Sandra‘s Closet

This outfit that I wore to the Tommy Hilfiger S/S 2014 show in NYC created a huge buzz among the street style photographers as you can see at the end of this post.

My look: Teleport raffia double layer dress by Mary Katrantzou, green suede sandals and Rasoir sunglasses by Miu Miu, Bamboo leather shopper tote by Gucci, Hapi leather bracelet by Hermès, Atlas silver bangles by Tiffany & Co., Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht (Thank you, Silvia, for taking them!)

Flying, time difference, being sleep-deprived, and not eating the healthiest food is stress for your body which shows in your face. But it is common practice during NYFW. Due to the weight limit for the luggage on the plane, I like to take as less as possible with me. Here are some beauty products that work their magic instantly to make sure you look like coming from a spa treatment, nothing more needed.

RODIAL Glam Balm™ Hand

This innovative cream gently repairs, protects and moisturises skin. It is wonderfully scented, reminiscent of almonds and coconuts, like a mini holiday at the beach. Perfect to comfort you if you cannot fall asleep because of your jet-lag. Exclusively available in Switzerland at Marionnaud. CHF 63.00

CLINIQUE Moisture Surge Overnight Mask

Drinking lots of water is indispensable for a radiant complexion. But you can also replenish lost moisture (perfect after a long flight) by using this creamy, oil-free, penetrating night mask which helps skin drink deep to build reserves for the next day. All night long, it soothes and nourishes  so that you wake up with soft, dewy, glowing skin. CHF 52.00 (100ml)

SISLEY Eau Efficace Démaquillant Doux

This product is perfect for travelling as it combines three cleansing steps in one. You can remove your face and eye make-up, cleanse and tone the skin in one single sweep. CHF 105.00 (300ml)

SHISEIDO Bio-Performance Advanced Super Restoring Cream

A powerful time-fighting cream for day and night that is formulated with Rose Apple Leaf Extract to protect skin from harmful environmental aggressors and maintain youthful looking skin. Super Bio-Hyaluronic Acid N supplies a high level of moisture which helps maintain a positive cycle in the skin. Perfect for travelling! CHF 152.00 (50ml)

This post is available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog.

LoL, Sandra

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

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli are a dream team and their S/S 2014 collection for Valentino is a divine piece of art (You can still watch the video here).

Like last season, when I had been already overwhelmed by their designs, they showed craftsmanship, sophistication, elegance and beauty in their 72 (!) looks on the runway. After an impromptu visit to the Rome Opera workshops, the duo was compelled to create a glamourous and opulent repertoire. The collection is a journey admits elements borrowed from imaginary ethnic groups. Embroideries, lace, capes, ponchos, fringes, leather, veil-like dresses, take all part in this outstanding collection.

Combining ancestral austerity and sensual opulence, the designer duo has created an amazing and ever-changing look based on today’s modern woman that we will surely spot everywhere on the streets next summer!

Light Cuir Vachetta Medium Stamped

Great news is that you can PRE-ORDER THE AMAZING VALENTINO ACCESSORIES STRAIGHT OFF THE RUNWAY for the next 5 days. I included the best ones in this post.
Happy pre-shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Gold Gryphon Miniaudiere

Black Vitello Fringe Ankle Boot

Light Emerald Patent Croc Scarab Finger Clutch

Black Rete Embroidered Bootie

Light Cuir Vitello Scarab And Gryphon Wrap Bracelet

Chocolate Vitello Gryphon Sandal

Rubin Studs Crown Hair Band

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino and © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I have some very big personal news that I am very proud to share with you. I am appointed Editor-in-Chief of L’OFFICIEL SWITZERLAND, for both, the French and German editions of the publication. The magazine is launching in March 2014. And no worries, Sandra’s Closet will still exist, I will be wearing “two hats” so to say and will keep you posted with fashion and lifestyle news from all over the world.

Personally speaking, I am very much looking forward to my new challenge. L’OFFICIEL is at the top range of international fashion magazines and I am very excited to launch its Swiss edition with the local team. It will allow for an interesting balance between the precision and beauty of print and the speed of online fashion reporting through my blog.

The team include a strong mix of national and international talents:

I will keep you posted on all future developments and hope that you will enjoy the first edition of L’OFFICIEL SWITZERLAND in March 2014.

LoL, Sandra

I love the new print advertising campaign for Dolce & Gabbana The One and The One for Men shot by famous photographer Peter Lindbergh and again starring Scarlett Johansson and Matthew McConaughey.

Lindbergh, a master of black and white imagery, recreated a film set on a secluded beach on the outskirts of Los Angeles. In an unmistakable case of art imitating life, the campaign sees Scarlett and Matthew backstage, surrounded by spotlights, recreating a scene that has striking parallel to their own lives. Wouldn’t they make a cute couple?!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

Personally speaking, there hasn’t been one collection, Mary Katrantzou hasn’t amazed me with. This season has been no different. For the motif mistress, footwear prints walk a fine line between fashion and art. For S/S 2014, she was inspired by every woman’s love for shoes for her signature digital prints.

The collection’s evening looks were absolutely divine, and heavenly embroidered by the House of Lesage in Paris with which Mary had been working before already. Think ruffles, empire and baby doll cuts. Nothing for the shy! I am loving it!

Great news: YOU HAVE THE CHANCE TO PRE-ORDER THE MARY KATRANTZOU S/S 2014 COLLECTION STRAIGHT OF THE RUNWAY FOR THE NEXT 6 DAYS BY CLICKING HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mary Katrantzou, Style.com, © Getty Images

Mercedes-Benz is not only about high end cars, the German brand has become a fixed entity in the fashion world as a sponsor and partner of the world’s most major fashion events, such as the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week or the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zurich which will be taking place again from November 13-16, 2013. The key visual has been created in collaboration with fashion icon Carine Roitfeld.

This season, the luxury car brand has added a women’s fragrance to their lifestyle portfolio, created by Michel Almairac, who was named Perfumer of the Year 2012.

Mercedes-Benz Perfume is a fresh, floral and powdery scent showcasing the unusual accord of mimosa and violet.

MERCEDES-BENZ PERFUME

Top notes: Bergamot and peach
Middle notes: Mimosa-violet, rose and lily-of-the-valley
Base notes: Patchouli, vanilla and white musk

Available as Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 65.00), 60ml (CHF 85.00) and 90ml (CHF 115.00). Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 35.00), Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 39.00) and Deo Spray 100ml (CHF 31.00).

YOU CAN SHOP THE NEW FRAGRANCE BY CLICKING HERE.

Great news for my Swiss readers: 5 of you have the chance to WIN A BOTTLE (60ml) of this fantastic new scent. To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Mercedes-Benz Perfume” to . All entries must be received until October 20, 2013. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. The winner has to have a Swiss address.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

The recent October 2013 edition of the Swiss magazine WOMEN IN BUSINESS features a new layout and a great article about 40 young and successful women under 40. I feel very honoured to be named with my blog among them.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS is bringing their mostly female readers a comprehensive view of business, lifestyle, culture and politics, month after month, keeping them on top of the latest news and events across multiple industries, while highlighting female leaders in their respective fields. A great read!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Portrait: © Carina Scheuringer

When I heard that Shu Uemura Art of Hair has launched two new shampoos to cater to the needs of clients with oily or dandruff-prone hair, I was curious but thought that – as I am not affected by both problems -, they won’t be something for me. That was a mistake.

Recently, I complaint to my hair dresser that my hair seems kind of dull and  he recommended those new powerful products to me. After having tried them, I am absolutely convinced of their delicate formula that transforms quickly into a rich foam that effectively draws out the impurities and build-up on the scalp without stripping the natural oils. The cleansing process leaves hair naturally radiant, soft and in balanced state – volumized and moisturized. Oil that removes oil, who would have thought that… in stores now.

NEW CLEANSING OIL SHAMPOO
ANTI-OIL ASTRINGENT CLEANSER

Enriched with yuzu extract, which blossoms on the flanks of Mount Fuji, it’s renowned for its astringent properties.
400ml – CHF 61.00

NEW CLEANSING OIL SHAMPOO
ANTI-DANDRUFF SOOTHING CLEANSER

Enriched with shiso extract, a plant cultivated in South East Asia, it’s well-known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
400ml – CHF 61.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Shu Uemura

Tartan is one of the biggest trends for F/W 2013. From red checks, to blue or green and even black plaid, many looks, traditional and modern appeared printed with the iconic Scottish pattern on the fall runways. Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent gave it a grunge twist and I couldn’t resist this amazing cardigan that I wore during Paris Fashion Week.

My look: Plaid mohair-blend jacket, black leather dress, Sac du Jour leather tote, studded boots, all by Saint Laurent, Love gold-tone necklace by Lanvin, rose ring by Piaget, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, leather bracelets by Miu Miu and Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht