My Look: All Good Baby

Welcome to EL&N London’s most Instagrammable hot spot. Everything here is irresistibly chic, pink perfection with flower walls, pink interiors and alternative lattes taking social media by storm.

EL&N stands for Eat, Live and Nourish. I came across this place by coincidence when I was looking for a location to shoot. I couldn’t have worn a better outfit fitting the interior, don’t you think?
I went for a Turkish Delight Hot Chocolate, a rose flavored white hot chocolate covered with whipped cream, served with two Turkish delights, that was very yummy.

My look: Concert checked recycled woven blazericon, matching Concert cropped checked recycled woven flared pantsicon, Concert jacquard-knit merino wool, cotton and cashmere-blend tankicon, Concert striped silk-twill shirt, allicon by Zimmermann, Hippipump crystal appliqué suede ballet flats by Christian Louboutinicon, My LV chain pilot sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, and flap bag with top handle in iridescent grained calfskin and gradient lacquered metal, all by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

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

Breakfast with La Perla at Annabel’s London

In celebration of London Fashion Week, I was invited by La Perla to a wonderful breakfast and panel discussion hosted by Top Stylist Sophie Goodwin and Chief Design Officer at La Perla Nicole Rendone at luxury member’s club Annabel’s in London. Exploring the brand’s rich heritage and craftsmanship, while highlighting key iconic brand moments, the two ladies indulged in a wonderful conversation how La Perla had followed the evolution of the female body through different fashions and trends becoming the lingerie and beachwear brand synonymous with «Made in Italy». On display we could admire many different and stunning archive pieces.

With Sophie Goodwin to the left and Nicole Redone to the right.

It all started in 1954 when Ada Masotti, an Italian woman full of talent and courage, began the journey towards her dream: creating an atelier of corsetry in the name of the best Italian tradition. Beginning in a small laboratory in Bologna, the Italian town renowned for its solid tradition of silk factories and textile manufacturers, Ada used her talent as a skilled corset maker to create works of art enhancing feminine beauty.

La Perla ’90s, Outwear Corset

We all agreed that lingerie has the ability to make women feeling empowered. For Sophie «putting on her underwear is like the foundation of the house.» It all starts there. For Nicole «lingerie is like autocorrect, it can accentuate, fix or leave it as you want it.»

With lovely Biliana Rangelova, Global Client Engagement Director La Perla Global Management

La Perla 2013: Jean Paul Gaultier Rubans Body Suit

In the ’60s women burnt their bras, in the ’80s they wore cone bras, today it is sexy on another level. Lingerie is like jewelry, you can show it. It is sensuality on another level. The trend of blurring boundaries between public and private has emphasized the gradual ascent of lingerie to the world of fashion. We wear pajamas to go to the nightclub and show our bra lace under a pant suit. Times have changed and so has the Italian lingerie brand.

Left: La Perla 2007, Golden Cage Bustier – Right: La Perla 2014, Paisley Body Suit

La Perla’s ability to transmit the spirit of its creations across each decade is certainly the secret to the brand’s success, proving that what would be considered as a historic brand, can adapt, innovate and transform in the face of competition and the obstacles that affect the societies we live in.

LoL, Sandra

La Perla 2007, Black Label Bodysuit

La Perla 2008, Black Label Collection

La Perla 2012: Jean Paul Gaultier Frou Frou Lingerie Set

Photos: Courtesy of La Perla / Shaun James Cox and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

My Look: The Newbury Boston

The Newbury Boston is one of my favorite hotels worldwide, a historic landmark in Boston, Massachusetts, originally opened in 1927 as The Ritz-Carlton Hotel at that time. The property anchors fashionable Newbury Street and the picturesque Boston Public Garden, located in the heart of the Back Bay. It is also home to Contessa, Boston’s most sought after dining experience and definitely the most trending hot spot. After a complete refurbishment under the creative vision of renowned designers Ken Fulk, Jeffrey Beers, and Alexandra Champalimaud and being renamed The Newbury Boston, it opened its doors again in May 2021.

Its slogan «a well-crafted life» fits its service and the beautifully decorated rooms perfectly. Here you see me in my corner suite with its stunning views, reading the iconic Bostonian children’s book «Make Way for Ducklings» by Robert McCloskey.

My look: Glitter jumpsuit, pearl necklace and flap bag with top handle in iridescent grained calfskin and gradient lacquered metal, all by CHANEL, April silk-satin hair clip in pinkicon by Jennifer Behr, and Fira velvet-trimmed suede and flocked tulle pumps in black by Jimmy Choo.

LoL, Sandra

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

Rare Beauty Now at Sephora Switzerland

Rare Beauty, the mission-driven beauty brand founded and created by Selena Gomez, is now available at Sephora Switzerland. Using unique formulas to create breathable and airy makeup that go on easy for adjustable coverage and a fresh finish, without hiding what makes people unique, Selena wanted to create a beauty brand that goes beyond physical products, helping people feel good about themselves, and celebrating what makes them unique.

Selena’s passion for beauty products was born at a young age, from the moment she sat in her first makeup chair. Channeling that love, she developed Rare Beauty to challenge the beauty myth of physical perfection.

«I’m so excited to release beauty products that not only feel great, but also celebrate what makes each of us rare,» said Selena Gomez, Founder and Creator of Rare Beauty. «These products aren’t about being someone else, it’s about being who you are, whether that’s rocking a full face of bold makeup or barely any makeup at all. Makeup is something to enjoy, it’s not something you need. I want every person to feel beautiful exactly as they are

Rare Beauty products are designed for everyday self-expression, and each product has a unique sensorial story. Since the brand’s inception, Selena has been involved in every step of product development. Whether it’s testing each product or developing a design for the first-of-its-kind Blot & Glow Touch-Up Kit that’s convenient to carry, Selena has influenced every aspect. Rare Beauty’s Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner is inspired by a calligrapher and is comprised of more than 1000 individual hairs. The complexion products include the Always An Optimist Illuminating Primer, Always an Optimist 4-in-1 Mist, and the Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation & Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer, which are each available in many shades to suit all skin tones.

I personally love the Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick. Easy to use and finally available in Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Rare Beauty / Sephora Switzerland
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

OPI Is Teaming Up With Xbox

This spring 2022, you can take your nails to the next level. OPI is teaming up with Xbox to launch a vibrant collection of 12 winning hues. Available in three different formulas with colors ranging from fresh blues and greens to fantastical shimmers, this palette brings the virtual worlds of gaming to life so you can unlock endless looks and play with nail art and new trends.

My favorite shade: Pixel Dust

Pixelated pinks (Pixel Dust, Racing for Pinks) are joined by energetic hues of bright orange, coral, and vibrant red (Suzi is My Avatar, Trading Paint, Heart and Con-soul). Get ahead of the game with shades that blend natural beige and greens (Quest for Quartz, The Pass is Always Greener, Sage Simulation) then take it to the next level with ethereal lavender and purple tones (You Had Me at Halo, Can’t CTRL Me, Achievement Unlocked, N00berry).

Consumers can win and unlock stunning, shade-matched Xbox in-game content for Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 on Instagram (www.instagram.com/OPI_SWISS) und Facebook (www.facebook.com/OPISWISS).

Fans will also have the chance to win custom Xbox Wireless Controllers in top trending hues – Achievement Unlocked, Racing for Pinks and Can’t CTRL Me – to pair with their own mesmerizing nail art inspired by fanfavorite games on Xbox Game Pass.

Racing for Pinks

OPI and Xbox will also team up with notable creators from the gaming industry to bring the collaboration to life.

«Over the past 40 years, we’ve traveled the globe; now we’re excited to visit virtual worlds with Xbox,» remarks OPI Co-Founder and Brand Ambassador Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. «In these worlds, anything is possible, and the collection’s colors reflect infinite possibilities to create. Whether you play video games as a creative hobby or as a way to relax and connect with friends, nailcare offers these same benefits. From new shade technology to nail art and more, consumers can expect lots of exciting surprises to come with this partnership!»

Quest for Quartz

GelColor provides a salon-perfect finish with up to three-week wear, while Infinite Shine (CHF 24.90 / 15ml) offers a high-shine finish and traditional lacquer application. Nail Lacquer (CHF 19.90 / 15ml) features a highly-pigmented, rich formula for even application without streaking.

The collection will be launching on March 14, 2022 in Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

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

Which Rose Are You?

Rose scents are trending at the moment. According to Frédéric Malle, «Roses is to perfumery what the nude is to drawing». Whether pure, futuristic, sophisticated or even synthetic: each perfumer has his, or her, own interpretation of this flower, perfumery’s most conceptual theme. This is the opportunity for Frédéric Malle to showcase the wealth of styles of the artists he publishes and to propose 4 roses with strong personalities:

ROSE TONNERRE: The Darkest of Roses

Iconic and cult, Une Rose has joined the great classics of the Éditions de Parfums. Today, the Maison signs a grand premiere in the world of perfumery: Une Rose is changing to become Rose Tonnerre and continues its worldwide success story and the conquest of the Asian continent. A new name, carefully chosen, for a formula that remains precisely the same and reflects the strength of this earthy and truly unique rose.

Frédéric Malle‘s beloved classic, Rose Tonnerre is part of an exotic garden of exquisite rose scents at night: in the foreground, intoxicating, sparkling, sweet and fresh all at once, it reveals deep and warm facets. Dark and enigmatic, subtly gothic.

Within the context of this personal work, Édouard Fléchier showed Frédéric Malle a new base, a kind of olfactive sketch, reproducing the smell of a «Perigord’s truffle». This assemblage of dark notes, for the most part woody and animal, was destined to masculine perfumery, but the two friends had the idea – a priori paradoxical- to marry it to the feminine scent par excellence: the rose.
The idea was to take advantage of the semi earthly, semi animal truffle’s aspect to reinforce the «garden» side of the flower, and by doing that creating a link between the petal and the skin scent. All in all, this composition obeys to the precept that a flower alone is only a scent and that a perfume should emanates from the person who wears it.
Taking advantage of the release of an Absolue Rose Turque by molecular distillation, stemming from the laboratories Manes research, Edouard Fléchier created his perfume with a great amount of this unique raw material which he matched, with his usual virtuosity, to this unexpected bottom note. He had then to find the ideal concentration and, faithful to the compromising spirit which governs the Éditions de Parfums, the two friends did not hesitate to fix this last one on 25% weight/vol, in order to show this magisterial composition’s worth.

In the hands of the master perfumer, the classic rose aroma becomes dark and sensual.

PORTRAIT OF A LADY: Rose Overdose

Once upon a time was a woman. Inimitable. Portrait of a Lady.

The original sketch was ambitious: to reinvent the genus of amber perfume. From the heart of a flamboyant masculine perfume, Géranium pour Monsieur, is extracted the basis of a sumptuous feminine perfume, like a flash of heat across the skin.

In the foreground, Dominique Ropion proposes an orgy that defies the limits of reasonableness, daring excess and covering the formula of opulence with an indecent and endless number of petals of Turkish rosesabout 10%, the equivalent of 400 flowers per bottle of 100 ml.
The most classic of ingredients, which, in such proportions suddenly takes on unimaginable dimension, strength and character. Striking in its abundance of roses, the fragrance expresses its dramatic power through the contrasts of incense and sandalwood. A clove, blackcurrant and raspberry accord binds the whole together to give this great perfume its final touch. It took Dominique Ropion and Frédéric Malle months to create this fragrance. Months of sketches to finally compose this Portrait.

Mystery and refinement, Portrait of a Lady is an ode, a song to universal beauty, the one shared indistinctly by all women and in which each expresses her own ideal.

ROSE & CUIR: The Chimera Rose

The calm before the storm. Inspired by the storied Mistral wind that blows through the South of France and embodies the irresistible elegance of a silent storm, Jean-Claude Ellena signs with Rose & Cuir a purified perfume to the extreme, built around very selected ingredients.

The fragrance opens with a crystalline rose: pure, streamlined, modern and uncompromisingly.
A brilliant blackcurrant, followed by Timut Pepper and Geranium Bourbon extractions, creates the illusion. The airy and solar first feeling gradually reveals a leather in its raw state, both elegant and mysterious.

This base is built around IsoButyl Quinoline, a forgotten molecule discovered at the turn of the 20th century and then popularized by the very daring perfumery of the 1950s.

This nearly whisper, takes on a new, more assertive tone, that of a tumultuous but disarmingly sober drama.


LIPSTICK ROSE: The Glamourous & Pop Art Rose

Lipstick Rose expresses an exacerbated vision of femininity. That lipstick’s smell reminds the intimate moment when a star, in the hushed comfort of her dressing room, slides her stick over her upper lip.

Grapefruit and violet enhance the fragrance’s rose note, while iris, raspberry and rose combine with vanilla and white musk to create a glamorized femininity in technicolor.

Ralf Schwieger, a young perfumer whose architectural writing and desire to create extraordinary products have seduced Frédéric Malle, has composed a fragrance that is somewhere between Hollywood Glamour and Pop Art. My favorite!

TO SHOP Éditions de Parfums Frédéric Malle ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
icon

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Éditions de Parfums Frédéric Malle
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

My Look: London Nights

London nights are the best. I love those British vibes that combine tradition with trendy joyfulness. Here you see me leaving my hotel, The London EDITION, that I can absolutely recommend, as well the Berners Tavern restaurant inside.

My look: Off-the-shoulder double-breasted wool-twill coaticon by Valentino, lace-trimmed point d’esprit tulle and plissé-chiffon mini dressicon by Dolce & Gabbana, Kate Botta Alta stretch-suede over-the-knee bootsicon by Christian Louboutin, and Broadway lurex floral jacquard clutch by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sinbad Phgura @sinbadphgura
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Skinvestment

One month ago, it was my birthday and I turned 47. People sometimes wonder why I am so honest with my age. Why shouldn’t I be? It is nothing to be ashamed of. There’s so much to be grateful for. In the recent shadow of many lives cut short, we all understand how fleeting and precious life is. I am proud of my achievements, of all the great memories I built, of all the blessings I received. Each year of life and experience is wisdom gained, lessons learned, and perspective broadened. I find it actually also quite fun to tell people my age because they are mostly very astonished and think that I am much younger.

Blame it to my slim figure, or my facial structure, that might be genetic, but there is one thing that I have been doing since forever and that is taking care of my skin! It is called skinvestment, the action of investing time, money, and effort on skincare routine in order to bring out a healthier skin.

I have been using – as you all know – LA MER products since many years and especially love the Genaissance de la Mer™ line. At first glance, it is an exquisite collection that promises to disrupt the evolution of time. But on a deeper look, this innovative collection is more than a luxurious proposition against the effects of aging. It is a research-based approach that goes beyond the façade to bring the science to the fore, and new empirical testing that yields results such as deep lines measurably reduced, and other signs of aging targeted by specific technology and ingredients. In a clinical study, 100% of panelists showed a measurable reduction in the appearance of fine lines (clinical testing on 26 women, after using the product for 8 weeks.)

Skincare should be fun and Genaissance is the ultimate sensorial experience, while helping to accelerate skin renewal, and addressing the visible effects of time. Usher with me in a new era of Genaissance where the science of beauty is considered, and agelessness knows no bounds.

Genaissance de la Mer™
The Infused Lotion

Unique blend of milky and watery lotion to strengthen and hydrate skin

  • Prepares skin for the power of the Genaissance de la Mer™ collection
  • Hydrates, softens, nourishes, and strengthens skin
  • Leaves skin feeling balanced and comforted and looking healthier and more youthful

Genaissance de la Mer™
The Serum Essence

Ultimate accelerated renewal to visibly address all signs of time

  • Visibly diminishes lines & wrinkles to reveal youthful, renewed skin
  • Lifts & firms the looks of skin and helps strengthen skin’s barrier / density
  • Visibly minimizes pores and smoothes texture
  • Leaves skin with a more even tone and translucence appearance.

Genaissance de la Mer™
Eye and Expression Cream

Targets signs of aging in eye and expression areas

  • Visibly softens all signs of time including the look of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines, leaving skin looking renewed and more youthful
  • Expression areas such as the forehead, smile, and laugh lines appear more plumped and smooth
  • Skin looks less puffy, more lifted and feels soft and soothes around expression areas

Genaissance de la Mer™
The Concentrated Night Balm

Accelerated renewal, comfort and strength over night

  • Helps skin rebuild natural collagen and elastin to strengthen its Extracellular Matrix, so lines and wrinkles appear diminished and skin feels firmer while skin is in overnight restorative mode
  • Deep hydration plumps and softens skin so it looks smoother and more radiant
  • Rapidly strengthens skin’s barrier to help protect skin from the stresses of the day to come

I recommend trying the The Genaissance de la Mer™ Discovery Collection set that is available on counters and online here. It is great starter set to experience the full range.

The set includes:
15ml GDLM Infused Lotion
30ml GDLM Serum Essence
5ml GDLM Eye & Expression Cream
5ml GDLM Night Balm
Price CHF 705.00

Your Genaissance routine should be followed by your favorite LA MER moisturizer. If you need help in finding the right texture, click here please for a previous post.

Great news is that I have a special promo code for you: use VSASANDRALAMER at check-out. You will receive CHF 40 off any purchase of minimum CHF 200. This code is a one time use and not combinable with other offers or codes. It works only in the Swiss La Mer website and is valid until February 28, 2022.

In case you have any specific question about my skin care, please send me an e-mail to with the header «skin care».

And, ladies, please don’t forget! Getting older is not something to fear or be embarrassed about. It’s a collection of experiences, lessons, and the adventures that have made you who you are. There’s a freedom that comes from getting older as a woman, even if it means accepting some changes to your body. It’s your aura that counts. If you feel good, you will steal the show. Trust me on that one.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This is a paid collaboration with LA MER and a heartfelt message from me.
@lamer #LaMer #LoveLaMer #GenaissancedelaMer

My Look: The Hacker Project

It is a HACK! Finally I am wearing those beautiful heels and the fun Hourglass bag from the famous Hacker Project, merging the iconic silhouettes and codes of Balenciaga and Gucci.

My look: GG-logo jacquard single-breasted wool jacketicon, GG-jacquard wool waistcoatGG-jacquard wool straight-leg trousersiconGG and heart crystal-embellished chokerThe Hacker Project square Knife pump, and The Hacker Project small Hourglass bag, all by GucciBig Bang All Black Zermatt by Hublot.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken at the Dolder Grand.

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

Hermès Cape Cod Crépuscule Watch

In 1991, the Cape Cod watch was born beneath the bold pencil strokes of Henri d’Origny. With its «square in a rectangle” case formed by two «anchor chain» half-links, Cape Cod now welcomes a dial with a singular aesthetic uniting and revealing two ordinarily distinct worlds.


In 2018, Hermès initiated a meeting with the Neuchâtel-based Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) as part of its search for a technological innovation that would be dedicated to creativity. This gave rise to a project for a dial made from a silicon wafer, which was to feature the intimate and refined «Crépuscule» (dusk) motif by designer-graphic artist Thanh-Phong Lê.

Used in microelectronics for its semiconductor properties, the silicon wafer was chosen here for its purely aesthetic qualities, representing a first. Depending on the amount of material deposited during production, its colour varies across an infinite palette of subtle and unique shades. This highly technological process is carried out by specialised engineers in the CSEM labs.

The dials of the Cape Cod crépuscule are created from a single 0.5 mm thick plate, which is coated in an extremely precise manner with a tiny (72-nanometre) film of silicon nitride to obtain the desired intense blue colour.

Then comes the photolithography stage, during which the wafer is exposed to a blue light so as to print the pattern. The process involves several successive baths, before the gold-coating stage, followed by other baths to remove any superfluous material. Finally, the plate is precisely cut to the shape of the Cape Cod case.

The dial with its slender gilded hands reveals the bluish shades sprinkled with yellow gold achieved by this unique method combining creativity and nanotechnology. A navy blue calfskin single or double tour strap crafted in the Hermès Horloger workshops sets the final touch to the Cape Cod crépuscule watch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Joël Von Allmen, David Marchon © Hermès, 2022
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.