Holiday Dress Ups! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Lausanne, Switzerland was getting all gussied up for Christmas as I was leaving there just before Thanksgiving. On the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is yet another Swiss town I would have liked to spend at least a week exploring, getting to know the ups and downs of its hilly streets, popping in to art galleries, museums and of course fashion hunting!

(They had an unusual snowstorm last month. Rare, because Lausanne is lakeside and with its balmy weather, it usually doesn’t experience snow accumulation. Check it out on Youtube. Those pillars dripping in white lights is the entrance to the Lausanne Palace & Spa–swank!)

I, however, had to head back to New York to jump back in to all things work and domestic. The luxurious trip back on Swiss Business gave me plenty of time to rest up for the crazy Christmas season approaching. What’s better than to spend a day in bed watching movies while charmingly accommodating, impossibly spiffy people provide you with outstanding service! It felt like my seat was my own little ultra-hip apartment. Everything essential was bedside and anything else I needed or wanted was “delivered.” Including Swiss wine and chocolates of course.

Back in New York I approached my clients with a “Holiday House Call” idea; I would put together a couple of fancy outfits using their own wardrobe and accessories to prep for holiday parties. These have been quick visits, and this elf has had a blast playing big-girl dress ups with party clothes. Sequins? Yes. Bobbles and beads? Yes. We channeled Coco, a little Marilyn and some Garbo. I grabbed for silvers and golds and those wonderful jewel tones so fine this time of year. Often, more was better. The Holidays generally aren’t for shy dressers, unless you’re doing that androgynous tux look–always in style, but you must add a red rose, if not to your lapel, then your hair...

Switzerland, Day Trip, Vevey, Montreux

MyStylist Travel Advisory

Were To Go

Vevey! As I mentioned in my last blog, Vevey, Switzerland is an incredibly charming town to wonder round, especially in what is known as the “Old Village.” It is one hour from Geneva’s international airport, accessible by train and bus and perfect for an afternoon of shopping, cheese smelling and tasting or chocolate browsing and buying.

What to do

Ever on the look out for out-of-the-ordinary shops, I found two in the Old Village that should be part of any “fashion” day trip to Vevey. Un Air De Famille, Rue du Conseil 5, is a stylish vagabond’s paradise. The clothes are alternative; almost costume, modern and antique at the same time, touches of whimsy and flavors of “the homemade.” You don’t have to be a fashion hound to appreciate the merchandising. Anyone with a love for antiques or Victorian attics will loose themselves. Expect to discover designers: Myrine & Me, NOA NOA and Ewa iWalla–very cool.

Your next stop should be Balthazar, 32, rue du Lac. The store’s colorful, kid-like pop-art merchandise screams “Come and see!” Proprietor Valerie Jobin lives above the store. Her decidedly cheerful buying choices stand out on a street that sets a more serious fashion tone. It’s fun. Check it out.

What to wear

Considering you are right on the lake (Geneva), dress warmer than you might think. Avoid small pointy heals–cobblestones! And dress comfortably elegant–I threw on a wool shawl, grey cords and a big chunky necklace.

What to eat

See my last blog post for the place we picked. Both restaurant and chocolate shop, Poyet fulfilled my Swiss fantasy of relaxing in a cozy spot near Lake Geneva, coffee and cookie en route to mouth!

What else

This area, encompassing the Swiss towns of Montreux and Vevey, is called the Swiss Riviera for its microclimate. The vegetation is varied; palm trees, pines and pansies occupy the same space. A walking path along the lake connects Montreux and Vevey. Get on it, if even for a short stroll.

Note: Montreux Vevey Tourisme offers the Montreux Riviera Card, a discount card worth investigating.

This time of year the “Montreux Noel” is ringing Christmas bells! Considered the finest Christmas market in Switzerland, chalets erected along the quays and the Grand-Rue are enchantingly decorated to welcome visitors and make them swoon with Christmas nostalgia.

Fellow travel dude, Ramsey Quebein and I discover Vevey.

Follow Ramsey for daily travel tips on Twitter.

The Stylish Swiss Old Lady

When I’m older, I’d like to be Swiss. They are stylish bread, the Swiss old lady. She’s got her sturdy shoes; low heals, just heavy enough to withstand cobblestones, but not too clunky, junky. Her hosiery is sensible too, slightly thick for support and warmth. The calf length skirt she wears of a wool blend in an understated grey, camel or hunter, coupled with a cardigan or turtleneck are stylish choices meant to withstand time. She’s not changing her look from season to season, year to year. Then there is the scarf, silk, useful, beautiful.

I saw several of these iconic matrons during my trip to Switzerland last week. They impressed me mostly because they make such an effort to be “put together,” tidy, which is really the first step toward looking and feeling good.

One restaurant slash chocolate store in Vevey, Switzerland called Poyet, seemed to attract a well-dressed set, including my old-lady ideal. I wanted to know everyone’s story. The old man with the teenager, the elderly lady with bright orange hair and lipstick to match, the man with the velvet jacket reading the paper–they all had a tale. What’s more they seemed to be taking time to actually just sit, stare, listen and sip. It was a Tuesday afternoon almost rush hour, but no one was in a hurry.

Unfortunately, I couldn't surreptitiously grab a decent shot of any of these fine old ladies. So picture of the lovely Poyet and its chocolate will have to suffice.

Why not grab a silk scarf, slip into a straight long skirt, low heals and some pearls. Be traditional, worldly and timeless right now...A few suggestions below.

Swiss Matron Look

Mid-length Skirts by Jones New York
Pumps by Stuart Weitzman

I want to sip Lambrusco in Mantua.

Last week I was invited to an Italian Tourism event highlighting the region of Lombardy, it’s food, wine, fashion, art, architecture…You know, all that is yummy, luxurious, creative Italian. The take away for me–visit Mantua.

This provincial Capitol, in the southeast foot of the Lombardy region, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Palazzo Ducale, a labyrinth of churches, piazzas, gardens and porticoes was built over five centuries, from the 13^th to the 18^th. Visiting it would make a pleasant morning adventure. Followed by picnic procurement at the Farmer’s Market, perhaps a stand-up espresso and some scarpe (shoe) shopping (I’m in Italy, shoe shopping is a must!) and then a nap. Dinner might start with pumkin tortelli, a regional specialty and Lambrusco of course.

The next day I’d hit Mantua’s wine trail (perhaps part of it on horseback or bike), check out the cellars, enjoy merlot, pinot, cabernet sauvignon… In the evening, Opera? The Regoletto festival continues through October. One week left…

The New Made In Italy

The MSC Flagship Poesia was the venue for an Italian fete Saturday called "Italian Creativity On Board." I went with my pal Cindy Bigras a fellow GoNOMAD writer. She was speaking about Sardinia on behalf of the Italian Tourist board. I was basically working the crowd (largely Italian speaking), eating, drinking and being enticed once again to go to Italy. This time Piedmont was calling, the slopes in particular...

Luncheon was followed by a gorgeously lush fashion show by the acclaimed Italian designer Raffaella Curiel. Although she's been selling her work through Bergdorf's since 1965, this was her first American fashion show. It was divine.

Heading up town via orange Mini Cooper convertible to drinks on the rooftop of the Gansevoort was another welcome, "I love New York" moment. The Italians; they do know how to have a good time.

"Fall Fashion To Go"

I was given a dreamy assignment to write a fall fashion article for Travelgirl magazine. Obviously, the thrust of the article is what to wear “on the go.” Right down my fashion ally! Art Director Valerie Cassius Kessler did a fab job of laying out the piece and Julie Hoylen of Live In Full Color (see my blog roll) gave us some great color palettes for fall touring. The article should get you inspired to start packing. Travelgirl can be found on newstands: Boarders and Barnes and Noble and in all Delta Crown Rooms.

Below is a snippet from the article...

Boots Rule

Nothing says, “meet the streets” like a great pair of boots. I love the “danger girl” look of a spiky boot, but we’re talking touring here, so go with flat and functional.

• Wear them on the plane to save space in your bag.

• They should be relatively easy to get off and on. For a long plane ride, you’ll want to slip them off without sweating, grunting or elbowing your plane mate.

• Avoid lots of buckles, fringe, folds or stitching (too Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves).

• For travel choose sleek and simple to go everywhere and with everything!

Journey Worthy: Stuart

Weitzman 50/50 Boots

Keep Calm And Carry On A Scarf

Excerpt from my upcoming Travelgirl article on Style and Travel:

For function and style every journey begins with a scarf (or wrap!).

It’s always better to wrap up in cashmere than a poly airline blanket. My most adored wrap is by Jules Allen and it is Berry pink!

As for silk, perhaps it’s best to purchase a Gucci or Ferragamo scarf while in Italy or Hermes in Paris. It will become a coveted souvenir and immediate heirloom.

Fashion and beauty writer Molly Boxford suggests Echo scarves, “Once I’ve established a theme to my packing, I like to add an Echo scarf to pull together colors or looks.” Reasonably priced, they won’t gouge your trip spending stash.

I’m finding the half-scarf/half sweater numbers out this fall interesting. Wrap London does a few that look hip and cozy. Here's a sneak peak at one from their fall catalog–a great look for any field trip...