Summer is (officially) here and we’ve been blessed with a streak of good weather.
Welcome to the Citizen Femme team’s list of things to eat, buy, watch, try, and experience this June. This is the ultimate inspiration to see you into the new month.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
STAY At Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel in Oxford for a mini countryside break. Some calm and yoga in their Japanese Tea Garden. BUY The TOTEME silk striped co-ord in taupe, super comfortable, dressed up or down, worn together or separately, this set will see me through the summer. A steep, but worthy investment. SEE Iconic member’s club George which has just re-opened following a 2-year refurbishment. Martinis here. EAT At Big Mamma’s newest opening Carlotta in Marylebone. Cocktails on the ruby red terrace followed by indulgence in carbs in the kitsch but cosy OTT homage to American-Italian tradition. WATCH Opera Holland Park is in bloom again and I’ll be trying out Rigoletta which opens the season, this time with a female gaze. Aside from the performance, this is bucolic bliss in the middle of London.
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Gemma Louise Deeks, Contributing Fashion Editor
STAY I’m visiting Blue Palace Resort in Elounda Crete for a long weekend to celebrate their 20th anniversary. The Luxury Collection Hotel opened its doors between the tiny fishing village of Plaka and the increasingly chic port of Elounda, so you can expect elegant Mediterranean landscapes and authentic experiences. BUY I rented this Realisation Par Gia Animal dress via HURR for my trip to Ibiza last month but I want it to be mine… I think it’s the perfect investment for summer events. VISIT The Harold Pinter Theatre to watch James Norton in Hanya Yanagihara’s adaptation of her hard-hitting novel A Little Life, until 18 June. EAT At Mallow’s second restaurant opening in Canary Wharf on 26 June for plant-based perfection. TRY Almora Botanica’s signature facial at their flagship boutique on Dover Street. This ayurvedic skincare from Varana co-founder Ravi Prasad will leave you feeling rejuvenated post-shop.
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Alexandra Carello
CHECK OUT BBC Earth Experience in Earl’s Court for impressive scenes of nature on a vast scale, narrated by David Attenborough. BUY Alicia Swim swimsuit with a matching bucket hat for ultimate beach style points. LISTEN To my brilliant friend Sarah Ann Macklin’s podcast, Live Well, Be Well focusing on mental health. EAT At Ratka in Athens. SHOP My newest collection has launched with Marzoline and it is all about matching maxi linen bows with your little one.
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LUCY HALFHEAD
STAY I’ll be making a return visit to The Mitre Hotel in Hampton Court this month, with a new Whispering Angel Terrace, where you can sip ice-cold rosé by the River Thames, and self-drive boats. It’s the ideal spot for fun in the sun. BUY Assouline, purveyors of the finest coffee table books around, have launched Travel From Home, a collection of six scented candles in chic packaging, inspired by locations from Ibiza to Tulum. SEE Standing tickets for iconic musical comedy Guys & Dolls at the Bridge theatre means you’re part of the action, moving around an innovative stage that continually remodels itself into New York City’s bars, clubs and street corners. EAT I’m adding Parillan Borough Yards to my list for alfresco dining, combining a spacious outdoor terrace under the reimagined Victorian brick arches with a delicious Spanish menu. BEAUTY Summertime calls for low-maintenance beauty so I’m saying goodbye to my mascara for the coming months and opting for a set of eyelash extensions from Camilla Lashes (hers last for up to seven weeks). VISIT Hidden gem Sir John Soane’s Museum on Lincoln’s Inn Fields, is an atmospheric former private home, packed to the rafters with hundreds of interesting artefacts and impressive paintings.
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Becki Murray, Beauty Editor
STAY at Hotel Byblos in St. Tropez, following in the footsteps of Grace Kelly and Beyoncé. The newly refurbished Sisley spa has one of the best wellness programmes I’ve seen of late; just the tonic after a night at Les Caves de Roy. BUY A pair of Russell & Bromley’s new SunKiss wedges; they’re comfortable and versatile enough to match the summer dresses I’m dreaming about. WATCH Operation Mincemeat at the Fortune Theatre. The musical comedy has opened to rave reviews for its rather unexpected retelling of the Second World War British deception operation that has to be googled to be believed. EAT The 100% organic produce from Lord and Lady Newborough’s Rhug Estate, including ingredients foraged from the land. The farm café is worth a visit for the garlic mushrooms alone. DRINK At some of London’s best summer terraces, including the Sanderson London’s collaboration with sustainable winemakers The Uncommon, and bespoke cocktails at The Mandrake’s Jurema Terrace. TRY The new Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde to not only tackle my seasonal allergies but the rising summer temperatures in my flat too.
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STAY I’m off to Palma for a girl’s weekend later this month. It’s a wonderful city and my favourite hotel is the Casa Noble Antigua Palma. I will definitely be spending a day at the Balneario Illetas beach club which is just a 20 minute drive from the centre and has a super restaurant and some great little boutiques. ATTEND We are off to the Royal Enclosure at Ascot with friends. We go every year and alongside the horse racing, I love having a fabulous picnic out the back of our car – complete with Fortnum and Mason hamper and plenty of champagne of course! WATCH I can’t wait to go to the Queen’s Club to see some superb tennis. It’s a bit less busy than Wimbledon, but there’s still the opportunity to see some of the sport’s biggest stars in action. WEAR Lots of summer parties means it’s time to bring out my beloved Loffler Randall Gold Penny Mules. So comfortable for dancing all night. EAT The Hut on Cowell Bay has to be the best restaurant on the Isle of Wight – so good that you have to snap up a table as soon as bookings open. Now they have a brand new cookbook and I’ll be picking up a copy when I’m there soon.
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Bibiana Obahor, Head of Graphic Design
STAY I’m thrilled about my upcoming stay at the Pullman Hotel in Paris. With its breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, it’s going to be a dreamy experience. BUY I recently splurged on three new colours of Hermès Oran Slides, and I’m eagerly anticipating the warmer weather to show them off. These sandals are the epitome of style and comfort. EAT Whenever I’m craving sushi, my go-to spot is Sticks & Sushi. Not only do they serve delicious platters meant for sharing, but the prices are also affordable. Don’t miss out on their incredible Chirasi! READ I’m excited to bring The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand along on my holiday. It’s a surprising and captivating story about friendship, love, and self-discovery set in Nantucket. DISCOVER If you’re looking to create your own dream rug, don’t miss Tufting London. My friends and I have booked a workshop for later this month, and I’m already counting down the days.
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Lauren O’Donoghue, Editorial Assistant
STAY I’m dreaming of staying at the reimagined Montesol Experimental Hotel, set in the old town of Eivissa. Following a two-year renovation led by designer Dorothée Meilichzon, the hotel is reimagined with inspirations from Bohemian Ibiza. EAT At Caia, Notting Hill. Everything starts with a MiTo (Milano-Torino) cocktail, conceived at Milan’s Caffe Camparino in the 1860s, followed by a seasonal, grilled-based sharing menu, whilst a curated vinyl collection plays in the background. WEAR With Nothing Underneath Seersucker Set, over a Hunza G square neck one piece, for a quintessentially British look. VISIT The River House at Oakley Court in collaboration with Soho House. Just a short while from London, the River House boasts tranquilising views of the Thames, set in glorious bell tents.
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Shira Frankl, Editorial Assistant
VISIT I’ve found myself returning to Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden a few times this month to witness the final bloom of spring. Unlike any other London park, this Asian-inspired oasis is dream-like – and, you may even be joined by a peacock or two! EAT I’ve recently dined at Beach Blanket Babylon, which I believe to be one of Notting Hill’s most underrated gems. Elegant yet fun, this is the perfect place for intimate, high-quality alfresco dining, so I’ll be back for more. BUY Ditching powdered blush, Rare Beauty has converted me to using their Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. Both subtle and long-lasting, the Hope shade is sure to leave an effortless glow for when your look needs refreshing. WATCH As a huge film buff, I receive monthly updates on The Everyman’s new releases. This month I am drawn to their focus on nostalgic cinema, including Pulp Fiction, Fight Club, and Shakespeare in Love, to name a few. TRY The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum for my next beauty purchase. Promising fuller and bolder lashes and brows, I have no doubt that this product will become my go-to, particularly as I am already a fan of the brand.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?