Although the high street in York offers an extensive range of high street brands, hidden away are a selection of vintage shops which offer a wide range of original clothing, perfect for those looking for something a little bit different from your typical high street fashion.
One of these hidden gems is‘ Expressions clothing’, a vintage and retro shop located on Walmgate which offers original pieces ranging from the 50s era to the modern day.
This quirky store contains one-off pieces and offers both men and women’s clothing with a large range of accessories available at bargain prices. Many items are designed and made on site by the owners, with hand- made pieces ranging from quilt cover dresses to tea- towel panelled skirts.
As with most vintage stores, the shop is fairly small but the racks in the women’s section are crammed with tea-dresses, blouses and coats, so a good rummage is definitely in order to find the perfect purchase. Though for true bargain shoppers, this makes the shopping experience even more rewarding.
The men’s section is also worth a look with vintage cardigans, check shirts and hand printed T-shirts on offer. The rest of the stock has been shipped from Europe and America, limiting the chance of seeing someone wearing the same clothes as you.
As well as stocking clothes from previous decades, there is some space dedicated to more modern fashion meaning those who shy away from retro clothing can still find something great.
The shop has been running from its current location for five years but is now closing down to allow the owners to focus on the company’s online store, which has sold clothes to customers from as far away as Australia.
The closure will allow the couple who own the place to expand even further into the international market and new stock will be available from www.expressionsclothing.co.uk.
As a result, store stock is now being sold with a 50% discount of all original prices, with silk scarves on offer from 75p and dresses available from £10, meaning it is perfect for the penniless student who enjoys delving around for the perfect fashion bargain. The store will shut in December so get yourselves down there!
Whilst you’re there don’t forget to pop into ‘Purple Haze’, another vintage shop just a few doors down. Although more minimalist than ‘Expressions’ it still offers an extensive range of clothes with shoes, bags and household pieces available, in a more traditional retail layout.
Shoes range from £15 and clothes prices are extremely reasonable so this offers the perfect opportunity to grab something that little bit different for winter without breaking into your overdraft.