37 Ruthven Lane, off Byres Road, Glasgow G12 9BG
Telephone: 0141 334 6660,

Glasgow's creme de la creme of vintage and retro shopping.

Sheila Murdoch with 20 years of experience of buying and selling vintage clothing is a class act when it comes to retro. I first discovered Sheila in my first year at Glasgow University - as a poor student I was always on the look out for a bargain. She had a tiny wee shop 'Deja Vu' (not much bigger than a cupboard) under Hallibee's Restaurant in Ruthven Lane. Now Circa is one of Glasgow's main attractions for fans of vintage and retro.

Taking a walk along Ruthven Lane is more worthwile than ever before as there are now two Circa shops, one at 37 Ruthven Lane and one in Ruthven Mews a few steps away. Both have masses of wonderful items from bygone days. How Sheila manages to find such an array of finery is a mystery but she clearly has the knack and Circa is the place to head if you are seeking something truly unique.

At the moment my favourites are the beautiful silk, satin and velvet evening dresses from the 20s. 30s and 40s. Very Hollywood and perfect for those festive outings. I also love the wonderfully intricate handknitted waistcoats and cardigans with their delicate colours and fair isle design. The super soft cashmeres - real bargains and all in lovely condition. There are also classy 40's costumes - guaranteed to be unique. Many are hand made and tailored to perfection.

If you are going along to any Vintage or Retro Weddings then you should be able to find something suitably glamourous and wonderful in Circa Vintage.

There are lots of party dresses from the 30's to the 80's, classy 40's blouses with silk and lace abounding. There are some amazing coats - guaranteed to be unique, some in cosy tartans perfectly snug and made to brighten winter days. Many of the clothes are hand made and tailored to perfection. There are also some very knatty tweed overcoats for the men.

Accessories abound and you will find many beautiful scarves, soft leather gloves, boots, shoes and bags. Particularly enticing are the exquisite beaded, vintage bags "1900 - 1980's". Sheila also has a large range of fantastic costume jewellery perfect for accessorizing your party outfit. I still treasure some turquoise and silver earrings I bought there a number of years ago and I could quite easily be tempted to add to my collection with each visit. There is always an intoxicating display of interesting, unusual and very reasonable necklaces, bangles and brooches to choose from.

Sheila will make you very welcome and will be happy to offer her expertise should you be on the look out for something particular. Also if you are interested in selling she will be happy to discuss this with you.

There are also some beautiful collectible linens, textiles and quilts. Give yourself a little treat and wander down the lane to Circa and then into Circa Vintage in the Arcade - I can guarantee you will be enchanted.