London Hot-Spots/Review: May's Birthday at Cecil's 1930s Shanghai night....the Oolong Tea Experience!
Was I being crowned the silliest 1930s Shanghai girl by Mr Cecil himself? |
Meeting THE Mr Cecil! |
Cecil's was certainly an experience and I absolutely loved that they were running a regular 1930s Shanghai night called the Oolong Tea Experience....what better opportunity for a Qipao lover to be clad in her finery! There is much to be liked....as the paper framed screens, Shanghai girl vintage posters in the ladies washroom, rattan set sofas, tea inspired cocktails, exotic potted palm trees and the Cecil's logo looking like an authentic Chinese seal (used in the old times to stamp one's name on a legal document) set up the inspired Shanghai 1930s theme quite well. Though I was surprised that not many actually dressed in a Qipao (Cheongsam), and most had either 1920s or modern attire, our party was certainly the main group showcasing the glamorous golden era of Shanghai. At Cecil's they make it their business to know their guests, from whether it is a reservation for a special occasion or making it a point to sing Happy Birthday to the several Birthday girls of the night. And make no mistake, Mr Cecil is more than a simple host....as he was actually the singer of his swing band too. But I did wish Mr Cecil and his band would play some hot Jazz numbers, or that the DJ in the corner could have played some mixes of old Shanghai sounds from the 'Shanghai Lounge Divas' album during the intervals. The limitation of the food menu, actually collected from the nearby Chinese restaurant, and presentation of the food in takeaway boxes did leave us a little disappointed....though the yummy tea inspired cocktails helped to soothe some discontent and we started a train of conga around the dance floor in the middle of one song. It was an unusually warm night in May, so being in the basement whilst Cecil's air conditioning had broken down was challenging to say the least; with me in an ankle length green velvet dress and the girls needing to take breather breaks outside just to fend some less than glamorous sweating off on a special night out. They should really have brought in some temporary fans, air conditioning units or even scattered paper hand-held fans for guests to use, and ensured that each table had at least one or two bottles of water throughout the night, as it really was the only kink in a fun 1930s Shanghai night! All in all Cecil's 1930s Shanghai night gets a noble 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ out of
[Find out more about Cecil's in London here: www.uff-tea.com]
Video: Shanghai in the 1920s and 1930s (Source YouTube)
Bias cut hem of my modified Qipao.... |
From a mini length 60s style Cheongsam to a 30s looking Qipao with bias cut... |
Unwrapping presents.....BouBou does vintage too! |
Who is taller? |
Presenting my very beautiful girlies....in 1930s or Shanghai style! |
[For inspiration on dressing to 1930s Shanghai style: www.walkinginmay.com/qipao-1930s-inspired-shanghai]
To tell the truth, my Qipao was actually still a work in progress when I wore it that night. Having spotted a green velvet ankle length dress with bias cut and mandarin collar on EBay, I decided I would cut off the button to replace it with some white frogged buttons and started to embroider around the little cut-out near the neck line....being short of time I could not fully embroider the neck line and the mini-cape I started making to match the dress was left unfinished. Thankfully with some natural pearl earrings, finger waves, marcasite watch, gold beaded purse and a simple vintage enamelled comb I sneaked into a less than perfect 1930s Shanghai girl look. Most of all I was so happy that my beloved girlies all rose up to the occasion to either dress 1930s or in a Qipao....they looked absolutely beautiful and I am sure you will agree. Also, announcing an exciting little project I have recently started...an interactive community to post questions, style ideas and share all things about the Qipao or Cheongsam, so don't forget to join me on the 'Qipao Love' Google+ Community (here). Have a fabulous weekend darlings!
Until the next time,
♥ May xx
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THANK YOU so much! ♥
You all look so beautiful! I really want a custom-made cheongsam but holy, those things are expensive. I think I'll wait for my senior year, and then I'll ask for one for Christmas. Lovely photos May! And don't worry, your qipao looks perfect :) x
ReplyDeleteWowzer, what a bevvy of beauties! You all looked sensational, I adore you in the green velvet, super flattering. I would love a cheongsam but alas my figure prohibits it - I am too big in the hips and bust for the classic straight cut ones. I really would like to make a trip to London later this year and am always on the look out for vintage inspired events, so thank you for the tip about this wonderful looking evening. P x
ReplyDeleteThis looked like ana amazing time, you girls looked marvellous. I love your dress, the green is so beautiful. Love velvet too :)) Am happy you had such a great time for your special day doll!! Xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful event! Love what all of you are wearing :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Novelstyle
Love this type of event .... vintage and fun! not ask for more. Love your green velvet so flattering on you. I wish we had events like that where I live, sigh. I'm so glad to find your blog, dear Lady...
ReplyDeleteDressing up is always fun but to do so to attend a fabulous event on your birthday is even better! Your dress was beautiful and it looks like you ladies enjoyed a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteRowena @ rolala loves
You are wearing a fabulous dress and green is a colour which suits you so well! Dressing up always means great fun, and you did it in a perfect way...
ReplyDeleteYou surel had a wonderful time with your friends!
What a wonderful way to spend your birthday celebrations,and how wonderful that all your girlies joined in on the Qipao love, you are all looking stunning (as always) and a green velvet Qipao is perfect on you, you look like a beautiful emerald!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week my dear, and thank you for your sweet as always comments on my blog you are a star! xx