Perth is a city with a classic, country look - Barbour jackets and Hunter wellies, haberdasheries and plenty of tweed.
Without a university providing that eclectic mix of people, Perth has a more traditional style, particularly with the presence of McEwens of Perth, one of the oldest independent department stores in the country, dating back to 1868.
With plenty of over-flowing flower baskets adding colour to stately Georgian buildings, Perth is rightly proud of being a multi Beautiful Scotland award winner. On the pedestrianised High Street, along with a bronze statue of the Fair Maid of Perth, are all the city centre shops you would expect. But you'll also find a good selection of independent places along areas like St John's Street and George Street which sell unique and quirky pieces from boutique labels.
Here are my picks but any places you feel I have unfairly left out, please mention them in the comments.
Blues and Browns, 19 South Street
This Perth 'tweedery' has an interesting connection - owner and former actor Kairen Alexis' great aunt is Olivia de Havilland.
She specialises in classic hand-tailoring in tartans and tweeds from mills across Scotland, with the clothing created in a workshop in the Perthshire countryside. You can buy stately Harris Tweed jackets and skirts, or Spanish crafted leather boots, with prices ranging around the £200-£400 mark.
Indigo Boutique, 21 St John's Street
Indigo is a little boutique selling a range of funky labels including Darling, Two Danes, Byoung and long-stay brands like French Connection. Friendly staff can offer advice on what to buy for a special occasion, and there's an option for holding an after-hours shopping party, complete with a glass of fizz.
Boutique, 24 St John Street
Boutique is the funkier sister of McEwens of Perth, with a variety of bohemian brands including Yumi and Avoca, pretty Orla Kelly dresses, Ollie and Nic leather satchels, Barbour jackets and a whole list of other exciting labels.
It's also a Tardis of a shop - bigger than it appears from the outside - and is divided into different sections. There's a heritage area for cool country pieces, Amelie's closet which is prettier and funkier, and a section for eco brands like People Tree.
Revival, 54 George Street
Revival is a vintage shop with a mix of old and newer items. Some pieces date back to the early 1930s, many have interesting history, such as a lady's suit worn to the funeral of JFK, rare finds like original Vivienne Westwood red glitter shoes, and Armani and Max Mara dresses at high street prices. There are also Mad Men retro collector's items like 1950s shot glasses, Stratton Compacts and designer jewellery displayed in a 1950s cocktail cabinet.
The Peacock and The Tortoise, 29 George Street
A Haberdashery with walls of fabrics, jars of buttons, different types of yarn and everything needed to make your own clothes and accessories. They hold regular classes to help develop a range of skills including crocket, appliqué, quilting and basics of sewing.
Bertie Browns, 170 South Street
This jewellery and gift shop has a distinctive bright pink shop front which was saved by an online Facebook campaign a couple of years back. It has an extensive jewellery collection, billed as classic but funky. Jewellery brands include Nomination, Thomas Sabo, Pandora, Bluebird Boutique and John Rocha, with Sterling silver pieces inspired by intricate lace.
And for after…
Provender Brown, 23 George Street
Perthshire's rolling hills, farmland and historic castles makes it a prime spot for a picnic, and Provender Brown is the place to go for stocking up on goodies. Greeted with the pleasantly pungent smell of cheese as you enter, this independently owned delicatessen sells cured meats, farmhouse cheeses, olives, preserves and imported craft beers.
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