French-Inspired Style, Beauty & Living
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a historic neighborhood, located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. On the Left Bank of the Seine, the 6th arrondissement is often seen as the more polished neighbour of the Latin Quarter, but it has a personality entirely of its own. With the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés at its heart, it feels effortlessly Parisian …
This guide to What to See and Do in Los Angeles was originally written after an extended stay and has since been thoughtfully updated to reflect the city as it is today — with a few new discoveries I would happily return to. What to See and Do in Los Angeles: A Local-Inspired Guide There …
There are certain cities that stay with you long after you leave, and for me, Los Angeles is one of them: This guide to where to eat and drink in Los Angeles was originally written after an extended stay in Los Angeles and has been thoughtfully updated to reflect the city as it is today. …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this guide to what to do on a week-end in Lisbon. I’ve lightly updated this Lisbon guide in 2026 as part of my evolving City Guides collection, keeping it fresh, practical, and easy to follow. A week-end in Lisbon Lisbon is a beautifully atmospheric city, known for its …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Tips For Road Tripping Around the UK. Road trips are a fantastic way to experience the diversity and beauty of Britain. From rolling countryside and rugged coasts to historic towns and cities, Britain offers endless possibilities for an amazing road trip experience. But no “successful” …
The Latin Quarter in Paris is one of those places that looks exactly how you imagine it; or rather, it looks just like you imagine Paris to be! And that is because it is one of the oldest districts in the capital city. Tucked along the Left Bank of the Seine, the 5th arrondissement is …
Coffee in Paris is experienced differently. People don’t rush around with a paper cup on the way to work; they sit on a terrace and enjoy a quiet start to their day. And yet, the French capital has never had a strong reputation for great coffee. Hear me out. Paris is famous for its café …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to the 10 Best Places for Winter Sun, by Senior Editor, Hannah REES. As the weather turns colder and the rain seems to become a permanent feature of the landscape, many wish to leave the winter for another taste of summer. This is especially true in …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to The Real Highlights of Latin America Seen Through Luxury Private Tours. Latin America is one of the most diverse regions in the world, shaped by Indigenous cultures, European influence, dramatic geography, and a pace of life that changes with every country. It has a way …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about a Vancouver Island road trip: Exploring Victoria, Nanaimo & Tofino. When people hear Vancouver Island, they often picture historic harbours, misty forests, quaint surf towns, and wild beaches… and that is exactly what the island delivers ! So whether you are drawn to the call …
Paris is always a good idea—even more so when the festive season draws nearer and the entire city transforms into a winter wonderland. As soon as the spooky season is over and the weather turns colder, festive decorations and twinkling lights begin to appear throughout the city. A few weeks later, as November ends, Christmas …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to Mardi Gras Around the World: How Different Cultures Celebrate. Mardi Gras has many names worldwide—Carnival in Italy and Brazil, Fasching in Germany, or Pancake Day in the UK. Whatever the name, it’s all about one last big celebration before the start of Lent. It’s a …