There have been a lot of changes in Zurich since I first moved here in 1999, pregnant with my now-thirteen years old daughter Sarah: Zurich is more open and more fun to live in, and decidedly more expat-friendly; there are events, blogs, and even a magazine  geared towards expats and Zurich’s international community, and altogether definitely more resources than I could have imagined just a few years ago.

One of these events is coming up, and it is geared specifically towards women: I am talking of course about the Women’s Expo.

It is no mystery that women are considered the world’s most powerful consumers, representing up to 85% of consumer spending; and lest someone be tempted to say “it’s all those bags and shoes”, let’s not forget that wives and mothers are, more often than not, the ones making purchasing decisions for an entire household – purchases that go from groceries to birthday gifts for kids and adults alike, from wardrobe items for all members of the family to all that goes into socializing and entertaining , and anything in between!

It is no surprise then, than more and more merchants try to appeal to the ladies of the household. Unfortunately not all merchants have the budget or the chance to do that on a regular basis. Until now, that is.

Lisa Mundembe-Chuma, creator of Inspirational Woman magazine and member of the Executive Committee of the Professional Women’s Group of Zurich, has organized an event that combines supporting local women-owned businesses with networking, information and shopping opportunities.

Let’s hear from Lisa herself:

Why the Women’s Expo?

I realized that more and more women in Switzerland are starting businesses. An event for women to connect, promote collaboration, showcase & promote their businesses and build new relationships made sense. So the Women’s Expo was born.

I wanted to create an environment where women in business throughout Switzerland come together to meet each other and also meet face to face with the public to promote & showcase their businesses as well as build new relationships amongst themselves and the public; an environment where the public of Switzerland has the opportunity to know and learn more about different products or services from their owners, ask questions and get responses, try new products and give feedback, discover new and exciting products & services, connect with new people and have fun.

What can visitors expect?

The day is going to be full of action, from shopping opportunities all the way to free flowing networking. It will also include health scans, massages, makeovers, product testing, art displays… all attendees will also be eligible for entry in special giveaways and will receive special discounts, and there will be free face painting for the kids. 

Do you have any tips for women who would like to start their own business, but are at a loss as to where to begin?

I would want to encourage women who are thinking of starting their own businesses to connect with other women currently in business and ask them questions so you can see, and most importantly learn, how others are doing it. I would also encourage them to start from where they are right now and grow from there. There is nothing like the perfect time.

It is also very important to have a clear vision of what you want to do and to know exactly what you are trying not to do, clarity is key in business. Have two or three trusted people that believe in your idea and accountability buddies because they will help you to keep your goals. I would also encourage them to come to the women’s expo and connect with the exhibitors, I believe the environment will be very inspiring.

The Woman’s Expo will take place on May 26, 2013 at the Kongresshaus Zürich, starting at 10 am.
Entry is free.

I’m almost afraid to say it for fear of jinxing it, but… IT’S SPRING! YAY!

I’m so glad the sun has finally come out and I can leave the house without piling on layer over layer to brave the cold. Instead, I now cannot get enough of color, and lighter neutrals paired with something fun, like maybe a touch of neon to brighten them up – ’cause it seems to me that the better the weather, the brighter our moods, and isn’t it fun to make our our clothes reflect that?

Still, one cannot just go out and blow a month’s salary on a new spring wardrobe. (Well, most of use shouldn’t, at least.) Does that mean we should feel deprived? I don’t think so.

Here are a few cute things that will bring some spring to your closet (and your step, likely!) without breaking the bank.

coral faux-leather jacket • military shirtdress • Kate Spade NY multi-strand necklace • chevron dress
Tarte make-up set • aqua clutch • ballet flats (more here)• ring • sandals

triangle necklace • fedora • scarf • pale pink necklace
pumps • ear studs • belt (skinny version here) • sunglasses • lace top

I have already ordered that atzec print scarf and three colored skinny belts, but I am craving even more color. I might give in and order the Francesca pump above, it’s such a great basic heel for spring and summer!

Tell me… what are you itching to add to your wardrobe this spring?

P.S. Have you entered the giveaway yet?

If you have discussed blog-monetizing options with me in the past, you know how picky I am. I have always preferred honest sponsored posts to ads, because I share what I think about a specific product, rather than endorsing the whole brand (unless I love it all!)

But probably due to the many less-than-honest, just-sucking-up-to-the-brand reviews out there, recently Google has implemented new webmaster guidelines, which penalize websites for sponsored posts and links. I don’t entirely agree, it feels a little like tossing the baby out with the bathwater, but there it is. So I started considering ads. And turned down several proposals, before I got one I was ok with.

And here’s why: as a curvy gal, I tend to have less options than the Skinny Minnies out there. And I have a problem with that. ‘Cause I like options. In fact, the more options the better, if you ask me. Free market, people!

So when a brand offers products that come in a variety of sizes and doesn’t, like many other brands, ostracize plus-size and curvier gals everywhere, they already get a big thumbs-up from me.

Why is why I am happy to provide a link to CamilleLingerie.uk. So that you, my slim friends, and you, fellow curvy gals, can both get cute lingerie and stick your tongue out at the overpriced VS stuff (which I have used for years, and have of late been less than pleased with.)

When I checked out the website, before deciding to take it on as a sponsor, I found several things I immediately wanted to add to my shopping cart:

• first of all, cute pjs. Because the words “comfortable” and “cute” shouldn’t be mutually exclusive.
• then, lingerie. That is not something you can forgo, no matter your size. But do we want to look like grandma left us her underpinnings?
  No.
  I like variety: something for everyday, something colorful, something a little sexy. And none of it should be grumpy and grandma-like, thank you very much.
• Next up, the dread-inducer: bathing suits! As if it wasn’t painful enough to shop for swimwear, the choices for curvy gals are often… ok, disappointing is one word to describe them, but incredibly depressing might be more accurate. So when you find a cute polka dot bikini that doesn’t inspire thoughts of moving to Antarctica just to avoid bathing suit situations forever, it’s completely understandable to feel relieved. (’cause I hate the cold more or less as much as I hate ugly bathing suits.)
• And last but not least: shapewear. Because while we may feel like joining Fergie and her fellow BIPs in a (granted, somewhat shallow) ode to our curves, we don’t want to be all bumpy and lumpy under that dress; you want to show off the right curves. At least I do.

So there. Now you know. Thoughts?

Before my recent cut while in Milan, I had been growing my hair out for the 2-3 years.

Long hair is a lot of work. You have to find a way to keep the length and ends nourished without ending up with an oily scalp. And if you use hairdryers, curlers or flat irons on a regular basis, or have curly or wavy hair, you also have to watch out for frizz. It can be a pain.

In recent years, argan oil has been touted as a miracle cure for most if not all hair woes. And yet, after trying quite a few brands of argan oil, I have found it all extremely disappointing. Talk about over-hyped. What was the problem, you say? Let’s see: the hair would get oily, but didn’t really seem nourished. There were no flyaways, but I also had to shampoo more often, which tends to dry out strands – in other words, a capital FAIL. (And yes, that includes the over-hyped, overpriced one with the blue label – you know the one – which is little more than a sticky, perfumey mess. )

But… then I came across Pura D’or. It said it was organic, free of fillers or additives. Huh, that might be worth a try. Interestingly, it also said it could be used on face and body, as well – but I brushed that off because frankly, if it did what it promised, it was a keeper and that was enough for me.

And lo and behold, this one delivered. Finally! Just a couple of drops, warmed up in my hands, were enough to fight frizz and keep my hair nourished even after using a flat iron. I was even able to turn that slightly wavy texture that has been driving me crazy has somehow morphed into those relaxed “beachy waves” I have been trying to get for a while.

I was in love.

So one day I also applied a drop to my hands, that were dry from the cold, and just with that one application, my hands  stayed soft for days.

Emboldened, I even tried some on my face – despite the fact that like most people with combination skin, I am leery of oils. Result: a few drops of Pura D’or on my face 3 times a week have made my skin more even in texture, despite the bitter cold it was subjected to this past winter.

Long story short: this is one product I plan on keeping on hand. Which is also why I am so excited to be able to share it with you!

Five lucky readers of Globetrotting in Heels will each win a set containing a 4-ounce bottle of Pura D’Or organic argan oil, and one bottle each of Pura D’or shampoo and conditioner (16 oz each).

Enter below, and good luck!

(U.S. addresses only, I’m afraid – international readers, hopefully we’ll find you something lovely soon!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Note: this is a sponsored giveaway but not a sponsored review. I had already posted a review for Pura D’or argan oil on Amazon.com (you can find it here) when I was offered the chance to host a giveaway. I only ever recommend products and items that I myself use and love, and this is one of them!

Ah, the belated Milan post. It has been three weeks, and already I want to go back.

Let me tell you: Milan is very unappreciated in Italy – many consider it too cold, too polluted, too congested, too chaotic. And it may be some of those things, but no more than any other city worth its salt.

When I lived there, I used to drive through the Centro Storico (historical center) in the middle of the night, when the traffic had quieted down and all I could see were the impressive buildings, statues and other structures, and I’d almost feel like I had gone back in time. I only lived there for a year, and maybe that’s why I never grew tired or became impassive to its beautiful churches, monuments and historical buildings, or jaded by the daily rote through the traffic and all that… be that as it may, I LOVE Milan. I love it, I missed it, and I was so incredibly happy to be back that I could hardly contain my excitement.

The sight of the Duomo as you come up the subway stairs or turn a corner into the piazza is enough to make you freeze in place and, for a moment, forget where you are and what year it is. It is definitely enough to make you tear up, or simply ooh and aah and thank your lucky stars for being there.

It definitely was enough for me – the first time, the second, and every time after that. And this time was no exception. One look at my face as I was coming up the stairs and the Duomo came into view, and my husband knew I would need some time. Time to look at everything, to shoot everything, to take it all in. Because there is so much to take in.

Even more so, since I decided to do something I had never done before: go up to the terrace.
I had been inside the Duomo many times, had seen the treasury, the royal jewels and the gold-threaded vestments, admired the windows

and the many beautiful details inside the cathedral

but I had never been up to the terrace.

It was no picnic: the wait for the ticket took a good 35 minutes, then the wait for the elevator another 20 minutes or so; and once up there the weather wasn’t exactly cooperating. But nothing, nothing could take away from the incredibly impressive architectural details, and from the feeling of being like Quasimodo, at home among the pinnacles and buttresses, finding friends among the characters carved in the stone.

It’s a peculiar feeling, walking on those narrow paths on top of the Duomo, so far above the rest of the city, and surrounded by all these amazing sculptures – “surreal” is the best word I can think of. Not even the presence of other tourists can take away from the magic, from the feeling that you are being let into something special, because nobody is really meant to be here, and you are so very, very lucky to be.

There are many places around the world that are held to be representative of something; be it a location of historical importance, or simply a great feat of engineering; be it an incredible view or an iconic landmark. I have been to some places I held in that regard: I have seen the Golden Gate bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge; I have walked through Central Park, saw Phantom of the Opera on Broadway and admired the Chrysler Building at night; I have walked down the steps in Piazza di Spagna and thrown coins in the Fontana di Trevi; I saw Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, took photos of my daughter at the foot of one of the lions in Trafalgar Square, and jumped up and down like a kid when I saw the Big Ben… I had so many amazing moments in each one of my trips; moments that took my breath away, that made me tear up and left me speechless, or smile like a fool and talk a hundred miles a minute out of sheer excitement.

And yet somehow, this unique, amazing feeling came over me while I was standing in my home country,  in a city I had lived in, in a structure I had seen before and loved from the very first moment… but never quite as much as just then.

There, surrounded by those marble spires and flying buttresses, I felt like I was on top of the world. I was exhilarated at the experience, and amazed and humbled by the beauty and the sheer skill that each and every detail showed.

It may seem strange to wax poetic about something like this, but if you could jump in my head for a moment and feel just how incredible it was, you’d be surprised at my restraint. Because if there ever was a time to say “I guess you had to be there”, this is it. You have to be there. Forget Cinque Terre, forget Venice, forget the Tour Eiffel: if you take one special trip this lifetime, make it to Milan; and make a point of going into the Duomo, and visiting it all, top to bottom – or rather, bottom to top, ’cause you should definitely leave the terrace for last.

And then you will likely find that even though you took the elevator (or the stairs) down and your feet landed at ground level, you might just be walking on cloud 9 for a few days.

You know Gwyneth Paltrow’s newsletter, goop?

It has gotten a lot of flack for its often unrealistic recommendations, but all in all I still find it a pretty good resource for ideas and inspiration, especially because it discusses a bit of everything: food, travel, fashion, parenting, fitness.

Unfortunately I have to agree with the naysayers that often Gwyneth’s recommended products are waaaay out of most people’s money range… like the latest Spring Edit, in collaboration with net-a-porter: it all looks fabulous… except for the price tags.

So what is a gal to do when it all looks so lust-worthy, but our wallet ran away screaming in terror as soon as we opened the page? Use it as inspiration, that’s what.

So I came up with a budget-friendly version of my favorite outfits from Gwyneth’s Spring Fashion Edit – so go on, get goop-y!

Outfit 1.
Gwyneth says: “This is one of our favorite trends, bringing punk into our daily wardrobe with leather pants and jackets and studded accessories.”

tunic • jacket • clutch • heels • paneled jeans • spiked bracelet • cuff

Outfit 2
“Bring both tailored shorts and pastels into your daytime basic attire.”

batwing top • nude lipgloss • chain-strap bag • tailored shorts • shirt • bangle • brogues

Let’s make the next one plus-size-friendly, shall we?

Outfit 3
“Perfect for work, team an eye-catching and colorful skirt with your workwear basics.”

necklace • skinny belt • boots • dress • cardi • watch + bangle set • iPad case

Outfit 4
“Wear shorts with a sheen for a nighttime occasion.”

earrings • box clutch • brocade shorts • silk top • pumps • ring

So there.

Thank you goop, for the inspiration! But when it comes to real life… we’ll take it from here.

All images via Pinterest.

I always make an effort to give credit to the original artist, but this time I couldn’t find the source for any of these images. If you recognize any of them, please let me know so I can give proper credit!

It’s been a long time coming.

After all the green smoothies and health talk, a juice cleanse was clearly in the cards. I had been wanting to try the Blueprint Cleanse ever since I first heard of it, but I just couldn’t make up my mind to do it while I was still in New York, and once we left, well, that was that.

Besides, I just didn’t feel ready. Me, with the tendency to disordered eating and the blood sugar issues, drink juice all day? Didn’t seem like a good idea.

Until recently. Until just a few days ago, in fact. I have been juicing and making green smoothies and eating clean for the past few weeks, but I suprised even myself when, upon hearing of Jason Vale’s Big Juice Spring Clean, I realized that Hey, I think I’m ready. Yup, I’m going to do it!

I established a few ground rules. I told myself that I would give it a good chance, but if it felt like too much I would ease off it. Because I have experienced way too many times that awful thing where I restrict myself too much, and then it just backfires in the most spectacularly horrid way.

Sooo… fast-forward to today, Day 3. I have had only juice until dinner, then a bowl of veggie soup, for the past three days. And I feel fantastic! So good in fact, that it’s a little shocking. I know this is because I was ready both mentally and physically, and because I am keeping it flexible and really listening to my body, but still… it’s amazing that I feel so good and that I am not starving, cranky and daydreaming about driving to the closest bakery and going all Cookie Monster on their entire stock.

Instead, I am in a good mood, I’m sleeping well, I have more energy than I have had in ages, and I am enjoying some delicious juices. Here are a couple of recipes, so you can try them for yourself. Stella has been trying them too and these were her favorites, so feel free to share them with your tots!

So what do you do if you want to do a juice cleanse? Here are a few tips:

1. Prepare your body and minimize detox symptoms by skipping processed foods and drastically cutting down on sugar and caffeine for a week. Drink a lot, too: shoot for half your body weight in ounces (160 lbs = 80 fl oz).

2. Do some research. There are tons of juice cleanses that you can get delivered to your door. There’s Suja, which is all-organic and available at more and more Whole Foods locations; there’s JuiceRx, which might just have you instantly charmed at those adorable bottles and the delicious-sounding mixes; there’s Urban Remedy, with its appealing juice recipes and it’s educational website, so you know why each and every ingredient is good for you; there’s the Canadian Juice Cleanse, which includes blue-green algae in one of their concoctions… lots of choice.

If you opt for the homemade version, check out this post, which breaks down the juices in the Renovation Cleanse, the mildest of those available at Blueprint. Or you might do what I did and simply buy a juice recipe book (or an app!), and create your own blends.

3. Try to schedule your cleanse at a time when you can get enough sleep and won’t have, say, a dinner party for 20 in your own home.

4. Get ready to play it by ear. You might need extra sleep, you might need to lay off heavy exercise, or you might suddenly get up and be ready for a run. Don’t be too demanding on your body, it’s already working quite hard!

5. Last but not least, reintroduce solid foods gradually after the cleanse. Vegetable soups, green smoothies, a little lean protein, simply prepared, are all good choices. Keep the quantities small at first, to give your body a chance to re-adjust to solid food. A good probiotic and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with water before your meals will help with that.

I hope you found this useful!

And hey, even if a juice cleanse doesn’t appeal to you, maybe give the juice recipes a try and tell me what you think, ok?

From the right, top to bottom: Rachel Zoe, $99; Banana Republic, $98; Seychelles, $85;
Bloch, $89;  CWonder, $98; Rachel Zoe, $99 (on sale from $235!); Lucky Brand, $47; Nine West, $61.

The travel strike is over! I have a few fun trips scheduled for this year. I can’t wait to go back to Milan this weekend, visiting Berlin in May and having a few day trips to Lausanne. Then there’s Sardinia in July, and probably London in the fall.

I am looking forward to walking around and doing some exploring… but in my experience that is always better accomplished in comfortable shoes. And since my Revas have succumbed to the high-pressure job that is being in my regular rotation, I have no great ballet flats to resort to. Must.Fix.Immediately!

The criteria: they must be leather or suede, they must be priced under $100, and of course they must be cute (duh.)

Here are the ones that fit the bill the best. I am having trouble picking one. What do you think?

Kerri and I met online a couple of years ago, when I happened upon her Etsy shop and was enchanted by the boho, breezy feel of her beautiful jewelry. Her designs captured that very special feeling of being one with the sunlight and the waves, and I have been a fan of hers since. She is gorgeous, talented, and very kind, and she never fails to inspire me. She is the kind of creative spirit I was picturing when I first came up with the concept behind Sunday Trippin’, so it was just natural that she would finally be featured!

1. If you could pick a destination to travel to right now, what would it be and why?

I am planning a trip to Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara is a gorgeous coastal town located on the west coast of California. I’ve been once before and can’t wait to visit again. Santa Barbara is a beautiful mix of old Spanish California architecture, eclectic boutiques, delicious eateries, and some of California’s best surfing.

2. What 5 essentials from your wardrobe/home would you bring with you?

I love a casual-chic style. I would start with my five essentials, jeans, cool sandals, a standout clutch, aviators and a basic tee, and then, of course, I would take along a ton of jewelry and accessories. For me, that what gives a wardrobe of good quality basics unique personality.

3. What item would you buy before the trip to take with you?

I currently have my eye on a military jacket. Something casual that you can throw on over jeans or belt over a flowy maxi dress. I love the details on this jacket from Free People.

4. The last quotable thing you heard or read, and why did it leave an impression?

I just heard Deepak Chopra say “Prayer is when you talk to God; meditation is when you listen to God”. I really like this idea. I am trying to incorporate more meditation into my daily routine. I need to listen more.

5. What inspires you right now:

Being mindful. I find when you are aware of being mindful, i.e., paying attention to what you are eating, who you are talking with, a touch, a smell, a song, etc., the present becomes so much more joyful.

6. Words to live by:

Live in love. It’s simple, but it works.

See Kerri’s fabulous jewelry and accessories by visiting her awesome Etsy shop, TenThings, and hear more from her on her blog.

See you soon with more 

Click on the lawn chairs to see who else was featured!