A few days with Jo Malone…
Welcome! Welcome to the most image-heavy blog post I’ve ever posted, probably. I haven’t really been keeping track, but I had to streamline these photos several times before I hit publish!
Of course, a trip with Jo Malone is always going to be worthy of a few thousand photos and I did not hold back! Every scene was incredible, which is why I love my Jo Malone trips so much – the attention to detail is flawless.
I was recently made a Jo Malone Ambassador, quite the honour for someone who has adored the brand for many, many moons. To kick off our time together, we were sent back to Jo Malone School to learn about all things British! This took place in London, and it was an amazing couple of days with some of my favourite girls.
The trip started by checking in to Claridges, where we were to stay while were in town. Some of the girls came from as far as Asia and New Zealand, but even though I only came from Scotland, I saw London in a whole new light! Claridges is such a beautiful hotel, so old and quaint and quintessentially British. I arrived that evening and spent my first night ordering room service, running a Jo Malone scented bath and watching Netflix in a huge robe! It was… yeah, there are no words for how good it was!
To start the first day of school, we had breakfast in the Jo Malone Townhouse, which I’m sure you’ve seen either from my Instagram posts or my vlog from the trip. It’s my dream home, filled with exquisite fireplaces, beautiful mouldings and more blooms than I ever thought imaginable – and of course, a candle on every single surface. It’s heaven, you guys.
The first day of Jo Malone school was split in to four classes; afternoon tea, the Jo Malone arcade, scent combining and the pub! Probably the most perfect day, am I right??
We were chauffeured around London in our very own Jo Malone London white cabs for the days we were in town, and the first ride was from the Townhouse to afternoon tea. This was set in a little pop-up shop that had candles, fragrances and cakes everywhere! And I mean everywhere.
The scent of Sweet Almond & Macaroon candles filled the room as we tucked in to our afternoon tea, such a truly British experience!
After we’d eaten our weight in cakes and drank entire pots of tea, we were on to our next lesson – the Jo Malone Arcade! This was inspired by rainy afternoons spent at the seaside, and it was packed full of Jo Malone themed games, from the gift grabbers to penny slots and even pinball! Oh, and the whole ceiling was filled with black and white balloons… I told ya, the attention to detail is on point! A few photo shoots took place with those balloons, obviously.
After winning prizes of Jo Malone goodies, we were then taken to our next lesson; scent combining.
As you know, all the Jo Malone scents are designed to be layered up to create something so delicious and unique.
I’ve actually never been all that great at layering scents, but this was a great introduction to the concept. We were given hand massages by the awesome Jo Malone Stylists in the store on Sloane Street, while they spoke to us about our favourite fragrances and picked combinations for us.
My duo was English Pear and Freesia combined with the Jo Malone Dark Amber and Ginger Lily Cologne Intense, two fragrances I’d never thought about wearing before… but became instantly hooked on! I’ve been layering the two regularly since, such an intoxicating combination for everyday wear.
Our first day of school ended in the pub – but not just any old pub, obviously. The Grenadier is one of the oldest pubs in London, and as charming and British as you can imagine! Here we were taught how to pull pints and drank Bloody Mary’s – it was a very British experience, and so much fun too!
That night we had a Jo Malone scented dinner (always Lime Basil & Mandarin, I’ve noticed – apparently it goes best with food, so perfect if you’re planning on scenting a dinner party soon!) at The Arts Club, which was one of the (many!) highlights. Every event spent with my Jo Malone girls is always filled with laughs and gorgeous food, and this was no different.
We were up bright and early the following morning for the second and final day of Jo Malone London school, which was taking place at the Townhouse.
When we arrived, we found the Townhouse completely transformed in to a school! Complete with black and white lockers (and pictures of heartthrobs taped inside!), classrooms and even a canteen – it was crazy!
Our first class was learning all about candle making, and we got to make our own Peony & Blush Suede candle – mine turned our a little skew-whiff but I was actually impressed with my efforts. I took it home with me and you actually wouldn’t know it was put together by me!
Then we learnt all about gift giving; picking scents for our favourite people and wrapping them beautifully just like they do in store. I learnt that I am rubbish at tying a bow, but I really loved this little lesson.
Next, we had lunch in our own Jo Malone canteen, featuring mini sandwiches and snacks in pretty lunchboxes. It was unreal, and very tasty – there was even a sweetie tuckshop!
Our last class was set amongst a sea of golden grains, as the Jo Malone team had set up a room to present their latest collection; English Fields.
We made pretty dried flower headpieces while learning about the notes of the new collection, which I’ll introduce you to properly in a separate post. I’ve given myself a little time to get to know each fragrance and I can truly say this may be my favourite collection yet, they are so special!
That afternoon, we did something a liiiiiittle different. A Jo Malone themed pub quiz, hosted by the beautiful Poppy Delevingne, the Jo Malone London girl. She was just as lovely and fun as you’d imagine!
We ate a traditional British pub dinner of pie and mash while answering questions to win the ultimate prize – a luxury candle!
Our team, Team Roses, was made up of girls from the UK and the Middle East, and we absolutely set our sights on those candles! Sadly, we lost to the US team by one measly point. Yep, I’m still sad ’bout it.
Nonetheless, the night was nothing short of amazing – so many laughs and a chance to spend some more time with such a lively crowd!
Yay for a wonderful couple of days…
Finally, it was time for our trip to come to an end. We took our Jo Malone cabs back to Claridges and said goodnight.
I had such a wonderful time with my favourite team and I feel so lucky to be part of something so special.
Here’s to the next trip, which I feel is going to be even better! All details will be revealed soon.
What did you think of my trip away with Jo Malone?
