Hobbs is the height of sophisticated fashion and seems aimed at those lucky women who always look…read moresmart and effortlessly stylish with trouser suits, tailored trousers and flowing dresses. Although I can appreciate Hobbs, it isn't really my style and the prices aren't really aimed at a student budget. Hobbs is aimed at the business woman who always looks trendy and is usually very mature. My pet hate is seeing women wearing man suits and my old boss used to wear them all the time... she was a dragon by nature and the suit just made her come across like the Incredible Hulk, minus the green skin. Hobbs always have very feminine, well tailored suits that are very flattering. Hobbs is very feminine with the prints, the cuts and the style and definitely worth a look if you're looking for something formal yet you can wear it everyday.

With the wife having spent over £1500 in the Edinburgh Hobbs shop in the last month, I can safely…read morethe purchasing experience is excellent. The returning experience is, however absolutly, without doubt, shocking. I returned 2 items today for the wife, and was made to stand and watch for 15 minutes whilst the assistant, and manager both tried a d-fuzz-it comb, to try and show there was no problem. A £40 top, after a couple of weeks should not go bobbly, and ofering me seat when I complained about you doing this ... you really don't get the customer service thing do you? Unless theres a sale in it though eh? Following this they then said the pulling on the other top was "a grey area" as it might not be the fault of the fabric. This was the manager and an assistant remember. I really don't care if you can get the bobbles off and by saying it's a grey area you've as good as admitted liability. But I still had to get stroppy and start raising my voice before they finally relented and offered a credit note, obviously as there were other potential customers in the shop they did not want to lose business. So my advice, enjoy the shoppng experience, but I really hope you don't need to return anything.

I was never much of a fan of their old store on Rose Street but this new instalment on George St is…read moremuch nicer. It seems a bit cramped as you walk in the door as they had sales racks out but once you get past and into the store, it opens into quite a cavernous space. I always feel like their selection is a bit limited and much of their stuff is a bit same same, but the quality is always good and if you can manage to pick up things in the sale, it's quite good value. Added bonus is spacious dressing rooms which makes trying things on a breeze.

I always come to this store when I'm in need of some shopping therapy, but I swear I can never find…read moreanything to buy here. First of, this place sells clothes... At first I thought it was a bakery. They sell men, women and children clothing... Trendy similar to GAP, Jack Wills, Hollister but smaller variety and has this outdoorsy type of style going on. The only thing I remember about this place is the pjs and jackets. The prices are similar to other trendy stores and most shirts start at around £20. The staff weren't that helpful when I was there and just either stood there or folded clothes. Not very exciting shop so unless u want trendy look pjs or you want to look like your going to do some outdoor type activities... This is a good place to check out. Unfortunately, this place isn't a bake shop so you won't find any sweets here... Just clothes!

Order Number APPHOF40000071407266. Worst experience ever,…read moreplaced order on line 31st may, paid nearly £300 for next day delivery, no delivery or communication so made contact on the 3rd June, no direct talk contact only chat, said i had to wait 3 to 5 working days for a response as they was busy, i have had to chase everyday for a response and every time a different reply, nobody knows what's going on, i am nearly £300 down, my Fathers birthday was on the 8th June no present or money to purchase something else, 14th June today last response, saying delivery was lost and refund 3 to 5 working days, so this will go over a weekend so doubt i will receive anything in my account at best 22nd June. A month of hell, being told anything but the truth. I have been using HOF for years but this is the end for me. This could happen to you so be aware.

Standing on the same street as Edinburgh's staple department store Jenners, this House of Fraser is…read morea bit of a wallflower in comparison. It doesn't boast the ornate fronting of Fraser's in Glasgow, or the glorious facade of Jenners through here. But you don't go to a shop to look at the front of it for hours - you are presumably there to spend money. Inside, Fraser's is very easy to get lost in. When you emerge from the fragrance and beauty section blasted in perfume (not quite, but you can ask for a sample), you can wander up to the designer clothing sections. It's lovely and the staff are great. It's a bit too pricey for me at the moment since I am rooted in my poor pauper postgrad student status, but one day I aspire to be able to buy some pretty frocks from here. And to be overly indulgent on perfume, and not feel shy to get one of those make-up makeovers that they offer in store because I will be able to afford the products by then. Their products are of great quality, hence the price, but for folks like me, we'll just have to make do with the immense 70% reductions in the mid-season sales.

It's gone downhill hasn't it? It used to be one of America's great exports but now it's just dull…read moreand stiff. The clothes are overpriced compared to equal quality garments elsewhere. Being so US styled it no longer fits into trendy, indie, Scottish style now that Friends is no longer on air. However, around winter time it does come back into its own with fairisle nonsense but still, the hefty price tag doesn't compare the likes of ebay vintage wear. I do stuff have a Gap puffer jacket I've owned for years so the quality isn't under scrutiny. Whether it's a nice coat or not is another matter - I've found it in the bin by my fashion-conscious boyfriend more than once.

I'm ridiculously in love with the Gap!…read more Before visiting the Princes Street branch, I can't remember the last time I was at a Gap store and it felt a little like coming home. With all the mindboggling trends on display at Topshop (and even my other love H&M) it's a little comforting to see clothes that make a little bit more sense at gap. I'll say, as most people know, that the designs are extremely functional, and thankfully you can expect whatever you buy there to last more than one season, as it's usually good quality. Personally I'm a huge fan of the basic skinny jeans, because unlike many other brands, they will go past my bum (which isn't even that big!) However, because of aforementioned quality, add at least £10 to every item you might find in H&M!

This store was a random fine when I going down Leith Walk. I was brought in by the name...surely…read morethey must have some good cat stuff. Well, I wasn't disappointed! There are a variety of small gifts and trinkets. Not everything is cat-oriented but there is a good selection of feline-themed items. I was able to get a small book by a local author, as well as locally made soap. I also saw some interesting felt cats, unfortunately a bit out of my price range. If you're going by, definitely worth a stop!

If you're looking for little knick knacks for your own house, that put a smile on your face, or a…read moregift to spread more smiles, then this little place is a great place to visit. If you're not from Edinburgh, it's a little walk out of town on the way to Leith, but it's a nice walk along a road filled with shops and restaurants. The little shop certainly isn't massive, and it is a little difficult to negotiate around it if you're wearing a rucksack (like I was), but it's worth the weird shuffle-like walk around to find hidden treasures. They have filled every nook and cranny with sweet and endearing items ranging from artwork to keyrings and everything I'm between. A lovely little shop where I bought my "I've-moved-to-Edinburgh-so-I've-got-a-Scottish-keyring" keyring.

I always say this about shops of this nature, but fairy ornaments etc remind me of the wicca craze…read morethat hit in the mid to late 90s. Perhaps Charmed and Buffy saw that trend flying into my high school, and I distinctly remember my then best friend's room looking not unlike this shop. Shops like Enchantment are becoming fewer and further between, but it's nice that this one still does well. There are little pewter ornaments of delicate garden sprites, elves and fairies lining the shelves of this place, and dangling from the ceiling in abundance. If you're into pixies, healing stones and a touch of magic, then you'll like it. My mum likes ornaments like these and it's a great wee resource not too far from the Royal Mile if you're looking for an impish wee pressie. It's a nice change from seeing green ornaments in the shape of Loch dwelling monsters.

Enchantment is very enchanting indeed and as soon as you walk in you are surrounded by fairy…read morefigurines, crystals and various other magic related items. I can imagine this place would be ideal for people who are into alternative healing therapies with their range of crystals on offer and the whole shop has a very peaceful, tranquil feel to it. It's a little bit different to your average shop and I can't see myself ever needing anything from it but if fairy's float your boat, then why not?

Hatches, Matches and Dispatches is very much in fitting with the elite of Bruntsfield's finest…read morestores. A showcase to stationery designer Jeffrey Gardner, it would be my first stop for personalised invitations if I had a wedding or Christening to plan. It is very much aimed at this market, with gorgeous, pretty and tasteful cards and notebooks to be found across the store. It also doubles up as a stockist of Steiff bears, which are the creme de la creme of teddies amongst collectors. This range, teamed with with dainty, ornate stationary, gives the shop an air of innocence, like the days of Winnie the Pooh and friends. It's got that twee vibe, but in a good way. Classic would be the best way to describe it. Although I would say this shop's forte is suppling specialised stationery for momentous occasions, it's worth a look if you're just browsing for an elegant gift.

Hatches, Matches and Dispatches is one of the best little shops in Bruntsfield, with its unique…read morestock and quaint shop. They sell handmade stationary and gorgeous gifts which are different from those which you would normally come across. This store stocks the stationary designs of Jeffrey Gardner, which includes beautiful writing paper and personalised notes. My favourite aspect of Hatches, Matches and Dispatches is the lovely Steiff Bear Collection which they have available. With the little yellow tags which the bears have in their ears, it is easy to recognise a Steiff bear, and although they are a rather pricey, they are absolutely gorgeous and this store sells a huge range of different bear designs including Winnie the Pooh, Rupert the Bear and Panda's. My dad bought me a Steiff bear from Hatches, Matches and Dispatches a few years which is gorgeous and currently sits on my desk! Hatches, Matches and Dispatches is the perfect little shop to pop into to buy cards, stationary or gifts for someone which are of excellent quality. They frequently have sales of their stock which is a great chance to grab a bargain gift.

Can a little children's store be my favorite place to visit when in Edinburgh? Well, it was was…read more Bon Tot is a beautifully curated children's boutique on a street filled with other cute shops. The shop carried many indie labels such as Bobo Choses, Hugo loves Tiki, Grey label, olli and Ella, etc. The owner was very lovely, she let my toddler explore and play with the baskets and toys in the shop. She really loved it. I asked my daughter where she wanted to visit next time and her reply was Edinburgh. So I guess we'll be back soon ;)

Fantastically original cool shop with the clothing being a breath of fresh air in terms of kiddies…read moretogs. No icky frilly lacy pink party dresses in sight just a funky collection of interchangeable cool separates for wee boys and girls all ethically sourced. I am just hoping that they will eventually start doing adult sizes too!! Their collection of homeware items are well worth a look also. I have their Studio Roof Archetype Buildings on my fridge at home and I am in a completely kid free house! It's definitely a destination shop but if you don't live close enough they have a fabulously well organised website to tempt you.