At the Villagio Shopping Mall in Doha

Villagio_Doha_Shopping_mall

My trip to Qatar surpassed all expectations. Doha has reminded me a lot of Dubai 10 years ago, even better, modern and of course, full of luxury. Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, all eyes are on Middle East’s new hot spot as the Qatari will host a large number of the venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. According to the British Telegraph, Qatar has the second highest income per capita in the world and you can see it everywhere.

On the first day of the year, I went shopping at Doha’s Villagio Mall, which was overly impressive. Reminiscent of the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace and the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian in Las Vegas, the mall has got a changing sky that gives shoppers the feeling of being outside and a canal that runs through the center of the mall with gondola rides for guests. Every designer brand you can think of is represented, such as Bottega Veneta, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Montblanc among others. There is even an amusement park in the mall.

See for yourselves:

Villagio6

Gondolania_villagio_Doha

Villagio_21

Villagio1

Dream_Villagio

Villagio_Bottega_Veneta

Villagio20

Dior_villagio

Villagio_doha_Stores

Villagio10a

Sandra_Bauknecht_Villagio3Sandra_Bauknecht_Outfit_Doha_villagio

My look: Mathilda tuxedo jacket iconby Stella McCartney, green tee by Ralph Lauren Blue Label, top by Missoniskinny mid-rise jeans iconby Rag & Bone Jean, sandals by Gucci, Alice two-tone bag by Chloé, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, necklace by Roberto Cavalli and 4810 hoop earrings by Montblanc.

Stay tuned for one last post from Doha about The Pearl.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Perfect Sun Protection Trio

SunCreamDoha

During my stay in Doha, I needed high sun protection for my winter pale skin to prevent damage from UV radiation. As temperatures are so perfect in December/January, you can spend hours in the sun. With the help of this trio, I have enjoyed it in complete safety.

FACE: Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Fluide Extreme by La Roche-Posay
This tinted water-resistant fluid is perfect for sensitive skin providing you with a little bit of bronzy glow you are missing after those winter months.
CHF 27.90 (50ml)

BODY: Aroma Sun Expert for Body SPF 50 by Decléor
A protective hydrating milk that protects the skin while moisturizing (Melon Extract, Argan Oil) it at the same time. Thanks to the DNA Protection Complex (Vanilla and Jasmine Extracts), it helps cells to prevent premature aging. It boosts skin’s natural defences (Essential Oil of Rose) and reduces reactions caused by sun exposure (Rea from Tahiti). Personally speaking, I have never used such an easy-to-apply milk with a non-greasy texture but such a high SPF.
CHF 47.- (150ml)

AFTER: Capital Soleil After Sun Cellular SOS Repair Balm by Vichy
A rich but non-sticky texture that works well for the whole family by calming down the skin after sun exposure. This specially designed formula works to repair damage by restoring the skin’s cellular defense capital. Willowherb Extract even soothes over-exposed, painful and red skin so that a sunburn can transform into a beautiful bronzed tan.
CHF 26.- (100ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

My Look: Persian Dinner at Parisa

My_look_Persian_Dinner

The restaurant Parisa, one of my favourites that I visited in Doha, belongs to the Sharq Village and Spa. Traditional Persian dishes are served with a contemporary, modern twist. The perfect ambiance to suit the mood of my outfit.

My look: Printed silk-blend crepe top, matching wide-leg pants with side splits from thigh to ankleleather pumps with ankle straps, all iconby Gucci (50% off), holographic faux leather clutch iconby Stella McCartney (new season, please click here for more information on this rising trend), cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli and crochet-knit turban iconby Missoni (50% off).

Parisa2

Get_the_Look_Parisa

Parisa3

Doha_outfit10

Parisa4

Doha_Outfit9

Parisa5

Doha_outfit4

Doha_make-up

I kept my make-up very easy, a little bronzer on the cheeks (24 Karat Shimmer Brick by Bobbi Brown Limited Edition), mascara (Lash Queen Sexy Blacks by Helena Rubinstein) and red lips (Diorific 040 Marilyn by Christian Dior Christmas look 2012).
On my nails: Coral Blame by Tom Ford.

LoL, Sandra

Parisa6Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

At the Sharq Village and Spa in Doha

Greetings_Doha_Sharq_village

So many of you have been asking me during the last days where I have been staying in Doha as my first post already showed some pictures of the fabulous resort. I spent a magical week at the Sharq Village and Spa operated by The Ritz-Carlton Company and experienced an unforgettable stay in the heart of Qatar.

Sharq8

Sharq22

It is located ten minutes from Doha International Airport on a private coastline with a beautiful beach offering striking views of Doha’s skyline. Due to the airport’s close proximity, you can enjoy some really impressive views on the departing airplanes.

Sharq_pool

Two fresh water pools are surrounded by the resort’s impressive traditional architecture inspired by the life and culture of ancient qatari tribes. The weather was just perfect during the last days, sunny and not too hot. The service is very friendly, the staff is greeting each hotel guest by name. I could totally get used to “Miss Sandra”.

Sharq60

Sharq_Chess2

Sharq20

Sharq_village_Ritz_Carlton_Doha

Sharq Village and Spa is home to different highly recommended restaurants: Al Liwan (Lebanese), Al Dana (Casual), Al Jalsa (Arabian Café), Cigar Lounge, Al Wanis Shisha Terrace and Parisa (Persian), which has been my favourite. I will post some photos of my last dinner there soon. Of course, you can also enjoy a quick meal whilst relaxing at the pool at Al Seef Bar.

Qatar7

Sharq11

Sharq5

Al Jalsa (Arabian Café)

Sharq19

Breakfast at Al Dana

Shisa_Sharq

Al Wanis Shisha Terrace

Six_Senses_Spa_Sharq_Village_Doha

Funnily enough, as I have just been to a Six Senses Spa in Gstaad at the Alpina hotel, I have been curious to compare both. The most important fact they have both in common, they are amazing in their own way. The Six Senses Spa in Sharq Village is respective of Qatari traditions with a separate ladies entrance, reception and exercise facilities. Something that I have also enjoyed very much, having state of the art fitness facilities just for myself.

Sharq21

Sharq_Gym

SHarq_Spa

Sharq_Village_Doha_Suite

The best part of my stay was the fairytale-like very spacious suite with a total of 165.5 square meters including a living room and two bedrooms each with their own bathroom. Fresh rose leaves on the bed were just one of the daily nice touches.

Sharq15

Sharq18

Sharq1

Sharq3

Sharq10

Sharq50

Sharq12

Sharq2

Sharq4

Bulgari bath amenities, a rainforest shower and a deep soaking jacuzzi tub were a daily pleasure. My trip to Doha was absolutely perfect and I am truly sad to leave. Stay tuned for more posts on my little adventures here under the Qatari sun.

LoL, Sandra

Sharq_Village_Bathtub

Sharq16Photos used for collages: Courtesy of Sharq Village; All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My Look: New Year’s Eve in Doha

New_Years_Eve_in_Doha

I spent New Year’s Eve at the beautiful resort we are staying at in Doha.
My sparkling look to welcome 2013: Swarovski embellished dress by Blumarine, sparkling clutch and matching suede pumps, both by Gucci, crystal and pearl necklace and crystal bead embellished earrings, both by Miu Miu.

Keeping to an old Spanish and Italian tradition, I was wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve as a symbol of good luck for the upcoming year.

LoL, Sandra

Sylvester11

New_Years_Eve2013

Miu_Miu_Necklace

Sylvester7

Miu_Miu_EarringsPhotos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My Year in Fashion – Highlights of 2012

MyYearinFashion2012

I would like to dedicate the first day of 2013 to a flashback of 2012. It was such an exciting year for me and I am truly thankful for all the magic moments I was able to experience and share with you. May 2013 bring us as many adventures and fashionable events as 2012 did.

Thanks for following me!

LoL, Sandra

January2012

JANUARY 2012

The year started with my visit to the fourth edition of Luisa Via Roma’s Firenze 4 Ever. As usual I had a lot fun, for example having dinner at the church, and adopted the Emilio Pucci Pug Dog for Happy Kids. It had been my third time at Firenze 4 Ever.

Then, I went to Paris for the Haute Couture shows and celebrated with Mary Katrantzou the launch of her amazing collaboration with Longchamp at Colette. Another highlight of 2012’s first month was the IWC Top Gun Gala held during the SIHH where I met lots of celebrities.

February 2012

FEBRUARY 2012

In February, I flew to the Fashion Week New York where I walked in my first runway show, Polyvore Live. I went to many fashion shows, spotted celebrities such as Olivia Palermo, Bradley Cooper and attended the Fashion 2.0 Awards plus the Bloglovin’ Awards.

After coming back from NYC, I had around 24 hours to repack and left for Paris with Dior for my photo shoot for the launch of Dior Addict Extrême.

Later this month, I accepted Gucci‘s invitation to see the F/W 2012 show, followed by a trip to Florence to visit the manufacture.

March2012

MARCH 2012

March started with Paris Fashion Week. Spotted on the streets, bloggers and editors wearing the veiled beanie designed by Stephen Jones for Jil Sander. The sun was shining already and I wore my first summery outfits like this one by Emilio Pucci.

In the end of the month, I flew to London to meet the American designer duo Kaufmanfranco at the net-à-porter offices along with jewelry designer Diane Kordas.

April2012

APRIL 2012

April marked the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. A good reason to fly again to London. As it was Easter break, I took my daughter on a girls’ trip.

In my luggage, of course, all of my Union Jack-inspired must-haves. A lot fun for every fashionista: Having Prêt-à-PorTea at the Berkeley.

May 2012

MAY 2012

Being on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival was truly one of the biggest highlights of the year. The night of the Chopard Trophée was outstanding. The most memorable part: A private performance of Lana Del Rey.

A wonderful trip to the Lausanne Palace & Spa finished off this amazing month perfectly. I indulged in the world of Roja Dove’s Haute Parfumerie and enjoyed a feast for senses at La Table d’Edgar.

June2012

JUNE 2012

June was a busy month. I started for one day in Paris for the launch of Pleats Please by Issey Miyake. Then, the Art Basel took place. My favorites: Montblanc‘s party to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Cutting Edge Art Collection together with Parisian art gallery Perrotin and Galerie Gmurzynska’s private dinner held with Zaha Hadid for the start of the Art Basel.

Later in June, I went on my road trip through the US with stops in Chicago, Denver and Salt Lake City. I drove all the way through Wyoming to Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, survived a hail storm and visited the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah.

August-2012

JULY 2012

July was such a relaxing month that I spent mostly in Maui, Hawaii followed by a short trip to Texas before heading home to Switzerland. Just a few days later, I flew to Munich for the launch of Bobbi Brown’s newest book Pretty Powerful.

August2012

AUGUST 2012

In August, I flew quite a lot to Germany for work and Sandra’s Closet reached 40.000 Facebook likes (By the way, today we are close to 75.000 likes, how amazing is this in this short amount of time?!).

An absolute highlight were the St. Moritz Art Masters where I had the honour to be photographed by Amedeo M. Turello and Steve McCurry, two of the most famous photographers in the world. The results will be posted soon.

September2012

SEPTEMBER 2012

September was one of the busiest months of the year. For me, it started with the Venice Film Festival. I was invited by Gucci for the launch of Gucci Première and was so excited to meet with the face of the campaign, Blake Lively. Right after, I had the photo shoot for Swiss News.

In Zurich, I met perfumer Geza Schön during a lunch over the rooftops of the Swiss city. With Dior, I attended the Zurich Film Festival.

With Piaget, I went to the Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris and visited the famous Château de Malmaison. Just a few days later, I flew back to the French capital for Fashion Week. Best party: Anna Dello Russo’s Paradise Ball. Favourite shows: Pascal Millet and Jean Paul Gaultier.

October2012-2

OCTOBER 2012

The first days of the month, I was still in Paris for Fashion Week and attended blockbuster shows such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Valentino and Miu Miu.

Later, I flew to Hamburg to visit the Montblanc headquarters and worked on the creation of my Bespoke Limited Edition Ink “Sandra Berry” that was launched in the end of the year. Another exciting collaboration with Closed was revealed: My limited edition blogger “Zurich” T-shirt.

Then, I left for New York City for the best party of the year: The launch of Maison Martin Margiela with H&M where I spotted celebrities such as Julianne Moore, Chase Crawford and Sarah Jessica Parker.

The last days of the month, I went to Geneva to visit the Chopard headquarters in Meyrin.

November-2012

NOVEMBER 2012

Another busy month that started with the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich. November marked a lot of events on Zurich‘s social agenda, such as the opening of the Rolex boutique and the Moncler store.

I flew to Greece with Hermès and hosted the exclusive Caviar & Oyster collection dinner with Bobbi Brown at my house.

December2012DECEMBER 2012

Such an exciting month for me as my Montblanc Bespoke Limited Edition Ink “Sandra Berry” has been finally launched.

I went to Gstaad with Louis Vuitton for the opening of their new store in the Swiss Alps and flew to Doha, Qatar for New Year’s Eve.

Sparkling Wishes for 2013 from Doha

HappyNewYear2013Doha

Happy New Year from Doha to all of you, my fabulous dear readers! I am looking forward to an exciting 2013 with you, and wish you all health, happiness and of course lots of style!
I decided last minute to fly to a sunny place. I had never been to Qatar before and am eager to share all of my impressions with you. In the photos you see me in my comfy outfit I wore on the flight upon my arrival in Doha.

My look: Leopard-print tracksuit by Dolce & Gabbana, sparkling scarf and studded ballet flats, both by Guccibi-colour Alice leather tote iconby Chloé. On my nails: Smoke Red by Tom Ford.

Stay tuned for the upcoming posts regarding my fabulous hotel, my New Year’s Eve celebration and much more! Let the party get started…

LoL, Sandra

Qatar_Sandra_Bauknecht2

Qatar6

Alice

Qatar5

Qatar_Sandra_Bauknecht

Qatar4

Qatar9Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht