We are all about self care this week, from your skin to your soul.
How to travel well, eat well and sleep well, with your comfort as a priority. In this month of love, love yourself first. Here is what we are loving this week.
BUY THIS The Slip Silk Pillow Case
Ok, the silk pillowcase may sound like a high maintenance indulgence. But we have been converted. It is one lavish investment that can actually do something for your face and your blow dry. Considering you’re spending roughly 6-8 hours face and head lying down on this fabric, your much needed beauty sleep takes on another meaning in this part of your daily routine. Add to your glowing complexion, reduce puffiness and preserve your hair’s moisture in those precious sleeping hours.
Our top pick? The Slip Silk Pillow Case, crafted from 100 per cent pure mulberry silk, and dubbed an anti-ageing, anti sleep crease and anti bed head pillowcase. The material is impressively lightweight and your skin creams stay absorbed and good hair day maintained. Pair with the matching eye mask to enhance your beauty sleep even further, for your home or for your travels.
Now you really will say, “Well I just woke up like this!”
USE THIS Smeg x Dolce & Gabbana
Bring fashion into your home with Dolce & Gabbana’s collab with Italian home appliance company Smeg with its small kitchen appliances (from coffee machines to juicers) in the ‘Sicily is my love’ collection. They are all decorated with gold lemons, citrus fruits, prickly pears and bright red cherries, alongside delicate floral motifs inspired by the coasts and landscapes of Southern Italy and images of fascinating Mt. Etna and picturesque ruins of the Greek temple of Castor and Pollux in the Valley of Temples.
Our favourite? The retro-look ground coffee machine could be the perfect way to make a fresh Italian espresso with your preferred roast. We’ll take a macchiato, grazie.
WEAR THESE Commando Underwear
The spotlight is definitely on US luxury intimates label, Commando. Underwear used to be either sexy or comfortable, and never the two shall meet. No longer is this the case and Commando has been integral to this.
The brand is probably best known for the way in which many of its pieces lie so flat against the skin that they give an invisible effect underneath clothing. A regular on the red carpet under dresses, now, the lingerie label has moved into ready to wear, with bralettes, pencil skirts, shorts and luxe leggings, all of which have the same perfect second-skin fit that the underwear is known for. Buy it now, wear it now.
EAT HERE The Nitery
‘The London food scene is amazing but it’s all got a bit serious,’ said Gizzi Erskine, award winning chef, broadcaster and food writer. ‘Let’s put playful back and all have a bit of a laugh.’
Introducing ‘The Nitery’, a Parisian-inspired 3 month residency in the former Asia de Cuba site on St Martin’s Lane, from this February 13th until April 30th. Having been on the restaurant scene for 20 years, Gizzi just knows. The pop-up features classic dishes from Britain, France and America, all given “playful” twists, while the name is inspired by early 20th century Parisian ‘niteries’ – a name given to bohemian restaurants frequented by artists, poets, and musicians of the time.
Small plates, for instance, include devilled eggs with roast chicken crackling; oysters with yuzu kosho granite; and bone marrow dripping on marmite toast, followed by main dishes such as flagoelet dauphinoise, goat cutlets and bisque; and Calasparra rice with woodfired shellfish. Desserts will be equally fun: Gizzi will be conjuring up her own version of the Queen of Puddings, alongside a reimagined chocolate mousse. Come Sunday, diners can enjoy an indulgent roast with a carvery station serving beef, lamb or pork with all the trimmings, as well as vegetarian wellington.
STAY HERE Les Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle
As we are steeping in the month of romance, this is where you really need to book. Housed within the 17th-century Le Grand Contrôle palace in the heart of Versailles, will open its doors this Spring 2020, with a 14-bedroom luxury hotel decorated in the opulent 18th century style. Sample the lifestyle of Louis XVI and his bride (without meeting their tragic fate), with the bedchamber which has been lavishly restored – and furniture designed to mimic the contents of an inventory taken just before the revolution.
The reign of King Louis XVI was known for its extravagance, a reputation garnered by his wife Marie Antoinette. Rumours around the luxurious interiors of the home, and her excessive spending on fashion and gambling, earned her the nickname Madame Déficit. A notoriety for excess caused resentment among the French people and spurred on the downfall of the monarchy in the French Revolution, making it the last time the Palace of Versailles was used as a royal residence. It has since welcomed day trips from tourists.
With its grand refurbishment, legendary Pierre Frey has lent its magic touch to the fabrics, while Aubusson is responsible for the upholstery and carpets. Every room overlooks either the Orangerie or the Pièce d’Eau des Suisses, and guests can also wander through the topiary-filled French gardens; explore the little-seen attics of the Château de Versailles; and boat along the Grand Canal.
Any Questions or Tips to add?