Check out these whimsical cufflinks by Paul Smith that make the perfect gift for your better half or a dear friend. Get inspired by their profession, their favorite food or dog breed. Just click on the highlighted product description, to shop them immediately.
LoL, Sandra
Chameleon artist-stripe cufflinks
French Bulldog striped cufflinks
Photos: Courtesy of Paul Smith
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.
Do you remember my dear friend Nina? I have been writing several times about her in the past (for a previous post click here). Well I have great news for my Zurich based followers. Nina and the City (former Kids and the City) will be part at Amatista’s (a luxury concierge service) first Christmas Market at the Ballroom of the Dolder Grand on Saturday Dec 2nd, 2023 (from 2pm-9pm). Nina will be presenting as always fashion, accessories and lovely Christmas gift ideas.
The Amatista Christmas market will have tons of highlights, from specially curated art pieces, a caviar tasting, a champagne lounge, a pianist, a cigar stand (aka hubby parking spot) and much more. All in all 17 partners will be presenting their goodies at several booths.
However the top highlight will be the fashion show by Nina and the City presenting exclusively for Switzerland the first F/W 2023 collection from Nimo with Love. Behind Nimo with Love is Nicole Mohrmann, whom I have known for many years also from my time in Munich. She has spent years building lasting and trusting relationships with small workshops in India who embrace her vision of Nimo as becoming one big, global family, that creates beautiful things. The brand is committed to a culture and environment that is respectful, caring, nurturing and encouraging – and values creativity in all aspects.
Hand-sewn details, such as beads and embroidery, as opposed to glued-on, perfectly aligned stitches, made with thread that integrates perfectly in the design … The attention to detail asks for high-end craftsmanship. Nimo With Love works with small businesses who sew a heritage of artisanal expertise into each and every piece of the collection. Each garment is hand-made with passion. It takes a whole village to turn a beautiful fabric into a beautiful wearable textile!
Hope to see you all there … I’ll definitely be. I am also excited to see the newest holiday installation by my favorite Finish artist Jani Leinonen, that will be revealed on December 1, 2023.
RSVP on .
The Dolder Grand
Kurhausstrasse 65
8032 Zürich
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Nina and the City, © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.
This holiday season, haute couture and avant-garde style meets hair care and skincare to bring joy at first sight. Aveda has teamed up with Iris van Herpen for a new capsule collection that includes limited-edition high-style hair accessories, plant-powered hair care products, luxurious skin and body care formulas, all wrapped in designer gift packaging conceptualized by the Dutch designer, whom you might remember from her amazing collaboration with Rolls-Royce in February.
Aveda x Iris van Herpen came together through their shared love and respect for nature. With the natural world as their muse, the collaboration combines biomimicry designs, high-performance hair, skin and body care for luxurious holiday gifts that turn heads and fashion possibilities.
«This collection captures a future-forward vision for the holidays and embodies the limitless beauty of nature,» shares Iris van Herpen. «The visual inspiration of this collection was drawn from the relationships between living organisms and their physical environments in all its layers and nuances – a constant dialogue between nature and ourselves.»
While van Herpen’s couture designs are regularly seen on red carpets, in globally recognized films, and on runways around the world, she has also dressed models for hair shows led by Aveda’s Senior Vice President of Global Professional Artistry, Antoinette Beenders. Years of working together led to a genuine friendship that evolved into this formal holiday collaboration with artistry and craftsmanship at its core.
The special-edition gift boxes, sleeves and other holiday gift packaging elements are made with FSC-certified recycled paper that is wrapped and ready to gift as keepsake boxes that may also be reused or displayed as miniature works of art. The luxurious beauty gift sets have been curated together for a variety of hair and body selfcare needs for everyone on your list.
From ultra-hydrating nutriplenish™ hair hydration to naturally derived botanical repair™ hair strengthening to sleek styling with smooth infusion™, there’s something for every hair care lover on your list. From deeply moisturizing skin and body care to bespoke accessories that elevate any holiday updo or hairstyle, there’s a gift set for every self-care lover on your list.
Personally speaking, I am obsessed with the bespoke hair accessories, that include three luxurious, limited-edition and instant high-style accessories: a hair cuff, hair pin set, and cosmetic pouch. The elegant hair jewelry and pouch can be found online while supplies last for a one-of-a-kind haute couture gift.
Henosis Hair Pin Set: For a stunning end-look to accentuate your hair style, this pin set design embodies the Greek concept of oneness and union.
Lagoon Nebula Hair Cuff Set: Statement hair cuff features a limited-edition design inspired by an interstellar cloud where stars are born. This cuff embeds itself seamlessly into your hair to elevate your everyday updo.
Syntopia Cosmetic Pouch: Keep beauty products safe and in style with a luxurious pouch featuring a design inspired by the state of being where different species live together.
In line with the brands’ sustainability values, the hair cuff and hair pins are made from recyclable gold tone brass, and the cosmetic pouch is made from 65% post-consumer recycled materials.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Aveda @avedaswitzerland @irisvanherpen #avedaswitzerland #irisvanherpen
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.
Exclusive gift sets and collector’s cases: CHANEL makes the holidays magical. The perfect gifts to make every beauty lover happy.
THE LIMITED-EDITION GIFT SETS BY CHANEL
This year, CHANEL presents two complete, limited-edition fragrance rituals that pair fragrances with scented essentials.
N° 5
The N°5 gift set brings together N°5 Eau de Parfum 50 ml et N°5 The Body Oil 100 ml, presented for the first time in a bottle whose silhouette evokes that of the iconic N°5 fragrance. A ritual that showcases the sensuality of the legendary scent.
CHF 227.-
COCO MADEMOISELLE
The COCO MADEMOISELLE fragrance ritual brings together the ambery-fresh scent of COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau de Parfum 50 ml and COCO MADEMOISELLE The Body Oil 100 ml, presented for the first time in a bottle whose silhouette evokes that of the iconic Eau de Parfum.
CHF 227.-
THE LIMITED-EDITION CHANEL CASES
This holiday season, CHANEL has created limited-edition cases for three of its most emblematic fragrances, which open to reveal the elegantly presented bottles inside.
N° 5
A limited-edition gold and white case, which opens to reveal N°5 Eau de Parfum 100 ml. N°5 Eau de Parfum is the very essence of femininity, an iconic and timeless fragrance.
CHF 192.-
COCO MADEMOISELLE
A limited-edition pearl and gold case the holds COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau de Parfum 100 ml, a surprisingly fresh feminine amber fragrance with distinct character.
CHF 192.-
BLEU DE CHANEL
A limited-edition gold and blue case that contains BLEU DE CHANEL Parfum 100 ml, a majestic aromatic-woody fragrance with a powerful, sophisticated trail.
CHF 183.-
N°5 THE BODY OIL
Majestically presented in a minimalist glass bottle, N°5 The Body Oil 250 ml is a new way to wear fragrance that delights the senses.
N°5 The Body Oil moisturizes skin and enhances the aldehydic floral bouquet of N°5.
CHF 142.-
In stores end of October 2023.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © CHANEL #CHANELFragrance #CHANELWonderland #CHANELHoliday
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!
No more excuses not to do sports… here is an ideal gift idea for those who wish to exercise in style or elevate their home gym with exclusive Louis Vuitton details.
LoL, Sandra
2kg dumbbells by Louis Vuitton
Photos: © Louis Vuitton
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!
King Charles III’s coronation is taking place this week, much to the delight of fervent royalists and street-party fans alike. The coronation itself will be held on Saturday 6 May in Westminster Abbey, and it’s been confirmed the King and Queen Consort are set to be crowned during this regal ceremony.
For all royal fans, I put together some fun souvenirs to buy right now, from a commemorative handbag, tea cup, umbrella, to the Gadroon plate from Royal Crown Derby. All pieces will commemorate the coronation of King Charles III for many years to come.
LoL, Sandra
Large King’s Coronation Tote Bag by Harrods
King Charles III Coronation Gadroon Plate by Royal Crown Derby
Vintage 2008-2009 Union Jack shoulder bag by CHANEL Pre-Owned
Union Jack Bear by Harrods
King Charles III Coronation Teacup and Saucer by Harrods
Coronation Blend English Breakfast Tea (50 Tea Bags) by Harrods
Crowning Glory Folding Umbrella by Harrods
Coronation Cuvée 2023 Impérial Champagne NV Magnum 1500ml by Moët & Chandon
Photos: © Courtesy of the Brands / © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!
I love pasta, basta! Leave it to Dolce & Gabbana to satisfy my huge appetite for Italian food with the most delicious carbs on the planet. The Italian fashion house joined forces with Pasta Di Martino, so that we can all get our paws on some DG-approved pasta.
I can only recommend this elegant gift box «THE AUTHENTIC». It is a gift great for every pasta lover. Being dedicated to Naples, it contains a selection of 5 varieties of PGI Gragnano Pasta, made from 100% Italian durum wheat, and 2 cans of small Lampadina Tomatoes from the Sorrento Coast. On top you get a beautiful Dolce & Gabbana apron to be an Italian chef in style. The set is available for CHF 125.00.
TO SHOP THE GIFT BOX, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Dolce & Gabbana / Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!
For Valentine’s Day, the House of Hermès not only puts the human hand at the heart of its creations, but also puts your heart in the hands of its craftsmen. The selection of love-ready objects made with passion is designed to surprise you and ignite passion.
From a fascinating and large selection of gift ideas, you can surprise your partner and write the rules of love new. A little, a lot, or very passionately; look him or her in the eye at a beach racquet game, go to the midnight ball to find out who owns the forgotten pump, tuck love notes in your fanny pack or have a picnic hand-in-hand with your wicker Birkin.
Make your and a loved one’s heart beat faster and fall in love with Hermès objects for a wonderful Valentine’s Day, full of love and surprises.
LoL, Sandra
Belt in lizard, Swift calfskin and Epsom calfskin
Magellan portable backgammon set in mahogany and printed Swift calfskin
«Après la Vague» beach racquets in printed beech and cork
Ballerina in suede goatskin
«Grand Jeté» two-band ring in rose gold, diamonds and pink tourmaline
Headband in silk twill
Balusoie bag in «Panoplie Equestre» printed silk and Hunter cowhide
Birkin Picnic bag in Swift calfskin and wicker
Toupet bag in alligator and feathers
Scarf 70 «Jungle Love au Tampon» in vintage silk twill
Bracelet in enamel and gold metal
Scarf 70 «Rendez-vous Galant» in vintage silk twill
Rouge Hermès limited editions
Double-face scarf «Epaulettes de Gala» 90 in silk twill
Photos: © S/S 2023 Objets Hermes © Studio des Fleurs / © Maud Remy-Lonvis
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!
For the first time, Louis Vuitton will debut a collection dedicated to newborns. Soft and enveloping, elegant yet playful, this timeless offering will accompany babies through their earliest days.
Comprised of clothing, shoes, accessories and objects, the collection brings together several Louis Vuitton métiers with exceptional quality, sweetness and joy. Maison signatures are transcribed whimsically, at once familiar and fresh. The primary motif, Meli-Melo, rearranges the Monogram with a touch of insouciance. Louis Vuitton’s iconic flowers appear as perforations on leather shoes, as a 3D knit in the finest cashmere, and as a discreet label affixed to many of the pieces. With the addition of luxurious coverings, emblematic items in silver, small travel cases and even a Louis teddy bear, Louis Vuitton has imagined a beautiful world where every piece will play a part in the baby’s life. Embodying over 160 years of tradition, a specially designed wardrobe trunk signifies the ultimate lifetime gift.
The idea for a baby collection was birthed from various elements of Louis Vuitton’s history, contemporary spirit, and visual identity. Gaston Louis Vuitton introduced toys to the Maison’s universe with a Salon de Jouets inside Champs-Elysées store in the 1930s. More recently, the wonderment and limitless discovery that begins in childhood guided the Louis Vuitton Core Values campaign. This baby offering strengthens the Maison’s emotional connection, as symbolic moments become precious memories.
The collection represents a thoughtful range of everyday pieces and special occasion styles, of first toys that can become life-long keepsakes. Anchored by milky white, sandy dune and tonal greys, motifs in pastel hues are enlivened with a bold splash of yellow.
Clothing, sized up to 12 months, includes onesies, coordinating ensembles, essential bodies, pyjamas, a dress, and a double-faced hooded coat that boasts Monogram flowers on the pockets and the Meli-Melo motif inside. In these complete outfits, babies will be effortlessly enveloped and adorably chic. Details are delicately and meticulously considered, whether mother-of-pearl buttons on cotton cashmere cardigans, small embroideries on bloomers and bodies, or the subtle appearance of the Monogram as a jacquard and printed on grosgrain.
Two shoe styles embellished with Monogram perforations bring extra cuteness to each look: Mary Janes or Babies in white and pink, and booties in white or dune with yellow laces. Knitted slippers and flower beanies will keep little feet and ears extra cosy. Bibs, socks and other small accessories – all given discreet Louis Vuitton signatures – are proposed as perfect gift sets.
Babies can indulge in the warmth of textile accessories such as a plush sleeper in natural silk with embroidered flowers, a knitted Monogram blanket, and a thicker, double-sided Meli-Melo blanket that can be laid out as a colourful mat. Two cases – a small suitcase and a toiletry pouch – rework the traditional toile as tonal jacquard with leather accents and yellow piping. Engraved with different Maison motifs, a silver tumbler, a souvenirs case, and a rounded rattle combine refinement and functionality. The Louis teddy bear covered in jacquard with Monogram flower eyes and an affectionate smile will become a beloved friend.
Comforting in feel and meant to last, materials have been discerningly selected in line with Louis Vuitton’s commitment to responsible sourcing. Environmental standards include organic cotton and LWG-certified leather. Cashmere and sheep’s wool originate from partners that guarantee animal welfare.
With enduring creation at the heart of the Louis Vuitton, pieces can be passed down and treasured, thus perpetuating the generous and joyous intention of the collection.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Louis Vuitton
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!
A spectacular book published by Thames & Hudson to celebrate the exceptional CHANEL High Jewelry creations, from the launch of Gabrielle Chanel’s first collection in 1932 to the most contemporary pieces.
«I used my penchant for all that shines to try and reconcile elegance and fashion in a set of jewelry.»
Gabrielle Chanel
From Gabrielle Chanel «Bijoux de Diamants» collection to the newest interpretations of her signature signs and symbols by Patrice Leguéreau, Director of the CHANEL Fine Jewelry Creation Studio, CHANEL High Jewelry remains eternally modern and true to the spirit of her enterprise.
Breathtaking new photography and classic images from the CHANEL archives brings together revealing combinations in a stunning visual narrative, privileging aesthetic form over 4 chapters: the origins, the symbols, the spirit, and the allure. Gabrielle Chanel’s passion for fabulous and improbable marvels is celebrated here in a covetable book-object that pays tribute to the House’s unparalleled insistence on luxury and refinement, creativity, and beauty.
Based on extensive research and exploring Chanel’s inspirations and art through some of the most precious of all her creations and the eternally modern ideas they have inspired, the book features superb photographs by Karl Lagerfeld, Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, François Kollar, Roger Schall, George Hoyningen-Huene, Horst P. Horst, André Kertész, Sarah Moon, Koto Bolofo, Karim Sadli, Dominique Issermann, and many others. It is also illustrated with images from CHANEL’s archive and sketches that express the creativity and joie de vivre of the world’s finest High Jewelry collections.
Retail price: £150 / 150€ / $200
Publication dates: France / United Kingdom: December 2022
China / Japan / Korea: January 2023
United States: March 2023
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © CHANEL #CHANELHighJewelry
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.