Sandra‘s Closet

Fashion designer SOPHIE MECHALY, founder of the Paul & Joe (named after her two sons) and Paul & Joe Sister clothing lines, shared her travel tips for Paris with us. The city where she was raised, lives, works and enjoys every moment of her busy life.

What is your favourite city?
PARIS of course! That’s where I was born, where I’ve always lived, where I work, all my friends and family are there too. Paris is the most beautiful city. I love its neighborhoods, they are all so different; its wonderful monuments; its architecture; its cultural richness…

What is your favourite hotel?
I love go to the BRISTOL to have a drink or do my business meeting. I love the atmosphere very classy and cosy. It’s a great mixture of tradition and modernity.
112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, +33 1 53 43 43 00

What is your favourite restaurant?
I like to go to MADAME SHAWN for lunch, it’s close to the office. It’s a Thai restaurant where the food is really great.
18 Rue Caffarelli, 75003 Paris, +33 1 42 72 36 6

What is your favourite dish there?
I love their FISH COOKED IN A BANANA LEAF and their TAPIOCA WITH COCONUT MILK for dessert.

What is your favourite bar/nightclub?
I really like the SILENCIO in Paris. It’s a club opened by David Lynch few years ago. The musical selection is always very specialized, projections are organized and I love the cozy and intimate atmosphere.
142 Rue Montmartre, 75002 Paris, +33 1 53 65 65 58

What is your favorite sightseeing spot?
The BRIDGE ALEXANDRE III, where you can see all Paris. On the one hand the Invalides, on the other hand the Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower… Paris makes complete sense at this place, it’s magic and exhilarating.

What is your favourite parc?
The LUXEMBOURG GARDEN (Jardin du Luxembourg) in the heart of St. Germain des Prés. It is a magic place, full of history, calm, romantic. I love strolling in the alleys. And sometimes I go there to jog.
6e Arrondissement, 75006 Paris, +33 1 42 34 23 62

Your favourite shop?
LE BON MARCHÉ, it’s an important store in Paris, Rive Gauche, near where I live. You can shop everything: fashion, food, books, beauty…. The fashion department is really great: the selection is refined and interesting aswell as the books or design section. The food department is amazing: you can find products that you couldn’t find anywhere else in Paris. It’s a real luxe…
24, rue de Sèvres  75007 Paris, +33 1 44 39 80 00

Your favourite accessory?
The MINI TOM in the collection! Since I’ve created it, I cannot separate myself from it. It is perfect: convenient, light and feminine. This is my new classic.

What is your favourite playlist?
PSYCHEMAGIK DIABOLICAL SYNTHETIC FANTASIA
Chic – I want your love (Todd terje édit)
Midnight magic – Beam me up
Bennis Cletin – Jungle magic
Part Magic – Sonando de ti

What is your favourite holiday book ?
TWENTY-FOUR HOURS IN THE LIFE OF A WOMAN by STEFAN ZWEIG – a real intense and strong story and he is one of my favourite writers.

Thank you, Sophie, for sharing your insider scoop on Paris with us!

LoL, Sandra

It is a joke, they are not back, but I have to admit sometimes it is fun to look for something ‘Eighties‘ in your closet. Tight mini dresses, big statement jewelry and heavy makeup – this is all you need to achieve the look. Just stay away from those typical bad highlights (if you are not a real blonde, you have to be really careful to choose the right color) to transport the style to the recent decade. You don’t want to look like going to a costume party. Do everything with style!

My look: Black mini dress and Janis leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent, Falabella crystal-embellished faux leather clutch by Stella McCartney, earrings by Prada, Limelight gala watch and rose diamond ring by Piaget, stay-ups with bow by Wolford.

Rock the night! Girls just wanna have fun…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This is one of the most fun birthday gifts I have received this year. My girlfriends surprised me with my very own personalized UGG boots. Now I am adding some bling to my step!

UGG‘s new “Bling It On” program helps you to add a little sparkle and enables you to customize your beloved classic boots through a selection of dazzling Swarovski crystal patterns and statement-making designs. You can get very creative with different options, including letters and numbers, hearts, stars, butterflies, skulls, smiley faces, crowns, bows and paws, and the list goes on. Available at UGG concept stores around the globe.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yves Saint Laurent‘s beautiful scent MANIFESTO that was launched in February 2013 has already got two new family members. Each of the three variations has a white floral at the heart combined with elegant woody notes in the base.

Manifesto – Eau de Parfum (Spring 2013)

ORIENTAL FLORAL
Top notes: Bergamot and black currant
Heart notes: Sambac jasmine and lily of the valley
Base notes: Cedar, sandalwood, vanilla and tonka bean

30ml (CHF 84.-), 50ml (CHF 124.-) and 90ml (CHF 157.-)

Manifesto L’Elixir – Eau de Parfum Intense (Fall 2013)

ORIENTAL FLORAL
Top notes: Bergamot and mandarin orange
Middle notes: Sambac jasmine, heliotrope and tuberose
Base notes: Cashmeran, vanilla and ambroxan

30ml (CHF 104.-) and 50ml (CHF 154.-)

Manifesto L’Eclat – Eau de Toilette (February 2014)

ORIENTAL FLORAL
Top notes: Neroli, currant buds, green tea and bergamot
Middle notes: Orange blossom, red rose, freesia and jasmine
Base notes:  Cashmere wood, sandalwood, tonka bean and vanilla

50ml (CHF 111.-) and 90ml (CHF 140.-)

The complete fragrance family is a wonderful addition to your wardrobe of scents.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent

Inspired by love, Paco Rabanne‘s new limited edition BLACK XS POTION for him and her is the elixir that seals a love story through thick and thin. Living intensely, provoking to the extreme, the olfactory secret offers the promise of pure passion. The Black XS rock stars flirt with excess, especially when it comes to love.

Their must-have fashion item: ‘Vampire Kiss’ Teddy embellished satin bomber jacket by Saint Laurent for him and her.

WOODY SPICY

Top notes: Juniper berries
Middle notes: Cashmeran wood and cistus
Base notes:  Rum and woody notes

ORIENTAL FLORAL

Top notes: Grapefruit
Middle notes: Baccara rose and Hellebore rose, known in former times as “witches’ rose”
Base notes: Black sandalwood and amber

Limited Edition – on counter now.
Black XS Potion for Her 50ml CHF 75.00
Black XS Potion for Him 100ml CHF 86.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Paco Rabanne Fragrances and Saint Laurent

The emblematic trunk continues its journey through the Louis Vuitton universe.
From the initial reality of a tangible utilitarian object, in another dimension a collection of modern, feminine watches and jewelry pieces, the new EMPRISE line will surely be loved by women around the globe.

The structural elements of the famous travel luggage are transported into the world of High Jewelry. Powerfully structured shapes, the choice of stones, some in vibrant colors have one thing in common: an infinitely Parisian attitude.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton © Charles Helleu

Yesterday was my birthday and I had a fabulous time. I celebrated it with my best girlfriends during a very long lunch, followed by a lovely dinner with my family.

My look: Chain-embellished cotton-jersey sweatshirt, leather shorts, Janis leather pumps, Sac de Jour in green, all by Saint Laurent, Gloria resin, Swarovski Pearl and crystal necklace by Lanvin and rose diamond ring by Piaget, stay-ups with bow by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I love outfits that are elegant with a dash of daring. Something that looks conservative but that reveals an amazing effect at second glance as this Stella McCartney dress that is completely see-through at the white lace part. Absolutely stunning!

Shop my look: Miranda wool and lace dress and satin booties with bow detail, both by Stella McCartney, Bamboo leather tote by Gucci, rose diamond ring and Limelight Gala watch, both by Piaget.

Today is my birthday and I couldn’t be more excited…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Rosabotanica is the latest addition to the Balenciaga botanical garden that was founded with Florabotanica perfume from 2012. Presenting a fresh version with a touch of sheerness and second skin feeling, this floral green fragrance is based on spicy rose.

Kristen Stewart who is once more the face of the campaign (see last photo of this post) goes topless and wears nothing else but the new scent.

FLORAL GREEN

Top notes: Petitgrain, fig leaf and hyacinth
Middle notes: Rose, pink pepper, grapefruit and cardamom
Base notes: White amber, cedar, vetiver, patchouli and woodsy notes

The fragrance is available as 30ml (CHF 91.00), 50ml (CHF 121.00), 100 ml (CHF 162.00) Eau de Parfum and as Body Lotion (CHF 72.00). In Switzerland exclusively from February 10, 2014 at Marionnaud. It is a truly beautiful scent and I am sure that most of you will love it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Balenciaga

Infused with Jeanne Lanvin‘s timeless modernity and inspired by her daughter Marguerite, LANVIN PETITE reawakens the house’s roots to highlight signature styles in luxurious materials for kids. Debuting in 2011 and just as covetable as the main line, LANVIN PETITE is full of life and charm, opening up the Lanvin universe to mini fashionistas everywhere with the mantra ‘cultivating good taste starts young.’ Ruffles, flowers, hearts and glitter pave the way to S/S 2014.

Shop the collection for little girls with couture tastes right from the start here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lanvin