Every fashion lover has that one item in their wardrobe they can’t let go. For Amy, the founder of Girls Rewear, it’s a pink, Carrie Bradshaw-inspired tulle tutu skirt complete with a statement belt she wore in Paris.
“Those memories make it so special…When it’s such a unique piece, you just can’t get rid of it,” she shares.
That deep connection to clothing is exactly what drives the ethos behind Girls Rewear, a curated second-hand store based in Glasgow, bringing a fresh, feminine touch to the Scottish vintage fashion scene.
What started as a practical solution to earn money while moving between university and home quickly evolved into a thriving business. After getting hooked on selling her own clothes on Depop, Amy took a leap reaching out directly to influencers asking if she could sell their wardrobes for them. Running this from her parents’ spare bedroom gave way to her own dedicated studio space in Glasgow, a crucial step for expanding her brand beyond digital listings.
But finding quality pre-loved pieces requires both time and a sharp eye. It took two years to land reliable vintage wholesalers, with handpicking items over video calls becoming the go-to method. Sourcing involves sifting through racks online, meticulously evaluating each piece. Amy admits to being fussy, refusing to stock items she doesn’t believe in despite having a low price tag. Rather than carrying neutral fast fashion, Girls Rewear focuses on a distinctly feminine niche filled with pinks, pastels and bright statement pieces. This directly mirrors local tastes in Glasgow and Edinburgh, where shoppers crave bold alternatives to fast fashion.
They want something unique, something quirky…They want something different.
Amy’s studio was intentionally designed to step away from the chaotic thrift store experience, drawing inspiration from London showrooms, Parisian boutiques and Sex and the City aesthetic boards. The space avoids overwhelming bargain bins in favour of clean, colour-coordinated rails. Stepping into the studio feels light-filled and airy, anchored by a statement cowhide rug, wall-mounted Vogue covers and pastel accents. You are instantly put at ease, like stepping into a stylish friend’s personal dressing room.
Amy explains, “My dream is that girls come on their own, girls come in groups and it can be a day-out experience for them”.
Behind the scenes, building the brand meant embracing social media and creating a genuine connection with her followers. While Amy prefers being behind the camera and letting the clothing take centre stage, she actively shares snippets of pop-up markets, fresh restocks and daily studio life to keep her community engaged. For Amy, independent retail comes with real hurdles, from navigating wholesale delays to finding affordable studio space, but the gratifying moments come in these packed pop-ups or successful markets in Edinburgh alongside her mum.
We were just blown away by the amount of people that came by that loved the stuff.
When it comes to everyday style, Amy relies on a formula built for unpredictable Glasgow weather. She pairs versatile denim with pastel pink knitwear, gold jewellery, a standout bag and a trusty claw clip. Italian leather ballet flats are strictly reserved for the rare dry days. As for students looking to build a sustainable wardrobe on a budget, she recommends starting on resale apps like Vinted, Depop or eBay.
“Just sift through,” she suggests, pointing to TikTok as another great place to discover underrated vintage brands.
I couldn’t help but leave Amy’s studio with a grey, blue and red Argyle knitted jumper, perfect for crisp autumnal walks through campus. It has a perfectly slouchy, worn-in feel that fast fashion stores try so hard to replicate. I paired it with a vintage denim mini skirt and my trusty Dr. Martens, a combination which feels balanced and perfectly prepped to handle unpredictable Glasgow weather. Wearing it across campus, I realised it carries the same quality Amy spoke about with her Parisian tutu, that knowing a piece already has a history makes wearing it feel more personal.
Whether you’re hunting for a vintage statement or just starting to build a pre-loved wardrobe, Girls Rewear proves that second-hand style can be intentional, affordable and full of personality.
If you would like to check it out yourself, HerCampus Glasgow and Girls Rewear are hosting a collab pop-up on Sunday 27th September from 12-4pm in Amy’s studio. It will be an afternoon of pre-loved clothing, good chats and girls coming together, as well as a great opportunity to find some new outfits for the start of university.