I recently returned from a sourcing trip to Edinburgh, Scotland. I knew as soon as I arrived that four days would not be enough time. I immediately wanted to head north to the Highlands, to the Lochs, and Isle of Skye. I’ve been drawn to Scotland for years, guided by a kind of inner knowing that there was something there for me.

Still, four days is all we had and we were on a mission: to find the best vintage Edinburgh had to offer. I wanted tweeds, and knits and kilts and woolens and all the argyle I could fit in my bag. I had a vision of tartans and oversized, chunky hand knit sweaters worn with oxfords and socks - make it private school but chic.

Between hunts, I escaped the city to wander old castles and quiet gardens—stone walls, mossy paths, and that soft Scottish light that makes everything feel a little enchanted.

Traveling to foreign places feeds the same sense of excitement that vintage gives me. The thrill of discovery. I came home with a suitcase full of treasures and a head full of new ideas.

Here are some of our favorite places along the way....I leaned heavily on Yolanda Edwards and her YOLO Journal for most of our recommendations. She did not steer us wrong.

STAY

The George - Chic, stylish, warm and welcoming and right in the heart of New Town. The restaurant was fantastic and everything was a short walk from the hotel.

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DINE

Chez Jules - A sweet little french bistro with a killer french onion soup, salad greens, fries an of course some red wine. We heard that the steak frites are amazing too.

Timberyard - One of the best meals I've ever had. Truly. Coursed and delicate but not fussy at all. Just a gorgeous experience.

Lowdown Coffee - Start your day here. Some say it's the best coffee in Edinburgh. I agree with them.

SHOP

Walker Slater - Tweed specialists. Some day I will come back and have a 3 piece suit made for me. This time around I settled for a vest. That fits like a glove.

Armstrong Vintage - kilts, kilts, kilts!

Stewart Christie - Everything is made to measure. We brought back some incredible fabrics from here.

Dicks - If you want Scottish sweaters and incredibly knowledgable sales staff stop here.

Toast - Just a favorite no matter what city i'm in.

Joran Studio Scents - i walked in, told them i wanted to smell like incense in church and she knew exactly which fragrance to show me. All of the scents are made in Scotland.

Skinny Pig Vintage - you feel like you stepped right into the 1960's

Unicorn Antiques - Upstairs is run by Mum and downstairs is her son. Totally different curations but so many treasures to be found

SEE

Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile - Home of Mary Queen of Scots and the crown jewels

Drummond Castle Gardens - An hour and a half outside the city but so so worth it. Dior had their SS24' show here in the gardens.

Kelpies! - Magical, mythical half horse half sea creatures that are the size of tall buildings