How to Slow Down during the Busy Season
Health and Wellness Lifestyle

How to Slow Down during the Busy Season: The Art of a Peaceful Winter

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 …

Life Lessons from Living in France: Style, Travel, Beauty, Lifestyle, and Ageing Gracefully
My French Life

Life Lessons from Living in France: Style, Travel, Beauty, Lifestyle, and Ageing Gracefully

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 …

Europe’s Most Beautiful Christmas Markets
Destinations Travel

Europe’s Most Beautiful Christmas Markets: A Timeless Winter Travel Guide

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to Europe’s Most Beautiful Christmas Markets: A Timeless Winter Travel Guide. Christmas in Europe is a time for magical fairy lights, mulled wine, delicious pastries, midnight masses in gothic churches, Christmas wishlists, candle-lit evenings spent with family and friends, and of course –Christmas Markets. From charming …

Ten champagne cocktails to enjoy all year round
French Food and Drink My French Life

Ten champagne cocktails to enjoy all year round

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. …

A to Z of French Food : Letter D : daube
French Food and Drink My French Life

A to Z of French Food : Letter D – Delicious Dishes and Culinary Discoveries

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 …

Duck à l’Orange Recipe
French Food and Drink My French Life

Duck à l’Orange Recipe: A Classic French Dish

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 …

How to Keep Your Diamonds Clean and Sparkling
Style

How to Keep Your Diamonds Clean and Sparkling

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 …

Plan Your Festive Season Like a Pro
Lifestyle

Plan Your Festive Season Like a Pro: Simple Ways to Reduce Stress and Stay Organised

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 …

Romantic dinner in the Maldives
Destinations Travel

Seven Unforgettable Luxury Hotels Around the World

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 …

The Real Highlights of Latin America
Destinations Travel

The Real Highlights of Latin America Seen Through Luxury Private Tours

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 …

Garage Conversion Ideas: Five Creative Ways to Turn Your Garage Into a Useful Extension of Your Home
Homes and Gardens Lifestyle

Garage Conversion Ideas: Five creative ways to turn your garage into a useful extension of your home

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? …

5 Simple Home Upgrades That Make Your Space More Comfortable and Connected
Homes and Gardens Lifestyle

5 Simple Home Upgrades That Make Your Space More Comfortable and Connected

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 …

Effortless Winter Style
Style

Effortless Winter Style: Pieces That Turn Heads Without Trying

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 …

Learning to Sail is a great travel experience
Travel

Why Learning to Sail Is Becoming the New Luxury Travel Skill

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 …

Vancouver Island road trip: Exploring Victoria, Nanaimo & Tofino.
Canada Destinations North America Travel

Vancouver Island road trip: Exploring Victoria, Nanaimo & Tofino.

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 …

Christmas Markets in Paris
In and Around Paris My French Life

Christmas markets in Paris – The best festive experiences in the city of Light

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 …

Mardi Gras Around the World
Destinations Travel

Mardi Gras Around the World: How Different Cultures Celebrate

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 …

preparing and shopping the Black Friday Sales
Gift Guides Lifestyle

Black Friday: How to Prepare & Shop the Best Deals

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 …

Ten ways to wear a belt
Style

Ten Ways to Wear a Belt: Chic, Sustainable Style Tips for Every Outfit

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 …

How to Elevate a Simple Outfit With Texture and Fit
Style

How to Elevate a Simple Outfit With Texture and Fit

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about How to Elevate a Simple Outfit With Texture and Fit. There’s something so wonderful about being able to just get dressed without needing to think it through for ages before you do it, but still walking out of the door feeling (and looking) polished, confident …

Top Tips for a Holiday in Thailand - 7 cultural activities to add to your bucketlist
Asia Destinations Travel

7 Cultural Activities to Add to Your Thailand Bucket List

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about 7 Cultural Activities to Add to Your Thailand Bucket List. Thailand’s beauty goes far beyond its picture-perfect beaches and ornate temples. The real heart of the country reveals itself through its traditions, rituals, flavours, and the warm hospitality woven into everyday life. To truly understand …

The Marais, Paris : a guide to the 4th arrondissement
In and Around Paris My French Life

The Marais, Paris : a guide to the 4th arrondissement

Whenever speaking of Paris, the Marais seems to be a word that hangs on everyone’s lips — sounding like a mysterious, trendy and maze-like area. That is exactly what the neighbourhood offers, with cobbled-stoned streets leading to hidden courtyards and secret squares. Because of this, I believe that the Marais truly captures what the city …

Five Reasons to Wear Cashmere
Style

Five Reasons to Wear Cashmere: The Timeless, Sustainable Wardrobe Staple Every Woman Needs

Today, I want to share five compelling reasons to wear cashmere, along with expert style tips, care advice, and guidance on choosing sustainably sourced pieces. Some fabrics whisper elegance, and cashmere is one of them. Long before “quiet luxury” became a trend, French women were wearing cashmere sweaters as part of their winter uniform — …

Aachen Christmas Market: Germany’s fairytale festivities near the French border
Destinations Europe Germany Travel

Aachen Christmas Market: Germany’s fairytale festivities near the French border

If you are a fan of the festive season, chances are you have already heard of Aachen, the stunning medieval city in western Germany, nestled between the borders of France and Belgium and you may also have heard of the Aachen Christmas Market.  For those of you who don’t know the town, imagine a city …

wear a bold print
Style

How to Wear a Bold Print: Timeless Style Tips for Wearing Prints With Confidence

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about How to Wear a Bold Print. Wearing a bold print can transform your outfit instantly, express personality without saying a word, and bring a sense of playfulness to even the most classic wardrobe. But many women tell me they feel unsure about wearing prints — …

Christmas at Le Majestic Cannes
French Hotels and Restaurants My French Life

The Art of Celebrating Christmas French Style at Le Majestic Cannes

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about The Art of Celebrating Christmas French Style at Le Majestic Cannes. Every December, the Croisette glows with a special kind of magic — a blend of winter light, Riviera warmth, and the effortless glamour that defines Cannes. At the heart of it all, Hôtel Barrière …

Why Yacht Holidays Are the Ultimate Luxury Escape
Travel Travel Tips

Why Yacht Holidays Are the Ultimate Luxury Escape

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Why Yacht Holidays Are the Ultimate Luxury Escape. Yacht getaways are the ultimate treat for anyone looking to combine luxury with a true sense of freedom. Rather than following the well-trodden path of regular holidays, a trip on a yacht lets you switch off from …

How a Cozy Café Menu Creates the Perfect Hangout Spot for Friends
Food and Drink Lifestyle

How a Cozy Café Menu Creates the Perfect Hangout Spot for Friends

Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about How a Cozy Café Menu Creates the Perfect Hangout Spot for Friends. There’s something irresistibly comforting about stepping into a cozy café. The moment you push open the door, the scent of freshly ground beans and the soft hum of conversation invite you to slow …