Tagging along to Balmoral

Posted: August 12, 2011 | Author: Verena Hafner - musings of a fashion stylist | Filed under: bags, hats & headpieces, shoes, travel | Tags: Acne, Alberto Fasciani, All Saints, Analeena, Archer Adams, Balmoral, Barbour jacket, Browns, Carven, Gianvito Rossi, Gucci, HeatTech, Hunter wellies, Loree Rodkin, Mango, Matches, Miu Miu, net-a-porter.com, netaporter.com, The Queen, Topshop, Uniqlo, Vionnet, Vivienne Westwood, Weekend by MaxMara, Zara, Zotter | 5 Comments »

The Queen is on holiday in Balmoral and, guess what, I’m fantasy-tagging along! Living in London and New York City has done nothing to curb my pumpkin tendencies and I love a weekend that involves Hunter wellies and a Barbour jacket. Those staples aside, the main question when joining the Queen is, of course, what else to wear. Which is why I’ve been working on my wardrobe for Balmoral for the last two or so weeks. Exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Sometimes we just don’t know we want something, until someone points it out to us. This must be one of those cases.

So, what do we know? Scotland is ridiculously cold, even in August. The weather forecast, which I’ve been keeping an eye on for a while now, predicts temperatures around 15 degrees and lots of rain. Rarely have I been so prepared for a trip and it’s not even real. Oh dear. What else? There are tons of rules to follow throughout an average day at the castle and my day will be pretty much pre-planned as well. It’s said to be freezing in the main house and there is no central heating.

The day starts out with breakfast followed by some sort of hike or walk or horse riding. Lunch will be served at one of the cabins, so basically a Royal picnic. I guess my outfit has to be somewhat mud-resistant on that occasion. And waterproof! I decided on a modern spin on what you see The Queen wearing in pictures. She’s the one to take your cues from. The riding hat is NOT optional and must even be worn on a walk.

After that there appears to be more hiking/walking/horse riding before everyone heads back to the castle for afternoon tea. I have no idea if you’d have to change for that. I assume yes but as I haven’t read any protocol on how this is supposed to go down, there won’t be an outfit idea. After tea, I’m expected to entertain myself with more walks. Soon after, pre-dinner cocktails are served (I probably need a large gin by then!) followed by, you guessed it, dinner. Women are expected to wear long dresses. I’d try and get away with an Jil Sander-inspired evening skirt/t-shirt combo (not as minimalist tho) – which would sure earn me a stern talking-to by some sort of butler. I’d also wear flats because I have a feeling more gin will follow later.

On Saturdays there’s a BBQ where the Duke of Edinburgh insists on putting the sausages on himself and the Queen does the dishes afterwards. Rubber gloves and all.

On Sundays everyone goes to church which obviously leaves me with little choice. A dress, covered arms, no toes showing I feel. Sheer hose for sure. I’d take a stand by mismatching my bag. I hope this rebellious streak won’t reveal my republican tendencies.

That’s the clothes sorted, what else do we need? Before I depart, a visit to a Uniqlo store is in order. Stocking up on thermal underwear is essential! Woolly socks, too, to wear with my pyjamas. As a present for my host, I heard that chocolates are ok. I’m Austrian so this is where I give the Royals something from my home country: Zotter chocolate! It’s organic so even Prince Charles can have some. And finally, to pack it all up, I’d take along a men’s weekend bag by Archer Adams because it’s beautiful and utterly fitting as well. The Hampstead is made in the UK of Holland & Sherry Harris tweed and English bridle leather. A bag to represent the Union. I’m sure the Queen would approve.

Puh, I’m glad that we’re all prepared now. And I hope there’s someone out there who shares my sense of humour! But all joking aside, I managed to sneak quite a few trends in that will be relevant come fall.

THE OUTDOOR OUTFIT

Topshop hat

Vivienne Westwood jacket

All Saints jumper

Carven skirt

Zara belt

Alberto Fasciani boots

THE EVENING OUTFIT

Mango t-shirt

Topshop skirt

Miu Miu Mary Janes

Loree Rodkin ring

THE BBQ OUTFIT

Weekend by MaxMara jumper

Acne scarf

Gucci trouser

Zara ankle flat

THE CHURCH OUTFIT

Vionnet dress

Mango jacket

Analeena bag

Gianvito Rossi pump

THE ESSENTIALS

HeatTech longsleeve

HeatTech camisole

Zotter chocolates

Topshop socks

Archer Adams weekend bag

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