Sandra‘s Closet

During my stay in Doha, I needed high sun protection for my winter pale skin to prevent damage from UV radiation. As temperatures are so perfect in December/January, you can spend hours in the sun. With the help of this trio, I have enjoyed it in complete safety.

FACE: Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Fluide Extreme by La Roche-Posay
This tinted water-resistant fluid is perfect for sensitive skin providing you with a little bit of bronzy glow you are missing after those winter months.
CHF 27.90 (50ml)

BODY: Aroma Sun Expert for Body SPF 50 by Decléor
A protective hydrating milk that protects the skin while moisturizing (Melon Extract, Argan Oil) it at the same time. Thanks to the DNA Protection Complex (Vanilla and Jasmine Extracts), it helps cells to prevent premature aging. It boosts skin’s natural defences (Essential Oil of Rose) and reduces reactions caused by sun exposure (Rea from Tahiti). Personally speaking, I have never used such an easy-to-apply milk with a non-greasy texture but such a high SPF.
CHF 47.- (150ml)

AFTER: Capital Soleil After Sun Cellular SOS Repair Balm by Vichy
A rich but non-sticky texture that works well for the whole family by calming down the skin after sun exposure. This specially designed formula works to repair damage by restoring the skin’s cellular defense capital. Willowherb Extract even soothes over-exposed, painful and red skin so that a sunburn can transform into a beautiful bronzed tan.
CHF 26.- (100ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Starting from today, you should keep your eyes open for a very special window installation that will roll out across more than 70 Gucci boutiques around the world (unfortunately not including Switzerland) and will remain until mid February. For that project, Frida Giannini collaborates with renowned Japanese Manga artist, Hirohiko Araki, who has created an exclusive Manga (Japanese comic strip) story inspired by the Italian house’s beautiful Cruise 2013 collection. A multi-media campaign will complement the window installation, including the publication of the full Manga story exclusively in Japan’s Spur magazine.

Commenting on the collaboration Giannini said, “This has without doubt been one of the most enjoyable collaborations I have worked on. The characters that Hirohiko has conceived combine an energy, sensuality and appeal that brings my Cruise collection to life in such a fun and compelling way. I am quite sure his window installations will stop people in their tracks in cities around the world as they immerse themselves in the fabulous fantasy world he has created.”

Entitled “Jolyne, Fly High with Gucci,” Araki’s Manga tells the adventure of Jolie Kujo, a student who inherits a keepsake from her mother’s Gucci collection. Propelled by the mystery behind her vintage treasure, she embarks on a journey that transcends time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©LUCKY LAND COMMUNICATIONS / SHUEISHA

The restaurant Parisa, one of my favourites that I visited in Doha, belongs to the Sharq Village and Spa. Traditional Persian dishes are served with a contemporary, modern twist. The perfect ambiance to suit the mood of my outfit.

My look: Printed silk-blend crepe top, matching wide-leg pants with side splits from thigh to ankle, leather pumps with ankle straps, all by Gucci (50% off), holographic faux leather clutch by Stella McCartney (new season, please click here for more information on this rising trend), cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli and crochet-knit turban by Missoni (50% off).

I kept my make-up very easy, a little bronzer on the cheeks (24 Karat Shimmer Brick by Bobbi Brown – Limited Edition), mascara (Lash Queen Sexy Blacks by Helena Rubinstein) and red lips (Diorific 040 Marilyn by Christian Dior – Christmas look 2012).
On my nails: Coral Blame by Tom Ford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I have been in love with Jason Wu‘s embellished lace and silk-chiffon gown from the first moment when I spotted it on Karlie Kloss at the Met Gala in May (Always good to be friends with a designer… you get to wear it first). Now, this stunning piece is in stores. Get Karlie’s look:

Embellished lace and silk-chiffon gown by Jason Wu, velvet pumps by Dolce & Gabbana, Tonda clutch bag by Diane von Furstenberg and jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels.

LoL, Sandra

So many of you have been asking me during the last days where I have been staying in Doha as my first post already showed some pictures of the fabulous resort. I spent a magical week at the Sharq Village and Spa operated by The Ritz-Carlton Company and experienced an unforgettable stay in the heart of Qatar.

It is located ten minutes from Doha International Airport on a private coastline with a beautiful beach offering striking views of Doha’s skyline. Due to the airport’s close proximity, you can enjoy some really impressive views on the departing airplanes.

Two fresh water pools are surrounded by the resort’s impressive traditional architecture inspired by the life and culture of ancient qatari tribes. The weather was just perfect during the last days, sunny and not too hot. The service is very friendly, the staff is greeting each hotel guest by name. I could totally get used to “Miss Sandra”.

Sharq Village and Spa is home to different highly recommended restaurants: Al Liwan (Lebanese), Al Dana (Casual), Al Jalsa (Arabian Café), Cigar Lounge, Al Wanis Shisha Terrace and Parisa (Persian), which has been my favourite. I will post some photos of my last dinner there soon. Of course, you can also enjoy a quick meal whilst relaxing at the pool at Al Seef Bar.

Al Jalsa (Arabian Café)

Breakfast at Al Dana

Al Wanis Shisha Terrace

Funnily enough, as I have just been to a Six Senses Spa in Gstaad at the Alpina hotel, I have been curious to compare both. The most important fact they have both in common, they are amazing in their own way. The Six Senses Spa in Sharq Village is respective of Qatari traditions with a separate ladies entrance, reception and exercise facilities. Something that I have also enjoyed very much, having state of the art fitness facilities just for myself.

The best part of my stay was the fairytale-like very spacious suite with a total of 165.5 square meters including a living room and two bedrooms each with their own bathroom. Fresh rose leaves on the bed were just one of the daily nice touches.

Bulgari bath amenities, a rainforest shower and a deep soaking jacuzzi tub were a daily pleasure. My trip to Doha was absolutely perfect and I am truly sad to leave. Stay tuned for more posts on my little adventures here under the Qatari sun.

LoL, Sandra

Photos used for collages: Courtesy of Sharq Village; All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Let’s have a look at Miu Miu‘s S/S 2013 ad campaign that is formed of a series of mise-en-scenes and still lives, in a mysterious domestic setting. The muted tones and painterly light of the theatrical setting highlight the vibrant vitality of the cast.

Photographed by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin in New York, the campaign follows Miu Miu’s tradition of subverting traditional advertising imagery, this season offering a fresh view of contemporary femininity, rich with nuance and authenticity. High and low materials meet in rooms that have no sense of time or place, bleached wooden paneling and ruby red satin mirroring the duality of materials in the collection.

The cast itself embodies the many facets of a woman’s personality, femme fatales and innocent ingénues, playful belles and nostalgic beauties. This diverse constellation of women share their own private language, in an intimate series of poetic interactions. Nonchalant groupings and abstract close ups reflect both a harmonious closeness and their distinct individuality. Looking in through doors and windows that seem to lead to another world, we encounter a new kind of elegance in this seductive celebration of contemporary femininity.

Rich chocolate Shibori dip-dye mink jacket

One thing all these women have in common? Their desire to own one of Miu Miu’s unbelievable fur pieces! For the post of the S/S 2013 show, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Travertine Shibori dip-dye mink jacket

Caramel and raspberry handmade Shibori dip-dyed fur stole

Soft grey and black handmade Shibori dip-dyed fur stole

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

2013 is starting with a fashionable comeback of previous season’s must-haves of which some could be truly named vintage pieces. Another proof for my closet theory, keep everything, there will be a time to wear it again. So I am very happy to have all those pieces still in my wardrobe…

Olivia embellished leather waist belt by Moschino
The return of the iconic Moschino belt is probably the biggest surprise for me. I bought mine in Rome during my final school trip… a long time ago. It looks so used that I have ordered a new one now. Gosh, who would have thought that?!

The Britannia Skull leather box clutch by Alexander McQueen
This Union Jack-inspired clutch has become officially a true classic and will vamp up every outfit in seconds.

Double-breasted wool-blend blazer by Balmain
First launch for Pre-fall 2010, this blazer of glory sold out in seconds. Now, it is back in black. Hurry up to stock up your colour palette or to finally add this classic to your wardrobe selection.
If you interested to see me wearing it, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Awakening in a dream, Mulberry has released its new seasonal campaign, shot by my favourite photographer Tim Walker, starring model Meghan Collison, directed by Ronnie Cooke Newhouse and inspired by the ethereal colour palette of Emma Hill’s S/S 2013 collection.

The campaign features key looks from the new collection, showcasing beautiful, reimagined English tailoring, coats and capes layered over dresses and fresh interpretations of print design, classic outerwear and leatherwork.

The new multi-functional Willow Tote (see photo above in biscuit), first launched on the S/S 2013 catwalk, is a focal point of three of the images, a beautiful yet common-sense structured bag with elegant clean lines and timeless appeal.

The Cecily (see above) and Cecily Flower Tote (see second photo from top) are also featured, as well as Mulberry’s icon Bayswater, pictured in sumptuous ostrich (see first photo from top).

Be one of the first ones to sport the new Cecily snake-effect leather shoulder bag.

I am completely in love with this kind of lunar landscape below the sea created for this campaign. Personally speaking, Emma Hill gets better and better. Since a few seasons, I have become a true Mulberry addict.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mulberry

Multiple Grammy Award winning recording artist Mariah Carey is collaborating with OPI to launch eight gorgeous limited edition nail polish shades, that will hit stores in the beginning of 2013.

The collection includes four studio shades:

PINK YET LAVENDER – a glittery pink and lavender combo
A BUTTERFLY MOMENT – a beige-pink neutral polish
SPRUNG – a shimmery rose-copper
ANTI-BLEAK – a deep, rich aubergine

…and the latest innovation in texture, four new OPI Liquid Sand™ lacquers featuring groundbreaking technology for a sand-like, matte finish infused with reflective sparkle:

GET YOUR NUMBER – a sparkly matte blue
CAN’T LET GO – a sparkly matte purple
STAY THE NIGHT – a matte black with red sparkles
THE IMPOSSIBLE – a sparkly matte pinkish red

Available in Switzerland from January 15th, 2013 for CHF 23.90 (15ml) each.
For store locations, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is Bottega Veneta‘s S/S 2013 ad campaign shot by Peter Lindbergh on location at Universal Studios in Los Angeles in October 2012. The internationally renowned German photographer and filmmaker has been a hugely influential figure in fashion photography since he first began working for Italian Vogue in the late 1970’s. Known for his narrative sensibility, he has a direct, minimalist approach that captures the individuality of the subject. His images, often in black-and-white, are instantly recognizable for their spontaneity and intimacy.

Bottega Veneta‘s S/S 2013 collection centers on a subtle and complex individuality. A palette of dusty, saturated shades of peach, yellow, blue, red, gray, and plaster is anchored in black and brown. Those butterfly embellished accessories are absolutely on my wish list for summer.

The mood is both tough and sweet, starting with unexpected mixes of materials and prints, mostly florals, and surface embellishments of exceptional quality and varied provenance.
What a beautiful collection inspired by the `40s, Tomas Maier is back in the fore!

TO SHOP BOTTEGA VENETA, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta