Style City: Edinburgh

 

Armstrongs, 83 Grassmarket or 64-66 Clerk Street
A bit of a favourite amongst the fashion set and celebrities (Kylie Minogue is apparently a big fan); Armstrong’s is the perfect antidote for anyone used to London’s inflated vintage prices. If you’re a magpie like me, you’ll love these enchanting crowded shops, packed to the ceilings with prom dresses, sparkly jewels, and dramatic period pieces. Also the perfect place to pick up a vintage ladies kilt to commemorate your Scotland trip!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Jenners, 48 Princess Street
Eschew the massive new Harvey Nichols (if you can!) And instead spend some time exploring the world’s oldest department store. The store is an Edinburgh institution – its full of different rooms and floors connected by spirally stairs, and –as a result- is a bit of a maze to navigate! However this only adds to its faded grandeur charm; and, for your efforts, you will be rewarded with all the best beauty buys, fantastic designers, and an incredible food court.

 

 

 

Plasir Du Chocolat,  251 – 253 Cannongate
Take a trip off the beaten path and explore Edinburgh’s picturesque ‘old town’ – although take some flats (charming cobbled streets + high heels don’t mix!) Whilst there, treat yourself and relax, in the old school glamour of this beautiful tea room-come-chocolate boutique. Last time I visited with a friends who ‘didn’t like chocolate’ she ended up having the chocolate espresso and the chocolate gateaux… It’s that good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corniche, 2 Jeffrey Street (just off the royal mile)
This gem of a shop (a fixture for more than 30 years, and once voted UK Designer Store of the Year) was the first boutique to stock difficult to find designers; such as Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garcons and Vivienne Westwood. There is a huge range of men and women’s clothing, and the atmosphere is exceptionally relaxed and friendly. Apparently it’s ‘teeming with celebrities’ around festival time.

 

 

 

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Concrete Wardrobe (formerly Concrete Butterfly) 317 – 319 Cowgate
Check out the local design talent, in this quirky boutique dedicated to providing a platform for young and up-coming designers. Something from this eclectic mix of one off pieces of clothing, pretty accessories and home furnishings would make a fantastic gift – or a great present to yourself for that ‘where did you get that?’ factor!

 

 

 

 

 

 

UrbanAngel, 121 Hanover Street

All food is organic, seasonal, locally sourced and (most surprisingly) very cheap! Forget what you’ve heard about Scottish food, this is fantastic!

 

 

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One Spa @ Sheraton Grand, 8 Conference Square
You might not get so lucky (so to speak) as my sister and I – who ended up sharing the pool with the entire Scottish Rugby Team on our last trip! But a trip to this spa (the largest in the UK) is not to be missed.  There are a million and one treatments; from ESPA facials, wraps, and hot stone massage – however, we reckon the views of the castle from the outdoor hydro pool are worth the visit alone.

 

 

 

Dragon Fly Bar, 52 Westport, Grassmarket

An unassuming entrance gives way to one of the most stylish bars in the city. Fantastic cocktails are complimented by the prettiest decor, comfy sofas, and (crucially) a lack of pretension or stag parties! The best place to relax in nice surroundings after a hard days shopping.

 

 

 

By Lindsay Macpherson

 

lindsaymac55@hotmail.com