Sandra‘s Closet

So yummy and sweet! I adore Dolce & Gabbana‘s new fragrance named THE ONE DESIRE, a successor of the popular fragrance The One, launched in 2006. The olfactive statement speaks of pure femininity, complementing the collection with a bouquet of intoxicating notes to create an opulent scent. Once again, Scarlett Johansson is the face of the campaign photographed by Terry Richardson.

Desire. Seduction. Strength.
“Everything starts with desire. There wouldn’t be seduction, sensuality or passion if it wasn’t for desire. For us, it’s always been fundamental to let this sensation go, to break the mould and live free by emotions.” – Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana

THE ONE DESIRE
Oriental Floral

Top notes: Mandarin, lychee, bergamot and lily of the valley
Middle notes: Madonna lily, Indian tuberose, jasmine and plum nectar
Base notes: Vanilla, caramel, sandalwood, musk and Cistus Labdanum

In stores now. Eau de Parfum, CHF99.00 / €69.00 (30ml), CHF149.00 / €93.00 (50ml) and CHF179.00 / €117.00 (75ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

Tom Ford presents his new fragrance inspired by the mystery and luxury of the Middle East. Evoking the untamed beauty of the Arabian Peninsula, SAHARA NOIR is an ode to the enchanting power of one of that land’s most treasured ingredients: frankincense. The composition is built around this precious desert resin, which can be found at all three main stages of the development of the fragrance. Exclusively available in the Middle East.

ORIENTAL FLORAL
Top notes: Bitter orange, frankincense, calamus, cistus and cypress.
Middle notes: Beeswax, jasmine, papyrus, rose, frankincense and cinnamon.
Base notes: Ambreinol, balsam, benzoin, labdanum, oud, vanilla, frankincense resin, cedar and agarwood.

Good news is that Sahara Noir is said to launch in Europe this May.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford

“If Yves Saint Laurent was a religion, his divinity would be a woman.”
Cotton-poplin shirt, chain-trimmed leather mini skirt, patent-leather escarpins and Cabas medium leather tote, all by Saint Laurent.

Complementing the house’s beautiful prêt-à-porter collections, Yves Saint Laurent launched many iconic and famous fragrances over the years:
1971 Rive Gauche  – for the woman, who asserts herself
1977 Opium – for the women, who is mysterious and sensual
1983 Paris – for the passionate woman
2009 Parisienne –  for the freedom-loving woman

2013, Manifesto – a declaration of feminity is added:
The expression of audacity, excess, and desire.  A bouquet of jasmine punctuated by green notes and a bold trail combining wood, vanilla, and tonka beans are the scent’s very own signature. In a flacon reminiscent of the silhoutte of a woman. The face of the fragrance is actress Jessica Chastain. The composition was developed by Anne Flipo and Loc Dong.

ORIENTAL FLORAL
Top notes: Bergamot and black currant
Heart notes: Sambac jasmine and lily of the valley
Base notes: Cedar, sandalwood, vanilla and tonka bean

EdP 30ml (CHF 84.-), EdP 50ml (CHF 124.-) and EdP 90ml (CHF 157.-)
In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of YSL and © Sandra Bauknecht

You might have seen those colourful bottles at the counter already and if you haven’t smelled them yet, please do. All four are uber-yummy and I like the idea behind the collection. Ralph Lauren celebrates the many facets of modern young women by saying that “scent is an essential accessory for all of the roles a woman plays.” Today’s woman should have a fragrance wardrobe to choose from according to mood and occasion. And here it is:

THE BIG PONY FRAGRANCE COLLECTION FOR WOMEN

Have fun exploring those four vital attributes and find out which F/W 2012 looks plus accessories would coordinate those passions best.

N°1 SPORTY

Catch her if you can. This floral citrus scent features grapefruit & blue lotus for a vibrant, energetic fragrance that evokes confidence while awakening the senses. Confident and fearless, the sporty woman is a natural born leader and ready to take on the world.

Her must-haves: Cabas Chyc leather tote by Yves Saint Laurent and Tokyo metallic and leather sneakers by Jimmy Choo

N°2 SENSUAL

A floriental fruity with the key ingredients of cranberry & tonka mousse, this fragrance is for an alluring flirt and the romantic at heart. Playful and irresistible, this modern woman follows her heart.

Her must-haves: PS1 Medium textured-leather pouch by Proenza Schouler and Maniac leather platform pumps by Brian Atwood

N°3 FREE-SPIRITED

Eccentric, rebellious and independent, this floral green fragrance highlights pear & mimosa. The crisp, bright scent represents ultimate optimism and natural feminine radiance for a woman who dances to the beat of her own drum.

Her must-haves: Victoria leather tote by Victoria Beckham and suede and elaphe slingback sandals by Nicholas Kirkwood

N°4 STYLISH

Edgy and refined, with a flair for the exotic, this oriental floral contains key ingredients of wild cherry & purple amber. Designed for the stylish woman, her flair expresses her unique personality and catches the eye and the hearts of anyone who crosses the path.

Her must-haves: PS1 Large suede satchel by Proenza Schouler and Havana patent-leather brogues by Christian Louboutin

Available now as EdT 30ml (CHF 44.90) and EdT 50ml (CHF 54.90).

LoL, Sandra

All good things come in threes. Here is the final “Bestsmellers” post for Mother’s Day. I hope that you will find some inspiration for a little odorous surprise. Those four flankers below are lighter versions for summer, mostly related to the original fragrances.
A great gift for the warm season.

LoL, Sandra

SWAROVSKI – AURA EAU DE TOILETTE
Eau de Toilette, CHF  49.- (30ml), CHF 73.- (50ml) and CHF 97.- (75ml) – all refillable

Oriental Floral
A lovely interpretation for the warm season of last year’s luxurious fragrance composition.

Top notes: Litchi and rose
Heart notes: Tuberose
Base notes: Pink pepper, benzoin, amber and musk

THIERRY MUGLER – ALIEN AQUA CHIC
Eau de Toilette Légère, CHF 74.- (60ml)

Oriental Floral
For all women who love transparent, aquatic fragrances.

Top notes: Lemon verbena and ginger
Heart notes: Freesia
Base notes: Amber and woodsy notes

BULGARI – MON JASMIN NOIR L’EAU EXQUISE
Eau  de Toilette, CHF 99.- (50ml) and CHF 116.- (75ml)

Floral
Fresh, airy and ultrafeminine – reminiscent of a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Top notes: Pomelo, almond and grapefruit
Heart notes: White tea and jasmine
Base notes: Musk and cedar

YVES SAINT LAURENT  – PARISIENNE L’EAU
Eau de Toilette CHF 111.- (50ml) and CHF 143.- (90ml)

Floral Fruity
A juicy, floral fruity summer version of the original scent that was launched in 2009.

Top notes: Vinyl accord, green notes, violet leaf and rose
Heart notes: Cranberries, red fruit and black currant
Base notes: Patchouli, cedar and white musk

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht and Stills: Courtesy of the brands

Mother’s Day is around the corner and you might want to think of a little surprise. There are many new fragrances on the market. Here are some of the bestsmelling scents available now.

LoL, Sandra

GUERLAIN AQUA ALLEGORIA – LYS SOLEIA
Eau de Toilette, CHF 109.- (125ml)

Floral Fruity
Elegant and light, perfect for an airy summer night.

Top notes: Bergamot, lemon and palm leaves
Heart notes: Lily, ylang-ylang and tropical fruits
Base notes: Tuberose, vanilla and white musk

ISSEY MIYAKE  – L’EAU D’ISSEY SUMMER 2012
Eau de Toilette, CHF 86.- (100ml)

Floral Aquatic
Dynamic and refreshing but full of exotics and warmth.

Top notes: Rose, pear and water notes
Heart notes: Carnation and peony
Base notes: Osmanthus and woodsy notes

PRADA INFUSION D’IRIS EAU DE PARFUM ABSOLUE
Eau de Parfum Absolue CHF 118.- (50ml) und CHF 150.- (100ml)

Oriental Floral
Intense, rich – full of seduction, my favourite.

Top notes: African orange flower and neroli
Heart notes: Italian iris
Base notes: White musk, benzoin from Laos, Madagascar vanilla and tonka bean from Venezuela

BIOTHERM EAU OCEANE
Eau de Toilette, CHF 70.- (100ml)

Floral Aquatic
Revitalising, hydrating and refreshing – the power of the ocean in a scent.

Top notes: Bergamot, lemon and fruity notes
Heart notes: Jasmine and water notes (through Firmenich molecules)
Base notes: Musk, cedar, algae, moss and sand flowers

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the brands