Sandra‘s Closet

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

Yesterday, I had a crazy and fun night out in Shanghai. After all those meetings during the day, I was starving and couldn’t wait to go for dinner. The weather here is boiling hot and very humid, day and night. So, I went back to my hotel for a quick change and to refresh myself a little before hitting the road on the famous Bund.

My look: Denim vest by Forever 21, white crochet top by Guess, pants by Blumarine, sequined clutch by Victoria’s Secret, scarf by Maison Scotch, Jezebel fluo coral pumps (love them!) by Minna Parikka and gold lace cuff by Bonnie Star.

For dinner, I went to Mr & Mrs Bund by Shanghai-famous chef Paul Pairet, a place that I can absolutely recommend. Great food in a stylish ambiance. Afterwards, I just had to walk up the stairs to the next floor, home to Bar Rouge, one of the best nightclubs and lounges in the Chinese metropole. Being outside, with stunning views of Pudong, it is the place to see and be seen. The bartenders literally set the bar on fire.

I am off now to Xian and hope that I will still have internet connection to keep you posted…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Once more, Miuccia Prada and her team has come up with something unexpected and tasteful for the latest Miu Miu F/W 2013 ad campaign. The models have been photographed by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin against a flat cardboard-like background. Those surreal shots show the amazing runway collection in perfection.

MODELS: Katlin Aas, Emily DiDonato, Daphne Groeneveld, Georgia May Jagger, Adriana Lima, Marina Nery, Hind Sahli, Anne Verhallen, Lindsey Wixson
LOCATION: New York, May 1st – 4th 2013

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

Yesterday, I had a day filled with interesting meetings. In between, I found the time to visit the iconic Bund, one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai. The waterfront area, which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River, refers to the buildings and wharves on this section of the road, as well as some adjacent areas. Facing Pudong, I was overwhelmed by the stunning views of the skyline. The Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, the city’s distinctive landmark, is just breathtaking.

My look: Eyespy cut out printed dress by Tibi,coral Pashli medium leather bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim, criss-cross ankle strap sandals by Miu Miu, Apophis cuff by Saint Laurent and floral sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

Happy 4th of July to my American readers. I still remember how much fun I had last year in Maui celebrating that special day…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I took the train from Beijing to Shanghai which was a very fun adventure. First of all, getting all my luggage down to the platform was an even bigger challenge than finding my way around. In contrast to our stations, only travellers with a valid ticket are allowed there.

You might be wondering what I was wearing. Karl Lagerfeld once said: “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.” Mr Lagerfeld, I think that you have never been on a Chinese train. But I have to admit that it feels a little like you have lost control over your life… especially after a 5 hours ride. However the first class looks amazing, more like being on a plane.

My look: Pink cashmere hooded top, matching track pants (both 50% off) and tee, all three by Juicy Couture, GOrun ride 2 running shoes by Skechers.

I am staying at the brand-new extremely beautiful Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai. More photos coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Beijing main station

My ticket, my Victorinox luggage and my Rodtnes bag (great for travelling).

The high-speed train

First class interior

Lunch box in the train

First impression of Shanghai, I love it!

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Throw out your razor and forget about tweezing to get rid of your unwanted hair. Those products below offer professional hair removal at home and it works!

VEET – Easywax™ Electrical Roll-On and Refills

This innovative self-heating wax system comes with a roll-on applicator for salon wax results at home. Formulated with the same ingredients as the waxes used in beauty salons, it removes hair from the root at first application, and is effective on hair as short as 2mm. It works well for all skin types including sensitive. Skin remains impeccably smooth for up to 4 weeks.

The application is extremely easy, the wax rolls smoothly over the skin in an even layer and you can take off the hair easily with the strips. Afterwards my legs feel really soft. It’s definitely better than shaving, legs stay smoother for longer and you don’t have to keep worrying about it. The only disadvantage is that you need to let the hair grow in a little bit to be able to remove it.

Veet Easywax™ Electrical Roll-On – CHF 29.90
Veet Easywax™  Sensitive Refill – Legs & Arms – CHF 15.90
Veet Easywax™ Refill – Bikini & Underam – CHF 15.90

BRAUN – Silk-épil 7 SkinSpa Epilation & Sonic Exfoliation System

I love this product: A wet & dry epilator that comes with an innovative exfoliation brush. You get two beauty treatments in one device for touchably smoother and visibly more radiant skin. The epilator removes shortest, finest hairs for up to 4 weeks of smooth skin. That’s longlastingness shaving can’t match. The exfoliation brush removes dead skin cells with massaging micro-vibrations to bring out your natural skin glow. For results comparable to professional exfoliation. You will thank me forever!

Available for CHF 245.00.

DECLEOR – Aroma Epil Expert Post-Wax Double Action Gel

A great addition to your hair removal routine is this new product. The post-wax cream is specifically designed to soothe sensitive areas (eyebrows, lips, bikini line and underarms) after hair removal to ensure the skin stays smooth and soft, without irritation. Applied daily the nourishing cream works to slow down hair regrowth, with a 92% reduction in hair re-growth after 6 days, optimising your removal sessions whilst maintaining silky skin for longer. Suitable for all skin types.

Available for CHF 22.00.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht