People…who read People…are the luckiest people at the National Portrait Gallery

February 4, 2012

LONDON, UK – It’s no wonder that the term “tabloid” originated in London. Before compromising photos of the Beckhams and Amy Winehouse were splashed all over The Sun, common Londoners were preoccupied with famous personalities, royal and otherwise. At the National Portrait Gallery, which features paintings and photos of illustrious… (more)

The pearly gates of beauty at Dorchester Spa

January 8, 2012

LONDON, UK – They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but after a trip to the Dorchester Spa, you might just change your preference to pearls. After going through a fab, multi-million pound makeover, the opulent Art Deco spa emerged as one of the most glam in London. Case… (more)

The Purple Passport’s eBook Guides to London and Paris Have Arrived!

October 24, 2011

LONDON, UK and PARIS, FRANCE – We at The Purple Passport are delighted to announce the launch of our eBook travel series with our two inaugural guides, The Purple Passport to London and The Purple Passport to Paris. Designed for on-the-go travelers and locals, these guides package our handpicked recommendations in… (more)

Get grilled, Indian style, at Amaya

October 15, 2011

LONDON, UK – Calling a restaurant “hot” is almost a cliché these days, overused as the adjective is to describe any of-the-moment darling of the culinary scene. But there’s no way to sidestep that descriptor when it comes to Amaya, a contemporary Indian spot in Knightbridge that’s hot through and… (more)

One singular sensation at One Aldwych

October 9, 2011

LONDON, UK- In all my world travels, there are few hotel properties I’ve visited where I wouldn’t change a thing.  Even at the most fabulous and luxurious digs, there’s always a little something that rubs me the wrong way, be it the noise of an elevator, the lack of a… (more)

Posh digs at the Pelham Hotel

October 2, 2011

LONDON, UK–When I’m visiting London by myself, the Pelham is one of my lodgings of choice for two reasons. One, the oh-so-cozy rooms are just a little *too* cozy for two, but cozy (in the good sense!) for one. And two, even after just one night, the whole staff knows… (more)

An ocean of whimsical curiosities at Octopus

August 15, 2011

LONDON, UK – Covent Garden is a true mecca for shopaholics and tourist types. The two-level market plays host to a plethora of eateries, street entertainers, and outlets that includes cutesy cupcake shops, tea palaces, and accessory-style boutiques. If nothing else, living in London for four months taught me that… (more)

Reliving the Royal Wedding at the Buckingham Palace

July 27, 2011

LONDON, UK – Just three months after the whole world watched Kate Middleton say her vows in a stunning Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen wedding gown, said dress was snapped up by Buckingham Palace and put on display in the Royal ballroom for all to see—in person. Genius idea—the annual… (more)

Fab fabrics and other colorful curiosities at Liberty and Co.

July 17, 2011

LONDON, UK – Liberty and Co. is one of those London institutions that’s woven into the fabric of society — literally.  The iconic emporium known for its extravagant and eccentric fashions and furnishings has been around since 1875.  Its wide range of clientele, from genteel ladies to edgy fashionistas and… (more)

Selfridges, London’s rock star department store, ages well

July 10, 2011

LONDON, UK – When rock stars grow old, things can go one of two ways.  Some of those sex icons who agitated youth culture in their younger years mature into seasoned, sophisticated performers in later decades (case in point: Sting).  Others, unfortunately, go the way of Keith Richards, still parading… (more)