Afternoon Tea Darling ..what to wear?

So a few events have crept up on me quiet quickly, one being late lunch with my gorgeous girlfriends here in Cork on Saturday, and afternoon tea with my favourite Cloggers (Cork Bloggers & Surrounding areas!) on Sunday. Seriously its feast or famine with me when it comes to events or a get together! I ain't complaining!

I'm very excited to say the least, as not only do we get to dress up but I'll get to catch up with some really good friends....It always boils down to one thing though..what to wear? Seriously, I fret about these kind of things (First world problems and all that!) You'd swear I was having afternoon tea with the Queen herself, although that wouldn't surprise me with the Cloggers ;-)

So on that note I pulled together some looks one might wear to afternoon tea..I know its more formal in England, in bigger hotels in London like the Ritz etc, but I think its less formal when you're doing it with friends here in Ireland..Never the less afternoon tea is the perfect excuse to get dressed up but keep it fun & relaxed too..so on that note here's my suggestions...all I need now is a bank account full of cash so that I can buy something to wear below!! Not likely so I'll have to resort to something already hanging in the wardrobe ...but one can dream...Enjoy xxx

Sisley Long sleeve  Dress Black Graphic Print €105.63, available here, River Island heels €77 available here, Beaded tassel bag from Oasis available here for €12.

Wrap pencil skirt with scallop detail €30.98 available here, White Ribbed polo neck €9.86 available here, Beige Fold over bag €39.44 available here, Rose Gold heels River Island €60 available here. 

Boohoo lace pencil skirt €13.38 available here, Black top €25.35, available here, Croc print clutch €21.13 available here, Black lace up strappy sandals €75 available here.

Floral 3D clutch  from asos €31.69 available here, White cami from River Island €22 available here, Asos Prom Skirt in Embroidered lace mesh €63.38 available here. Dune sandals €125.35 available here. Throw over a white/cream blazer with this look Penneys have gorgeous ones at the moment for €23.

Monochrome is always a good look..smart but chic. Above Topshop seamed black cigarette pants €29, available here. Lavish Alice cape €72 available from Topshop  here, Croc print patent heels €60 from River Island available here. Embellished bag from River Island €28 available in stores. Chicwish Black lace top €36.29 available here.

A girly look is perfectly suitable for afternoon tea!!Embellished Clutch bag by Lipsy £55, available here, Off the shoulder top €46 available here also available in Debenhams, Similar here for €21.13, Skirt Chicwish.com €42 available here glitter bow heeled sandals €45.07 available here.

Love love love this dress from Littlewoods..Two Tone Collar lace dress €80 available from here, Asos Black strap heeled sandals €15.49, available here, New Look black clutch €24.99 available here,  Miss KG Lace Up Shoe boot €129 available here

Another fab look for afternoon tea, and again a littlewoods dress. In love with this dress so pretty and it comes in Black too...Crochet lace skater dress €94 available here. Asos Nude bag €25.35 available here. Nude patent heels €24 available here.

Of course not forgetting all the dresses ...Left to right Embossed dress in Navy €63.17, available here, Heels Dune available here,  or similar here , Warehouse gypsy Smock dress €78 available here, Black lace up barely there heels €55 available here, Black crepe floral print fitted dress €75, available here, River island fringe heels €42 available here.

If in doubt a jumpsuit is always the best option, at least that way your covered but at the same time you look smart and chic for any afternoon tea!

From Left; Asos Jumpsuit with gold metal cut out belt €70.42 Top left to right  Wrap jumpsuit with collar detail, €63.38, available here, Sleeveless shirt detail Jumpsuit in sage €63.38, available here, Lace off the shoulder jumpsuit €76.76 available here, Bottom Left to right; Nude jumpsuit with Peplum detail €63.38 available here, Roll Neck jumpsuit €35.20 available here.

Right, I'm off to have tea with the queen..

Have a good weekend everyone

Love Pam xx

London town

 My love affair with London never ends...every time I visit this city it never gets old!

I guess I'm lucky I get to pop over a lot (it helps having a brother in law and lots of friends living there!! Its the perfect excuse to visit)

I always stay around the same area..(creature of habit)....Earls Court, near Kensington..a district within the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea in West London. Wasn't by choice but by chance as my Brother in Law lives here so we would always stay at his, more recently, in the last few visits to the city, we have made a hotel owned by the Indigo hotel Chains our home for the duration of our stay..Indigo Kensington..I love this hotel, its the funkiest boutique hotel around and the interior is divine! Location is ideal as its just off Earls Court right on the Piccadilly/District line, which covers a multitude of Visitor/Tourist attractions of London

(The tube stop!Obviously)

(The exterior of the hotel)

(the bar/restaurant area)

(The library/lounge area)

Normally during my visit to London I tend to potter around the Kensington/Portobello/Nothing hill area, however this time round I decided to head further into central London. Day one I pottered into London Bridge, got off at Monument Station, taking in Monument followed by a stroll along the River Thames . It was a nice change from the norm, and its so pretty around here, albeit there's quiet a lot of construction going on at the moment. I strolled down the Thames finishing up at London Tower, stopping off at The Alchemist bar for a late lunch and little sneaky glass of Prosecco..this bar is pretty cool guys, check it out if you are ever in Central London.

Monument 

The views along my potter! 

Finally stop Tower of London before a late lunch! 

 

Lunch right here at the Alchemist, that have yummy food, and spectacular cocktails! 

Yes this did happen, its how they make all their cocktails!! Just like an old school chemist store!

 After my sneaky tipple I ambled further up Central London around the financial district (with the aim of checking out sky gardens) and accidentally stumbled across Leadenhall Market. It is one of the oldest markets in London, dating from the 14th century..Its a place I wanted and have been meaning to find for a long time but never seemed to have enough time to fit it in, so you can image my delight...It is one of the most beautiful buildings with its ornate roof structure thats painted green, maroon and cream, and cobbled floors, definitely a "must see".

Leadenhall Market ..these pics don't do it justice as they were snapped from my phone 

Always look up!

Following on from Leadenhall Market we went to Sky Gardens....this should be top of your list of places to visit in London!  It is amazing and offers 360 degree uninterrupted views across the City. The Sky Garden is at 20 Fenchurch Street...That's the best part about the Sky Gardens, is its Free admission for unbelievable views of the city!

However you do need to book tickets, there is a restricted number of tickets available each day so be sure to book them in advance of your visit (book here) But don't fret, if you miss out getting tickets, you can enter ticket free after 6pm. At the top, is landscaped gardens, observation decks and an open air terrace of what is London’s highest public garden. It truly is impressive and you can grab yourself a little drink if you fancy it and soak in the surroundings!!

How amazing is the garden overlooking the view of the city...This is a pic from my phone again apologies doesn't do it justice.

 

Drinks with a view! 

The next day, I was feeling a little worse for wear, so after a late starter, and armed with a coffee, I strolled around the west end of London, hitting the beautiful regent street, with the aim of reaching Liberty. Liberty for those of you not familiar with it, is housed in a striking, timber-framed, Tudor revival building off Regent. With small, intimate staircases, intricately designed elevators, wooden balconies and glass atriums this has to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing and unique department stores in the city. Of course its world famous for its design and 'Liberty print' as it also sells Liberty fabrics to international and local fashion stores . It truly is well worth a visit, for the building exterior and interior alone! Plus Liberty is just off Carnaby Street, which is, by far, one of the best shopping streets in West London, and you'll find unique pieces in some of independent fashion boutiques!

(Regent Street) 

The fabulous Carnaby Street 

The entrance to Liberty 

The exterior is impressive ..Beautiful Tudor style! 

The entrance hall...just beautiful 

The interior of Liberty  

View from the top of the department store 

The old & intimate staircases

Features around the staircases 

Regent street during the evening.. 

Later that evening, (going on a recommendation from a friend) we checked out Dirty Bones restaurant in Kensington. It offers gourmet American dining and bespoke signature cocktails and it was pretty funky as restaurants go...The entrance looked almost like we were entering a seedy bar, and bewildered glances followed as it led us downstairs. Inside was far from seedy, it was funky, and retro and pretty cool! (Not to mention the diners there which included a few "Made in Chelsea" stars, and no I didn't take pictures ....(if its good enough for them and all that Jazz!!)

The Entrance to Dirty Bones...looks dodge on first impressions right?? But how wrong was I? 

How cool is the interior and the food is delicious too!

Well Impressed!

And now to what I wore!! As I just had a carry on bag (I know what was I thinking???Impossible!) I had to be clever about outfits..and how many shoes/boots I packed!

First Look. Wrapped up warm

Hat - Zara

Coat; Clara Ellen Boutique (few years old now)

Over the knee Boots- River Island

Bag -Chanel

Day 1 - Airport to Tourist to Drinks with friends!

Fur Collar - Penneys

Grey Jumper - H&M

Over the Knee Boots -River Island

Leather Pants - Zara

Day 2 -Daily Tourist..Dressy Casual

Jumper - Penneys €7

Leather Skirt - Years old from Swamp

Ankle Boots -Dunnes Stores

Day Three - Visiting Friends and then to the Airport

Jumper - Vero Moda

Embellished Collar - River Island

Over the Knee Boots -River Island (more on these later!) 

Outfit of the night (for Dirty Bones)

I find Londoners are so fashionable but more into dressy casual when it comes to dining out

So with that in mind heres what I wore

Grey patent heels -Dunnes stores

Ankle grazer jeans - Stradivarius

Camisole Top - H&M

 Sequin Jacket -Topshop

Overall I love London and the different experiences you can take from it...it was a nice change to explore central London, but still include my beloved Kensington area. Its always a city close to my heart and I always have a flutter when I know there's a visit on the cards!

Hope you enjoyed it and if you're planning a trip definitely pop Sky gardens on your things to do!

Love Pam

xxx

Dungarees... And not for 5 year olds

 Now hear me out on this post ...Dungarees are having their moment, this season. And I was a bit unsure at first....I had visions of a 30 plus something (me) dressed like a 5 year old or more like my own 4 year old!!!..nd this is certainly "not"a look I'm aiming for! When I spotted some black dungarees in New look last week, and These been sported around the streets of London by some extremely stylish ladies, I actually started to think, yes maybe these could work...with a little research and viewing some street styles, I can safely say, yes I'm sold..these black Dungarees look good!! I have come to the realisation, that in order to pull this look off you'll need all of the following; a kickass pair of high heels, narrow shaped leg style dungarees, great accessories and most importantly cover up!!

Have a peak of some of my favourites from other bloggers around...

( Pinterest Image Skinny Tea house) 

(Image: South Molton Street Style on Pinterest) 

(Image Pop Sugar Pinterest -Alexa Chung) 

(Image Pinterest Howtostreetstyle.blogspot.it)

(Image Pinterest @Atlantic - Pacific)

Add some variation to the look with an unusual blouse..and a statement bag ...this look is from Pinterest by @andrreac

With Black Dungarees you can do dressy or casual, this '90's look ' is a bit more on the dressy side this season, and heels really make it. For this first look I've given both options...

Left to right: Green Checked Shirt €19.95 Zara here, New Look Dungarees €34.99 here, Black Converse €54 available here. River Island heels €95 here but Penneys have similar for €21. Military style Khaki Shirt Zara €39.95 available here.

Dungarees Topshop €65 available here, Red Check shirt Zara €39.95 available here, New Look heels €21 available in store. Betty & Biddy Necklace €28 available here.  

Still sticking with semi Casual looks ..River Island Black Dungarees €60 available  here, Striped top Zara €17.95 available here, White Converse €39.59 available here, J.Crew Top €65 from Net a porter available here. Zara heels €37.

Going for a chic, monochrome look, Black Leather Dungarees  Topshop €76, available here, Top left Bow Tie white shite Shein.com €14 available here. River Island Tie up Tasselled Flats €37 available here, Bottom left Mango Tie shirt €84.49 available here. Middle Right : Zara Burgundy Tote €29.95 available here. New Look Heels €32.99 available here.

Again another dressy monochrome look..white blouses look great with the black dungarees, accessories too! Same Dungarees as before from New look. Top left to right White Button Through blouse from Mango €49.28 available here, Top right Lace sleeve blouse Asos €49.29 available here. Middle Left Shirt with embellished collar €50 available from River Island here, Grey tote handbag from River Island €45 available here. Rose gold watch from River Island €43 available here. Bottom Left: Loafers €29.99 from New Look available here. Bottom Right Fringed Stiletto heels River Island €77 available here.

Got to have a little leopard print somewhere in the look haha...Dungarees from New Look before, New look leopard print shoulder bag €14.99 available here, River Island Leopard print heels €77 available here, Asos sheer high neck top €39.44 available here, Bottom Right Scarf Neck Blouse €42.25 available here 

Again River Island Dungarees as before. Top left to right  New Look stripe shirt €24.99 available here, River Island printed shirt €50 available here, Middle left to right Zara rigit Tote €39.95 available here, River Island Satchel Handbag €33 available here.  Bottom left to right:New Look Red heels €27.99 available here. Nude heels Little woods €24 available here.

And ladies if its good enough for Olivia Palermo then its good enough for me ;-)

Pam

xx