Ruby In The Dust: A hidden gem on our high street

Owner, Gemma Cunningham, describes the store’s treasures as “Glamorous, but also wearable and affordable.” Packed with an array of different vintage items, the store is little bigger than most student’s living rooms. But attached next door is another delight. A cupcake shop named Ruby Cakes. What a delicious combination. So we popped down for a little chat. For the fashion, though, the cupcakes had nothing to do with it.

This blustery season we are to be inspired by the fashion of the 1940s and ‘60s. So perhaps we should do one better than just picking up our A/W staples from our local polyester pavilion, which is Primark. Instead let us adorn ourselves in genuine, retro attire that will give us style-props-a-plenty. For those of you who consider yourself to be somewhat the vintage virgin, Gemma is there to give useful little hints and tips served up with a big smile. She says, “Never look at the label when shopping for vintage clothes. Just pick up everything you love and try it on. The label may say size 12, but the sizes vary when it comes to vintage.” Wise words, especially after perhaps one too many cupcakes. And there will be a lot to try. When looking for these vintage goodies think like a magpie: go straight for the sparkle. Heavily sequined garments are usually very expensive when bought from the high street, but you can pick them up for a reasonable price from most good vintage stores. Just be careful not to wear out your new sequins and beads when intoxicated. You’ll come home with 50% less sequins, than when you started.

The items in the store have, without a doubt, been lovingly sourced. Sought out from markets, charity shops and fairs for more than 10 years, everything has been hand-picked, and there’s more to come. Gemma promises rails stuffed with new items every week. With more than 60 pairs of vintage Levi’s in her attic, waiting to be laundered, us students are in for a treat. It gets better. Every Tuesday, students get 15% off their purchases so there’s no need to scrimp and save for the perfect outfit. To check how far our hard-earned (yeah, who are we kidding) cash will stretch, we set a little task; we come in with £20 to spend, what do we go for? The answer? Go for the casual and simple look. Gemma says, “There’s lots of cute little tops and waistcoats. They can be mixed with items you already own, to update the look or make your outfit a bit funkier.”

“It’s always best to keep it simple: never dress in head-to-toe vintage,” we are warned. Very few people can pull off that look. Let’s face it, most of us would look less like Alexa Chung and more like we had run around the local Oxfam, arms flailing, covered in PrittStick. So, to all the stylish students out there, take a jaunt down to this cute little vintage store. It plays home to all the items needed to create sartorial perfection, whether it be for the numerous Christmas nights out to come, or simply to update your wardrobe with some glitzy, original pieces. But you’ll have to beat the Brig Fashion team to it.