FRENCH-INSPIRED STYLE, BEAUTY, TRAVEL & LIVING
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about How to Plan for Retirement: Simple Steps for Long-Term Peace of Mind. Retirement is easy to consider as a distant eventuality, something far removed from your bright and vibrant life as a young professional working to make headway in their career. But, thrilling and right …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about How to Spot Fashion Trends That Fit Your Personal Style. Staying up-to-date with fashion trends can be exciting, but trying to wear every trending piece rarely leads to a wardrobe that feels uniquely “you.” The secret is to recognize which trends truly reflect your personal …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about Love on the Links: 3 Reasons Why Golf is the Ultimate New Date Night. In recent years, the traditional ‘weekend getaway’ has turned into something far more sophisticated. Trendy couples are increasingly moving away from passive relaxation, opting instead for active breaks with a purpose. …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Important Things to Do Before You Travel: A Practical Pre-Trip Checklist. Travelling abroad is always exciting, but a successful trip depends on careful preparation before you even leave home. A little thoughtful preparation can turn travel from something slightly stressful into something genuinely pleasurable. For …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about Cosy Winter Treats Guide: Comfort Food and Drinks from Europe When the frost begins to bite, and the daylight fades into a soft, amber glow, our natural instinct pulls us toward comfort. Winter invites us to slow down, swap the rush of summer for the …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about The Top National Parks to Propose In for an Unforgettable Engagement. Choosing the right place to propose is a big decision, and nature can offer some of the most stunning and intimate settings. For couples who love travel, the outdoors, or simply the idea of …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about How to Sparkle in Sequins at Any Age. Sequins have long been associated with evening wear, parties, and special occasions — beautiful, yes, but often saved for “best.” For years, we were told that sequins were too much for daytime, too bold, too attention-seeking, or …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and our traditional French Recipes, this time we’re sharing the famous Galette des Rois Tradition and Recipe. You may have heard of the “Galette des Rois“, the delicious pastry served each year for Epiphany when one lucky person gets the “fève“. But what exactly is it? You may know …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about 5 Things You Need to Know Before Booking Your First European Walking Holiday. A gentle Sunday stroll through the park and a multi-day European walking holiday may both involve putting one foot in front of the other, but they are two very different experiences. On …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature where we are delving into Ten champagne cocktails to enjoy all year round (and especially this festive season). I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t like Champagne. It’s bubbly, happy and delicious, the perfect drink for any occasion, whether you are celebrating something or not. …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature where we are delving into the A to Z of French Food: Letter D – Delicious Dishes and Culinary Discoveries. French cuisine is world-famous for a reason, and that is because people took the time to experiment with recipes and developed techniques to make them better …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and our traditional French Recipes, this time we’re sharing the famous Duck à l’Orange: A Classic French Recipe. When people think of French cuisine, many things come to mind: boeuf bourguignon, ratatouille, croque-monsieur, French onion soup, escargots or even crème brûlée. But there is another dish that is seen …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about How to Slow Down during the Busy Season: The Art of a Peaceful Winter. The end of the year brings with it a lot of stress and anxiety, with projects ending at work, family arriving for the holidays, presents to buy for the kids, and …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Daily Choices That Add up to Better Skin. Beautiful skin isn’t the result of one miracle product — it’s the quiet accumulation of small habits that support your body from the inside out. The way you hydrate, sleep, eat, and care for your skin each …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about How to Keep Your Diamonds Clean and Sparkling. The festive season can often be incredibly hectic, which can be bad news for delicate jewellery. While you may want to bring your most dazzling diamond necklaces, rings, and bracelets out during the run-up to Christmas, it’s …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about Plan Your Festive Season Like a Pro: Simple Ways to Reduce Stress and Stay Organised. The holiday season can be one of the most joyful times of the year, but only if you plan for it. December can quickly become overwhelming between last-minute shopping, crowded …
If, like me, you have ever found yourself staring at the computer screen in frustration, wondering how the price of your airfare could have increased so much in the time it took you to make a cup of coffee, then this post about How to Get a Cheap Flight without stress is for you! I …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to Seven Unforgettable Luxury Hotels Around the World. The world is varied, and full of new experiences everywhere you look. While getting away from your home can be expensive, whether it be for a relaxing holiday, adventure, or anything in between, it’s always worth it There’s …
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 10 Chic Ways to Wear a Statement Coat This Winter. There is something undeniably magical about a statement coat. Long before we notice a bag, shoes, or even the outfit underneath, we notice a coat. It’s the first thing people see when you walk into …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about Garage Conversion Ideas: Five creative ways to turn your garage into a useful extension of your home. Have you ever wondered why the largest room in many homes is often packed with boxes, old paint tins, and rusty tools that haven’t been touched for years? …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about 5 Simple Home Upgrades That Make Your Space More Comfortable and Connected. There’s something refreshing about walking into a home that feels warm, inviting, and effortlessly functional. These days, comfort isn’t just about soft cushions or a fresh coat of paint — it’s also about …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Effortless Winter Style: Pieces That Turn Heads Without Trying. There’s something about winter that brings out a certain presence in people — a quiet confidence that stands out without effort. Maybe it’s the crisp air that makes everything feel cinematic, or maybe it’s the fact …
Over the years, living in France has taught me invaluable life lessons — from approaching style and travel to embracing beauty, lifestyle, and ageing gracefully. I first came to France more than 30 years ago, fully expecting to stay for just one year. But life, as it often does, had a different plan. What was …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and this article about Why Learning to Sail Is Becoming the New Luxury Travel Skill. Travel is evolving. While relaxing at a resort will always have appeal, modern travelers increasingly want something deeper—experiences that feel meaningful, skill-building, and connected to nature. Today’s new luxury is not just about where …
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 …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Black Friday: How to Prepare & Shop the Best Deals, with deals from some of my favorite brands. It’s that time of year when we start talking about and preparing the holiday season, and I am already thinking about decorating the Christmas tree and the …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Ten Ways to Wear a Belt. Belts are one of the most underrated accessories in a wardrobe. They quietly shape the body, refine an outfit, and bring structure to silhouettes that might otherwise feel loose or unfinished. They’re also one of the easiest and most …