Bâlehoo

If you’ve been looking for a source for AVEDA hair and beauty products in Basel, the search is over. Head to L’Adresse Coiffure. They carry a full range of Aveda products from shampoo and conditioner to skin products, candles and makeup. They’re a bit pricey (around 30CHF per bottle of shampoo), but at least you don’t have to worry about it leaking all over your suitcase as you smuggle bottles back from the States.

L’Adresse Coiffure.
Leonhardsstrasse 3 in Basel
061 261 39 80
www.ladresse.ch/

Whether you’re looking for a Mother’s Day present, a housewarming gift, or simply want to give yourself a little lift, head to the local pharmacy (or Globus) and pick up some Dr. Hauschka bath and beauty products. Harder to come by (and more expensive) in the US, I swear by their Rose Day Cream and just a few drops of their Lavender Bath oil can instantly transport me to my favorite Provencal B&B. Visit the website to view the entire line. Your friends-and your skin-will thank you.

If you’re looking for flowers to bring to dinner or to have delivered to that special someone, try Blumen Baumeler in Basel. Located right by the Mittlerebruecke on the cute little street near the Café Spillman (Rheinsprung), I like them because they have unique, stylish vases and a nice selection of flowers. I have often gone in and picked out specific blooms and waited while the friendly staff created a one-of-a-kind arrangement, so don’t hesitate to ask if you’re looking for something specific.

If you’re in a hurry, they also have many attractive pre-made arrangements, although most are in a more modern, spare style than a US or British arrangement might be. You can see a few examples on their website

The cost of delivery is 9 CHF in Basel Stadt. In Basel Land delivery costs depend on where you are located. For example, Riehen is 11 CHF for delivery. FYI, they do speak some English at the shop, but if there are specific flowers you have in mind, you might want to look up their names in German before you call.

Blumen Baumeler
Rheinsprung 1
4051 Basel

Tel: 061 261 36 02
www.blumenbaumeler.ch

Yeah, yeah. We all know about the great shopping in Italy. (It really is amazing.) But whether you’re headed down to see the sights or to get fitted for your handmade Stefano Bemer shoes, don’t miss the chance to do some killer shopping before you cross the border.

I’m talking about Foxtown, Switzerland’s designer outlet mall. Sure, the name sounds like a bad 70’s gay bar, but fear not. Foxtown is so good it was featured in a July 7, 2006 article in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ)!

A 10-minute car ride from Lugano, about an hour’s drive from Milan, and - most importantly - about 3 hours from Basel, Foxtown hase 130 stores on four floors offering such brands as Gucci, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Yves Saint Laurent, Emporio Armani and Versace, all at great discount prices.

In fact, we still regret not snapping up the Ferragamo ties we saw there for 35 CHF. (Especially since I’m too embarrassed to go back to their Firenze flagship store. Damned glass doors. But that’s another story.)

Ah, well. Back in the car. Time for another trip to Florence - by way of Foxtown.

To read the complete WSJ article, entitled “To Buy or Not to Buy? We Review 8 Designer Outlets,” click here (subscription may be required).

Foxtown Factory Stores
Via Angelo Maspoli 18
Mendrisio
41-848-828-888
www.foxtown.ch