Sandra‘s Closet

Recently, I was invited by GARNIER to explore the brand’s new Organic skincare range. 11 products the company has been working on for 10 years. Sustainable sourcing, respect for the environment, vegan formulas and new organic certifications, all come together to write this new chapter.

But do organic products really work? The idea that a high-performance product can be made from ingredients drawn from nature, rather than the laboratory, might seem too good to be true. Still, skincare that’s kind to your skin and the environment is real. Here’s why..

The effectiveness of an organic product depends on how the ingredients are processed and how the overall product is formulated. Finding the correct balance of ingredients in a formula takes intensive research. This is especially true when working with natural extracts, which are inherently complex and diverse.

GARNIER has spent over 10 years sourcing and developing the right combination of natural and organic ingredients for the new Garnier Organic product line. The products are certified organic by the Soil Association according to rigorous international standards. Formulated with a minimum of 95% natural ingredients, each product harnesses a star natural ingredient, carefully blended in a formula to benefit a specific skin type.

The lemongrass is harvested in Sri Lanka, thyme and lavender, both come from France, and the precious argan oil derives from Morocco.

Swiss food blogger and author of «Eat Better, Not Less» Nadia Damaso treated us to some amazing vegan culinary dessert treats. Her cookbook, which has immediately become a bestseller in Switzerland, offers healthy yet super delicious mostly plant-based recipes that are completely free from refined sugar and lactose.

You are what you eat. Great skin is a combination of nutrition and the right skincare. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your GARNIER Organic Konjac Botanical Cleansing Sponge and gently buff your way to clearer, softer skin while you are preparing your vegan dinner.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: David Biedert Photography

Here are all the details regarding my outfit that I wore to the shoot with my daughter for annabelle magazine. For today’s post, I added the sweater and the headband. If you look closer, you will see that the redhead on the print wears exactly what I am wearing. How fun is this?!

My look: Floral-print wool and mohair-blend blazer, floral-print wool and mohair-blend wide-leg pants, oversized Ignasi Monreal sweatshirt, rose print silk tie neck blouse, Marmont fringed logo-embellished metallic cracked-leather pumps, Sylvie mini buckle leather shoulder bag, and web headband with crystals, all by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Pierluigi Macor for annabelle, © Sandra Bauknecht

Why carry one bag if you can have two? Women never have enough space in their handbags and CHANEL has the solution to stay organized with the so-called Side-Packs, spotted on the Maison’s S/S 2019 runway. It is a new style of wearing your It-piece that capture breezy allure and a seaside spirit. Worn by twos, like shoulder bags, their metallic chains crisscross at the hip. Mini or maxi versions can also be hooked together, with or without a pair of mules. I am sold and CHANEL set a new trend… again!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
#CHANELByTheSea
#CHANELSpringSummer

CHANEL is taking is back to the ‘80s, and I want in. If I had to buy one piece this summer, it would be this crisp white button-down shirt that Kaia Gerber wore on the Maison’s S/S 2019 runway show that is in stores now for €1990. It has already become the must-have piece of the season for celebrities and bloggers and was featured in several editorials.

In case you are one of the lucky ones to get it, don’t miss the oversized logo earrings and the fabulous Side-Packs about which I will tell you more over the weekend.

LoL, Sandra

Look 6 on the CHANEL S/S 2019 runway worn by Kaia Gerber.

Lily Aldridge US Vogue – February 2019

CHANEL’s new S/S 2019 eyewear campaign

Ciara (@everythingrelatedfashion/Instagram)

Cardi B. (@iamcardib/Instagram) with the must-have shirt and the Side-Packs.

Photos: Via © CHANEL, Dazed Digital – if not stated otherwise.
#CHANELByTheSea
#CHANELSpringSummer

YSL Beauté inaugurates an ephemeral space in Zurich: the #YSLBEAUTYHOTEL where each room and suite are dedicated to the Parisian brand’s ‘beauty’ pleasures. You can visit this fun pop-up space at MANOR in Zurich until April 13, 2019.

So let me take you through the YSL BEAUTY HOTEL, a true temple for beauty addicts that I visited on Monday before the official launch.

First, guests register in the lobby and receive their key, which opens the door to the extraordinary experience downstairs in the department store. If you are lucky, you can open the vault with your key and win some amazing surprises.

Artistic, intimate and mysterious, at the Beauty Bar you can discover the novelties and the intoxicating Black Opium scent. In the bedroom, you will find the perfect look for your lips and you can engrave your lipstick or perfume bottle as I did. A graffiti artist decorates the YSL products and gift boxes with intrepid colors. A unique personalization service that makes every product or gift unique.

Great news is that you can attend a masterclass where the YSL Beauté make-up artists share their secrets. It is always fun to learn new techniques. I truly enjoyed mine with Jérémy Mahfoud. Alone or with friends, make an appointment today, by calling +41 78 655 27 86.

Last but not least, break your Instagram. Lights, camera, action! Special photo corners invite you to snap the perfect shot and to share them on your social media channels under #YSLBEAUTYHOTEL. The concept reminds me a lot of the Stylenanda Pink Hotel in Seoul, that I visited past October.

Enjoy your stay – Happy Beautolidays!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

On Fendi’s S/S 2019 runway, there was quite a variety of military-inspired bags. All coming with several pockets to help you stay organized. My favorite style is this cross-body version below that is crafted from smooth leather with three compartments – one designed for a phone and another labelled ‘Secrets’ in gold hot-stamped lettering (how cute is this?!) – then set on a slender adjustable strap that’s completed with gold-tone metal hardware. Utilitarian style at its best. A bag that allows you to go hands-free. Perfect for all mummies, for travelling and more…

LoL, Sandra

Pocket mini leather cross-body bag in tan

Pocket mini leather cross-body bag in orange

Pocket mini leather cross-body bag in khaki-green

Pocket mini leather cross-body bag in black

Mini leather cross-body bag in white

Photos: Courtesy of Fendi

Recently, I attended the Swiss launch event of CLINIQUE‘s newest beauty launch Clinique iD™ at Clouds in Zurich. The motto is simple, customize, don’t compromise. The idea behind the new cartridges that are inserted in your favorite texture of the Dramatically Different Moisturizer (Moisturizing Lotion, Oli-Control Gel and Hydrating Jelly) is to create a personalized custom-blend hydrator.

15 combinations are possible. Concerned with irritation? Pores and uneven skin texture? Uneven skin tone? Fatigue? Lines and wrinkles? For all these problems, CLINIQUE offers a solution. Choose one of three hydration bases, insert one of five cartridges with concentrated actives and you’re done. Instant, optimised results can be achieved with every use. The product in each bottle is said to last three months. Great skin, your way!

With Valeska Jansen (left) and Shari Jafari (right), Brand General Manager Clinique, Switzerland.

Personally speaking, I think it is an easy-to-use product for all skin types as you can personalize it for your concern, but especially great for younger skin. My daughter is a true addict and her complexion has absolutely changed in a short amount of time.

I found my combination with CLINIQUE Clinical Reality™, a tool that scans your skin to find the areas you have to target. My problem, no surprise… tired skin. My solution? Dramatically Different Moisturizer Moisturizing Lotion combined with the orange cartridge «Fatigue».

CLINIQUE Clinical Reality™

Beautiful sunny weather 

Shari Jafari giving an introduction speech about the newest launch.

Drinks were matching the colors of the cartridges…

… as well as the macarons.

Great music and lots of activities kept the guests busy…

… and offered many photo opportunities.

You could decorate a transparent make-up pouch with those stickers…

… or get your make-up refreshed.

The new Clinique iD™ Active Cartridge Concentrates are available now for CHF 75.00 each.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Sanjeev Velmurugan Photography

Never rest – keep rising. Publishing an online magazine means you never have a free day. You have to upload new content on a daily base. Funnily enough, I never had a day where I didn’t know what to write about. It is more that I don’t find the time to feature everything I like. I love what I do and therefore I do it often.

In terms of fashion, I adore the pajama trend. Face it, everyone loves something cozy to go to work, or for just running errands. The velvet material makes it look stylish while being comfortable.

My look: Embroidered velvet shirt and matching velvet straight-leg pants, both by Mira Mikati, Pineapple jacquard pumps with mouse face by Gucci and embroidered book tote by Dior. Gold-plated Swarovski crystal clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, 18K diamond nameplate necklace by Louis Vuitton, daisy necklace and Mitza ring, both by Dior Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Once a year, the Wiener Staatsoper turns into the world’s most beautiful and elegant ball room for the Vienna Opera Ball: a glamorous gala of unique splendour and allure, the ball of all balls, much-copied around the world. It had been on my bucket list since a long time, it is something you should have experienced once in your life.

My dear friend Ljuba Manz invited me for this spectacular night where around 300 debutantes make their dream come true and dance the first polonaise on this unique ballroom floor. After that, it’s Alles Walzer or “Let the waltz begin!“. For more information about the history and the strict dress code, click here for a previous post.

My look: Glen sleeved embroidered dress by Temperley London, cropped shearling jacket with mink and embellishments and Saffiano double handle mini satchel, both by Prada, leather platform pumps by Gucci, diamond ring and diamond bracelet by Vainard Fine Jewellery, rose diamond ring by Piaget and Tonda 1950 clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

Music and dance all over the opera building, sumptious floral decorations, ladies in elaborate gowns, and gentlemen in elegant tailcoats, made the Vienna Opera Ball an unforgettable event for me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Some of the photos were taken before the gala at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Vienna.

For F/W 2019, LOUIS VUITTON accessories stylishly combine many of the House’s iconic codes.

The timeless Monogram shawl asserts a new freedom and can be worn in versatile ways. Reinterpreted in a tie-dye version, it celebrates the colours of an Indian summer.

Highlighted with 3D technical appliqué details for a trompel’oeil effect with Louis Vuitton’s signature motifs or in appliquéd silk with a pop upcycling vibe, it reinvents the concept of patchwork craftsmanship. An oversized scarf in double-faced, pleated silk beautifully enhances the look.

Twisted silk also features on costume jewellery, including fine bracelets adorned with charms and a featherweight choker.

The fashion jewellery plays with Louis Vuitton’s signatures. Worn on its own as an XL statement piece or in a mini-sized pair, an earring teams the House’s V with semi-precious stones. Long and short necklaces, worn on their own or layered, combine enamelled and diamanté heraldry charms, whose links are inspired by trunk locks.

I personally adore this three ring set. Such a cool accessory.

Leather rubs shoulders with the Monogram canvas in a new reversible fine belt. Its iconic jewel clasp, inspired by the Dauphine bag from the S/S 2019 collection, offers a discreet
signature.

A new accessory, the iPhone case hangs around the neck like an authentic high-tech silicone jewel.
It adds an ultra-modern and innovative accent to the look, offering the perfect blend of style
and function.

The sunglasses boast a sculptural form. A real technical feat, this featherweight, moulded design propels accessories into the future.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton