Rule Britannia
Last Tuesday was the hottest day of the year so far, so Terry and I decided to take the afternoon off, and head into Edinburgh, for a wander around the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is moored in Leith.
Let’s just get the awkwardness out of the way first, though: yeah, I totally wore a nautical-style dress on board a boat – I’m pretty sure I’ve hit peak “nautical” with this one, folks. I’m not saying that’s necessarily a good thing, either – in fact, I tried really hard to talk myself out of the whole “dressing like a pretend sailor” thing. As soon as I got up that morning, I sat myself down, and I had a stern word with myself. “Amber,” I said, “Resist The Nautical. You do NOT need to wear stripes, just because you’re going to be on a boat.” Apparently I DID need to wear stripes, though, because the next thing I knew, there I was, reaching for this By Malene Birger dress, which I got from Shopbop a couple of years ago, and which – full disclosure – I have only ever worn on or around boats. I just can’t seem to help myself.
I did give it one last try, though. “OK,” I said, “I’ll allow the dress. It’s a hot day, after all, and it’s a good dress for a hot day: I WILL resist wearing it with an equally nautically-inspired bag, though!”
Well, no one else ever listens to me: why should I have to?
Anyway, over-use of the nautical theme aside, we had a really great day. The yacht itself was super-crowded, which is why there are more photos of me than it in this post, but it was so interesting to get to walk around it, and see the rooms the Royal Family used, as well as the below-the-decks bits, which were really fascinating to me. At one point I even found myself uttering the words, “Wow, what a beautiful engine!” which, honestly, is something I never thought I’d hear myself say. Britannia’s engines ARE very beautiful, though – all shiny and… well, engine-y, I guess. Luckily for us, although our tickets cost us £15 each, they allow us to visit it again for free as many times as we like within the next years. “We can come back and shoot ALL of my nautical outfits here!” I said happily, as we left. “It’ll be like having our own boat!”
Terry wisely refrained from pointing out that if I were to try to shoot ALL of my nautical outfits on board Britannia, I’d have to move in… I’m sure I’ll manage another couple at least, though, before the year is out…
The Other Emma
All the time I lived in Edinburgh and I never made it to the Britannia (even worse I regularly was in the shopping centre beside because one of the stores my area covered was there and we used it as test store for visual displays so it’s not like I didn’t have the opportunity…………………..)
Anyway if you can’t wear a nautical inspired outfit on a ship, what’s even the point of having a nautical inspired pieces in your wardrobe????
Anna nuttall
Hi Amber, was this the yacht that got decommissioned in the 90s? Did you go inside? All abroad sailor…
Amber
Yes it is!
Anna nuttall
Ooh I’m jealous, I would love to visit this. Thanks Amber. xx
Myra
Perfect outfit for the Britania
Sabina @OceanblueStyle at Manderley
First of all, love the stess, the bag and Edinburgh! I loved the area but found it a bit expensive. Anyways love your post and thoughts. But was wondering why your book is not available for purchase in Europe??? Brexit already? 🙂 Xo Sabina
Amber
The book is available worldwide on Amazon: you just have to go to your local site and type the title or author into the search 🙂
Sabina @Oceanblue Style at Manderley
thank you. Will try that! <3
Porcelina
It somehow seems inappropriate to wear nautical to landlocked places, you’re better off with boats I reckon. And what a boat! Love the glam gold sandals x
Amber
Haha, I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks like that! Last week I was about to put on a “nautical” outfit, and I thought, “Nah, that’s going to be wasted on today’s location!” – I’ll have to save it for the next time I’m near water 😉
Cora
Your outfit is looking nice and is suitable for a nautical adventure!
Madison
I wouldn’t say you need to hold back at all, when is a nautical outfit more appropriate then visiting a boat! You’re outfit is so sleek and I love how you add subtle statements like the shiny gold heels and the bright orange of the bag to give it that something extra and unique and make it stand out. And the big sunglasses really capture that old school glamour that you saw on the ship, sounds like a wonderful exhibit, will have to check it out if I’m in the area!