Handbags & Gladrags

I LOVE THIS SHOP
My mum used to take me when I was really young its just heaven. Theres so much culture and history in the shop its one of Glasgows little gems. Most vintage shops just now have noticed the trend just now and are ripping you off but this place is full of unigue bargains. I go regularly myself now and most of the displayed items are still there. Maxine and her daughter are really friendly and help you out with what you’re looking for and are treasures themselves. There is a changing room and they have extended the back of the shop so there are more things to buy: D
Look out for desgner labels and the leather jackets, good shoes and eye catching peices of jewelry.
happy shopping

Remember when Starbucks began to appear everywhere about ten years ago? You literally couldn’t turn a corner without seeing one? I think the same thing is now happening with vintage stores in Glasgow. They are beginning to crop up all over the place. I wonder how there is enough vintage clothing in the world to keep them all stocked.
Handbags and Gladrags at the bottom of Byres Road was one of the originals. It has been around for as long as I can remember. Happily, it is also one of the best vintage stores in Glasgow. You can find some really interesting stuff in here and the owners genuinely have a passion for what they are doing.
So, when the vintage fad is over and the shops begin to slowly wane, just like Starbucks, I have a feeling Handbags and Gladrags will still be around.

Next to Kelvinhall tube station, this place got my attention with its name, making me instantly feel the warmth I used to feel of the theme tune to The Office when a new episode was on TV.
Inside, by comparison, was of a course a let down! Nonetheless, there is some awesome gear in here that made me think of the first time I went into Mr. Benn.
It favours the thrifty female, but there is some cool gear for blokes too and is a fun place to have a look around.
I like places like this because I start thinking about where the clothes might have come from, how many people might have worn them, how much they cost.
I am a romantic man.
If you’re over this way, have a swatch — ideally without whistling the tune to The Office. Judging by the dudes reaction when I went in, it happens alot.
The price to pay for naming your shop Handbags and Gladrags pal, deal with it.

Blink and you will without doubt miss this place. However on the other hand, at first glance you will be forgiven for mistaking this joint for a scary lookin «what in gods name is this place» shop. Only once you are actually inside does the majesty (yes i said majesty, it was either that of wondrous splendour… shut up, i’m feeling a bit fruity today ok!) of this rag tag den of vintage gear finally reveal itself.
Maybe its just me, but as a guy i always get the fear that these places are exclusively selling chicks gear and that by wondering in and starting to look around i either look lost, or look like a cross dresser on the hunt for his next «to die for» little black number… Eeeek, the thought of me in a dress… again.
Anyway, this place is one of those joints which hides its guys clothes at the back, so fear not man chaps, its there… i swear.
Once you’ve settled in and your eyes have become accustomed to the clutter (compared to the new minimalist feel of shops today, this has the initial feeling of a overly messy skip… in a nice way,), you’ll find a real labour of love. Even if you don’t buy anything from here, its totally worth a visit just to experience it.
Come visit, ok its not in the best of areas and just slightly out of the way from the other joints on Byres Road, however a visit here can be followed by a spot of lunch at the nearby excellent Tribeca and a jaunt to the holey crap its huge Salvation Army shop.

A little treasure trove tucked away beside Kelvinbridge Underground, Handbags and Gladrags has some gorgeous second hand clothes from good quality shops. The place was around ages before vintage become trendy and similar stores started popping up in Glasgow. Definitely worth a look

This lovely little shop is filled with all sorts of vintage goodies, including spangly 80’s dresses, pretty 40’s shoes and a massive selection of scarves, bags and accessories.
I love the ornate furnishings, including grand chairs and mirrors that are scattered around the shop, which unfortunately aren’t for sale, but add to its vintage charm.

Ah, I love this shop. This self-​described ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ is stuffed full of clothes, including everyday pieces and coats as well as more flamboyant outfits. They have a men’s section and a plus size section — so it’s not just for the female and skinny. They also sell very fancy high heels in huge sizes, I’ll let you decide how suspicious to be about that.
A lot of the clothes are second-​hand high street pieces (some never worn) rather than vintage — but Maxine the shop owner does have an impressive range of amazing outfits on display.
It’s not expensive at all — you can get really good quality dresses from high street stores like Warehouse for less than £20. If you’re feeling flash, they have a selection of second hand designer handbags at good prices too.
They don’t take cards though — so be prepared to make a quick dash to the cash machine.
My absolute best buy from here was a vintage fur jacket complete with brooch for the grand total of £15! The owner’s great too — every time I go in wearing it she remembers that I bought it from her and tells me how much it suits me. I think little things like that make all the difference.

I’ve heard people rave about this shop, and I’ve given it quite a few browses over the years, but I’m afraid it hasn’t quite tickled my fancy. I wouldn’t really count it as a vintage shop, as the only vintage pieces I’ve come across instore are those on display and not for sale — so many of which have disappointed me when I’ve admired them for a while before seeing the ‘DISPLAY ONLY’ ticket. Why bother with so many clothes? It’s like dangling a massive hot dog just out of reach in front of a man too fat to get up to retrieve it.
It does have a lot of clothes to browse through though — chances are you’ll find something you like.

This vintage shop has a real mix from some real gems to a load oif old tat!
The store is well laid out and has a good sized dressing room.
There is a small mens department at the back of the shop and the shoes and handbag display regularly spills out onto the street.
I have found some great accessories as well as an american designer dress which was still in season retailing for double the price I got it here!
Recently though the shop has been full of tacky feather boas and cheap shoes which is disappointing.

This is an amazing shop and if you like vintage, retro or just clothes in general you’ll love it in here. Displays have a glamorous feel to them and you wouldn’t be the first person to be disappointed that the original vintage dresses on display are not for sale. But there’s plenty on offer that is for sale. There’s absolutely everything you could hope for in here, so you’re sure to find something whatever your style — there are feather boas, fur coats, equisite broaches and jewellery, quality cashmere, designer labels and loads of bargains to be found. It’s the kind of shop you can come to over and over again as there are always new things to buy.