The Black Dress Traveler

Nacho Figueras (Wanda's Favorite Polo Player) on 60 Minutes This Sunday

One of my all-time favorite summer outings was attending a polo match at the Greenwich Polo Club. Dolled up in our pretty summer frocks, me and my girlfriends enjoyed a champagne picnic, flirted with a variety of international characters, and were amazed by the action on the field. The horses are breathtaking - they thunder across the field at speeds that can hit 35 miles per hour. And the players are a sight to behold - combining athleticism and strategy to hit that tiny ball while riding those behemoth horses at breakneck speed. Perhaps no modern day polo player is more dazzling than Argentine Nacho Figueras. Even if you don't follow polo, you've certainly seen Nacho in ads for Ralph Lauren.

Nacho will be featured on 60 Minutes this Sunday and will discuss with Lara Logan how he wants to be an ambassador for the sport in the United States and dispel the myth that polo is the exclusive domain of the rich and famous. “Polo, it goes beyond where you are or beyond what people are wearing and beyond the hats,” he tells Logan.“What about what’s happening inside?”




    My favorite little blue dress + my fave polo player = happy Wanda!

One of the ways Figueras is trying to increase the popularity of polo in the U.S. is to mentor young players like Kareem Rosser (far right in the photo). Voted the best high school polo player in the nation, Rosser took advantage of a program in West Philadelphia that taught inner-city youth the 2,000-year-old sport. The 19 year old hopes to become a pro like Figueras. Pretty fascinating! For more info about Nacho, polo, and Kareem, watch 60 Minutes this Sunday (April 8). You can also watch an excerpt now.

So Much Snow & Hot Deals in Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Summit of Leysin, Switzerland

Instead of swooshing down the slopes, skiers across the Northeastern United States have been grounded by the lack of snow. If you know a skier, give them a hug - they wait all year for winter and the warm weather has ruined it. I haven't skied since I was 10 years old (first and only time) but I do love the idea of sitting by a roaring fire in the ski lodge, drinking hot toddies, and laughing with friends.

Well, it may not be snowing substantially in upstate New York or New England but there is plenty of deep, fresh snow in the Lake Geneva region of Switzerland. According to Lake Geneva tourism officials, "The ski season has just begun, but Lake Geneva Region resorts are reporting impressive snowfall totals. The resort at Les Diablerets has already received eight feet of snow to date, while Leysin has six feet, Villars-Gryon has more than five feet and Chateaux d'Oex (pictured) has nearly four feet of snow. The good news is that the forecast is calling for even more snow in the Lake Geneva Region in the next few days. With stunning mountain views across Lake Geneva, cozy chalets serving authentic cheese fondue, and fast scenic rail connections from Geneva Cointrin Airport to the mountain villages in less than two hours, the Lake Geneva Region offers the ultimate Swiss ski vacation. Thanks to more than 500 miles of marked ski runs, the resorts of the Lake Geneva Region can offer slopes for skiers and boarders of all abilities."

Some of the ski deals being offered in Lake Geneva include free one day rentals of skis or snowshoes for those staying in participating hotels and trying the sport for the first time.  Also, complimentary ski passes and free accommodations in their parents' rooms are being offered for children up to 9 years old.

For more information on planning your Swiss ski getaway, visit www.lake-geneva-region.ch.

 

 

Hats, Dresses, Horses & Hotties: Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic at Governors Island (NYC)

Polo to the people! If you find yourself in New York City on Sunday, June 5th hop the free ferry to Governors Island for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. The gates to this glamorous world open at 11:00 am and matches begin at 2:30 pm.

Let's be honest, many of us don't know much about the sport, but it is hard not to get caught up in the polo mystique. What's not to love about a game that showcases handsome athletes and magnificent horses? And, well-dressed spectators are an integral part of the festivities. If I can find a great hat between now and Sunday, I may have to make an appearance! (Did I mention that handsome Hugh Jackman is the master of ceremonies?) Also, it would be nice to cheer on polo megastar and Ralph Lauren model Nacho Figueras. (Not that I expect him to remember meeting little ole' me at the Greenwich Polo Club 2 years ago, but a chica can dream!)


Wondering what to wear? A pretty frock, a haute hat, and a smile is the perfect ensemble. You can also find more polo style tips on the event website. And, don't leave home without champagne money - two large Veuve Clicquot Lounges will offer champagne and a variety of gourmet snacks developed by Gabriel Kreuther, Executive Chef of The Modern. Pack a picnic or buy essentials like blankets, umbrellas and more at the event. Tasty food will also be available for purchase courtesy of Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group.

On a serious and lovely note, the Veuve Clicqout Polo Classic is a party with a purpose and will benefit the continued efforts of Urban Zen Hope Help and Rebuild Haiti to assist those who remain displaced by the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti. 

Sisters of the Surf: 15th Annual Nun's Beach Surf Invitational

image courtesy SurferToday.com

The nuns of Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary have found a unique way to raise funds: hosting a surfing competition. Their 15th annual Nun's Beach Surf Invitational is scheduled for September 11th in Stone Harbor, New Jersey.

The nuns don't actually participate in the competition but their relationship with the surfing community goes back to the1950's when they opened up their beach to surfers. Since then, their stretch of sand has been known as Nun's Beach. The money raised at the event maintain their 6 1/2 acre, 150 bedroom, Jersey Shore beach retreat - Villa Maria by the Sea.  (I can't help but wonder how many developers have offered to buy their property!)

The nuns may not ride the waves but they do enjoy watching the contestants." It's very peaceful," said Sister James, the retreat's property manager. "You see how the water holds them up, balances them and if you ride with the water, it will get you where you want to go. That's how it is with the grace of God."

For more info, visit The New York Post and www.surfertoday.com

World Cup in a Glass: Wines from Spain & South Africa

Even a casual soccer fan like me happily succumbed to World Cup fever. How could I not be seduced by a sporting event featuring gorgeous men from all over the globe, set in South Africa, and featuring music by Shakira? Really, I adore events that demonstrate, if only for a fleeting moment, that people from different cultures can play nicely together. (Perhaps the UN should meet on a soccer field?)

Spain, one of my favorite places in the world, beat the Netherlands to claim their first World Cup victory. And, although the South African soccer team didn't progress very far in the competition, the country made history as the first African nation to host the World Cup. So I raise my glass to Spain and South Africa. Both of these countries make delicious wines that are perfect anytime! Tell your friends to bring their own vuvuzelas for your World Cup celebration.

South African Wines
Heritage Link Brands is committed to making the best wines from Africa available to consumers via their online shop and distributors across the country. Did you know that South Africa is the continent's leader in wine production and is the 8th largest wine producing country in the world?  With so many wines to choose from, selecting a South African wine can be overwhelming. You can't go wrong with one of these picks.

M'Hudi Pinotage (2006) $16.99 - Produced in Stellensbosch, South Africa from 100% pinotage grapes, this deep red wine with notes of berries, spice and vanilla pairs brilliantly with barbecue,

Seven Sisters Yolanda Chenin Blanc (2008) $14.99 - The  liquid gold hue and appealing aroma of passion fruit make this a perfect summer wine.  It has subtle vanilla and tropical flavors and is produced from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes from the Western Cape.

Wines from Spain
During the 2 years I lived in Spain, I had the opportunity to drink many delicious wines, from the simple to the sublime. Spain can trace their wine production back to the Romans and is the third largest wine producing country in the world.

Llopart Rose Brut Reserva (2006) $16.99 - Spain's sparkling wine is known as cava and this sparkling pink version is a celebration in a glass. Produced in the Catalonia region, Llopart Rose Brut Reserva is composed of 60% Monastrell, 20% Garnacha and 20% Pinot Noir. The delicious notes of strawberry with a hint of spice would nicely complement thinly sliced Serrano ham.

Montecillo Crianza Tinto (2005) $13.29 - I once dated a charming guy from Brooklyn who made a mean paella and this was the wine he served. A full bodied red-wine from the Rioja region and composed of Tempranillo grapes, Montecillo Crianza has the unique ability to taste good with almost everything. This is a great everyday wine!

Oprah Discovers My "Amigo" - Polo Player Nacho Figueras

 

The topic on today's Oprah Winfrey Show was the "Most Famous People in the World and polo star Nacho Figueras was one of the featured guests. It was fun to watch Oprah gaze flirtatiously at the handsome Argentinean polo player who is also the perfectly chiseled face of the Ralph Lauren Black Label Line.

Ok, Nacho isn't really my amigo but I did get to meet the man who came in second in Vanity Fair's competition for the Most Handsome Man in the World.  (That kid with the messy hair from the Twilight movies came in first. Whatever.) I watched Nacho play in the last match of the season at the Greenwich Polo Club just a few weeks ago and he was gracious enough to take a photo with me. What a way to end the summer! Oprah mentioned that she had never been to a polo match, so Oprah you are welcome to picnic with me and my friends at Greenwich next season!

Little Black Travel Diary: Kym Hampton

Athlete, actress, singer, and model Kym Hampton is a true renaissance woman whose talents have led her on an exciting journey far from her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

A legend of the WNBA and the New York Liberty, Kym played in the league’s inaugural game and was the first player in the team’s history to score a basket. Kym started in every game of the Liberty’s first three seasons and was a first-round pick in the WNBA Elite Draft in 1997. Prior to joining the Liberty, Kym also played basketball professionally in Spain, Italy, France and Japan.

Off the court, Kym has modeled for Cover Girl cosmetics and acted on television and in film. Kym is currently the Fan Development Leader for the New York Liberty. Music is another passion of Kym’s and she is pursuing a career as a singer. In fact, Kym closes out each regular Liberty season with her beautiful rendition of the National Anthem on Fan Appreciation Day. Let’s peek inside the Little Black Travel Diary of the inimitable Kym Hampton!

My first memory of traveling is going to California on an airplane when I was 8 (apart from the car road trips).

I never travel without Vaseline. It has been used by my family before I was born. It was used for everything - the body after a bath (lotion would fade after a few hours), lip gloss, if we were out of hair grease. I’ve been blessed with incredible skin so my cleansing routine consist of soap water and Vaseline. I know I’m making a lot of people cringe by saying this because that goes against what a lot of people in the skincare industry would say but, you know what they say…….”If it isn’t broke don’t fix it.”

My favorite destinations are Spain and Italy.

The taste of great olive oil reminds me of Italy.

My favorite traveling companion is my boyfriend Fred.

Traveling alone is relaxing, but sometimes boring.

I dream of visiting Tahiti and Bali. 

A film, book, or song that awakens my wanderlust is How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan and the song La Costa by Natalie Cole.

My favorite traveling outfit is a velour sweat suit. 

My most unforgettable traveling experience was when I was playing professional basketball in Spain- the team I played for only allowed us to have four days off for the Christmas holiday. I had to get a flight leaving on the 24^th because we played a game on the 23^rd. When I got to Chicago the flight I was scheduled to be on was oversold and I was told I had to be placed on a waiting list. We were also informed that the hotels in the area were full so unless we wanted to stay really far away our option was the airport. Needless to say I was heartbroken…until my name was called and I was the last to make the flight.

When I have been away from home for a long time, the thing I miss the most is my own space.

If I could travel back in time, I would go to Africa to see how the ancient Kings and Queens lived.

My travel icons are Melissa Abbe and Maureen Coyle.

My must have beauty product when traveling is Vaseline. 

My words of travel wisdom are go, see, taste and experience the beautiful world!

Click here to read the Little Black Travel Diaries of other fantastic women!