Sandra‘s Closet

Last Wednesday, I was invited by Louis Vuitton in Zurich for a style night in collaboration with annabelle magazine to celebrate an iconic bag: the NOÉ.

The Zurich store last Wednesday

Everybody knows the Noé. In strictly chronological terms, it is the second oldest Louis Vuitton iconic daily bag, its birth date of 1932 placing it at the start of an exceptional decade that saw the creation of the Speedy, the Alma and the Keepall.

In spirit, however, Noé is as young as any bag around, still tinged with the carefree air of those newly liberated women who wore short skirts, shorter hair and carried it – just so – swinging from their shoulder.

At the event: Daniella Gurtner (Fashion Director annabelle) framed by Anna-Christina Raab to the right and me to the left wearing the new Noé BB in citron

The story of its creation? Well, that’s the stuff of legend. Looking for a stylish way to transport his valuable vintages, a champagne producer placed a special order with Gaston-Louis Vuitton. He designed a timelessly simple bucket shape, which could hold four bottles upright and a fifth upside down, secured with a supple leather drawstring. He called the bag Noé – in reference, it is said, to the biblical hero who, when he left the Ark after the Flood, planted vines on the mountains of Ararat.

The original Noé was crafted from natural leather, pale gold like the champagne it was destined to carry, and light as its exuberant ribbons of bubbles. Since then, Noé has appeared in many guises – most famously, of course, Louis Vuitton’s emblematic Monogram canvas, which by the 1960s could at last be made supple enough to do justice to the bag’s generous forms.

Petit Noé in indigo, fuchsia and piment

Today, Noé and its cousin Petit Noé can be found in a myriad incarnations, from Damier Azur to colourful Epi leather – each time different, yet still, somehow, the same.

Florence Amiguet (Store Manager Louis Vuitton Zurich) with a selection of the new Noé BB

So, everybody knows Noé. But now there is a new Noé: Noé BB. Irresistibly cute, unmistakeably contemporary, a diminutive replica of the original which comes with its own innovation: an extra-long shoulder strap that enables it to be slung casually across the body.

Noé BB in Monogram and Damier Azur

In Monogram or Damier Azur canvas and candy-bright Epi, Noé BB is just waiting to be discovered by a new generation. Will it, one day, like its larger namesake, be handed down from mother to daughter, its distinctive drawstring symbolic of an enduring bond of elegance?
Noé, Petit Noé, Noé BB. The legend lives on.

Noé BB in figue and citron

And while you are reading this, I am already off for a new adventure with Louis Vuitton in Munich…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht

Today is Earth Day 2013, that aims to inspire awareness of and appreciation for earth’s environment. To honour that special day, Kiehl’s turns the spotlight on two amazing initiatives: their popular “recycle and be rewarded” loyalty eco-program (If you return three empty Kiehl’s packages, you will get a Kiehl’s lipbalm for free. In case that you bring back 10 finished products, you will get a full size 250ml shower gel.) and the limited edition Eco Bag Blanda Eggenschwiler. Kiehl’s donates the total proceeds (CHF 9.000.-) of the sale of this organic cotton bag (limited to 500 pieces) to the bioRe® Foundation.

Blanda is not only the girlfriend of Joe Jonas (Jones Brothers) but also a very talented graphic designer from Zurich who is living in NYC. Representing the perfect mixture of Swiss art and New York lifestyle, the stunning beauty has created the very cute fabric tote that will be available in all Kiehl’s stores in Switzerland Mid May for CHF 18.00.

Great news for my Swiss based readers: Here is your chance to win one of five limited edition Eco Bags that were signed by Blanda Eggenschwiler.

To win, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Kiehl’s” to .

All entries must be received until May 1, 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: Via Teen.com and © Sandra Bauknecht

To start your day as energizing as possible, choose beauty products with uplifting scents and powerful ingredients. Oranges are definitely part of a healthy eating plan, with their high amount of vitamin C. The significant antioxidant properties of this fruit are amazing and also used in the beauty industry.

Not so healthy, but extremely yummy is blood orange jelly (see photo above to the left: Blutorangen-Marmelade available in Switzerland at Globus for CHF 5.90). At the moment, my favourite breakfast treat at the weekend…

EAU DES BIENFAITS Fragrant Body Mist by Roger & Gallet

Nourish and scent your body with this stimulating treatment fragrance of essential oils and natural active ingredients that hydrate and soften the skin. Inspired by the journey to the heart of an Italian garden, the Eau des Bienfaits fragrance includes a reviving dose of blood orange essential oil which is combined in harmony with mandarin, bergamot and lemon.
Perfect for hot summer days!

Available from June 2013 for CHF 48.00 (100ml).

Aqua Allegoria NEROLIA BIANCA by Guerlain

The latest addition to Guerlain’s famous Aqua Allegoria range is according to in-house perfumer Thierry Wasser, a fragrance that evokes a nap in the shade of an orange tree.

CITRUS – FLORAL
Top notes: Petitgrain, bitter orange and peppermint
Middle notes: Neroli, orange blossom and ylang-ylang
Base notes: Musk, white amber and cedar

Available as Eau de Toilette for CHF 109.00 (125ml).

GOMMAGE VISAGE Radiance-Boosting Face Scrub by Bourjois
Bamboo beads & orange pulp

Bamboo beats are often used in Asia as they help exfoliating your skin in a delicate way. Thanks to the orange pulp, the product comes with a beautiful scent which makes it fun to use. Suitable for all skin types. A great face scrub for less money.

Available for CHF 8.90 (75ml).

ORANGE BLOSSOM ENERGIZER by Annemarie Börlind

This 2-phase skin care composition with valuable first-pressing botanical oils and blossom extracts helps skin to regain firmness and vitality. It stimulates the formation of collagen while providing intensive moisture for long-lasting results. The special mix of vitamins protects from free radicals and slows down skin aging caused by environmental factors.

Available for CHF 26.50 (50ml).

LoL, Sandra

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

Greetings from Sigtuna where I am at the moment. It is the oldest city in Sweden, having been founded in 980. The tiny town has such a picturesque beautiful medieval centre with restaurants, cafes and small shops that I felt like being at a movie set. The old church ruins, runic stones and “Stora Gatan” (Main Street) are must-sees, along with the city hall, Sigtuna Rådhus, and of course the shore of Lake Mälarena.

My look: Royal blue velvet coat and stretch-leather skinny pants both by Gucci, cashmere and silk-blend sweater by Miu Miu, leopard-print scarf by Louis Vuitton, ankle boots by Prada and Mini Boston bag by Céline.

For dinner, I went to the lovely 1909 Sigtuna Stadshotell which I can only recommend.

Today, I am off to Stockholm… totally excited! Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, Montblanc hosted a gala evening at the Park Hyatt Zurich to present their ‘Signature for Good’ 2013 campaign to the Swiss audience. I was kindly ask to come on stage to speak about this wonderful initiative and to share some of my most impressive moments during the Montblanc Pre-Oscar Charity Brunch at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles.

My look: Embellished dragon-print silk-cady dress by Emilio Pucci, Catwalk patent leather bag with crocodile print and bow-embellished patent-leather pumps by Saint Laurent, 4810 hoop earrings in pink gold with diamonds by Montblanc, Tank Americaine watch in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier and Gran Gala tights with gold shimmer by Fogal.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Something for my Swiss and German based readers: 
The May issue of SI Style magazine featuring my monthly fashion column is available now. This time, I tell you why I am so in love with Los Angeles and how much fun I had at Montblanc’s Pre-Oscar ‘Signature for Good’ charity brunch. For further information on the look, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here in Zurich, we have been anxiously awaiting for the flowers to bloom and the sun to shine. Finally, spring is here and you might be in the mood to look for a new scent. Roses are offering a modern twist on tradition and floral motifs have served as the main themes for some of the new fragrance launches .

Here are my three favourites highlighting the light and soft aspect of a rose, enhanced by feminine fruity notes. I hope that you will enjoy my mini-reviews for you.

EAU DE CARTIER Goutte de Rose

For Spring 2013, Cartier has launched a flanker to their best-selling Eau de Cartier from 2001, with the beautiful name Goutte de Rose. It is a bright and joyful fragrance, infused with the delicacy of a freshly picked garden rose, created by the French Maison’s in-house perfumer, Mathilde Laurent.

FLORAL
Top notes: Rose and yuzu
Middle notes: Violet, mulberry and litchi
Base notes: Cedarwood and lemon

Available as Eau de Toilette for CHF 65.00 (50ml), CHF 97.00 (100ml) and CHF 127.00 (200ml).

BALENCIAGA L’Eau Rose

The French fashion house’s newest flanker retains the iconic chypre character and violet accord of the original Balenciaga fragrance rom 2010. By adding luminous floral and fruity accords, the fragrance goes in a beautiful refreshing direction.

CHYPRE FLORAL
Top notes: Blackberry
Middle notes: Patchouli, rose and violet
Base notes: Musk, cedar and cypress

Available as Eau de Toilette for CHF 115.00 (50ml) and CHF 139.00 (100ml).
In Switzerland exclusively at Marionnaud.

pureDKNY A Drop of Rose

I have been enjoying the third fragrance in the pureDKNY series, quite much. The emphasis is on including roses that have been grown and harvested with care in the Turkish Isparta Valley by supporting CARE, an organisation helping lift women around the world out of poverty. The bottle is 100% recycable and the packaging is biodegradable as well. This scent is more than a fragrance – a state of mind, a way of being.

FLORAL
Top notes: Blackcurrant and Turkish rose
Middle notes: Magnolia and verbena
Base notes: Cedar and vanilla

Available as Eau de Parfum for CHF 59.00 (30ml), CHF 89.00 (50ml) and CHF 123.00 (100ml).
Body Butter CHF 57.00 (200ml) and Body Wash CHF 45.00 (200ml).

Wouldn’t one of this fragrances be a lovely surprise for Mother’s Day?! For more rosy gift ideas, have a look at this post.

LoL, Sandra

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

Here is the look that I wore to the Forte_Forte “10” presentation at Vestibule.
I am completely in love with 3.1 Phillip Lim’s S/S 2013 collection, such cool and easy-to-wear pieces.

I Heart Nueva York cotton-jersey tank, printed silk skirt with trompe d’oeil shirt sleeves tied around the waist and Pashli two-tone mini shark embossed leather satchel, all three by 3.1 Phillip Lim, black leather biker jacket and Janis leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent, earrings and ring, both by Chanel, graphic floral sunglasses by Prada and colourful elastics by Scoopy Loop (Those new trend bands from L.A. are also great for tying your hair).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Are you dreaming of this healthy sun-kissed glow that we have been missing the last months? Would you like to give your complexion the taste of more exotic climes? Like Natalia Vodianova, who stars in Guerlain‘s newest ad campaign for the TERRACOTTA COLLECTION 2013, you can achieve this radiant look with the help of these amazing new products:

The cult bronzing powder: TERRACOTTA 4 SEASONS

One Terracotta product is sold somewhere in the world every 20 seconds. Often imitated but never equalled, its secret formula strikes a subtle balance between color and transparency, creating a flawless natural look that lasts all day. Thanks to its four different shades, you can customize your natural-looking glow.

Available in six different shades for CHF 94.00 each.

THE NO-FAIL “3” GESTURE TO APPLY THE BRONZING POWDER
to create a three-week tan in three seconds

Beauty tip from Olivier Echaudemaison, Guerlain’s Creative Director

“Using the special Terracotta bronzing powder retractable brush, apply your Terracotta powder by tracing a figure “3” on each side of the fee: from the forehead down towards the cheeks, then down along the jaw line to the chin and down the neck. For the finishing touch, take a little more Terracotta powder with your brush and sweep it over the raised areas of the face, the places that catch the sun most – the forehead, nose, cheekbones and chin. The result is an instant glow.”

Glow-enhancing perfector: TERRACOTTA SKIN

Delivering the corrective coverage of a foundation with the sheerness of a Terracotta powder, this powdery cream allows for a flawless complexion in one step. The formula is composed of soft-focus elastic particles which reflect light in all directions making enlarged pores, fine lines and other imperfections less noticeable, giving a matt and velvety finish.

Available in three shades, Nude (new), Blondes and Brunettes for CHF 69.00 (30ml) each.

The secret to creating a sun-kissed glow: TERRACOTTA SUN SCRUB

Effective for all stages of tanning, this scrub not only prepares skin for tanning but helps it retain its sun-kissed look longer. The secret to its success lies in the formula, comprised of three different particles. Upon contact with water, those transform the oil-based gel into a body milk which helps to remove dead cells, massaging the skin and leaving it satin-smooth, the perfect condition for the perfect uniform sun-kissed glow.

Available for CHF 78.00 (150ml) – Limited Edition

The perfect illusion: TERRACOTTA SUNLESS and TERRACOTTA JAMBES DE GAZELLE

Remarkable both for their ultra-penetrating texture, those products offer the illusion of an instant tan in only one hour that lasts four days, for a healthy glow that looks truer than life.

I especially adore Terracotta Jambes de Gazelle that is lightly scented with the fragrance of tiare flower, this tinted spray mist refreshes the legs and leaves them feeling relaxed. Drying instantly, it provides beautiful legs without any risk of clothing stain (great news) or product transfer, yet washes off with soap and water. Perfect for bare legs who haven’t seen the sun yet!

Terracotta Sunless is available for CHF 72.00 (150ml) – Limited Edition
Terracotta Jambe de Gazelle for CHF 78.00 (100ml)

The right sun protection: TERRACOTTA SUN – BLONDES SPF 30 & BRUNETTES SPF 15

This little tube is Guerlain’s most elegant sun protection product, working for face and body, it means you can travel light. Like a bodyguard on alert, it protects the skin from the sun’s rays and from polluting particles in the environment, chlorine, cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes, which helps to restore the skin’s glow and beauty.

Available for CHF 62.00 (110ml) – Limited Edition

Tan booster: TERRACOTTA SUN SERUM

This remarkable 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.

Available for CHF 72.00 (28ml) – Limited Edition

To come to a conclusion, I have tried all of those products and find them just amazing! Enjoy the beautiful sunshine!

YOU CAN SHOP THE TERRACOTTA COLLECTION 2013 HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain

Salvatore Ferragamo‘s S/S 2013 collection is super luxe with some beautiful pieces in must-have pastel colors. Celebrate yourself with a look that will make heads turn: Turquoise linen blazer, apricot silk dress and leather Sookie tote, all by Salvatore Ferragamo and Dolly suede platform pumps by Charlotte Olympia.

The house of Salvatore Ferragamo knows how to make fashion desirable and the same goes for their fragrances. Be a different Signorina every day with the new joyful SIGNORINA Eau de Toilette.

FLORAL FRUITY
Top notes: Grapefruit and litchi
Heart notes: Rose oil and rice steam
Base notes: Milk mousse and cashmeran
Eau de Toilette CHF 59.00 (30ml), CHF 89.00 (50ml) and CHF 119.00 (100ml)

Great news for my Swiss readers: Five lucky readers have the chance to win a 30ml bottle of SIGNORINA Eau de Toilette by Salvatore Ferragamo. Send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Signorina” to .

All entries must be received until April 26, 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 Salvatore Ferragamo and Charlotte Olympia