Blogs

Now we have reached February, we can’t help but look ahead to spring! It’s always exciting when we can look forward to a fresh new wardrobe! With the milder weather approaching it’s a great time to look ahead at some wardrobe staples that will help transition us through into spring. It’s often a tricky time as the weather can be constantly changing, so layering up is still key to getting spring dressing just right! 

Looking for outfit inspo for that quintessentially English tradition Afternoon Tea, that we love to indulge in?... look no further, we got you! Be the belle of the tea party with Blue Vanilla's Spring Collection.

The event was created over 150 years, by Anna Marie Russel, the seventh Duchess of Bedford (thank you, Lady!) in 1840. The Duchess would get peckish around 4pm (don’t we all) and usually have to wait until 8pm for their fashionably late evening meal… so Anna began  snacking alone her in the afternoon, but as time went on friends were invited to join her. Who wouldn’t love tea and tiny sandwiches!?... Upon returning to London Anna sent out invites requesting her friends to join her for “tea and a walking in the fields” and bam, Afternoon Tea was born.

It wasn’t long until all of Fashionable society was sippin’ a cuppa from beautiful matching china teacups and nibbling on dainty sandwiches and scones. What were all these ladies wearing? By the 1880’s the upper-class and then fashionistas would don long gowns, gloves and hats and swan to the drawing room to get their fill of tasty treats and tantalising gossip.

Nowadays Afternoon Tea is just as much of a social occasion and reason to get dressed up. We have pulled together our five fav looks perfect for Afternoon Tea.

1. Pretty Wrap Dress

The perfect easy to wear dress that flatters every shape. Our bestselling glittery wrap dress JOCYLN is back for spring! Available in a range of prints and colours, we have one to suit every style. Team with a statement stiletto for a classic look:

From Left to Right: Shop - NONNIE – Twist Front Midi Floral Print Navy Dress £28, Shop - NONNIE – Twist Front Midi Floral Print Navy Dress £28, Shop - HAYDEN – Navy Twist Front Midi Dress £26, Shop - KATYA – Mint Flower Twist Front Midi Dress £26, Shop - HAYDEN – Lilac Twist Front Midi Dress £26[/caption]

2. Silky & Sophisticated Pastel Dress

Perfect for a more dressed up look, for the most glamorous of girls. Wow you friends with this simple yes beautiful silky number. RABIA is sure to turn heads at the most luxurious affairs. Team with a simple nude stiletto, clutch, and pale blazer for a divine royal look.

From left to right: Shop - RABIA – Wrap Blush Dress With Adjustable Straps £28, Shop - KATY – Pastle Blue Gathered Midi Dress £30, Shop - EMMA – Mint/Lilac Ruffle Wrap Dress £25[/caption]

3. Trousers & Statement Knit

If you’re looking for a more casual but still gorgeous style, try teaming some smart trousers with a statement knit. Our LORALYN, CHRISTINE and DAISY are THE Afternoon Tea jumpers. Add a heeled boot or simple heel for lovely finished look.

From left to right: CHRISTINE – Jewel Collar Bow Navy Jumper £25, LORALYN – Organza Lace Collar Pink Jumper £25, DAISY - Leaf Mesh Sleeve High Neck Navy Jumper £25, DALINA – Double V Pearl Cross Over Peplum Pink Jumper £26, NIDHI – Shirt Frill 2 In 1 Navy Jumper £25

4. Beautiful Tulip Dress

This silhouette is sure to enhance your most flattering areas! Get ready to enjoy the sunshine in our bestselling tulip style dresses. Wanting to cover a fraction more? Try our JEANNE high neck tulip for a more sophisticated look.

From left to right:  ASHA – Lilac Wrap Front Tulip Dress £25,  DASHA – Navy/Yellow Pleat Tulip Dress £26,  KACEY – Cornflower Blue Wrap Front Tulip Dress £26,  EVANA – Dusty Pink Wrap Front Tulip Dress £26,  EVANA – Black Wrap Front Tulip Dress £26 From left to right: JEANNE – High Neck Blue Tulip Dress £28, ELLY – Pale Blue High Neck 3/4th Sleeve Tulip Dress £28

5. Fabulous Floral Jumpsuit

Be the shining stylist of the group in our pretty fabulous range of jumpsuits. With unique floral prints to catch fashionistas eyes, you will look the part for any Afternoon Tea meet up. Wear with a posh wedge and statement earring to finish of your look.

From left to right: BESS – Cream Kimono Front Jumpsuit £35,  NIKKI – Pale Blue Tie Shoulder Jumpsuit £30,  MACHA – Navy Tie Back Culotte Jumpsuit £26, RITU – Navy Strappy Culotte Jumpsuit £32, JULIE – Pink Button Front Jumpsuit £30

Ever wondered where your fave celebs, bloggers and Insta-babes take their gorgeous pictures for the ‘gram? Whether it’s a restaurant decked out in floor to ceiling millennial pink, or an impressive townhouse with white pillars and a statement front door - we know the places to go to get the shot.

So when you next find yourself in London, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Instagram-able spots to visit. Don’t know what to wear? We have you covered there too with our fave new season pieces as seen on your fave influencers.

Top 10 Instagram-able Spots In London

Where?

Regent Street/ Oxford Street - Central London

In central London doing a bit of retail therapy? Take a snap in and around the Oxford Street/Regent Street area and your followers are guaranteed to know where you are, all thanks to those imposing London buildings, iconic tube stop signs and the classic red phone box! Steal @katiepenny’s chic Blue Vanilla style by teaming our Belle Tie Front Button Cream Shirt with a smart blazer and cream trousers.

Where?

Peggy Porschen, Belgravia, SW1W 9QQ

Ah, Peggy Porschen, a much loved location for shooting the prettiest pictures - especially in spring all thanks to their candy floss coloured exterior and flower wall! Head over to beautiful Belgravia and recreate @RosieFortescue’s gorgeous look at Peggy Porschen by pairing our Libby Long Sleeve Snake Print Oversize Mint Tunic with knee high boots and loose, effortless waves. 

Related: What to wear to afternoon tea

Where?

Notting Hill W11 and South Kensington SW7

If you’re looking for picture perfect streets lined with Georgian mansions, head to St Luke’s Mews and Lancaster Road in Notting Hill or Kynance Mews in South Kensington. There you’ll find blossom trees, rainbow coloured houses and imposing front doors galore. Work it like Rosie in our Maryetta Animal Print High Low Hem Top, or opt for a statement floral piece such as our glamorous Eryn Red Keyhole Halter Neck Floral Dress.

Where?

Carnaby Street, W1F 9PS

The original birthplace of the swinging 60s! Head down to Carnaby Street to find a hidden shopping mecca nestled between bustling Oxford Street. Looks familiar? Carnaby Street is particularly sparkly at Christmas time with the infamous Carnaby lights. For now though, add a pop of colour to your spring wardrobe the @IndiaMoon way with our Gloria Brushed Check Mustard/Grey Crombie Coat.

Where?

Sketch, W1S,2XG

Sketch needs NO introduction. You’ve probably spotted the blush pink tones of The Gallery restaurant, the natural botanical vibe of The Glade, or the cool egg shaped toilets on Insta. Visit Sketch to ensure your coloured Insta-theme looks fresh. We recommend wearing our flowy Haley Floral Print Wrap Tie Back Yellow Dress which can be styled up for afternoon tea, or an evening meal at Sketch with the girls.

Where?

Coppa Club, Tower Bridge, EC3R 6AH

Looking for somewhere to dine in style, whilst getting that all important Insta shot? Check out the Coppa Club igloos for a memorable night. Make an impression and head out wearing our curve skimming Livia Long Sleeve Floral Print Navy Maxi Dress - we’re wearing ours with ankle boots for a chic day to night look.

Where?

The Shard, SE1 9SG

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, the spectacular views over London and Westminster from The Shard will guarantee your jaw to hit the floor. Don’t pass up a photo opportunity so make sure you’re looking cute. Our Margot Floral Print Mint Pleat Detail CamI Dress is the perfect choice.

Where?

Camden Market, NW1

For a more alternative vibe head to Camden Market, famous for its punk scene, renowned Stables Market and the home of the late Amy Winehouse. Don’t forget to take a pic in front of the iconic ‘Camden Lock’ bridge. For your trip to Camden, style it out in our Vivika Button Through Black Polka Dot Dress teamed with a denim jacket and Converse.

Where?

Waterloo Bridge for amazing city views

For amazing pics in front of not one, but two London landmarks Big Ben and the London Eye, head to Waterloo Bridge for a photo op looking East towards Canary Wharf, or West towards the Houses of Parliament. Show off your style game on Waterloo Bridge in our gorgeous Nadia Leaf Print Belted Khaki Dress and sandals.

Happy snappin’!

Shop all the looks at Blue Vanilla now!
Time for more? How to dress like Meghan Markle