It may not feel like autumn in the UK this week, but the season is just around the corner. This is the Citizen Femme team’s list of things to do this October.
Including places to eat and stay, plus things to buy, watch and try – this is the ultimate inspiration to see you into the new month.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
STAY At Estelle Manor for what I hope will be a very chic weekend escape at this much-anticipated hotel opening. READ ‘Lessons in Chemistry‘ – so far an excellent read about a brilliant scientist, Elizabeth Zott, who finds herself challenging the patriarchal 1950s society she lives in. It’s also being adapted for Apple TV+, produced by and starring Brie Larson. BUY I would love a smart pair of everyday boots and I have my eye on these Chloé ‘Marcie’ ankle boots with very soft leather and elegant gold buckle detailing. TRY The Full Moon manifestation at Lift 109 Battersea Power Station. Directly under a full moon, I’ll be making notes on my goals at 109 metres high. EAT Luca, one of my favourite Italian restaurants in London, is running a series of wine dinners taking over the terrace, showcasing the very best of Italian wine-making.
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Gemma Louise Deeks, Contributing Fashion Editor
STAY I’m visiting two beautiful Rocco Forte Hotels in Palermo and Sicily for a long weekend, combining city and culture with the seaside and nature. BUY I have this JW Anderson canvas bag on my wishlist, I love the slouchy shape and gold hardware. EAT At Tendril’s latest pop-up in Mayfair. Chef Rishim Sachdeva showcases what’s possible for plant-first food and puts the spotlight on vegetables. TRY ZO Skin Health’s Sunscreen + Primer SPF30. I have used this religiously for years – it gives your skin a velvety finish and there’s no need to wear foundation. READ My favourite plant-based restaurant, Mildreds, has launched their third cookbook, Mildreds Easy Vegan, with 115 plant-based recipes which I’ll be getting stuck into this autumn.
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KATIE SILCOX, Managing Editor
STAY I’m checking in to the most iconic hotel in the Greek capital: Hotel Grande Bretagne. One of the oldest hotels in Athens, it’s hosted all manner of celebrities and royalty. I’m most excited about visiting its rooftop for a drink overlooking the Acropolis. EAT AND DRINK At The Clumsies, Athens, which currently holds spot number 19 on The World’s 50 Best Bars and is only an eight-minute walk from Hotel Grand Bretagne. The bar holding spot number 20, Baba Au Rum, is also in Athens so maybe I’ll head there too. TRY Korean skincare! On a recent trip to Japan I picked up some sunscreen, serum and moisturiser from the Korean brand, Innisfree, and am ready to see what all the fuss is about. BUY I find it hard to accept that summer is over but if there is one thing autumn and winter are wonderful for, it’s dinner parties. I have my eye on these La DoubleJ dessert plates which will bridge the seasons. WEAR I need some season-appropriate boots; these from Legres should get me through. Plus, they’re 70% off right now.
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Becki Murray, Beauty Editor
STAY At Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland for a full health reset in the Swiss Alps. The clinic’s award-winning longevity programmes use the latest science to get your mind and body working at their best. BUY More shades of Alûstre diamond-infused nail polish (my current favourite is 925 Purple). I had a manicure using the brand at a recent event, and the non-chip polish lasted 10 days without the need for gels – that’s impressive! RELAX In luxury at Hotel Café Royal’s Akasha Spa in Piccadilly; the space has just launched UBeauty’s incredibly indulgent yet results-driven face and body treatments. EAT At Where The Pancakes Are which offers the biggest, fluffiest gluten-free pancakes I’ve ever found in London. It’s my new brunch destination of choice, post-run. WATCH Ballet at Sadler’s Wells Theatre (despite having two left feet myself) after falling in love with the English National Ballet’s recent Our Voices performance at the venue.
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Alexandra Carello, PR Director
EAT Autumn is the time for cosy meals together. I recently made (from scratch!) the most delicious organic chicken roast from Daylesford Organic. BOOK With two kids’ birthday parties this month it was time to call in the experts: enter This is Bash, the most dedicated and energetic entertainer I have come across. Party planners and chaos curators, my kids love them. INVEST In Breitling’s elegant yet chunky Navitimer 36 with a leather strap. I’ll wear it with a rolled-up white shirt. BUY These statement boots from Jennifer Chamandi for instant autumn style. TRY Trinny London’s beauty collection, I stack the products like Lego! The brand and cult following that Trinny has created is incredible.
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Morag Turner, Citizen Enfants Editor
STAY I’m heading back to one of my all-time favourite hotels, Gleneagles, for a few nights en route to stay with my family in the Highlands. This is the best time of year to visit Scotland when the leaves are turning and there is a nip in the air. WEAR I’ll be living in my new Dalton cowboy boots from Ash this autumn. They’re so comfy, and the ideal thing to throw on with jeans. SEE I can’t wait to go to the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea. I’m no expert, but I love collecting art so I’m sure to find something I can’t resist. EAT Bocconcino have just opened a new spot in Soho which has an Italian menu that I can’t wait to try. BOOK Sarah Jessica Parker and her husband Matthew Broderick are coming to London to star in the romantic comedy Plaza Suite at the Savoy Theatre early next year. Tickets have just been released and I’ve already snapped mine up.
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Bibiana Obahor, Head of Graphic Design
TRY October marks Black History Month in the UK, and if you ever find yourself in Carnaby visit Treats Club, a black-owned donut shop offering the tastiest filled doughnuts at the central London space for the next six months. They also have a permanent shop in Hackney. VISIT One of the top items on my agenda this month is the Black British Book Festival on 27 and 28 October at the Southbank Centre. It’s a great place to discover talented writers. STAY I’m excited to stay at the FIVE Palm Jumeirah. This luxurious hotel in Dubai promises poolside parties, stylish rooms, and all manner of dining. WEAR I’m increasingly drawn to fashion pieces that offer multiple styling options. That’s why I love this COS Cashmere Jumper, which can be effortlessly paired with almost anything. BUY I’m obsessed with the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment so I had to get my hands on their new Peptide Lip Tints. I picked up the shades Toast and Ribbon.
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Ella Mansell, Editorial Assistant
STAY I’ve heard autumn is a wonderful time to visit Stockholm as the rich seasonal hues enhance the ochre-toned city. Chasing the last few weeks before Scandanavia’s daylight hours become overshadowed by the wintery nights, I’d love to stay in the home-like Ett Hem hotel. EAT Cafe Cecilia is the ideal breakfast spot for upcoming celebrations this October. I’m excited to experience the sleek interiors and bustling ambience, but it’s really the poached greenage and granola I’ll be there for. BUY Repetto Paris has the shoe of the season. Loved by stylish Parisians, including French fashion designer Anne Laure Mais, I’ll be purchasing the Camille Ballerinas in this season’s hottest hue – Pommard Red. READ Voices in the Evening by one of my favourite twentieth-century authors, the late Natalia Ginzburg, is next on my reading list. I am craving that lyrical and raw telling of desire and lost hope that only Ginzburg can satisfy. TRY Live jazz is the aural complement for a crisp London evening, so I’ll make sure to swing by the speakeasy-style Larry’s, located in the brick vaults of The National Portrait Gallery for a music-filled evening.
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