Sandra‘s Closet

Last Thursday, I was invited by Marionnaud to an intimate press lunch at George Bar & Grill in Zurich to discover exclusive perfumes by renowned and new brands that enrich the Marionnaud portfolio. Among those beautiful novelties, I found one niche fragrance house that has truly impressed me: ELEMENTALS, a collection of active perfumes, created according to the ancient chinese theory of the five elements, water, wood, fire, earth and metal, that create a connection and inspire a heightened sense of well-being. Only the most noble essential oils have been macerated in organic alcohol to transmit the beauty and energetic poser of each element in its natural state.

At lunch with Deana Wyland-Fries, Founder of ELEMENTALS

The brain behind the brand is Canadian-born and German-based Deana Wyland-Fries, feng shui consultant, teacher and master in Chinese horoscopes turned alchemist. She has lived on and traveled five continents, speaks five languages fluently and shares the memories of her journeys through the visualization of scent. ELEMENTALS is the quintessence of 20 years of experience along with 10 years of research and development. The result is a yet unseen marriage of ancient wisdom and the art of perfumery, with the sole purpose of enhancing the life force within you.

«Feng shui is the study of humans and the environment in time and space. Using scent to enhance energy in the context of feng shui and Chinese astrology did not occur to me until one fateful day in my garden in Dubai. I had just eaten a tangerine and absent-mindedly picked a kumquat blossom. I squeezed the two together and inhaled the scent. It was at this moment that I realized that I had created pure Wood Chi. It suddenly hit me. I wanted to use the power of scent to balance the elemental constellation in my client’s horoscopes!» – Deana Wyland-Fries

That was the beginning of a fascinating new journey and 10 years later, in September 2018, the lifestyle brand ELEMENTALS was born that is transforming the perfume landscape by taking the physical and emotional attributes of the elements into consideration using rare woods, florals, herbs and spices to create perfumes that are not only divine, but also envelope the individual in an immediate sense of well-being.

The ancient theory of the five elements – water, wood, fire, earth and metal – is fundamental to feng shui, as well as and Chinese horoscopes, traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts. Each direction of the compass, every hour, every minute, each organ in the human body as well as our emotions can be allocated to an element. What’s more, each individual is born with an element that governs his or her life. It is the constellation of the elements and their intricate relationship of growth, depletion and conflict that governs our lives. If our self-element suffers an imbalance within this constellation, so do we. We become stressed and off balance. We can, however, alleviate that imbalance by introducing the element that we need into our lives.

Deana states: «The secret to happiness, health and success is maintaining a perfect balance of the elements both around and within us. The olfactory is the strongest of our five senses as it is intrinsically linked to the brain. There are many tools we can apply to enhance the elemental balance in our bodies and our lives. My experience has shown that there is no faster way to enhance a person’s energy or sense of well-being than through the beauty of fragrance.»

Throughout our lives, we are instinctively drawn to the elements that are key to our well-being. This is the fundamental premise for choosing your ELEMENTALS fragrance. ELEMENTALS are not about which element you are. They are about what element you need at present. Deana asked us to smell the five fragrances and to choose our favorite one. Without her telling, she afterwards made an analysis taking our birth date and hour into consideration. It was absolutely fascinating how the choice each of us made was linked to the element missing.

Personally speaking, I was really blown away as Deana told me I am a rare five element child, meaning I have all five elements in balance and can choose. The scent I was most drawn to was Earth which made sense for me at the moment. I am a balanced individual with all five elements present within me but different circumstances bring out their different properties.

So let’s get started and let me introduce you to the five fragrances. The smelling part you have to do yourself at Marionnaud. Listen to your body, it will show you what it needs! By the way, ELEMENTALS are gender neutral.

EARTH

Earth is central to everything. Under the right conditions, Earth gives us all that we need to nourish our body and soul.
ELEMENTALS Earth is a warm embrace that transports us to a calm, healing and balanced space. A nurturing and soothing fusion that cocoons and grounds body, mind and soul.
Heaven notes: Acanthus Flower, Chamomille, Mimosa, Immortelle, Maté
Human notes: Broom, YIang YIang, Beeswax, Nagarmotha
Earth notes: Ambregis, Guaiacum, Silver Birch, Sandalwood
Eau de Parfum – Made in France – 100ml – € 155 / CHF 179

WATER

Water is essential to all life on Earth and represents the height of Yin Energy.
ELEMENTALS Water conjures up the clarity and freshness of a mountain stream gushing through the hills after the first melt of snow. An uplifting yet calming blend of herbs and spices combined with florals and aquatic notes that nourish the soul.
Heaven notes: Black pepper, Wormwood, Angelica root
Human notes: Lavender, Clary Sage, Violet
Earth notes: Ambregis, Seaweed
Eau de Parfum – Made in France – 100ml – € 155 / CHF 179

WOOD

Wood represents Spring and the rising Energy of the East. It is about growth and creativity.
ELEMENTALS Wood awakens your senses like a walk inthe woods on a sunny Spring morning. Precious woods are combined with bold florals and uplifting citrus notes to kickstart your Chi !
Heaven notes: Bergamot, Cedar, Grapefruit
Human notes: Iris root, Tagetes, Geranium
Earth notes: Patchouli, Palosanto, Guaiacum
Eau de Parfum – Made in France – 100ml – € 155 / CHF 179

FIRE

Fire is the pinnacle of Yang Energy. It is about power and passion. It is sensual, fickle and explosive.
ELEMENTALS Fire is a warm spicy blend of naturals that ignite your sensuality and gently caress the soul. Splashes of Ginger and Bitter Orange combined with luscious blossoms, energizing spices and rare woods awaken your spirit.
Heaven notes: Pink Pepper, Ginger, Bitter Orange and a touch of Cinnamon
Human notes: Rose Otto, Neroli, Geranium, Cloves
Earth notes: Cistus, Frankinsence, Hysopus Oil
Eau de Parfum – Made in France – 100ml – € 155 / CHF 179

METAL

Metal is the clear, crisp, yet sometimes unsettling air of Autumn. It is a time of year when we look inward and reflect. Metal is about wisdom, true leadership and introspection.
ELEMENTALS Metal sparkles with the brilliance of courage, strength and inner wisdom. An innovative marriage of pungent herbs and spices, infused with a hint of Birch Tar that melts into a sea of white blossoms, revealing a bold olfactory experience that is both regal and divine.
Heaven notes: Coriander, Cardamon, Fennel, Birch Tar
Human notes: Casablanca Lily, Tuberose, Jasmine
Earth notes: White Musk, Silver Birch
Eau de Parfum – Made in France – 100ml – € 155 / CHF 179

«I have three treasures that I guard and hold dear: 
The first is love;
The second is contentment;
The third is humbleness.
Only the loving are courageous;
Only the content are magnanimous;
Only the humble are capable of commanding.»
– Lao Tze – from the Tao Te Ching

A new addition to the five ELEMENTALS collection is QUIAN.
The I Ching – otherwise known as the Book of Change uses Hexagrams to speak to us about the quality of time, space and movement. The 15th Hexagram is one the most beautiful of the I Ching. It is comprised of the earth trigram on top and the mountain trigram below. It speaks of finding the treasure within through cultivating humility.
Qian envelopes you in a beautiful, comforting and harmonious blanket of love, contentment and humility expressed through the power of simple, yet noble florals, resins and spices.
Heaven notes: Bergamot, Cypress, Violet Leaves, Saffron
Human notes: Rose Otto, Tolu, Labdanum, Nutmeg, Pink Pepper
Earth notes: Aganwood, Nagarmotha, Frangipani, Peru Absolute
Qian – Eau de Parfum – Made in France – 100ml – € 189 / CHF 219

Thank you to Marionnaud and my friends for this crazy journey last Thursday!

At ELEMENTALS, ethics, sustainability, integrity and purity of intent at the core of its operation. All packaging is hand made from virgin fibre in Europe by a small family manufacture in Germany. Only the finest raw materials are used macerated in organic alcohol to allow the purity and power of the elements to shine through. ELEMENTALS are gender neutral, vegan, cruelty free, phthalate free, humankind and bee friendly.

 ELEMENTALS Home and ELEMENTALS Spa are currently in the pipeline… stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Marionnaud / ELEMENTALS and  © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Friday, I arrived in my happy place which is my old hometown Munich. Before the official start of Oktoberfest on Saturday, I went out with friends on Friday night wearing this quite daring dress. Unfortunately, it is always hard to find someone who is not only willing to take some photos and but also capable of doing so. This time, it was obviously a difficult task:-) – men can be so uncooperative – but I hope that you still enjoy this post.

My look: One-shoulder satin-trimmed crepe mini dress and feather cape, both by Balmain, black calf leather lace up Janis pumps by Saint Laurent, Satin Touch 20 denier stay-up stockings by Wolford, black and white grained leather bag with gold-tone metal details and single earring, both by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

September is always the «beauty month» – each week several brands host a press event to present their newest launches. Let me get started with one of my favorites, the press conference of  SISLEY Paris at Ynox in Zurich. The perfect location to indulge in the fall novelties that you definitely should not miss as well as yesterday’s must-have sandals… .

At the press conference with SISLEY National Make-up Artist David Hahmeyer and SISLEY General Manager Switzerland Florence Maraval.

Arty visuals, a strong statement with the signature zebra stripes, modern but not vulgar – the new SISLEY products are young, easy to use with professional results. Let me get started with the new foundation, the first one under CHF 100, that is available from now.

PHYTO-TEINT ULTRA ÉCLAT – an «augmented» version of the brand’s famous phyto-teint éclat foundation. More radiance, more shades, more skincare: that is the promise of this new foundation that now addresses every skin tone and comes in 14 shades (good to know: the shades with a plus have a warm undertone compared to the ones with normal numbers).

The new PHYTO-TEINT ULTRA ÉCLAT is formulated with a radiance-activating complex that combines minerals (zinc, copper, and magnesium) to give the skin a breath of fresh air. Radiance is boosted, skin is luminous, fresh, and flawless thanks to the oil-free formula which perfectly crosses make-up with skincare. It stays fresh and clear even in hot or humid weather. Skin imperfections and wrinkles fade.

Price: CHF 90.00 / 30 ml
In stores now.

LES PHYTO-OMBRES – long lasting radiant eyeshadows that will blow you away. They are packed with pigments and feature «light reflecting» mother-of-pearl, and they come in various finishes that can be combined in infinite ways to give your eyes radiance and depth. A new collection of twenty luminous, intense, magnetic shades, half-powder, half-cream, these eyeshadows blend seamlessly with the skin thanks to a gelled sugar and a film‑forming polymer that give them a smooth, melting, creamy texture.  Folds and fine lines on the eyelid are visually reduced rather than accentuated.

The make-up lasts all day and into the night 20 radiant shades, 4 colour families (the nudes, the smoky, the arty, the glows) and 5 finishes for multi-faceted possibilities: matt, satin, metallic, luminous, glitter. All the shades complement and echo each other so they can be worn alone, in combination, or on top of one another. The tailor-made result catches light or electrifies the eyes depending on the mood, time of day, or season.

Price: CHF 48.00 each
Launch Date: November 4, 2019

VELVET SLEEPING MASK WITH SAFFRON FLOWERS – SOS comfort intense repair. This nourishing mask supports dry, or occasionally dehydrated skin, in the repair process. Enveloping the skin in softness, it instantly soothes and provides necessary nutrition and hydration to particularly vulnerable skin.

Used as a sleeping mask, it optimizes the nocturnal repair of the skin. Upon awaking, the skin has recovered. Regenerated, the skin is more resistant, softer and more radiant. Apply 1 to 2 times a week. As SOS mask, it immediately calms irritations and relieves sensations of discomfort. The soothes skin is once again smooth, soft and supple.

Price: CHF 128.00 CHF / 60ml
Launch Date: October 7, 2019

TO SHOP SISLEY PARIS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © SISLEY Paris

I am such a summer girl and I am always sad when the cold season is knocking at the door. Especially as I love wearing sandals. The dainty, super statement sandal has reigned as one of the most popular shoes of the summer, as seen on celebrities and street style stars who embraced the eye-catching look. Great news is that this fall the transition is easy and it’s not time yet to leave your high heel sandals behind as there are so many beautiful options to get you through fall.

LoL, Sandra

Metallic textured leather-trimmed suede sandals by Prada

Eve crystal-embellished metallic lizard-effect leather sandals by Attico

Crystal-embellished mesh and suede sandals by René Caovilla

Floral-appliquéd metallic leather sandals by Dolce & Gabbana

Swarovski crystal-embellished leather sandals by Prada

100 crystal-embellished metallic leather sandals by Gianvito Rossi

Marie Edwina 100 feather-trimmed satin and PVC sandals by Christian Louboutin

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

CHANEL will present its Cruise 2021 collection, created by Virginie Viard, Artistic Director of the Fashion collections, on Thursday May 7th, 2020, on the island of Capri in Italy.

From the 1920s, Gabrielle Chanel offered her clients lightweight and comfortable designs for yachting, coastal resorts, spa towns and other various sunny destinations such as the Riviera and the Lido beaches in Venice.

Capri’s seasonal CHANEL boutique will be open until October 20th 2019.

Since 2000 and under the impetus of Karl Lagerfeld, the CHANEL Cruise collection has become a much-anticipated rendezvous. CHANEL was the first House to introduce an actual runway show for its Cruise collection which invites us to travel around the world. It will be the first time the fashion house has presented a resort collection outside of Paris since 2016.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

Tomorrow, Oktoberfest season kicks off in Munich and I am so happy to write this post from my previous hometown in Bavaria. From time to time, I like to play around with the Wies’n style outfits and don’t opt for the traditional «Dirndl» but look for designer pieces that are inspired from Tyrolean or Bavarian styles. This Pre-fall 2019 season, Miu Miu offers some truly amazing options.

Enjoy those beautiful pieces that you can wear all year round …

LoL, Sandra

Ruffled embroidered wool cardigan by Miu Miu

Cropped ruffled cotton-poplin blouse by Miu Miu

Belted velvet shorts by Miu Miu

Bow-top felted cap by Miu Miu

Wies’n stay-ups by Falke, CHF 37.00
Wies’n knee socks by Falke, CHF 26.00

Scalloped crystal-embellished cotton-poplin mini dress by Miu Miu

Miu Lady crystal-embellished leather and matelassé velvet shoulder bag by Miu Miu

Sandale Du Desert 100 leather and gingham canvas sandals by Christian Louboutin

Gold-tone, crystal, enamel and canvas earrings by Miu Miu

 Kassi gingham linen peplum top by Reformation

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Falke, Miu Miu

«A daily bathing ceremony is one of life’s simplest luxuries. It is a chance to prepare yourself for the day ahead or reflect on the day just gone.» – Claire Croft (founder)

Today, I would like to introduce you to Abahna, a beautiful British brand that is now available exclusively at Marionnaud in Switzerland and that celebrates the ceremony of bathing. Something that has become very important to me. During the last months I had such a crazy schedule that I had this feeling of being literally crushed under a heavy pile of work. I wondered if I was just spinning my wheels, or if it was even worth it. I decided it is time for a change, to look at my own personal time management.

To counterbalance my busy social life as well as all my travels, I knew that I needed to allow myself some me-time to recharge my energy. Since a few weeks, I start my day with a book and leave my laptop unopened while having my first cup of coffee. In the evening, I light a scented candle, take my book and indulge in a bath without checking my iPhone at all. This helps me to clear my mind so I can focus on my actual goals that I would like to achieve in the near future.

Following the idea that bathing could be both rewarding and therapeutic, Claire Croft founded Abahna in 2005, inspired by exotic bathing ceremonies and spas that she experienced during her travels to India and the Far East. Influenced by the world’s many and varied bathing traditions, Abahna borrows from «nahana» (Urdu for to have a bath), the Russian «banya» and the Portuguese «banho». Her focus is on the product formulations and also on the packaging aesthetics. Therefore she carefully works with English suppliers who meet her high standards.

Let me introduce you little further to the ceremony of bathing as throughout the ages it has involved so much more than just getting clean. In ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, the purifying properties of water were revered with sacred practices, while across Asia and Africa special ceremonies honoured its life-giving powers. And still today, Japanese onsen, Moroccan hammam and Scandinavian sauna are steeped in elaborate bathing customs.

In all of these traditions, aromatic oils and natural extracts have been used for health, beauty and emotional wellbeing. Divinely scented and brimming with therapeutic qualities, these ritual preparations are the inspiration behind the Abahna collection.

Claire Croft designed every beautifully packaged product with these rich traditions in mind – from exotically scented soaps, foams and creams to natural wax candles and room diffusers – so that you can enjoy the benefits of your own sumptuous, multi-sensory bathing experience. Before you let the ceremony begin, please read those bathing do’s and don’ts.

• Don’t soak for longer than 20 minutes at a time – extended wallowing can dry out skin and zap energy.
• Don’t soak for longer than 3 minutes in a cold bath.
• Always wait until at least 40 minutes after eating before bathing.
• Bathing more than twice a day is not recommended, as it can strip your skin of its natural oils.
• Try to avoid having a really hot bath just before bed as it increases your heart rate which can make it hard to sleep.

And now enjoy your bath and some you-time. Abahna products make also beautiful gifts.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Abahna

Last weekend, I was invited to a birthday party in Fribourg with the dress code «Choose a Quentin Tarantino Movie Character». The possibilities are versatile but one that I truly liked and that looks great in daily life is the style of Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) in Pulp Fiction. The 1994 movie is known for its many twists, but most poignant of all is her dance with Vincent Vega (John Travolta). It’s in that scene that Mia sports the outfit that has inspired one of the most popular Halloween costumes of the last two decades, with a white button down shirt as the quintessential piece combined with black cropped pants.

My look: Bandage flared pants by Hervé Léger, cotton-poplin shirt, sequined gun shoulder bag, and Janis suede platform pumps, all by Saint Laurent, Petit Jardin embroidered stretch-tulle underwired bra by La Perla, and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

You’ll never watch that scene the same way again when I tell you what else made it so iconic for a fashion lover. It was the nail polish on Mia’s fingers. First debuted at the F/W 1994 CHANEL show, Le Vernis Rouge Noir made its screen debut in Pulp Fiction 25 years ago. Until today, the hue is still one of the most coveted—and questionably duped—color in both fashion and beauty history.

I really like this hair style (the wig is from atop.ch). What do you think? Time to get a new hair cut?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 

Flanker is perfume-speak for a new fragrance that launches on the tail of a successful scent. Sometimes, when a brand sees that a perfume is very successful, the company launches certain versions with a slight variation, as a cross-selling strategy, not only for their existing customers but also to attract new ones.

This fall, four new so-called flankers will be launched which I like even better than their original scent and that I don’t want you to miss.

Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Rose & Rose

Celebrating the wildness of a rose, the new limited edition fragrance is a flanker to 1993′s L’Eau d’Issey. A fruity floral with raspberry, pink pepper, pear, osmanthus, a ‘double concentration’ of damascena and centifolia roses, cashmere, amber and patchouli.

Eau de Parfum Intense CHF 68.00 (25ml), CHF 113.00 (50ml) and CHF 142.00 (90ml).

Mon Guerlain Eau de Parfum Intense

This new version of Guerlain’s bestselling fragrance, launched in 2017, is a complete, multi-facetted ode to today’s femininity. this incomparably fresh oriental fragrance is made from a blend of the very finest ingredients, including Tahitian vanilla from Papua New Guinea, jasmine Sambac from India, sandalwood album from Australia and lavender from Provence.

Eau de Parfum Intense CHF 98.00 (30ml), CHF 136.00 (50ml) and CHF 189.00 (100ml).

Twilly d’Hermès Eau Poivrée

The peppery spirit of a daring fragrance, coloured with three new ingredients, vibrant pink peppercorn, tender rose and elegant patchouli. Spicy, floral, woody.

Eau de Parfum CHF 37.00 (15 ml), CHF 84.00 (30ml), CHF 126.00 (50ml) and CHF 171.00 (85ml).
Available exclusively in all Hermès boutiques.

Elie Saab Le Parfum Royal

This is my absolute favorite. A radiant ode to femininity, Elie Saab’s orange blossom and patchouli signature is reinvented as an ambery floral chypre. In the top notes, the fragrance glitters with mandarin essence, shedding its light on a radiant accord. The noble heart of the scent unveils two facets of the queen of flowers, Turkish rose absolute and Bulgarian rose, with precious Lebanese neroli, distilled from orange blossoms grown in the Couturier’s homeland. A regal trail of suede-smooth Indonesian patchouli essence and creamy Indian sandalwood essence blends with amber and vanilla into a majestic, long-lasting silage. Such a beautiful scent.

Eau de Parfum CHF 75.00 (30ml), CHF 113.00 (50ml) and CHF 151.00 (90ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Modern princesses love this rock ‘n’ roll-meets-romance feel. Deconstructed silhouettes balanced by frilly details make heads turn. Just add a tiara and the throne is all yours!

My look: Crystal-embellished stretch-scuba bodysuit by Alessandra Rich, paneled denim and tulle maxi skirt by Junya Watanabe, Vicky quilted patent leather wallet on a chain by Saint Laurent, Freedom leather ankle boots by Fendi, tiara headband and silver-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl clip earrings, both by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht