Sandra‘s Closet

Futuristic fabrics are high on this new season’s designer agenda and holographic looks are having a major fashion moment for S/S 2013. It is all about “Dress to Shine”!

FASHION MEETS SPACE AGE

Christopher Kane showed his collection for S/S 2013 on a holographic catwalk and Alexander Wang turned off the lights to enlighten the special fabrics of his clothes.

Holographic sequins played a major role at Antonio Berardi…

… and Talbot Runhof.

The trendsetter this season is definitely Jonathan Saunders. His holographic pieces will be on every fashionista’s wish list.

Christopher Bailey makes us drool over his metallic shiny fabrics for Burberry Prorsum that shimmer in all shades of the rainbow.

If you cannot wait to sport the trend first, have a look at those accessories below that have just hit the shelves:

Stella McCartney and Proenza Schouler‘s sleek accessories are my favorite way to tap the trend, perfect for New Year’s Eve!

1 Holographic faux leather clutch by Stella McCartney

2 Holographic faux leather pumps by Stella McCartney
3 Holographic faux leather iPhone 4 sleeve by Stella McCartney
4 Holographic leather card holder by Proenza Schouler
5 PS11 mirrored leather wristlet clutch by Proenza Schouler

Holographic faux leather python print Falabella clutch by Stella McCartney

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Sandra Bauknecht and via Style.com

Yippie, another sale has started today and this is actually my favourite one: The NET-À-PORTER INTERNATIONAL SALE with amazing markdowns up to 50% off. As I told you in my previous post, it is much better to look for basics or pieces that will work for the next season.

Some of the big trends for S/S 2013 (as you can see in the pictures to the left) are the combination of black and white and ruffled details.

Here is a look that would be the perfect stylish addition to your summer wardrobe:

Crepe tuxedo blazer by Alexander McQueen, wool-blend and silk-chiffon dress by Giambattista Valli, large Cabas Chyc leather tote by Yves Saint Laurent, ruffle-trimmed suede pumps by Nicholas Kirkwood and splashout painted Swarovski crystal earrings by Tom Binns.

Happy Shopping by clicking HERE!

LoL, Sandra

The Mytheresa Sale has officially started today, good news is that you can enjoy up to 50% off. But be careful! Markdowns can be a tricky seduction. Opt for something basic that you can wear for many seasons to come and don’t go for the overall print everybody has already seen a zillion times and that is so last season.

Here are some great investment pieces (see collage above):

Bouclé blazer by Mulberry (a classic)
Ribbed sweater with crystal bead embellished collar by Miu Miu (very versatile)
Leather jean-style leggings by Acne (a must)
Falabella hobo bag by Stella McCartney (always stylish)
Leather ankle boots by Gianvito Rossi (an everyday essential)
Metallic scarf by Marc Jacobs (metallics will be huge for S/S 2013)

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

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Thank you, Santa, for all the fantastic presents I got this Christmas. I am truly feeling blessed. Some of the gifts were so gorgeous and fashionable that I have to share them with you.

Of course, you will see me wearing them during the next weeks and the Valentino chain link clutch just screams “Sandra”…

1 Patchwork leather envelope clutch by Chloé
2 Fabric zip laptop bag by Chanel
3 H Hobo Grande soft off-white nubuck leather bag by Hogan,
4 Wheel black pony skin loafers by Jimmy Choo

5 Limited edition clutch by Meredith Wendell for Polyvore
6 Leather pouch by Fendi
7 Horseshoe id tag with personalization by Gucci
8 ’60s inspired silk scarf “Intensity” by Dior
9 Chain link clutch by Valentino

My friend Edith has surprised me with this personalized stamp, what an awesome idea!

I just love Christmas, thank you to all for those wonderful gifts!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Finally, Christmas Eve is here and the tree has been revealed. Each season, I love to surprise my family with another colour scheme. This year, I went for white, black, silver and gold with a hint of glittering brown.

I had the idea of a “Christmas tree forest” and pulled up two, one for my daughter with lots of teddybears in gold and silver and a matching taller one for the adults, which obviously is a very girly one, with shoes and bags. (I couldn’t resist the French Christmas at Globus.)
Christmas ornaments are such a sweet surprise for a beloved friend, a lovely gift to be remembered once a year.

As you see, the trees are fake but with the white snow, I think they look pretty. Somehow, I have always felt sad for all those trees being cut down for just a few days… and such a fake one is actually pretty practical as no fir needles are coming down and it looks the same from beginning to end.

A personal tip to take your fake tree to the next level: Spritz it with Jo Malone‘s Pine & Eucalyptus Scent Surround™ Room Spray that instantly fills your home with a breath of fresh air from the woods and feel the tree come alive.

I am wishing you all a Merry X-Mas with lots of laughter, love and of course awesome presents!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I went last minute Christmas shopping. For the first time in my life, I haven’t been prepared for the festive season at all. I haven’t even written one single Holiday card. (Apologies here to all who have been expecting one). The last weeks had just been so filled with projects that everything else got delayed.

Nevertheless, Sunday shopping before Christmas Eve is pure torture, especially the food department was all about panic buying. Flat shoes and comfy clothes were essential.

My look: Coat and grey washed leather Soft Stirrup, both by Gucci, loose-fit cotton-jersey top by James Perse, Renard woven-striped leather skirt by Rag & Bone, sequined Monogram wool scarf and hat, both by Louis Vuitton (a gift from my recent trip to Gstaad with Louis Vuitton, more to be posted soon) and ruffled leather ankle boots by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I absolutely love scented candles and their calming effect. By creating a cozy atmosphere, just its glow can be comforting.
But mind, they are many differences in terms of quality and it is advisable to buy one made of good ingredients as some candles might produce smoke laced with toxins.

I recently came across CALMING PARK scented candles that are produced in Grasse, France, the world capital of perfume. They are made of organic palm wax and paraffin with a 12% perfume concentration. Their scents are absolutely gorgeous!

The classic range is available in 5 different fragrances:

CACTUS
The calming note of cactus, the pure transparece of water flowers and aloe vera on a background of precious woods.
CASHMERE
The exotic soothing trip to India, the woody notes of patchouli and cedar mingle with precious incense and myrrh balms.
FIG-BAMBOO
The cut grass, the leaves of the green fig tree and the gourmand wood notes accompanying the pure and calming bamboo.
SEQUOIA
The relaxing sandalwood note, , fresh pink berries associated with zesty notes of lime and tangerine spiced with cinnamon bark and clary sage.
SPA DE PROVENCE
The calming scents of the dew from a provencal garden, clarity leaves of green tea and fig, powdery notes of mimosa and heady jasmine on a wooden background of olive and orange leaves.

Today, you have the chance to win the very special candle L’ABSENCE that jazz sensation Melody Gardot has created in collaboration with CALMING PARK.

L’ABSENCE
The relaxing scent of lavander, the sensual notes of the ocean meet the woody notes of cedarwood, cashmere and iris, spiced up by patchouli and white musc.

To win, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Calming Park” to and like Sandra’s Closet on Facebook.

All entries must be received until January 4, 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.

For those who don’t want to rely on their chance to win, L’ABSENCE is available as limited edition at selected CALMING PARK’s stockists:

– LIMITED STOCK, ZURICH
– HAUTE PARFUMERIE THEODORA, GENEVA
– LISA FEILER, BERN
– EXCELSIOR, MILAN
– FIERTE, SEOUL

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Melody Gardot, © Agi Simoes and © Sandra Bauknecht

Perfume gift sets are always a nice way of surprising your beloved one. Look for her or his favourite scent to enjoy the complimentary items in the box that mostly are packed in little sizes, which is perfect for travelling. Marionnaud offers 20% on those boxes at the moment and check out Harrods by clicking HERE for up to 60% off during the ongoing beauty sale.

Here are some of my favorites:

Already a classic:
Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Toilette 50ml & Purse Spray 10ml
– CHF 108.- 

Love the orange blossom in this very feminine fragrance:
Elie Saab Le Parfum Eau de Toilette 50ml, Scented Body Lotion 75ml & Shower Gel 30ml
– CHF 106.-

A new scent inspired by the magic of the Provençal woods, a flower boquet of roses, peonies and the sparkeling seduction of red berries:
L’ Occitane Fleur Merveilleuses (Limited Edition) Eau de Toilette 75ml, Shower Gel 75 ml & 250ml, Soap 50g & Hand Cream 30ml
– CHF 109.-

Surprise your newly wed or madly-in-love friends with a fragrance duo that will look beautiful on display in their bathroom:
Bogner Heritage Edition for Woman Eau de Toilette 50ml & for Man Eau de Toilette 50ml
– CHF 59.- each

Last but not least, an exclusive limited edition of her favourite scent will make a wonderful present this Christmas. Sisley has been launching since 2002 each year a new version for the festive season of the house’s iconic Eau du Soir.
Sisley Eau du Soir Limited Edition 2012 (Limited to 8000) Eau de Parfum 100ml
– CHF 265.-

Another French house that is known for their beautifully crafted limited edition bottles is Lalique, a brand that has the art of crystal making in their DNA. For this year’s edition, it showcases an extraordinary dragonfly, the label’s lucky charm, cloaked in black.
Inside a great timeless classic, a majestic pure floral:
Lalique de Lalique Libellule Limited Edition 2013 Parfum 100ml
– CHF 1500.-

Thierry Mugler’s new limited edition collection for winter Les Parfums de Cuir (“The Fragrances of Leather”) is celebrating the twentieth birthday of the house’s perfumes. For the occasion, four new interpretations of the famous fragrances enriched with natural extracts of leather have been created, presented in a beautiful leather pouch.
Thierry Mugler Les Parfums de Cuir Angel Eau de Parfum 30ml, Alien Eau de Parfum 30ml, Womanity Eau de Parfum 30ml and A * Men Eau de Toilette 100ml
– CHF 84.- each (non-refillable)

Looking for an even more exquisite collectable? Guerlain might fulfill this wish. Celebrating the 100th birthday of the house’s legendary scent L’Heure Bleue, famous artists and celebrated houses alike have come together to create something truly special.
Guerlain L’Heure Bleue 1912-2012 Limited Edition, 4 Bottles 30ml (The original extract case and three new interpretations, embroidered by Lesage)
– CHF  4000.-
Guerlain L’Heure Bleue 100th Birthday Edition by Baccarat and Gripoix, Extrait 490ml
– Price on request

Those very limited editions are only available in selected stores worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bogner, Elie Saab, Guerlain, Lalique, L’ Occitane, Narciso Rodriguez, Sisley, Thierry Mugler Perfumes

Today it marks the 21st of December, 2012 – apparently judgment day, the date Mayans predicted to be the end of the world. An eternal scare story that leaves only one thing for certain, it won’t be the last apocalyptic prophecy.

Personally speaking, the 21st of December has always been my lucky day, it was my beloved grandmother’s birthday, it is the day my husband and I came together (which might have been already his personal Armageddon, haha).

Nevertheless, if the world goes down today, I will definitely go shopping before and get this outfit: Madame cotton-blend terry sweatshirt by Zoe Karssen, Natalie embroidered twill and satin mini skirt by Peter Pilotto, Bekket leather and suede sneakers by Isabel Marant and Pashli shark-embossed leather trapeze tote by 3.1 Phillip Lim.

LoL, Sandra

When money’s no object and your other half has everything he can wish for, finding a perfect Christmas present might be quite challenging. Only the most unique or outrageous for your loved one will obviously do, so here’s my pick of the ridiculously extravagant and special, part fantasy and all fun, from a ten thousand dollar backgammon set to a bag filled with garden tools.

Technology and men, you cannot go wrong with that! This limited edition cell phone was designed by Lapo Elkann, heir to Italy’s Fiat Automotive empire, and the creator of one of the most modern labels today, Italia Independent, in collaboration with Vertu. 
The phone boasts with the vibrant blue motif of Italia Independent and offers all the luxury concierge services Vertu is known for.
Constellation Blue by Vertu – CHF 9.700

For the nature lover:
Bag filled with garden tools by Prada, CHF 1990.-

This might be the perfect addition for your gardener to enjoy a snack outside:
3-piece picnic cutlery set by Hermès – CHF 1400.-

Luxury gaming is the perfect gift for the holiday season.
Chess set boxed in the house’s iconic Saffiano leather by Prada – CHF 3240.-

Hermès is also in the game and proposes, of course, something truly luxurious:
Backgammon set by Hermès – CHF 11050.-
The very exclusive piece is competing with …

… Prada’s playful approach at a more accessible price.
Backgammon set and Nine Men’s Morris, both by Prada, each CHF 2490.-

Miuccia’s “It-bag” for all lovers of this sport:
Golf bag – CHF 1240.- and tees – CHF 200.-, both by Prada

A very exclusive scent might always be a good choice. Let me introduce you to the new Essenze by Ermenegildo Zegna collection, comprising of five signature fragrances, each dedicated to one raw material, Italian Bergamot, Sicilian Mandarin, Javanese Patchouli, Indonesian Oud and Florentine Iris.

Available exclusively in Ermenegildo Zegna Boutiques (Switzerland, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Italy, UK, France, Germany, Austria, North America and Mexico).
In Zurich also sold at Jelmoli. Each scent (125ml) – CHF 260.-

For the true connoisseur: Your beloved one will love you for this leather travel case and spray, that will surely become his portable business trip companion. Not only is it the perfect size to slide into his briefcase, but, at 30ml, it’s way beneath the 100ml liquid limit on flights.
Acqua di Parma Essenza Leather Travel Spray – CHF 120.- (30ml)

Or how about this collector’s item designed by Silvia Fendi: A quintessentially case in black crocodile embossed leather for the Italian house’s signature scent, a limited edition object of luxury and desire bearing the emblematic Fendi codes. 
In Switzerland only available at the Fendi Boutique in Geneva.
Fan di FENDI Pour Homme Eau de Toilette, Limited Edition 2012 – CHF 337.-

Your world-travelling husband and boyfriend will thank you forever! Sleepless nights and drowsy mornings have become a common experience in today’s life. This bracelet with it’s Natural Frequency Technology helps wearers with a good and restful sleep and you might want to steal it off his wrist …
Sleep Bracelet with Natural Frequency Technology by Philip Stein, CHF 360.-
Available at Swiss Shop Duty Free, in Zurich at Max Affolter Uhren & Bijouterie, Limmatquai.

Who says I don’t cater to all tastes, here is an offbeat way to spice up your beloved man’s pen collection. You just have to choose if he is more the gun or sword type…
Pens, each CHF 330.- and document cases, each CHF 490.-, both by Prada

I hope that you have found some inspirations!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès, Prada, Vertu, Philip Stein, Ermenegildo Zegna, Acqua di Parma