Sandra‘s Closet

Before Chanel’s F/W 2013 makeup collection Superstition (post coming up soon) will finally become available here in Switzerland at the end of this month, we can indulge in the beautiful Chanel COLLECTION ROUGE ALLURE MOIRÉ which will hit the shelves this week. Inspired by the beauty and refinement of overflowing fabrics and ribbons, the warm and delicate moiré colours heighten the charm and mystery of intangible makeup.

Let’s take a closer look at those new irresistible products:

ROUGE ALLURE – CHF 48.00

Each name of the eight shades could be used to describe a seductive and mysterious woman. You just have to find out which one suits you best! Do you feel stunning, fierce or mysterious?

122 FAROUCHE A sensual and luxurious chocolate gleaming with silver shimmer.
124 AMBIGÜE A rosy brown warmed by bronze and violet plum pearl.
125 INDÉCISE A natural rosy beige enhanced with a coppery effect.
129 SURPRENANTE An intense pink with ultra-luminous fuchsia shimmer.
131 ÉTONNANTE A satiny apricot with golden pearl, both delicate and elegant.
132 IMPULSIVE A stirring reddish pink, enlivened with gold and silver.
134 AUDACIEUSE A bold rosy red with a more intense moiré effect.
135 ÉNIGMATIQUE A deep brownish red, lit up with gold and silver pearl.

ROUGE ALLURE EXTRAIT DE GLOSS – CHF 48.00

Ultra-shiny and highly concentrated with pigments, it combines the easy application of a gloss and the lasting hold of a lipstick.

71 RÉFLEXION A reddish pink glowing with freshness.
72 CONTROVERSY (pictured to the left) An intense violet plum.

LE CRAYON LÈVRES – CHF 34.00

The smile and the intensity of colour are accentuated by a pencil line tracing the lip contours.

68 ROSE POUDRÉ A slightly greyish pale pink gives precision to delicate shades.
69 ROSE ARDENT (pictured) A reddish pink with a bold character offers vibrancy to the most dazzling shades of the collection.

LE VERNIS – CHF 35.00

Always in movement, painted nails naturally play with the light. The partner of a bewitching smile, LE VERNIS comes in two satiny shades with shimmering reflections.

593 ROSE MOIRÉ A greyish pink for a delicate version.
595 ROUGE MOIRÉ A raspberry red for a seductive version.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

This is the most stylish I got in Iceland. First of all, it was freezing cold (Thank God, I brought this padded gilet with me!), second of all, I have never felt the urge to dress up or put on make-up. Everything is just laid back and very relaxing.

My look: Grosgrain-trimmed cotton-jersey sweatshirt by Saint Laurent, Pedal Star skinny-leg printed denim pants by Closed, white padded gilet by Moncler Grenoble, large studded backpack by MCM, sunglasses by Marc Jacobs, printed silk scarf by Gabriele Frantzen and biker boots by Chanel. Hat, souvenir from Iceland.

Being on “luxury withdrawal therapy” is kind of fun for one week, but now I cannot wait to bring back some glamour into my life. Stay also tuned for the upcoming post about the most breathtaking sceneries I have seen on the island.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Switzerland has a new beauty oasis, a very urban one: ease DESIGN SPA. A paradise in the city with a vibrant vibe, located in Zurich-West on the first floor of Puls 5. Of course, it doesn’t have this typical zen ambiance but that is on purpose. I enjoyed the facial treatment to funky music in a relaxing ambiance created by award-winning interior designers Dyer-Smith Frey very much.

The highly qualified team offers top quality service and a bundle of experience along with the comfort of a spa in the city.

Ease DESIGN SPA works with SALIN de BIOSEL from Italy. All products and treatments have been designed to be personalised “à la carte”. How does this work? By adding precious components aimed to solve your specific beauty problem, like a unique cosmetic recipe, you enjoy a treatment made exclusively to suit your skin needs.

Everything at ease DESIGN SPA is easy, even the online booking service. I hope that you will feel as much at ease as I did.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ease Spa and © Sandra Bauknecht

ITALY MEETS ARABIA

Acqua di Parma‘s new Colonia Intensa Oud is absolutely wonderful, something we would like to smell on our men. Bringing together two different worlds, this unique fragrance blends the distinctive Italian freshness of the cologne with the richness of the finest ingredients of the Middle East. The fragrance is the portrait of a man who embodies the best of different cultures, and confident in his own unique identity.

Congratulations! Last month, Acqua di Parma Colonia Intensa Oud won the 2013 Fragrance Foundation Award in the Men’s Luxury category in New York.

Top notes: Orange and Calabrian bergamot
Middle notes: Coriander, Amyris wood and Agarwood essential oil
(Agarwood essential oil is known to be a sign of charismatic, ancestral virility in the worlds of incenses, balms, particularly found in male Middle Eastern fragrances)
Base notes: Sandalwood, ceadrwood, patchouli, musk, wood and forest notes

A complete line for those who love this captivating fragrance in every aspect of their lives. The Eau de Cologne is available in 180ml and 100ml sizes, as well as in a Travel Spray 30ml format for those who want to enjoy the pleasure of this Eau de Cologne at any time and place.

Colonia Intensa Oud is now also available as a Shampoo and Shower Gel, Perfumed Deodorant and as a skilfully crafted Cube Candle for those who would love to spread the enigmatic notes of this Eau de Cologne in their daily routine and in their homes.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Acqua di Parma

For F/W 2013, Louis Vuitton has invited three new international street artists – Eko Nugroho from Indonesia, EINE from the UK and Franco-Tunisian eL Seed – to bring their vision to bear on its emblematic giant silk square. This latest collaboration continues Louis Vuitton’s world tour of the buzzing street scene, which began last season with AIKO, RETNA and Os Gemeos – themselves following in a tradition of partnerships with contemporary artists, including Stephen Sprouse, Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince.

Mixing urban and pop influences with traditional Indonesian motifs, Eko Nugroho’s intriguing design conjures up a mythical beast in deliberately clashing colours, which twists across a geometrical background of scale-like shapes in blue and khaki.

Drawing on Louis Vuitton’s heritage, EINE expresses the excitement of travel in words and colour, printing the phrase “great adventures” in bold block letters and eye-popping shades onto a dramatic black background, and framing the entire design with the Louis Vuitton signature.

Inspired by Arabic calligraphy, eL Seed imagines the graceful swirls of this ancestral art overlaying the Monogram pattern. One half of the design is printed in fuchsia, while the other is covered with a discreet filigree that reveals, rather than conceals, Louis Vuitton’s iconic motif.

I love the new scarves so much and Stephen Sprouse‘s iconic print is still among my favorites. Which one is yours?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

After two days in Reykjavík, I have started my trip around Iceland. The so-called Golden Triangle, “the three great destinations” for the Icelandair travelers that visit the country are Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir and were first on my “to-see list”. Believe me, they are absolutely worth the visit. Step off luxury and explore paradise! Enjoy my photo diary.

Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park

The Þingvellir area is an area of sea-floor spreading, displaying the close association of crustal rifting and volcanism. Þingvellir is next to the Great Rift Valley of Eastern Africa the only site on earth where the effects of two major plates drifting apart can be observed. Almannagjá that you can see above is pherhaps the most dramatic structure at Þingvellir.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss (translated as “Golden Falls”) is to my opinion one of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls (and I have seen Niagara falls in Canada!). The light, the scenery is just breathtaking.

Geysir – Strokkur

Strokkur is one of Iceland’s famous fountain geysers, erupting about every 4-8 minutes 15-20m high, sometimes even up to 40m high. It is part of a whole geothermal area next to the famous Great Geysir which was the first one described in a printed source and which is the name giver for this natural phenomenon.

It was freezing cold and I experienced very strong winds that day.

My look: White padded gilet by Moncler Grenoble, pink sweater and checkered shirt, both by Abercrombie & Fitch, large studded backpack by MCM, sunglasses by Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN, printed silk scarf by Gabriele Frantzen, suede classic short boots by UGG Australia and Le Skinny de Jeanne mid-rise skinny jeans by Frame Denim. Hat and gloves, both souvenirs from Iceland.

Skógafoss

On my drive further east, I passed by Skógafoss, a waterfall situated in the south of Iceland at the cliffs of the former coastline. It probably rivals Gullfoss as Iceland’s most famous waterfall.

Dyrhólaey

The small peninsula Dyrhólaey is located on the south coast of Iceland. The view from up there from the cliff is gorgeous with black lava columns coming out of the sea.

Travelling through Iceland feels a little bit like being on luxury withdrawal therapy. The accommodations are pretty basic and you don’t find fancy restaurants. But you find something here that is absolutely unbeatable, breathtaking nature, an amazing light as it barely gets dark these months and peace for your mind.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Recently, I was invited by Bobbi Brown Switzerland for an afternoon tea at the Widder Hotel in Zurich to view the new fall launches which left me breathless.

If you love chocolate as I do, you will adore the new RICH CHOCOLATE COLLECTION. Those calorie-free treats will make every beauty addict’s heart leap with joy. Gorgeous shades in different hues of brown and beige will might just leave a mark in your wallet, but definitely not on your hips.

The star product: RICH CHOCOLATE EYE PALETTE – CHF 89.00
Bone Eye Shadow, Cocoa Eye Shadow, Stone Eye Shadow, Frappe Eye Shadow, Champagne Truffle Shimmer Wash Eye Sahdow, Caramel Sparkle Eye Shadow, Rich Chocolate Eye Shadow.
(Limited Edition)

LIP COLOR
Berry, Baby Pink (Both Limited Edition)– CHF 38.00

LIP GLOSS
Chocolate Raspberry, Pale Pink (Limited Edition), Tea Berry (Limited Edition) –  CHF 35.00

BLUSH
Pink Coral (Limited Edition), Berry – CHF 41.00

LONG-WEAR GEL EYELINER
Dark Chocolate Ink (Limited Edition) – CHF 34.00

LONG-WEAR CREAM SHADOW STICK
Bittersweet (Limited Edition) – CHF 40.00

EXTREME PARTY MASCARA
Black Chocolate (Limited Edition) – CHF 34.00

In stores in September 2013.

And the best is yet to come… this fall, a limited edition “book“ including everything you need for the perfect look will be launched celebrating the collaboration between Bobbi Brown and the brand’s face Katie Holmes. Could it be any cuter?! Ahhh, I just love Bobbi Brown products!

And if you like my look, click here for all the details.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown and © Sandra Bauknecht

Miu Miu continues to reinterpret classic leather goods with the introduction of the bowling bag. Revealed in the F/W 2013 runway fashion show, this new season object of desire is characterized by a full-length chunky zipper that runs along its entire profile.

Gold hardware, along with smaller handles, emphasizes the brand’s desire to revisit the cornerstones of elegance with a new twist. This bag represents a new aesthetic to a classic bowling shape. Offered in two different styles, with shoulder straps, they are AVAILABLE ONLINE HERE and at all Miu Miu stores. On my shopping list is definitely this yellow one.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

CHER DIOR, the new high jewelry collection designed by Victoire de Castellane for Dior includes 21 pieces, all beautifully created with vibrant center stones, lacelike settings, and surprising color combinations.

I love this new delicate addition to the House’s haute joaillerie line and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

On Saturday morning, I flew to Reykjavík, the largest city in Iceland. The world’s northernmost capital of a sovereign state has been on my “places to see” list since a very long time.

I have completely underestimated the climate. The city’s coastal location makes it prone to wind and it is freezing cold here. As I spent the last weeks only in hot temperatures, it feels even worse. During my first few hours in this beautiful and very colorful city , I went shopping and got myself a wool hat and sweater.

My look: White padded gilet by Moncler Grenoble, green sweater by Abercrombie & Fitch, 620 Photo Ready mid-rise leggings-style jeans by J Brand, large studded backpack by MCM, sunglasses by Marc Jacobs and Jenny brushed-suede ankle boots by Isabel Marant. The hat is a souvenir from Iceland.

Here in Reykjavík, there are many things to do and explore. One of the big highlights is whale watching.

The meat of this large mammal can be found on almost every menu in this country.

View of Harpa concert and conference center from the old harbour.

City center

Panorama of the city and the largest church in Iceland

Central Reykjavík seen from…

… the top of Hallgrímskirkja Church.

Colorful rooftops line Reykjavík.

Approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Reykjavik is the famous Blue Lagoon, a place that you don’t want to miss. Set in the pure heart of the Icelandic landscape, it offers a complete spa experience. The warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulphur and bathing is reputed to help some people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis. I felt too cold to go swimming but the scenery itself has been worth the visit.

Now, I am off to see some geysers and more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht