Sandra‘s Closet

When I started my blog almost 8 years ago, I was one of the first ones and believe me I had to fight for my right to be on that media planet! Today, it is very interesting for me to observe how brands that were completely against digital media for a long time, go for it now. But let’s face it there was no choice. The next generations are coming and they have witnessed the birth and rapid evolution of the biggest social media networks of today. «Millennials» – a term you see thrown around with increasing regularity these days.

“Millennials will soon have the greatest purchasing power of any demographic and their mindset is influencing how women of all ages shop,” says Jane Hertzmark Hudis, group president, who oversees six brands including Estée Lauder to Financial Times.

I am also seeing this evolution popping up in the beauty press releases I have been receiving from the various brands. Increasingly, renowned Houses are introducing new and completely distinctive product ranges targeted towards the millennials market (Remember this week’s post about the new Twilly d’Hermès fragrance?!).

What does that mean, though? Women in their early to late 20s focus less on anti-ageing but more on preventive care, natural ingredients, and the price point. Most products are multitasking because millennials tend to be time-sensitive and do not favor difficult regimes. For them, a beautiful and sophisticated packaging plays an important role, something that will look good on Instagram.

Here are some products that caught my attention. All of them work of course also for non millennials, so don’t be afraid! It is always good to know what is trending now… and to be curious!

CLINIQUE Pep-Start Double Bubble Purifying Mask
CHF 37.90 (50ml)

Clinique was one of the early pioneers targeting the younger generation. Now, the American beauty brand made a smart move by creating the Double Bubble Purifying Mask among the recent additions to their Pep-Start universe. Reenergize skin in just 2 minutes with this pink gel that transforms to blooming bubbles, leaving skin pepped, prepped and ready to party! The application is sensational, try it! You will understand what I mean…

WASO SHISEIDO Clear Mega Hydrating Cream
CHF 52.20 (50ml)

This skincare routine is designed for youthful skin. Building the skin’s resistance to stressors, this 24-hour moisturizing clear cream with whole carrot cells that hydrates and helps reduce the look of pores and prevent dryness. Unsurprisingly, this pot and the other products accompanying the range are all incredibly photogenic, featuring various pastel tones.

NUXE Rêve de Miel Gommage Gourmand Nourrissant Corps
CHF 26.50.- (175ml)

This deliciously nourishing body scrub for dry and sensitive skin not only smells heavenly, it works really good to get rid of impurities on the back or the upper arms. In Switzerland available from the end of September 2017.

ELIE SAAB Girl of Now
Eau de Parfum – 30ml : CHF 72.00 (30ml), CHF 106.00 (50ml) and CHF 137.00 (100ml)

«Cameras flash to capture her perfect look: definitely trendy, and yet so personal. She boldly grabs her girlfriends for some fun in front of the camera. One last selfie to immortalise this special moment and she’s already off, leaving a mysterious trail. Where is she going?»

For the first time, Elie Saab targets young women with this beautiful new floriental scent. The hashtags say it all: #girlofnowparties, #girlofnowtravels, #girlofnoweats, #girlofnowshops.

I have fallen in love with this fragrance from my first spritz because of its almond imprint. Combined with the designer’s olfactory signature the orange blossom – patchouli accord makes it irresistible.

Top Notes: Pear, Mandarin Orange, Pistachio
Middle Notes: Orange Blossom, White jasmine, Magnolia, Almond
Base Notes: Cashmeran, Tonka Bean, Patchouli, Almond Milk

Happy Monday to all Girls of Now!

LoL, Sandra

Photo of products: © Sandra Bauknecht
All other photos: Courtesy of the Brands

With email at my fingertips, nonstop traveling, and around-the-clock social media delights and business events, actually making the time to unwind and shut down at the end of the day sometimes seems to be one of my biggest challenges. Therefore I was very much looking forward to taking some time off at the VILLA STÉPHANIE in Baden Baden and hope that you all want to hear about the best detox experience I have ever had!

There are plenty of different ways that you can give your body the relief that it needs from all of the pressures and stresses of the day. Each of us has to decide what works best for him or her. I had to try different kinds to finally find this haven on earth that offered me what I was looking for in order to regain energy. Probably you are like me and wished there was an easy, quick way to cleanse your body of all those bubbly toxins. Funnily enough, I believe we are all equipped with a natural cleansing system in our bodies, called liver and kidneys. Together, these two toxin-bashing organs act as a superefficient system for filtering out the vast majority of the harmful substances we eat and drink. The only important factor that those work well is a healthy and moderate lifestyle. And this can be hard sometimes.

Personally speaking that is the main reason why I choose to «detox» from time to time but not in this heavy, depriving way of barely eating anything but dry bread rolls. This doesn’t work for me! I get cranky, have no energy to do sports then and the overall effect is frustration and unhappiness. What I need is healthy pampering. And this is what I got at VILLA STÉPHANIE in perfection.

This luxurious and exclusive destination spa, which is part of the iconic Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, is dedicated to beauty, detox & nutrition, emotional balance and medical care. Every aspect of those mentioned is at your disposal. The beautiful and spacious rooms (15 rooms and suites only at VILLA STÉPHANIE) with views overlooking the River Oos have everything you wish for. There is even a button to turn off the electricity and the Wi-Fi connection in a second so that you will sleep better the old fashioned way without any radiation or e-smog disturbing your system.

Upon my arrival, I had a meeting with Kevin, my health coach. Before deciding on my tailor-made program and menus, I had to stand on the InBody 720 machine, which is a premium, medical-grade body composition analyzer that can fully tell your physical composition and water level in a single test. My results were great and I was looking forward to indulge in the House’s vitality-detox cuisine. Deceivingly filling, absolutely satisfying and beautifully presented, I could not believe that the three meals per day weighed in at around 1200 calories only.

What was served? Typically something like a porridge with berries and nuts in the morning and this fabulous green smoothie, a three-course meal for lunch, including even a filet of beef with a baked potato followed by a light desert. In the evening, I always started with a soup, nothing raw, and an entree such as grilled scallops with vegetables.

One evening, I was spoilt by two Michelin star chef Paul Stradner to a 5-course Vital Menu (completely lactose and gluten free as well as light on the carbs) in the Brenners Park Restaurant. Decadent detoxing I would love to call it.

There are plenty of group fitness activities, such as aqua fitness, yoga, jogging and biking for example, but I preferred working out by myself in the well equipped gym or taking a yoga lesson with a private trainer.

To accompany my detox program, I was spoilt to different treatments, such as a lymphatic drainage, clarifying and detoxifying body treatments and a luxury facial, all with products by AQUA ORGANIC, especially created by Munich based dermatologist Dr. Kuhr to support the cleansing effects of the body, to honor and stimulate the multiple talents of our skin. Other brands the experienced and fantastic therapists work with are SISLEY PARIS and SKIN CEUTICALS to offer also a more anti-aging and nurturing approach to their clients.

VILLA STÉPHANIE is dedicated to the world of spa in every aspect. Stretching over five floors and covering over 5000 square metres, it comprises a 500-square-metre sauna, plunge pool, private gym, hamam and a ladies sauna. The inspiringly designed treatment rooms overlooking the gardens offer complete relaxation. I truly felt the whole time so chilled, quiet (my readers who know me in person can assure you that this can be a challenge for me:-)) and just happy. Even digital detox seemed easy.

On the way to the Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, where I enjoyed lunch and dinner, you pass the entrance to the gigantic swimming pool in Roman style. In the gardens, there are multiple possibilities to relax in the sun or just walk around.

VILLA STÉPHANIE is also connected to Haus Julius, a clinic with personalized state-of-the-art medical care from some of Germany’s top experts in fields like aesthetics, gynaecology, holistic medicine, dentistry, ophthalmology and preventive medicine. The medical teams will even visit you in the privacy of your room or suite if you wish.

I also recommend a visit to the Eden Being boutique located in the main building that offers a lot of one of a kind things. Moreover do not miss a stroll around Baden Baden. You will be amazed how many high end designer shops this little German town has to offer. The only challenging part was to pass the perceived millions of ice cream parlors.

In the evenings, I loved to sit in the lounge with its extensive library, enjoy one more green smoothie and play a round of backgammon or two before going to bed. After one week, I did not want to leave, something that I have never experienced before when being at a detox retreat as I was always looking forward to retoxing again:-).

On my last day, I got a final body analysis with my nutrition expert who gave me individual workout tips and a tailor-made menu plan, including recipes, for me to take home.

I left my stay calmer, balanced and more upbeat, regenerated by the surroundings of this picturesque resort in the Black Forest. During my whole stay at this former royal residence with its classic architectural heritage, I have never felt like being on a diet or deprived of anything. Old-school service reigned supreme. The friendly staff and professional executive team added a high touch to my experience. I will be back – that is for sure!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On the streets of Paris in one of my favorite outfits of the season. I am so in love with Dior’s must-have pieces combined with a silk robe. Such a cool trend!

My Look: Contrast piping silk robe by Balenciaga, slogan tee «We Should All Be Feminists» and J’adior patent leather pumps, both by Dior, heart-appliquéd jeans by Stella McCartney, pearl embellished sunglasses and classic bag in white with black piping, both by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Siren call: a fire-engine-red ankle boot is an instant fall upgrade. Step to it.

Robin buckled leather ankle boots by Gianvito Rossi

Stretch-jersey sock boots by Balenciaga

Downtown 85 suede boots by Aquazzura

Ellipse velvet ankle boots by Tom Ford

Loulou velvet ankle boots by Saint Laurent

I am such a big fan of red booties. If you would like to see my complete look, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

My avid reader know how much I love Sisley products. Without my beloved Black Rose Cream Mask and  or the So Intense Mascara my life would definitely not be the same. Therefore, I was all over the moon to be invited to Paris to visit their newest spa and boutique which marks the first in Paris for the upscale French beauty brand and to finally meet Sisley co-founder Mrs Isabelle d’Ornano in person.

“Having beautiful skin is a state of mind, it helps lift the spirits and improves the deep sense of self.” – Isabelle d’Ornano

The 360 m2 space is situated on 5, Avenue de Friedland, in the centre of Paris’s 8th district off the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Divided into four areas, it is the perfect place to unwind after a busy week.

The beauty salon houses five treatment rooms - including one double treatment room and offers a menu of facials as well as body treatments for every age and skin type. I had a facial that was truly special as Sisley has developed exclusive “rituals” designed to combat the effects of urban life.

It is one of the most tasteful places I have seen, a haven of good taste inspired by Isabelle and Christine d’Ornano’s love for a quirky mix of interesting furniture and designer pieces, sourced from both flea markets and luxury brands.

There’s for example a «Jetlag» sofa by India Mahdavi and framed sketches by Marc Chagall in the lounge area where pre-treatment consultations take place.

The bathrooms have wallpapers that are made from magazine articles featuring Sisley.

The «secret» café is exclusively reserved for clients and invites them with tribal elements to relax and have a drink. This house is also home to the first Sisley Boutique in Paris where you can buy all the products the brand has to offer.

Traditional and modern touches mingle in this space where painted woodwork and mouldings exist alongside an animated, luminous wall display. Isabelle d’Ornano’s niece Elzbieta Radziwill painted the central lampshade, and the walls are covered with hand-painted wallpaper from 1874 called “the Cells” by Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann, which was remodelled, reproportioned, and recoloured specifically for the space. I especially adore the handpainted sofas.

Sisley, 5, avenue de Friedland, 8th arrondissement. Phone: +33 1 86 21 11 11.
www.sisley-paris.com

From left to right: Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream, Black Rose Cream Mask and Black Rose Precious Face Oil.

On display of course the newest addition to the Sisley Black Rose family: The Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream for plumbing and radiance (Baume-En-Eau à la Rose Noire). Infused with soothing rose and magnolia essential oils, this nourishing cream absorbs deep into the skin for a plumper, fresher complexion. Black rose combats free radicals, while red vine extract evens tone, leaving a glowing more radiant finish. Its texture is absolutely different from what you might have ever experienced due to an exceptionally sensorial application as it transforms into micro-droplets of water and permeates into the heart of the epidermis. Hydrated, the skin is infused with moisture, as if rejuvenated.

After this beautiful experience in the spa, I was fully of energy the next day and so much looking forward to finally meet Mrs Isabelle d’Ornano which is not only a style icon for me but whom I also admire for her way of combining work, motherhood and success.

In 1976 she launched Sisley with her husband Hubert d’Ornano who headed the company for over thirty years as a visionary creator and daring entrepreneur until his death at the age of 89 in 2015. He believed in aromatherapy and phytotherapy as one of the first ones in the cosmetic industry. Until today, the brand is family owned, distributed in over 90 countries with 4000 employees worldwide. Mrs d’Ornano, President of the Supervisory Board, is chiefly in charge of creation and advertising, while her son Philippe d’Ornano is President and directs the company’s International development. Her daughter, Christine d’Ornano is Global Vice President, also heading one of the group’s subsidiaries in Britain.

Mrs d’Ornano is truly amazing. I learnt from her employees that until this day she reads all the sales reports personally to understand how her customer tick. Sisley is a brand that launches a product when it is ready and not when a line has to be completed.

Above the new Maison Sisley, on the top floor, Mrs d’Ornano has furnished a private apartment overlooking the rooftops of Paris that is quite stunning. Here we chatted about the brand she built up, life and faith.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I would like to present you the new scent TWILLY D’HERMÈS by Hermès, designed for Generation Y, the millennials. Young women that are free, bold, connected, mischievous and impulsive, they turn expectation on its head, swim against the tide, impose their own rhythm, invent a brand new tempo.

The desires that nourish them, the ideals that inspire them and the stories that make their hearts skip a beat… What do young women dream of when they think of a fragrance?

It is with these young women in mind, by observing their lives, smiling at the fun they have, that Christine Nagel, Hermès’ perfumer-designer, has created TWILLY D’HERMÈS. Conceived in a spirit of absolute freedom, this fragrance in its joyous, impish bottle, plays with today’s feminine.

Aimed at young women, and named for the brand’s narrow Twilly scarves, TWILLY D’HERMÈS plays with a twist of three materials: ginger, tuberose and sandalwood. Freshness, mystery and wood. Spice, sunlight and tenderness. Three classic materials which, combined differently, become something special. The cute bottle shows its inspiration with a silk ribbon-tie that is knotted like a scarf around the cap.

A joyful transposition, a playful twist, everything upside down and back to front, TWILLY D’HERMÈS dances to the vibrant and passionate beat of youth.

Even the press release had a new interesting touch. First I had to download an app, put my phone over the twilly that accompanied the new launch to see an interactive animation that was truly something.

TWILLY D’HERMÈS, Eau de Parfum
is available in Hermès stores, department stores and authorised perfumeries from today.
30 ml (CHF 80.00) • 50 ml (CHF 119.00) • 85 ml (CHF 165.00) spray

LoL, Sandra

First two photos and still: © Hermès – all other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Still looking for some glamorous daytime beachwear? Emilio Pucci’s instantly recognisable kaleidoscopic designs have always been favoured by those in the know, and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon, making any Pucci printed piece an intelligent buy – whether it’s one of the brand’s iconic bikinis or a chic cover-up. For me, it truly is the ultimate luxe swimwear brand.

My look: Fiore Maya asymmetric printed silk-chiffon dress, Fiore Maya printed triangle bikini and Fiore Maya printed cotton-gauze pareo, all by Emilio Pucci, Candy metallic elaphe platform sandals by Saint Laurent, embroidered brocade drawstring backpack by Gucci, woven straw visor by Stella McCartney, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline and pearl necklace by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
A huge thank you to my daughter for taking the pictures!

After this week’s post about the must-have glitter boots, see today what else is trending in footwear for F/W 2017. As seen on the runways (from left to right in collage: Victoria Beckham – Marc Jacobs – Narciso Rodriguez), white ankle boots and booties are the preferred choice to due their versatile nature and nonchalant aesthetic.

This season, we are spoiled for choice — more so than ever before — when it comes to interesting white styles that will give your cold weather wardrobe that extra element of cool. Please find herewith the tip of the iceberg.

1 Buckled ankle boots by Derek Lam
2 Levy leather ankle boots by Gianvito Rossi
3 Eri embellished leather ankle boots by Alexander Wang
4 Faux leather ankle boots by Stella McCartney
5 Leather ankle boots by MM6 Maison Margiela
6 Leather ankle boots by Balenciaga
7 Plume patent-leather ankle boots by Laurence Dacade
8 For Walking printed leather over-the-knee boots by Off-White

My favorite pair are those versatile Laura 85 leather boots by Gianvito Rossi.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honor as you are asked to play an important role in your friend’s special day. Two years ago, one of my closest sweethearts asked me to be her bridesmaid. She was dreaming of this celebration for a long time and had a clear vision as she wanted all of us to wear a different pastel shade.

A rainbow of colors

So first, we divided the different hues among us bridesmaids and each of us got her own dress (fabulous idea – I hate these typical bridesmaid dresses in polyester that force you to wear something you would never ever touch otherwise). The only promise we had to give was to look for a flowing fabric like chiffon.

My look: Embellished pleated silk-chiffon gown by Matthew Williamson, laser-cut leather and suede platform sandals by Alaïa, diamond necklace and ring, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

A true friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words and who carries you back to dinner when your Alaïa heels would be ruined otherwise… and I will always be a bridesmaid for her in my heart!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Jan Geerk/Kantlicht.ch

Browsing through Instagram, I saw a picture of my dear friend Yasmin von Schlieffen, that gave me a big smile and made my day. On the photo, the Hamburg based owner of the PR agency «Mrs Politely» and mother of three boys wore a T-shirt reminiscent of the GUCCI TEE everyone is craving at the moment but instead of the iconic label it said MUTTI. (For my readers who don’t understand German, this is a word for mummy that you would use for an old-fashioned mum but in a kind of cute way – still my daughter is not allowed to use it and the same goes for me with my mum. If I called her Mutti, she would be freaking out. We call our German chancellor Angela Merkel «Mutti», I think now you finally got what I mean).

This T-shirt is a must for me. It is available at shop-hellolove.de (E-mail: contact@shop-hellolove.de, Phone: +49 40 33450933, Address: Eppendorfer Weg 283
20251 Hamburg/Germany).

Yasmin’s look: «Mutti» Tee by Hello Love, jeans by Zara, pearl necklace by Gabriele Frantzen, shopper by Chanel, Y charm by Iphoria and Princetown embroidered slipper by Gucci. Let’s admit completely without Gucci is difficult these days :-).

To all the Muttis out there, have a lovely day!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Instagram @yasmin_von_schlieffen and @hellolovehamburg