The Most Instagrammable Spots: Flower Edition

[ Written by Coco Quill]

 

Domesticated dogs are several generations removed from being descended from wolves. As a result, dogs’ survival skills have changed and lead to a rise in working the camera as their greatest skill of all. (Disclaimer: after eating, cuddling and of course, farting.) Combining the natural instincts to survive and love of nature, the modern dog owner turns to capture the bond between dogs and flowers.

Instagram is a great tool for visually capturing the fleeting flower seasons. Nothing elicits an “ah” faster than the combination of flowers and the dogs who romp in them. Even dogs who retain their wolf-like looks know how to strike a pose.

Tulip season by @goldilocksandthewolf is pure magic.

 

Cherry Blossoms come out to dot formerly dull landscapes with beautiful pink hues, announcing to all the harsh winters that proceed them, are gone. The most classic sign Spring is in full effect being @theobonaparte’s annual flower perfect T, derp optional pose:

Modeling Simba in The Lion King, over his wolf descendants, Theo’s looking out over his domain as King of Spring, is hopeful and joyous.

 

When taking inspo from other classics, make sure to do what is suitable for your dog’s personality. While exact replications can be fun to try (see the #fluffchallenge), getting a slightly different variation is what makes a photo memorable. 

That lil tongue though. @grrlgenius_

You’ve probably noticed an onslaught of flower displays in urban settings and taken photos with them. ‘What’s more alluring than an old car now used as a giant flower pot?’ you think, as you practice your favorite Insta poses next to one.

But where did it all begin?

Well, hold on ‘grammers because it is stoked in tradition. Instagram has brought the spotlight on a very English tradition: the annual Royal Chelsea Flower Show.  

Each year, the RHS has a theme. Local businesses dressed up their shops around Chelsea to enter. London loves to put on a big show when it comes to flowers. Sketch LDN (another Gram must), hires flower designers to cover their interiors, including the infamous pod loo.

 

With Instagram’s saturation for bloggers seeking out the best looking food to photograph — not necessarily eat more than three bites — sprung up Peggy Porschen’s Bakery’s gorgeous flower archway over the entrance to their corner cafe. In the last three years — Queen of all basic cafes — where the cakes and drinks are bland but extremely photogenic, Peggy Porschen’s Bakery has reigned supreme. A queue forms every day to get a shot at the most instagrammed spot in London.

@yisyi_

The Instagram gold mine that is Peggy Porschen’s has inspired other flower-covered storefronts worldwide because if there’s ever a marketing tool that works, it is going to be replicated.

Here are a few spots in town, who did it with style.

@wtfrenchie

The Sanderson Hotel’s flower swing chair has become so popular, it has the hashtag #LoveLPRose

This shot of Milly, of @frenchie_fryz combines the iconic red phone boxes of London with the flower theme.

Here’s Elle at the same spot to illustrate again having your own take and vision of a spot that is popular.

This year we skipped the Sloane Square in Chelsea, home of the RHS Flower Show. Instead, we enjoyed London’s oldest (1963 is so vintage, ammiright?) private members’ club, Annabel’s flower covered building. Named after dog lover Lady Annabel Van Tempest-Stewart, the club will turn away those who are in violation of the dress code, even if you’re Queen Bey.

All of you budding fashionistas will know that the name Derek Blasberg is synonymous with fashion. He oversaw the new dress code which forbids exposed nipples, matching couple outfits and anything you’d wear to a gym. How to spot a basic bish? Posing outside Annabel’s in athleisure wear.

The new location for Annabel’s saw the entire building covered in flowers which let us embrace everything we love about London putting on a show, while also being haughty.

 

Now, every princess needs her throne, surrounded by flowers, and nothing thrills Elle more than one with people-watching like The Ivy in Chelsea. Dogs are welcome outside and who doesn’t want to lap up all that shopping haven, Kings Road, offers for commentary?

Babes, before you go any further: we never advocate putting your dog’s health and safety at risk to get a shot. If there’s a shot that is not working, remember — there’s a limited amount of time they will pose. Make it fun and involve a few members or your wolfpack if you have to, like we did below for this shot I had in mind in front of Dominique Ansel’s London Bakery. Both Elle and I love watermelon.

Caution: the seeds are made of chocolate, yum but not for dogs to eat. The watermelon is filled with soft serve watermelon ice cream — a total delight! The bakery is full of truly mouth-watering delights, as well as being gram-worthy and is only half a block from Peggy Porschen’s.

 

Getting out of the city for countryside adventures is a great way to bond with your dog and get a fresh perspective on life. Lavender season is mid-June through September. Mayfield Lavender Fields allows well-behaved dogs and owners (pick up your dog’s poop so you don’t ruin it for others) and a plethora of people posing in the fields which is almost as amazing as the shots you will get.

A friend offered to photoshop out the lady in red behind Elle, but that was what makes this photo for me. It’s such a crossover acknowledgement of owning your ridiculousness and loving it in others too.