Clarins Boutique & Skin Spa

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This summer, Clarins has opened the doors of a new beauty temple in Zurich. Hard to believe, this new concept marks the first of its kind for the French brand in Europe.

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Located in the city center at Gebergasse 6, just around the corner of the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse and very close to the Jelmoli parking, the new Clarins Boutique & Skin Spa houses the complete range of products, from fine scents to high performance skin care on the ground floor.

One level up, the skin spa welcomes its customers for the most exclusive skin treatments. The second floor is reserved for the in-house training center. Altogether, the shop has a size of more than 280 square meters.

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I truly recommend a visit to indulge into the world of Clarins. In 1954, Jacques Courtin-Clarins had a pioneering vision when he opened his first Clarins institute in Paris. Still today, the house is known for creating luxury products based exclusively on plants as the eternal source of inspiration and innovation.

prisca-courtin-clarins-laurent-malaveille-clarins-sandra-bauknecht-sandras-closet_blog-natalie-bader-clarins-2aFlown in for the occasion: Prisca Courtin-Clarins (SPAs, My Blend and Retail Director Clarins), Laurent Malaveille (General Manager Clarins Switzerland) and Natalie Bader (CEO Clarins).

During the hectic holiday season, let time stand still while you enjoy a treatment, and some time for yourself. Or find a little gift for a loved one as this very cute advent calendar that I got for myself.

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24 days filled with little surprises, beauty products in small sizes that I love to take with me when travelling. Available for CHF 99.00.

LoL, Sandra

clarins_adventcalendar_2016Photos: Courtesy of Clarins

Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense

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Jo Malone will launch Myrrh & Tonka, a new unisex fragrance in the Cologne Intense Collection, in January that follows 2015’s Orris & Sandalwood.

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This amazing addictive scent uses the potent sap of the Namibian myrrh tree and blends it with a little dose of warm almond and lush vanilla from the tonka bean. It was developed by perfumer Mathilde Bijaoui.

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What was the inspiration behind the fragrance?

The idea of Namibia, with its sand dunes and warm desert colours, conjured up the romance and emotion of faraway lands. Myrrh felt like the perfect note to use for a new and innovative Cologne Intense. Once enriched with the note of tonka, the fragrance gives a real sense of richness, travel and escape.

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The Cologne Intense collection works with rare, ritualistic ingredients; what makes Myrrh & Tonka an ideal addition to this collection?

Both the myrrh and the tonka have a decadent and addictive quality that chimes with the Cologne Intense concept of rarity and opulence. I felt that the collection was missing a fully warm, sensual and rounded Oriental feel. We do already have a resinous incense note elsewhere in the collection, in Incense and Cedrat, but it’s cut through with a citrus that amplifies the fresh nature of the Incense. However for Myrrh & Tonka, we headed in the opposite direction and reinforced the richness of the resin rather than trying to contrast it. Even though the final fragrance is deep, it stays true to our philosophy of simplicity and clarity; that’s because it’s a short formula with very few extra ingredients, making it easy to layer with our existing fragrances through our Fragrance CombiningTM ritual.

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How was the Myrrh harvested?

We wanted to go to the source of the myrrh and I had the privilege of travelling to Namibia to be part of the harvesting process. It’s a long, long journey and, once there, it feels like a very distant land. Once we landed in the country, it was another eight hours travelling into the mountains to get to our destination.
The trees they collect the myrrh from are called Omumbiri trees – they seem almost dead when you look at them as they grow in the dryness of the desert. But a few times a year the trees produce a sap that comes out like a resin; it’s a mechanism that the tree harnesses to fight potential bacteria, and the myrrh has a wonderful purity to it because of the altitude and climate.
Accumulating the resin is a ritualistic process in itself. The sap is very gluey so traditionally they would cut the tree trunks to get it. But in this region, to preserve the tree, they don’t touch it at all: they wait until it’s become dry and either scrape it from the tree or they wait until it falls off. With their method there’s no waste, the trees aren’t damaged and the whole experience is very simple and clean. And because of the nature of the crystals you can keep them for a week or two, unlike flowers that you have to work with immediately as they’re so fragile. I’ve never seen something so beautifully uncomplicated.

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How would you describe Myrrh & Tonka as it warms and develops on the skin?

Right at the top there is a hint of lavender and a little floral to make the opening effect comforting and voluptuous. The big, rich heart and base note of myrrh is sensual and balsamic, with hints of amber and licorice. And the tonka brings generosity. There is also a touch of vanilla, cypriol and gaiac wood, which together deliver a smoky tobacco note to the perfume.
It’s a fragrance that’s quite linear: that means that from the top to the bottom it more or less stays the same. It’s very stable in its evolution, and that’s something quite rare in perfumery.
It’s sensual and addictive, captivating and mesmerising.

jomalone_myrrh_tonkaTop Note: Lavender
Middle Note: Omumbiri Myrrh
Base Note: Tonka Bean

Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka will be available as 100 ml Cologne Intense for CHF 165.00 from January 2, 2017. In Switzerland at Globus Geneva, Globus Lucerne and Jelmoli Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

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Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

Net-à-Porter’s Gift Kits Are the Best

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Clueless about your upcoming Christmas gift list and no time to rush through the crowded city. I have an idea for you: these exclusive kits each include an expertly curated selection of products we all love – all presented in an elegant black packaging. Alongside essentials for a variety of occasions, there are also unique sets for working out and pampering. You just have to click add to basket and you are all set.

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Pamper Kit
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I am wishing you a relaxing and fun weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Net-à-porter
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Louis XIII Fetches Record Price

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Last April, I wrote a post about the amazing project that LOUIS XIII did in collaboration with HERMÈS, SAINT-LOUIS, and PUIFORCAT.

L'ODYSSÉE D'UN ROI: An Ode to AdventureFour French luxury houses joined forces to create something very special.

Personally speaking, I still find it very impressive that each decanter of LOUIS XIII takes four generations of cellar masters over 100 years to craft. It is a unique blend of up to 1,200 eaux-de-vie, the youngest of which is at least 40 years old.

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A veritable journey through time, it has been present at every milestone in the history of luxury travel. In tribute to this odyssey, the four French luxury houses joined forces to create three unique masterpieces. To crown their rarity, the LOUIS XIII cognac they house is a tailor-made coupe enriched with a selection of one of the oldest Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie, set aside over the decades by the Cellar Masters.

louis-xiii-suite-3Touring the world.

Inspired by the iconic LOUIS XIII journeys, these objets-d’art have toured the globe, exhibiting their history and savoir-faire at Hermès boutiques, prestige museums and select venues in cultural capitals: Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, New York, Singapore, Paris and London… For one year, LOUIS XIII shared its ode to adventure with the world.

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To close this exciting tour, each decanter has been auctioned by Sotheby’s. In New York, the Americas edition topped the record for sale of a LOUIS XIII decanter; in Hong Kong in October, the Asia decanter surpassed that total; and at the final sale in London on November 16, the Europe decanter fetched US$ 235,000, bringing the full total to US$ 558,000.

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LOUIS XIII and The Film Foundation are both committed to preserving a cultural legacy, honoring the past while ensuring that films survive into the future. The work of the foundation has helped to restore over 700 films, from the 1880s onward, encompassing well over 100 years of this extraordinary art form. We are grateful for our partnership with LOUIS XIII, and its generous and continuous support for the foundation’s mission,” said Martin Scorsese.

The proceeds will benefit The Film Foundation, created by Martin Scorsese in 1990 to restore and preserve cinematic heritage. A great project with a lot of success – bravo!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of LOUIS XIII

My Look: Off-Duty Style

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Mastering the two Cs: comfort and cool, an effortless off-duty look is something I like to think of when the weekend lays ahead of me. I could literally live in those velvet pants that have become a fix staple in my wardrobe.

My look: Little black jacket (Paris – Seoul Cruise 2016), brooches and earrings (Front Row Only F/W 2016 collection), all by Chanelpussy-bow leopard-print silk-georgette shirt by Saint Laurentdrawstring velvet track pantsicon by Chloé, sunglasses by Fendistarstudded leather ankle boots and guitar-strap Rockstud rolling tie-dye cross body bag, both by Valentino.
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LoL, Sandra

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Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Part of Montblanc’s Urban Spirit Campaign

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In 2012, my relationship as MONTBLANC ambassador started with the launch of my very own ink Sandra Berry, a fuchsia hue, that was limited to 100 pieces.

sandra_berry_37-1My beautiful limited edition Sandra Berry ink by Montblanc.

Now, in 2016, I was honored to be part of their new social media campaign that focuses on the Urban Spirit collection, a brand new leather line defined by its innovative functionality – the ultimate companion for the independent traveller’s daily needs.

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montblancBeing featured on Montblanc’s Facebook page along with brand ambassador Hugh Jackman, how cool is this?!

For the campaign I had to answer some questions about myself and the city of Zurich:

Favorite place in your city and why ?
I love the area around the Stadthausquai and the Münsterbrücke as it makes me feel like being in Paris. It shows the beauty of Zurich in perfection.

What does Urban Spirit in your city inspires you?
The urban spirit of Zurich is very cosmopolitan, combining Swiss traditions with cultural influences from all over the world. It is a melting pot that inspires me every day just by hearing different languages. Zurich is a metropole and a small little village at the same time, a place where you can do business and feel like being on holidays with its beautiful mountains and stunning lake.

And here are the social media campaign photos shot by lovely Andrea Monica Hug:

Stay tuned for all the details of the look coming up soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc

Freida Pinto: India

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Indian actress and Audemars Piguet ambassador FREIDA PINTO who rose to prominence through the 2008 British drama «Slumdog Millionaire» was born and raised in Mumbai. Today she lives in Los Angeles where along with working on her film career, she promotes humanitarian causes and is vocal about women’s empowerment. Calling herself a «global citizen», she is still very proud of her Indian roots, the rich culture, heritage and family values she grew up with. Therefore she was happy to share her travel tips for INDIA with us. Enjoy!

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Your favourite city?
UDAIPUR, the city of the lakes, it is in Rajasthan in Northwest India. It is romanticism at its highest level, it is not only romantic, it is about the whole concept of romanticism, color, light, architecture and texture of fabrics.

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Your favourite hotel?
UMAID BHAWAN PALACE in Jodhpur which is also a very beautiful city. I have always wanted to do an event there, watever the event might be. I love how it is perched on the top of a cliff and expansive regarding the history behind. All palaces in India that got transferred into hotels have this old world charm that you wouldn’t find in a modern retreat.
Circuit House Rd, Cantt Area, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006
Phone: +91 291 251 0101

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Your favourite restaurant?
MAHESH LUNCH HOME
in Mumbai. It is a seafood restaurant that serves Mangalorean food.
For example next to J.W.Marriott, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049
Phone: +91 22 6695 5554

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Your favorite dish?
My favorite dish is NEER DOSA with the fish curry.

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Your favourite sightseeing spot?
CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI TERMINUS, formerly Victoria Terminus, and better known by its abbreviation CST, is a historic railway station in Mumbai and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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I went to college very close by and we shot the last scene of «Slumdog Millionaire» there. So it has a lot of memories for me.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

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Your favourite beach?
I like the beaches in GOA because I like Goan food which is this beach shack kind of food but to be honest my favourite beaches are outside of India.

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Your favourite shop?
AMRAPALI JEWELS. They have beautiful jewelry with locations everywhere in India (for store information, please click here). They even have a shop now in London.

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Your must-have souvenir?
SILVER or PRECIOUS GEMSTONES anything in terms of jewelry that you would find only in India or that you would find in other countries but sold at ten times the price.

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The best book to read about India?
THE SHADOW LINES by Indian writer Amitav Ghosh as it gives you a piece of history of my country. The novel is set against the backdrop of ancient events like the Swadeshi movement, Second World War, Partition of India and Communal riots of 1963-64 in Dhaka and Calcutta.

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Thank you, Freida, for sharing your insider scoop on India with us!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Locations, ©Archana’s Kitchen, via Slumdog Millionaire, © AUDEMARS PIGUET, © Sandra Bauknecht

Happy 7th Birthday, Sandra’s Closet!

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7 years –  as crazy as it sounds but I have been blogging now for 84 months, which is around 2555 days, and this is my 3098th posts which means I wrote more than one per day. I am thankful, Sandra’s Closet has taken me on the craziest, busiest but most amazing ride in my life.

Blogging is what I love to do most. I am independent, I can write whatever or wherever I am. It gives me so much freedom and joy. I love to do my collages and it has never ever been something I had to force myself to do.

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To honour the occasion, I gifted myself with this new Chanel 2.55 bag from the «Front Row Only» collection. I think the attached hanger and the built-in hidden mirror on the back is too cute and it couldn’t be a better match to celebrate my closet.

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As everything wouldn’t be possible without you, my dear readers, who have supported me over the last years, I have a gift for you, too. Please enjoy this special early access code BFLSU30 with 30% off on full priced orders over £300/€300 at LUISAVIAROMA.

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Thank you from all my heart for your comments, your mails. With some of you I have even developed a relationship over the past years. I will continue to entertain you with your daily dose of fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

Recently, I have been thinking about doing a relaunch of my blog, a new layout for example but on the other side, I am loving my design, it looks different from others and I find it easy to navigate. Please shoot me an e-mail what you would change or if you prefer it the way it is to .

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Resort 2017: Miu Miu Pareo Skirt

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For Resort 2017, MIU MIU launches the ‘pareoskirt. Inspired by a journey, this infinitely adaptable and audacious design represents the rejection of formality and the independent spirit of the Miu Miu girl as she travels the world broadening her knowledge and experience in the pursuit of personal freedom.

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The ‘pareoskirt is available in three variations: in cotton voile Vichy or ‘planet’ prints and in a crêpe de chine check. All are universally recognisable, democratic and as optimistic and light-hearted as the woman who chooses to wear them.

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Beloved by continents as diverse as Asia and Africa, the charm of the ‘pareoskirt lies in both its simplicity and immediacy. It is at once familiar – worn equally by men and women across the globe – and highly individual – no two people need ever wear it in quite the same way. In that sense, the ‘pareoskirt is transformative, the ultimate expression of the liberating qualities of the contemporary woman’s wardrobe.

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Available from selected Miu Miu stores worldwide, each ‘pareoskirt comes packaged in a special soft fabric envelope stamped with the iconic Miu Miu name, sold at 390€.
Perfect for your next trip to the beach or to layer your next fall look.

TO SHOP MIU MIU ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
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LoL, Sandra

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Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

My Look: Watch the Dress

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Up the style stakes in this dazzling bottle green pocket watch dress from Dolce & Gabbana’s fairytale-inspired F/W 2016 collection that I wore to the launch event of Audemars Piguet‘s new Royal Oak Frosted Gold at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence last week. Couldn’t this be a better match? It definitely made me feel like Alice in Wonderland…

My look: Pocket watch-appliqué crepe midi dress and Dolce embellished printed leather shoulder bagicon, both by Dolce & Gabbana, black jacket, goat hair-trimmed leather pumps and drop flower earrings with green crystalsicon, all by Gucci, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

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Photos: © Sandra Bauknechticon