The big guns
Harvey Nichols is everyone's favourite posh shop. Packed full of cool designer labels and the latest cutting edge gear, Harvey's is also the place to go for funky homeware, beautiful cosmetics and designer luggage. And the bars and restaurants on the top floor have some of the best views in the city.Just across the square from Harvey's is the grande dame of Edinburgh stores, Jenners. This fab old store has stood on the corner of Princes Street for over a hundred years. A favourite among the posh old Morningside ladies, it's also got more than its fair share of hip fashion labels. There's floor upon floor of clothes, homeware, toys, cosmetics, furniture, jewellery and lingerie. Not to mention a florist, hairdresser and countless cafes and restaurants.
Edinburgh's well served for the major chains too, with big, big branches of Fraser's, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and BHS in Princes Street and beyond.
Multrees Walk
Right beside Harvey Nichols is an inconspicuous wee street with some far from inconspicuous names. Multrees Walk is home to Armani, Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, Daks, Reiss, G-Star Raw and more. It's a new shopping destination so there are still a few empty shop fronts but with names like these, who cares.
Gorgeous George (Street)
Once home to stuffy old banks and offices, George Street is now the most fabulous shopping street in Edinburgh. So what's so good about it? Well, take your pick from Escada, Space NK, Joe Malone, Whistles, Jigsaw, Hobbs, LK Bennett and Jaeger. To say nothing of Scotland's own masters of cool, Cruise. And when you get tired of all that bling, a few steps will take you to some of the city's best bars and restaurants.
Indie kids
Well, those names are all well and good, but where are the cool one-offs I hear you ask. You know, the funky independents. Well, here's a few that only the hip locals know about:
Helen Bateman - To die-for handmade shoes.
Arkangel - Edinburgh's own boho fashion extravaganza
Corniche 2 Jeffrey Street - Cutting edge menswear and womenswear
Boudiche - The sexiest lingerie in a seriously sexy boudoir
Eyes 63 Thistle Street - The funkiest frames at this cool little opticians
Joseph Bonnar - A dazzling collection of antique and period jewellery
Hamilton & Inches - The Edinburgh establishment's favourite jeweller
Belinda Robertson - Cashmere to cocoon you
In-house - Hideously expensive designer furniture on the ground floor. Cool gifts and even cooler homeware in the basement.
Tangram - Some of the most desirable furniture in Edinburgh
Ian Mellis 30a Victoria Street - Say cheese! It's smiles (and smells) all the way in this amazing cheese shop
Plaisir du Chocolat - The best chocolate in Edinburgh - handmade, boutique, la belle France. Yummy!
Hopefully this guide has given you a few ideas for when you are next in Edinburgh shopping.
