JW Spring ’13

jack wills spring 2013

New England is resisting spring harder than ever this year. You know who else understands that? England. That’s why I love turning to British brand Jack Wills‘ catalogue for style inspiration– they seem to get that spring doesn’t necessarily mean bikinis and flip flops. Check out some of my favorite current items– shorts and skirts to look forward to, and cozy jumpers and brogues for right now!

Jack Wills Spring Set

(1) Aldcliffe Crew, $118
(2) Porchfield Dress, $89.50
(3) Fairbank Culotte, $79.50
(4) Newnham Side Bag, $298
(5) Alburgh Breton Tee, $49.50
(6) Maybury Skirt, $79.50
(7) Glenthorne Brogue, $298
(8) Ibsley Tote, $39.50

Are you experiencing warm weather where you are yet, or is your spring still rainy and chilly like mine and England’s?

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English Rose

I’ve become a huge coffee drinker over the past few years, but I can’t resist an adorable tea room. These are shots from English Rose Tea Room, which I stumbled upon while visiting Carefree, Arizona, and has become known as the finest tearoom in the Southwest.

english rose tea room

teacup chandelier

vintage teacups

tea party instagram

tea strainer

queen elizabeth poster

tea petit fours

photo 3-1

As usual, I’m always on the hunt for more tearooms to visit. I’m back in New England now, so send more local suggestions my way! xx

Spots of Tea

london cafe boston

A couple of weeks ago, my mother and I dressed for High Tea at Boston’s London Cafe on Newbury Street. Located beneath the boutique hotel Royalton Suites, the tearoom was intimate and welcoming. It didn’t have quite the cute factor of other tea shops I’ve visited in the area, with their dainty floral china and knit cozies, but it did feel quite traditional.

instagram tea

tea sandwiches

mini carrot cake

lilly pulitzer tea party

london cafe

teapots

Any Boston friends have recommendations for other good tea rooms in the area?

Brit Shop

Being the Olympics and all, I should probably be putting together some pretty USA-filled patriotic looks, but I just can’t resist giving into my love of all things British with the games taking place in London this year. Jack Wills, my favorite British brand, isn’t shy about showing off some pride for the UK in their Brit Shop. Some of my current favorites… many of which are currently on sale!

Peachcroft Blanket, $228
Crosslands Cushion, $79.50
Faverley Cushion, $98.50
Middridge Crew, 449
Glenmore Charm, $49.50
Aldringham Fine China Mug, $7
Archibald Porcelain Cups, $19
Aris Make Up Bag, $40

Fabulously British, always.

Short + Sweet

When I studied abroad in Europe, one piece of advice I remember constantly hearing was to not wear shorts– it’ll show off that you’re a tourist. But really, how fun are these Union Jack shorts, or hotpants, from Topshop’s Jubilee Collection? I think these would be worthy of an exception to the rule if I were still in London…

MOTO Floral Union Jack Hotpants, Topshop, $68
Sheer Style Top, ModCloth, $38
London Calling Idiom Bangle, Kate Spade, $88
Jubilee Crown Ring, Topshop, $25
Sierra Strappy Wedges, TOMS, $69 

Linking up with {long distance loving} for Friday’s Fancies!

The Jubilee Queen

June 2nd marks 60 years on the throne for the Queen of England, Elizabeth II. Her Diamond Jubilee celebration will take place this Friday through Tuesday, known as The Central Weekend.

Personally I’m far too excited for an American to celebrate the occasion. Tea, scones, fancy hats, and some shopping at Jack Wills are sure to happen this weekend.

Also how excited are we to see what Kate wears??

Will you be keeping up with the Jubilee celebrations? No, just me? Fair.

Brogues, bro

First of all, if anyone can tell me the difference between oxfords and brogues, I would be most appreciative.

Secondly, whatever they’re called, I love them. Some I’ve got my heart set on right now…

(1) Glenthorn Brogue, Jack Wills, $298
(2) KOAST Contrast Brogues, Topshop, $110
(3) Metallic-heel Leather Brogues, Miu Miu, $595
(4) Linen Brogues, Marc Jacobs, $259
(5) VACATION Lace-Up Brogues, Topshop, $60
(6) Marvin Lace-Up Girly Brogue, ASOS, $39

I’d just like to be British, that’s all.

Congratulations to Kate, Wills… and Sarah Burton!

Happy Royal Wedding to you all!

One of the things I was [superficially] most looking forward to about today was seeing Kate’s dress.  We’ve all been anticipating its reveal for months now, and as she arrived at Westminster Abbey this morning, the world got its first full-length glimpse.

Getty Images

Designed by Sarah Burton of British label Alexander McQueen, the lace number was incredibly elegant and simply timeless.  It was tasteful and respectful, but still just a tiny bit sexy with the deep V-neck cut.  Many are comparing it to the style of Grace Kelly.

Grandmother-in-law Queen Elizabeth II even loaned Kate her Cartier tiara for the big day.  The diamond drop earrings by Robinson Pelham were a gift from Kate’s parents.

Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

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Sister and Maid of Honor Pippa looked quite lovely herself.  She also donned white– something that is not only not frowned upon in Great Britain, but is actually tradition.  Now I love British traditions, but I still don’t think I’m going to ask my future maid of honor to join me in wearing white on my wedding day!

Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

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And how about those hats!  Mother of the Bride, Carole Middeton, in Catherine Walker (also one of Princess Diana’s favorite designers), wore one ever so elegantly:

Mike Marsland/WireImage

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Watching the wedding on television this morning was truly magical, well worth the early alarm clock!  I wish the newlyweds only the best, and I thank them for allowing all (especially us irritating Americans) to share their day with them.

AP Images