All posts filed under: Critiques

LUXURY PRODUCTS AND EXPERIENCES WE LOVE

Is SWERVE Fitness the Spinning Studio of the Future?

Published by Pamela Thomas-Graham

We’re kicking off our Winter Wellness series here at Dandelion Chandelier this week. The start of a new year always seems to involve health-related resolutions: earnest vows to get and stay in shape, to eat healthier, to take time to improve our mental well-being – and also to get more sleep. It all seems within reach in early January, but some of us have already thrown in the towel by mid-month. To try to avoid a repeat of that annual cycle, we’ll be investigating the latest research on wellness and weight loss; visiting a cool new fitness studio; checking into a couple of great destination spas; and investigating wellness-focused resources of all kinds. First up? A New York boutique fitness studio that can help you get and in stay in shape, keep your weight in check, introduce you to some new friends, and also advance your career and build your professional network. Sounds impossible, you say? We’ve got one word for you, dear reader: SWERVE.

Can Art Ever Capture the True Spirit of the Sea?

Published by Pamela Thomas-Graham

Is it possible for an artist to capture the essence of the ocean? Its mystery, texture, and movement? Its fantastical and majestic denizens? The smell of it, the saltiness of it, the awe that it inspires? A gifted and hard-working visionary can take those elements and viscerally bring them into even the most earth-bound environments. Jennifer Clifford Danner is one such talent. We visited her studio recently to view her work and hear her story, and we were swept away.

How to Talk Sports: Time to Get Smart on College Football

Published by Pamela Thomas-Graham

The American College Football Playoffs are almost here, and you know what that means. People talking to you (or around you) about a sport that you don’t know (and don’t care) anything much about. Some of those people might even be important to you: like maybe your boss, your secret crush, your next-door-neighbor, your spouse, your in-laws, or the person sitting next to you on a really long plane ride.  Should you find yourself in that situation, fear not. You just need to learn a new language: you need to learn how to talk sports. And we got you.

a visit to the original miracle on ninth christmas bar

Published by Pamela Thomas-Graham

Where is the best place for a sophisticated artisanal cocktail that incorporates the flavors and scents of the season? One that also exudes a laid-back, remember-when-we-were-kids, holiday-TV-special kind of vibe? Does such an establishment actually exist? Yes, Virginia. It’s a Christmas miracle. Literally. It’s Miracle on Ninth Street at Mace in New York City. And also over 50 other “Miracle” bars in the US, Canada, Europe, Central America and Asia. We paid a visit to the original Miracle on Ninth Christmas bar and interviewed the founder. We also did a taste test, and basically got our Santa on. So. Much. Fun!

How to Do Paris at Christmas like a Luxury Insider

Published by Pamela Thomas-Graham

If you decide to visit Paris during the holiday season in pursuit of your own magical experience, what should you be sure to do? We asked our Paris Bureau Chief  to share his absolute favorite Christmas activities in The City of Light. What follows are his (lightly edited) recommendations based on his years of experience. Here’s how to have a luxury Christmas in Paris.