Circa Vintage

I really, really like you, Circa Vintage.
This is the real deal as far as vintage shops go; just off the beaten track and an Aladdin’s cave of vintage clothing and jewels. And each and every visit I’ve felt at ease to rummage to my heart’s content.
It’s expensive, but all genuine vintage items, and if you were looking for something for a special occasion, I’m sure that you’d be so very tempted by Circa’s goodies on offer. With every visit I’ve lusted after something. — Last time, a stunning dress. If I was in the market for a beautiful new frock and I’d had the pennies, I’d have left with it in an instant. Even if I don’t have the funds, I’ll always pop in Circa for a peek since it’s always a lot of fun to browse and you just never know what you might find.
Circa will always be a stop on my second hand shop jaunt of the west end.

The best vintage store in Glasgow in my humble opinion!
I really love vintage stores, but often struggle to find something to buy that I would actually wear, since I have a pretty average, non-​vintage style. However, along with amazing dresses, coats, hats and knitwear, Circavintage’s stock is very wearable. Unusual enough to fall in love with it, knowing that you won’t find it again, but not too out-​there that it’ll hang in your wardrobe unworn. There are loads of on-​trend items, and if you look at their Asos Marketplace page, you will see how it can easily be styled.
Extremely reasonably priced, although they don’t take card so hit the ATM before you go. Their jewellery is also fab — again very reasonably priced. Lots of unusual and gorgeous pieces.
The owner is a fountain of knowledge about vintage clothing and fashion generally, is great for a chinwag, and her little dog sometimes comes for a visit and is always welcome for a wee pet :)
NB: Ruthven Lane is under serious threat of being made into blocks of flats, so please go support one of Glasgow’s few pockets of character!

Bejewel me in gold, bedeck me in furs — but I’ll pass on the turquoise shiney Versace trousers. Say what now? Sunday is Vintage-​store shopping day, and Circa Vintage can easily while away half an hour.
Tucked up Ruthven Lane, and tacked onto the inner arcade area, Circa Vintage is a beautiful little vintage boudoir that holds its own against the heavyweights Starry Starry Night and Relics next door. It’s not too salty, nor too sweet — it’s just right.
Some vintage stores fall prey to overstocking, mushing up the 60s nylon dresses with the 80s shoulder-​padded power suits. Yes, bargain and vintage hunting can be a sport to some that requires blood, sweat and tears to be victorious, but it’s always nice when vintage stores take the time to lay their stock out nicely and make the whole browsing experience more fun.
And fun it certainley is to shop in Circa Vintage (see earlier blue, shiney Versace trousers reference earlier. That wasn’t made up). Definitey geared more towards the female customers, there are two full rails of gorgeous dresses, a rack of fur jackets, shoes, handbags a-​plenty; and four, yes four, stacked cases of jewellery. It’s a little tricky squeezing past the magpies at times to get a good look, but it’s all… so…pretty.
The women who runs the store is often in, takes a hands-​on approach and knows her stuff. I asked about vintage watches and rather than the usual «no sorry» response from the other stores I’d asked in, she explained it was hard to find some that worked, replace batteries, and suggested other places I could try including online.
From two seconds in the door I had a sudden urge to dowse myself in stage jewellery, don a lush fur robe and a 20s flapper dress. Circa vintage just has that effect on you. It makes vintage shopping fun, interesting (with the know-​all owner) and actually worth while. Top it all off, prices are reasonable too. Wonderful dahling.

When trawling the vintage stores of the west end, Circa should never be overlooked! The owner has run this business for decades and it continues to be a den full of vintage treasure.
Sometimes the outlandish jewellery she gets a hold of can make this place look like a costume jewellery shop, but in here you can find so many elegant designs. Her jewellery collection is especially enticing, and not so overpriced (unless the item is rare, in which case pay up and be thankful!)
I love the clothing in here — it varies from stately to outrageous — but what I admire most about Circa is her owner. She is one of the most down to earth, intelligent and conversational shop owners I’ve met and will openly share information with her customers. She’s been in the vintage game for years and takes pride in the fact that her items are acutely accounted for, not to mention how long some of them have survived! She’s expert on fashion and will gladly discuss what era these garments and jewellery pieces are from.
I don’t know how she does it but she can accurately source the date clothes were manufactured in. I find shopping in here a learning experience, and Circa offers you vintage shopping with substance. An active member of the community, Circa’s owner hasn’t just jumped on the antique bandwagon — she built the bandwagon! Considering the council were going to raze these shopping units in favour of a modern shopping complex (GROAN), I strongly urge people to learn more about this store and the unique community that would be lost if the council were to have their way. Circa has served the Glaswegian vintage scene for scores of years — long may it continue without interruption!
(Just for the record, this lady sells amazing 80s batwing jumpers. Just be careful not to mention how much you love them when you buy them, though — she hates the 80s!)

In my opinion Circa is one of the better vintage stores in the West End of Glasgow. All items are labeled to show you which era they are from and the store’s owner is extremely knowledgeable and will answer any questions you might have. Unlike neighboring store Glorious, Circa sells genuine vintage clothing from the 1920s to the 1980s and not old second hand clothes from high street stores. The selection of vintage jewellery, bags and hats is definitely among the best, if not the best, in the West End of Glasgow.
I recently bought a gorgeous 1920s evening bag in perfect condition for £20 from Circa. I have added a picture of it to this listing if you would like to take a look at the kind of treasures you can find in this lovely store.

I’ll be honest– I’ve only visited Circa Vintage when stopping by its neighbours (Glorious and Relics) and I’ve yet to buy anything in this vintage shop. I’ve always enjoyed a rummage though and would recommend it to anyone looking for an unusual coat, cute 1920s style hat or flapper-​girl-​style headband.
This place tends to be quiet– even on a Saturday afternoon I’ve felt slightly uncomfortable as I’ve looked through the rails under the watchful eye of its sales assistant. Don’t let that put you off though, enjoy not having to elbow your contenders when you find that great gorgeous bag.