Sandra‘s Closet

Dear Santa… honestly we need to talk! We as women do all the work for your arrival, and there is still so much on our wish list :-)…

Therefore I put together this amazing list of pieces on sale (to save you money, Mr Santa!):

Nile Bracelet mini textured-leather shoulder bag by Chloé (40% off)

Embroidered velvet mini dress by Alaïa (50% off)

Bead and acetate clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta (40% off)

Babette sequined suede boots by Balmain (50% off)

Leather-trimmed checked wool beret by Versace (40% 0ff)

Double-breasted denim blazer by Balmain (40% off)

Studded leather shoulder bag by Prada (30% off)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Merry Christmas Tuesday! I am wishing you a peaceful time among your loved ones and a happy holiday!

My look: Contrast detail coat, Tuesday intarsia jumper, and small Tuesday tote, all by Alberta Ferretti, plaid mini skirt by Gucci, and Rockstud leather-trimmed knee boots by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My dear readers, with all my heart I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas 2018 with the iconic Claridge’s Christmas Tree, that is designed this year by fashion icon and long-time friend of the hotel, Diane von Furstenberg.

«Claridge’s is my favourite hotel in the world and my home in London. I was so excited to be invited to create its legendary annual Christmas Tree. My tree is «The Tree of Love», celebrating all aspects of love and life.»
Diane von Furstenberg

This is the ninth time that Claridge’s has invited a distinguished guest to reinterpret the tree in their own distinctive style. For the previous collaborations, click here please.

«The Tree of Love» is inspired by Diane’s passion and strong belief in the power of love, symbolising life and nature, and drawing particularly from the creative influences of the astrological world. This six-metre sculptural tree is coloured with a blue iridescent lustre and shimmer, and is decorated with over 8,000 hand painted silver-leafed leaves, glass spheres and 150 hand-blown glass hearts.

It plays host to six different silver-leafed abstract designed animals – an owl represents knowledge and wisdom, a dove symbolises peace, a horse conveys strength and endurance. Highlighting the importance of nature within «The Tree of Love», a sculptural deer representing gentleness sits at the base, a peacock representing beauty, and nestled gently sleeping, is a silver-leafed mouse to symbolise curiosity.

The idea of the tree is that all is derived from the universe and the tree winds its way upwards towards the heavens from its roots. Diane has also included important, symbolic words that have long been her mantra including Peace, Harmony, Knowledge, Truth, Freedom, Enlightenment and Wisdom. In order to make this a fully immersive experience, the iconic London hotel’s lobby has been reimagined under her creative vision with a magical midnight blue skylight covered in dazzling stars and astrological star signs from the constellation.

To a magical Christmas time filled with love and laughter!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Claridge’s London

Looking for a last minute X-mas gift? Don’t miss BOBBI BROWN‘s limited edition palettes & sets and say yes to party season.

A decadent and versatile lipstick wardrobe for any holiday look, featuring ten mini Luxe Lip Colors that fit perfectly into the smallest evening bag.
Luxe Lip Color in Almost Bare, Lilac, Berry Rose, Neutral Rose, Retro Coral, Sunset Orange, Parisian Red, Raspberry Pink, Brocade, Crimson
CHF 169.-

All you need for a neutral look in one…
Eye Shadow in Twilight (Metallic), Oyster Pink (Metallic), Cool Brown and Shell,
Mini Lip Color in Brown.
CHF 73.-

The packaging is like a snow globe. Shake it and see what happens…
Highlighting Powder in Bare Glow and Opal Glow 
CHF 99.-

Bobbi’s brushes are the best that you will love to take them everywhere.
Travel Size Brush Set: Full Coverage Face Brush, Sheer Powder Brush, Angle Eye Shadow Brush, Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush and Dual-Ended Brow Definer/Groomer
CHF 159.-

Get party ready with this beautiful set that can be carried like a book clutch.
Eye Shadow in Ivory, Pink Copper (Sparkle), Naked, Nearly Nude, Taupe (Sparkle), Glowstruck (Metallic), Molten (Metallic), Frappe, Nude Smoke, Chocolate Fizz (Metallic), Starlight Star (Metallic), Toasted, Bronzing Powder in Stonestreet, Blush in Powder Pink, Calypso Highlight Powder, Ink Liner in Blackest Black and Smokey Eye Mascara
CHF 149.-

In Switzerland stores are open today – happy last minute X-mas shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Bobbi Brown
@BobbiBrown #BobbiBrownCH

Breaking news last night: Raf Simons and Calvin Klein part ways after less than two years and eight months before the end of his contract. But the fashion world saw it coming after PVH (which also owns Tommy Hilfiger) chief Emanuel Chirico criticised last month the brand’s bumpy financial performance and high-fashion approach for which on the other side Simons won multiple awards from the Council of Fashion Designers of America during his time at Calvin Klein.

With Raf Simons in 2014 when he was still at Dior.

Here lays exactly the problem. The Belgian designer, as well known for his cult menswear label as his well-regarded times at Jil Sander and Dior, was clearly committed to the cause of the iconic brand that consumers know for its denim, underwear and provocative marketing campaigns. He was given a multi-million-dollar salary and the title of chief creative officer. He oversaw all aspects of marketing and design for the American megabrand, a degree of control he did not have at Dior.

Calvin Klein 205W39NYC F/W 2018 ad campaign shot by Willy Vanderperre

Unfortunately, the brand, that was renamed Calvin Klein 205W39NYC under Simons (sorry, but I have hated the name from the beginning), hoped to create a marketing effect through the high-end ready-to-wear collection for its lower-priced products. But this transformation didn’t take place. Personally speaking, I liked the looks Simons designed but I didn’t buy one single piece. Somehow I never felt the urge.

Calvin Klein 205W39NYC F/W 2018 show in NYC

For the American fashion industry, it is a big loss to see Simons go. But on the other hand, it is the only way to go. The brand will NOT even stage a runway show in February which is truly sad as his show definitely got a lot of international attention.

#MyCalvins – bestselling items the brand will focus on even more.

What will happen now with Calvin Klein? Needless to say, probably not another big designer name. but a strategy that will shift the focus of its marketing campaigns from high-fashion to more affordable items. Cobbler, stick to your trade!

Calvin Klein 205W39NYC F/W 2018 runway collection

TO SHOP A LAST PIECE FROM RAF SIMONS FOR CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Calvin Klein and © Sandra Bauknecht

Two young renegades from Louis Vuitton have revived the tradition of furniture trunks with contemporary accessories, Sonos speakers for one. These trunks are the sort that a porter carries into your first class cabin on the Titanic or velvet clad Pullman couchette. T.T.TRUNKS opened in a new Paris boutique on Faubourg St. Honoré where the world’s most elegant travellers come to stay at Le Bristol Paris. EDEN BEING have curated a collection of these revivalist trunks inspired by five of the Oetker Collection hotels: Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Le Bristol Paris, Eden Roc – St Barths, Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa, and The Lanesborough London. Each trunk model below comes in 5 different color combinations which are designed for one of the designated hotels.

T.T.Trunks
Eden Rock – St Barths Millésime trunk
€ 120,000

Farewell to the drinks cabinet, introducing the drinks trunk. Closed it exudes an air of mystery, opened it is an invitation to party. A masterful example of intelligent design by French malletiers, the T.T.Trunk’s Millesime stores everything the wine and cocktail connoisseur might think of. There is an easily portable case incorporated with space for a bottle and two glasses, to disappear together at a moments notice. An Eden Being limited edition designed for Eden Rock – St Barths lined in Goya Red with a discreet logo.

T.T.Trunks
Eden Rock – St Barths Dandy trunk
€ 39,000

A trunk for today’s dandy, for the man about the world, with a zest for life’s many amusements. These cases will keep you uber organised on your travels with excellent compartmentalisation for cufflinks and sunglasses, ensuring you have the right watch at the right time. There is an inbuilt charging unit for phones and ipads, and Sonos speaker. Nickel clasps, smooth cowhide and craftsmanship exude first class luggage. This Eden Being limited edition is designed, in marine cowhide with vibrant sky blue interior and a discreet logo, for Eden Rock – St Barths, where the Dandy owner would be completely at home in the splashy surroundings, from yacht to pool party.

T.T.Trunks
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc Havana trunk
€ 9,400
Designed for the cosmopolitan traveller and cigar smoker who appreciates all the craftsmanship synonymous with this mellifluous pleasure. Paying homage to the finest Havanas, this trunk ceremoniously transforms a languid smoke with a stylish assemblage of accessories, while intelligent design makes capacity. An Eden Being limited edition for Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in blue with discreet logo.

T.T.Trunks
The Lanesborough Mademoiselle trunk
€ 7,500
Glamorous world travelers can carry a selection of their treasures with them across cities and continents in refined style. This case is a work of artisanal perfection conceived by the two Parisian malletier behind T.T.Trunks. It opens up to display your jewels and watches in colourful order, making the choice all the more enticing. An Eden Being limited edition for The Lanesborough in shades of lilac, and with discreet logo.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of T.T.Trunks and Eden Being

Stay slim at Christmas: here is an idea to stop you turning into a pudding this festive season.
X-mas may traditionally be seen as a time for overindulgence but my simple advice can help you prevent gaining pounds. Exercise is the single best way to keep your weight stable over this tempting period and here is what I like to suggest. Get a great new look for training, one that makes you feel good and that you like to look at in the mirror. Further down you can find two options that I got from CASALL. You will see that it can motivate you a lot and this easy little trick might help you to start the New Year in great shape without missing out on the cookie treats.

With Karolina Schmid in her studio where we shot these photos.

I love to do yoga and pilates. After years of ballet, I love these workouts to lengthen and strengthen the body. If you are living in the Zurich area, I recommend KAROLINA SCHMID‘s studio that offers high end pilates and yoga classes in private lessons or trainings in small groups.
Pilates Karolina Schmid – Seefeldstrasse 225, 8008 Zurich / Switzerland – Phone: +41 78 891 03 17

Get the look of training session 1: Mint green sports bra, side slit pants, and berry glam strap tank, all by CASALL.

Get the look of training session 2: Black spiral long sleeve top and matching tights, both by CASALL.

Working out and fashion belong together, don’t you think?! So no excuses, put on the right workout gear, feel great and enjoy this beautiful Christmas season!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, I seem to have a red thread as I realized that I posted so many things in this festive hue. Today is no different as I would like to show you the world’s most eternal fragrance in Gabrielle Chanel’s favorite colour. For the first time ever and for a limited time only, N°5 dresses in red.

N°5 EAU DE PARFUM
An abstract floral bouquet composed around may rose and jasmine, brightened with citrusy top notes.  Aldehydes create a unique presence, while the smooth touch of bourbon vanilla leaves an incredibly sensual trail.

N°5 L’EAU
Fresh and sophisticated, complex yet easy to wear, N°5 L’EAU offers a new definition of femininity.

The unique limited editions are available as N°5 L’EAU Eau de Toilette and N°5 Eau de Parfum (both as 100 ml for CHF 202) in mass-dyed red glass and as 55 numbered red Baccarat crystal bottles for a collector’s edition of the N°5 Parfum (900 ml, price on demand).

Personally speaking, I am a big fan of this classic. This limited edition bottle makes a great gift for every CHANEL-loving fashionista  and it is already under my Christmas tree. If you get a chance, try the body products as well. They have an amazing quality and the scent is true to the EdP and very long-lasting.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of CHANEL and © Sandra Bauknecht

In yesterday’s post I showed you a head to toe red leopard print look. Today I would like to show you even more options. Keep it going bold with these red animal print dresses – perfect for the effortless seasonal chic and a modern way to uplift your festive appearance.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Button-embellished leopard-print velvet mini dress by Balmain

Pussy-bow pleated printed silk crepe de chine dress by Givenchy

Lace-trimmed leopard-print satin dress by Koché

Open-back leopard-print jersey mini dress by Tom Ford

Leopard and tiger-print wool-blend skater dress by Valentino

Leopard-print silk-jacquard maxi dress by Alessandra Rich

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Animal prints were trending on the F/W 2018 catwalks and so it is time to take a walk on the wild side. But this season, it means vibrant colours, preferably red, and definitely not for the shy… as the bold prints are worn head to toe as seen at Tom Ford. I wore this outfit last week for a X-mas cocktail among dear friends and got lots of compliments for it.

My look: Tiered leopard-print silk-crepon mini dress, red leopard print tights, leopard print pumps, and Natalia mini leopard-print velvet shoulder bag, all by Tom Ford, earrings by Prada and rose diamond ring by Piaget.

For the winter season, Tom Ford Beauty introduces Tom Ford Boys & Girls, a decadent collection of 15 clutch-sized mini lipsticks, named after the friends, intimates and collaborators Mr. Ford admires. My favorite shade: Hudson, a perfect rosy beige.

Scent: Lost Cherry Eau de Parfum is a new scent, that is part of Tom Ford’s Private Blend collection. It includes the following notes: black cherry accord, bitter almond, griotte sirup Scenttek™, rose absolute Orpur®, Peru balsam, and roasted tonka Orpur.
I feel in love with it from my first spritz and not only because of the name. If you like gourmand fragrances like me, you will adore this blended mix of warmth and sweetness of cherries and vanilla with a hint of rose coming through combined with almond.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht