I've moved on...
...to a different domain. Why, what were you thinking? The truth is, I just woke up one day and decided it's time for a change—a metamorphosis, if you will; or, in layman's terms, if Britney can shave her head, then maybe so can I? Nevertheless, it's been a rather handsome 10 years of talking to you, and thank you for putting up with all my moodswings and terrible dad jokes. Fear not! The hormonal imbalance and jokes are more terrible on CUBICLE, see you there.

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Afternoon tea at the Connaught Hotel

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Bag – Couronne. Shoes – Zara.

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Tropical-print cardigan – COS. Frill crepe bralet – Topshop. Pencil skirt – Next. Heels – Zara. Bag – Couronne. Bar necklace – Kirsten Goss Urban Edge.

“You look like an ambassador’s wife!”, Kit yelled as she found me sitting in a park bench waiting to go for tea at the Connaught. If I had spotted her first I’d have opened with “It’s my birthday, just today PLEASE lie about my how my new hair looks and tomorrow you can tell me I look like I need to pick up my two kids from football practice at 3pm”. Alas, I was immersed in trying to lure a squirrel with a crumb-looking stone and my new hair had curtained over my corner-eye – the first betrayal of many, I anticipate. So then we all went to tea, Honest Kit, an ambassador’s wife and her sidekick, the beautiful turquoise Couronne bag that looks like it could hold any political secrets. I guess today I had legitimate looks for the ‘Do you know who my husband is‘ or ‘I declare war on your café‘ card, if ever the need arose.The deal with the hair is, I’d gotten it permed and cut just over a month ago, but the style was so un-maintainable what with absolutely no blowdry skills whatsoever, I went back in for a shorter length where Mrs Jackie had thrown in a blow dry as well. So, realistically, this style will NEVER appear again on the blog unless I magically give birth to an intern who will just help blow dry at 7:55am before I leave the house at 8. I came home and told the hubby the story about my new title, and he just said “you just look like a ‘wife’ to me”. Well, thanks, you both.

By the way, and it feels wrong of me to push this to the side, but the Afternoon tea was heavenly. What a treat! The Connaught Hotel is no doubt one of my few favourite luxury 5-star hotels in London, and while I’ve been around during cocktail hours (and learning how to make a wicked Old-Fashioned with Editer), I hadn’t tried the afternoon tea at the Espalette. Well, no wonder as around 3-4pm everyday I’m hitting back alleys in search for the fifth and final caffeine fix of the day or a bag of Haribo to inhale. The scones are warm and soft – let that be your reason to go. Butter that scone, if you know what I mean.

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86 Comments

  1. Your hair looks wonderful! Looking like an ambassador’s wife at the Connaught doesn’t sound too shabby, for one day that is ;) x

  2. I second the motion, Jennifer! I wish I can have a wonderful hair like that. From top to bottom- FLAWLESS! :-D

    Check this out!

  3. fantastic photos.

    – Janine
    http://theeoptimist.blogspot.com

  4. I love your hair! From the side it looks a bit like a vidal sasson inspiration :)

  5. Your hair looks amazing! I’d love to cut my hair off but I’m not brave enough yet. Maybe I’m just worried about my fiends asking me if I cut my hair because I’m a Mrs now. Haha

  6. very nice, nice!

    http://detailsbyenda.blogspot.com/

  7. Hanneli

    The picture looking so beautiful makes me want to eat some cakes!

  8. nDing

    I laughed so hard at the first line XD. I love the humor you put into your blog!

  9. Gosh darn, whose a lady now??? ;)
    And i LOVE THAT BAG!!!! Reminds me of Seoul

  10. you do look very classy and important but i love your hair, the shape of it really suits you!! and afternoon tea, mmmm everything looks so appetising, happy birthday for yesterday xxx

  11. I love your hair and the ruffly blouse! Looks like the perfect springtime high-tea outfit!

    http://www.chevronsandeclairs.com

  12. so chic!

    xoxo from rome
    K.
    kcomekarolina.com

  13. Love this afternoon tea! ♥

    Vittoria from 5 IN THE MORNING
    http://vittoriafiveinthemorning.blogspot.it/

  14. No need to lie, I love your new short hair, and happy birthday! You look so chic with this outfit, and so is this place!

    http://www.laurablogmode.com

  15. Wauw, I love the photos, they really look sublime! Nice job :)

  16. Love your husband’s comment – hah! Regardless, your hair looks lovely and such a perfect outfit choice for tea. Very ladies who lunch – very well done. Have a great weekend!

  17. That shot of you walking out of the hotel, YOUR HAIR LOOKS AMAZING!! Jeez.

    Love Kit’s verbal diarrhea, happy birthday and all that. Please tell me that you were photographing those people in the Connaught because they genuinely had pixel faces, and you needed to put the news up asap…

  18. Esther

    @Charlie, haha nice!

  19. @Charlie, Love you Charlie. x

  20. incredible shots and so loving that look on you, girl

    http://www.vasilievablog.com

  21. Great pictures!

    Love your hair, you’re beautiful :)

    xx.

  22. You really look stunning. Sophisticated and modern, this hairstyle really suits you. I also adore the photos.
    P.S. I think that being called “an ambassador’s wife” is a compliment. It means that you look rich, haha.

  23. Hahahaha maybe one who protests about the lack of greenery and the huge environmental damage around the um, lavatories?

    But you look very lovely all the same.

  24. You’re so pretty! You look so sweet in your outfit. <3

    xx Diana
    http://stylegrenade.blogspot.com/

  25. I’m going to the Waldorf for high tea tomorrow, cannot wait! Your pictures just made me more eager!

    xXx
    Blog: http://unspeakablethoughtsunspoken.blogspot.com
    Shop: http://unspeakablethoughtsunspoken.tictail.com

  26. Danielle

    1. I am loving that Couronne bag. 2. Your new hair does look very ambassador’s wife-like, in a good way of course. 3. I am definitely going to visit The Connaught for brunch after your divine pictures! x

  27. Sarah

    Ohhhhh that torquise bagggg me want

  28. I love your hair and you look so classy.

    xo
    http://pinksole.com

  29. Meagans

    Pictures are beautiful as always. Thanks for sharing!

  30. Hi there! I went to the Couronne website that you linked – is this available to Korean customers only or do you know if they serve the US well? Thanks!

  31. Shini, you are so GORGEOUS! Happy birthday!! I’m a July baby, too (this past Monday.) Such a lovely place to celebrate, always love tea time!

    http://www.TheFancyTeacup.com

  32. As soon as I decide I’ve eaten enough “sushi” donuts to last the next four months of my entire calorific intake, you post something like this & now I’m in bed eating toffee cake & agreeing on how you look like an ambassadors wife. Even when your hair isn’t blow dried.

    The Fashann Monster

  33. You look like a billionaire’s wife! You look so amazing. I wish I could be like you. I love your photos. You really look great. :-)

    Check this out!

  34. Lovely bag! Sounds like a wonderful time with your friend :)

  35. gorgeous bags!

    monkeyshines
    http://monkeyshines-monkeyshines.blogspot.com/

  36. You may look like a wife, but OMG what an elegant wife! you look amazing as always Shini!

  37. Amazing photos! I wish I could visit this place. You look so elegant and feminine <3

    xx
    Tatiana
    http://tatiana-kurnosova.blogspot.com/

  38. Beautiful outfit and beautiful photos! You look fab!

    http://erstwhilefelicity.blogspot.co.uk/

  39. Love this and the anecdotes from your hubby and Kit. You look gorgeous – the colour of your bag is such a beautiful shade!

  40. Looks yummy and very decadent.
    X

  41. This looks wonderful!

  42. I think you look very elegant and I love both handbags. The tea looks delicious!

  43. Yum Yum! And you are so beautiful !!!

    http://www.hannoverfashion.com

  44. Michelle Santos

    well, i happen to think your new hair looks fabulous! you look very chic!

  45. It definitely looks heavenly! Lovely photos!

  46. Amazing place, moment and outfit!

    xx
    Théa
    http://theaisunknown.blogspot.fr/
    http://www.youtube.com/user/Theaunknown

  47. Tonya Vernon

    Please tell me this was a legitimate photo shoot as the styling, lighting, and locale was pure perfection. Loved it!

  48. Gorgeous post!! Love your bag!! One of my favourite colours at the moment!

  49. You look hot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! amazing pictures!!!!

    Please check my blog again and let me know what you think

    http://realizzy.blogspot.co.uk/

    eliza
    xx

  50. Your hair looks amazing. I´m in love with your bag!!!!!

  51. […] a lover of afternoon tea and the blog Park & Cube I absolutely loved Shini's visit to The Connaught Hotel, the food looked amazing but I just can't take my eyes off her gorgeous mint green […]

  52. Oh hey, I have a new favourite blog.

  53. Gorgeous outfit! Absolutely loved the handbag and your hair looks amazing! Great photos too!

    The Trendstop Team
    http://www.trendstop.com

  54. your hair look gorgeous! and happy birthday!! :)

    xx, Sabinna and David
    Broken Cookies

  55. I’ve been following your blog for aaages and this is the first time I’ve posted a comment! Just wanted to say that you are one classy, witty lady and you and this blog has influenced my 16-year-old-self so much – what’s really weird is that just before I read this post I cut my previously slightly-longer-than-boob-length hair almost exactly this length! Do you find it a bit difficult to maintain the ends which go rather awkwardly flippy like I do?
    P.S. Your blog is the only blog in which I actually read the text that comes with the (beautiful) photos, always makes me giggle :-)

  56. It looks like an amazing place to go for afternoon tea and you looking stunning. I will go and take a look at the website and maybe pay a visit when I am next there.

    Lou

    http://www.thekeypieces.co.uk

  57. Amazing!

  58. GORGEOUS pictures as always!

    xx
    M

  59. Absolutely loving the hair cut x You inspire me everyday to work on my just-started blog :) thank u Shini x

  60. Hello from New York~

    The flounce of your top against the straightness of your skirt is fantastic. Love the added edge from the cardigan, too!

    lovetotalknyc.com

  61. stunning photos!
    portretyblog

  62. Amy

    OMG! Your hair! It looks awesome!! Get that intern…

  63. That last photo of you is so beautiful!

  64. ChicTrends

    So lovely! Hope you enjoyed yourself~

    Best, x http://chictrends.co.uk/

  65. Simply beautiful!

  66. So luxe! I will gladly be your blow drying intern. Email me hehe.

  67. Wow you new hair looks amazing and that top with the skirt look gorgeous!

  68. lol, ambassador’s wife probably, but definitely not a soccer mom. You look great and those amazing shots from Connaught hotel makes me reminisce over childhood memories of having afternoon tea with my late grandmother.

  69. Floyd Gary Clyne

    Every shot is perfect – the turquoise Couronne bag, composition, lighting, attire (who what & where?) of the models, colors to enchant the eye! Thanks!

  70. that 1st shot.
    those bags?
    lust!

  71. Oh my god, Shini. Your hair seriously looks amazing. So good.

  72. ayy_ayy

    That hair looks great on you.
    Hmm.. i’ve seen it somewhere on Korean drama. but you look beautiful. :)

  73. […]   This set of photos, by the very talented Shini Park, makes me want to book a one way ticket to London immediately! […]

  74. You look amazing and I love the photos!

  75. don’t worry, you look like a hot wife ^-^
    I’m heading for high tea in the next couple weeks & now I’m super excited

  76. wow. Some amazing piccies here hun. Looks like you were having a fantastic posh day. x

  77. ChicTrends

    Everything looks so delicious! And your look is flawless.

    xox http://chictrends.co.uk/

  78. Amazing, thanks for sharing hun xox

  79. Hey,

    I Love your blog sweetie :)

    Check out my latest jewelry collection at

    http://www.cherrysmind.com

    Have a wonderful week!

    /Love Cherry’s Mind

  80. What a hotel and what a fab outfit. Looking fresh and posh all rolled into 1.

  81. I love this post, your look and the Connaught Hotel!!! Thanks for reminding me of amazing times in London!

  82. You look fantastic! I love that skirt!

  83. […] ▶ GO TO THE SHOPPING MALL -Her blog: http:parkandcube.com/afternoon-tea-connaught-hotel […]

  84. […] readers after a month-ish long hiatus. Best burgers in London? Lucky Chip. Best toilets in Mayfair? The Connaught Hotel. Except it’s best to pretend you’re pregnant. Sorry […]

  85. I really love this look. So elegant!
    http://norulejuststyle.wordpress.com/

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    I wonder how so much attempt you put to create such a magnificent informative web site.