Sandra‘s Closet

The colour vermilion is nowadays commonly called ‘China red’. The perfect hue to be worn in Sanya, where I am at the moment. The South China Sea, which is part of the Pacific Ocean, is absolutely beautiful and was the perfect backdrop to take the photos.

I have truly enjoyed the last days here in paradise, no make-up, just a little lipstick, my hair not straightened, with my natural waves, just living for the moment.

My look: Louise dress, Fatal sleeves and Lucent belt, all three by Wolford, hat by H&M and Melt black powder pumps by Minna Parikka.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Looking at those pictures, I have to admit that I am becoming a little homesick. Before I left for China, I was invited by a lovely friend to join a chocolate party at the LINDT factory in Kilchberg, Switzerland. You can rent the chocolate studio for 20 people and more to create some yummy treats.

The Maîtres Chocolatiers, real masters of their craft, were welcoming our group and helped us to make a LINDT chocolate bear and some amazing pralines. Every single detail counts when it comes to creating the finest chocolate and I had a real blast decorating my sweets. Bon appétit!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

In the beginning of July while I was travelling through China, Chloé unveiled at the Hôtel de Miramion in Paris the amazing new fragrance Roses de Chloé, a celebration of the flower of love in the heart of the city of lights. The rose was already a key ingredient of the fragrance signature, launched in 2008.

Now, it has been reinterpreted, in the form of a Damascena rose essence. Reminiscent of a walk down the Parisian rose gardens, the sensual new scent includes bergamot, magnolia, white musk and amber.

In Switzerland available from August 22, 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chloé (Coty Prestige)

Here is my last look from Luisaviaroma‘s Firenze4Ever style lab shot at the bar of the Helvetia Bristol hotel in Florence. I am completely in love with Givenchy’s F/W 2013 collection (think about that gorgeous Bambi sweater…), a little punk, a little grunge all with a certain flair.

To order, just click on the highlighted text.

My look: Wool grain de poudre coat with golden details and sequined printed cotton fleece long sweatshirt, both by Givenchy, So Nice earrings by Reminiscence, calfskin metal plaque booties by Giuseppe Zanotti and studded backpack by MCM.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tommaso Fontanella

Don’t we all would love to see the world through rose-coloured glasses, so here is an idea, what about rose-trimmed sunglasses? I had been drooling over those stunning Dolce & Gabbana floral shades for a while and couldn’t wait to get my hands on them.

If you don’t want to spend that much money on a pair of eye-catchers, why not DIYing them yourself? All you will need is a pair of sunglasses, a variety of ceramic roses and flowers (available at art supply stores), some popsicle sticks and toothpicks, plus hot glue.

Just be careful to use a small amount of hot glue when applying the flowers and to let it dry thoroughly. I like to press the embellishments with the help of a popsicle stick firmly on the shades. Enjoy this fun DIY project and of course your new sunglasses. You won’t go unnoticed this summer!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Ad Photo: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

Les Plus Dorés is the small New York-based label making a big impact. Its football jersey-inspired T-shirts sporting the names of the industry’s best and brightest designers are a sell-out sensation. Philo, Wang, Tisci – which team will you choose?

I have pledged my allegiance to team Jacobs. All tees are stamped with each designer’s year of birth, the most stylish way to work the sports luxe trend.

TO SHOP LPD, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of LPD, © Sebastian Kim

During this year’s Art Basel, Annette Weber (Instyle), Sue Giers (Closed) & Jenny Falckenberg (Unique Art Concepts) invited me for a very special dining experience to Pret A Diner, a pop-up restaurant at the Elizabethan Church in Basel. Located in the heart of the Swiss city, this neo-Gothic church was transformed into a space of sensory excellence and we enjoyed the creations of Michelin-starred chef Tim Raue. The location reminded me a lot of the amazing dinner I had with Luisaviaroma at a church in Florence a year ago.

German magazine Bunte wrote about the evening and called me a style icon, thanks for that! If you like my look, please click here for the previous post with all the details.

Lovely Sue Giers (Closed) with me

The amazing location at the Elizabethan church

Old buddies: Sanjiv Singh (Lacoste), Fabien Mollet-Viéville (MelonDistrict) and my humble self.

A warm hug from Jenny Falckenberg

My German peers: Thorleif Griess-Nega (Instyle Men) and Inka Marnette (Instyle, Bunte)

Me with EVA & ADELE who claim to be a living artwork.

Speaking of which, I would like to show my two favourite masterpieces spotted at this year’s Art Basel: Sylvie Fleurie‘s “Kelly Bag” and Jani Leinonen‘s amazing art work which has been fascinating me since many years.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Finally, Clarisonic – the US beauty obession – has hit the Swiss market. Whenever I was in the States, I had been arguing with myself if I should get this hyped skin cleansing tool or not. I never did, a huge mistake!

In April, I attended the press conference held at the HautZentrum Zürich and was truly impressed by this new technology. Coming from the creators of the Sonicare® toothbrush, Clarisonic has changed the way I cleanse my skin.

Taking off my make-up all of a sudden has become a lot of fun, like a 60 seconds daily spa treatment. The sonic frequency moves this easy-to-use device‘s soft, gentle brush back and forth at more than 300 times per second, thoroughly clearing my pores and skin surface.

Here are some of the benefits this revolutionary skincare tool delivers:
– Removes makeup six times better than traditional methods in just 60 seconds.
– Clears pores and reduces the appearance of pore size.
– Cleanses so thoroughly that skincare products absorb better.
– Creates noticeably healthier-looking skin.

One feature I adore is the Clarisonic Body Brush Head which takes sonic cleansing beyond the face to gently cleanse and exfoliate, smooth rough, dry patches, ideal for use on the décolleté, hands, arms, elbows, and feet. It firms, and smoothes the skin, delivering radiant, silky-soft results.

In Switzerland, Clarisonic is available exclusively at Marionnaud.

FACE: Clarisonic MIA 2™ Skin Cleansing System for CHF 189.00
A travel-friendly, professional-quality skincare brush with two speeds.

FACE & BODY: Clarisonic PLUS Sonic Skin Cleansing System for CHF 289.00
An enhanced Clarisonic® Plus system with a third speed along with a Body Brush Head.

Replacement Brush Head for CHF 29.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clarisonic

Cycling amongst the countless lotus fields and green peaks of Guangxi province in Southern China, I experienced a beauty so unique it has inspired painters and poets for centuries. Passing the minority villages, I got up close and personal with people in their everyday lives. I even went with my bike on a river raft. This cycle adventure is rural China at its absolute best!

My look: Printed tee by Happiness is a 10$ Tee, sunglasses by Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN and pants by Casall.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is the second look from my Firenze4Ever style lab with Luisaviaroma, shot at the Helvetia Bristol hotel in Florence. This one is actually my favourite outfit. I adore this amazing custom-made gown by Fausto Puglisi. The thigh-high slit is so sexy, revealing a lot of leg and combined with the headpiece, that you have to carry gracefully, it is all about drama.

To order just click on the highlighted text below:

My look: Embroidered tartan and wool crepe gown by Fausto Puglisi, ultra high suede platform pumps and red jeweled nappa leather clutch, both by Giuseppe Zanotti, mask with feathers by Idriss Guelai Atelier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tommaso Fontanella