My Royal Wedding Day

We headed into London at 9.30 this morning and tried to aim for Buckingham Palace although we discovered it had been closed off. We instead got directed to Hyde Park where big screens were displaying the unfolding of the day. We were amoungst a packed crowd of 120,000 people which was obviously an amazing atmosphere. So many flags! A highlight was definitely singing the national anthem and the cheers which erupted when they said "I will".

Although probably the best part was when the fly past of a Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft, after flying over Buckingham Palace, turned and flew right over our heads - incredible. It's a shame the weather wasn't better but at least it didn't rain.

Kate's dress was stunning. I actually expected her to be in something more understated, considering her usual style, but the shape of the neckline on her lace bodice was so flattering. She was also quite covered up, I thought she may reveal more of her arms but perhaps a modest, classic gown was the way to go considering the particularly holy venue. The train was just long enough to be there but not over the top like Diana's was. However, my favourite gown was Pippa's - her sister and chief Bridesmaid. It was so beautifully cut and the fabric was so elegant.


Image courtesy of The Sun. Read the full report on Kate's dress here.

Here is a little photo diary of my day.

The Queen arriving at Westminster Abbey

Kate's sister Pippa and Bridesmaids arriving at the Abbey

Kate's arrival at the Abbey

The wedding service

Struggling to put on the ring

The couple's emerge from the Abbey. We even had confetti machines at Hyde Park.

Kate on the balcony at Buckingham Palace

The Royal family on the balcony

The KISS!!

The fly past

The happy couple wave on the balcony

Website of the Week - Trend Tablet

I don't often post my website of the week, simply because I don't often find something really special.

However, I got an email from my old tutor last week who directed me to this website.

http://www.trendtablet.com/

They are a trend forecasting website for travel, food, textiles...pretty much everything that effects our day to day lives. Although I am interested in that, what I really love about this website is that they have such beautiful photographs and images. Well worth a look to get your inspiration flowing.

Royalty

Ok, I know. Everyone is doing it. All we are seeing and hearing about at the moment is the Royal wedding. I have to confess that I am actually excited about it. Shameful, perhaps, but I am such a Royalist at heart and a disciple of Diana from a young age (I had a cardboard cut-out doll which you could pin outfits on to). I will be battling the crowds on Friday, on the off chance I'll get a glimpse of that kiss on the balcony. Maybe I'll just get drowned in a sea of people but at least the atmosphere will be something to remember. And anyway, it's not often we have the opportunity to be proud to be British, is it?

So in the spirit of the times, I've featured 5 of my favourite things to have come out of this historic occasion and show you that Royal wedding memorabilia doesn't have to be tacky.

1. The Anya Hindmarch limited edition Royal Wedding kit (seen here). Complete with heart-shaped confetti and a temporary tattoo.



2. This lovely little tea set from notonthehighstreet.com.



3. The very British street party. Because an opportunity doesn't come round very often and it's the perfect excuse to drink lots of Pimms.

A street party in 1945

4. Need I justify? Head down to the Hummingbird bakery to get one (or two).



5. I saw these MINX nail transfers featured in Grazia this week. It may be going a bit on the obsessive side but I might attempt a bit of a red, white and blue colour theme for Friday. Watch this space.

Easter at the Panayi's

I've had the best week and Easter weekend. My Mum came to visit from Spain and I've spent the whole week indulging in Easter treats and relaxing with my family. I had time away from the computer and took some time to have actual conversations (I found out my Granddad met and had a conversation with King George VI, don't you know). I start my internship at Anya Hindmarch again tomorrow so although I'm giving up my last week of the holidays, hopefully it'll be worth it in the long run.

Here is my week in photos.

Making flaounes (savoury Greek cheese cakes)
Grating the most amount of cheese I've ever seen in one go (before the grater blew up)

Rolling the dough

Pressing on sesame seeds

The cheese and sultana filling

Folding in the dough around the filling





The raw cheese cakes

The cooked cheese cakes

My cousin and boyfriend - the study group, preparing for exams

Coloured eggs (some biblical reference that I'm not sure of)

Struffoli - an Italian Easter sweet

Prayer candles from the Easter services

Finding a stunning photo of my Mum, me and my sister about six years ago

NISHE

Scanning my daily ASOS newsletter, a curious brand caught my eye. It's called NISHE and it was launched in Hong Kong in 2008, by Polly Sui. The designs have a romantic air to them with feminine, pretty details and shapes. It's not often I post about a brand on my blog but I have to say, if I could, I would own the whole collection.

I tried to get in contact with the brand to find out more about them but my emails bounced back.

These are a few of my favourite pieces from the collection. The scalloped edged shorts, the sheer black waist coat and the structured oyster-coloured dress are my favourites.









I really wish the model would stop playing with her hair.

Menswear Trends S/S 2011

To add a bit of diversity to my blog, I thought I'd take a little bit of time to talk about men's trends for S/S 2011.

BLUE

Issey Miyake, Dries Van Noten, D&G

Trailing through the catwalk reports I noticed a definite pattern of blue emerging. If you are already a religious jean-wearer then this trend is ideal but if you are feeling a little more daring, the bright blue shirt below would be perfect with long shorts or those trusty denims.

Selected at ASOS

DOUBLE-BREASTED

Jean Paul Gaultier, Kenzo, Lanvin. Note: I am definitely NOT feeling the Jesus sandals...

This is such a classic look that the smarter gentleman may already have a double-breasted piece in their wardrobe. Usually just for dressier occasions but the cardigan below makes the trend casual.

ASOS

A CLASSIC JACKET

Burberry, Lanvin, Paul Smith

Trench, blazer, mac, whatever your choice, make sure it's well cut and well made. And if it's double-breasted too, then all the better. Colour wise, aim for muted navy, charcoal and black, fabric wise, mattes and satins work well.

Cheap Monday at ASOS

GREY

Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Dior

A no-brainer. Mix with navy, burgundy, denim, black, tan or even more grey and you're on to a winner. I'd play with textures here - knits, tailoring, jersey - it's all good. Keep it simple with this t-shirt and pair it with some chinos.

ASOS

TURNED HEM SHORTS

Louis Vuitton, D&G, Marni

A little tailored, possibly with a crease down the front. I'd go for a matte navy, camel or even khaki to keep them neutral and versatile and both a shorter or longer style work. Wear with a t-shirt for day and loose untucked shirt for evening.

Polo Ralph Lauren. Note: Beware knobbly knees.

Photos: Style.com and ASOS