Frock Fridays: British Hen Do

Remember how, a few weeks ago, I shared my dream outfit with you for my August bachelorette party in America?  Well, it turns out that one of the many benefits to being in a transatlantic engagement is that you get two bachelorette parties!  In the UK it's called a hen do, and Jon's sister Ellie planned a fab night out on the town for all the girls over on this side of the pond.  I actually had no idea what Ellie had up her sleeve - I knew it was happening on July 4 and that it wouldn't be wild and crazy as most of the guests had work the next day, but otherwise it was all a surprise!  On Thursday afternoon, while I was in Suffolk for my hair trial, I got a text from Ellie with a time and a place to meet, so I caught the first train back to London, dashed up to Jon's flat to change, and then headed to Bluebird in Chelsea to join my wonderful bridesmaid and eight lovely friends.

I'd bought this BCBG dress just for the occasion, which I cinched with a skinny belt from Banana Republic on your suggestion.  (Thank you, tweeties, for your help!)  I accessorized with Target chandelier earrings and carried a zippered black clutch from Barney's plus my Loft cardi and wore black patent leather heels from Nine West.  And, even though it wasn't a proper Fourth of July party, I really did bring a mini American flag in my bag!

Whitney asked me what the differences are between a hen do and a bachelorette party, but honestly I don't think I can answer that!  There's the stereotype of L plates and [redacted because my grandmother reads this blog], of course, but how your bachelorette party or hen do goes totally depends what kind of night you want with your friends - the girls who might be sick in the back of a cab at the end of the night would probably do it regardless of what country they're in, you know?  But I can tell you about the amazing evening that Ellie hosted:

I was a bit late, so by the time I arrived the girls had already all made friends with each other over a drink and we sat down to a delicious dinner in a gorgeous private room.  After lots of wine and laughter and wedding games, a few of us headed upstairs to the main restaurant at Bluebird for another glass and then Ellie and two of Jon's fab cousins and I tripped out to another bar for some dancing.  I fell into a cab around 1am - yes, it cost a fortune to get home and no, I don't want to think about it - feeling so much love and excitement for joining Jon's family.  It was the best evening ever!

linking up with {long distance loving}