Sandra‘s Closet

I started my crazy road trip through the US in the city in which I had lived for 2 years: Beautiful CHICAGO. It always feels so great to be back, seeing your friends, wallowing in memories and going to your favourite restaurants (Gibsons, Le Colonial, NoMI at the Park Hyatt and RL Restaurant at the gigantic Ralph Lauren store). The weather was amazing and I enjoyed going for a stroll through downtown.

My look: Mint green collarless jacket (50% off on sale), floral printed dress (50% off on sale), both by Marni, leather and chain bracelet, “Lucky Clover” earrings and necklace, mint green ballet flats, sky-blue Marcie hobo bag, all by Chloé and glitter sunglasses by Miu Miu.

By the way, the crowds weren’t waiting for me. The presidential family had lunch at Gibsons at the same time we had. Enjoy some shots of this wonderful city.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, I drove up to Haleakalā National Park which is surrounding and including the crater. This massive vulcano forms more than 75% of the Hawaiian Island of Maui and its activity is in a non-eruptive phase. The temperature near the summit tends to vary and on my way up, I went through the clouds. On top of the vulcano, it was drizzling from time to time and quite cool but the nature is breathtaking.

As you see, I followed my own fashion advice and went for some Hawaiian prints. For the previous post on this trend, please click here.

My look on top of the vulcano: Hawaiian-print silk tunic dress (on sale) and Hawaiian-print silk tapered pants (on sale), both by Stella McCartney, cat eye glitter acetate and metal sunglasses and suede sandals, both by Miu Miu and small Marcie hobo bag in Skylight Blue by Chloé.

It looks like I landed on the moon, doesn’t it?! And what do you think of my natural curls?

LoL, Sandra

This rare species of Silversword is fragile and lives only upon the slopes of Haleakalā.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Next stop: Salt Lake City, Utah.
The state’s capital is first and foremost known as home of the Mormon’s headquarter. The influence of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) can be felt everywhere. The city was founded in 1847 by Brigham Young and his Mormon followers, who extensively irrigated and cultivated the arid valley. It is such a clean and neat place that has a lot of beautiful old buildings. I was there Sunday and it was all closed due to the religious tradition.

Mormons self-identify as Christian, though some of their beliefs differ from mainstream Christianity. Between 1852 and 1890 many Mormons openly practiced plural marriage, a form of religious polygamy, which is not allowed anymore. Today, it is practiced only by fundamentalist groups that have broken with the LDS Church.

My look to explore the city: Lace top and denim skirt by Stella McCartney, small Marcie hobo bag in Skylight blue by Chloé, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline and embellished thong sandals by Prada.
On my nails: Fly (turquoise) with one layer of Save me (hologram silver glitter), both from the Nicki Menaj by OPI collection.

Let me take you on a tour through the city and enjoy some photos of my outfit.

LoL, Sandra

View from the top: The skyline of Salt Lake City in front of the mountains.

Salt Lake City is very close to the Great Salt Lake which you can see in the back.

Utah State Capitol

In the back: Temple Square in Downtown Salt Lake City.

The Salt Lake Temple is one of the most iconic images of the LDS Church.

Assembly Hall

Mormon Tabernacle, home of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir, that is a Grammy and Emmy Award winning, 360-member, all-volunteer choir.

Shopping Mall: City Creek Center

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As promised, here is my paisley-print look, a wonderful trend for S/S 2012:

Paisley-print silk shirt, matching stretch-crepe shorts, both by Stella McCartney ,cameo and onion clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, small Marcie hobo bag in Skylight Blue by Chloé and handmade woven leather boots by Gucci.

Hope that you like it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht