Where we shopped for our Clothes

I know that my mother bought my clothes from various places dependant on the money available.

Early days she would take me down to a little shop in Henderson Street, Biddy Belle`s, for the basics.  The choice was very limited to say the least.  Sometimes we would go to Allans Stores in Great Junction Street, a bit further up market. LOL.

Another time it would be Lawsons in Castle Terrace, up the toon.  This was a shilling a week establishment.

Later she would take out a `provvy cheque` which gave us access to a more variety of shops.

Of course there was always the Store.  It was here where my school uniform was obtained.

Shoes were another commodity that was catered by the numerous stores around at the time.

When at last I reached the age where I `looked after myself``,  I became a bit more selective.  Burtons in the Kirkgate was where I got my suits.   This included my drape suit in the early 50s.

Almost forgot, what about Kate McGourty`s in Constitution Street?   Her brother Hugh owned the Eldorado.

Now what about you lot.  Where did you girls get your dirndl skirts?

Jessie`s favourite Boutique

Most of mine were bought at a very exclusive Boutique (Princes Street no less) called "C. & A. Modes" but known locally as "C. & A's." It was a great shop for us working lassies! My pals and I when we were teenagers (and had little money to spend) would often spend a good hour in C. & A's on a Saturday afternoon just trying on hats and hooting and hollering at each other after we had a hat on! It's a wonder we weren't thrown out! Made for great free entertainment on a boring Saturday before we went to the pictures.! I had forgotten about these episodes until now. Just recalling the store brought back these memories of us gals trying on all the fancy hats and laughing up a storm!

Bill Macrae

Reviving Memories of `C & A's was also known as Cheap and Awful. And `C & A' sold "frocks" every other woman`s store sold Dresses. Ah better no look in my computer for a few days now