When it came to curating a travel guide for Edinburgh, we wanted to turn to a local who knows the best spots for restaurants, bars and shopping, if you’re visiting the city with limited time.

Jo-Ann Alari, one of our favourite content creators and go-to style inspirations has been living just outside of Edinburgh since 2012, so felt like fit. Armed with the latest must-haves from our Spring-Summer 23 Collection, Jo-Ann talked us through her favourite spots in the city, as well as her styling advice for the season ahead.

Has documenting your looks changed your approach to style?

I love that question because I’m wondering, has it? I get a lot of inspiration from other people’s styles on Instagram, but sharing my own looks has not necessarily changed my wardrobe. I often look back through my old photos when I’m stuck on what to wear, so I can remember what I’ve styled previously and what made me feel good.

Talk to us about Edinburgh; what do you love about it?

I live just outside of Edinburgh in Dunfermline. We lived in London for about seven years and moved here in late 2012. The beauty of it is that it’s close to Edinburgh and you can get there in 30 minutes.

Describe your perfect weekend in the city…

There are two approaches to this… without and with a toddler. If we have Sylvie with us, we love to go to The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse for lunch and to The National Museum of Scotland. It’s fantastic for children – her face always lights up. If we have the dog with us, we love to stroll through Dean Village, which is in the city but is so scenic you feel like a painting. This is also close to Stockbridge, a cool area with excellent cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. There’s also a bookshop called Golden Hare that we love to stop off.

What other cities do you love, and why?

Glasgow is a favourite of ours… It’s the city my husband and I would hang out in when we were younger and it has an amazing personality. There are loads of great shops, boutiques and restaurants. There’s no other city like Edinburgh, especially with the castle in the centre, but Glasgow has heart for me. It’s a little less touristy, and if you know where to go, it’s such a fun city to hang out in. It’s so unique; you need to experience it to get it.

Where’s on your list for future travel?

Morocco is high on the list. My husband and I also love Paris and the vintage shopping there, so we’re keen to return. You don’t even need to do much in Paris; you can just enjoy walking there and people-watching.

What does your capsule wardrobe revolve around?

My husband laughs because I have many clothes but always wear the same jeans. My Levis 501s are a staple, and I have one particular pair that have been worn until they’re almost threadbare – they just fit like a glove. Light denim is my favourite, it makes everything look better. I also love a good vest. And utility and workwear jackets – I love the Whistles Marie Jacket. You can wear that in so many different ways.

Any favourites from the Whistles Spring Summer 23 Collection?

I love the Greta Poplin Dress. It’s a black, classic summer dress in a midi length and fits so well. The fabric is beautiful. It’s perfect for easy dressing that doesn’t require too much thought. I would throw that on and know it’ll work for so many things.

Come on over.

If you’re in the area, we’d love to see you in our Edinburgh store, which houses our latest Collections, located on George Street.

97 George St, Edinburgh EH2 3ES