Sandra‘s Closet

Some of my readers might recognize this dress and the clutch as well as the coat, but you have never seen me wearing it together. I love when I spot great new combinations in my closet. Sometimes we think we desperately need something new and forget about all the treasures hidden in our wardrobes. Happy searching!

My look during Haute Couture Week in Paris in the end of January: Soft pink mink coat with flower intarsia and red leather boots, both by Prada, Aubine embellished satin-twill dress and Falabella crystal-embellished faux leather clutch, both by Stella McCartney, heart earrings by Chanel, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Would be a lovely Valentine’s Day outfit as well…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Attention lovers! MIU MIU introduces a capsule collection especially for Valentine’s Day. The offering draws on the playful juxtaposition of different worlds.

Cherries are the recurrent sweetly romantic motif of this quintessentially feminine collection, always coming, like lovers, in sparkling pairs and nestling on vivid green crystal leaves.

Jewelled hearts also make an appearance and an exclusive logo – MIU MIU Loves – is applied to the madras leather styles.

Purses suspended from palladium hardware, wallets, card holders, key chains and bag trinkets all feature in the colors of passion – black, ruby red and sugar pink – often with contrasting linings. Materials include madras and nappa leather with signature “cloqué” workmanship. Characteristically irreverent details finish each piece, among them more cherries, hearts and lettering in polished silver or brightest red enamel.

Anybody looking for a Valentine’s Day surprise? This collection is so beautiful!
If you need more shopping ideas, click HERE for a previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

Yesterday was Chinese New Year and from now we are in the Year of the Monkey, which will be ending on January 27, 2017 (Chinese New Year’s Eve).

What is the Year of the Monkey? The monkey is ninth of the 12 animals in the recurring 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle that means every 12 years there is a Monkey year.

2016 is a Fire Monkey Year — What does ”Fire Monkey” means? In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with a Chinese zodiac animal sign and one the five elements: gold (metal), water, wood, fire, or earth. Both the sign and element of your birth year are said to affect your personality and destiny. Element-sign combinations recur every 60 years:

Fire Monkey … 2016, 1956, … Ambitious and adventurous, but irritable
Wood Monkey … 2004, 1944, … Always ready to help others; compassionate, with strong self-esteem, but stubborn
Water Monkey … 1992, 1932, … Smart, quick-witted, fond of being in the limelight, but haughty
Gold Monkey … 1980, 1920, … Smart, quick-witted, and confident, but also irritable and stubborn
Earth Monkey … 1968, 1908, … Frank, optimistic, and fearless.

As China is still an important market for the luxury goods industry, many designers have come up with some special editions dedicated to the Year of the Monkey.

Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani is joining the celebrations, launching an exclusive and limited-edition Year of Monkey Face Palette for 2016.

To celebrate Chinese New Year, Gucci presents a monkey key chain with glass pearls.

Prada launches a capsule collection of accessories for a prosperous Lunar New Year with a primate key rings, luggage tags, gold trinkets, and furry charms.

Givenchy makes a bold statement with this monkey print sweatshirt.

Lucky charm at your finger: Amedeo‘s three monkey ring.

Bring the good vibes of 2016’s Monkey Year to your house with Seletti‘s monkey lamp shade.

To a prosperous and wonderful Chinese Year! If you like to find out more about your own Chinese sign,  click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Edgardo Osorio for Salvatore Ferragamo sees Aquazzura’s creative director lend his talents to an iconic Italian brand. Let’s be honest, Edgardo is not only extremely handsome, he is probably one of the most talented shoe designers on this planet. I first met the Colombian-born genius a few years ago at his Paris showroom during fashion week and was immediately taken by his charm.

Last year, I was not only able to fly to Colombia but also to visit the House of Ferragamo during its 100th anniversary. This amazing collaboration between Aquazzura’s mastermind and the Florentine fashion brand is very special as Edgardo kick-started his career working at Salvatore Ferragamo ten years ago. This capsule collection of crazy-covetable collectibles combines the best of both brands, bringing together the utmost elegance with wearability and enduring chic.

Amber lace-up suede peep-toe ankle boots by Edgardo Osorio for Salvatore Ferragamo

I am obsessing over the brightly coloured printed sandals and feather-embellished beauties that strike the perfect balance of old-school Hollywood glamour and contemporary cool.

So you can imagine my level of happiness holding this surprise in my hand: the feather-winged suede sandals by Edgardo Osorio for Salvatore Ferragamo.

SHOP THE AMAZING COLLABORATION HERE ONLINE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo

The S/S 2016 catwalks have provided us with the beautiful colours of the rainbow. To work the trend, you preferably include the full spectrum, from yellows to sharp shots of orange and pink, and beyond. Call it the rainbow connection — loveliness wins!

Get the look: Metallic-striped cotton-blend terry jacket by Sonia Rykiel, appliquéd cady mini dress by Red Valentino, Set of 10 stretch-lace Brazilian briefs by Hanky Panky, Rainbow leather shoulder bag by Anya Hindmarch and amber lace-up suede peep-toe ankle boots by Edgardo Osorio for Salvatore Ferragamo.

Enjoy some of the best runway looks below.

LoL, Sandra

Mara Hoffman S/S 2016

Chloé S/S 2016

Christopher Kane S/S 2016

Photos: Via Vogue.com and Courtesy of the Brands

Please accept my sincere apologies for the lack of posting. I am currently at the beautiful Lanserhof Tegernsee in Bavaria, Germany for a clean break of everything. I am talking about digital detox as well as physical detox. It is very challenging for me, an overhaul for your body and your soul. Here at Lanserhof I am treated with the most modern and holistic medicine, which means regeneration and prevention on the long run. Once I am back, I will give you a full report of my stay. One thing that is for sure, it has been absolutely worth coming here.

What I truly enjoy is being in comfy clothes with no makeup just embracing my cleansing, resting and medical routine. And having time to look outside the window and to enjoy the snowy landscape surrounding this amazing retreat. It is a great way to rediscover your inner self.

Get the look: Cashmere sweater jacket with «YOU» logo in mink on the back and matching jogging pants both by Max & Moi, MB Classic silver reflective fabric and white shearling Moon Boot® by Jimmy Choo and Bamboo Shopper large textured-leather tote by Gucci.

Please don’t disturb!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Embellished bomber jackets have been making quite the statement in recent designer collections. There is something special about this style. It is the contrast of the ornate embroidery, the floral embellishments or the vibrant hues on the sporty silhouette that everybody loves about them. And there is no end, the Pre-Fall 2016 collections are already filled with those must-haves.

Here are my favourites that are waiting for you:

1 Cecily embroidered crepe bomber jacket by Jonathan Saunders
2 Oriental Garden embellished crepe bomber jacket by Needle & Thread
3 Metallic leather bomber jacket by Gucci
4 Satin and lace-paneled tulle bomber jacket by 3.1 Phillip Lim
5 Floral-intarsia stretch-knit bomber jacket by Alexander McQueen
6 Lace bomber jacket by Gucci
7 Embellished striped wool and linen-blend and leather bomber jacket by Saint Laurent
(Amazing dinosaur embellishment on the back.)
8 Embroidered cotton and silk bomber jacket by Alexander McQueen
(Gorgeous floral embroidery on the back.)

I love bomber jackets. Here are some previous posts:

Embellished satin bomber jacket by Saint Laurent

Embroidered chiffon and twill bomber jacket by 3.1 Phillip Lim

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
Photos: David Shama

Flamingo Park is one of M∙A∙C’s Spring 2016 collections, and it’s exactly what you would expect… bold and vibrant! Plunge into the punchy pleasures of pink in a freshly made batch of scrumptious colours that let you have your cake, and wear it too.
Glisten pretty on a sunny day with Powder Blush, a fun way to bring delicious colour to your cheeks. Paint it pink and get your just desserts anytime, but be ready to share!

Beauty Powder – CHF 33.00
Pearl Blossom – light pink with silver pearlized pigments repromote
Sunny Surprise – soft peach

M∙A∙C Studio Nail Lacquer – CHF 18.00
Miami – warm pink coral
Spoonful of Sugar – soft pink glitter with pink pearl

Pigment – CHF 35.00
Rose – rose with copper sparkle (frost)
Golden Olive – high frosted green-gold (frost)
Tan – muted pinky brown bronze (frost)

Powder Blush – CHF 33.00
Let’s Be Friends – blue hot-pink (satin)
Life’s A Picnic – hot reddish pink (satin)
Oh, My! – reddish mid-tone coral (satin) (online exclusive)
Pink Swoon – soft yellow baby-pink (satin)
Spring Flock – light bright coral (satin)
This Could Be Fun – soft violet-purple (satin)
What I Fancy – soft bright apricot (satin)

Brush – CHF 54.00
129SH Powder/Blush

Lipstick – CHF 28.00
Be Silly – hot fuchsia pink (matte)
Flocking Fabulous – bright coral-red (cremesheen + pearl)
Have Your Cake – bright magenta (matte)
Long Legged & Fabulous – soft baby pink (cremesheen + pearl)
Nice to Meet You – deep pink-red (cremesheen)
Please Me – muted rosy-tinted pink (matte)
Saint Germain – clean pastel pink (amplified)
Silly – bright white-pink (matte)
The Fashion Flock – bright pink-coral (matte) (online exclusive)

Lip Pencil – CHF 22.00
Chic Trick – amped-up fuchsia
Embrace Me – vivid pinkish fuchsia
In Synch – bright yellow pink

Cremesheen Glass – CHF 32.00
Look Who’s Here! – soft pink with blue pearl
Petite Indulgence – bright blue-pink
Playful Petal – electric magenta
Such Sweeties – pastel baby pink
Sweet Tooth – warm mid-tone pink

On my shopping list:
Powder Blush Pink Swoon, Lipstick Be Silly and Have Your Cake and Cremesheen Glass Such Sweeties. 

ARE YOU PICKING ANYTHING UP?

The limited edition collection is available from March 2016 at all M∙A∙C counters and www.maccosmetics.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

If you were to take a look inside your favorite fashionstia’s closet, I guarantee you would find a pair of designer espadrilles. Chanel started the comeback of the iconic classic a few seasons ago… and now they are on everyone’s shopping list. Those quintessential summer shoes look great with everything from a summer frock to cut-off shorts. Shop my picks for the chicest around below.

1 Tian leather-trimmed printed coated canvas espadrilles by Gucci
2 Python espadrilles by Proenza Schouler3 Embellished suede espadrilles by Giuseppe Zanotti
4 Printed brocade espadrilles by Dolce & Gabbana
5 Star-appliquéd leather espadrilles by Saint Laurent
6 Dreya snake-effect leather espadrilles by Jimmy Choo
7 Belgravia suede espadrilles by Aquazurra
8 Jean canvas espadrilles by Castañer
9 Woven canvas espadrilles by Manebi
10 Tweed espadrilles by Chanel

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Today is my birthday and yes, I do love having birthdays! I am honest, I love cake, a glass of champagne, surprises and being surrounded by my friends…

I still remember two years ago when I celebrated into my big day during the opening celebration of the new Audemars Piguet store in Zurich. I had the honor to be seated next to the brand’s CEO François-Henry Bennahmias, who went on stage to tell the guests that nobody was allowed to leave the party before midnight because of me. Great memories!

Let’s see what will happen today…

CEO Audemars Piguet François-Henry Bennahmias with me

The newly launched Diamond Fury watch

And if anyone is looking for a birthday surprise for a loved one, have a look at Audemars Piguet‘s newest watch launch, that was presented during SIHH 2016: Diamond Fury, a true Haute Joaillerie talisman, that reveals its mysterious character via a secret panel which, when touched, subtly unclips to show the dial beneath. It took passion, perfection, over 1,500 hours and 4,635 brilliant-cut diamonds to created this amazing cuff watch with a punk-rock goddess streak.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Audemars Piguet