Sandra‘s Closet

Last Saturday, I attended the Kispiball 2018 (Kispi is an abbreviation for Kinderspital which means children’s hospital in German) that always takes place at the Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich. It is one of my favorite charity events of the Swiss social calendar that raises money for the city’s children’s hospital that celebrates its 150 anniversary this year.

My look: Velvet-trimmed embroidered tulle and satin maxi dress by Diane von Furstenberg, Patsy textured-leather tote by Gabriela Hearst, leather platform pumps and floral silk pin, both by Gucci, Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie, vintage collier by Dior, and Tonda 1950 Galaxy by Parmigiani Fleurier.

That night, the nightmare for every fashionista came true, someone was wearing the same gown as me. But to be honest, it’s not the disaster you think it is. We had accessorized it completely differently, I had attached a floral pin. So, we both laughed about it, because that’s pretty much all you can do if you don’t want to grab a pair of scissors to alter the dress.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
A few photos in the collages © Sandra Bauknecht

In the ’80s everything was large and bold, from hairstyles to shoulder pads to earrings. Power dressing and the influence of television soap series such as «Dynasty» played an important role. Jewelry became more than just a fashion accessory; it was about making a statement.

Eighties earrings were large and dramatic and a staple for any ’80s woman. Clip-on earrings were popular as pierced styles were often too heavy to wear and faux gemstones were all the rage.
Here is how to work ’80s «Dynasty» earrings trend for F/W 2018:

Crystal-embellished floral stud earrings by Balenciaga

Crystal drop earrings by Balenciaga

Closer by Wwake coated sterling silver earrings by Closer By Wwake

Smoking silver-tone, resin and crystal clip earrings by Saint Laurent

Smoking silver-tone, enamel and crystal clip earrings by Saint Laurent

Gold and silver-tone earrings by Isabel Marant

Silver-tone crystal clip earrings by Alessandra Rich

Cluster bead, silk and gold-tone earrings by Bibi Marini

Which ones are your favorites? It is so hard to decide, isn’t it?! Let’s channel our inner Alexis…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Dynasty

After a seemingly endless summer, we can finally jump into the new fashion season. This fall brings with it a batch of fresh ideas. Mix vibrant colors and comfy and chic materials to think ahead of the style tribe! Make it your own recipe – you are the chef…

My look: Fringed wool-blend jacquard cardigan by Etro, lace panelled dress by Valentino, Cahier raffia crossbody bag by Prada, Betty bow-embellished suede platform sandals by Saint Laurent, Impatiens clip-on earrings by Oscar de la Renta, Mitza ring by Dior Haute Jewellery and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On the bridge of the La Pausa liner last May, Karl Lagerfeld imagined a collection inspired by cruise ships. The silhouette is happy, thought out for travelling comfortably and with style, just as Gabrielle Chanel did. Onboard the Flying Cloud, the yacht belonging to the Duke of Westminster, the designer liked to wear simple outfits, fine knitwear, pleated skirts and low-heeled shoes fastened with a strap. In block colour or two-tone, Mademoiselle would also wear them ashore, most often with light knits and mid-length skirts.

Gabrielle Coco Chanel

These shoes feature regularly in Karl Lagerfeld’s Ready-to-Wear and Haute Couture collections, each time in new previously unseen forms: precious or understated, with a single or double strap, flat or with a heel, according to the designer’s imagination.

For the Resort 2019 collection, Karl Lagerfeld reinvents them as «children’s party shoes» to punctuate the looks of the collection. Imagined in silver goatskin, in white calfskin or embellished with sequins, and perched on a little heel, this new version brings elegance and femininity to a shoe long associated with children’s wear.

With their rounded toe, they follow in the line of the ballerina, the emblematic CHANEL shoe. The designer has also created a casual-chic sportswear version with a rubber sneaker sole.

The Resort 2019 CHANEL collection will be in boutiques from November 2018.
Do you like these shoes? Personally speaking I am not so sure… .

LoL, Sandra

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Photos: Courtesy of CHANEL
#CHANELCruise

«Ultra Rouge adds new magic both to the experience of lipstick and the expression of red. Because the formula acts as an overprint, like an ink tattooing the lips and like an extremely weightless coloured film, it enabled me to develop new, highly saturated and luminous shades. Like a painter with a new colour palette.» – Peter Philips

Meet DIOR‘s first weightless, ultra-pigmented long-wearing hydrating lipstick with the comfort of a lip ink: Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge. A true revolution in the history of lipstick, it delivers high colour impact and wear for up to 12 hours. The colours seem more saturated with a luminous, semi-matte finish for incredible sensoriality and hydration.

Always at the cutting edge, DIOR challenged its research department to combine the desire for dazzling colour with the need for long-lasting comfort. The fruit of in-depth scientific studies, Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge is the first lipstick composed of a polymer combined with a plant-based oil.

Application Tips
1. Start by lining the lips with Dior Rouge Ink Lip Liner.
2. For perfectly even results, then apply Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge with the Backstage Lip Brush working from the center of the lips outwards.
3. For a bolder colour finish, apply the lipstick directly on the lips. For optimal application, extend the tip of the stick by 2 mm.

Available in 26 ultra-saturated couture shades of which DIOR named four it-shades that make strong statements:

999 Ultra Dior – «You can never be too much of a woman, so enjoy it.» Red par excellence, iconic yet different.
770 Ultra Love – «Believe in yourself, if you don’t, who will?» This loved-up raspberry is easy to wear yet has a strong temperament, setting the tone for rosewoods and beiges that border on coral.

851 Ultra Shock – «It’s better to be shocking than boring.» A high-impact heady burgundy carries intense shades in its wake, from wines and deep browns to greyish taupes and deep purples.
777 Ultra Star – «All of us are stars, aren’t we?» Poppy stars in a palette of bright hues fed on pop culture.

Two cursors of intensity:
Alongside these honorable reds, two collectible shades stand out. These two extreme shades can either be worn alone, making a powerful statement, or as a base or finishing touch to modify another shade:

111 Ultra Night 47, a black that enables you to intensify each shade or practice your lip artistry.
000 Ultra Light 47, a pure white to neutralize your natural lip colour or soften another shade.

To play with colours and intensities, use the white and black shades.

Personal note
I brought my new lip combo to my trip to Korea but it took me a while to get used to the application of the lip liner as it would not work so well on my upper lip. Why? I didn’t get enough colour. You have to be careful of the angle you hold the pen. Once you have got it, it is amazing. In combination with the lipstick, it holds extremely long while hydrating your lips at the same time.

ROUGE DIOR ULTRA ROUGE: CHF 51.50
DIOR ROUGE INK LIP LINER: CHF 39.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht
@diormakeup @diorbeautylovers

Don’t want to go the whole Halloween costume hog? To be honest, I hate real costumes, it is a waste of money for me. I am not in the mood of applying fake blood and spending five hours getting all costume-ready. I always try to create something out of my closet. Pieces that are fun, honor the ocassion and can be worn all year around. So if you are like me, don’t panic about Halloween, these pieces are all you need… perfect for the lazy girl in all of us!

To shop, just click on the highlighted text. And don’t forget to scroll until the end of this post. The probably most expensive designer look inspired by Halloween is waiting for you…

Halloween-print silk scarf by Vetements

Caterina embellished wool-felt hat by Eugenia Kim

Cashmere skeleton gloves by Saint Laurent

Jacquard knit skeleton sweater by Saint Laurent

GucciGhost G-Timeless watch by Gucci

Montana Pony clutch by Mara & Mine

Lou crystal-embellished velvet mask by Maison Michel

Kitty leather-trimmed velvet slippers by Charlotte Olympia

Night Fairy embroidered wool-blend scarf by Alexander McQueen

Queen and King skeleton earrings by Alexander McQueen

Fringed printed silk-blend jacquard scarf by Alexander McQueen

Reverse opening cardigan jacket in crystal skeleton embroidery by Thom Browne

Trouser length cardigan skirt in crystal skeleton embroidery by Thom Browne

Perspex and crystal clip earrings by Miu Miu

Happy Halloween 2018!

LoL, Sandra

Photos/Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Working out of French ateliers, HERMÈS has earned a reputation for using the finest leathers in the world—not to mention, each bag is crafted by the same pair of hands, from start to finish. In partnership with Heritage Auctions, MODA OPERANDI brings you a mix of classic and more contemporary shapes, as well as incredibly rare styles that prove there’s an HERMÈS bag to suit every woman. Think Birkins, Kellys, and more in pretty much every colour under the rainbow and every size produced.

Whether you are in mind to shop or browse, click HERE now to view the collection as styles are selling out. The prices are high, you see, those bags are an investment.
Below are my personal favorites:

Designed in the late 19th century, this was the precursor to the infamous Birkin. You won’t find a more fabulous weekender anywhere else: HERMÈS 40cm Lime Evercolor Leather And Toile Birkin HAC.

If you are a Kelly girl, than this will be a must. The owl print dates back to 1990 and is a one-off, meaning only a few were ever produced: HERMÈS 20cm Rouge Vif Calf Box And Silk Kelly.

My personal favorite: a work of art, only the most skilled artisans are able to weave the delicate wicker (and Hermès no longer makes this size): HERMÈS 35cm Osier And Fauve Osier Wicker And Barenia Leather Kelly Picnic.

Tell your hubby you found an extremely savvy investment: pink in an exotic skin sells for the highest prices at auction: HERMÈS 28cm Rose Tyrien Ostrich Sellier Kelly.

Classic and absolutely beautiful in a vibrant colour: HERMÈS 35cm Blue Zanzibar Togo Leather Birkin.

The bags will ship within two weeks from order date.
Expected to ship Nov 16, 2018 – Dec 30, 2018.

TO SHOP THE LARGE SELECTION OF VINTAGE HERMÈS BAGS, CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Moda Operandi

“Everything that Victoria’s Secret creates is about a woman feeling confident and empowered—and also having fun with what she is wearing, This collaboration is going to be bold, fun and playful.” – Mary Katrantzou

Consider it THE collaboration of the season: my beloved Mary Katrantzou has teamed up with Victoria’s Secret for a capsule collection that will make its debut on the runway at this year’s VS Fashion Show, which is returning to New York City on November 8, 2018 after previously holding shows in Shanghai and Paris. Immediately after the show airs, the Mary Katrantzou-designed pieces will be available to shop both online and in stores for holiday.

The collaboration marks the second time Victoria’s Secret has partnered with a luxury fashion brand for its annual show. The first was last year’s capsule collection with Olivier Rousteing of Balmain. I adore Mary’s colorful, feminine designs and out-of-this-world floral prints, perfect pieces to be worn under and over!

At this year’s VS Fashion Show, it is said that at least 18 new models will make their debut in the show, including Winnie Harlow, Duckie Thot, and Sadie Newman. It will also be the first Victoria’s Secret show in 17 years without Alessandra Ambrosio, who retired from the runway last year.

The most important question is still: who will wear the million-dollar Fantasy Bra this year? Mmh… I am thinking who needs a million-dollar bra if you can have one by Mary Katrantzou?!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mary Katrantzou
AP Photo/Kristian Dowling

This year, we were so incredibly lucky with the weather. After an amazing summer, we got to experience the Swiss fall in all its colourful glory. I cannot remember ever having worn such an airy dress in October… now I am ready to unpack the winter clothes.

My look: Flou paneled printed georgette midi dress by Balenciaga, appliquéd leather sneakers by Prada, Tonda Métropolitaine watch by Parmigiani Fleurier, rose diamond ring by Piaget, crystal aviator sunglasses, denim bracelet, and velvet Boy bag in burgundy, all by Chanel.

This fall, I am falling for you…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

We can say with clear conscience that Perfumery Osswald is one of Zurich’s most traditional and iconic places to shop beauty must-haves. Opened in 1921 at Kreuzplatz by pharmacist Boris Dreiding, it was the place to get products from major brands such as Elizabeth Arden, Helena Rubinstein or Guerlain from the beginning. Dreiding also had the formula for Chanel N°5 that he produced for the Swiss market at that time.

The Dreiding family: Boris, Jago, Tamara and Tanja

After the Second World War, his son Jago Dreiding took over the business and moved the location to Bahnhofstrasse 17, where it is still based today. In 1980, he founded the «Salon de Beauté», the beauty spa, in the basement and successfully directed the perfumery Osswald until 1992. Thereafter, his widow Tamara Dreiding continued the business, until her daughter Tanja Dreiding Wallace took over the helmet in 2014. In 2012, the dynamic brunette had already opened the first international branch in New York’s Soho district (for a previous post, click here please). Being based in the US, she talks and e-mails daily with her team in Zurich and flies back to Switzerland at least once every second month.

Tanja Dreiding Wallace with me yesterday in the newly renovated store.

When in the beginning of 2018, the opportunity came up to rent more space in the back of the building, managing director Tanja Dreiding Wallace did not hesitate to give the iconic place a makeover and to enlarge the retails space.

«Today, our customers want more than just shopping. They want you to have an exceptional experience and a perfect 360-degree service to be offered. Thanks to the renovation and expansion of our business premises, we can now fully respond to these wishes.»
– Tanja Dreiding Wallace, CEO Perfumery Osswald

The world’s first La Prairie Lounge in the new design of the brand.

The idea for the interior design came up with the decision to integrate the world’s first and extremely exclusive La Prairie Lounge in the new design of the luxury brand. The premises are designed in warm natural colors and earthy tones, creating a homely yet elegant ambience. The carefully curated offer of selected niche fragrances, makeup products, luxury toiletries and accessories got more space are presented in a sophisticated way inviting customers to stroll through the corridors.

When you enter the store, new launches will be presented on round tables.

 Bahnhofstrasse 17, 8001 Zurich
Phone: +41 44 211 20 30
www.osswald.ch

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Osswald and © Sandra Bauknecht