Sandra‘s Closet

Having a spa day at home can be just as relaxing and beautifying as a day spent somewhere expensive. Pick a day when you won’t have any interruptions, turn off your mobile phone, and light some candles to set the scene. Use a body scrub to completely exfoliate your arms, legs, and torso. Your skin will feel soft, smooth and healthy when you get out of the shower. Follow with deep nourishing and a self tanner to achieve a glow as if you just came back from a beach holiday. Enjoy those new and innovative products below that have just been launched this spring.

LoL, Sandra

LA MER The Renewal Body Oil Balm
One of my favorite new products! A lightly scented hydrating body balm that melts into a silken body oil on contact to create hydrated glowing skin all over.

LIERAC Body-Hydra Micropeeling
This innovative micropeeling scrub hydrates and plumps the skin while providing it with a gentle exfoliating action. Infused with two forms of hyaluronic acid, as well as repairing silicium, it re-firms and re-plumps the skin, leaving it radiant and renewed. I personally love its smell.

HAIR RITUEL BY SISLEY Color Perfecting Shampoo
I don’t have grey hair yet and don’t colour my hair but I have many girlfriends who truly suffer that they cannot go to the hair dresser at the moment. Therefore I recommend this shampoo that is designed to gently cleanse and care for colored and highlighted hair. The color is prolonged and doesn’t fade after repeated washes.

SISLEY Self Tanning Hydrating Body Skin Care
SISLEY Self Tanning Hydrating Facial Skin Care
Get a summer glow while enjoying your home office. Those two new self-tanners come with a fresh and pleasant fragrance, and are enriched with moisturizing active ingredients, to give the skin a lasting golden glow. From the very first application, they provide a natural-looking tan (even on light skin). To achieve optimum results on your body, use the velvet tan applicator mitt provided with the product.

CLARINS Extra-Firming Neck & Décolleté
Inspired by the movement of the sunflower’s stem, Clarins Laboratories combined sunflower extracts – unsaponifiables obtained from the seed and auxins obtained from the stem – to visibly improve the elasticity and firmness of the flexible neck and décolleté area, boosting the skin’s resistance to daily bending and rotating while protecting against premature signs of aging.

VALMONT Primary Pomade
Created to provide intense nourishment for even the driest skin, this next-generation balm plunges deep into the epidermis to replenish and soften dry or flaky skin. The skin is smooth, soft, feels comfortable, and heals faster after an aggression. You can use it on the face – I personally love putting it on my elbows, feet and knees.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

I love being active and try to do lots of workouts at home during quarantine to stay fit. I truly miss my weekly pilates class with Karolina Schmid and cannot wait until her studio opens again. Great news for my Zurich based readers: she will be opening another studio in Höngg with PILATESwiss wall boards and classes in June.

Whatever your favorite workout might be, the right activewear makes it even more fun. Hit the gym in Versace’s Greek key-infused pieces that elevate your casual look.

My look: Zip-up tech-jersey hooded sweatshirt, logo-jacquard low-impact sports bra, and logo-jacquard technical jersey leggings, all by Versace, Portugaba tote by Christian Louboutin, Run away sneaker in blue by Louis Vuitton, Love bracelets by Cartier, Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet and FF-print round acetate sunglasses by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Over the last three years, Christian Louboutin has created the Africaba, the Mexicaba and the Manilacaba, all bags inspired by and created with people from the places they were named after. Continuing his pursuit to find the best artisans from all across the globe, he has created the PORTUGABA as a tribute to Portugal that immediately has become a favorite among celebrities.

 Amber Heard, Cindy Bruna, Monica Bellucci and Nieves Alvarez all carry the Portugaba.

Launched last year, this new version of the tote is highlighting the Portuguese craftsmanship and their meticulous savoir-faire for precious details. Handmade, crafted in white or black canvas, it features woolen fringes, multicolored embroidery, traditional ceramic beads and a CL coat of arms.

All is inspired by traditional costumes and typical Portuguese arts, and all is laid out on the wide U-shape. Practical and functional, its removable shoulder strap allows shoulder wear or, with its two handles, carried by hand.

The model is lined with a linen canvas inspired by azulejos reminiscent of Portuguese ceramic tiles. The handles for carrying are embellished with signature spikes and it also has a removable shoulder strap.

The beautiful colors always put me in a good mood. I loved to carry it to my pilates class (post coming up soon…) and hopefully will be able to sport it this summer at the beach.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE PORTUGABA BAG IN WHITE or HERE IN BLACK.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of Christian Louboutin
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

After the announcement of Sergio Rossi’s death, another creative mastermind has left us. This morning, I received the announcement that «it is with great emotion and sadness that the House of Hermès learned on the 4th of April 2020 the passing of Leïla Menchari, the Queen of Enchantment as Michel Tournier called her.»

The book in English entitled «Leïla Menchari, the Queen of Enchantment» can be ordered online on the Hermès website and shows most of her works for the French Maison.

Born in 1927 in Tunis, Leïla was a trained painter at the Beaux Arts School of fine arts in Tunis, then the Beaux Arts School of fine arts in Paris, she was a model for Guy Laroche for a while, before entering the Annie Beaumel‘s decoration team at Hermès in 1961.

Window display S/S 1995 with a sculpture by Christian Renonciat

An outstanding dreamer and storyteller, she was the Artistic Director of the windows of 24 Faubourg, the Hermès flagship store in Paris. Her visual concepts never ceased to arouse curiosity, astonishment and surprise to the amazement of passers-by, creating windows that opened to another realm. «Thanks to Leïla, exoticism found a home, happily and permanently, in Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré», says Axel Dumas.

The glass green grotto from 1992 was among of Leïla’s highlights.

In 2017, Hermès à tire-d’aile, les Mondes de Leïla Menchari, an exhibition which celebrated her vision at the Grand Palais, allowed a wider audience discover her unique and poetic universe.
Leïla Menchari has long been the driving force behind the House’s Colours Committee, leaving a legacy through her elegance and her extraordinary sense of nuance evident in the Women’s Silk collection.

Sandy dreams from the land of the pharaohs in 2005.

«Many of us at Hermès have learned a lot from Leïla. She taught us to look at the world through the prism of color. She was a storyteller without equal that enchanted the world. We are infinitely grateful to her for all that she has done for us, that she passed on to us», adds Pierre-Alexis Dumas.

Primary colors in 1982.

An open, generous, resolutely modern woman, she was a woman of freedom. Her passing leaves to all those who had the joy of knowing and working with her, on both sides of the Mediterranean, the memory of a perpetual quest for beauty, a boundless passion for creation and craftsmanship.

Rest in Peace, Leïla Menchari! Below you can enjoy more of her amazing creations that might inspire you to redecorate your home …

LoL, Sandra

Leïla working in the windows on a display.

Photos: © Hermès

The first famous victim in the fashion world has died at the age 84 from complications of the novel coronavirus: Italian shoe designer Sergio Rossi. Prior to his passing, he was hospitalized for a few days in Cesena, Italy, one of the nations hit hardest by the pandemic.

«Everyone at Sergio Rossi joins me in remembering our dear Sergio, the inspiring founder of our dream,» Sergio Rossi Group chief executive Riccardo Sciutto wrote in a statement.  «Sergio Rossi was a master, and it is my great honor to have met him and gotten to present him the archive earlier this year. His vision and approach will remain our guide in the growth of the brand and the business. He loved women and was able to capture a woman’s femininity in a unique way, creating the perfect extension of a woman’s leg through his shoes. Our long and glorious history started from his incredible vision and we’ll remember his creativity forever.»

Don’t miss Sergi Rossi’s exclusive capsule at Net-à-Porter, featuring timeless crystal-embellished pumps, sandals and flats.

Sergio Rossi founded his eponymous footwear label in 1951, and quality craftsmanship has remained central to the brand’s identity ever since. Expertly handmade in the founder’s native San Mauro Pascoli, each pair of shoes is the product of a 120-step process and more than 14 hours of meticulous attention to detail. It was a family business: Rossi’s father was a shoemaker, and his son, Gianvito Rossi, went on to start his own successful accessories brand.

Gianvito said that his father put up a noble fight against the coronavirus. »He has always stood out for his class and his strong, charismatic, generous, courageous character: a natural leader, loved and respected at the same time by his collaborators, with whom, in the long journey of his life, he created one big family,« Gianvito Rossi wrote. «The family offers, with love, their last goodbye: With the unquenchable fire of your passion, you taught us that there are no limits for those who love what they do. Goodbye, maestro.»

Grazie Sergio!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Sergio Rossi, Net-à-Porter and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Today is a very special day and this is probably my most private, most emotional and intimate post ever, my baby girl is all grown up. Eighteen years old! Where did the time go? You’ve blossomed into an astounding person, I am so proud of you and cannot wait to watch you continue to grow.

Anouk’s birth announcement – I made it a Marie Claire cover as I was workin there as a fashion editor at that time. Anouk’s birthday has a beautiful numerology: 04/04/2002 at 12:34pm.

Screaming, yelling, and hollering HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my little doll – my Meusel. I love you so much. You have brought me so much joy over the years. You have taught me so much about life, about myself, and about being patient. You have taught me how to love unconditionally. You deserve the best, and I promise to do everything in my power to give you just that!

Whenever I could, I took Anouk with me to work.

My daughter is the mastermind behind most of my photos and we love to travel together. Like here where she shot me in the DMZ zone between North and South Korea in 2018.

As you turn eighteen in those troubled times I just want to say one thing to you – always cherish your friendships and never betray love that is true. I wish you the courage to grab all the opportunities that will come by you and I wish you the perseverance to live your life to the fullest.

Before you will move away for your studies to the US and I will become an empty nester, I promise we will do a big party for you! I will not only miss my daughter, but my best friend, my sport buddy, my best travel companion and my photographer :-). Not to speak of our hours of laughter and your delicious cheese cake. In love, your mummy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, I received a lovely surprise from the Estée Lauder Companies. A box filled with all sorts of amazing products from several of their brands (I am always amazed how many beauty labels actually belong to the American conglomerate…) that are perfect for a spa day at home. Thank you!

With all of the stresses of the current crisis, it’s important to indulge sometimes. I am truly missing seeing my friends, dressing up to go out and having a spa treatment. The latter can be achieved easily at home and why not make it a monthly at-home regimen in the future to relax and revitalize while saving some money.

I am planning to look all radiant and glowing when social life will finally back on. Working from home can also be seen as some kind of holidays. Always see the good side of life and enjoy those products here that I can truly recommend for some pampering at home. You can order them all online.

LoL, Sandra

GLAMGLOW Bubblesheet™ Oxygenating Deep Cleanse Mask
This carbonated fizzy foam mask effectively removes dirt, excess oil, and makeup buildup. The translucent cleanser begins the oxygenating transformation into a face-forming foam cushion and 3-D microbubbles foam in all directions for the ultimate detox.

AVEDA be curly™ intensive detangling masque
Easily separate the most tangled curls and coils while moisturizing with certified organic babassu oil and shea butter. Fight frizz and improve the look of curls with every use. My daughter says AMAZING!

AVEDA beautifying composition oil™
Aromatic, nourishing oil for body, bath and scalp softens and moisturizes skin with a nourishing blend of certified organic olive and safflower oils. Also excellent as a bath additive, massage oil or hair and scalp treatment.

AVEDA stress-fix™ concentrate stress-relieving aroma
The aroma proven to reduce feelings of stress includes certified organic lavender, lavandin and clary sage and is formulated using the science of aromaology and the power of pure essential oils. Glide rollerball over pulse points and enjoy aroma any time you’d like to reduce feelings of stress.

CLINIQUE clinique smart clinical
 Two innovative moisturizers, one jar. An instant-tightening gel-cream and an instant plumping dense-cream that resculpts, revolumizes and reshapes your appearance.

ORIGINS Never A Dull Moment™
Skin Brightening Face Polisher
Achieve a glowing complexion with this face polisher with fruit extracts, an exfoliating face scrub enriched with extract of crushed papaya to slough away surface grime and makeup. Its blend of fruit extracts work in synergy to impart a radiant, polished complexion.

BOBBI BROWN Makeup Melter & Cleanser
A gentle cleanser that bubbles into a lightweight foam to melt away impurities and long-wearing makeup, leaving skin feeling soft, soothed and comforted.

DARPHIN 8-Flower Golden Nectar
Youth Renewing
Your daily elixir for rejuvenated skin with 8 Precious Flowers, 24K Gold and over 20 botanical and essentials oils. Beneficial for all skin types.

ESTÉE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair
Synchronized Recovery Complex II
Powerful nighttime renewal serum for radiant, youthful-looking skin. Instantly adds radiance. Intensely hydrates and significantly reduces the look of key signs of aging.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht 

DO NOT READ THE NEXT SENTENCE.

You little rebel. I like you.

Reverse psychology is motivating a person to do something by telling him or her the exact opposite. By showing you how beautiful it is to be outside at the lake doing some exercises, I am actually hoping you will stay inside as much as possible so that this corona nightmare will hopefully soon come to an end. Dress up at home, it elevates your mood and comfy can be stylish, too!

My look: Reverse Psychology-print cotton-blend jumpsuit by Natasha Zinko, chain necklace, small messenger flap bag in Tiffany blue (Cruise 2019) and butterfly sunglasses with grey pearl chain, all by CHANEL, Ultrapace mid-top sneaker by Gucci, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Watches & Wonders – the watch fair that was supposed to take place this month in Geneva – has been cancelled due to the current corona virus crisis. However, I will show you the newest launches during the next weeks.

The first one I would like to introduce you to is the new MAILLON DE CARTIER watch that is first and foremost a statement of style. The chain-link bracelet remains a composed centrepiece, one that plays on classic codes, whilst reinventing today’s attitudes. Firstly a jewel designed by the Cartier watchmaking studios, it is a precious watch that resides in the creative watchmaking repertoire of the Maison. A bracelet whose chain-links are offset and aligned on the bias by Cartier. Well-rounded and opulent, they move in time with the ultra-feminine elegance of the new masterpiece.

«WE WANTED TO DECONSTRUCT THE BRACELET AND TRANSCEND ITS DESIGN THROUGH A VOLUME APPROACH. EMOTION IS IN THE MOVEMENT AND TENSION.»
Marie-Laure Cérède, Timepieces Creation Director

It all lies in the twist of the lines, in the torsion emphasising the perspective within which the
watch dial blends. This interpretation allows the case and links to entwine themselves in one graphic motion. Rectangular links, a hexagonal dial, bevelled brancards: the design of the Maillon de Cartier watch incites Cartier’s rhythmic geometry. An ambition to structure the watch, from the form of its links to its faceted case, radicalises the spirit of the watch. Its volume is tangible, angular and dense.

A precious collection, the Maillon de Cartier watch also unites exceptional pieces with stones that enhance the design. The dials are inlaid to echo the sequencing of the stones set in the links. The choice of stones in the blue lacquer and tsavorite version adds to the kinetic relief of the watch. A graphic effect and contrast that Cartier accentuates with a version in yellow gold and diamonds with black lacquer bevelled links.

Investing in gold seems to be a good idea, don’t you think? Gold is considered by investors to be one of the safest investments, recovering its value quickly through economic downturns… no matter how it is a beautiful gift for you or a loved one…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier

Early this year at Maison et Objet in Paris, HERMÈS launched a new tableware designed by artist and ornamentalist Nathalie Rolland-Huckel that I have fallen in love with immediately and that will hopefully make its way into my new home soon…

A true ode to the beauty of flora and tapping into the tropical jungle trend, the collection is named Passifolia – a portmanteau of Passiflora incarnata (the scientific name of the passionflower). Taking plant-based dining to a whole new level, it is the fruit of an artisanal adventure and an exploration of innovative know-how.

The service, which consist of around 30 pieces, offers an immersion in a universe that is both dreamlike and incredibly real, with floral and other more foliage-based compositions. Plates, platters and cups spread out across the table and form landscapes that invite contemplation.

A profusion of plant life to the dining table and a great way to add more greens to your table – so beautiful…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès / Audrey Corregan