Independent shops

The Extra Inch specializes in clothing in sizes 16 to 26. The boutique is situated on two levels with separates and holiday cruise wear on level one and special occasion clothing on level two. The stock is sourced from top European designers and changes…

Where did you get that hat, old bean? Well, Fabhatrix, actually. Top hats, clôches, trilbies, Scottish felt hats, vintage style, silk wedding hats, red hats, bowlers, straw hats, quirky tweed deerstalkers and feather fascinators …Fabhatrix sells nothing…

Unique, design-led and thoroughly creative South Side florist prone to creating unusual arrangements.

Cracking little shop in the heart of Leith. Although it sells Scottish crafts, don't think for a second it's the same sort of tartan tat you'd find in the tourist zones. They also come with a splendid all-ethical produce guarantee.

Skate and street wear for the boys, with labels like Stussy and Nike, Skullcandy headphones and Nixon watches; also stocks an excellent range of DVDs and is, like, the only place to go to get a new deck for your wheels. Right?

From the folks behind Watermelon, another treasure trove of vintage clothes and accessories.

In the heart of Edinburgh's old town, Golden Hare bookshop stocks a beautiful and hand-picked selection of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, graphic novels and children's books. We specialise in illustrated and beautifully produced books. These are…

The window displays at this lovely wee indie florists are legendary on Byres Road, particularly around Valentines Day.

Helen Bateman is a popular lady among shoe-lovers in Edinburgh. Her independent shoe brand combines a range of useful 'basics' - those shoes you'll want to invest in again and again - with more exclusive limited runs that change each season in a…

Seriously gorgeous selection of top-end vintage accessories and shoes hang alongside a carefully selected, colour-coded range of 1950s-1980s fashions. The very best place to lay hands on retro sunglasses, diamante hat pins and patent stilettos.

Muso paradise indeed. This grungy second-hand store is full of rare CDs and DVDs, collectable box sets and T-shirts. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, the windows are crammed with rarities, and there's a great trade-in policy.

Little sister to Kelvinbridge institution Felix and Oscar, and an essential stop for trendy WEndies hunting Cath Kidston chintz or Orla Kiely handbags. They also do nice lines in tongue-in-cheek pressies, Alessi kitchenware, and non-cutesy kids' fashion.

The boutique formerly known as ‘Thrift Chic’ has renamed and offers a range of women’s clothing and lingerie from top American brands not to be found in the UK. Plus a small collection of ‘gently-used designer clothing’.