I totally agree with beautifulsummer... if you find something in Rome, go for it, Lausanne and Switzerland in general is much more expensive and the choice is not as wide.

But if you decide to buy in Lausanne, there is an outlet in Aubonne, which is nearby (you can get there by train but will need to walk a couple of kms. so it's better accessible by car) I found a couple of gorgeous jackets on sale by Mexx, and paid just 100 dollars for both of them...

Hope you find something nice!

Figured I should post a follow up on this thread. I ended up staying in switzerland for much longer, it's over a year now, and just extended my internship for another year. Bye Bye Cali

The jacket: I ended up buying a puffy knee length jacket from Sisley brand (which I think is a brand of Benetton) in Rome. 50% feather, 50% down. The same exact jacket I saw in Lausanne for over 100 CHF more from the sisley store.

And it has been the perfect jacket, no need to wear heavy clothes underneath, and it's very light, and kept me warm all winter.

SO the verdict: I think definitely Rome was a better option. Better prices, good variety.