EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FASHION FUN

Note from Bethan Holt, Fashion Junior at Large

The FashEd and I will be taking a break from the blog for the next week or so. I'm off to, very ironically, escape the UK heatwave in Ireland. Melanie is having some very well deserved time putting her feet up so FEAL will be having a rest, but I'll be back and raring to go in a week's time with the countdown to fashion month and plenty to say about Autumn/ Winter shopping. In the meantime, Scot style columnist Lynne McCrossan brings news from the Edinburgh Festival. I know several friends who've already been and am still kicking myself that I've never got around to going to the festival which is where Great Britain's cultural heart beats at this time of year. So, if you're heading to Scotland, take heed of some of Lynne's tips and if not, then hopefully you get a sense of what's going on from her report. 

Posted by Lynne McCrossan

The Edinburgh Festival is in full swing evoking one of two emotions in its residents. Euphoria or dread.

Luckily I say bah humbug to the misery guts who refuse to partake in festival fun. For the full month of August our tiny city is stretched to capacity with comedians, street performers, musicians, artists and actors. Plus drinking licenses are extended and alfresco boozing is embraced giving Scotland's capital a continental feel.

The Udderbelly at Teviot on a gorgeous summer's day

There's no place quite like Teviot for soaking up a bit of everything. Home to Udderbelly and the Guilded Ballon you can take your pick from hundreds of comedic performances within the square. A hit with visitors and residents alike, the place is swarming with punters, perfect for people watching over Pimms. One of the must see shows here is musical comedy Bourgeois&Maurice: Sugartits.

Teviot's made that much sweeter for having one of Edinburgh's best vintage stores straight across the street. Armstrong's is one of the oldest vintage Emporiums in the U.K originating in the rag and bone trade back in the 1800s. Their Grassmarket store is its flagship branch, but this little shopping bolt hole is where you'll find Edinburgh's fashionistas.

Fashion lovers are finally being catered for this year with the arrival of the Edinburgh International Fashion Festival at Summerhall. It kicked off yesterday with talks on neuroscience and the sense of style. Exhibitions from Issey Miyake and catwalk shows from Bebaroque, Aimee McWilliams and Pam Hogg round out a pretty diverse festival line up.

There's something for all budgets. Even taking a stroll through the Meadows gives you access to free street performers. So pack a lunch and plonk on the grass, and pray the rain stays off.

BYE FOR NOW + HAPPY SUMMER LOVE TEAM FEAL X