washed out, mass produced polyester disaster, which we thankfully end up never wearing.

Don’t get me wrong: some wonderful little fashion trinkets can be found in many run-of-mill charity shops; it’s just that they tend to only be found by vintage veterans. For all of us newbie vintage enthusiasts, the vintage fashion treasure hunt can be all too confusing – without a clue where to start on our vintage voyage we end up lost and confused amidst rack upon rack of not so pretty, second hand clobber. Failing to find that hidden gem, we give up on our quest for uniqueness and return to the high street. Until now, that is. Don’t give up and don’t fret, for we at The Skinny have found two hidden fashion havens: The Cat’s Meow in Glasgow and Stock Xchange in Edinburgh.

Rebecca Denholm’s The Cat’s Meow is a vintage studio located in the West End of Glasgow. Rebecca has a great creative eye for vintage fancies and sells hand selected pieces: dresses, suits, shoes and accessories ranging from 1900 to the 60s, with a few later pieces from the 80s. All garments comprise of outstanding design and high quality. When selecting garments for The Cat’s Meow, Rebecca always concentrates on designs that look modern, she insists: ‘They should look like they have come straight off next season’s catwalk, and many of my pieces have been used as inspiration in show collections.’ What Rebecca loves to find when selecting clothes is attention to detail in the making and finishing of a garment, or the quirky playfulness of the design.

Rebecca shares The Skinny’s opinion that if you seek you will find. She says, ‘Much of today’s so-called “vintage” clothes are sourced in bulk from rag traders and bought by weight. What I would call authentic vintage is generally sourced individually from estates and other passionate fashion folk clearing out their wardrobes. I spend roughly 30-40 hours a week looking at vintage pieces from lots of contacts. Then I will only buy 10-15 pieces, often with specific clients in mind.’

Many people might think they can’t pull off a vintage look, but Rebecca disagrees: ‘For many, vintage is seen as a style for students and tiny sizes but it shouldn't be the case. Tailoring in suits and party dresses from the 40s and 50s is ingenious. Making fuller figures like Marilyn look like icons, the flattering cuts and quality of fabrics can be a gift for older women too; they knew how to do seriously sexy clothes without showing off every inch of flesh.’ The Cat’s Meow caters for both vintage newbies and veterans, making the hunt an easier and more fun experience for all.

The newly opened Stock Xchange in Edinburgh specialises in pre-owned designer clothing and jewellery for unique-driven fashionistas. Owner Christine Hughes says Stock Xchange’s ethos is to provide ‘Classic to cutting edge fashion’, from timeless vintage pieces to the latest trends, for a fraction of the original prices. There is no need for a tiresome rummage when you visit Stock Xchange as there is a lovely central display dedicated to eye catching vintage pieces only. With many of the garments over 60 years old, you know for definite you will be buying authentic vintage.

The Cat’s Meow and Stock Xchange are both definitely worth a visit: you are guaranteed to uncover many fashion gems. Vintage-seeking made easy.