BrandAlley

As it’s midsummer’s day and England are playing Italy in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals, we’re celebrating BrandAlley style, with free p&p on orders over £75 today. So why not grab a cuppa and score yourself some savvy designer bargains in our sales?

Talking of stylish goings-on today…

Image: Taste of London Festival

Taste of London

Head over to Regent’s Park for Taste of London – the world’s greatest restaurant festival. Sample the delights of fine dining with a special menu from 40 of London’s hottest eateries like Le Gavroche, Pollen Street Social and Barbecoa. See an impressive line-up of top chefs like Wolfgang Puck, Nuno Mendes, Jamie Oliver and many more in action in the cookery theatre, take part in wine tutorials and pick up delicious treats from speciality food markets to munch during tonight’s big England match. Foodie heaven!

West End Live

Image: West End LivWest End Live

If you fancy a sing-a-long, check out West End Live, Westminster City Council’s exciting annual festival in Trafalgar Square. From 12 noon to 6pm today you can watch cast members from top West End musicals perform hit numbers from their shows, like Billy Elliot, Horrible Histories and Shrek. And as this hugely popular event is free, it’s a really savvy way to ‘try before you buy’.

Pop-up Vintage Fair, Islington

Pop-up Vintage Fair, Islington

Don’t miss today’s pop-up Vintage Fashion and Homeware event (from Vintage Fairs London) at Islington Town Hall. It’s a stylish feast for the senses, where you can shop your favourite decades from fab vintage traders, visit the vintage beauty parlour, stop for refreshments in the retro-chic tea room and be entertained by the beautiful, burlesque jazz singer, Emma Divine.

Vintage Fairs around the UK

Image: The Vintage Wedding Fair

Of course, there are fabulous vintage fairs happening up and down the UK all year round. To find the best ones, go to Vintage Fairs UK. For example, Discover Vintage is holding a brilliant Vintage Wedding Fair in Brighton today. There’s everything you need for your special day – from classic vintage wedding dresses and jewellery to hair and make-up advice, plus special occasion gowns for bridesmaids and guests to vintage-themed flowers and lots more. You’ll find all the details on their website.

Elderflower cordial. Image: Red Online

Homemade elderflower cordial

In hedgerows and parks all over the country, elderflowers are in blossom just waiting to be picked and turned into elderflower cordial. It’s really easy to make and so much better than anything you can buy – here’s the lovely recipe I used from Red Online! Try adding it to sparkling water for a refreshing pick-me-up or to sparkling wine for a cheeky cocktail. It’s also delicious in sorbets, ice cream, poached with gooseberries or splashed into a summer vinaigrette. Pure bottled sunshine!

Happy Sunday!

Jo x