shopping on a pence

Since arriving in Edinburgh, I haven't been able to meander through any corner of the city without passing some sort of charity or vintage shop. They line every major thoroughfare, window displays bursting with low-priced clothing, shoes, and homewares.

The vintage lover's holy grail, W. Armstrong & Son, is "Britain's largest vintage clothing emporium," so boasts the website (with a sister eBay shop! Check it out!). Established in 1840 and three stores strong in Edinburgh, these cozy, packed-to-the-brim dens are overflowing with fabulous kilt accessories, vintage cashmere, fur hats, tweed jackets, swingy '60s dresses, and everything in between. But the charity (thrift) options are even more numerous; one can seemingly pick a cause and shop in that charity's store. From Oxfam and Shelter Scotland to Cancer Research UK and PDSA (Britain's leading veterinary charity), the options are endless.

So, of course, I had to try my hand at thrifting, Scotland style...

My goodies from various Nicholson Street shops :)

And, perhaps not surprisingly for those who know me, I was quite successful! From left to right:

Vintage, cropped, navy blue military-style blazer with gorgeous brass buttons and padded shoulders - on sale at Armstrong's for £8. I'm thinking I'll pair it with skinny khaki cords, layered necklaces, and a white tee for Uni, or a coral dress and nude pumps for dinner.

(on the bottom) Reversible black suede-y/furry vest by Dorothy Perkins - PDSA, £5. I layered this with a long black tee, silver hoops and bangles, skinny jeans, and pink suede flats to meet a friend for coffee at a small cafe called Spoon.

(top) Navy blue Scotland the Brave women's fitted rugby - UK Cancer Research, £2.50. This baby fits perfectly and is brand new... still with its £18 price tag.

Red Barbour tee with waving Union Jacks - Shelter Scotland, £4. I was on the hunt for a PJ top, as I came to Edinburgh with only one tee, but I love the relaxed cut of this men's shirt so much that I'm already planning to wear it with skinny black trousers, (not pants, here in Scotland! Those would be undies. I learned that one the hard way...), my favorite khaki blazer, and leather brogues for class.

Vintage wool coat with toggles and a fur-lined hood - on sale at Armstrong's for £20. This is my steal of the week! The only coat I brought to Uni is my beloved waxed Barbour, which will unfortunately be woefully insufficient when winter strikes. Thus, I've been searching high and low for a well made winter jacket with a fuzzy hood (to protect my noggin from the occasional dose of flurries) that would cost less than mailing my winter coat from the States. My sartorial prayers were answered by this British-made beauty, in my favorite shade of camel. She fits like a dream and will be plucked from my closet to make her maiden voyage (in her new life!) as soon as the temperature drops.

And because I know we all love the occasional narcissistic mirror photo, here's my outfit from class on Thursday, in which I incorporated this cozy gray sweater by New Look. This one is from the British Heart Foundation shop, for £3.50.  

white tee - James Perse, jeans - Primark, boots - Ciao Bella, necklace - gift from Uncle Arthur, sterling bangles & leather riding belt - Mom (don't be mad! I promise I'll return them!! :p)

And here's my look from last night's pub adventures, in which my newest thrifted jacket took a starring role:

trousers - Joe's Jeans, wedges - Cynthia Vincent, tee - Alternative Apparel via Nordstrom, necklace - Tiffany's via a boy I know...

Friday afternoon, I had a bit of down time between my private Italian lesson and a Literature Society lecture on love, marriage, and nation-building as illuminated through the work of Henry James, Frank Sinatra, and Stanley Cavell... so naturally I swung by the Edinburgh Salvation Army.

Upon entering the small shop next to Doctor's, one of Edi's most popular pubs, I immediately picked out this brand-new, olive green, eyelet jacket from a rack of worn-out prep school blazers and wooly overcoats. Made by Odille, one of my favorite Anthropologie brands, I knew this gem was for me. And for £4.99, I happily picked her up and gave her a new home.

When thifting, I always keep a lookout for my favorite mid- to higher-end brands-- they're easy picks, as they're generally tailored well and crafted from nicely-made fabrics. A jacket of this style currently goes for over £100 at Anthro, and with only a bit of searching and a little luck, I found it for 95% off retail! :)

And on a serious note:

As I shopped alongside other Uni and prep school students, I noticed volunteers coming in and out of the shops with their "clients," disabled or elderly men and women who require assistance to complete their shopping. This is the second thing I noticed almost immediately here in Edinburgh -- the depth of attention and care paid to the disabled. From electronic chairlifts that assist the ascension of stairs in almost every restaurant and public building to these shopping buddy systems, the Scottish have very visibly committed themselves to aiding the disabled and elderly in being productive, active, accepted, and happy members of society.

Right on, Scots. Right on.


Laur