Lynne McCrossan knows how to sniff out a designer vintage bargain - and then style it to make it look like a million bucks. Jen Barton meets the lady behind one of Glasgow's most impressive wardrobes...
Stylist and fashion writer Lynne McCrossan is an expert at unearthing vintage gems at bargain prices (in fact, the Edinburgh Evening News columnist has even written a book about her vintage obsession, A Girl's Guide to Vintage).
We couldn't wait to look behind the wardrobe doors of Glasgow's premier vintage connoisseur, dig through her vintage gems and pick her brain for top tips – like how to discover men's Pringle golf trousers from the 1980s for 99p and make them look this chic and contemporary...
Tell us a bit about your style.
It is utterly dependant on mood and the weather. Lately I've be leaning towards crisp tailoring then flitting back to full-length feminine frocks - I feel like I've been channelling Katharine Hepburn.
What got you interested in vintage fashion? Was there a specific person or item of clothing that got you hooked?
My grandmother's fur coat is my first memory of vintage. As a child I would stare at it in my own mother's wardrobe in awe as it was only for special occasions. She gave it to me a few years ago and I wear it every winter without fail.
What are some of your tips for styling vintage outfits?
I'm pretty liberal when it comes to wearing vintage as it is such an individual thing. But personally, I like to wear my vintage with pieces from the high street today.
What are your favourite vintage eras?
I am a bit of a decade slut. There is something for me in every era, in particular the 1920s, 1930s and 1970s.
What are some of your top tips for finding the best vintage pieces?
Be realistic. I get a lot of people saying to me that vintage has become too expensive. This frustrates me as you are buying a piece of history. The further back you go, the more expensive it will be. With that in mind, decide if it is really vintage stores you want to shop in; if so, appreciate that the shop owner has curated each piece in store and this comes at a premium.
For charity shop shopping, avoid "vintage rails" - they are overpriced and usually the worst selection of offerings. Get your hands dirty and look through all the rails. It's half the fun.
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MORE! See inside the best vintage wardrobes here.