In this special feature, Barcelona-based Michael Black shares with you his secrets to finding calm in a busy world. The key is to take care of your inner self. Treat yourself the way you’d treat your own Zen Garden. Go that extra mile. Tend to your emotional and spiritual needs.
It all begins with nurturing your inner peace. It’s important to stay comfortable and warm like Michael. Wrap yourself in an Angora blanket from the renowned Catalan designer Antonio Miro(La Roca Village). But first, don’t forget to shed your day clothes (and your worries), and slip into a cotton camisole and matching stretch pants from women’s wear Catalan designer TCN(La Roca).
Scented candles from Molton Brown and The White Company, available in vanilla or lavender, create the mood for relaxation and “me” time. Unroll your yoga matt and stretch those muscles that yearn for your attention. Slip-on lizard-skin shoes from Puma(La Roca) are for stylish easy-walking and can be stored safely in a Mandarina Duck 2-in-1 bag(La Roca), suitable for a day trip or simply a visit to the gym. Not a fan of exotic skins on shoes? Then stick with the ultra trendy purple and silver Puma‘s instead.
Ready for a bath? Molton Brown offers a 4-piece set of body oil and cream to whisk you away into a sea of serenity. Wrap yourself in a thick lavender cotton bath robe from Descamps and then finally tuck yourself into bed under an Armani Casa blanket, also found at Descamps.
Breathe deeply, embrace your inner thoughts, and bask in the warmth of your own Zen Garden.
Items can be found at Bicester Village unless otherwise noted.
If you’re like me, every New Year brings another reason to refresh the wardrobe. The focus this year is on owning items that are of value. I’m talking about being a smart shopper and limiting yourself to only a few essential items that can withstand the test of time (and your fickle nature). Michael Black encourages us to find the Zen, the inner peace, within ourselves. As Michael says, “If you feel good in it, you will look good in it.”
Sleeveless with wide straps, and a textured front, a classic Valentino LBD exudes timeless elegance (£159 from £399). Dress it up slightly with a pair of exquisite crystal earrings, and you’ll stand out from the other girls who went cheap. Dress it down in tune with your work schedule by adding a cardigan from Jigsaw(£78 from £155). What better way to ensure that you go to the gym by having a bag sophisticated enough for the office yet versatile enough for the gym. Salvatore Ferragamo carries a sleek black patent leather bag and a matching pair of heels that is simply stunning (Pictured on the right, bag £540 from £770, shoes £143 from £239).
Neal’s Yard Remedies supplies organic skin & body care. My pick was its Vitamin E and Avocado Night Cream(reduced to £6.00 from £16.15). Its thick foamy texture and almond undertones keeps me hydrated throughout the night. Refresh yourself with an at-home facial that won’t break your wallet.
2009 ushers the opportunity to refresh and nourish your inner self. This involves taking care of yourself on a holistic level. Let yourself go, and unleash your creative energy. Go on and find your own top 5 pieces at Bicester Village!
