Sandra‘s Closet

This accessories trend is pure fun and has become one of my favorites. Pompom embellished pieces have been popping up everywhere since last summer (remember those to-die-for pompom boho sandals?!). This colorful accent is fun and flirty – I adore the way these colorful little balls look hanging off the straps of a pair of beachy summer flats, on a straw hat or a great beach bag. It just puts me in a good mood.

Here are my favorite pompom-accented pieces that are sure to complete your summer wardrobe!
1 Maldives medium pompom-embellished woven raffia tote by Nannacay
2 St Tropez embroidered woven straw tote by Kayu
3 Corozon pompom-embellished woven straw hat by Sophie Anderson
4 Claudie small pompom leather cross-body bag by Sophia Webster
5 Frika embellished cotton shoulder bag by Antik Batik
6 Beach Hair Don’t Care straw clutch by Rebecca Minkoff
7 Adorada mini pompom-embellished woven raffia tote by Sophie Anderson
8 Pompom-embellished sandals by Elina Linardaki
9 Embellished lace-up suede pumps by Dolce & Gabbana (50% off)

And great news is these little pom-poms are here to stay for winter… for winter those cute balls come in all sorts of fur, best seen at Fendi:

By The Way pompom tote (1), mini leather bag strap (2), pompom wool cap (3), pompom charm (4), pompom sandals (5), pompom boots (6).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Great news for all lovers of art. The Museum of Modern Art and Fondation Louis Vuitton announce the exhibition “Being modern: MoMA in Paris” taking place from 11 October 2017 to 5 March 2018.

Fondation Louis Vuitton presents, in its Frank Gehry-designed building, an exceptional exhibition devoted to the unrivaled collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Featuring more than 200 renowned masterpieces and less familiar, but highly significant works. This exhibition highlights the pivotal role that MoMA, its curators and its exhibition program have played in the history of art in the 20th and 21st Centuries, ranging from the birth of modern art through trends and styles such as American abstraction, Pop art and Minimalism to the most contemporary art.

Now engaged in a significant expansion and renovation of its building, MoMA has chosen Fondation Louis Vuitton as its partner to bring its legendary artistic heritage to Paris, showcasing its mission to be perpetually modern.

Bernard Arnault, President of Fondation Louis Vuitton says:
“I wanted Being Modern: MoMA in Paris to fall within the tradition of our previous major exhibitions such as Keys to a Passion, 2015, and Icons of Modern Art, The Shchukin Collection, 2016. All three have been organised in close collaboration with some of the world’s most prestigious international modern art museums. This exhibition marks, once again, our desire to provide the widest possible audience with the opportunity to engage with some of the world’s most remarkable works of art.”

Paul Signac (French, 1863–1935) Opus 217.
Against the Enamel of a Background Rhythmic with Beats and Angles, Tones, and Tints, Portrait of M. Félix Fénéon in 1890 1890
Oil on canvas (73.5 x 92.5 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Fractional gift of Mr. and Mrs. David Rockefeller.
© 2017 Artists Rights

Among the 200 works presented at Fondation Louis Vuitton are masterpieces by Paul Cézanne, Gustav Klimt, Paul Signac, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Giorgio de Chirico, Edward Hopper, Max Beckmann, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Marcel Duchamp, Francis Picabia, Alexander Calder, René Magritte, Walker Evans, Yayoi Kusama, Willem de Kooning, Jasper Johns, Yvonne Rainer and Frank Stella.

Constantin Brancusi (French, born Romania. 1876–1957) Bird in Space 1928
Bronze (137.2 x 21.6 x 16.5 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Given anonymously, 1934.
© 2017 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

Some of the works will be shown in France for the first time: Constantin Brancusi’s bronze Bird in Space (1928) (see above); Diane Arbus’s Identical Twins, Roselle, New Jersey (1967); Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans (1962); Philip Guston’s Tomb (1978); (Untitled) “USA Today” by Felix Gonzalez-Torres (1990); 144 Lead Square by Carl Andre (1969); Untitled by Christopher Wool (1990); Untitled (You Invest in the Divinity of the Masterpiece) by Barbara Kruger (1982); and Patchwork Quilt by Romare Bearden (1970).

Enjoy some first impressions of the exhibition in this post. To book your ticket, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Bruce Nauman (American, born 1941) Human/Need/Desire 1983
Neon tubing and wire with glass tubing suspension frames (239.8 x 179 x 65.4 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of Emily and Jerry Spiegel, 1991
© 2017 Bruce Nauman/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Cindy Sherman (American, born 1954) Untitled Film Still #21 1978
Gelatin silver print (19.1 x 24.1 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Horace W. Goldsmith Fund through Robert B. Menschel, 1995 © 2017 Cindy Sherman

Ellsworth Kelly (American, 1923–2015) Colors for a Large Wall 1951
Oil on canvas, sixty-four panels (240 x 240 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Gift of the artist, 1969.
© 2017 Ellsworth Kelly

OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture) Welfare Palace Hotel Project, Roosevelt Island, New York, New York 1976
Gouache on paper (129.5 x 102.9 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Gift of The Howard Gilman Foundation, 2000.
© 2017 Rem Koolhaas

Shigetaka Kurita (Japanese, born 1972) for NTT DOCOMO, Inc., Japan, est. 1991 Emoji 1998-1999
Digital image dimensions variable
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Gift of NTT DOCOMO, Inc., 2016.
© 2017 NTT DOCOMO

Rirkrit Tiravanija (Thai, born Argentina 1961) untitled (the days of this society is numbered / December 7, 2012) 2014
Synthetic polymer paint and newspaper on linen (221 x 214.6 cm)
The Museum of Modern Art, New York Committee on Drawings and Prints Fund, 2014.
© 2017 Rirkrit Tiravanija

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

2017 has become the year of the basket tote with the rise of Los Angeles-based label Cult Gaia’s structural bamboo bag from pretty cool to Instagram-famous within weeks.

The so-called ‘Ark’ clutch is a crescent-shaped bamboo clutch that feels offbeat yet timeless. Designer Jasmin Larian draws inspiration from vintage pieces and is committed to sustainable practices. Don’t miss the laser-cut acrylic version of the carryall in vibrant hues.

I thought to let you know there are many fabulous variations of the Cult Gaia bag. It might be not the most practical bag, but it is still the hottest accessory of the moment and extremely affordable.

1 Ark large bamboo clutch
2 Ark mini acrylic clutch in emerald green
3 Ark small bamboo clutch
4 Ark mini acrylic clutch in black

The Ark clutch is here to stay for the next season and will be launched in many colors. You can pre-order this small multi acrylic Ark clutch for Resort 2018 here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Cult Gaia

Fans of all over natural glow will love this summer’s bronze blush tones that made runway waves at many designers. Whether your personal style is bohemian or sophisticated chic, you can’t argue that naturally bronzed bone structure will make you look fresh-faced, which is perfect for the beach.

When you opt for some color, you should go for turquoise, wether on your eyes or your nails. You don’t have to be that dramatic, just a little turquoise liner is all you need to stay on trend this season. Here is what you will need (all limited edition):

ESTÉE LAUDER
Summer Look 2017 «Bronze Goddess»

Bronze Goddess Summer Look Palette – CHF 70.00
Bronze Goddess Summer Lip Glow in Sunlit Nude – CHF 34.00
Double Wear Highlighting Cushion Stick in Champagne Glow – CHF 44.00

GUERLAIN
Summer Look 2017 «Terracotta»

Terracotta Sun Tonic Waterproof Bronzing Powder – CHF 69.00
Météorites Baby Glow Touch CC Luminizer for easy strobing – CHF 45.00

LANCÔME
Summer Look 2017 «Summer Swing»

Belle de Teint Bronzer & Blush in 01 Patio Méditerranéen – CHF 75.00
Le Stylo Waterproof in 06 Tempo Méditerranéen – CHF 34.00
Vernis in Love in 103 L’Esprit Libre – CHF 26.00

By the way the straw bag is exactly the same one by Sensi Studio for Eden Being I showed you a few days ago (click here please for the previous post). On one side it says «Making Memories», on the other side it has this hand-painted palm and waves. My favorite!
TO SHOP IT, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Perched on a hilltop in Provence, St. Paul de Vence is well worth visiting. Walking through the narrow streets of this little old medieval town with its modern and contemporary art ateliers and galleries is absolutely beautiful. The flowers, the roses, the gardens, you feel the bohemian vibes in every corner. If you’re an art lover you should already know that Marc Chagall lived his last years there and that he’s buried in the local cemetery.

My look: Tiered striped cotton-blend maxi dress (30% off on sale) by Stella McCartney, 3Jours small leather tote by Fendi, suede and wooden clogs by Miu Miu, rose diamond necklace by Piaget and «Blow in Case of Fashion Emergency» necklace by Chanel,

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

So easy and so effective – these sun protection sprays for the face have saved me as they are so easy to use and also work over makeup. Simply spray one of them depending on your personal needs evenly to exposed areas 15 minutes prior to sun exposure.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF50 Invisible Face Mist Anti-Shine 75ml for CHF 17.50
The best facial spray for sensitive skin to skin prone to sun intolerance, commonly known as sun allergies.

Vichy Ideal Soleil Hydrating Mist SPF50 75ml for CHF 26.00
Delivering a refreshing veil with a dry touch finish, the high performance mist utilises a broad spectrum filtering system for maximum sun protection without leaving white marks or visible residue. Enriched with Vichy Thermal Spa Water, it will calm, hydrate and regenerate skin.

Lancaster Sun Sport Invisible Face Mist SPF30 100ml for CHF 49.00
This new fast-dry, alcohol-free mist is easily applied even with sandy hands. It gently moisturizes and is makeup-compatible.

Coola Face SPF30 Makeup Setting Spray 50ml for CHF 42.00
My all-year must-have! Makeup meltdown and UV exposure have met their match! Introducing the first ever sun protection makeup setting spray. A simple spritz of our weightless, matte finish mist protects the sensitive skin of your face while keeping your makeup looking fresh all day.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht – Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Looking for a bag this season you can carry with anything? Lucky us… backpacks are still around and more trendy than ever in many outstanding designs. Your chiropractor will tell you they should never go away, but no matter what the backpack trend is taking over street style. And they even work at night…

1 Large backpack with Pallas Heads appliqué by Burberry
2 Badge-appliqué satin backpack by Miu Miu (30% off on sale)
3 Stripe-trimmed embellished metallic brocade backpack by Gucci
4 Appliquéd leather backpack by Givenchy
5 Appliquéd leather backpack by Fendi
6 Quilted backpack by Prada

I am so in love with this sequined backpack by Saint Laurent.

Such a special piece – ruffle backpack by Fenty by Rihanna.
Which one is your favorite?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

An invitation that couldn’t have been more perfect for me on a very hot summer day. My favorite Parisian coiffeur visited my beloved Zurich hair dresser for a morning full of laughter, beauty and the launch of a great new hair care line.

Nathanael, Charles, my humble self and Christophe in Zurich

As you already know I like the products by Christophe Robin a lot (for more info have a look at this previous post). Now they are not only available at Net-à-Porter, but also exclusively in Zurich at Charles Aellen Company. Charles took his whole team to Paris to train with the Robin staff known for being absolute experts in hair coloring.

Charles Aellen and his team with Christophe Robin

Beautiful salon I go to in Zurich: Charles Aellen Company

Aellen’s beautiful salon was the perfect backdrop to indulge into the world of Christophe Robin’s new hair line dedicated to make the dream of volume come true. I was skeptical towards those new products as in general everything that gives me volume makes my hair look dull and it tangles much easier. After having used it, I am completely sold. For the first time, I had nice volume that lasted for many days without looking frizzy.

What is the secret behind it? Robin told me that the biggest problem is that the hair cannot breathe when washed with volume shampoo. That is the reason why it collapses the next day. Therefore he was looking for an alternative providing volume that would first of all not damage the hair and that would stay for longer.

During a trip to Morocco, where hair care is considered an art de vivre, a lifestyle, he came up with the idea to use rassoul clay, also known as the most noble of clays, and rose extracts for his new cleansing volumizing paste. This unique formula creates real volume, noticeable from the first use and effects that build up day after day.

Its exclusive composition is 85% natural origin. Protected and fortified, the hair instantly shows more volume at the roots and density down its length. The best? When mixed with water, its surprising paste-like texture transforms into a light foam, creating a moment of pure well-being.

The hair care routine for long-lasting volume includes the following products from left to right:

Volumizing Mist 150ml
Volumizing Conditioner 250ml
Delicate Volumizing Shampoo 250ml
Cleansing Volumizing Paste 250ml

I hope that you will like it as much as I do! Also try some of Robin’s other products, they are all amazing… While Christophe presented his line, he gave a tip for hair coloring. If you have the feeling it got too dark, just put some olive oil on at night on the freshly colored hair and sleep with it. You will be amazed in the morning by the result as it will wash the color out. Coconut oil by the way does not!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Christope Robin, Charles Aellen, Marietta Budiner and © Sandra Bauknecht

Each year, I receive many products to test for the summer. After testing them all, I always like to show you a summary of my favorites. Those ones you see here have fully convinced me and I can only recommend them. If you are wondering why there are no facial products included, bare with me, they will be coming up shortly in a different post.

But first of all, it all starts with the right beach tote, doesn’t it?!

BEACH TOTE

«Making Memories» beach tote by Sensi Studio for Eden Being
Holidays are all about making memories. Therefore I have fallen in love with this exclusive beach tote the minute I spotted it at the Eden Being Pop-up Boutique at Le Bristol in Paris. It hits it on the head with its woven maxim. The perfect companion for the beach, the bag will carry everything you need, even a laptop fits in perfectly. Handmade in Ecuador to designs from the Milan based creative studio, it is crafted from toquilla straw with woven lettering – a unique and absolutely stylish piece.

IN THE SUN

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Wet Skin Body Milk SPF50+ 250ml for CHF 27.00
This very high sun protection can be applied on damp or on dry skins. Its wet skin technology forms a gel that repels water on the skin and maintains its protection. It doesn’t leave any oily or sticky finish on the skin, not even white marks which is very unusual for a sun protection that high.

Biotherm Waterlover Sun Milk SPF30 200 ml for CHF 47.00
This is Biotherm’s first eco-designed sun care with no compromise on sensoriality, with eco-tested SPF filters and a 95% biodegradable base formula for a lower impact on the water environment. Now you can better protect what you love: your skin, your family and the ocean.

AFTER THE SUN

Clarins After Sun Moisturizer Ultra-Hydrating 200ml for CHF 41.50
This moisture-rich cream with soothing extracts of watermelon, sunflower and mimosa promotes a radiant, even, long-lasting tan. It helps reduce peeling and flaking, while taking the sting out of hot, sun-baked skin.

SUN GOODIES

La Mer The Glowing Body Oil 95ml for CHF 120.00
My favorite! With its rich blend of vitamin E and nourishing oils, this luxurious body oil softens and conditions skin to create a natural, sun-kissed glow. It gives your skin a touch of shimmer and youthful luminosity.

Bio-Beauté by Nuxe Cologne Fraîche Méditerranéenne Cédrat & Néroli 100ml for CHF 35.00
This floral and fruity cologne takes you to the heart of the Mediterranean and can be worn in the sun. Its olfactory combination of Cedrat and Neroli subtly perfumes the skin and envelops it with a breath of freshness.

SWIMWEAR

Bikini by Wikini
Let me introduce you to Wikini, an Italian swimwear brand, that creates beautiful bikinis at affordable prices. And they even do modest Brazilian-style buttoms which can be rarely found. The models are packed in a jar topped with the fabric of your chosen bikini. So cute!
In Zurich available from July 20-22, 2017 at a pop-up shop at Residence K.

And now happy sunbathing…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Mary Katrantzou has referenced her heritage for the first time for her S/S 2017 collection and I definitely couldn’t resist this «Hemera» dress which is printed with Grecian gods and has classic Cretan pottery patterns embroidered onto the shoulder straps. I teamed mine with a statement necklace and a striped cardigan on vacation in France.

My look: Hemera printed silk-georgette dress by Mary Katrantzou (40% off), floral-appliqué striped wool-blend cardigan by Gucci, gold-tone, tassel and stone necklace (50% off) by Etro, Elephant striped leather shoulder bag by Loewe, and vintage suede pumps by Yves Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht