Sandra‘s Closet

It was born on the catwalk of the 2015 Cruise show, the perfect accessory blending the Epi leather’s powerful heritage with the modernity of a graphic clasp which pivots the LV into a V, a reference to the trunk-maker’s initials and a twisting mechanism to which the bag owes its name. Since then, the Twist has become a timeless classic, following in the footsteps of the House’s iconic bags. And just like them, it is constantly being reinvented.

For Spring 2021, it sports intense, delicate or vibrant shades to match any personality. From rich black to tender pink, luminous turquoise to refined beige, the Twist raises the tone. It also returns with a variety of carry options. Featuring a fine chain or broad shoulder strap embroidered with Monogram flowers, or even a leather handle, it adds a swing to one’s style, whether worn crossbody, over the shoulder, under the arm or in one’s hand. Last but not least, it adopts subtle variations to become the Braided Twist, with its braiding adding an original edge.

This season, it expresses all its vitality in the company of actress Laura Harrier, who’s role in Spiderman: Homecoming in 2017 brought her attention. But it’s her Civil Rights activist’s role in Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman that gave her international recognition. The film won the Grand Prix in Cannes Film Festival in 2018 and as part of the ensemble, she was nominated for a Screen Guild Award in 2019.

She has recently starred in Ryan Murphy‘s mini-series Hollywood. Laura Harrier is a supporter of civil rights and advocates for issues such an intersectional feminism, transgender rights, gun control, gender equality and representation for both black people and people of colour in general.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Vuitton

I am so grateful that I recovered so easily from my COVID-19 infection and never showed the typical symptoms besides loosing my taste and smell for a few days. The isolation was tough on me. However, I spent my time reading and enjoying myself in my new home.

I am grateful that all my loved ones didn’t catch it and I  feel blessed for all the beautiful things in my life, including my closet! Speaking of which, I adore this outdoor look, comfy yet stylish, and hope you will like it as well.

My look: D-White turtleneck sweater, cream white cashmere sweater, reversible Teddy-D small brim bucket hat, D-Venture logo ankle boots, socks with Dior Oblique motif, Oblique saddle bag and blue shoulder strap, all by Dior, layered pinstriped grain de poudre wool and silk shorts by Chloé, and Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Celine.

Are you grateful like me that 2020 will be over soon?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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The Lady D-Lite bag combines classic elegance with the modernity of the House of Dior and has immediately become one of my new season favorites. For the F/W 2020, Maria Grazia Chiuri revisits Lady Diana’s favorite bag. Textural and soft, it comes with a tone-on-tone motif in muted shades, embroidered in vibrant hues, in tie-die or in warm velvet. The result is a timeless and elegant collectible to love for years to come.

My new beloved medium Lady D-Lite bag in Lights embroidery.

It also features a «Christian Dior» signature on the front and thick pale gold-finish metal «D.I.O.R.» charms. Equipped with a wide, reversible and removable embroidered shoulder strap, the medium bag can be carried by hand, worn over the shoulder or crossbody, pairing easily with other matching Dior creations of the season.

Treat yourself to a moment of zen with this lovely little video of the making of Dior’s new «Lady D-Lite» bag, and see the level of detail and precision involved in its design and creation.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

Red: it signifies power, boldness, and confidence. Whether you’re choosing lipstick or clothing, you will definitely make a statement. The vibrant hue represents all things emphatic – stop signs, fire trucks, London’s telephone booths, Ferraris, Louboutin’s shoe sole, good luck (in Chinese culture) and of course fierce love! Personally speaking, it is my number one choice for holiday attire.

It has been asserted that it also acts subconsciously how you are perceived. Chris de Burgh‘s famous hit Lady in Red was inspired by the memory of when he first saw his wife Diane wearing a red dress. See, the red dress can even get you a famous husband, haha!

Click here for the previous outfit post.

Scientists speak of the red dress effect, a putative phenomenon in which a woman wearing a red dress, are perceived to be more sexually appealing than she is when wearing other colours. In primates, a visual indicator of female fertility occurs by way of swelling during the follicular phase and is correlated with increased estrogen levels. Here we have proof that men tend to act like primates, haha! Sorry I had to do it again…

Red dresses are a beautiful choice, also for New Year’s Eve. I put together some beautiful ones and as it is Christmas, they are all on sale. Happy shopping!

LoL, Sandra

SLEEK DREAMS
Left: Laurel cape-effect crepe gown by Alex Perry (30% off)
Right: Asymmetric bow silk-blend jacquard gown by Rebecca de Ravenel (60% off)

FLOWING PRINCESS
Left: Bow-detailed ruched silk-georgette maxi dress by Giambattista Valli (60% off)
Right: Cutout silk-crepon gown by Alexander McQueen (40% off)

STRAPLESS BEAUTY
Left: Off-the-shoulder silk-dupion gown by Rosario (60% off)
Middle: Layered silk-satin mini dress by Alexandre Vauthier (60% off)
Right: Draped silk-faille strapless gown by Marchesa (60% off)

LA VIE EN ROUGE
Left: Hollywood crystal-embellished stretch-crepe maxi dress by Alessandra Rich (50% off)
Right: Wrap-front belted cady-crepe midi dress by Dolce & Gabbana (40% off)

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

A completely different kind of year. 2020 will be seared in all our memories. It’s been a year that has fundamentally changed the world. Long established certainties about what we think is safe and what we believe is healthy in all areas of our lives have been challenged.

I would have never thought that when we shot these photos, this would be my only Christmas post and that I would be diagnosed just a little later with COVID-19. Spending the festive days all by myself in isolation is what I would call bad timing. However, I am extremely grateful that I have not spread the virus and that I have not been showing severe symptoms.

My look: Hooded quilted glossed-shell down jacket, printed silk-twill playsuit, and Rockstud leather knee-high boots, all by Valentino, monogram-print face mask by Dolce & Gabbana, black and white Dior 30 Montaigne large brim bucket hat with veil, and medium D-Lite Bag in Lights embroidery, both by Dior.

Warmest season’s greetings of good health, love, happiness, peace and prosperity from me to you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Such sad news before Christmas. Former British supermodel Stella Tennant has died at the age of 50, only 5 days after her birthday. «It is with great sadness we announce the sudden death of Stella Tennant on 22nd December 2020,» the family said in a statement to the PA news agency. «Stella was a wonderful woman and an inspiration to us all. She will be greatly missed.»

Stella Tennant with me in 2016 in Cuba with CHANEL

The circumstances of her sudden death have not been revealed and the family asked for their privacy to be respected which is fully understandable. Stella was married to French-born photographer David Lasnet in in 1999. They had four children together in total, of which the youngest is only 15. In August it was revealed, that they had separated after 21 years of marriage earlier this year.

Stella Tennant and David Lasnet at Oxnam Kirk Church where they got married in 1999.

The granddaughter of Andrew Cavendish, 11th Duke of Devonshire and The Hon. Deborah Mitford, one of the well-known aristocratic siblings, the Mitford sisters, Tennant was born in Scotland and attended St Leonards School in St Andrews. Her parents are The Hon. Tobias William Tennant, son of the 2nd Baron Glenconner, and Lady Emma Cavendish.

Stella shot by Steven Meisel for Vogue UK, December 1993

Tennant studied sculpture at Winchester School of Art. In 1993 she sent photographs of herself to a high fashion magazine, and a friend introduced her to fashion writer Plum Sykes. She had recently had her nasal septum pierced, which was an unusual look for models at the time, and Sykes was taken aback. In the same year, she attracted the attention of photographers such as Steven Meisel and Bruce Weber and soon achieved success as a fashion model, posing for magazines such as French, British and Italian Vogue as well as Harper’s Bazaar and Numero. Later i the ’90s, fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld unveiled her as the new face of Chanel, noting her resemblance to Coco Chanel.

CHANEL campaign S/S 1997

She also appeared in numerous advertising campaigns, including Calvin Klein, Chanel, Hermès, and Burberry. In 2010, she starred in L.K.Bennett’s S/S campaign photographed by Tim Walker. She also starred in the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games alongside fellow British models like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.

Rest in Peace, Stella! You will be missed!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, and via VOGUE

When the holiday season rolls around, everybody needs a cozy yet stylish pair of warm slippers or slides. Ladies, don’t fight what’s warm and fluffy! This winter, for all the time we spend at home, complete your loungewear look, head-to-toe, with a warm and toasty slip-on.

Whether it’s Christmas morning, a Zoom call, or just a lazy weekend day, you might consider snagging one of these stylish pairs for yourself or as a gift to your loved ones ahead of the holiday.

Channel your inner cozy girl.

LoL, Sandra

FF-logo shearling slippers by Fendi (my choice)

So Dream shearling slides by Aquazzura

Fria shearling-lined houndstooth tweed slippers by Gucci

Berkley daisy-appliqué shearling-lined slides by Fabrizio Viti

Hotel Vivier Strass satin slippers by Roger Vivier

Doris shearling and suede slides by Net-à-Porter x ATP Atelier (worn in cover collage)

Homey flat mules by Louis Vuitton

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and Net-à-Porter x ATP Atelier
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Yes, it is your passion that makes any work successful. If you are not passionate about anything, dont do it. It will just waste your time. Fashion makes me happy, therefore writing this blog gives me a lot of pleasure. Being in isolation due to my positive COVID-19 test, I am grateful for all the pre-shot material that I can share with you now.

Burberry’s classic heritage check is back in fashion and looking fresher than ever. When in doubt about print clashing, just go for the double check. I think it looks fabulous!

My look: Shearling jacket by Chloé, embroidered cashmere and silk-blend turtleneck sweater, pleated printed crepe skirt, and check stretch knit sock boots, all by Burberry, beaded drop earrings by Oscar de la Renta, and Daily Multi Pocket belt bag by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

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

If any of you are looking for any last-minute gift idea, I have one and it is getting even better… I am giving one lucky prize draw winner the chance to win this amazing CLIQUOT TAPES COLLECTOR BOX that is filled with six VEUVE CLIQUOT Brut Yellow Label 75cl bottles, worth almost CHF 1000.

The famous French champagne brand, which is part of the LVMH Group since 1986, is going Retro, Chic! and celebrates its love for retro aesthetics and beautiful objects, with the new CLIQUOT TAPE limited edition. As a true symbol of retro style dating back from the 1960s, VEUVE CLIQUOT revisits the audio cassette with a collection of 6 distinct designs. From disco to zebra patterns each CLIQUOT TAPE has its own look and feel, and you don’t need pick your favorite one as the collector box includes them all!

Once you enjoyed your bottles of VEUVE CLIQUOT Brut Yellow Label, you can display the beautiful tapes. Whether you want to store your own audio cassettes or any other things, this giftbox has been conceived to be kept for life. In case you don’t want to keep them, no hard feelings throwing them away. The packaging is 100 percent recyclable.

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header «RETRO, CHIC!» to . All entries must be received until December 24, 2020. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. The winner has to have a Swiss address.

Good luck and cheers!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Veuve Cliquot, Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht

This year has taught us to keep it super simple. My dear Carolina Bucci has taken this message further and created K.I.S.S., a collection inspired by a fascination with the inner workings of a watch. In 2016, she launched with Audemars Piguet the famous Royal Oak Frosted Gold. Its shimmering sparkle reminiscent of diamond dust, that I love so much, comes from a surface treatment process rooted in an ancient gold hammering technique, also called the Florentine technique, which is an iconic style element used by Carolina Bucci for her eponymous jewelry line.

In 2018, when she was working with the master watchmakers at Audemars Piguet to finalize the designs for her limited edition Royal Oak, she began to ask herself a hypothetical question: What would these craftsmen and craftswomen create if they were let loose in the world of fine jewelry?

There is a word often used in high-end watchmaking to describe the technical aspects and achievements of the craft: complication. Whereas the word carries a negative meaning in most other areas of life, for the watchmaker, it is something to be pursued and acclaimed. This inspired the K.I.S.S. collection, specifically the balance spring, which is also called the heart of the watch. At Carolina Bucci, gold does things it shouldn’t do. So in this case, gold is elastic. Each bracelet and necklace is at its simplest, one single coil of 18k gold, just like a spring. Its minimalism means you can stack it with a timepiece or other jewelry.

Much as one tells the time on one’s watch, without thinking too much about it, these pieces are designed to be the opposite of complicated… to keep it super simple.

TO SHOP THE CAROLINA BUCCI K.I.S.S. COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

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