Did I hear sale? Six of my best finds

The winter sales began before Christmas and February is nearly upon us, but this hasn't stopped me from continuing in my hunt for a hard-earned bargain. I much prefer the January sales to the summer equivalent: it is a chance to invest in staples that will last for more than one season; cherry-pick home accessories to complement existing decor without the price tag; and nab SS16 inspired pieces that only dropped a few weeks before being discounted (trends lingering around include cold shoulder pieces and glam-geek midi-length skirts).

In what remains of the sales, I thought I'd share some of the gems I've unearthed after hours spent trawling department stores and online shops.

The Red Door Gallery

Nestled between Victoria Street's myriad of independent boutiques and eateries is a cute little gallery brimming with pretty prints alongside homewares and fashion accessories. With 100-plus illustrators to choose from, the Red Door Gallery's prints of Edinburgh are especially eye-catching and would add a touch of design to any home.

The illustrations of Jazmin Velasco

Mr Elton loves Miss Woodhouse, Emma

Mr Darcy is the patriarchal male: morally uncompromising, absolute in his convictions, wildly handsome, yet aloof to the point of arrogance. Despite being proud and initially blind to her own feelings, Lizzy can't help but fall for him in Austen's iconic love story, Pride and Prejudice.

A former English Literature student, Austen is a literary heroine of mine and Pride and Prejudice is one of my favourite novels. The social satire, the unrequited love, the restrained manners... what isn't there to enjoy about her writing.

Those Were the Days

Browsing through the rails of vintage clothing in the independent boutique Those Were the Days is comparable to turning through the pages of fashion history. Fifties floral prom dresses, colour block shifts from the sixties, seventies maxi dresses and oversized eighties sweatshirts, plus a sprinkling of pieces from the thirties and forties - every decade is eagerly acknowledged.

Ready to rock

There is nothing quite like a bit of rock on a Sunday night. The American band, Rival Sons, took to the stage at the HMV Picture House last night and although I wasn't too familiar with their songs, I thought they were brilliant. They exuded talent and charisma - and the crowd were lapping it up.

Nosing around

                     

At 7 o'clock last night, my boyfriend and I decided to treat ourselves to an impromptu dinner at The Roamin' Nose. I threw on my trusty geometric trousers from Zara and paired them with a burgundy and grey spotted knit (I do love a good print clash) and electric blue high heels from H&M.