dresses

An Edinburgh institution

W Armstrong in Edinburgh is a true institution. There are several locations, but the Grassmarket spot is a treasure trove. Frequented by locals, students and tourists alike, there is a price point for all. Whether I’ve been on the hunt for vintage cashmere, denim, fabulous 1950s dresses, garb for a fancy dress party or even a kilt, this store has sorted me out. It is always a favourite for when friends visit the city, and whether you are looking to buy or not, it is worth a visit just to see its eclectic collection.
Amy

An Erasmus exchange took me to Budapest, where I discovered a city full of vintage shops and flea markets. The city is dotted with Humana shops for staple wardrobe finds; there’s the Ecseri flea market for the more unusual (interspersed with the occasional plastic Stalin bust); plus chic, rambling stores like Szputnyik and Retrock Vintage – think racks of leather jackets and tulle tops among giant monstera plants. Antiques shops are also found tucked away, their contents spilling on to the pavements outside. A particularly favourite find was a set of intricate hand-painted embroidery layouts on kraft paper from the 1930s, each signed by the artist.
Katie

Lyon’s canalside treasure trove

A SAVVY shopper has bagged stunning wedding guest dresses from Asda for less than a tenner.

TikToker Christina Mitsi, who’s 5ft 3 and a size 12/14, headed to George at Asda in search of the perfect big-day look and found a whole rail of gorgeous dresses from just £6.

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And while you might expect the cheapest frock to look like a bargain bin disaster, she reckons it’s one of the best of the lot.

Among her top picks was a beautiful navy satin-style number – simple, elegant and with a stretchy back that made it “so comfy” to wear.

The dress only set her back £6.

She laughed: “Can you imagine turning up in that and everyone saying, ‘Your dress is gorgeous, where’s it from?’ and you say Asda, six quid.”

She also fell in love with a flowy green dress for £15.

For something a little more versatile, she tried a multi-way bridesmaid-style gown for £32, which can be tied and styled in several different ways.

“So affordable if you need matching dresses for your bridesmaids, this is a fantastic option,” she said.

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Christina was seriously impressed with the quality, comfort and price of most of the range.

And with dresses starting at just £6, she says it’s the perfect excuse to splash out on a fancy handbag and heels instead.

“Why spend more when you can get a lovely dress for £15 or less?” she added.

Fans were just as impressed.

One user said: “Wow, you look stunning.”

Another added: “Love – makes me want to buy it in case I ever get invited to a wedding”.

While a third said: “They all look gorgeous on you x”.

It came just days after another savvy fashionista showed off her £3 event dress she bagged from Asda’s clearance rail.

The bargain-hunter, @finchofautismlife took to TikTok to show off the stunning satin dress from George at Asda.

And fans were totally obsessed.

“You look stunning,” one viewer gushed.

Another said: “Wow, I love it, that dress is gorgeous!”

Last week, shoppers were sent into a frenzy over a sweet broderie anglaise white mini dress, reduced from £22 to just £15, with rave reviews calling it “classy”, “lightweight” and the “perfect fit”.

Others have gone wild for a £20 floral dress hailed as “perfect in every way” , ideal for summer weddings or garden parties, while a £12 leopard print denim shirt dress became a best-seller thanks to its comfy oversized fit and transitional style.

But the £3 event dress might just take the crown for the best fashion bargain yet.

So if you’re in the market for an affordable outfit that’ll turn heads without emptying your wallet, it might be worth swinging by your local Asda and checking the rails.

The buzz comes after Asda launched its first-ever stand-alone George store in Leeds earlier this year, which could be rolled out nationwide if it proves a hit.

The new store, which opened on Saturday, May 10, in the old Asda Living unit at Crown Point Retail Park, is a dream come true for George fans.

It’s packed with affordable fashion, stylish homeware, must-have toys, and adorable baby gear, plus a brand new café to keep you fuelled mid-shop.

There are currently 30 Asda Living stores in the UK, but the supermarket giant is testing the waters with this new George-only concept.

Bosses are expected to make a decision later this year on whether more will launch across the country.

The George brand, first launched in 1989 by fashion guru George Davies, changed the game as the UK’s first supermarket clothing label.

By 2004, it had become the nation’s biggest clothing retailer, and today it’s still going strong, racking up 260 million visits a year to its site and stocking shelves in 560 stores.

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