Kitchen Couture!

 

Whilst today we may not like the idea of conforming to the ways of your stereotypical 1950s housewife, there's one thing I certainly would like to take from them...


The Apron.

( a.k.a 'The Pinny'!)


Okay, the apron is undoubtedly a 'protective outer garment' with a functional purpose, but why does that have to stop us from looking fabulous in the kitchen?
Yes, a coat or jacket has a functional purpose, but it doesn't mean to say we will wear any old scruffy mac to keep us warm and dry... what if someone sees me? 

I for one have dived head first into the revival of the cupcake, and am not about to let a little flour and eggs ruin my original 1960s shift! So here we have it... the height of kitchen couture, the lovely, the stylish, the 'pinny'!!

We have a wide range of aprons available on our eBay store; see above for some ideas!

Until the next infliction of my opinion...

Erin xo

Double Up!

We are delighted to hear that the days of mix and match are out the window, and instead it's on trend to get a bit matchy matchy with your clothes! From skirts and tops, to jackets and dresses - layering up on the same pattern and fabric has never been more chic! Elle Magazine this month claimed that it's "not a trend for the faint-hearted", and I guess we'd have to agree but they definitely wooed us with this statement, "Think of it as a great 2-for-1 deal. Why buy a printed dress when you could wear the print in myriad permutations and combinations". How could we possibly resist such a bargain in style?  

    Lucky for you vintage lovers, we have a brilliant selection of twin sets available online just now! Everything from dress and jacket combos, to an genuine vintage 1950s Chanel Couture two piece.  

We even came across a photo of Coco wearing a nearly identical suit! 

 

It was in 1923 that Coco Chanel first introduced the two piece suit into her collection, before reintroducing the idea to her line in the early 1950s. It was then that she returned from exile, to Paris after the Second World War. 

 

 

Where the catwalk calls for bright patterns and colours, we found a few options that are slightly more tame, for those who can't face piling on the brocade! So why not inject a little vintage elegance into the latest trend? We've teamed up our skirt and jacket combo's with a lace blouse, and some pearls to finish off the look. But if that's a little too old school for your taste, why not add a simple t-shirt, and stack on a few necklaces to bring it up to date! Ooh the possibilities are endless, but we know one thing for sure - the two piece suit is as timeless a classic today, as it was when Coco Chanel wore it in the 50s! An investment piece you'll return to year after year! 

Here ye! Here ye! Read all about it...

Armstrong's have only gone and made it to the front cover of today's Edinburgh Evening News!!

Here's a sneak preview into the amazing shoot, using an array of Armstrong's vintage delights.

Styled by Lynne McCrossan.

 

Very in-keeping with the nations recurring patriotic theme!

Well, we will never doubt the infamous 'onsie' again!  Who knew it could look so stylish?!

Check out the full spread in tonight's copy of the Edinburgh Evening News! 

This 1930s original floral dress is just darling!  Remember a wide range of our stock is also available online at 

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Armstrongs-Vintage-Emporium.

Like what you see? Come visit us in Edinburgh at one of our three stores.

83 The Grassmarket
Edinburgh
EH1 2HJ
0131 220 5557

64-66 Clerk Street
Edinburgh
EH8 9JB
0131 667 3056

14 Teviot Place
Edinburgh
EH1 2QZ
0131 226 4634

 And in case you missed it, we were also featured last week following Armstrong's latest venture onto Edinburgh's high street, in the form of a large concession based in Miss Selfridge
(http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/fashion/out-with-the-new-and-in-with-the-old-as-vintage-emporium-opens-miss-selfridge-concession-1-2475850)

 Be sure to check us out; located at

 Miss Selfridge
Hanover Street
 Edinburgh
 (Upstairs!)

Pickpocket Thursday

We were quite delighted to find this 'I AM 6' badge on a wildly colourful poncho from the 1970s.

We like to think it belonged to a child who looked something like this....

And imagined a future that is something like this....

These futuristic illustrations of a predicted 2076 world were drawn by children in 1976. You can read the article here. Until next week, Pickers of Pockets!

There's a BLOUSE in the house!

Check out these gorgeous vintage blouses, tank tops and shirts on our ebay site. They're perfect for a lovely summer day! Just click here... Blouses at Armstrongs Ebay

Anyone for a Tour?

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but this post is not lethal we promise!

We thought it would be fun to give you all a little tour of our ebay office. Located Separately from our stores, we have a beautiful office full of stock, mannequins, cameras and computers. This is where we photograph, list, and dispatch all of the vintage treasures you find online. Curious? Here's our office...

Barbara Streisand watches over us ever day. The silent boss, she always makes sure we work hard, bringing you the best vintage clothing everyday...just don't look her in the eye!

We have some amazing vintage wall decorations, including a wall full of beautiful vintage handbags, ranging from the 1920s-80s. We also have a wall hung with bowler hats, and let's not forget our Scottish Crafts tea towel; a office favourite!

Are you ready to continue?

This is where we photograph everything, to upload it online for your viewing...

We then get ready to upload the pictures to the computer, and in turn ebay itself! This could not be done without our beautiful mantel piece decorations, ranging from bay city roller records, to harris tweed teddy bears. All a vital part of ebay selling. *cough*

We hope you enjoyed the tour! Can you remember the way out? See you soon!

Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair!

 

Did you guys make it along to Judy's affordable vintage fair last week? Well, we did and had a great time spotting Edinburgh most stylish!It was a great opportunity to dig through other people's vintage collections! There was many a bargain to be had which certainly puts a smile on our faces! Check out some of the great shots we took! 

 

So many amazing things to be found! We love all the little trinkets and accessories; I wonder how many were found in the pockets of vintage garments! 

 

We even bumped into some of our loyal Armstrong's shoppers!

We thought you guys looked great in your clashing prints! Love the rose hair band against her pastel hair!

Great contrast of graphic prints with a band t-shirt! Such individual style is hard to find these days ladies! Keep shopping at Armstrong's!

We loved this 1940s inspired outfit! Cute cardi over a ditzy floral print dress! Cinching the waist with a skinny belt creates such a lovely feminine silhouette!

 

Hats off to another great day and a great fair! Until next time...

You've Got to be Kidman Me!!

 That's right, we had a real life Hollywood actress shopping in Armstrong's Grassmarket store this weekend! And incase you haven't guessed who it was by the ridiculous blog post title, we're talking about the beautiful Nicole Kidman! Reportedly filming in Edinburgh, alongside Colin Firth, in their new movie The Railway Man; she took some time off on Saturday and went shopping for vintage dresses. 

She bought two lovely original vintage, 30s and 50s dresses and even took the time to write a testimonial in our visitors book!

  

The dress pictured is one of the actual dresses she bought and we feel it captures the angel-like essence she always seems to have about her! Carol, owner of Armstrong's and Son. said "...she just kind of floated around." 

I'm sure you'll agree the above image of her wearing Chanel epitomises this statement! 

 She also managed to compose a short message and sign our visitors book. 

It reads "Beautiful Shop - ♥ xxx"

 Now lets all keep our eyes peeled for when she reveals herself in these vintage beauties on the red carpet! And fingers crossed she finds the time to recommend us to an A-list friend... or two!

Pick Pocket Thursday

Bringing you the best pocket finds; It's pick pocket Thursday!


Although we didn't find a adorable lost puppy in a pocket this week, there's always next time!






This week we found: 

A very sweet wedding toast,

"Ladies and Gentleman, It is my pleasure to propose a toast to the bridesmaids who have so ably attended the bride today. I am sure you will agree with me that these two charming young ladies have greatly enhanced the occasion and I would ask you to be upstanding and drink to the health of the bridesmaids."





With a first draft on the back, scribbled out sentences and spidery writing, it's easy to assume that this best man was a little nervous! A very nice pocket find indeed.


Until next week pocket-teers!




Photos courtesy of  here & here.

Armstrongs Street View X2

Charlotte Repton is taking a little nod to the 50s with this outfit! A student, Charlotte's favourite eras are the 50 & 60s. Her style Icon is Amanda Palmer. We love her red denim jacket!

Ella Fordyce takes her fashion cues from deathrock, and her favourite eras range from the70s-90s. Robert Smith is a style icon. We love purple hair with the neon greens!

Stuart Mcmaster is going classic 50s Americana here! He loves the 1920s, and a good cravat! The green and brown look great together.

Carina Letzas, a art student, is looking casual and cool here. We love her boots. Carina is inspired by fairytales, and loves all eras!