Sandra‘s Closet

Great news for all pet and handbag lovers. On the one-of-a-kind Valentino Garavani Rockstud Pet tote, your darling plays protagonist. With a hand-painted portrait of the cutie in question and an initial of your choice, artist Riccardo Cusimano transforms this bag into a forever favorite.

To add a bold touch to your pet-à-porter, discover the genderless Valentino Garavani N/S totes with new black ruthenium studs available exclusively online. Crafted with lots of affection, the new tote goes oh-so adorable and extra personal, with a unique handmade print of your pet by the incredible illustrator Riccardo Cusimano.

To create your own or gift it to someone special, begin by selecting a model, colour and your initial, then upload the photos of the cutie in question here. You can request customisation for maximum two pets per bag. Once the work of art is ready, you’ll receive it wherever you wish in a very special box. There are four different styles of Rockstud bags to choose from which will be available in five different color variations.

New standout studs preciously update the way to personalise the Valentino Garavani N/S totes in black or tan. The black ruthenium finishing adds boldness, enriching Riccardo Cusimano’s pet portraits. These genderless styles are available online and in boutiques. Shipping times for customized Valentino Garavani Rockstud Pet bags are approximately 8-10 weeks.

 As part of the #RockstudPet initiative, Valentino will also launch an exclusive collection of leashes and dog collars in a matching color palette so you can complete the look.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Valentino

As promised, here is the full list of LA MER products that celebrity makeup artist and LA MER ambassador Mary Phillips used in her IG Live Talk with me. You can watch it here again. At the end of this post, you will also find a special promo code.

For Mary, skincare is the most important and the base for any great makeup look. Her motto is «less is more». She explains, that «if the canvas is good, the makeup is going to look good. If the skin is dry, then the makeup will look dry.» You will be amazed how little product she is using, which means your LA MER products will last much longer and are a great investment.

THE MOISTURE WARDROBE

Depending on your skin type or the moment, city and season, there is a moisture regimen for you. You can also mix and mach the products. Personally speaking, I use The Moisturizing Cream in winter and in summer at night, and The Moisturizing Soft Cream during the day when it is warm outside. The famous Miracle Broth Elixir is infused into all of the LA MER products. It is extremely healing, hydrating, and has anti-aging benefits.

GLOWY LA MER SPRING LOOK

When Mary created her healthy «Glowy La Mer Spring Look», she used the following products:

First, she starts off using The Mist, for her it is the perfect spritz to refresh, hydrate, and energize skin. Turn the bottle before applying it as the internal magnet charges the ingredients to maintain optimum potency for a more energized and revived appearance. After, she’ll apply The Renewal Oil, which is one of her favorites, as it gives your skin immediately this amazing glow. She also uses it around her eye area. In general, Mary taps on all the products instead of rubbing them into the skin. For ultimate hydration, she opts for the ever so popular The Moisturizing Cream or as it is very warm in Los Angeles, where she resides, The Moisturizing Soft Cream.

Surprisingly, primer is the one prep product that she is not including in her routine. LA MER products provide such a great base already, that there is no need for it in her opinion.

For this glowy look, she suggests keeping makeup light and not so set in powder, so it doesn’t get caked from the warm temperatures. After her moisturizing routine, she applies – if needed The Broad Spectrum SPF 50 – followed by her favorite summer product The Radiant Skin Tint SPF 30. She adores its lightweight formula that provides a sheer, healthy glow and SPF 30 which is perfect for warmer weather. Afterwards she corrects blemishes, dark spots and the under eye area with The Concealer.

«I like to apply the skin tint first, and then if there are any little areas I’ll use concealer instead of going in with more foundation everywhere,» she explains. «I would also apply bronzer and blushes before foundation to contour the face more naturally.»

 If needed, she recommends just very lightly powdering the T-zone area to set and finish. «I would rather people be too shiny than matte. It looks healthier,» Phillips says.

Another trick up her sleeve includes a non-makeup product. «Sometimes I’ll take a little bit of The Moisturizing Cream and pat it on the cheekbones or down the nose as it has a highlighting effect,» she notes. «It rehydrates the foundation and gives everything a glow.»

My favorite makeup trick I learnt from her and I was astounded by is the following: after applying foundation, she likes to apply a pea-size amount of The Moisturizing Cream with The Powder Brush all over the face for an instant, hydrated, creamy glow. She also does this application trick to refresh the glow of her makeup during the day.

The talk with Mary was so inspiring. She looks so natural  and her skin is glowing. Thank you, Mary, for all your tips and tricks!

PROMO CODE

Here is my special promo code vsasandralamer for you. You will receive CHF 40 off any purchase of minimum CHF 200. The offer will end on May 30, 2021.  This code is a one time use and not combinable with other offers or codes. It works only in the Swiss La Mer website. Just use vsasandralamer at checkout. It will be applied automatically.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Mary Phillips © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This is a paid collaboration with LA MER. 

Today, I received this limited-edition shampure™ nurturing shampoo bar from Aveda that is said to provide weightless, long- lasting nourishment for the hair in planet-friendly packaging for the Earth. Each April, Aveda celebrates Earth Month, this year with this outstanding highlight.

This 94% naturally derived (from plants, non-petroleum minerals or water) cruelty free and vegan shampoo bar gently cleanses with abyssinian oil, a natural silicone alternative, that leaves hair shiny and soft. It infuses hair with Aveda’s signature calming shampure™ aroma with 25 pure flower and plant essences, including certified organic lavender, ylang ylang and petit grain, and is safe for color-treated hair. It is free from: sulfated, cleansers, silicones, parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum, animal ingredients and synthetic fragrance.

The best is yet to come. By purchasing this shampoo bar you could help to save 2.0 tons of plastic which is equivalent to 180k water bottles (based on estimated plastic bottle weight).
100% of the shampure™ nurturing shampoo bar formula waste from the manufacturing process will be donated to Clean The World Foundation, who will recycle it into new soap bars to be used in their WASH Education Program Hygiene Kits provided to vulnerable communities around the world. A great initiative, especially during today’s troubled times where hygiene is more important than ever.

How to use it? Lather in hands or directly onto wet hair and scalp. Rinse thoroughly. Follow with shampure™ nurturing conditioner. Available for a limited time only for CHF 23.50 (100mg).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Aveda, © Clean The World Foundation – Collages/Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht
#AvedaSwitzerland #AvedaEarthMonth #AvedaVegan #CharityWater
Discover the exclusive Earth Month filter on @avedaswitzerland.

I am so thrilled to announce my Instagram Live Talk on April 20, 2021 at 6.45 pm CET @sandrascloset with the one any only Mary Phillips @maryphillips, celebrity make-up artist and like me LA MER ambassador, who will join me from my favorite city in the world, Los Angeles.

Working regularly on makeup looks for Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Salma Hayek, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Bella Hadid, and many more, Mary Phillips doesn’t need a big introduction. With 1.3 million followers on Instagram, she has established herself as one of the most talented celebrity makeup artists in the world.

«I never considered being anything else, this is what I truly love to do.» – That innate passion cultivated a career Mary Phillips has been training for her entire life. Whether rummaging through her mother’s products as a little girl, or acting as the resident cosmetics «guru» during neighborhood dress up sessions, Mary’s role was clear.

She grew up in California telling everyone she was going to become a makeup artist, and now Mary Phillips is one of the most sought after in the industry. Attending cosmetology classes while still in high school, (and makeup courses after graduating), Mary later worked in a dermatologist’s office- garnering more knowledge about one of her signature passions, skin. After being mentored by makeup veteran Eugenia Weston, Mary’s natural born talents eventually grew into working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Her innovative and evolving looks that Mary’s known for have graced the covers of all the famous fashion magazines around the globe, including Marie Claire, Vanity Fair, Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, and ELLE.

Mary’s refined execution and attention to detail leave a memorable mark of high amped sophistication all her own. She is obsessed with skincare as for her, «the right skincare  is the best canvas for makeup».

Today in our live talk, she will reveal her favorite LA MER products and beauty tips. I promise, you will be amazed how Mary uses the LA MER cream. She is super innovative and you will surely love it. We will talk about the LA MER moisture wardrobe and most importantly, Mary will explain how you can achieve a glowy spring makeup look. You can also ask questions at the end of the talk.

Tune in, see you at 6.45 pm CET on April 20, 2021! I hope that you are excited like me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Mary Phillips © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This is a paid collaboration with LA MER. 

While I am at Clinique La Prairie for a master detox program, I try to stay away from work as much as possible. Even that I post on a daily basis, I have so many things that still haven’t been revealed. Time is really the issue. Today’s post is very emotional. This was the last fashion show I attended that felt normal. One year ago, right before the first lockdown in Italy started, I was invited by Moschino to see their F/W 2020 show which was one of my favorites of all time, inspired by the French Revolution and Marie Antoinette (for a post in which I wear a look from the show, click here please). After the presentation, I was invited by Moschino to IT Milano, a one Michelin star restaurant, and got spoiled by chef Gennaro Esposito, who really liked my Crazy Fruits bag. If you head to my Instagram, there is a story about the show in my highlights.

My look: Collared feather-trimmed sequined blazer by Michael Kors Collection, sequined tulle underwired balconette bra, and sequined tulle briefs, both by Dolce & Gabbana, cereal box embroidered clutch and ruffled silk stole with Halloween print, both by Moschino, and 76 suede over-the-knee boots by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Street Diver, the latest addition to Louis Vuitton’s Tambour watch range is unveiled in an advertising campaign shot by renowned photographer Mario Sorrenti. Embodied by friends of the House – actors Tahar Rahim, Sophie Turner and Minho Lee – the Tambour Street Diver invites one to Journey Beyond the Surface, to take a metaphorical plunge into an urban odyssey.

British actor and House ambassador Sophie Turner sports the white and navy-blue, Pacific White Tambour Street Diver. With Golden Globe and Bafta nominations for his 2021 film «The Mauritanian», French actor Tahar Rahim wears gradients of blue across his wrist with the Skyline Blue colourway, while multi-award-winning South Korean actor Minho Lee models the Neon Black variation.

Crafted from a single block of metal and larger at the base than at the top, the unique shape of the Tambour was inspired by a drum. With applied horns that seamlessly integrate the case and strap, the position of the hours is indicated on the caseband by the 12 letters «L-O-U-I-S-V-U-I-T-T-O-N».

By looking beyond its stylish surface, the sportier aspects of the Tambour Street Diver are revealed. From the screw-down crowns and 100m of water resistance, to the generous coatings of Super-LumiNova on dial elements and inner rotating bezel, all bear witness to the utilitarian practicality of this Swiss-made timepiece.

Highly artisanal, multi-functional and creatively distinctive, the Tambour Street Diver brings together all the requirements of a traditional dive watch, while retaining the vibrant and unconventional style elements that have always been central to Louis Vuitton. This radical combination of design and purpose bridges the ever-flowing connections between craftmanship and technology, work and play, the lure of adventurous discoveries and everyday city living.

The campaign will be revealed in April 2021 issues of magazines worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton / Mario Sorrenti

Fashion foodies gather, Vetements is launching the first ever «Vetements Burger». Crafted by trained artisans with the highest quality ingredients, the vegetarian burger comes in a combo meal, which features sustainable iconic monogram packaging. I don’t know about you, but eating junk food with this sleek packaging just doesn’t seem as bad for you. However, I am in detox and also not in Russia, so I’ll skip this meal. The burger is at the moment only available exclusively at KM20 restaurant in Moscow, as it is created in partnership with concept store KM20.

Vetements loves to transform the absolutely mundane into branded, expensive collectors items, but let’s see if this burger signifies a change in gastronomy or whether this is just another one-off product to get us talking. For fashionistas it will definitely be a happy meal.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: @vetements_official, @km20conceptstore

Here is a new generation lipstick! Take a look. The first thing you notice about ROUGE COCO BLOOM is its colour and shine. Bold and vibrant, it reveals an intense glow behind its clear lid. Slide the lipstick out of its case. Admire the elegant silver ring and prepare to be surprised by how slowly the stick rotates. This is no coincidence. As always with CHANEL, things have to be as good as they look: chic, unique. Here, the twisting system has been deliberately slowed down, both for flawless application and the sheer beauty of a perfect motion. Notice the texture, so smooth and comfortable, present without overloading. All you need is a single layer to coat the lips with intense and luminous colour.

Wonder at the result. Your smile lights up. In one go the richness of a lipstick and the shine of a gloss come together. Intensity, lasting-hold and plumping effect in one patented* formula developed by CHANEL Research: that’s the prowess of ROUGE COCO BLOOM. Moisturizing and highly concentrated in micronized pigments, this new-generation lipstick keeps its promises for eight hours**.

Take your pick from the palette of twenty vibrant shades developed by the CHANEL Makeup Creation Studio. Unique and special, they reflect CHANEL‘s authority when it comes to colour. Play with the colour. Don’t compromise on the results. Vibrate with ALIVE, a classic yet surprising red with a subtle rust undertone that gives it warmth and character. Enchant with RADIANT, a romantic, mauve-tinted reinterpretation of universal rosewood. Charm with MERVEILLE, a soft, natural, delicate shade of dusky rose. Captivate with SEASON, a bright, warm fuchsia that evokes summer euphoria. Shine with SUNLIGHT, an orange with terracotta tones, ideal for getting into a good mood and enhancing the complexion while staying natural. Sparkle with VITALITY, a chic, powerful red to assert your personality. Surprise with UNEXPECTED, a deep brownish red full of depth and character, warmer than a classic burgundy. Or fascinate with SURPRISE, a vibrant plum with red undertones.

In direct line with Mademoiselle Chanel’s timeless maxim « add more lipstick and attack“, Lily-Rose Depp embodies with freshness, joie de vivre and energy this ode to color that magnifies all smiles. Shine now! In stores now for CHF 46.00 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL, #RougeCoco #CHANELMakeup
* International patent application.
** Respective evaluations, clinical and instrumental, on 20 women.

Founded in 2009, the brand Olympia Le-Tan is well known for its creation of originals handbags and minaudières, which are a combination of embroidery and French savoir faire.

For the S/S 2021 collection, Barbie™ is the cover girl of Olympia Le-Tan’s book-inspired clutches. Borrowing imagery from the archive of Mattel, the gilded hard cases are covered in canvas and skillfully embroidered and appliquéd to mimic the doll’s iconic features in all sorts of situations. They are also threaded with a special limited edition number at the back, plus ©2021 Mattel.

Pair them with your favorited dress and statement heels to complete the look. Don’t forget what Barbie teached us: «You can be anything you want.»

TO SHOP OLYMPIA LE-TAN, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
Below you find my two favorites that found their way in my closet and one with the cutest typo!

LoL, Sandra

Barbie embroidered appliquéd canvas clutch by Olympia Le-Tan

Barbie embroidered appliquéd canvas clutch by Olympia Le-Tan

Photos: © Olympia Le-Tan, © Sandra Bauknecht,© David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

We all know that H&M is an absolute pro when its come to collaborations. In recent years, I’ve wanted everything from their Maison Margiela range, their Kenzo range and their Isabel Marant range. Now H&M HOME has revealed a partnership with Diane von Furstenberg, and I am loving it.

The iconic fashion designer, who is famous for her wrap dresses, turns her attention to a homeware range full of gorgeous prints and textiles. Embracing powerful visuals and personal expression, there will be vases, cushion covers, blankets, scented candles and more. Key pieces for me include decorative printed boxes, lacquer-like trays and sets of espresso cups and saucers, but the stars of the show for me are definitely the gorgeous coloured glass pink and orange rounded vases. Also keep an eye out for the famed ‘Diane’ print robe, inspirational quote posters and cute cushions.

Diane von Furstenberg on the collaboration, «I’m thrilled to be collaborating with H&M HOME, especially since I have such a passion for interiors. The home is both a relaxing and empowering place where you can really ‘own’ a look or feel. With this collaboration, I want people to take charge of their home decor. The only rule I have is that your home should reflect who you are. The main point is to create a space that you’re incredibly comfortable in and is a true expression of your personality.»

Speaking more about the collection, von Furstenberg added, «The prints in the H&M HOME collaboration are very iconic. The ‘Diane’ print I created 20 years ago when I started the company, while the lips print comes from the painting Andy Warhol did of me. Personally, I love animal prints – zebra is very DVF – and also vibrant orange and pinks, but monochrome black and white is very chic, too. The whole collection is fabulous, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.»

Are you also excited for this? The Diane von Furstenberg x H&M HOME collection will be in H&M HOME and online from Friday, April 16.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © H&M Home, Diane von Furstenberg