FINALLY the sun has decided to get its hat on and come out to play! And, quite frankly, it couldn’t have chosen a better time. With Jubilee bank holiday fast approaching here’s hoping it holds out whilst we light up barbies; line our streets with bunting; bring out tables laden with jam, cream, scones and strawberries; pop open the bubbly, sip on some Pimm’s, sober up with some tea, get going again with some gin (Bombay Sapphire of course!), have a spin on the dance floor, reacquaint yourself with the punch bowl…All in honour of our monarch’s 60th year on the throne!
Ok, maybe I’ve emphasised liquid consumption a little too much here but with not one, but two bank holidays gifted to us you would be mad not to cram in as much fun as possible. From village fetes and family picnics to dinner parties and boozy balls there’s certainly an eclectic mix of fun and festivity ahead and only one problem: what to wear? Rest assured, with all the British designers on offer at IndependentBoutique.com you can celebrate the best of the British whatever the occasion. So get out your party poppers and get ready for a right royal romp!
British Weather
First things first. Much as we might not want to admit it, there’s a distinct possibility this glorious weather won’t hold out for the bank holiday so some kind of warmer wear may need to be on stand by. I for one am planning to go to the Welsh seaside for my Jubilee weekend. Forget jubilee ceremonies, as a massive townie, no seaside trip is complete without a ceremonial dip in the sea. But whether you’re getting out of some potentially freezing water or the flames from the bbq are dying down, warm yourself with patriotic aplomb by wearing this ‘London Took My Heart’ sweater from Rock n Needle. Both ultra soft and lightweight, big up Her Majesty’s capital with attitude and comfort!
But if (finger’s crossed) it’s still swelteringly hot, you might want to settle for this Skull Crown Vest instead. In royal purple, the vest’s be-crowned skull says Jubilee celebrations with a grungy twist. Paired with jeans and sunglasses, this more nonchalant nod to our monarch will carry you effortlessly from street party to evening antics.
Bling
And for those of you going for a more tongue-in-cheek approach to regal celebrations a good bit of royal bling might be a good choice. Nothing says English village fete better than a bit of bunting. And we all know the royals love their country pursuits! Failing wrapping some of the stuff around yourself, this necklace from Tatty Devine means you quite literally can be part of your street party decorations. Lasercut from perspex and strung together on a silvery adjustable chain, just like the real deal, you can string it on at a jaunty angle for a quirky take on celebrations.
The traditional among you will be pleased by this Teapot Necklace f
rom Cabbage White England. Made from soild sterling silver plated in 22k gold and strung on an 18in gold vermeil chain, this is a cute handcrafted homage to our national bevvy. Available in silver as well you can clink tea cups together for a toast to Britannia! But maybe you like your brew a little stronger: dangle this gin bottle around your neck to signal your alcoholic intentions. Inspired by artist duo Gilbert & George’s famous gin-drinking artworks this offering from Tatty Devine, is a lurid turquoise nod to some good British boozing.
Frocks
‘Oh to be in England now that spring is here.’ There’s nothing like an English country garden in the sun. But even if you’re out and about celebrating on the city streets, there’s no reason you can’t be surrounded by its famous buds and blossoms. Tap into the Tea Party spirit with this ‘50s Length Chiffon Shift Dress from ele Couture. From the same decade HRH ascended the throne you’ll be dipping into Her Majesty’s own personal vintage style. Given vintage inspirations are really are going to town this season these delicate, tiny patterns and casual length make it a great investment for both Jubilee day and beyond.
And it’s not just England’s green and pleasant lands that sees HRH reigning supreme. It may be the official domain of Prince Charles, but Wales certainly needs to be REP-ed at these festivities. Sprawled with the country’s national bloom, this delightful Daffodil Summer Yellow Collar Dress from Alice Takes a Trip is a summer special. The cute collar adds a deliciously demure British style to it, but if you’re looking for something a little more ostentatious this appropriately named ‘Stinger‘ dress from Obscure Couture is skin tight, super sexy and should do the trick. Fully underwired and lined with red habotai silk, it’s cute chain detailing at centre front means you will grabbing attention. Tartan’s a Royal fav, so get geared up for a raunchy Highland Fling in this number!
But maybe you’re going for an altogether higher calibre affair. If fancy frocks and fine dining is on the cards for you; channel some regal pomp with this Victorian Inspired Velvet Peter Pan Collar Dress. It may not be from our present monarch’s reign, but we’re not going too far back down the family. It’s rich velvet will make a smooth transition from English country garden to Lady of the Manor. So sup your champers, nibble at your smoked salmon bilinis and mingle with royal decorum.
The Hangover
Golly! The morning after such an incredibly decadent dinner party one may be in a little need of some TLC. What better way to relax with your late morning earl grey and marmalade on toast (HRH’s fav breakfast) than in this Cotton Kimono Robe. From Caro London, this new pattern is a variation on their ongoing success story ‘Pink Beautiful’ floral print. Ideal for a weekend getaway its lightweight 100% cotton and patch pockets mean you can slouch around in an immensely comfortable and quintessentially British manner.
One last thing
But the celebrations don’t stop there! Oh no, we need to pay homage to our Highness from top to toe-feet included! Esska’s Diamond Jubilee edition sandals mean you can do just that. (Although if you’re in your robe, substitute ‘slippers’ here) Esska’s best selling style, the Ghost, is a comfortable platform sandal with a medium stacked heel. The asymmetrical layered straps make them extremely flattering and the velcro adjustable straps allow them to fit everyone. Combined with their jaunty British colours, the fully padded sock and anti-slip rubber outsole mean you’ll be in stylish comfort whether you’re manning a cake stall, whirling round the dance floor or just sprawled across a picnic mat in the sun.
So what are you waiting for? It’s only a couple of days away. Get using those little snatches between office breaks and fanning yourself cool to ensure your Jubilee outfits are a royal success!
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