Les 100 Ciels Blog filter by INSPIRATION

How one of the oldest fabrics in the world became the must-have fabric of summer Linen is a firm favourite for summer, loved for its simple and elegant qualities. It is well known to wick moisture away from the body and keep you cool, while being iron-free and highly durable.. what’s not to love!? This summer, linen has gained huge momentum, appearing in store after store in beautiful designs and colours. Most snapping up the trend do not realise the long and fascinating history behind the fibre, so let’s dive in and take a closer look at linen’s journey through the centuries.        Linen, made from the fibres of the flax plant, is one of the oldest textiles in the world. Historians believe the flax plant was first domesticated in ancient Mesopotamia and discoveries of linen fabric have been found dating back many thousands of years.  The process of turning flax fibres into linen is a difficult and laborious one. The plant is temperamental and requires a great deal of attention during its growth and once ready for harvest it is a long process to extract the fibre from the stalk. In addition, flax fibres are not elastic, and therefore it is difficult ...

As we pass the official start of summer, our minds turn to thoughts of fun times in the sun! Whether your idea of summer is lounging at the seaside, touring a European city or going to the countryside.. fitting in time with a good book is just the thing to sate the soul and truly relax and unwind. Here’s a list of our top books to read this summer- from newly released to some older favourites- we’ve got you covered.     See What I Have Done, Sarah Schmidt If you love a true crime novel, this is the book for you. Following the story of Lizzie Borden accused of the gruesome murders of her father and stepmother in 1892, Schmidt retells this notorious unsolved mystery. Taking you on a journey through the mind of a murderer and into the heart of a family devoid of love, this book is a chilling and unsettling and yet impossible to put down.     City of Girls Elizabeth Gilbert From the author of the much loved, Eat, Pray, Love comes a new novel that is bound to enthrall. The perspective has shifted, from Liz Gilbert to 95 year old Vivien as she reflects on her youth ...

Summer is the best time of year to enjoy the beauty of the UK’s natural landscape and what better way to do that, than to explore its waters. Wild swimming has gained popularity in recent years as swimming pools become busier and people search for a deeper connection with nature by finding clean rivers and lakes to enjoy. Imagine a beautiful stream surrounded by verdant greenery where the only sounds are the babbling water and the song of the birds. We’ve put together 5 of our favourite places to go wild swimming and enjoy pure tranquillity. 1. The River Stour, Fordwich, Kent The River Stour offers beautiful swimming opportunities with open areas where the river widens  and narrower points where the trees close in on the banks and small fish can be seen below. An easy access point is the Fordwich Arms in Fordwich where you can also have a spot of lunch after a dip in the river!   2. Waterfall Country, Breacon Beacons, Wales Waterfall Country or Coed-y-Rhaeadr as it is known in Welsh meaning, Wood of the Water, is a beautiful trail of waterfalls, west of Merthyr Tydfil. Start the trail in Pontneddfechan which has signposting for the ...

Whether you’re feeling blue or are just killing time, it’s always nice to come across uplifting words and images. Here at Les 100 Ciels we start our mornings following some inspirational accounts as a good way to kick start the day with some positive intentions.  We know the world at large may feel like a scary place, so if you need a little extra help feeling positive and inspired to brighten your mood, read through our list of the best motivational accounts to follow right now – to give yourself the daily dose of happiness and motivation you need!   @abeautifulmess A Beautiful Mess is a lifestyle company founded by sisters Elsie Larson and Emma Chapmano, focused on creating happiness through a homemade lifestyle. On the blog they share home decor projects, recipes, crafts, natural beauty and more!  If you are looking for some DIY inspiration, this is the right blog to follow!   @beautifuldestinations In need of some travel inspiration today? @beautifuldestinations posts new places to visit every day. Whether you’re planning a trip or just daydreaming, this account will have you taking a mental vacation far away from home.   @Iamthatgirl I am that girl is an epic ...

The intersection of colour, taste, texture and fabric   Fashion has always been a source of beauty, aesthetics and craftsmanship, and a natural extension of this is the sculptural and artistic forms that can food can take. Just like fashion, culinary trends develop season after season, with new colours, shades and textures. And just like a white shirt can be classic and timeless many dishes are go-to meals that are comforting, delicious or even evocative of childhood. This week, we explore this union of style and food and bring together some of our most loved Spring Summer 2019 styles with a selection of fresh and easy-to-cook recipes for the upcoming Spring period! Let us know what you think! Fritz Top Inspiring our Honey & mustard chicken skewers Instructions Cut the chicken into small pieces and cut off any fat. Place in a medium-to-large bowl. Add the mustard, honey, garlic, and salt & pepper to a bowl and stir until smooth. Pour it over the chicken. Refrigerate the chicken for at least an hour, preferably 2+ hours. If marinating overnight, cover it with plastic wrap. Once your chicken is done marinating, oil your grill’s grate and pre-heat it to high. Thread ...

Spot the purple clock! Join us on a journey through St Christopher’s Place, the home of the Les 100 Ciels flagship store. Tucked away from the crowds of Oxford Street, you find an eclectic collection of independent boutiques, bars and restaurants. With its pedestrianised streets and unique charm, St. Christopher’s Place is perfect for shopping and dining in true cosmopolitan style. We cannot help but stop by each shop window on the way to our store and be amazed by the beauty of the street itself. Located just behind Bond Street, you can explore the picturesque pedestrianised streets, where Victorian charm sits in harmony with contemporary style. Here are a few of our favourite spots you will find: Cafés:  Feya Café Feya is an elegant and contemporary café in the heart of Marylebone and is thoughtfully designed with marble, florals, and a stunning cherry blossom tree with brass butterflies. Hef Zahra Khan brings together her lifelong passion for baking and her love for art. Her thoughtfully designed menu offers a selection of salads, sandwiches, cakes, patisserie and beverages.   Ole & Steen A household name in their native Denmark, Ole & Steen’s all-day bakeries have taken London by storm since their first opening ...