20 July 2010
With some of the best independent boutiques in the UK, Edinburgh is a haven for the happy shopper.Ever since Christopher Kane became the designer name on everyone’s lips, Scotland has been recognised as a destination with more than a little style. And, with a reputation for knowing a bargain when we see it, one thing’s for sure – we Scots certainly know how to shop.
We’re innovative too. Pam Jenkins (www.pamjenkins.co.uk) was stocking Christian Louboutin shoes long before those red soles became a fashion icon. Her wonderful shop on Thistle Street is a world away from the cut and thrust of the main shopping drags, and is widely acknowledged as a ground-breaker, stocking Kate Spade, Jimmy Choo, Tory Burch and Pretty Ballerinas as well as those Louboutins. And since it’s the sale right now, you could save as much as £200 on a pair. Tell yourself it’s an investment.
The shop was recently voted Independent Footwear Retailer of the Year by Drapers and is one of only two Scottish outlets listed in Vogue’s guide to the UK’s Best Boutiques. The other one, as convenience would have it, is just a hop, skip and a jump across the road.
A real family concern, Jane Davidson (www.janedavidson.co.uk) is now run by Sarah Murray, the daughter of the original owner, and she attends all the major fashion shows to personally pick out her favourite pieces. Labels include Diane von Furstenberg, Halston Heritage and Herve Leger, but it’s not all about dressing up, and I adore its range of cool jeans brands, including MiH, Joe’s and MET.
Further along Thistle Street, you’ll find more designer labels, but with a difference, because Stock Xchange (www.stockxchangeuk.com) specialises in pre-owned clothes and accessories, with names like Armani, Gucci and Prada at a fraction of the original price.
Goodstead (www.goodstead.co.uk) in Rose Street may be tiny, but it packs a powerful punch. Blink and you’d miss its hand-picked range of street smart men’s and women’s brands such as APC, Farah and Sessun. There’s funky footwar from Onitsuka Tiger, Clarks Originals and Nike, as well as cool, minimalist chic from Margaret Howell.
There are burlesque delights at new store Miss Dixiebelle (www.missdixiebelle.co.uk), housed in a former taxi office in the leafy suburb of Bruntsfield. A treasure trove of vintage glamour, I love the stockings, corsetry and retro jewellery. Miss Dixiebelle herself is even planning workshops on flirting and sensuality to help bring out every girl’s inner pin-up.
A streamlined, Scandinavian feel dominates at Kakao by K, back in Thistle Street, where labels you won’t find anywhere else such as Edith and Ella, House of Lykke and Mimosa sit alongside accessories by local designers. Look out for wonderful headpieces by Margolily, leather brooches by Amanda Forrest and Harris Tweed bags by Margo Elder.
Eero & Riley (www.eeroandriley.com), at the top of Easter Road, has a great range of fun homewares – from plates and coasters to cook books – for Marmite lovers, as well as colourful jewellery, some of which is made from recycled vinyl records, and funky wall art too.
And, to ensure you always look your best while pounding the streets in search of a bargain, don’t miss a trip to Dollyleo Apothecary (www.dollyleo.co.uk) in Stockbridge. A sumptuously designed apothecary, it’s the brainchild of make-up artist Sadie Jean Sloss, who stocks unique beauty brands such as Rodial, Becca and Butter London. In her treatment rooms, she also gives magical facials, fabulous lash extensions and groovy Minx nail art. Katy Perry can’t get enough of these fab foil nail coverings.
So what are you waiting for? Get shopping!
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