It’s time to indulge in one of London’s most addictive restaurants… again. Who thought a mashed potato could be so memorable?
Book one of the UK’s finest retreats, catch this show stopping concert for one-night only, and check out why Oprah invested in this skincare brand. This is what we are loving in this week’s Citizen Femme Hotlist.
BUY THIS WAT. the Brand
Sarah Ellis and Philippa Ross, the team behind We Are Twinset recently launched WAT The Brand with an inaugural 12-piece luxe loungewear collection. They have unveiled their latest Spring Summer collection for 2023: The Marrakesh Edit. The 30-piece capsule collection is an edit of effortless summer wardrobe staples featuring shirred frilled dresses in beautiful buttermilk and cornflower tones, to drop shoulder linen shirts- an ideal choice for beach club days or a relaxed summers night. Or for everyday staples, the ribbed racer back vests come in classic black and mocha featuring a racerback design, both classic and elegant. The full collection is accessorised with 100% recycled sunglasses in classic shapes and tones, oversized raffia totes with vegan leather handles and wardrobe essential strappy sandals to finish off the look.
EAT HERE Bar des Prés
Acclaimed and famed French chef Cyril Lignac brought his own piece of Saint-Germain to Mayfair’s Albemarle Street – think Japanese with a French influence at Bar Des Prés. It’s undeniably high end, and yet there’s an easy relaxation to everything, too. Upstairs you have intimate rectangular velvet booths, and stools against the bar ideal for counter dining, filled with chatty guests and friendly staff. Downstairs, you’ll find a lounge bar for tête-à-têtes alongside two larger 6-seater round velvet seating for groups to hide from Mayfair and submerge yourself into one of London’s finest menus, with excellent conversation. The menu merges Lignac’s French heritage with the discipline and style of Japanese cuisine. Think delicate California rolls, just soft enough to be devoured in one satisfying bite, tender sashimi, lined elegantly on a cool black rectangular plate, topped with a touch of delicious umami sauce, and the signature crunchy crab with avocado galette. The desserts are superb – as they should be, given that Lignac trained as a pâtissier. Take note of the vanilla and pecan praline mille-feuille – one of those desserts you really should order per person, no sharing allowed, nor desired quite frankly. It’s what will make you come back, again and again.
USE THIS Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Collection
We were already big fans of Dr. Barbara Sturm. Turns out the brand has an even bigger fan club having clinched an investment from one of the most powerful women in the world: Oprah Winfrey. Brands seem to have started tackling the lack of foundation shades on the market with increased varieties, but women of varied skin tones often need different skincare products, too. Dr. Sturm worked on the Darker Skin Tones products, in a collaboration with the actress Angela Bassett, for nearly two years. “Melanin-rich skin has a heightened susceptibility to inflammation, which can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and other dysfunctions. My DARKER SKIN TONES Collection contains potent ingredient science to combat irritation, even skin tone and balance sebum production for a natural, healthy glow, ” says Dr. Barbara Sturm. Unlike her main line, the cleanser and moisturiser formulations have “skin tone evening benefits” (courtesy of Lumicol, a micro algae extract that boosts radiance) and active ingredients like salicylic acid, which help balance the skin’s sebum production. And there is one point on which we all agree. No matter the shade of your skin, wear your SPF, all year round. One of the favourites from the range is the Sun Drops SPF50. They are designed to help refine pores, even out your complexion and add a boost of hydration, all whilst adding a shimmer to the skin. Trust us, you’ll be looking radiant in no time.
BOOK THIS The Other Songs Live at The London Palladium
Book now for one-off concert presented by The Ivors Academy and The Other Songs, who will host the biggest live performance-based celebration of songwriting ever, with performances from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Coronation Anthem, music from Fraser T Smith’s Future Utopia (Stormzy & Dave key collaborator) Jimmy Napes (known for his work with Sam Smith), Rick Nowels, All Saints’ Shaznay Lewis and ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ composer, A R Rahman, Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart, as well as music from Guy Garvey, Issey Cross, Rachel Chinouriri, Ruthanne, Sunmisola Agbebi and rising star Ren. It will be an evening of iconic music and sharing of industry experiences in an intimate setting. The event aims to celebrate the greatest living songwriters on the planet and provide a platform for emerging songwriters to showcase their new material. All proceeds from the event will be donated to The BRIT School and The Ivors Academy Trust to nurture more talented young songwriters and artists, regardless of background.
STAY HERE The Retreat at Elcot Park
This is a country house hotel reimagined. It has the comfort factor of the old school classics without the formality. The Retreat at Elcot Park is emerging as one of the south’s most stylish hotels, sister to The Mitre near Hampton Court. The rooms and suites, all individually designed, are divided between the historic house and a 1990s addition. But its The Signet Spa that makes this a Retreat rather than simply a hotel with both an indoor and outdoor pool, a mud rasul, floatation room and generous sauna and steam. The courtyard is another highlight forming a beautifully curated space with rugs thrown over chairs and fires burning, also featuring a lifestyle shop and deli with tables outside, accompanied by a bakery, and hair salon and nail bar. Food is a big part of the offering with restaurants including the brasserie-style 1772 and the pan-Asian Yu. And for the more active, there are also tennis courts, croquet lawns and a huge network of walks that visitors can set off on from the grounds. As you arrive through its sweeping drive up the the Georgian house, standing beautifully proud in its surrounds, you’ll instantly feel your shoulders drop – an ideal and easy break away from the city.
Any Questions or Tips to add?