What I Wore in This Post
RahiCali dress (also love this one and this one, similar here and here), Ted Baker trench (old, last seen here; similar here and here), Manolo Blahnik pumps (less expensive versions here and here), Chanel bag (similar here, here, and here), Gentle Monster sunglasses
Thanks to the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and Tealeaves for hosting our birthday high tea experience. As always, opinions are my own. Photos by Felicia Lasala.
As I get ready to join Tor in Ireland this weekend, there was one indulgence that needed to be enjoyed here at home in Los Angeles – a birthday high tea at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills! I have been dying to visit the brand new Waldorf Astoria and was extremely eager to try their high tea. So I called my girl Felicia (my LA photographer) since her birthday is just days before mine, and we pulled up to the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills in style to enjoy a joint birthday high tea.
The typical afternoon high tea I am used to is your typical European experience – floral china, period furniture, heavy drapery, and usually taking place in a castle. But the afternoon tea experience at the Waldorf Astoria is a unique one. It’s definitely not your typical high tea. In fact, it’s probably the best way to describe the ideal Los Angeles high tea. In a setting of creams, blues, and beiges, it’s a stark but welcome contrast to what I am used to.
I am not usually a tea drinker. Most of you know that when I indulge in an afternoon high tea, I always order a hot chocolate (I’m severely allergic to coffee). But when I glanced at the Waldorf Astoria’s menu of Tealeaves tea, I couldn’t help but feel inclined to try their jasmine tea. I had never had jasmine tea before, but I was feeling adventurous. I still ordered my hot chocolate, but I was very curious as to what jasmine tea would taste like. As it turns out, I am a huge fan! Of course I still had to add a little bit of milk and sugar to sweeten it to my satisfaction, but deep down I felt like the Queen of England while sipping on my luxurious jasmine tea. Or should I say, the Queen of Los Angeles.
Even the food was not your typical bites for an afternoon high tea. Instead of egg salad sandwiches and scones with jam and clotted cream, the menu was more of a take on what I’d like to describe as Californian. Instead of scones, there were warm popovers with gruyere cheese and truffle oil (YUM!). Instead of sandwiches, there was mini bruschetta and sushi on rice cakes. This was the first afternoon tea where I had to use chopsticks, and I loved it!
For my birthday high tea, you know I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to wear a silky floral dress. I fell in love with this feminine, pink dress by RahiCali from the first moment I saw it. I love the muted flowers in the design as well as the way it flows when it moves. I paired it with a white trench coat and white heels so the dress would stand out. I also love this dress and this dress.
What I Wore in This Post
RahiCali dress (also love this one and this one, similar here and here), Ted Baker trench (old, last seen here; similar here and here), Manolo Blahnik pumps (less expensive versions here and here), Chanel bag (similar here, here, and here), Gentle Monster sunglasses
Looks Wonderful! But my heart will always belong to scones and clotted cream at high tea I think. Although I have to say that the sushi did sound good! Also your eye make up looks amazing in this post! What mascara do you use Alyssa ?
Thank you! I use a Giorgio Armani mascara 🙂
I definitely have to try Waldorf Astoria when I visit LA. I love teas!
It’s a gorgeous new hotel! If I didn’t live in LA, I’d definitely stay there.