The Real Life Beauty & The Beast Castle

Top: here. Trousers: similar here. Long Pearls: vintage, similar here. Short Pearls: Chanel. - - - 
Last week, my mother and I visited one of my favourite childhood haunts, Waddesdon Manor. I distinctly remember coming here as a child to go sledding, wrapped up in a big red coat. The house is breathtaking and to me, looks like a real life version of The Beauty & The Beast Castle, with an interior to match. (I actually filmed a tour of the inside, including all of the history, which you can watch here if you'd like!) I think it's evident that style is one of my main passions, but I also have a longstanding fascination with architecture and historical buildings. I really, really love these photos because I feel like they're combing my two loves!
As for the outfit, I'm sure you're rolling your eyes at my predictable taste. Ruffles? Frills? SOLD. I'm sorry - there's just a small part of me that wants to drape myself in pearls and ruffles like a fabulous old woman. This top is certainly eye-catching but it's versatile too, and now, one of my new favourites! I just adore the rich blue colour, pleats and layered details. 
Do you like visiting National Trust properties? Which ones would you recommend? Also - if you watch the my tour of the house, I'd love to know what you think!

An Afternoon at Upton House / Lavish Alice Oxblood Co-ord

All Items Linked Below - Top: c/o Lavish Alice. Skirt: c/o Lavish Alice. Sunglasses: Prada. Shoes: Kurt Geiger.

Hello All!

How are we today? Well I hope!

So, the other day I paid a visit to the the home of Lord and Lady Bearsted, otherwise known as Stately Home, Upton House. It's no longer their home, clearly... if it was, they probably wouldn't have let me in. Luckily for the public, the marvellous sandstone creation was eventually handed on to The National Trust for the likes of us to enjoy, and I'm very glad they did. How else am I going to pretend I'm in Downton Abbey?

I spent the afternoon wondering around the 1930s-style house, roaming the gardens whilst admiring the impressive cedar trees, and pretending not to be out of breath after walking up and down the terrace a few times (there are a lot of steps..ok?) We also ate a considerable amount of cake, which is in my opinion a necessity when visiting a National Trust Property. I think it might even be the law. The garden is incredible when in bloom, but the house itself is a treasure trove of art, vintage furniture, silverware and porcelain, carpets and a multitude of interesting objects  it's like stepping back in time!

Regarding my outfit for the occasion, I saw the visit as a perfectly timed chance to wear and photograph this charming co-ord from Lavish Alice. I'm very impressed with it - it's well cut and fits flatteringly, which is exceedingly important when one plans to, what's a nice way to phrase this... scoff lots of cake. Not only does the skirt move beautifully, but the co-ord kept me perfectly cool all day and in my humble opinion, looking rather stylish too (I try!). In fact, one of the curators of the house even told me I was 'looking elegant', fancy being told that in the house of an actual lord and lady. I'll take that. I could be a happy lady, I'm sure. Lady Arabella. Seems legit...

(Oh, and I'll admit - despite being an avid heel wearer, I admit I changed into flat shoes after the photographs. Thin, pointy heels and lawn do not mix...)

And here's what I'm wearing!