It's always nice to revisit a place sometime later and find that you like it better than before…read more Today, I did just that with Best Vintage. They've had a bit of a refit on the frontage, it seems, with new signage and suchlike but I wanted to investigate further and see if that had actually changed anything inside. The answer? Yes and no.
Basically, I'm a magpie. And what did I spot in their gloriously large upper Victorian window? An amazing shirt. I had to go and check it out. So, I popped in and made my way upstairs.
The downstairs seems now entirely dedicated to men's fashion -a brave choice, you might think, since I'm sure that most shops would have the girly bits on ground level to attract more in. Even so, I consider it a wise choice -the girls, like myself, will likely happily venture upstairs and it lets the guys know there will be plenty for them to check out, since most vintage shops overlook or underplay the men's choices. And there really are options for guys here; a hoard of funky t-shirts, cool jeans, excellent shoes and so on. (Perhaps I'm making assumptions about shoppers, but it's my small take on what might be going on.)
So, upward I went and had a pre-browse before examining the aforementioned shirt. There's a large sale rack up at present with tons of dresses. 50% off, if you make it in time, which is quite the saving. Amongst the dresses were many different enticing colours and styles, all very vintage. Some of them had a bit of staining, which is unfortunate, but the nature of a second hand browse I have come to learn.
As ever, the thing that hadn't changed was the pricing. I think some of it was a little steep, but then I am an honourary Yorkshire, so this penny-pinching may be learned behaviour. That being said, the range was pretty good and I'm certainly going to be back for a second look at the amazing display of beaded and glittery dresses and tops -honestly, I'm not sure I've seen so many in one place.
There are plenty of other bits to gander at too. A plethora of fluffy jumpers, totally 80s style, boots and other knick-knacks. (Their jewellery on the other hand was pretty well priced!) But -to the shirt. I asked the chap if he could tell me the price, and he couldn't see the label so guessed at around £35-40. Hmmm, that seemed a little much to me. In any case, he offered to take it off the mannequin so I could try it, and after making sure that this would be ok since I might not buy it, he reassured me and fetched it down.
It was a perfect fit, and as a total bonus, the label in fact said £25. Now that's a price I could pay for a one off beaded lemon yellow delight. Perhaps it was as I'd just saved fifteen quid in my head from his original price, but for a very delicate and unique piece, I think the amount was just right. (So obviously, I bought it.) At the till the chap was lovely, and one of the other lads commented on what an awesome shirt it was, so we had a great wee natter too. Basically, the staff must be new(er) as they're SO much friendlier than before. Awesome. They're ace, essentially.
The best bit? Apparently a lot of girls had come in before and tried the shirt, none being brave enough to wear it. What an utter shame - ladies, be brave and wear something dazzling with pride! I'm sure you'd have looked fabulous. However, you'll have to find another glittered beauty, as the glory of this baby is all mine! Muh hah hah!
(In short: check them out!)