Sandra‘s Closet

My dear readers, it is very important that you read until the end of this post as a very special treat is waiting for you to celebrate 9 years of my blog! I am convinced you will love it…

The idea of the concept store is by no means unheard of nowadays. In 1990 the first one of this kind opened its doors in Milan, 10 Corso Como, followed by Opening Ceremony, Colette and Dover Street Market, just to name a few.

The new VOGUE concept store inside the OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

What is a concept store? A 360 degrees experience, a type of living magazine, offering a unique mix of art, fashion, one-of-a-kind homeware and accessories. Christiane Arp, Editor-in-Chief of VOGUE Germany, takes the idea a step further. The tall blonde has been dedicated to supporting emerging talent within the fashion industry since many years. In 2011, she launched the VOGUE Salon, an initiative to grant up-and-coming German fashion designers the opportunity to present exclusive collections to industry opinion leaders. It takes place twice a year during Berlin Fashion Week.

With Christiane Arp, Editor-in-Chief of VOGUE Germany, at the VOGUE concept store opening.

Now, Christiane Arp takes her engagement a step further. Looking for new ways for print media to attract readers and to create attention for the brand itself, she had the idea to launch the VOGUE Concept Store in cooperation with OUTLETCITY METZINGEN.

From left to right: Tim Labenda, David Tomaszewski, Marina Hoermanseder, William Fan, Jeanne Zizi Margot de Kroon, Wolfang Bauer (CEO OUTLETCITY METZINGEN) and Christiane Arp.

Chosen for their one-of-a-kind viewpoints and unparalleled talent were Marina Hoermanseder (click here for a previous post about her collaboration with EOS), Tim Labenda, Dawid Tomaszewski, Jeanne Zizi Margot de Kroon and William Fan. The pieces of the respective designers, which are not older than three months, were bought by OUTLETCITY METZINGEN, which is operating the store in collaboration with VOGUE that is in charge for the marketing and advertising in return. Christiane Arp herself made the selection.

Always at work – here during the fashion show.

It is a win-win situation – a great way to support emerging talents in Germany. The young designers receive through the sale enough money to invest in their next collection.

The pop-up store will be there for six month until April 2019. Inside, you can find many interactive and augmented reality features such as ideas how to style the pieces. Moreover, via your smartphones, you can access information about the designers themselves and their inspirations.

The bestseller that night was definitely the VOGUE logo tops, sweatshirts that came with the latest issue of VOGUE Germany.

Catching up with longtime friends at the opening: Ingrid Hedley, Marketing Director VOGUE & AD Architectural Digest, and Marina Hoermanseder.

And when you are wondering why VOGUE opened in Metzingen in an outlet mall, that seems to be in the middle of nowhere, remember where Carla Sozzani opened her 10 Corso Como shop almost 30 years ago. The location seemed very far away to the people and it was not glamorous at all with its concrete floor. At the time, Via Monte Napoleone was considered the only shopping street. You have to think in new ways, especially print media… the same goes for blogging by the way.

Before it’s in Fashion, it’s in VOGUE! or let’s say now in the VOGUE concept store! And before that of course in Sandra’s Closet :-)!

To celebrate the 9th anniversary of my blog, I have a treat for you. When I was at the opening party of the VOGUE concept store, I was truly overwhelmed by the size and the design of the the OUTLETCITY METZINGEN. Personally speaking, some stores look so much better and are bigger than in Zurich. I attached a few pictures for you below. The collections on display are from S/S 2018 with prices marked down up to 70%.

Metzingen is not far from Stuttgart in Germany. The little village is dedicated to its OUTLETCITY. You can find many hotels and restaurants. If you prefer staying in Stuttgart, no problem, there are bus transfers for Metzingen, leaving from most of the hotels.

Toasting with Christina Gobil at the opening of the VOGUE concept store to 9 years of Sandra’s Closet!

HERE COMES MY ANNIVERSARY TREAT FOR YOU:

As my dear reader, you are entitled to the VIP Shopping Pass:
Mention «Sandra’s Closet» when you arrive at the International Service Point, located at Reutlinger Strasse 58, 72555 Metzingen, Germany.
You will receive a VIP Shopping Pass, a welcome Winzersekt (a vintner’s sparkling wine – German kind of champagne) and a coffee voucher. The VIP Shopping Pass offers also an extra 10% discount at the Vogue Concept Store and other participating stores.
The offer is valid until March 31st, 2019.

Have fun shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Bottega Veneta in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

Prada in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

Jimmy Choo in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

Gucci in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

The Burberry shop in OUTLETCITY METZINGEN has already the new logo.

The whole area looks like one of those amazing gigantic US shopping malls.

Photos: Courtesy of VOGUE, OUTLETCITY METZINGEN and © Sandra Bauknecht 

The playful pussycat has long been central to Miu Miu’s heritage, finding its way onto everything from ready-to-wear and accessories to pearl and crystal encrusted jewelry. New for the holiday season is the ‘little cats’ capsule collection of Shetland wool sweaters inlaid with some of the most celebrated feline characters in the history of animation.

True to the multi-facetted nature of the Miu Miu girl – and indeed the animal in question – these range in spirit from grand to cute and cuddly, from mischievous to plain mean. The collection celebrates famous kittens from iconic stories including the playfully cute Marie from Disney’s The AristoCats (1970), and Dinah – Alice’s beloved kitten from the magical Disney original movie Alice in Wonderland (1951). Completing the collection is Snowball II, the cat that ironically replaced The Simpsons’ (1990) first family cat, Snowball.

The ‘little cats’ capsule collection of Shetland wool sweaters comes in shades of purple, yellow and green and is available from mid November 2018 in selected Miu Miu stores and at Mytheresa.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu and © Disney

9 years –  as crazy as it sounds but I have been blogging now for 108 months, which is around 3285 days, and this is my 3829th post which means I wrote more than one per day. I am thankful, Sandra’s Closet has taken me on the craziest, busiest but most amazing ride in my life.

Yesterday at the LA MER counter event at Jelmoli, I was so proud to welcome some of my Swiss readers, confident, beautiful and smart women, who came from all over the country. I cannot wait to show you the photos. A huge thank you to everyone for coming and the little surprises, I truly felt loved.

Sharing an insider tip: best place in Zurich for beauty treatments and massages:
Beauty Care Zurich.

Today, I am celebrating my blog anniversary by treating myself to an Ayurvedic massage by Ramji Lal at Beauty Care Zurich (Strehlgasse 29, 8000 Zürich, Phone: +41 44 212 12 77).

Just as a machine needs to be oiled, the body loves to have its largest organ, the skin, soothed. Anyone who has ever experienced an Ayurvedic treatment, knows its rejuvenating effect. It treats not only the body, but also the nervous system, bringing deep nourishment to all the cells and tissues as well as the mind. As I am pretty exhausted at the moment due to all my travels and projects, it helps me to recharge  my energy levels.

Starting the massage with a foot bath…

Ramji Lal has magic hands and he learnt the 5000-year-old techniques from his mother when he was a little boy. His family produces Ayurvedic oils from home-grown herbs and plants in India’s holy city. Later, he trained at the prestigious Dr. med. Franklin’s Panchakarma Institute in Kerala.

Feels like heaven: an Ayurvedic massage by Ramji Lal.

An Ayurvedic massage is MOST beneficial when combined with an Ayurvedic lifestyle, which means making conscious choices about your nutrition, sleep and more. Ramji for example suggested that I drink a glass of warm water in the morning with one teaspoon of turmeric and one of cumin which has a detoxifying, energy-boosting and fat burning effect.

Have a lovely weekend! And stay tuned… today I am treating myself, during the coming days you will be treated to celebrate the 9 years of Sandra’s Closet!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

From the It-bag to the It-belt…! Drawing inspiration from the ezcaramuzas of Mexico (female equestrians in the traditional Mexican rodeo known as charrería), Maria Grazia Chiuri has designed a number of feminine outfits for the DIOR Cruise 2019 collection with eye-catching details: Corsets and wide leather belts in plain black or totally embroidered in Mexican flowers emphasized the models’ waists. In reference to the equestrian world and the House’s heritage, each style of belt is in the form of the ‘Saddle’ bag with its emblematic curved flap and tab decorated with a golden “D”.

Those belts will be flying off the shelves now…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of DIOR

When it comes to your waist, the golden rule is to keep it cinched. Belts have been making their presence felt on F/W 2018 runways — from Versace, to Elie Saab and Gucci. This little add-on packs a big punch when it comes to elevating your style while also slimming your silhouette into a flattering hourglass. When it comes to evening wear, the easiest way to change the look of a gown you sported before is to wear a belt. It is also the best alternative to altering.

Suffice it to say, the styling possibilities are infinite, as is the internet’s statement belt selection. Here, I’ve narrowed it down for you.

Le Fleur flower-embellished crepe belt by Adriana Degreas

Leather corset belt by Alexander McQueen

Velvet waist belt by Attico

Embellished silk waist belt by Saint Laurent

High waist leather belt by Alberta Ferretti

Amore bow belt by Dolce & Gabbana

Studded leather waist belt by Alaïa

Bejeweled belt by N°21

Elore crystal-embellished velvet belt by Isabel Marant

Heart embellished bicolour rope belt with tassels by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Studded leather belt by Elie Saab

My personal favorites are the ones by Dolce & Gabbana and Alaïa. They work for nearly everything.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

When it comes to make-up for the festive season, the more is merrier. Now, it is all about adding the right sparkle and glittering through the winter festivities. Therefore, I don’t want you to miss Patrick Starrr’s fifth, final and fiercest collection with M∙A∙C: «Slay Ride»!

Throughout his journey from photographer to self-taught makeup artist to M∙A∙C Orlando Freelancer to boundary-breaking mega-influencer, Patrick has inspired with his beauty-for-all philosophy.
Now he brings sultry magic to the holidays with ultra-glam hues made to fit everyone.

New custom-designed shades of Lipstick, Dazzleglass, Pigment and Mineralize Skinfinish – plus Eye Shadow x 6 Palettes and the return of most-wanted must-have Patrick’s Powder – are all dolled up for the ultimate slay ride in glittery red packaging.

LIPSTICK, CHF 28.00 (LIMITED EDITION)
PEACHY PETTER Creamy neutral beige (Matte)
SPANK ME SANTA Dirty rose (Matte)
SLAY RIDE Brownish orange red (Matte)

DAZZLEGLASS, CHF 26.00 (LIMITED EDITION)
SANTA GOT MONEYY True gold with gold pearl
HOT COCO BISH Mid-tone brown
TWERK FOR GIFTS Peach gold with shimmer
RIDE MY SLEIGH True red
SILENT NIGHT Deep purple red

OH, HOLY EYES EYESHADOW X 6, CHF 60.00 (LIMITED EDITION)
MAMASTARRR’S COOKIE Pinky beige (Matte)
GIFT GIVER Gold shimmer (Lustre)
SHE’S GRAVY Mid-tone peachy beige (Matte)
FA LA LA LA LA Light reddish brown (Matte)
JINGLE BALL BRONZE Peach gold sparkle (Lustre)
SHADY SANTA Dark red brown (Matte)

SMOKY SLEIGH EYESHADOW X 6, CHF 60.00 (LIMITED EDITION)
SANTA’S STILETTOS Muted reddish brown (Matte)
TREE TOPPER Teddy bear brown with gold pearl (Frost)
STOCKING STUFFER Muted beige (Matte)
HOLIDAY SECRET Green-gold sparkle (Lustre)
RIBBON REALNESS Muted burgundy plum (Matte)
GAGGING FOR GIFTS Deep brown (Matte)

PIGMENT, CHF 35.00 (LIMITED EDITION)
OMIGAUD IT’S GOLD Sparkling chunky peach gold
PATRICKSTARRR Sparkling coral pink
TWINKLING LIGHTS Sparkling bronze gold

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH, CHF 41.00 (LIMITED EDITION)
BABY IT’S GOLD OUTSIDE Mid-tone bronze gold with sparkle

SET POWDER, $ 35.00(LIMITED EDITION)
PATRICK’S POWDER Colourless, ultra-fine with matte finish

Limited Edition, in Switzerland exclusively available online at 6th December and in select stores, M∙A∙C Store Zurich, Lucerne and M∙A∙C Manor Zurich and Geneva.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of M∙A∙C Cosmetics
#MACPATRICKSTARRR @maccosmetics @patrickstarrr

Are you a fashion-loving gourmand? Then you will indulge in this collaboration between the creativity of Dolce & Gabbana and the confectionery artistry of Fiasconaro that results in a unique recipe: the typical Milanese panettone, revisited with the flavours of Sicily.

An artisanal product that combines a stylish design with that of pastry; the panettone is produced in two variations: one 1 kg Sicilian Pistachio panettone covered in white chocolate (with a velvety Pistachio cream in a special jar); and one with Sicilian Citrus fruits and Saffron, available in both 1 kg and 100 g sizes.

Making these panettoni even more desirable are the tin boxes that contain them. Expressly designed by the most famous Sicilian artisans, these brightly coloured and illustrated boxes are inspired by the decorative motifs of Sicilian carts and the characters of the traditional puppet theatres, rendering them precious objects to collect.

Furthermore, the 1kg panettone is also available to purchase with a decorated tray. Also in tin, this tray can be kept as a collector’s item.

I am loving them. Available online and in Zurich at Jelmoli‘s food corner.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana and © Sandra Bauknecht

This F/W 2018 season, ankle boots in white are a must! Originally introduced as a low-heeled, mid-calf go-go boot by designer André Courrèges in 1964, and later called the Courrèges boot, it also became famous through the song «These Boots Are Made for Walkin’» in 1966 when Nancy Sinatra performed in a white go-go model, and got credited with further popularising the boot.

Nancy Sinatra wearing the go-go boots in the ’60s.

This season, designers reworked the footwear item of the season by injecting it with allure, a pointed toe, and leg-lengthening thin heels. Style them with monochrome separates for a modern office look.

Here are the best ones available for F/W 2018:

Lace-up leather ankle boots by Miu Miu

Bow-embellished leather ankle boots by Miu Miu

Folded cuff leather ankle boots by Givenchy

Banner patent-leather ankle boots by Paul Andrew

Talon Slash leather ankle boots by Balenciaga

Levy 55 leather ankle boots by Gianvito Rossi

Vania 85 leather ankle boots by Gianvito Rossi

Fausto leather ankle boots by Jennifer Chamandi

Emmet lace-up leather ankle boots by Tabitha Simmons

Millen lace-up leather ankle boots by Alexandre Birman

Palace ruffled leather ankle boots by Aquazzura

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via Getty

For its F/W 2018 collection, Longchamp has teamed up with the French designer Clo’e Floirat to create a pop and colorful collection, featuring dogs on many pieces.

The artist brings her stylish touch to a selection of bags, including the iconic «Le Pliage», small leather goods and accessories. Clo’e Floirat also created an exclusive dogs line with colorful cowhide leather leashes and collars in three sizes and five colors.

Playing with humour on a theme of this «must-have» accessory, Clo’e Floirat has imagined a story of «Le Pliage» bag unfolding in three formats. She portrays packs of dogs in bright and bold colors walking their owners on the nylon canvas’ tone-on-tone navy print flap with red signature details.

The whimsical dog pattern can be found throughout the vibrant cotton canvas travel bag’s limited edition and on a large silk scarf. The hounds are equally featured with their noses held high on 6 key rings.

Finally, the star of this collection – a red dachshund – appears on two small leather goods, a small silk scarf and an umbrella and shown prancing all over packaging and paper bags, never-to-be-forgotten. With Clo’e Floirat, Longchamp once again offers center stage to artists while revisiting its classics, combining modern day contemporary designs full of cheerful playfulness!

About Clo’e Floirat

Clo’e Floirat is an art critic and cartoonist working between New York, London and Paris. She explores via «drawing Crit’ writing» the boundaries between writing and drawing for various publications such as the New Yorker, and collaborates equally with Robert Wilson and Rufus Wainwright. Author of Pas Mal pour de l’art (Not bad for art) (Marabout edition – 2016) and Je vois quelqu’un (I am seeing someone) (Marabulles collection – 2018), Clo’e Floirat is interested in perspectives towards art as well as the relationship between psychologists and their patients…Always with a signature humor that cleverly contrasts ego and intention.

The Longchamp x Clo’e Floirat hits the shelves this month!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Longchamp

Dear Santa! In case you were wondering what would be on top of my wish list for Christmas, here you go. Being a huge fan of DIOR‘s ROSE DES VENTS collection, I have fallen in love with the new star piece of this line. A plastron – a multi-strand necklace – in yellow and white gold, set with diamond, mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli, malachite, turquoise, onyx, tiger’s eye, cornelian and pink opal discs. What I love most is its versatility. A twist of grains encircles the medallions so that they can be worn either way, with the star showing or just the colourful gemstone.

This piece would look so great with my limited edition ROSE DES VENTS summer bracelets.

The necklace is around CHF 90.000 and I have heard there is one in the Zurich’s DIOR store on Bahnhofstrasse… making your job easier, Mr Santa!

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of Dior