Spring is (officially) here and the sun is trying to shine.
Welcome to the Citizen Femme team’s list of things to eat, buy, watch, try, and experience this May. This is the ultimate inspiration to see you into the new month.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
STAY At Coworth Park in Berkshire for a luxurious UK weekend escape. Stunning grounds, an indulgent spa and some of the finest service in a beautiful hotel, easily accessible from London. VISIT Limoz Logli to experience one of the best colours and indeed blowdries in London. Delightfully natural but strikingly bold. SHOP The Bottega Veneta Loop Candy leather shoulder bag, made with the softest leather woven using the brand’s signature technique. It hangs from an adjustable knotted strap and has just enough space for the essentials. In a summer natural white of course. WATCH The Power on Amazon Prime. Based on Naomi Alderman’s novel, this series turns the patriarchy on its head, when women all over the globe develop the ability to generate electricity through their bodies and hands. Led by Toni Collette, it’s a brave new world indeed. DRINK At Common Decency, the basement bar at The Nomad. An ideal spot pre-theatre, donning gold detailing with plush fringed chairs – very much my vibe. TRY The Yummy Mummy to Be spa experience at Bokeh by Montcalm East, for a well-needed body and face treatment, just enough time to have a very indulgent nap as well.
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Gemma Louise Deeks, Contributing Fashion Editor
STAY At The Pig at Bridge Place for a pre-summer staycation close to home. Only 55 minutes from London by train, this slice of heaven is practically on my doorstep. Expect unforgettable food and a cosy stay. BUY My wardrobe is usually rather monochrome but I can’t get enough of Faithfull The Brand’s Daija striped organic cotton shirt. I’ll be wearing with wide-leg white trousers and strappy sandals, or matching shorts when on holiday. VISIT Hampstead’s Affordable Art Fair, between 11-14 May, showcasing the best in contemporary art from over 100 galleries from the UK and around the world. EAT The mushroom ceviche at Pachamama in Marylebone. I visited for my birthday and it’s a dish I’ll never forget. TRY Westman Atelier’s Skin Activating Serum, for the ultimate pre-makeup prep, or just wear alone for radiant, plump-looking skin.
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Alexandra Carello
CHECK OUT MH Studios’ amazing handmade and bespoke photo albums for the most special of mementoes. Work with the team to create an extraordinary casing for your photos. BUY La Vest La Vest school shirt is perfect with jeans and shorts for Spring. WATCH The Mysterious Mr Lagerfeld on BBC 2. Particularly timely with the Met Gala dedicated to his legacy. EAT At my favourite London restaurant, Bar De Pres for fried sushi and the crab galette on repeat. TRY Oh My Cream’s four-step beauty regime which I am loving for its simplicity and ease. Particularly the Plumping Oil. EXPERIENCE The House of KOKO in Camden. It’s the most fun location for dinner and I like to go to the Mezzanine afterwards, which overlooks the whole music venue.
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Katie Silcox, Deputy Editor
STAY I’ll be island-hopping in Greece this month, with stays at various hotels on different islands. Hopefully it will be warm enough to make use of their beaches. EAT At the Borough Market pop-up, Joké With Friends from Nigerian-born chef, and owner of Chisuru restaurant, Adejoké Bakare. The pop up will take place between 9 May – 1 July on the first floor of The Globe Tavern bringing a Nigerian-inspired menu as well as collaborations with other chefs. VISIT Isaac Julien’s What Freedom Means To Me exhibition at the Tate Britian; it is showcasing 40 years of his work for the first time in the UK. Find out more about this and other inspiring London and global exhibitions taking place during May 2023. BUY La Parfum by Elie Saab, it’s been a go-to fragrance of mine for years and it’s time to re-stock. READ The Guest by Emma Cline publishes in the UK on 9 May. I’ve been waiting to read it since January, along with other 2023 releases.
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Becki Murray, Beauty Editor
STAY at Amanzoe in the Greek Peloponnese to experience the resort’s new wellness retreat, filled with daily energy awakening sessions, healing meditations and trips to the heavenly spa. BUY Adam Reed’s Arkive All Day Everyday Shampoo and Conditioner after booking in with the hairstylist extraordinaire at his freshly launched salon in Covent Garden. VISIT The Newt Somerset as part of this year’s Great Garden Escape. With first-class seats from Paddington, guided tours and three full meals included, it’s the perfect way to discover how spring has sprung in the estate’s sprawling gardens. EAT a little more healthily, made easier by my tailored nutrition plan courtesy of the Mandarin Oriental x Clinique de Prairie’s Holistic Health Regeneration programme. TRY The Club by Bamford – aka the latest high-tech wellness offering in the Cotswolds. From Cryotherapy and Technogym to Vitamin Infusions and Red Light Therapy, this is no ordinary gym.
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Morag Turner, Contributing Editor, Citizen Enfants
STAY My birthday is in May and my husband always takes me away for a weekend, just the two of us. This time we are off to explore Lisbon, he’s booked the Bairro Alto Hotel in one of Lisbon’s coolest districts. EAT A birthday dinner with my girlfriends at Isabel Mayfair. It’s one of my favourite restaurants for a special occasion – the food is great and I love the decor. BUY I would love a new white bag for summer and have my eye on the gorgeous Furla Net M Tote that will go with everything in my wardrobe. VISIT The Chelsea Flower Show starts later this month. It’s such a fun and inspiring event that is well worth a visit. I’ll be popping along for sure.
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Lauren O’Donoghue, Editorial Assistant
STAY I’m planning my first trip to Barcelona this May. As a design-lover, I’m drawn to the colourful, geometric interiors inspired by the late architectural designer Ricardo Bofill at The Hoxton, Poblenou. WEAR Réalisation Par is my go-to for an effortless, flirty slip dress. I’ll be wearing The Lila on repeat throughout the summer months, paired with my favourite cowboy boots for a casual day time look, or vintage kitten heels for an elevated evening look. WATCH The highly anticipated third season of The Kardashians premiers on 25 May, and it couldn’t come sooner. EAT As a Notting Hill local, I’m ashamed to admit that I’m yet to eat at Strakers. Serving up a seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired menu sourced from ethical, quality and sustainable suppliers, it has a cosy neighbourhood vibe, good music and cocktails. I’m bound to become a regular. TRY I’ve officially been influenced by Hailey Bieber’s ‘glazed doughnut’ skin so I’m excited to try Westman Atelier’s vital skincare complexion drops, bursting with actives, for dewy, nourished skin all day long.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?