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New Season Fashion Hits The Store
Expect a full-blown colour explosion in The Store at Restoration Yard this Spring. Our buying team has collated a Spring 2020 edit that cherry-picks the best of the trends from across the shows. Through bright boho dresses with a 1970’s Ossie Clark feel to preppy polkas and stripes, the collections are packed with standout closet heroes.
This season, The Store at Restoration Yard is awash with print and colour. Think fresh apple green and indigo blue as well as sun-baked pastels alongside bright pops of coral pink and zesty yellow. From peasant shell tops, unstructured jackets and blouses to wrap dresses, playful jumpsuits and light wide-legged trousers, expect nature-inspired floral and fauna prints with ethnic influences here and there.
The hottest new collection to hit is the gorgeous celebrity favourite Primrose Park. Make like Amanda Holden
and Kate Garraway – adore its boho pretty blouses. Its plethora of print moves
through from leafy green on pink prints of leaves and birds to full-on neon
leopard spots and tiger stripes, all done with a feminine vibe.
Blouses by Primrose Park from £125
POM Amsterdam’s ready-to-wear returns for its second season in-store and it’s even stronger for Spring 2020 with more quirky-yet-pretty prints. Our personal favourite is the Chinese-inspired Maneki Neko Lucky Cat print that waves out from silky dresses and blouses. Team either dress or blouse with its gorgeously tailored contrast collar and cuff trim blazer for a standout look.
Dress by Pom Amsterdam
We are still in love with Vilagallo for its vibrant Spanish vibe. Our must-haves include a sunset pink shirt dress and the sun-baked pastel stripe shirt. The leopard print in pink neon on white is a win on a shell top and a cute espadrille.
Scarf and Shirt by Vilagallo
Blown-out florals at Bl^nk adorn cute tops, dresses and skirts. The Ossie Clark-inspired dress in a swirl of neon yellow and pink paisley is our wardrobe winner. A Boho Broderie Anglais top with bell sleeves invokes the same 1970s Ossie-meets-Celia Birtwell feeling.
Dress, Top and Trousers By Bl^nk
At Danish brand Part Two polka
dot prints work well on wide-legged trousers and a handkerchief hem skirt while
dresses come in beautiful spicy yellows.
Dress
by Part Two
Another boutique favourite is the
M.A.B.E (previously Star Mela) collection of perfectly boho embroidered
tops, cute unstructured jackets and floor-sweeping peasant dresses in delicate
prints and embroidered-edge cheesecloth tunic dresses with gorgeous frilled
shouldering that will be perfect for barefoot summer’s days.
Top and Dress by M.A.B.E
Sisi Gibreel, head of retail at Restoration Yard, said:
“We adored the nod to the bohemian 1970s – especially to the great British designer Ossie Clark in his David Hockney heyday. The palette of pink, indigo and spicy yellows of mustard and turmeric is like looking at old Kodak photos of that decade. Our store is at its best when it is full of beautiful colours and print. This is our strongest season yet.”
How To Cook The Perfect Steak
As head chef at The Kitchen at Restoration Yard, Colin Halliday knows how to get the best out of every steak. Maybe you missed a most-sought after table at one of our popular Steak Nights at The Kitchen? Well enjoy Colin’s top tips on how to cook the perfect steak…
What’s your favourite cut of steak?
Definitely ribeye and I very much recommend the 28-day-aged dry-aged Buccleuch Beef.
When perusing the butchery counter what makes you choose one steak over another?
It’s all about the amount of fat. I’m looking for not too much fat but a fine balance between the amount of meat and the amount of fat.
So how do we cook the perfect steak?
Whichever cut you choose let your steak get to room temperature before you begin. I cook my steak to around 45°C so if the steak is at room temperature (18°C) before I start cooking as this significantly reduces the cooking time and means it will be moist and tender on the plate.
Before I cook a steak I season it first with Malden Sea Salt and freshly ground black pepper. So add a splash of oil in the pan first for heat and then add butter for colour and flavour. Throw on the steak at a high heat then sear all the sides. Now you can lower the heat to low or medium. Most shop bought steaks will give a rough guide to rare, medium and well-done. Cook to your preference – ask your butcher for a guide on how long it will need for rare, medium, medium rare or well done (shop-bought steaks will have instructions on the packaging).
From pan to plate or do you need to rest a steak like a roast?
Resting your steak is so important. The general rule is that you should rest your steak for the same amount of time that you cooked it. After it’s rested, before serving, crank your oven crank your oven up full and put the steak back in the oven for 30 seconds to regain surface temperature. Then your steak is ready for the plate.
What’s the best sauce for a great steak experience?
It has to be peppercorn or blue cheese for me.
Can you give us a quick go-to sauce that can be whipped up in seconds for a simple at-home steak night?
Remove your steak from the pan for its rest. Chuck a small glass of red wine in the steak pan and with a wooden spoon scrape all the crispy bits up from the bottom of the pan. Reduce this liquid jus by two thirds and add a beef stock pot and a couple of knobs of butter. Again reduce slightly and it’s ready to enjoy.
Finally, what are your favourite sides for enjoying with a steak?
I love mine with hand-cut chips and honey roasted parsnips. Delicious.
Last-minute Valentine's gift ideas
Eeeek! We’ve all been there – the frantic last-minute search to find the perfect gift!
…and with Valentine’s Day only a matter of days away, you might be feeling the pressure – but stress not! The Store is full to bursting with quirky gift ideas – from super-silly and a little bit cheeky, to more romantic grand-gestures. We’re open daily from 9.30am to 6pm so pop in and pick something special (or have a browse in our Online Store!).
Here’s our pick of some of the loveliest ideas in store now…
Love is… for your gal-entine
This adorable little pocket book is full of cute illustrations, dreamy quotes and puns galore to help you tell your best gal that you donut know what you’d do without her! (Throw in some Restoration Yard delights too to keep them sweet!)
‘Olive You’ book, £6.99. Restoration Yard turkish delights, £3.95.
Love is… for the fashionista
You can’t go wrong with a beautiful accessory and this utterly gorgeous 100% silk scarf by Vilagallo is giving us all the feels.
Silk scarf by Vilagallo, £75
Love is… for the beauty addict
Oooh err! This loooovely new collection of potions from This Works promises to help you reclaim the bedroom for sleep and intimacy… what’s not to love?
‘Love Sleep’ collection by This Works, from £13
Love is… for the dog lover
There’s no love like puppy love! Don’t leave the pooches out this Valentine’s – show your man’s best friend just how much you love them with tasty treats and playful toys from our new selection by Petface.
Petface Rubber & Squeak Ball, £7.49, and Premium Baked Dog Biscuits, £4.50.
Love is… for the interior’s lover
Call us old-fashioned, but sometimes there’s nothing more romantic than being made a cup of tea by the one you love! Especially when brewed in this stunning floral teapot and matching cups…
Images d’Orient Teapot, £55, and Tea Cups, £17.50 each.
Love is… for the accessory king
Love may be blind, but who could resist a pair (or two) of these colourful everyday specs by Izipizi? Buy a pair to share, or treat yourself to his ‘n’ hers…
Izipizi reading glasses, £29.95
Love is… for the gastronome
Spice things up in The Kitchen with this pretty yet punchy Indian Spice Tin. Not only was it voted ‘Gift of the Year’ at the Great Taste awards, it also comes in a beautiful drawstring bag (we’re keeping ours for storing treasures!).
Indian Spice Tin by Spice Kitchen, £35
Buying Beautiful: New season fashion in-store
Louise Aylesbury, manager of The Store at Restoration Yard, reveals her buying tactics for the new Spring/Summer 2020 womenswear and gives us a heads up on the hottest new labels to hit the store
How do you get a feel for the fashion season before you even head out to buy?Personally, I love to people watch, but I also adore a good fashion magazine and Instagram feeds. Also, we have some fabulous members in our team who always put together great outfits themselves. I like to think about them when we go buying for the next collections.
Do you have a particular woman in mind when you head out buying?We always try to buy according to what we know our customer loves. She wants colour, texture, design, and something different from the high street. We approach more from a desirability angle, although we do stock a few basic closet building block pieces as well as practical favourites, like Ilse Jacobsen raincoats, that fit with our location within a country park. Our customer generally is adventurous, loves beautiful things, and we find that items that reflect this are what sell in-store. We don’t tend to follow ‘trends’ by the nose, instead try to interpret them in the Restoration Yard way.
What shows do you visit each season and does each offer something different?Each season we head to London where we visit Pure London for labels like Onjenu, Vilagallo, Pom Amsterdam, Blank, Part Two and Scoop where we are hunting new collections as well as Star Mela, Primrose Park, Design Society, Wyse and Helen Moore. Sometimes Sisi, our head of retail, picks up jewellery and accessories when she goes to Birmingham’s Spring Fair or in Paris at Maison et Objets.
How often do you bring in new labels and what will make you pick it up?We are always on the lookout for something fresh for the store and try to have something new each season. Often the thing that draws our eye is colour and print. I am always drawn to natural fibres and a slightly Boho look while Sisi is probably more design-led.
Do you test a new collection on a small scale first?I think that we tend to go full throttle if it is something we believe in. We don’t take a whole collection though, but very much curate according to what we know our customer traditionally likes. Luckily, we have quite an adventurous customer.
What trends did you buy into for Spring 2020?We love all the beautiful polka dot prints and weaves that we saw across collections. Also there are some beautiful yellows and golds mixed with natural gingers and camels. As for styling it has been shirt dresses and jumpsuits that caught our eye for Spring 2020.
What do you think will be the standout wardrobe winners for Spring 2020?We are totally in love with our new brand Primrose Park. We bought only their shirts this season, all in lovely bright prints and colours, in beautiful soft fabrics. I also particularly love Star Mela, which is strong again for spring/summer.
Buyer’s Edit: Just some of the gems arriving in-store NOW
Boho at blank
Pretty green print at Primrose Park
Pink print at Vilagallo
Pretty floral throw-on at Star Mela
Pretty prints at Pom Amsterdam
Tropical prints at Terre Rouge
Tumeric yellow at Design Society
Windowpane check in indigo at Dream
The best places to eat around Dalkeith
PLACES TO EAT AROUND DALKEITH: Just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh is the Midlothian town of Dalkeith. Away from the hustle of the city, Dalkeith and its surrounding areas offer some pretty cool places to eat with family or friends. Whether it’s a child-friendly restaurant you’re hunting down or a romantic eaterie, here’s our round-up of the best places to eat around Dalkeith. And why.
1. THE PAPERMILL BAR & RESTAURANT
Best place to eat around Dalkeith…*with friends *with the kids *with dogs *LOVE the quirky decor
Overlooking the beautiful River Esk in the tranquil conservation village of Lasswade, the Paper Mill is an all-day bar and restaurant within an historic former paper mill.
Reclaimed materials, screenprinted artworks and found objects create its cool industrial design aesthetic. The staff are friendly and super helpful while the menu is extensive, with lighter bar food for those evening drinks with friends. The best bit is the spacious outdoor terrace leads down to the riverbank therefore making it summer perfection.
The Paper Mill 2–4 Westmill Road, Lasswade EH18 1LX www.thepapermill-lasswade.co.uk
2.THE SUN INN
Best place to eat around Dalkeith for… *great fish & chips *long lunches with friends *LOVE IT for a romantic night away
This old coaching inn is a five-time AA Scottish Gastropub of the Year. It’s menus comprise a delicious offering of Euro-Scottish fusion and delight on every visit. Make a romantic night of it and stay in one of the six beautifully decorated bedrooms with The Sun’s Pamper Package.
The Sun Inn, Lothianbridge, Dalkeith, EH22 4TR. www.thesuninnedinburgh.co.uk
3. THE KITCHEN AT RESTORATION YARD
Best place to eat in Dalkeith for…*a beautiful lunch with stunning views *family friendly *LOVE the kids menu
Not quite in Edinburgh but worth the quick trip. With views to die for, plus superb shopping and a kids’ adventure park, The Kitchen at Restoration Yard, located at the heart of Dalkeith Country Park is your perfect city escape. The Kitchen’s space, which matches traditional stone and brick with contemporary glass and zinc, plays the perfect host to an authentic and modern menu.
There is something for everyone. So lunch meat eaters will adore the classic steak burger, fish lovers can enjoy the delicious seared fillet of seabass and vegans will delight in the taste sensation that is the sweet potato, chickpea and spinach curry. The breakfast and Afternoon Tea menus are also thoughtfully put-together to appeal to foodies of all ages.
The Kitchen at Restoration Yard, Via The King’s Gate, Dalkeith Country Park, Dalkeith, Edinburgh, EH22 1ST www.restorationyard.com
4. ITIHAAS
Best place to eat in Dalkeith for…*an authentic curry *friendly staff *LOVE the vegetarian choices
This multi-award-winning Bangladeshi and Indian restaurant has a big reputation, which it lives up to. The food is always excellent as is the amazing hospitality making it a local favourite for good reason. Veggies and non veggies will adore the Murghi Chatt and the Chana Massallam.
Itihaas. 17-19 Eskbank Road, Dalkeith EH22 1HD. www.itihaasrestaurant.com
5. THE CAMPAIGN ROOM BISTRO at CARBERRY TOWER MANSION HOUSE
Best place to eat in Dalkeith for…*family get-togethers *LOVE Eat Well Live Well menu selection
This is simply excellent food, in a lovely atmosphere with an impressive feeling of history. There is a really good selection of Scottish and seasonally sourced food on each of its menus. Discover its fresh salmon tartare or the beautiful venison steak with its plentiful selection of fresh seasonal vegetables, tender and very tasty. Not driving? There’s a great cocktail list and the bar staff know their stuff. This unusual space with a lovely relaxed feel about it so lengthen your enjoyment with drinks in the garden after dinner.
The Campaign Room Bistro, Carberry Tower Mansion House, Carberry Tower Estate, East Lothian EH21 8PY. www.carberrytower.com/dining/bistro
How to plan the perfect wedding
So you got engaged this Christmas. Congratulations! Woohoo. What next? Here Thea Nichols, wedding coordinator at Restoration Yard and Dalkeith Country Park, shares her top tips for planning your perfect big day.
Take a breath, enjoy the moment and take some time to discuss what you both really want from your big day
So are you looking for a big formal affair or something a little more, low key? Are you both on the same page when it comes to the type of day you’re planning? Now is the time to set that straight, create a realistic budget, think about guest numbers and start looking at venues that might create just what you want, when you want and with the people you want there.
Don’t be overwhelmed by the big venue search
In Scotland you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to unique wedding venues. Certainly around Edinburgh there are so many beautiful wedding venues from castles to beautiful bespoke bolt-holes. For weddings at Restoration Yard in Dalkeith Country we offer a very, personalised service. We can create a full-on formal day with a church wedding followed by traditional wedding breakfast but we also find that many couples are just as happy with a simple BBQ on the lawn. That’s why it’s important to get the right venue for you. They should be able to create something that feels very ‘unique to you.’ A sweep across the internet on a unique wedding venue hunt may overwhelm but boil it down to three or four you’d like to see in person. When couples come to see us they often come away surprised by how bespoke I can make their wedding day. That’s not possible to convey via an internet form, no matter how detailed.
Enjoy yourselves
Planning a wedding shouldn’t be a task. It’s meant to be fun. Don’t get stressed and embrace the joy. Go wedding dress or suit hunting with family or friends to make it more of an occasion than an onerous problem. Also, make some ‘you’ time for the two of you as a couple to relish in the fun stuff. Spend an evening listening to your favourite tracks, listening to the potentials for the ceremony or the first dance. Make lists of all the quirky things you’d adore to be part of your day. Perhaps you’re a dog lover and your four-legged friend must be the ring-bearer? We’ve had a few special dogs enjoy being part of weddings at Restoration Yard.
Think about what your guests might like
Weddings are wonderful things for bringing together all generations. However, that can mean a real mix up of guests’ needs. Will there be lots of kids? Do you need to think of a little entertainment for them? That could simply be some sticker books on the table (pic of sticker books from store at Restoration Yard) or it could be a room of cute wigwams for when those little people conk out later. We love Wigwams and wishes . Also, your more mature guests might find the band or DJ a bit much and need a chillout zone. At Restoration Yard, we have our lovely Boudoir which has played several roles at different weddings. It can be a crèche or it has been a little respite area for older guests to enjoy away from the throng.
Food for thought
Food is very much part of the day. From those reception canapes to the wedding breakfast, food is often the talking point at a wedding and it’s often the thing that couples worry about getting right. It’s why I work very closely with our chef to make a bespoke menu for every couple who choose to have their wedding at Restoration Yard. We enjoy our couples’ input and finding a way to express their personalities through delicious, locally sourced food.
Personalise, personalise, personalise
People want to come to your wedding to celebrate the two of you. Personalise their experience where you can by bringing the day alive with your personalities. Perhaps that’s a photo gallery of the two of you through the ages? Or perhaps a flower wall of your favourite blooms? We love Wild Flowers for their artistic installations.
Interested in having your wedding at Restoration Yard and Dalkeith Country Park? Take a peak at what we can do for you HERE.
Thank you to wedding photographers Helen Pugh Photography and Claire Fleck Photography for the images in this feature
Happy New Year & a Happy you for 2020
Hello and happy new year from all of us at Restoration Yard. Here’s my take on a happy you for 2020. I’m Jen Wood, a wellbeing consultant, therapist, coach and mindfulness teacher and I help people get back into balance and live life to the full. I have worked as a therapist for almost 20 years and find Restoration Yard is the ideal place to practice. As well as seeing clients in the serene surroundings of The Sanctuary in Restoration Yard’s Laundry House, I also manage Restoration Yard’s wellbeing programme.
At Restoration Yard we are looking forward to 2020, to helping you to being a happy you and to starting as we mean to go on. Wellbeing and restoration of self is at the heart of the philosophy here at Restoration Yard in Dalkeith Country Park. We understand that often people start the year full of optimism for positive change and by February we are feeling disappointed with ourselves for not being able to stick to our goals. However, if we balance some of our competitive instinct with compassion, we can live a happier and more connected life.
The importance of wellbeing at Restoration Yard
For us at Restoration Yard it is all about creating a connection between ourselves and nature; creating a connective community and offering a space and place that allows people to step off the world for a little while. A place that allows them to restore themselves.
Our plans for the year
On a wider focus for 2020, we will have an emphasis on connection and compassion here at Restoration Yard and Dalkeith Country Park; connection with family and friends, new experiences, nature and with the fact that you already are enough and you don’t need to force yourself to change. That’s not to say that a little movement away from less nurturing habits to more nourishing ones isn’t a good idea, but it’s the intention behind it that matters. And how you talk to yourself. When we connect with others and give and receive compassion, we activate a part of our brain and release chemicals that dramatically improve mental health.
The expertise within our wellbeing offer
Carol McFarlane started her yoga practice after retirement, as a way to maintain her joints and movement after being diagnosed with arthritis. Her Slow Flow class at 10am on Mondays focuses on the mind, body and breath. It is ideal for anyone with similar problems, or just looking for a gentle class. Carol trained as a teacher to encourage more people in her position to take up yoga.
Nina Goldberger’s Energising Flow class at 7pm on Mondays is a great way to start the week. Nina believes wellbeing in body & mind, which she knows can be achieved through yoga. She overcame her own challenges and is an inspiring and skilful teacher.
Tess Johnson teaches Forrest Yoga at 7pm on Wednesdays, after her day job as an occupational therapist at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children. “Forrest Yoga is based in the rich practice of yoga from the east, but applied for the western lifestyle.” According to founder Ana Forrest. Tess has a gentle and encouraging style and is skilled with her hands on ‘assists’.
New For 2020
Alis Atagan will offer a new Monday morning yoga class at 8.45am, Morning Flow, which is a fantastic way to start the week. Alis will skilfully guide you through an enjoyable hour and end with a deeply nourishing relaxation. Declan Mair will introduce a new Beginners Yoga class at 6.30pm on Tuesdays. His classes are relaxed and fun and an ideal choice for anyone wanting to explore yoga for the first time.
Suzanne Maynard is a qualified and skilled pre and postnatal coach, personal trainer and mum. She will be offering three new classes at Restoration Yard, on Thursdays. Her Postnatal class in the Wellbeing Lab at 1.30pm on Thursdays is for new mums up to 12 months post delivery. Classes are gentle and babies are welcome to cheer from the side. Suzanne will also be offering two outdoor Buggy Train classes, encouraging groups to train outdoors with baby in buggy. There will be a buggy train class for men, offering an opportunity to meet and get to know other male carers at a similar stage in life, while spending time with their children and keeping active. Suzanne’s husband James was primary carer for her children. He searched in vain for a dads group such as this in Midlothian. He said “Male specific exercise classes are so important for mental and physical health once baby arrives, as men also suffer from postnatal depression. It’s an opportunity for dads to get together and have male conversation, while giving your partner time to themselves and an opportunity to bond with your baby.”
Nature is our source
We are blessed with an amazing natural environment here at Dalkeith Country Park, and we encourage you to connect with it. Take a class and if you have the time prolong the goodness by enjoying a little external goodness. There are waymarked walks around the park to enjoy and especially during the darker months, it is so helpful to get outside in daylight as we are often low in vitamin D, which we all need to thrive. As you discover the stunning woods, feel connected to the earth and notice the little things around you. As you breathe deeply, filling your lungs with oxygen, expand your diaphragm and you will activate your vagus nerve. This switches on your relaxation response and is a quick and effective way to de-stress.
It’s an exciting year for collaborations
This year I am appearing at the Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival and will run a workshop on How to Create a Compassionate Brain with my colleague, Clinical Psychologist Dr Charlie Heriot-MaitlandIt’s fantastic to be back at EWF2020, and being able to bring the benefits of Compassionate Mind Training to a wider audience. The ethos of the festival is so in tune with our wellbeing strategy at Restoration Yard, that we are in discussion with the organisers to develop our own health and wellbeing festival to Restoration Yard at Dalkeith Country Park.
Even more to come…
This year we will launch our Wellbeing Conversations, where we help you live your best life by inviting experts to share their knowledge and experience, and give you the opportunity to ask questions. We will look at Sleep, Getting over Grief, Stress, Body Image, Mindfulness, Compassion, Anxiety, Depression, Menopause and much, much more. If there’s an area that you would like to see covered in our Wellbeing Conversations series, please get in touch as I’d love to hear from you. Email me at jen@restorationyard.com.
We hope that we can offer lots of different ways to connect in 2020, and beyond. Jen Wood
5 good reasons to become a Restoration Yard loyalty cardholder
If you haven’t already signed up to our exciting loyalty programme, then what are you waiting for?! Joining is absolutely FREE and easy to do in store. Not convinced? Here are our top 5 reasons to join . . .
1) Points mean prizes!
As a Restoration Yard loyalty cardholder, you’ll earn a point for every £1 you spend – whether that’s shopping in Restoration Yard’s store, eating at The Kitchen, The Coffee Bar and The Larder OR playing at Fort Douglas adventure play. Each point is worth 1p and you can redeem them at any time (plus look out for special events offering extra points!).
2) Early bird access
You’ll be the first to hear about all our special events (like our wonderful Wine Tasting Masterclasses!) with exclusive early access to tickets to help you beat the crowds. Just be sure to opt in to our Restoration Yard Loyalty Cardholder newsletters when you sign up, so you don’t miss out on the emails!
3) Exclusive discounts
As well as being the first know, you’ll be treated to special discounts on many of our events and workshops, like 15% off Summer Wreath Making or 20% off your food bill at Restoration Café’s Exclusive Steak Night. Just quote the special codes shared with you in our loyalty e-newsletter.
4) Park-wide offers
Your loyalty benefits aren’t just limited to Restoration Yard – there are all sorts of bonuses throughout the park, like 10% off entry to Fort Douglas adventure play park, 15% off hire of the park’s exclusive BBQ area and 10% off kids parties in the Fort Douglas Bell Tent (plus a bonus free 30 minute craft activity!).
5) Invitation-only events
As a Restoration Yard Loyalty cardholder, you’ll be invited to top secret cardholder-only events (like our Customer Appreciation Day), offering exclusive discounts and treats especially for you. A great chance to treat yourself and meet lots of other lovely cardholders!
. . . like the sound of this? Find out more and join here!
10 of the Best Edinburgh Boutiques
Edinburgh’s independent shopping scene is more exciting than ever. You don’t have to go far off the beaten track to find the most incredible shopping boutiques. Escape the hustle and bustle of the high street. Discover the best boutiques to shop in and around Edinburgh with our top 10 guide…
Covet
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Looking for your next handbag fix? Look no further than Covet. It’s a treasure trove of a boutique tucked away on Edinburgh’s Thistle Street.As well as showcasing its very own brand of beautifully crafted leather goods and scarves, the boutique offers a hand-picked edit of handbags, accessories and jewellery from quirky brands like Smaak, Orelia and Gianni Chiarini.
Covet, 20 Thistle Street, Edinburgh.
Biscuit
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Also on Thistle Street (and with a new boutique now open across the city in Bruntsfield), Biscuit is a one-stop-shop for beautiful clothing and gifts, perfectly located for the city woman on the go.
Created with the modern woman in mind, this boutique offers a selection of easy-to-wear wardrobe staples from brands like American Vintage, Scotch & Soda and knitwear favourite Chinti & Parker.
Biscuit, 132-134 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh.
Restoration Yard
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For a more relaxed boutique shopping experience away from Edinburgh’s city crowds, the store at Restoration Yard in Dalkeith offers an abundance of treasures. Enjoy it all, from stylish clothing and accessories for men, women and children, to an eclectic edit of beauty, homeware, stationery and books.
Womenswear highlights include Pom Amsterdam (our favourite for fun and colourful prints), One Hundred Stars, Part Two and Designers Society. Also, the menswear department has recently doubled in size to offer classic mens staples from brands like Hartford, Selected Homme and Vedoneire.
The wide range of treats in the Restoration Yard Food Hall gives you an appetite, so simply break up your shopping with a quick coffee and cake in the Coffee Bar. For something more substantial there is the newly named restaurant, The Kitchen, set in the beautiful surroundings of Dalkeith Country Park (and there’s no need to rush home due to the estate’s free parking!)
Restoration Yard, Dalkeith Country Park, Via King’s Gate, Dalkeith, Edinburgh. www.restorationyard.com
Jane Davidson
<img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Jane-Davidson.jpg" alt="Womenswear in Jane Davidson Edinburgh" class="wp-image-23234 lazyload" width="960" height="960" srcset="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Jane-Davidson.jpg 831w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Jane-Davidson-600x600.jpg 600w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Jane-Davidson-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Jane-Davidson-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Jane-Davidson-324x324.jpg 324w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Jane-Davidson-416x416.jpg 416w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Jane-Davidson-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px">
One of our favourite spots for a dose of high-glamour designer fashion is Jane Davidson‘s stylish boutique. It offers three floors of designer heaven, tucked away on Thistle Street behind Edinburgh’s bustling George Street.
Jane Davidson is described by Vogue as “one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets”. Inside you’ll find a host of International Designer labels to tempt you, including Diane Von Furstenberg, Dries Van Noten, Roland Mouret, and J Brand. A must-go if you’re shopping for that extra special occasion.
Jane Davidson, 52 Thistle Street, Edinburgh.
Frontiers Woman
<img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Frontiers-Woman.jpg" alt="Knits in Frontiers Woman Edinburgh" class="wp-image-23235 lazyload" width="960" height="960" srcset="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Frontiers-Woman.jpg 719w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Frontiers-Woman-600x600.jpg 600w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Frontiers-Woman-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Frontiers-Woman-324x324.jpg 324w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Frontiers-Woman-416x416.jpg 416w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Frontiers-Woman-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px">
We love Frontiers’ eclectic edit of carefully curated and sought after labels because it’s a treasure trove of unique pieces that are hard to find anywhere else!
Frontiers Woman was founded over 25 years ago by designer Jane Forbes, followed by the opening of Frontiers Man in 2016. The two boutiques now sit side by side on adjacent corners of Stafford Street in Edinburgh’s West End.
At Frontiers Woman, you’ll find cool, contemporary brands like House of Holland, YMC and Chinti & Parker. Over in the men’s store there’s an equally modern mix of brands such as Edwin, Oliver Spencer and Paul Smith.
Frontiers Woman, 16B Stafford St, Edinburgh.
Frontiers Man, 18 Stafford St, Edinburgh.
Rosy Penguin
<img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Rosy-Penguin.jpg" alt="Shop in Rosy Penguin Edinburgh" class="wp-image-23236 lazyload" width="960" height="960" srcset="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Rosy-Penguin.jpg 732w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Rosy-Penguin-600x600.jpg 600w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Rosy-Penguin-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Rosy-Penguin-324x324.jpg 324w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Rosy-Penguin-416x417.jpg 416w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Rosy-Penguin-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px">
This vibrant boutique in the popular Morningside neighbourhood was founded by a personal stylist, therefore explaining why it’s such a breeze to shop in!
Rosy Penguin‘s founder Judith Campbell focuses on stocking the boutique with easy-to-wear, on-trend fashion that can be worn every day for an affordable price tag. What’s more, the team are experts in everyday styling, so making this a fun and efficient shopping experience every time.
Rosy Penquin, 406 Morningside Road, Edinburgh.
Hannah Zakari
<img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Hannah-Zakari.jpg" alt="Beautiful accessories in Hannah Zakari in Edinburgh" class="wp-image-23237 lazyload" width="960" height="960" srcset="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Hannah-Zakari.jpg 549w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Hannah-Zakari-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Hannah-Zakari-324x324.jpg 324w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Hannah-Zakari-416x416.jpg 416w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Hannah-Zakari-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px">
Magpies will love this little store because it’s filled with beautifully crafted items all designed or handmade by indie designers.
Think of it as a modern Aladdin’s cave with a carefully curated selection of jewellery (we love the quirky acrylic necklaces and statement studs), affordable art prints, notebooks, greetings cards, enamel pins, and embroidered patches. Plus you’ll find the odd cult designer T-shirt and cute temporary tattoos.
Hannah Zakari, 43 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh.
Pam Jenkins
<img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/pamjenkins_2019-12.png" alt="Shop footwar in Pam Jenkins Edinburgh" class="wp-image-23238 lazyload" width="960" height="960" srcset="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/pamjenkins_2019-12.png 881w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/pamjenkins-600x600.png 600w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/pamjenkins-768x768.png 768w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/pamjenkins-300x300.png 300w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/pamjenkins-324x324.png 324w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/pamjenkins-416x416.png 416w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/pamjenkins-100x100.png 100w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px">
If Sex and the City‘s Carrie Bradshaw lived in Edinburgh, this is undoubtedly where you’d find her!
A long-time favourite of Edinburgh’s most well-heeled because this friendly boutique boasts a drool-worthy line-up of the most sought after designers. Expect the best of designs from Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Gianvito Rossi, Aquazzura and Rupert Sanderson.
As if the gorgeous shoes weren’t tempting enough, Pam Jenkins also offers an irresistible selection of bags and wallets to match. You – and your wallet – have been warned…
Pam Jenkins, 41 Thistle Street, Edinburgh.
ALC
<img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/ALC-2.jpg" alt="Shop the best denims at ALC in Edinburgh" class="wp-image-23239 lazyload" width="960" height="960" srcset="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/ALC-2.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/ALC-2-600x600.jpg 600w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/ALC-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/ALC-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/ALC-2-324x324.jpg 324w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/ALC-2-416x416.jpg 416w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/ALC-2-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px">
Hands up if you hate shopping for jeans? Well hallelujah! – those days are officially over thanks to ALC and its enormous selection of denims to suit all styles, shapes and sizes.
ALC was founded by owner Adele, on a mission to make shopping for the perfect pair of jeans a joy instead of a chore. Fast forward five years and the store is now Edinburgh’s go-to destination for solving any denim dilemma because its talented team know their stuff when it comes to jeans.
This curated edit of the best denim brands and styles on the market includes Paige, DL1961, Frame, Dr Denim, Current/Elliot, Joes Jeans, Denham, Paul & Joe Sister, Rosemunde, Parka London, Rains, Needle, Samsoe + Samsoe, Twist & Tango, Liebeskind, Maison Labiche & John + Pearl… Phew!
ALC, 61 Thistle St, Edinburgh.
Armstrongs Vintage
<img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Armstrongs-Vintage.jpg" alt="Shop vintage finds at Armstrong's in Edinburgh" class="wp-image-23240 lazyload" width="960" height="960" srcset="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Armstrongs-Vintage.jpg 958w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Armstrongs-Vintage-600x600.jpg 600w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Armstrongs-Vintage-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Armstrongs-Vintage-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Armstrongs-Vintage-324x324.jpg 324w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Armstrongs-Vintage-416x416.jpg 416w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0929/2686/9884/files/Armstrongs-Vintage-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px">
We love that feeling when you chance upon a unique fashion find. Armstrongs Vintage is the perfect place to discover those one-off gems.
The magical emporium is bursting with the best selection of vintage and retro clothing, shoes and accessories in the city. You’re sure to find something special in here – and best of all? You can feel confident that no one else will be wearing the same outfit as you…
Armstrongs Vintage, 83 Grassmarket, Edinburgh.
Armstrongs Vintage, 64-66 Clerk St, Edinburgh.
Armstrongs Vintage, 14 Teviot Pl, Edinburgh.