BrandAlley

It’s pay-day weekend and there’s free p&p on orders over £80 until midnight, giving you the perfect excuse to snap up a savvy treat or two in the BrandAlley sales. We’ve got loads of chic designer bargains for all your summer style adventures, including gorgeous, special-occasion looks from Project D, Whistles and more in our Designer Wardrobe sale.

Image: The Royal Collection

See the Queen’s personal jewels at Buckingham Palace

Talking of dressing up, why not put on your posh gear and head over to Buckingham Palace today? As part of a visit to the Summer Opening of the Palace State Rooms, there’s a special exhibition called Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration. This dazzling showcase portrays the many ways these extraordinary, precious stones have been used by British monarchs over the last 200 years. And it includes a spectacular, never-seen-before display of the Queen’s personal jewels, either inherited or acquired during her reign.

See the Queen’s kitchens at Windsor Castle

Image: The Royal Collection

There’s also lots going on at Windsor Castle today, including a brilliant exhibition of the Queen’s 60-year reign as seen through the work of leading Press photographers. And while you’re there, you can join a special, behind-the-scenes tour of the great kitchens and see where a state banquet is prepared. It’s the ideal opportunity to have a nose around a real, working royal kitchen, which has been in constant use for nearly 750 years!

Image: London Pleasure Gardens

London Pleasure Gardens Festival

200 years ago London had Pleasure Gardens – places where friends and families could immerse themselves in culture and experience the joys of open-air entertainments like music, illuminated fountains and fireworks. This weekend sees the return of a 21st century Pleasure Garden, with the grand opening of the East End’s Paradise Gardens in the London Pleasure Gardens Festival. Highlights today include an amazing pyrotechnic theatre, live music, epic street art, curious sideshows, a village fete and vintage funfair, plus a ballroom, craft market and specialist food from around the world. For more info about this free event and a downloadable programme, visit their website.

Knit a long-sleeved shrug

Image: All About You

And finally, here’s a savvy tip if you love knitting. There are all sorts of really gorgeous, free knitting patterns from top designers on All About You just waiting for you to download. Like this chic, long-sleeved shrug taken from Classic Romance by Rowan, which is a perfect cover-up over pretty floral dresses for all your glam happenings this summer.

Happy Sunday

Jo x