If Anna Russell were alive today she'd be the ultimate dream babe, #goals and likely to be part of Britain's coolest girl gang. If you have no idea who I'm banging on about (like me 10 minutes ago...) prepare to be enlightened. Anna Russell- aka Queen Victoria's bezzie, was the brains behind the afternoon tea. Yep. This means before this babe stepped on the scene, the concept of sitting down with trays of finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and endless cups of tea whilst having a good old gossip with your gal pals wasn't a thing. Just imagine! For me, my absolute favourite treat is tucking into the perfect afternoon tea. It's just so quintessentially British! I mean where else in the world is it considered sophisticated to slap on layers of clotted cream and jam and demolish a tray full of cakes before 5pm?

Now if you're like me and love a spot of afternoon tea, you HAVE to go to the Ritz at least once in your life. There is no place better in the world in my eyes. Yes I adore sketch, (the interior, the bathrooms, the food- it's just the dream) but if you want something a little bit more old school fancy schmanchy, then the Ritz is absolute perfection.

Upon our arrival we were quickly met with a fresh glass of rosé champagne before the prettiest floral china tea set was placed in front of us, filled with finger sandwiches, warm scones and delectable cakes. I mean talk about #instagoals- I couldn't not snap about a million pictures right?

Anyway when a gal finds herself with an invite to the afternoon tea of dreams there's only one thought that enters my mind- OMG what can I possibly wear?!? But fear not gals- Joanie has it covered. As soon as I saw this dress back in November at the Joanie shoot, it was love at first sight and when it landed on their site, I snapped it up as fast as you can say Victoria sponge! I mean it may as well be called the Harriet dress because it's as if someone read my mind and created my ultimate dream dress. 

Where do I even start. A collar adorned with red love hearts, a massive white bow with the cutest 'I left my heart in NYC' embroidery, the perfect sixties shape, Monochrome AND pockets. I mean, I have to hand it to the gals at Joanie- they are absolutely killing it at the moment. Teamed with my favourite red strappy heels from Zara, a cute vintage red bag (I mean let's go all out with the red accessories here...) and of course a coating or two of red lipstick, my perfect Valentine's Day outfit was complete!

So go on gals, treat yourself. Book that afternoon tea, wear that red lippy with your favourite dress and you'll honestly have the best evening of your life! In my head you feel like a princess as soon as you walk through the doors and what girl doesn't deserve the princess treatment every once in a while?

X

It's finally December! I can't believe how fast this year has flown by, but whenever this time of year comes around I can't contain my excitement. I absolutely, utterly and completely adore Christmas! I am just the ultimate Christmas fan girl (if that was even a thing). I just love how cosy, warm and beautiful everything looks. There's something almost magical about walking home on a cold winter night, when the streets are lined with twinkling lights, and opening the door to your flat to find festive cheer sprinkled everywhere. I love nothing more than putting the Christmas lights on, lighting literally every candle I own, cuddling up with a hot chocolate and mince pie and watching endless Christmas movies. I'm obsessed ok! Last night my boyfriend and I decorated our tree and living room whilst listening to my ultimate Christmas playlist (Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes is everything!) and it just made me feel so warm and fuzzy inside.

So when it comes to outfit choices, my love for all things festive obviously has to shine through. Nothing screams Christmas vibes to me more than red, and this jumper from Joanie Clothing is one of my favourite things in my wardrobe right now. I can't stop wearing it! The cherry red colour is just gorgeous, the embroidery and font are amazing and its so super soft. It's like my own Bella freud but without the hefty price tag and I can't thank Joanie enough for letting this be in my life! I teamed it up with this amazing skirt I bought recently from Darling London. I actually bought this from a little boutique when I was in the New Forest and as soon as I saw it in the window I knew it was just me all over. The Chanel tweed like fabric, the gorgeous gold button detailing, THE perfect A line shape- it's just everything. I love the gorgeous shine and texture to the fabric too, it adds that perfect festive twist to a classic black skirt. I then added this cute little leopard print bag from Ted Baker just to add a pop of print to the look- and let's face it nothing goes better than red and leopard print! Then by adding some plain black ankle boots from Next ( similar here) my festive inspired outfit is complete! I can definitely see myself wearing this ensemble on Christmas Day. It's super comfy and cosy yet looks like you've made just the right amount of effort.

X

Check out my Christmas Spotify playlist!