I've been a huge vintage and retro fan since my teenage years when, inspired by an appreciation of great style and lack of funds, I periodically plundered my aunties' jewellery boxes and wardrobes. The joys of acquiring fancy hat pins, jet chokers, Hebe suits and beaded crepe dresses at an early age set me up for a lifelong appreciation of vintage and retro shopping.

For many years I have toddled along jumble sales and flea markets (in different parts of the world) and even had my own vintage stall at the Briggait in Glasgow for a number of years. I made friends with other traders, like Michael and Maxine, who often gave me the best of deals at the very wonderful Maxine's. Nowadays, I am a regular visitor to their West End shop Handbags and Gladrags.

In the 70s and 80s I followed Sheila Murdoch from venture to venture, always sure of a great vintage find in her shops. None more so than in her Circavintage shops, which can be found these days in Ruthven Lane and Ruthven Arcade.

In the 90s I spent much of my spare pocket money in the amazing Saratoga Trunk and that's where I found my fabulous lace and velvet going away outfit when Jim and I got married in 1991. Beautiful and eyecatching enough to propel me onto a Polish Film of the Life of Samuel Beckett, shot in Dunlaoghaire when we were on our honeymoon, but that's another story. :)

Thus, it's with great delight that I've been noticing the arrival of more and more Vintage and Retro Shops in Glasgow, and particularly in Glasgow's West End. I have been gradually exploring their delights, I thought it would be a good idea to create a guide.

What I particularly enjoy about the Vintage and Retro Shops is that they not only offer an interesting alternative to the high street shops and designer boutiques, but they all have their own unique personality.

One of my favourite shops, fairly new on the scene, is 'Not Now Cato' in De Courcy's, Cresswell Lane.

Not Now Cato

Located upstairs in this fascinating arcade, Alan Brooks, the enthusiastic and friendly owner, has created a smaller and nattier version of the huge Flip basement in Queen Street, the source of so many of my more alternative bargains.

With his imaginatively named shop (called after a line in a Peter Seller's movie) Alan has plugged a substantial gap in the world of Retro. Not only can you be sure of a good browse, possibly leading to that perfect retail discovery - he also caters for Men! And I don't mean just the Harris tweed jackets and moleskin or brocade waistcoats, he also has a very popular line in new Retro designs.

This includes Pop polo shirts and very elegant long sleeved t-shirts with a distinct Gallic flair. Established since the 90s in Manchester and London, I think that the Pop range available at Not Now Cato is certain to be a sure fire success in Glasgow.

If you fancy some Retro footwear this is where you should head as Alan has a an amazing variety of winkle pickers and brothel creepers the likes of I've not seen since the 80s when Jim had his pale blue crepe sole shoes when his alter ego was Dexter Slim. Glasgow's rockabilly fans are sure to be in heaven.

This shop is fanastic for a wee browse around and you never know what you might discover. My niece was all of a whirl when I produced some fishnet Mary Quant tights still in their pristine packaging.

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Not Now Cato - De Courcy's, Cresswell Lane, Glasgow G12.

Glasgow Retro

Handbags and Gladrags

While there are many bargains to be had in this shop if you are simply after something nice at a very good price, the real jewel is in the back shop - a haven for every retro fans.

Steeped in the world of the flea market for decades, Michael, Maxine and now daughter Gina, are true experts when it comes to pulling together an invariably well stocked and interesting collection. Most reassuringly you are definitely not going to break the bank.

It's a particularly popular destination for the theme party goers looking for a 40s, 70s or 80s outfit. Also plenty of slinky, sparkly tops and dresses, well cut coats and a tantalising array of accessories. Read the feature.