Friday 12 July 2013

Armstrongs is Recruiting!!!

Hi there!

A vacancy has come available for a full time staff member to work in our online shop.  The lucky candidate must be available to work in Edinburgh, Monday to Friday, 9-5.30 as of September 2013.



Before you start... do you have:

·        - Knowledge of the product; a comprehensive understanding of fashions and textiles from 1920s  through to the present day.
·         -Excellent computer skills and ideally previous experience with internet sales (preferably Ebay) on a commercial scale.
·         -Experience working with social media as a method of promotion and advertising particularly with regards to blogging, facebook and twitter.
·         -Photographic experience, mannequin dressing and display.
·         -Customer service experience both online and by phone.
·         -Understanding of Dispatch Manager or an equivalent online postal facility (optional).

We are looking for someone with a real passion for the product and a desire to learn more.  The candidate must have the ability to perform well under pressure and to work within strict deadlines in a bid to deliver consistent sales results.

If you’re interested please email a CV and cover letter with information about why you believe that you would be suitable for this role.  Please include a short paragraph for the blog (no more than 50 words) with two or three images on a vintage clothes related subject of your choice.  Make it funny, informal and most importantly tell us something we don’t already know!

Email address:
armstrongsvintageclothes@gmail.com

Good luck!

Wednesday 10 July 2013

Let’s Bring the Pinafore Out of Retirement



In days of austerity such as these we tend to make our fashion purchases sparingly on traditional items that will last a life-time (or at least see the year out).  A classic cashmere or fitted tweed will never look dated if pared with the correct accessories.  It may pull momentarily on the purse strings but can be justified as ‘built to last’ if given the proper care and attention.

With that in mind I want to build a case for the apron in an age where a ferocious microwave and a tub of soup can really run amok with your staples.  We expect our clothes to last a life-time while eating at the computer, phone in one hand, spoon in the other.   

The apron came about through necessity preserving a ladies’ limited supply of clothes pre a throw away Primark culture (and never has it been more necessary to resurrect it).  The humble apron gained fashion credentials in 1950s when decorative housewives sported them, cinched at the waist, trimmed with ruffles and lace.  See some of our retro examples for ideas!

So, when the pennies get low here is my advice, buy that classic that will last a life-time and throw in a £7.99 retro pinafore to ensure that it does!