Edinburgh

Edinburgh has all the High Street names you´d expect of a capital city and over the last few years has also welcomed higher–end designer names to its roll–call of fashion splendour.

There are plenty of one–off craft and design shops if you´re on the market for something individual. The centre of town is breathtakingly beautiful and very compact, which makes browsing the full quota of what the capital has to offer.

Department Stores & Prime Shopping Streets

GEORGE STREET

Locally considered more upmarket than Princes Street, George Street houses yet more High Street names. Look here for Jigsaw, Wall, Laura Ashley, Space NK, Whistles, The White Company, TW Lewin, Jaeger, East, Austin Reed, French Connection, Molton Brown and Karen Millen.

JENNERS

47 Princes Street / 0870 6072841 / www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Recently bought by the House of Fraser group, Jenners department store is an institution. At Christmas time there is a fantastic three–storey high fir tree in the main hallway. From kitchenware and toys in the basement to the haberdashery on the top floor you can browse underwear, shoes, luggage and a surprising array of designer names including Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Diesel, Paul Smith, All Saints and Ted Baker.

MULTREES WALK

This purpose–built laneway can be a wind tunnel on days with choppier Scottish weather, but with the range of exciting retailers that have based themselves in close proximity to the new Harvey Nichols store, you might be prepare to brave the elements. Get your cheque book out for the likes of Reiss, Anne Fontaine, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry, Calvin Klein, Links, Emporio Armani, Daks, Marina Reynaldi and The Pen Shop.

Fashion for men and women

ARKANGEL

4 William Street / 226 4466 / www.arkangelfashion.co.uk

This appealing independent has a gorgeous selection of designer wear and a smattering of occasional vintage items alongside locally sourced fascinators, a great range of jewellery and giftware such as candles, perfume and soap.  Allegra Hicks, Paddy Campbell, Pocket Venus and Miyuzaki Masahiro are the headline acts.

BELINDA ROBERTSON

13a Dundas Street / 557 8118 / www.belindarobertson.com

The local cashmere queen has a range of more affordable items (White Label) and the high–end luxury of her tempting designer range.  There is even a bespoke service.  Check out the cheeky cashmere knickers.

COOKIE

29 Cockburn Street / 6227260

Cookie lives up to its name with retro dresses, scarves and even underwear.

CORNICHE

2 Jeffrey Street / 5563707 / www.corniche.org.uk

Founded in the late 1970s the careful eye of the owner makes the stock in this local favourite varied and exciting. Check out the Moschino and Ghost bits and pieces.

Vintage clothing

ARMSTRONG´S

83 The Grassmarket / 2205557 / www.armstrongsvintage.co.uk

Armstrong’s is undoubtedly Edinb’s most exciting vintage store.  Check out the second–hand cashmere in a rainbow of colours for a real bargain.

HERMAN BROWN

151 West Port / 2282589 / www.hermanbrown.co.uk

This small, vintage haven concentrates on good quality second–hand goods from jewellery to eveningwear.

Homewares

CHANDLERS

68 St Stephens Street / 2205472 / www.chandlersonline.com

Charming, retro homewares with a few scarves, dressing gowns and tasty treats thrown in for good measure.

DIANA FORRESTER

22 North West Circus Place / 225 5877 / www.dianaforrester.co.uk

A new addition to this part of town, this shop moved recently from its Leith home. French homewares, garden bits and pieces, candles and one–off items. A lovely place to browse.

FLOWERS BY MONICA HIGGINS

22 Argyle Place / 4772923 / www.flowersbymonicahiggins.co.uk

Simply the best flower shop in Scotland this shop also stocks vases, bird houses and a few cards.

Gifts, Jewellery and Accessories

ANNIE SMITHM

20 Raeburn Place / 3325749 / www.anniesmithjewellry.co.uk

A good collection of modern jewellery with a high fashion slant – mostly silver with some gemstones and pearls.

BOUDICHE

15 Frederick Street / 2265255 / www.boudiche.co.uk

Edinburgh’s very own boudoir. Expect lacy bras, frilly knickers and all things naughty! Prices start surprisingly low and the staff are particularly helpful to men shopping for their girlfriends.

CHIC AND UNIQUE

8 Deanhaugh Street / 3329889 / www.vintagecostumejewellery.co.uk

A fantastic collection of costume items from the 1850s – 1980s. Handbags, hairclips, cufflinks, jewellery and you can even hire a tiara for the evening.