In our new series, Community Threads, we bring together the creative individuals that make up our TOAST shop teams and see the ways in which they thoughtfully style pieces from our new collections. 

Our first stop takes us to the Old Town alleyways and elegant Georgian streets of Edinburgh. Just two minutes from Stockbridge Market, our shop is situated in the heart of this spirited city. 

Johanna

Johanna began working at TOAST in 2019. With a passion for folklore and mythology, she has spent the winter reading Flowers of Blood by Sara Bonadea George, which explores plants in Swedish folklore. Another recent favourite is Mischief Acts by Zoe Gilbert. “It’s a wild cavort through British folklore - there seems to be a theme here!”

Johanna , 5'7, wears the Sculptural Seam Ecru Denim Trousers.

Holly

Holly, an artist, has been part of the TOAST team since 2021. She says the long, dark Scottish winters bring out her “hermit tendencies.” This season, she has been watching Ripley. “The costumes, the drama, the setting - it’s all just completely perfect.”

Holly, 5'1, has styled the Stripe Poplin Shirt Dress under the Twill Side Tie Vest. “The utilitarian feel appeals to me because I can easily transition from the shop to the studio. Indigo dye has such a rich and fascinating history, so I’m always drawn to it in our collections.” 

Rachael

Rachael joined TOAST Edinburgh as a Repair specialist in 2024. An artist and ceramicist, she has been reading Seeing Things: Collected Writing on Art, Craft, and Design by Alison Britton. “I love the precision and clarity of her writing. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in ceramics, craft, or visual culture.”

Rachael, 5'6, is wearing the Patch Pocket Denim Dungaree Dress over the Geo Wool Gansey Sweater

Leeanne

Leeanne joined TOAST last November and is inspired by vintage aesthetics. A self-proclaimed Virginia Woolf devotee, she is currently reading Woolf’s 1931 novel The Waves. “With sprawling poetic interludes, meditative reflections, and queer undertones, it’s a masterpiece to savour—perfect for dipping into when you need inspiration.”

Leeanne, 5'7, has paired the Stripe Cotton Gathered Smock Top with the Pleated Organic Cotton Skirt. “I love this sturdy, deep green skirt with its side pockets and structured pleats. The long-sleeved top features cheerful stripes, a rounded neckline, and fitted sleeves. It buttons comfortably at the collar. This look reminds me of a mid-century day out at the beach.”

Visit our TOAST Edinburgh shop at 4 North West Circus Place, Edinburgh EH3 6ST.

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7 comments

As a longstanding Toast customer, I was surprised to see there is a Toast shop in Edinburgh! I moved here 3 years ago and thought my shopping with you would have to be by internet, now I find you are only 45 miles away! Deep bliss.

Carol Today

Enjoyed the article and look forward to further instalments. Always interesting to see staff wearing toast and how they put items together. As mentioned it would be helpful to know their height and please may we see staff who are petite as I am only 5’3.

Susan Today

My longed for visits to Toast Edinburgh came alive reading this article. The ladies featured all seem like familiar friends, they are lovely – so helpful, nothing is too much trouble. Running up and down the gorgeous little staircase with suggested pieces sizes etc. The shop and Stockbridge are two of my treasured places. Can’t wait for my next visit!

Louise Today

They are a really delightful team, always a pleasure to go to the store and I’m sure the repair service will come in useful (one day)

Nizam Today

Four beautiful women! It’s good to see the clothes on real people who also look cheerful (why are the studio models so glum?) and sound interesting.

Helen Today

Great new series! I look forward to all of these accounts of Toast people country-wide. Four strong and interesting women in Edinburgh presage a lively and thought-provoking series to come; it is great to see them in their excellent Toast clothes too. clothes too.

Liz 2 days ago

What an absolutely brilliant idea! Love seeing Toast staff styling items from your collection. One thing I would like to see in this feature is the heights of the staff & maybe (but not as important as the height) the sizes of the items they are wearing. Looking forward to the next instalment!

Amanda 4 days ago