Sandra‘s Closet

Dolce & Gabbana‘s new Ortensia Collection for Pre-fall 2017 evokes an English garden in Sicily, with hydrangea petals in varying colors that come to life on beautiful dresses and accessories. I have fallen in love with the print immediately.

Looking for the perfect background to photograph this look, I came across the Meggenhorn Castle near Lucerne. Built in 1868/70, it is surrounded by vine yards and has Switzerland’s largest hydrangea collection that is open to the public throughout the entire year. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance and absolutely worth the visit. Also a great spot to get married.

My look: Hydrangea-print sleeveless cotton-poplin dress and floral sunglasses, both by Dolce & Gabbana, emerald green satin mules and Shopper Bistrot Panier S straw tote, both by Balenciaga and choker with evil eye symbol by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

«Everyone deserves a bit of glamour.» – Jonathan Adler

Your summer is about to get a whole lot brighter, thanks to CLINIQUE’s new limited-edition collection with interior designer Jonathan Adler. The just-launched Clinique x Jonathan Adler Collection includes many of Clinique’s best-selling makeup products (including its Lip Pops, Lid Pops and Cheek Pops), in a rainbow of bold, vibrant hues and captures the jet-set glam of his favorite seaside destinations: Palm Beach, Capri, Santorini.

Who is Jonathan Adler?

Born in 1966, Jonathan Adler is an American potter, designer, and author who launched his first ceramic collection in 1993 at Barneys New York. Five years later he expanded into home furnishings, opening his first namesake boutique in Soho, Manhattan. He now has 30 stores and runs an eponymous design business. Adler lives and works in New York City together with his partner Simon Doonan, Barney’s Creative Director Ambassador at Large .

Enjoy this little talk with Jonathan Adler about the collection he created in collaboration with Clinique.

What inspired this collection?
Jet-set glamour. I always think about iconic destinations. Places where women look like their most glamorous selves. I wanted to capture that in makeup. I thought about diving into the Aegean Sea, and being in fabulous places: Palm Beach, Florida. Capri, Italy. Santorini, Greece.

How would you describe your design style?
I call my style modern American glamour. I always try to keep things fresh and new and modern. One of the lines in my manifesto is “We believe in irreverent luxury” and that captures a lot of what I’m about.

What do interior design and makeup have in common?
Good design has the power to transform your mood, like a big squishy sofa you plop into. Makeup is like that, too. It can transform a woman’s day.

What does Clinique mean to you?
Clinique is a classic, iconic brand. It’s always been in my life. I grew up with it in my mother’s and sister’s cabinets. That’s why I was so thrilled when this collaboration came about. My brand is very similar. We’re both about being classic, chic and refreshing.

If this collection had emotions, how would it feel?
It feels fresh! It feels like a trip to Capri. It feels like jumping into the Mediterranean Sea.

What do you love most about this collection?
This collection shows that tiny treasures can bring big pleasures. It’s very chic, very classic, very Clinique. I hope everyone enjoys using it as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Thank you, Mr Adler, for giving us your insider scoop on this beautiful collection!

TO SHOP THE CLINIQUE x JONATHAN ADLER COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clinique, © Jonathan Adler and © Sandra Bauknecht

A zipped clutch with a minimal and modern twist, this is the new T pouch by Loewe that makes the big difference as all eyes are on the fun slogan «See u later». Together with some of my other favorite things at the moment I had a lot of fun exploring the gadgets Villa Stéphanie in Baden-Baden offers to their guests.

My look: Knit coat with golden flip-lock closures by Altuzarra, bow-embellished cotton Oxford and poplin shirt by Jacquemus, Rockabilly cropped jeans by Balenciaga, T printed textured-leather pouch by Loewe, Amstel fur clogs and crystal-embellished sunglasses, both by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As you already know, I have just finished a week of detox at Villa Stéphanie in Baden-Baden, something that I absolutely recommend. If you don’t find time in the near future, I would like to share with you my favorite products to help you start a detox plan at home.

1 Botanical D-Tox by Sisley Paris
Purify and awaken fatigued skin with this powerful, month-long detoxifying treatment.

2 9-Day Detox by Bodyism
Conveniently split into three categories – ‘Cleanse’, ‘Rebuild’ and ‘Maintain’, this set works to repair the digestive system, remove toxins and balance the mind using a combination of supplements, clean eating, guided exercise and meditation.

3 Instant Detox Mask by Caudalie
This detoxifying mask is the perfect cleansing treatment for spot-prone complexions. It absorbs excess oils and sweeps away impurities, leaving your skin’s texture refined and pores tightened.

4 Marula Detoxifying Salt and Sugar Body Scrub by African Botanics
A gentle exfoliant that lifts dead cells and reveals refreshed, smoothed skin.

5 Hair Detox & Renewal Treatment Kit by Rahua
Enriched with healing oils, this kit is designed to revive damaged hair and nourish your scalp. It removes synthetic build-up and environmental residue, while infusing your strands with plant-based nutrients.

6 Overnight Detox Mask by Nails Inc
Designed to regenerate nails overnight, this treatment is perfect for those in between gel manicures. Its water-based formula is blended with antioxidant-rich ingredients to stimulate the nail bed, strengthen and promote growth.

7 Natural dry body brush by Mio Skincare
Proven to exfoliate, stimulate circulation and detoxify, body brushing is an easy yet effective way to rejuvenate tired skin as it helps to reduce toxins, bloating and cellulite.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Breaking news that disturbed my detox time: Heidi Klum collaborates with Lidl. No, I am not dehydrated or out of my mind. It is true. The famous blonde is launching a clothing collection with the German grocery store, called «Esmara by Heidi Klum: Heidi and the City».

The line was created with low price points and high fashion in mind, in order to bring Klum’s aesthetic to Lidl’s 114 Swiss stores on September 18. Altogether, it will be available in a total of 28 countries in over 10,000 stores.

“I wanted to create fashion with a wow effect that is easy to combine and makes every woman look fantastic – and all at an unbeatable price.” – Heidi Klum

The 18-piece collection features a leopard-print camisole, bomber jackets, skinny jeans and vibrant hues, as well as a real leather jacket in cognac already looking to be the collection’s hero piece. And of course Heidi models her styles herself in the #LETSWOW campaign. And if this was not enough… Klum brings the collection to New York Fashion Week where it will be revealed in it’s entirety on September 7th before going on sale on September 18th.

Even if you are not a big Heidi fan, you will have to admit, this lady is a business woman in every bone. Thumbs up!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lidl

Just a casual Friday chilling and relaxing at the beautiful Villa Stéphanie in Baden-Baden.

My look: Printed cotton tunic and matching printed reversible triangle bikini, both by Emilio Pucci (also available at Eden Being), leopard printed Beatrice shopper by Dolce & Gabbana, metallic fabric sandals by Gucci, floral sunglasses by Chanel, and beaded necklace by Etro.

The perfect way to relax for me is to indulge in a book. My favorite author at the moment is Berlin based Sebastian Fitzek. His thrillers are so captivating, you won’t be able to put them down.

Here I am standing in the garden of the Villa Stéphanie next to the statue «Gold Candy» by Laurence Jekell that is available for purchase through the Eden Being boutique located on the ground floor of the Brenner’s Park Hotel for around € 40.000.

I am wishing all of you a happy and relaxing weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This winter, PRADA, the trendsetting Italian brand, is back with an eye-catching footwear option, first presented at the F/W 2017 show. Discover your inner yeti and meet the cozy and super comfy fur loafers, available in different and interesting color combinations. A rubber sole finishes off this great model.

I wished I had one pair with me on my detox vacation… In stores now, see below my two favorites that are available online (just click on the highlighted text).

LoL, Sandra

Tassel-embellished calf-hair loafers in black and strawberry-pink

Tassel-embellished calf-hair loafers in brown and purple

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

Today I would like to invite you to discover the world’s most exclusive eyewear. Established in 1970, the Linda Farrow brand rose quickly to acclaim. Originally a fashion designer herself, Linda Farrow was one of the first to treat sunglasses as fashion, her finger always on the pulse of the times. A tireless experimenter, Farrow pioneered many of the shapes and styles that remain au courant today. Her pioneering use of shape helped move eyewear into high-fashion territory, with avant-garde styles favoured by stars like Yoko Ono and working with brands such as Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Sonia Rykiel.

Creative direction: Tracy Sedino and Simon Jablon.

After a twenty year hiatus, the brand was revived in 2003 by Farrow’s son Simon Jablon and his wife Tracy Sedino, following the discovery of a vast archive of vintage sunglasses in the family’s London warehouse. Today, the brand is renowned for collaborating with some of the world’s most acclaimed designers and continues to be the luxury leader in eyewear design. Timeless in design and uncompromising in quality!

A great selection is available at EDEN BEING – click here to visit the online shop.

The packaging itself is sensational.

I went for this beautiful classic aviator style. A modern design, crafted in a warm and luxurious rose gold-plated titanium with monochromatic lenses, I love to wear them for a glamorous escapade.

Enjoying a healthy breakfast this morning on my balcony at the beautiful Villa Stéphanie with my new sunnies by Linda Farrow.

Right now I am at the Villa Stéphanie in Baden-Baden, Germany that is also part of the Oetker Collection for a week of detox that I will tell you more about soon in detail. At the moment, I am super busy with my program that includes different treatments, healthy eating and lots of sport. For instant updates follow me on Instagram @sandrascloset.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Linda Farrow and © Sandra Bauknecht

For years I mocked myself that I didn’t like rose perfumes: too dusty, too old-fashioned, too grandma-like. What perfume planet was I on? One day I looked around my boudoir table and realised that a lot of my fragrances were based around the rose, just in a more subtle way.

Here are the best new launches to introduce the flower of love to your olfactory wardrobe now. The five fragrances you’ll be probably sniffing to prolong summer a little longer.

PRADA Les Infusion Rose
Eau de Parfum CHF 136.76 (100ml)

A new edition to the collection Les Infusions de Prada. The fragrance interprets the note of rose in a new and different way, luminous and feminine. Created by perfumer Daniela Andrier and Miuccia Prada.

Notes: Turkish Rose, Bulgarian Rose, Galbanum, Neroli, Mandarine

BURBERRY My Blush
Eau de Parfum CHF 79.20 (30ml), CHF 120.00 (50ml) and CHF 165.60 (90ml)

A fruity floral Eau de Parfum with a sparkling twist.  Stepping back into a London garden awakening in the first light of day, My Burberry Blush captures the senses as blossoming flowers pop with spirited energy. Created by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian and Christopher Bailey.

Top notes: Pomegranate, Lemon
Middle notes: Rose Petals, Apple
Base notes: Jasmine, Wisteria

VIKTOR&ROLF Flowerbomb Bloom
Eau de Toilette CHF 68.00 (30ml)

The addictiveness of Flowerbomb is rewritten with an airy twist. A new interpretation of the iconic fragrance, Flowerbomb Bloom is an explosion of fresh flowers caressed with a breath of cool mountain air. The floriental fragrance was created by perfumer Domitille Bertier.

Top notes: Pomegranate, Mandarin
Middle notes: Freesia, Rose, Jasmine, Liquid Air
Base notes: Woods

BULGARI Splendida Rose Rose
Eau de Parfum CHF 126.00 (50ml), CHF 177 (100ml)

The floral chypre Splendida Rose Rose is worn like a necklace of 45 fresh roses, those contained in its bottle. It evokes the Italian romance that Bulgari enjoys with women, the absolute embodiment of the superlative femininity. The scent was created by perfumer Sofie Labbé.

Top notes: White Mulberry, Mandarin
Middle notes: Rose Essential Oil, Rose Absolute, Damask Rose
Base notes: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli, Guaiac Wood, Musk

GIORGIO ARMANI Sì Rose Signature
Eau de Parfum CHF 123.00 (50ml), CHF 156.00 (100ml)

Each spring, Giorgio Armani creates a limited edition bottle of the beautiful Sì Rose Signature scent. This year, it is reminiscent of an Haute Couture gown with its cute pink ribbon. Discover a floral fragrance that radiates beauty and passion. The fragrance was created by perfumer Julie Massé.

Top notes: May Rose, Damask Rose, Bergamot, Mandarin, White Freesia
Middle notes: Blackcurrant, Vanilla, Osmanthus, Iris, Ambrette Seed
Base notes: Amber, Patchouli

In case you are still not convinced about the rose fragrances, treat yourself to this beautiful clutch:

Printed metallic leather box clutch «I Love You» by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

Sometimes it feels good to take a hike, to take some time off and then go on a hike. Switzerland offers so many beautiful spots with its breathtaking beauty – just perfect to recharge your batteries.

My look: ‘Star Studded’ Wonder Woman T-shirt by Valentino, cropped dark blue leggings by Miu Miu, zebra print calf hair hiking boots by Prada, sunglasses by Chanel, bum bag from Louis Vuitton‘s S/S 2009 collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht