Sandra‘s Closet

ALANUI, which means «large path» in Hawaiian language, is the result of accurate research and a dialogue between the siblings Nicolò and Carlotta Oddi, about journey, one of the fueling principles of the brand. A single item, an oversized cashmere jacquard cardigan, produced in a variety of patterns and colors, an adaptable piece with no immediate gender connotation and no season. Each ALANUI item is meant to be the perfect travel companion and handcrafted from 980 grams of Cariaggi cashmere, it can take up to 11 hours to make.

ALANUI’s Nicolò e Carlotta Oddi

Now, ALANUI has joined forced with COLETTE for a special collection which marks also the brand’s first ever collaboration. A tribute to the well-known store in Paris, this is the perfect occasion to celebrate the twenty years anniversary of the Parisian concept store and its iconic «blue colette». Comprised of three iconic ALANUI oversize cardigans, those must-have pieces are inspired by the native-American iconography and culture, and the Bandana, enriched by hand made embroideries resembling the maxi paisley typical of the foulard made in USA.

Exclusively for COLETTE, ALANUI launches also «ALANUI Kids», the first kidswear collection of the brand. The three cardigans for children, proposed in two different sizes, present same patterns and material of the adult styles. A special packaging is exclusively designed for the collaboration. Each cardigan presents a hand-woven label and it is sold in a box with colors paying homage to the store’s identity.

The capsule ALANUI x COLETTE will be sold at COLETTE from today till the 30th of October and on the online store starting now for one month.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Alanui x Colette

Beauty-lovers around the globe will adore the new NARS 2017 Holiday collection. The brand has previously partnered with various artists for its winter lineups. This season, the creations are inspired by iconic photographer MAN RAY and its electrifying art. Featuring vibrant new shades of lip gloss, eye shadow, lipstick, and blush, there is also a must-have golden highlighter that works for a wide range of complexions. But the excitement doesn’t stop there if you see the packaging.

My personal favorites: Duo Eyeshadow in «Montparnasse» (shimmering gold / iridescent orchid), Love Triangle mini gift set featuring the famous «Orgasm» shade in a Mini Blush and Lipstick and Overexposed Glow Highlighter in «Double Take».

Moreover, NARS is also releasing amazing gift sets which include mini iterations of its classic blush and lipsticks, along with new eye and face palettes.

In store now. It’s safe to say that we would love to add all of it to our wish lists.
TO SHOP NARS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of NARS and © Sandra Bauknecht

Ballet goes fashion – the dancer trend is officially in full swing. Many designers have drawn inspiration from the aesthetics of graceful ballerinas. Since sporting a tulle skirt and a jumpsuit around the city might not feel like the most natural thing in the world, it is still absolutely up-to-date. And at least you can bring designer fashion to your next ballet class.

My look: Jersey jumpsuit by Valentino, Saffiano double handle mini satchel by Prada, lace-up leather ballet flats by Miu Miu, tiara and tulle mini skirt, both by Saint Laurent, cuff by Chanel and Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Brett Heyman’s line of clutches and bags EDIE PARKER is inspired by the mid-century styles favored by showgirls and socialites of the ’50s and ’60s. The brand’s glitter-finish and acrylic designs are all-American – each one sketched in New York and handmade by skilled craftsmen in Chicago using New Jersey-sourced materials.

A piece from the F/W 2017 collection: Macy Kiss marbled acrylic box clutch

Such a sweet way to propose: Jean embossed acrylic box clutch

Bespoke Flavia Clutch

But what I absolutely adore is that EDIE PARKER offers you a bespoke service. You can choose the colors, the text, the shadow, the hardware and the font. This is such a beautiful gift idea that I had to share with you! For more information, click here please. It is so much fun to play around with this tool… you will see!

LoL, Sandra

Double-sided bespoke Flavia CutchPhotos: Courtesy of Edie Parker

Hello from beautiful sunny Milan. Here you see me in front of the iconic Duomo (Cathedral of Milan) which is is the largest and most complex Gothic building in Italy. But who would have thought that this embroidered skirt with the cute ice bear would also be the perfect look last night? Surprisingly it was as Moncler had transformed the Via Montenapoleone in a snowy landscape for the opening celebration of their newly renovated store. Most of the street was cordoned off and covered in white, as a multitude of snowflakes fell continuously from the building, landing on the heads and coats of the invited guests (see photo at the end).

My look: Ruffle-trimmed cotton-blend cady jacket, ruffled-hem silk and wool-blend skirt, ruffled-neck chiffon blouse, Queercore embellished leather ankle boots, GG Marmont matelassé shoulder bag and oversized round-frame actate sunglasses, all by Gucci.
Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

October is breast cancer awareness month and this year marks Estée Lauder‘s 25th anniversary of the iconic Pink Ribbon collection, a special range of beauty products with 20 per cent of the profits donated to research. A movement that started with one woman, Evelyn H. Lauder in 1992, The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign was born when the visionary became troubled by the lack of awareness, funding and resources necessary to overcome the disease.

Evelyn H. Lauder co-created the pink ribbon 25 years ago.

In the beginning, the brand started the campaign by handing out pink ribbons at its beauty counters around the world, and one year later, Lauder went on to establish the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), a non-profit organisation, to generate funding that would be solely dedicated to the study of the disease. A quarter of a century later, The Estée Lauder Companies’ beauty brands – among them La Mer, DKNY, Jo Malone London, Tom Ford Beauty just to name a few – continue to create a breast cancer-free world by raising funds.

Interesting to know is that a touch of blue in the design represents the less than 1% of men who are diagnosed with breast cancer. For more information on The Breast Cancer Campaign, visit bcacampaign.com.

For more information on the Pink Ribbon products, click here please.

By shopping one of the specially created products, you can support the campaign. Moreover for every post on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtags #PinkRibbon25 and #ELCdonates @bcacampaign until October 31, 2017, The Estée Lauder Companies will donate $25 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) to fund a half-hour of breast cancer research. The goal is to finance 500 hours worth $25.000.

Time to end breast cancer!

LoL, Sandra

My Instagram post with my beloved Advanced Night Repair in pink by Estée Lauder.

Photos: Courtesy of The Estée Lauder Companies and © Sandra Bauknecht

I am in love with Gucci‘s bold prints and kaleidoscopic color palettes. While a real rainbow is a rare shot of magic across the sky and we cannot rely on Swiss fall weather, I suggest letting our wardrobes lift our spirits. Vibrant stripes are a symbol of fun, luck and positivity and make every outfit pop.

My look: Planet hoodie, plissé-lurex midi skirt, Peggy striped platform sneakers, GG Marmont matelassé shoulder bag, embellished oversized square-frame sunglasses, and earrings with pearls and tiger heads, all by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Are you one of my beauty-obsessed readers who’s quick to notice even the most minor cosmetic tweak? Then this post is for you. Today, I would like to share my time-tested recommendation for the perfect concealer, foundation and powder trio.

One lovely morning in Zurich‘s Park Hyatt Hotel, I had the pleasure to try the three products by one of my favorite brands LA MER. All enriched with the brand’s coveted, ultra hydrating Miracle Broth™, the nourishing formulas blend seamlessly into the skin to conceal pores and even out texture. Forget the drying, cake-y powders of your makeup bag’s past, this is the answer to nailing the flawless complexion of everyone’s dreams. It is make-up that looks like no make-up.

Dream trio: Concealer, Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation, Powder and don’t forget to use the right Powder Brush.

New to the family: Sheer Pressed Powder (to the left) is the ideal compact companion to create a healthy matte finish – wherever you go.

In the beautiful ambiance of one of the suites at Park Hyatt Zurich, we were able to explore the products and enjoy some yummy food. What a great idea to serve desert in your used cream pots (see photo below) … ladies, keep collecting!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Mer and © Sandra Bauknecht

Finally we know what to expect on November 2, 2017, when Erdem‘s collaboration with Swedish fast-fashion retailer H&M will hit the stores. It’s full of tweeds, animal prints and of course so many florals, everything the London-based designer is known for.

The lookbook, that you can enjoy below, was photographed by Michal Pudelka, who is known for his dreamy fashion campaigns. I am sure that you will agree now that we’re finally getting a glimpse at what, exactly, the Erdem collection will include, it’s safe to say that it doesn’t disappoint at all.

For the first time, the retailer’s designer collaborations will include men’s wardrobe offerings, which is also marking Erdem’s menswear debut at the same time!

I love this collaboration and it is truly hard to decide what to get as everything is beautiful. My personal favorites are those ones shown in the collage above… and yours?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M

Last week, I flew for two days to Hamburg as guest of Steinway & Sons. An amazing experience I will soon tell you more about. Here you see me leaving the Gastwerk hotel for the gala dinner on Tuesday night. I am wearing my new must-haves pieces by Gabriela Hearst (for a previous post click here please) along with an iconic trench coat embellished with a cartoon and doodle print from the house’s latest S/S 2018 runway collection. See now, buy now at its best!

My look: Printed cotton-gabardine trench coat by Burberry, Betty open-back wool-blend dress and Nina leather tote in cognac, both by Gabriela Hearst, leather platform pumps by Gucci, 4810 hoop earrings in pink gold with diamonds by Montblanc.

I adore the combination of navy blue and cognac – what about you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht