Here's the deal: this shop really caught me off guard. I didn't go out looking for a 1950's skirt…read more But, heck, I'm sitting at home wearing one, writing this review.
I used to really like shopping for vintage clothes. Then I kind of went off it. It's an expensive hobby and there's a lot of shops out there with unjustifiably high prices. And, truth be told, some of it isn't very nice, regardless of its age. I think this is something that vintage traders forget. So, it can be a little bit pretentious, the vintage malarkey. I hadn't said goodbye to vintage shopping; rather just a 'see ya a little more infrequently' since fewer items were catching my eye.
So, today, this little shop stands out to me simply because I can't see a name on the shopfront. I had to satisfy my curiosity. I had to go in. And then, I see it: a beautiful, puffy, polkadot skirt; the kind of skirt I've dreamt about. I touch it, and the polkadots are velvety soft; a delight. Elaine prompted me to try it on, sharing with me that it was a genuine 1950's piece. I simply could not say no. I've only fallen in love with an item of clothing like this just once before and that was a floor length Frank Usher fringed dress from Mr Ben's in Glasgow. And, of course, you already know I bought the skirt. It's a beauty and Elaine made me feel a million dollars, as I popped out to give her a twirl. She insisted I let her see, after I'd feared it was too small for me. I'm so glad that it fit perfectly. I love it.
The price was reasonable and one I was happy to pay for a genuine vintage piece. You'd easily pay the same for a new Topshop skirt but, of course, you'd leave without that super feeling that comes with shopping local. And I just love how unassuming Elaine's is. - What a gem of a shop!