Sandra‘s Closet

Three new flankers for summer have hit the shelves, all telling the story of love, with all the excitement, intoxicating attraction and euphoric feeling of these first moments. Those magic seconds when he is the only one are captured in a bottle. New scents that the skin can no longer do without, inspired by the sensations of a first kiss, a forbidden love, love at first sight and all the other moments that accelerate your pulse.

AMOR AMOR IN A FLASH by CACHAREL

A true love potion, this luscious oriental fragrance created by Pierre Negrin, encapsulates the excitement of love at first sight.

FLORAL FRUITY

Top notes: Red apple, mandarin orange and apricot
Middle notes: Cinnamon and jasmine
Base notes: Vanilla, sandalwood and caramel

Available as Eau de Toilette for CHF 55.90 (30ml), CHF 83.50 (50ml) and CHF 114.80 (80ml).

L’AMOUR FOU Eau de Toilette by EMANUEL UNGARO

The new 2013 Eau de Toilette flanker of the 2012 launched Eau de Parfum concentration is adapted to the sunny days of the year, a softer and more romantic version of the original, designed by Véronique Nyberg.

ORIENTAL FLORAL

Top notes: Black currant, toffee apple and pink pepper
Middle notes: Violet, rose and peony petals
Base notes: Musk, orris and vanilla

Available as Eau de Toilette for CHF 59.00 (30ml), CHF 79.00 (50ml) and CHF 119.00 (100ml).

AURA BY SWAROVSKI LOVE COLLECTION

This season, Swarovski is launching a new very sensual interpretation of the original perfume Aura from 2011, created by perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin with a beautiful floral-woody-musky trail.

FLORAL WOODY MUSK

Top notes: Physalis and freesia
Middle notes: Lily and rose
Base notes: White musk and sandalwood

Available as Eau de Toilette Légère for CHF 73.00 (50ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands

In Shanghai, I stayed at the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai, a temple of luxury. Located on the banks of the Huangpu River, the hotel offers amazing views of the famous Bund. The moment you step through the door, you feel the peaceful environment and are taken by the impressive art collection. 4000 original artworks are on display throughout the public spaces and guestrooms.

In the entry hall, a gigantic mosaic by leading Chinese artist Miao Tong welcomes the distinguished guests.

On my arrival, I was warmly welcomed by the lovely team. I stayed in one of the amazing 44 suites that combine Oriental style with contemporary furniture perfectly. The gorgeous interior design can also be found in the other 318 guestrooms.

All accommodations feature a large executive desk, an espresso machine, a traditional teapot with Jing teas and a minibar.

My spacious marble bathroom was to die for. Laying in the circular bathtub, I watched TV while gazing out across the city’s iconic skyline. The amenities are by sought-after London based perfumer Ormonde Jayne that I adore.

I was also invited to view Shanghai’s largest and most expensive Presidential Suite. Spanning 788 square metres, it features two private sky gardens, separate areas for dining, entertaining, meeting and resting. In addition, the large bathroom includes a two-metre Jacuzzi and steam room, plus a private gym and spa treatment room. Famous Chinese actor Jackie Chan was one of the first guests staying in this suite.

The hotel offers many different essential dining options for business and leisure. Celebrity chefs spoil their guests in six superb restaurants and bars, all equipped with outdoor seating facilities.

The Riviera Lounge is a great place to enjoy your afternoon tea.

At Zest restaurant, breakfast is served.

Shanghai chef Tony Lu serves authentic Jiang Nan cuisine at the Yong Yi Ting restaurant.

Yong Yi Ting also offers a Chef’s Table with a show kitchen for special degustation meals and cooking demonstrations. Famous German chef Alfons Schuhbeck had just been here to learn more about this traditional Chinese cuisine.

The hotel is also a great choice for events with a versatile range of rooms including a ballroom that can seat up to 500 guests. I was very impressed by the showroom for special celebrations where all sorts of chairs, china, tableware and party themes are thoughtfully displayed.

The Mandarin Cake Shop

I spent one entire afternoon at the spa and gym of the hotel. It is the perfect place to rejuvenate your body and mind, a becalming oasis of Zen. The butterfly is the muse for the interior design, a symbol of beauty and change in Chinese culture.

The 13 treatment suites are named “butterfly” in different world languages, including Mariposa (Spanish), Papillon (French), Kupu-Kupu (Indonesian), and Euthalia (Greek).

A spectular 25-metre indoor pool along with a vitality and children’s pool is open 24 hours along with a gym featuring a large range of Technogym equipment.

I can absolutely recommend the Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai. The team did everything to make my stay unforgettable and as convenient as possible. A jewel of Shanghai!

LoL, Sandra

Photos used for the collages: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental.
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While you are reading this, I am on my way to Guilin. After those amazing days of relaxation in sweats and sneakers, it was time to put my heels back on. At least for a few hours…

My look: Pedal Star skinny jeans with Asia print (also available in a cropped version), linen knit cardigan and matching top, all three by Closed, ultraviolet Serpenti shoulder bag by Bvlgari (also available in beige), Melt black powder pumps by Minna Parikka, sunglasses by Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN and bangles by Sal y Limon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Sunday, I flew from Xian to Kunming (Tianjin Airlines) and from there to Lijiang (China Southern Airlines), at the foot of the Himalayas, very close to Tibet. It was a very long journey with some bizarre moments, as for example the pilot of the first plane sat next to me to eat his lunch during the flight. I have to admit that I had no idea what to expect and have been overwhelmed by the beauty of this peaceful spot.

Admist the breathtaking scenery of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, I restored my inner peace, regained energy by doing lots of sports, cleared my head and inspired my soul.

I strolled through the old town and explored its ethnic charm, historical milieu and architectural landscape. Regarded as the Venice of the Orient with its dizzying array of water canals, quaint bridges and cobble-stoned streets, Lijiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Located in Yunnan province, Lijiang is an hour’s drive from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a sacred sanctuary which has protected the ethnic minorities and their unique cultures since ancient times. The landscape and the mountains reminded me a lot of Switzerland and Bavaria. It is also home to the longest golf course in the world (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club).

An absolute must is to see the Dongba Valley, home and livelihood of Naxi people. Traditional houses of Naxi are open to visit. A trekking route leads through the forest, with memorials for extinct species, a set of temples with huge Buddha statues, and the peace garden, filled with wind chimes. The people were extremely friendly and I enjoyed every second of being there.

I had an amazing time in Lijiang. Soon, I will be off to Guilin with Lucky Air, wish me luck!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

San Francisco by OPI brings West Coast flair directly to your nails and toes for F/W 2013.

The new collection features 12 nail polishes in shades of sky and sea-colored hues of blues and gray to reds, burgundies and browns inspired by some of the city’s most iconic elements – Chinatown, the Golden Gate bridge and the Embarcadero, along with three limited edition Liquid Sand™ shades.

San Francisco by OPI includes the following 12 shades that will stay permanently:
A-Piers to Be Tan – I shore do like this chocolaty tan.
Dining al Frisco – Just feast your eyes on this fresh-air blue!
Haven’t the Foggiest – Can’t tell you why I love this misty gray…I just do!
Peace & Love & OPI – This holographic sage and eggplant is far out!
Keeping Suzi at Bay – There’s no holding back this assertive navy blue.
Incognito in Sausalito – You better keep this almost-black blue under wraps.
Lost on Lombard – Oh garn-et! I’m all turned around!
I Knead Sour-Dough – Are you bready to wear this toasty warm brown?
Muir Muir on the Wall – This trailblazing plum is the fairest of all.
In the Cable Car-Pool Lane – Good golly, Miss Trolley, this rich burgundy takes me away!
Embarca-Dare Ya! – Betcha can’t pass up this marvelous magenta.
First Date at the Golden Gate – You and me and this shimmery ruby make three.

The three limited Liquid Sand™ nail lacquers (should always be worn without top coat) are:
It’s All San Andreas’s Fault – I’d move mountains to get this textured earthy taupe!
Wharf! Wharf! Wharf! – Dog-gone it…fetch me that textured matte blue!
Alcatraz…Rocks – There’s no escaping this arresting textured gray.

My favourite shade: Alcatraz…Rocks

The collection will be available in Switzerland starting July 25, 2013 for CHF 23.90 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht

After all those posts from China in my sneakers, I thought that it is time again for some sophistication. Here is the first post about my Firenze4Ever Style Lab for F/W 2013 with Luisaviaroma. Since one of my favourite designers, Fausto Puglisi (click here for a previous post), has taken up the reigns at Emanuel Ungaro last year, I am in love with the collection.

All items can be ordered by clicking on the highlighted text below.

My look: Printed cady single button jacket and matching polka dot draped skirt, both by Emanuel Ungaro, waxed heavy lycra sweatshirt by MSGM, Rockstud black nappa leather bag by Valentino and star studded suede cage sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tommaso Fontanella

Here is Nicole Kidman‘s stunning new ad campaign for Jimmy Choo.

The sexy pictures were shot by Mikael Jansson. The famous actress, wearing a short red wig, stars as a sultry, mysterious femme fatale modeling some drool-worthy shoes from classic pumps to lattice booties and a pair of over-the-knee must-haves combined with handbags and accessories from the brand’s new F/W 2013 line. I love it and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jimmy Choo

Yesterday I went an hour by car east of Xi’an to the Shaanxi province, where the famous Terracotta Army or the “Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses” can be seen. The collection of sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, was only discovered in 1974 by coincidence by a group of farmers when they were digging a water well a little further away of the Qin Emperor’s tomb mound at Mount Li (Lishan). The terracotta figures are life-sized and vary in height, uniform and hairstyle. Only a section of the site is presently excavated. It is a very impressive sightseeing spot that was truly worth visiting.

My look: Pink hot pants by Abercrombie & Fitch, the “Zurich” tee I designed for Closed and sneakers by Nike.

Today, I am flying to Lijiang, located in Yunnan province, the so-called Venice of the Orient. Stay tuned for more coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I flew with Shanghai Airlines to Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province, and one of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history. It was a very bumpy ride and I was very happy when I arrived safely.

Xi’an is perhaps most famed as the home of the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (post coming up tomorrow) and for its rich cultural heritage, but the city is also increasingly known as a center of high-tech development. Here, antiquity meets modernity and you can still see and enjoy the “old China”.  Xi’an has a large number of colleges and universities and its future is very promising. Below you can enjoy the places you must see when in town and some of my favourite moments.

The City Wall of Xi’an is the most complete one that has survived in China.

An icon of Xi’an, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists.

Another important landmark in Xi’an is the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Its top was partly destroyed by an earthquake.

No matter where in the world, it’s all about love…

I also visited the muslim quarter in Xi’an. The Beiyuanmen Muslim Market, which is great for souvenirs and food, is the perfect choice after you have finished your sightseeing tour in the city center.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Challenge the sun and get a sun-kissed and healthy glow with the help of those products.
(Maze bag by Maison Mollerus).

Preparation is the key:
INNEOV SUN SENSITIVITY CAPSULES 30

Used before sun exposure, this breakthrough probiotic helps to protect the skin from the harmful UV rays, as a complement to sun protection cream. It works from the inside out, consumed orally as a nutritional supplement, rather than applied topically like a lotion. In the body, it creates tiny amounts of health-promoting substances that circulate in the blood stream, activating the skin’s natural immune defenses, which consequently helps prevent sun damage.

CHF 41.00 (30 capsules)

Tan booster:
GUERLAIN TERRACOTTA SUN SERUM

This remarkable limited edition serum is your loyal ally in acquiring, deepening and prolonging a tan. Adding a few drops of this honey-coloured serum to your normal skincare product will instantly transform it into a tan booster. It stimulates the natural production of melanin and is enriched with a soothing complex to moisturize and soften the skin.

CHF 72.00 (28ml)

The best high protection sunscreen for face and body:
SHISEIDO EXPERT SUN AGING PROTECTION LOTION PLUS SPF 50+

A light non-sticky very water-resistant sun protection lotion that defends against UV rays while providing skincare benefits that protect the health and beauty of the skin. Great for the face.

CHF 58.00 (100ml)

For sensitive skin who tends to have sun allergies:
LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS XL SPF 50+ Dry Touch Gel Cream

Best for sensitive skin to skin prone to sun intolerance, commonly known as sun allergies and for extreme sunshine intensity. It helps to prevent pigment spots (pregnancy, photosensitization…). Thanks to its ultra-dry finish, it leaves no white marks and no shine. Water-resistant.

CHF 29.00 (50ml)

Not only for kids:
LANCASTER COMFORT CREAM FOR CHILDREN – Wet Skin Application SPF50

This smooth, water resistant, anti-sand & tearless cream can be applied even on wet skin, without leaving traces after spreading, and provides broad-spectrum protection. It helps preserve children skin and its DNA from the negative effects of sun rays.

CHF 55.00 (125ml)

Easiest application:
BIOTHERM BRUME SOLAIRE LACTEE SPF 30

The multi-position sun mist can be sprayed on quickly and easily in any position, even upside down. It provides intense hydration for sundried skin, leaving skin protected and softened in quick-time.

CHF 24.00 (125ml)

Sun spray:
PIZ BUIN WET SKIN Transparent Sun Spray – SPF 30

Just apply this amazing spray directly on your wet skin as soon as you get out of the water, lie back, relax, and let the warmth of the sun to dry you.

CHF 24.00 (150ml)

After sun:
CLARINS AFTER SUN MOISTURIZER ULTRA-HYDRATING

The ultimate in targeted, post-sun skin care, this moisture-rich cream delivers an intense beauty treatment every time you use it. Soothing botanical extracts nourish skin while taking the sting out of the sun.

CHF 44.90 (400ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Sandra Bauknecht