Sandra‘s Closet

So many of you have been asking me for more updates from China. I had been chilling for one week at the Mandarin Oriental Sanya, before I flew yesterday to Hong Kong. Experiencing the power of zen, I have become fully aware, here and now, all of my senses alert. I did a lot of yoga classes and enjoyed many Chinese spa treatments which are truly special, absolutely amazing. This exclusive retreat on the tropical island of Hainan Island has got a location on a private bay that offers no equal. I stayed in one of the huge luxurious villas with my own pool and outstanding service. I found new friends, from monkeys to geckos to grashoppers. What a beautiful spot on earth, a hidden paradise and I am truly thankful for the time and enlightenment! A resort that I can absolutely recommend!

Let me show you a little more…

Me on a beach walk before sunset wearing Juicy Couture and my Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN sunglasses.

A warm welcome in my own two-storied villa. Every day, I received a new basket with fresh fruits.

Diving in my own private pool in a Chanel bikini.

In the outdoor shower

Bath room amenities by Acqua di Parma.

If you are staying in one of the resort’s villas, you are having exclusive access to the Cliff Lounge, where complimentary champagne breakfasts, afternoon tea and evening cocktails are served daily. It feels very calm, relaxed and you are never confronted with too many people.

The food was divine. Here you see my daily breakfast.

Next to the beautiful private beach, you can relax at one of the three gigantic outdoor swimming pools. I preferred staying at my own villa where I met some new animal friends…

The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Sanya is one of the best I have ever been to. I had a lot of treatments and each of them was amazing. Try the Chinese Detox massage where herbs are applied to your body, the Lava Sea Shell massage using self-heated shells together with local coconut oil, and the Oriental Foot treatment for the ultimate wellness experience.

The light was very special in Sanya, especially in the evening… a true paradise.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I took the train from Beijing to Shanghai which was a very fun adventure. First of all, getting all my luggage down to the platform was an even bigger challenge than finding my way around. In contrast to our stations, only travellers with a valid ticket are allowed there.

You might be wondering what I was wearing. Karl Lagerfeld once said: “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.” Mr Lagerfeld, I think that you have never been on a Chinese train. But I have to admit that it feels a little like you have lost control over your life… especially after a 5 hours ride. However the first class looks amazing, more like being on a plane.

My look: Pink cashmere hooded top, matching track pants (both 50% off) and tee, all three by Juicy Couture, GOrun ride 2 running shoes by Skechers.

I am staying at the brand-new extremely beautiful Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai. More photos coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Beijing main station

My ticket, my Victorinox luggage and my Rodtnes bag (great for travelling).

The high-speed train

First class interior

Lunch box in the train

First impression of Shanghai, I love it!

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

From Chicago I flew to Denver where I didn’t stay very long as I had to drive all the way up to Wyoming and South Dakota. Knowing that I would be sitting quite a while, I decided to be dressed as simple and casual as possible.

My look: Printed-back velour hooded top and matching track pants, both by Juicy Couture, original seamless tank top by Sugarlips, brown Pandora bag by Givenchy, Pegase 55 cabin case by Louis Vuitton, cat eye glitter acetate and metal sunglasses by Miu Miu and brushed leather trainers by Maison Martin Margiela.
On my nails: Beach Cruiser (neon pink) by Orly.

LoL, Sandra

At Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Those seamless Sugarlips tops are available in many different colours and so comfy to wear.

A photo from the air.

Safely arrived at Denver International Airport.

Denver skyline

Me in front of the Colorado State Capitol Building

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Welcome to the Coachella Festival, the annual music and arts festival in the California Desert, during which Mulberry hosted two events in Palm Springs this weekend:

The Firepit Party on Friday 13th April and the following day on Saturday 14th a BBQ Pool Party, both at the Parker Hotel.

The guests included Emma Hill, Kate Bosworth, Emma Watson and Lily Collins to name a few. Needless to say, the ladies were all dressed up very fashionably, mostly in Mulberry. The festival dress code: short denim pants, little tank tops and floral dresses.
Some of them wore already the newest pieces for the upcoming F/W 2012 season. Pretty challenging as the Coachella Music Festival has a desert setting, with daytime temperatures frequently rising to over 110 °F (43 °C). And believe me, I have been there, it is HOT!

Enjoy all the photos below. You can shop already some of the looks by clicking on the highlighted text. I felt the sunshine just looking at those beautiful pictures…

LoL, Sandra

Two Emmas: Actress Emma Watson and Emma Hill, Mulberry’s Creative Director

Emma Watson‘s day look: Fuzzy tiger playsuit from F/W 2012 Main and carrying the Mini Lily with tassels in oak from F/W 2012 Main, all by Mulberry

Emma Hill‘s day look: Lace raglan dress in multicolour plastic animals from S/S 2012 catwalk and carrying the Lily with chain handle in ink blue sparkle croc print from F/W 2012 catwalk, all by Mulberry

Actress Kate Bosworth

Kate Bosworth‘s day look: Fuzzy tiger scoop neck tee in acorn from F/W 2012 Catwalk, the black studded sneakers in black from F/W 2012 Main and carrying the Mini Lily with tassels in ink blue from F/W 2012 Main, all by Mulberry

Atlanta de Cadenet

Atlanta de Cadenet‘s day look: Full sleeve dress in multicolour mini zig zag from F/W 2012 Catwalk and carrying the Bryn in flame from F/W 2012 Main, all by Mulberry

Actress Lily Collins

Lily Collins‘s day look: Stripy straws Neely dress in pale blue from S/S 2012 Main, the stitched bow ballerinas from S/S 2012 Main and carrying the Lily with tassels in ink blue from F/W 2012 Main, all by Mulberry

Dree Hemingway

Drew Hemingways‘s day look: Chili pepper-print cotton bustier, matching cotton-poplin skirt and belt, all from Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2012 Catwalk
(This look has found its way already in my closet, stay tuned for the photos to be posted soon.)

Harley Viera-Newton

Harley Viera-Newton‘s day look: Cherry-printed swimsuit by Juicy Couture, low-rise stretch-denim shorts by 7 for all mankind and Lily bag with tassels in oak from F/W 2012 Main

Mulberry’s Creative Director Emma Hill

Emma Hill‘s evening look: Shorts in navy cotton drill from S/S 2012 Catwalk, sequin blouse in navy from F/W 2011 Catwalk and Lily bag with tassles in ink blue heavy suede from F/W 2012 Main, all by Mulberry

Actress Kate Bosworth

Kate Bosworth‘ s evening look: Panel dress in multicolour Ditzy Daisy crushed cotton from F/W 2012 Main, sneaker in black studded leather from F/W 2012 Main and Mini Lily with tassles in ink blue heavy suede from F/W 2012 Main, all by Mulberry

Actress Lily Collins

Lily Collins‘s evening look: Windbreaker in pebbled beige summer boucle from S/S 2012 Catwalk, square printed scarf in multi-coloured Bonkers Beach print from S/S 2012 Main and Lily with tassles in ink blue heavy suede from F/W 2012 Main, all by Mulberry

Photos: Courtesy of Mulberry, © WireImage

Looking outside, it is truly sweater weather! And this season, it is official, the cheesy holiday jumper got a style upgrade. Suddenly, all that we want are reindeers, snowflakes and jacquards. My favourite are Moschino’s penguins.

1 Penguin intarsia wool sweater by Moschino
2 Cropped wool-blend jacquard sweater by Alexander Wang
3 Fair Isle neon wool-blend sweater by Juicy Couture
4 Fair Isle knitted cotton sweater by Jonathan Saunders
5 Snowman intarsia wool sweater by Moschino
6 Snowflake sequined merino wool sweater by Markus Lupfer
7 Firgrove intarsia wool and alpaca-blend sweater by Aubin & Wills
8 Chunky-knit Fair Isle sweater by J.Crew
9 Polar bear intarsia wool and alpaca-blend sweater by Stella McCartney

Stylist Carolin Sieber rocks this trend by combining her Topshop sweater with a leather mini and Chanel booties. Get cozy for Christmas!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Mr Newton for Harper’s Bazaar

The Dalai Lama once said that the most generous act there is, compassion, is actually a selfish act: “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

Helping others in need is a small act of kindness and generosity. 50% up to 100% of all proceeds from the sale of these T-shirts will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross earthquake appeal.
 Show your support in style and make a charitable fashion statement.

My favourite is the one in the middle by  SIMEON FARRAR FOR JAPAN Kate Mouse cotton T-shirt, available at net-à-porter.com from today.

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday, I flew to London to celebrate the city’s biggest shopping spectacle: Fashion’s Night Out. Being a fashion addict, I felt like having arrived in heaven. The streets were filled with stylish people for whom fashion still has a thrill, an inspiring mood was in the air. The events were numerous, from Giorgio Armani’s cocktail party, Manolo Blahnik unveiling the World of Manolo pop-up store at Liberty to Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s DJ performance at the Juicy Couture store. Everywhere was something exciting to see or even to win.

The evening served also a good cause. Vogue launched a limited edition T-shirt for the night designed by Sanna Annukka of which all profits go to charity Kids Company.

There was so much to do it had been hard to decide where to start. Superstar appearances were guaranteed at the parties that required an invitation like the ones at Stella McCartney or Matthew Williamson. I was lucky to be there and had the best time ever. The photos I took speak for themselves. Enjoy my very own exciting moments of last night.

LoL, Sandra

Fashion Night Out's kick-off: People lining up in front of the Louis Vuitton store

Louis Vuitton's amazing window display

Fashionable people at Matthew Williamson

Real models in the windows of Daks

Paparazzis taking photos of Petra Ecclestone arriving at Stella McCartney

Sweet treats at Stella McCartney: I was in love with the Falabella bag cookies.

Yummy Stella cupcakes

What do you think? Me being the new F/W 2010 campaign model for Stella McCartney.

Best party moments: Stella hugging Gwyneth Paltrow. To the left: Alexandra Shulman, editor-in-chief of Vogue UK.

Claudia Schiffer welcoming Gwyneth Paltrow. To the left: Natalia Vodianova.

Gwyneth listening passionately. I loved that her lavender lace bra showed a little.

Girlfriends: Claudia Schiffer, Stella McCartney pregnant with her fourth child looking gorgeous in her own designs, Natalia Vodianova and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Claudia in Christopher Kane Cruise 2011, Gwyneth in Stella McCartney and Natalia in David Koma.

Me with Stella McCartney

Me with Claudia Schiffer

Me with Matthew Williamson

Me sooo happy in my hotel room ready for bedtime in my FNO T-shirt, PHOTOS: Sandra Bauknecht

I am a total yogini. I just love every bit of yoga. And while practising, I still like to look and feel good. Nike and Juicy Couture offer a great selection of yoga clothing along with some gorgeous accessories. Juicy Couture has some fun slogan tops that I truly adore and that work all day long.

In case you have not tried yoga yet, be brave and give it a chance. But be careful, it will depend very much on the teacher if you like it or not. So give several studios a chance. Believe me, it is worth it. Yoga can be a great workout and for all sportmaniacs, you can sweat a lot, too.
It will make your muscles nice, tight and long and will give your body a lot of flexibility while integrating the mind and your emotions.

In Los Angeles, I was very lucky to train with Steve Ross, the so-called Yogi to the Stars by Instyle, with his own show “Inhale” on the Oxygen network and retreat leader at Maha Yoga.

Steve with me after a training with no make-up and due to all the sweating with curly hair.

Conveying his message perfectly, he gave me a signed copy of his fabulous book “Happy Yoga”.

„Here’s the yogi truth: There’s nothing to worry about. You are whole, complete, perfect, beautiful, loving, and blissful, and you know everything there is to know.“ – Steve Ross

With this in mind, you will look fabulous each day!

In Zurich, I am also very happy to practice yoga on a regular basis with Vasili Vlachos, an amazing teacher of Greek origin that has received his essence of yoga while living and studying several years at the famous Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, India, the home to the living legend Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar (Guruji) himself.
Iyengar yoga uses props, such as wooden gadgets, belts, ropes, to achieve perfection in your asanas more easily. It has become my favourite way to practise.
If you are living in Zurich and are interested, please feel free to contact the Iyengar Yoga Center of  Maya & Vasili Vlachos.

Namaste!

LoL, Sandra

Paris Hilton at Madame Tussauds

It is Sunday and I feel totally cozy. When I am at home, I usually wear all sorts of track suits, mostly by Juicy Couture. By transforming the sloppy sweat suit into a sexy uniform, the brand has been on everyone`s lips since quite a while. Spotted on many celebrities, it seems to be perfect for everyday life. Paris Hilton, a big fan of the label, is even displayed at Madame Tussauds wax museum in London in Juicy Couture.

In the US it is quite usual to wear the comfortable clothes to all sorts of different occassions from grocery shopping to lunch. In Europe, the trainer look is becoming more and more part of a fashionable wardrobe during the day. I could live in those, sooooo comfy and still body-consciously sexy, also great for yoga and pilates. By the way, the quality is amazing, you can wash them a zillion times.

Apart from the tracksuits, Juicy Couture offers a lot more, from cute underwear to kids clothing, dog couture, jewelry and a lot of fun stuff.

I am totally in love with those cute pieces above. The colour combo of mint green and soft pink is enchanting. Who could resist a girl in such a cute bathrobe at the breakfast table sipping her coffee?

Pam Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor

Juicy Couture changed the flavour of casual dress and style. The company was founded by two smart Californian women Pam Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor in 1994 and belongs since 2003 to the Liz Claiborne group. The brand extended their product range to include ready-to-wear, denim and more. The sister line Bird by Juicy Couture was introduced last year, a more serious fashion that offers a great value for money. I recommend it warmly to you.

Usher in an era of relaxed luxe that will sooner or later take over the world!

LoL, Sandra