There is nothing like a research session to get in the mood. I like to seek out eco decor and fashion when visiting a new city, but hopefully I can skip you to the main event with my shares from Edinburgh. Sustainable secondhand usually reigns supreme in shops to visit in a city. This is no bad thing as true vintage (at least 20 years old) and a peppering of pre-loved pieces provide that mysterious, storied appeal that ensure you enjoy them, and no one likes a souvenir that doesn’t get used.
 
Edinburgh is rich in true vintage, but also offers that rare delight when 2 become 1. Rather than Sporty, Scary, Baby, Ginger and Posh’s ‘90s rendition about the bonding of lovers — and the importance of safe sex! I am referring to shops that offer new ethical and eco brands alongside vintage.
 
So, here are the places I recommend. Everywhere on my list is reachable by foot or by bus. Just don’t pull my Londoner move and plant yourself randomly ready to pile onto the bus. Edinburgh is a civilised city and there’s a queuing system, and it seems the same goes for pubs should you need refreshment.
 
Godiva, 9 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2JA
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If you’re not riding a unicorn upon arrival, you’ll feel like you are when you leave Godiva. Fleur has led her boutique through many incarnations and today, 2 become 1 with the unconventional mix of local ethical and eco brands with eat your heart out eighties and other eras housed in the backroom dedicated to vintage. The chandelier perched in the corner was given to her at a party, which makes Fleur’s the best party favour I’ve heard of. The jewellery is a highlight, including ethical brand And Mary which makes hand painted porcelain pieces in the Scottish Borders.
 
Holyrood Architectural Salvage, 146 Duddingston Rd W, Edinburgh EH16 4AP
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If that’s given you a taste for chandelier spotting then this showroom is worth a visit as it makes shopping for salvage easy. Holyrood Architectural Salvage is home to Edinburgh’s largest selection of antique fireplaces, but regular reclaimed items include lighting, original cast iron radiators, and a good supply of door furniture and doors – clearly organised by period or by panels.
 
Miss Bizio Couture, 41 St Stephen St, Edinburgh EH3 5AH
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“Welcome to my wardrobe” says owner, Joanna as you enter (and she means it). Every visitor to Miss Bizio Couture is treated to Joanna’s personal wardrobe and the extraordinary eye she has been honing since she started collecting when she was fourteen. A stint in a high powered, high paid job before being discovered as an artist allowed her to acquire remarkable pieces, but not just because she had the money to buy luxury, as she is not impressed by labels, but driven by the key anchors we should all look for before buying: colour, fabric and fit. “Everything had to be right” she said. There is not much for less than £100, and there is not much room for browsing. It’s so unapologetic, and why not? Why visit a shop anymore if you’re not looking for a personal experience. If you’re after something alluring then Joanna will personally find it for you.
 
Zero Waste Hub (by SHRUB Coop), 22 Bread St, Edinburgh EH3 9AF
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On bread Street you’ll find free bread. No joke, Zero Waste Hub offers the chance to swap your pre-loved things, enjoy some rescued food and learn and share skills to make a practical difference to the world. It is designed for members, but visitors can still shop the swaps, attend events, enjoy the veggie and vegan cafe and appreciate the reclaimed gymnasium floor.
 
PI-KU Collective, 39 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QB
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Each secondhand or locally produced piece feels purposefully placed by the shop’s owner, Hannah. Wholesome objects with a small but quality mix of fashion, accessories, and items made in Scotland with surplus yarns are the focus. Hannah’s dad, John is a sustainable textile designer and creates bespoke tartans and tweeds alongside working in the family business Stag & Bruce, which is the brand behind many of the wool throws and blankets at PI-KU Collective.
 
Still Life, 54 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE
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The name Still Life caught my attention as it’s pleasant to slowly ascend the winding road of Candlemaker Row, where you guessed it, candles were made centuries ago. Enter this Aladdin’s Cave and you will be welcomed with art, antiques and collectables balancing on every surface, but no need to be daunted as the owner, Ewan is super friendly.
 
Hope you enjoy Edinburgh as much as I did.