French-Inspired Living, Wherever You Are
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Black Friday 2026: A Guide to Shopping Smarter and more Thoughtfully, with practical tips and my favourite retailers for style, beauty, jewellery and home. As the festive season approaches, Black Friday is a good opportunity to start thinking about Christmas gifts, find a few thoughtful …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature where we are delving into the A to Z of French Travel Gems: Letter B – Basque Beaches, Burgundy Barrels & Beguiling French Escapes Beautiful places, personal discoveries and the France I love — from Banyuls-sur-Mer to Bourges. Letter A took us from the Alps to …
The Art of Elegance is often associated with the way we dress, the places we visit or the things we surround ourselves with. We picture beautifully tailored clothes, a thoughtfully arranged home, a leisurely lunch in the sunshine or a life that seems to move at a gentler pace. And while these things can certainly …
Just 40 minutes from Calais, the fortified town of Bergues makes a charming and easy day trip in northern France. Perhaps best known internationally as one of the main filming locations for the much-loved French comedy Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis (or ‘Welcome to the Sticks‘), Bergues has plenty to offer beyond its connection with the …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature with our Top Ten Tips to Look Elegant on a Budget: A French-Inspired Guide. Elegance isn’t a question of how much you spend. In fact, some of the most stylish women I admire have never been particularly interested in wearing the most expensive clothes in the …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and The Velvet Edit October 2026: The Art of Everyday Elegance. Elegance isn’t something you buy. It’s something you cultivate. October invites us to turn our attention back towards the everyday. The long, unhurried days of summer have passed, the first signs of autumn are appearing, and life begins …
Introducing The Velvet Guide to France: French Travel · French Food · French Lifestyle · The Pleasures of Discovering France There is always more to discover in France. Beyond the familiar landmarks and well-trodden destinations, there are beautiful towns, regional specialities, characterful hotels, quiet corners, memorable meals and simple pleasures that reveal a different side …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and our guide to A Long Weekend on Arcachon Bay: An Atlantic Itinerary for the Slow Traveller. For those embracing a slower return after the summer holidays, Arcachon offers the perfect reminder that September can be one of the best months to explore France. As summer crowds begin to fade, France’s Atlantic …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature where we are delving into the A to Z of French Travel Gems: Letter A – Alpine Lakes, Atlantic Shores & Alluring French Escapes Beautiful places, personal discoveries and the France I love — from Agen to Azay-le-Rideau France has no shortage of famous destinations. Paris, …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, where we are exploring Why September Is the New January: The French Art of La Rentrée. Everyone talks about January as though it is the great moment for a reset. New year, new you. A new version of ourselves, preferably healthier, more organised and considerably more productive than the …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway with our tips about How French Women Transition to Fall: Effortless Style Tips for the Changing Season. This post was originally published in 2016 and completely rewritten in September 2026 with new styling advice, practical tips and a more intentional approach to seasonal dressing. There’s a particular moment, every …