Wallis Dinner & Night on the Town

GET THE LOOK HERE:

Vest: Vera Wang for Kohls (option) // Top: Lauren Conrad for Kohls (option) // Pants: Rock & Republic (option) // Shoes: H&M (option) // Clutch: Target (option) // Necklace: Topshop (exact)

Warning long post today. I didn't want to miss a beat. I had to make sure every ounce of our trip was documented. Ten years from now I will be thankful I wrote this chapter in my life's book.

If you read yesterday's post, you know that this week's posts are dedicated to our London trip. In case you were wondering, we are still reminiscing our first day. Today is about our first night. Does that make sense? I hope so.

Monday evening we had dinner with a few of the ladies from Wallis, Kat and Sally and Amy (far left) from Big Picture PR. We had reservations a Cote and it was beyond amazing; another quaint and hidden treasure along the hectic London streets.

I was beyond nervous. I had no idea what to expect, what they would be like, what we would talk about, how they would perceive me once we met in person or wonder if they believed they made the right choice after our meeting. It's the inner insecurities that I still struggle with.

I couldn't have been more relieved the minute we exchanged hugs. All of the ladies were golden and a class act. There were zero awkward moments and I felt like we had known each other for years. They were completely laid back and the conversation just flowed. We talked about the contest, what was expected of me, the Wallis brand, it's U.S. goals, a little about blogging and then just a normal chat between friends. 

It was refreshing and intriguing at the same time. Here I am in London, having dinner with the people behind the contest. I had so many visions of what they would look like, be like, sound like; and my expectations were exceeded. They were so welcoming, genuine and cultured. I know that sounds strange, but between these three ladies, they have seen and experienced more of the world than I could ever fathom. I was drawn into their stories, their lives and of course their accents. I am sure they were laughing on the inside from all my "y'alls". 

I feel like I made lifelong friends in London. I know that I will stay in contact with these ladies after my ambassadorship is done. They are true souls.

Here is a picture after dinner. I feel like I should've taken more, but we were so involved in conversation that I completely spaced when it came to a camera.

 

After dinner it was time to see the sights and sounds on London town - late night style. 

We snapped a few pictures of the breathtaking architecture lit up before heading out for a few night caps. We needed to see the town and sip on a few of their cocktails. 

Our first stop was the Ice Bar. A few of my best friends that visited London last summer said it was a must. Total tourist spot. We were tourists after all.  It was 19 degrees inside so they had parkas for us to borrow. I must say I was digging the fur around the hood. The glasses were big blocks of ice and weren't the easiest to drink out of. We didn't stay long because well, it was FREEZING, but so worth the frozen toes. We were laughing like kids the entire time we were there...I mean, just look at our get-up. 

Okay, this is were it gets good. I wish you guys could have all been there with us for this next part because it was THAT random. 

We took a pedicab (AKA rickshaw) you know the ones; the guy is on a bike and you are riding in a little carriage in the back. See top right picture above. It sort of makes you feel like Cinderella going to the ball.

Anyway, our rickshaw "driver" was named Nelson and he was beyond rad. We exchanged digits and everything. Oh, and he already liked my Facebook page. Another London friend made. I told asked him to take us to the hippest place in London, you know because I am a hipster. Kidding. He honored my request and put the pedal to the metal; biking us to the ghetto...at least it looked like the ghetto to me. I asked in a paranoid voice, "Um, where are we? This doesn't look safe." He replied, "Little Lady, you are in Chinatown." Okay, that sounds kinda cool. Just trying to roll with it, ya know.

We pull up to this dark street in the middle of nowhere-ville and stop in front of a Chinese restaurant. You know the one...the kind of place that stays open late night for people to eat after the bar.

So, this guy pops out of the Chinese dive and Nelson, rickshaw champion asks, "Are they cool?" I am thinking, "Um, yes we are cool. The coolest. Hello?!?!" What is that supposed to mean?

The Chinese food guy says, "Yes, they're cool." and we hop out of our chariot, walk toward a big, unlit, black door hidden in a cove with no sign or bright lights. It wasn't the most welcoming place, so it seemed. 

We looked at Nelson and he said, "You are good. Enjoy. It's a really cool place."

Okay, why not? What do we have to lose accept our lives.

So, the big black door opens, we walk up what seemed like a never ending stairwell and enter into the most swanky little cocktail club I have ever witnessed. It was called the Experimental Cocktail Club. Click on that link and you will see the black door I am speaking of. It seems to be a pretty exclusive place because even their website doesn't give out too much public info.

While we were there, our server reminded me so much of Whitney Port. I did a double take thinking it was really her, so of course I had to get a picture with her. She was so much fun and said she gets that "Hey, you look like Whitney" all of the time. She was a great sport.

Lesson: listen to your cabbies/rickshaw cyclists. Use them as resources. They know what's up.

In between the Ice Bar and Experimental, we did hit up an amazing hotel bar at the Soho Hotel. I didn't get any pictures. Shame on me. 

It reminded me so much of the Austin scene and we felt right at home. The service was stellar and the drink menu had my head spinning. The atmosphere was dim lit, amazingly designed with modern and sleek decor. I definitely recommend popping in if you ever make your way to London. It's a great place to kick back and have a couple of exotic mixed cocktails.

Phew, that was a long post. Hope you were taking notes if you have a trip planned to London anytime soon. All of the places we were lucky enough to see are well worth putting on your to do list. 

So, day one is done. Come back tomorrow for my morning/afternoon with Wallis. It entails a shopping spree, press day, a lunch full of stories and a tour of their headquarters. Plus, a giveaway from none other than Wallis themselves!