The Fashion Informer

Vacation, Here I Come!

TFI is going on hiatus for a few weeks. I'll be back in time for New York Fashion Week with spring 2013 designer previews, Fashion Week coverage here and on Rue La La, and so much more.  See you then—and enjoy the rest of your summer! (And how cute is this illustration by my pal, Lana Frankel? She rocks!)





illustration by Lana Frankel, top by Cardigan

Chic Getaways: James Rosenthal

Whether she's headed to Mexico or Morocco, stylist James Rosenthal always packs her Made Her Think medicine bag and vintage Linda Farrow shades.

Chic Getaways: John Bartlett

The Nook, Citarella French roast coffee and his hubby John Esty are menswear designer John Bartlett's don't-leave-home-without-'em travel must-haves. 

Chic Getaways: Erin Fetherston

Malaysia and Tuscany make Erin Fetherston's favorite getaways list. In her suitcase: SPF 100, Scrabble and her LWD (Little White Dress).

Chic Getaways: Richard Chai

It's all about Bahia, Brazil and Fabien Baron sunglasses for Richard Chai's dream destination.

Chic Getaways: Sinje Lesemann

KOZA founder Sinje Lesemann knows about hitting the road in style, from her signature Rajani Travel Tote to her collection of colorful shawls and pareos. Next stop: Miami Swim Week by way of Cowley Manor in the Cotswolds.

Chic Getaways: Peter Som

From The Standard in Miami to his house on Fire Island, it's all about sun and surf for Peter Som.

Chic Getaways: Jeisa Chiminazzo

Sunscreen and her favorite shades are must-haves in model Jeisa Chiminazzo's carry-on. First stop: The One&Only resort in the Maldives.

photo courtesy Sports Illustrated

Chic Getaways: Norma Kamali

Norma Kamali likes to travel light, with just her All-In-One dress, olive oil and her guy.

Chic Getaways: Lucy Sykes Rellie

Lucy Sykes Rellie's idea of a great vacay involves her family, Harbour Island and Clark's Botanicals Lip Tint.

Chic Getaways: Gretchen Jones

From Sonoma to South America, designer Gretchen Jones knows how to hit the road in style.

Chic Getaways: Lorenzo Martone

The three Bs (St. Barts, Burma and Bellport) top Lorenzo Martone's fave getaways list.


 

Chic Getaways: Victoria Bartlett

Costa Rica, scented candles and an escape from civilization are all on the summer travel agenda for VPL's Victoria Bartlett.

Chic Getaways: Daryl Kerrigan

It's all about shea butter, leather shorts and India for designer Daryl K.

Chic Getaways: Costello Tagliapietra

For the busy boys of Costello Tagliapietra, there's no place like home for the summer holidays.

Chic Getaways: CJ Richards

Model CJ Richards's perfect summer plans, revealed.

Chic Getaways: Nicole Miller

In today's Chic Retreats: Escape in Style column, Nicole Miller tells us all about her dream vacay.

Chic Getaways: Vivienne Tam

In the first installment of my new Chic Getaways: Escape in Style series (which originally ran on Rue La La in June), I talk to Vivienne Tam about her favorite summer getaway and her top travel must-haves.


 

Chic Getaway: Dahlonega Spa Resort

 

Say the words "yoga retreat" and most people immediately conjure up images of Costa Rica or Maya Tulum, the latest hotspot among the fashion cognoscenti. Few probably think Atlanta, Georgia.  

Fools be them. For just 90 minutes North of the ATL, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, lies the historic gold-rush town of Dahlonega, outside of which you'll find the exceptionally picturesque and extremely laid back Dahlonega Spa Resort, which boasts some of the prettiest scenery—and best yoga classes—around. Part of R&R Pure Vida Resorts, which also has properties in…wait for it…Costa Rica and Maya Tulum, Dahlonega is a whole lot less intimidating for moderate-level yoga lovers such as myself—and it's a whole lot easier to get to from New York City. 

A recent five-day trip went something like this: Wake up in one of the resort's upscale-rustic cabins and toddle up to the main house for a delicious breakfast (omelets, French toast, yogurt/granola/fruit parfaits), served on the wraparound porch overlooking the 72-acre property's expansive front lawn. Follow with a meditative stroll in the Walking Labyrinth and a yoga class led by one of several top-notch instructors (with a special shout out to Sandy Osieja and Chris Sartain), some late morning lounging (outdoor Jacuzzi, anyone?), another delicious meal at lunch and an afternoon of hiking or kayaking on the nearby Chestatee River—or just lying around doing nothing at all. Then it was on to the spa for a daily massage (or wrap or scrub or facial), another yoga class if the mood struck, and a yummy dinner (including some of the tastiest free range chicken I've ever eaten) finished off with homemade ice cream for dessert. It was, in other words, healthy and active without beating the deprivation-is-good-for-you drum (and while I was chuffed to see wine on the menu, it all came from local vintners, whose offerings aren't quite in line with the rest of the spa's high-quality fixins).  

But that was a minor quibble in an otherwise spectacular getaway—and one look at the rolling meadows and Blue Ridge Mountains rising mistily in the distance, and you'll agree that "spectacular" is not hyperbole but a plain statement of fact. Oh, and the local chocolate was pretty spectacular, too (I'm looking at you, Fudge Factory). Because woman cannot live on asanas alone.


Dahlonega Spa Resort offers a variety of yoga retreats and special packages year-round. Visit their website or call 866-345-4900 for details.

TFI on Rue La La: Chic Eats in Philadelphia

I discovered a slew of terrific restaurants during a recent visit to Philadelphia, and just had to share the best of the bunch. Belly up to the bar at Amada, Barbuzzo, Fork, Twenty Manning and Zavino for some seriously savory fare. You can thank me later.