Sandra‘s Closet

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

A new limited edition collection to welcome spring by Jo Malone London. Five unexpected scents, inspired by the unruly weeds and wildly-wonderful plants and flowers that line the banks of a winding river.

Hemlock & Bergamot Cologne 30ml
Hemlock’s powdery petals, brightened with bergamot. A deadly, yet unexpectedly-delicate flower. Illuminated with golden mimosa and a floral flourish of heliotrope. Crisp and modern with a bite of cucumber.

Cade & Cedarwood Cologne 30ml
The smouldering embers of a wood-burning stove at nightfall. Basking in the warm and comforting glow of cade – its smoky scent mingled with cedarwood and complemented by a mouth-watering hint of sensual vanilla.

Lupin & Patchouli Cologne 30ml
Reminiscent of canal banks, awash with colour. A rainbow of lupin flowers, enriched by luxurious rose and deepened with rebellious patchouli. A surprising contrast with the fresh vibrancy of mandarin.

Willow & Amber Cologne 30ml
The expressive weeping willow, gently draping across the fresh morning water. Captured in the woody pairing of cashmere wood and smoky vetiver, enhanced by softly sensual amber.

Nettle & Wild Achillea Cologne 30ml
The tangy sting of nettle, peeking through pavement cracks and entwined with wild, white achillea flower. Sparkling with bright bergamot, the greenness softened by a soft base of white musk.

In stores now for CHF 72.00 each 30ml Cologne.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone London
#WildlyWonderful – #FragranceCombining

My avid followers know that I love LA MER products and that I have worked with the brand on several occasions as their ambassador. Last September for example I invited my girlfriends for an exclusive LA MER dinner at my house and in November I hosted an event at Jelmoli for my dear readers.

Originally developed by scientist Max Huber to treat burns sustained after a lab accident, LA MER’s unique blend of transformative biofermented sea kelp has seen the moisturizer achieve cult beauty status. The formulation is now found across the brand’s skincare range to target and transform specific areas. What I love most about LA MER products is the fact that I don’t need to worry about the right age group or skin condition, the only thing I need to choose is the texture depending on my personal needs. Everything from this nutrient-rich line rejuvenates the complexion and alleviates the natural effects of aging by smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines.

Sometimes I look at my bathroom shelf and think it looks like a LA MER beauty counter! Besides the famous moisturizer, they are many different additions to choose from, from serums to masks, from eye care to cleansers. Furthermore, there is a miracle product that I would like to introduce you today: the LA MER CONCENTRATE. Luxury products like these are definitely an investment but I find a little goes a long way and personally my skin is something I invest in.

The LA MER CONCENTRATE has become a must-have accessory for me.

This lightweight elixir restores a vibrant and healthy complexion, and delivers effective results with the smallest amount of product. Besides this, there are two reasons why I am truly convinced:

1. I love to take care of my skin day-to-day at home or while traveling. Especially the part under my eye or around my nostrils tends to get easily irritated while I am in a plane or switch from one climate zone to the other. The LA MER CONCENTRATE soothes visible irritation and redness as it helps strengthen and restore fragile skin, leaving it look deeply revitalized. I always carry it with me and even use it around the eyes and over make-up.

The LA MER CONCENTRATE joins me on every trip I do.

2. I love its healing effect. The LA MER CONCENTRATE is one of the brand’s most loved formulas. Blended with a high dilution of its signature Miracle Broth™, it helps to stimulate your skin’s natural renewal process. I used it for 24 months on this ugly scar on my hand and it almost disappeared.

The application is easy, just use the doe-foot applicator to administer just a touch in the morning or evening or if needed.

As a big fan, I have a little surprise for my Swiss followers. If you spent more than CHF 150, you will receive a LA MER Pouch with a Deluxe Soft Cream 7ml (CHF 45.00) and a Deluxe Cleansing Foam 30ml (CHF 30.00) with the promo code: sandralamer. Offer valid until March 31st, 2019.

TO SHOP WITH THE SPECIAL PROMO CODE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. It’s about making the mental shift that will allow you to power through whatever life throws at you. Start each day with an unstoppable attitude to succeed and try to stay motivated throughout the day, regardless of circumstances. Put on a look that you feel confident in and defy the odds against you. I love my new Dior pieces that make me feel extremely good and the coat adds the right amount of color to cheer up the day.

My look: Green oversized cashmere trench coat by Loewe, cream white cashmere sweater with bee embroidery, printed voile cotton skirt , Saddle calfskin belt, Oblique Saddle bag, shoulder strap, and J’adior earrings, all by Dior, Rockstud cut out leather combat boots by Valentino. Diamond heart necklace in yellow gold and Amulette necklace, both by Cartier, Jardin de Milly La Forêt daisy necklace and Mitzah ring, both by Dior Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

So far, Sami Khouri and his team, aka Mr. Samigo, was known for offbeat pop-ups. Now he runs the former Quai 61 at the port Enge. The restaurant, which belongs to the city, was built as part of the garden exhibition in 1959 on 64 poles into the lake. The location offers guests a view of the Glarus Alps or the city of Zurich.

For the first time, I went there last weekend and truly loved the performances by artists, musicians and burlesque dancers, and much more – while enjoying great food among dear friends. Ordering your meal works very unconventionally.

The food menu is already fun!

At the beginning of the night, you are asked to fill in a paper with your choice of three or four courses and your name. Don’t be surprised, your fork or knife are not going to be changed during the dinner. I had the burrata, the hummus, the vegetable curry and the chocolate cake which were all very delicious. The entrecôte and the home-made vanilla ice-cream also looked yummy.

Very different from what we know from Zurich’s nightlife, it is a breath of fresh air in our hometown. You can enjoy the show while having dinner, smoke a cigarette in the bar upstairs or just go dancing later. To book a table at this crazy place called «Samigo Amusement», you have to send a message to this mobile phone number +41 79 360 20 65.
Mythenquai 59, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht