Sandra‘s Closet

Personally speaking, I have to admit that I had never really thought about the impact of pores. That changed drastically when I went to Clinique‘s press conference to hear about their newest products in the end of August. One launch has especially convinced me after having used it now for almost two months: PORE REFINING SOLUTIONS.

Dr. Markus Dawid, Head of Dermatology at the Kaiser Franz Joseph Spital in Vienna / Austria, gave a very interesting and eye-opening speech about how the appearance of your skin can be changed just by refining your pores. We have 300.000 pores in our face and during the age of 25-50, a doubling takes place, they become twice the size they used to be. If our pores are not immaculate, the light cannot be reflected perfectly and we look older.

Clinique offers now a full product range taking care of this problem: PORE REFINING SOLUTIONS. Give them two weeks, and you’ll wonder why they were ever such a big deal.

Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum by Clinique

The Pore Resurfacing Complex quickly, gently clears out debris and rough flakes. Pores ‘snap back’ into shape and look 58% smaller in only 2 weeks. Over time, it helps your skin create stronger supports and healthier cells to see more improvement. CHF 65.– for 30ml.

Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator by Clinique

After mattifying instantly, this oil-free formula supplies needed hydration while curbing excess oil and shine for 8 hours. Even the T-Zones feel fresh and stay comfortably matte. It instantly refines the look of pores with unique light-scattering optics and over time, they seem smaller. Non-acnegenic. CHF 57.- for 50ml.

Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector by Clinique (MY FAVOURITE)

It makes you look smooth and virtually flawless with pores that appear more than 50% smaller—instantly. The natural-looking matte finish lasts up to 8 hours. Resists sweat, humidity. In two skin tone shades, Invisible Light and Invisible Deep, or Invisible Bright for subtle brightening. CHF 32.- for 15ml. If you want to have an immediate result, this is your dream product!

Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfecting Makeup by Clinique

It softens and blurs appearance of visible pores instantly and over time. CHF 43.-, available in Switzerland in 6 shades, in the US in 12 shades.

Sisley has also invented a very powerful skin-enhancing concentrate with an all-round corrective, preventative and treatment action. One step for many results – I love!

Global Perfect Pore Minimizer by Sisley (MY FAVOURITE)

A pore-minimizing skin perfector, that at any age tightens dilated pores, smoothes the skin’s surface and ensure flawless skin texture day after day. Immediately, the skin texture is refined, the skin mattified. Day after day, the skin surface is smoother and more even. The skin’s balance is restored ,the freshness of the complexion is revealed. CHF 183.00 for 30ml.

Personally speaking, this is my perfect power couple for pores: Global Perfect Pore Minimizer by Sisley as a daily serum and Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector by Clinique before applying makeup for an instant improvement. Following this beauty routine, I like to use other moisturizing creams because of my very dry skin.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clinique, Sisley, © Sandra Bauknecht and via fashiongonerogue

Finally, we can see the fruits of Maison Martin Margiela‘s amazing collaboration with H&M. Sam Taylor-Johnson shot the campaign (see above) and below you can enjoy photos of the recently revealed lookbook. The avant-garde Belgian fashion house is loved by all fashion connoisseurs. What do you think of it?

The collection will land in stores and online on Thursday, November 15, 2012.

And while you are reading this, I am in the plane on my way to New York City for the launch party of Maison Martin Margiela for H&M tomorrow night. Stay tuned for some amazing photos! I am getting heart palpitations from the excitement of just thinking of it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M and © Sandra Bauknecht

As you know, I am obsessed with Givenchy and the F/W 2012 collection’s gothic feel is just divine. Lead the fashion pack and be the first to shop wow takes on leather, red hot peplum dresses and green accessories, such as the must-have wrap bracelet.

For the new three days you have the privilege to shop exclusively these items before they are available to all mytheresa customers. Just click on the highlighted texts below. Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

BOXCALF ANKLE BOOTS WITH CUFFED TRIM

FIT-AND-FLARE LEATHER DRESS

MEDIUM ZIP LEATHER CLUTCH

GRAPHIC PRINT TANK TOP

GREEN NIGHTINGALE LEATHER TOTE

RED FLARED PEPLUM DRESS

OBSEDIA WRAP-AROUND LOGO LEATHER CUFF

Photos: Courtesy of Givenchy and mytheresa

Nancy Gonzalez understands the importance of the relationship between a woman and her handbag. “I incorporate elements to each piece that make us smile: a colour, a texture, a detail, a surprise,” the Colombian-born handbag designer said about her creations.

Gonzalez sets out to establish an emotional connection between her clients and their bags by adhering to the highest level of quality, exclusivity, authenticity, and timelessness when designing her collections. Her unique combinations of rare exotic materials and bold colours make her a leader in the accessories world.

During Paris Fashion Week, I had the honour to meet her son Santiago Barberi Gonzalez, President of Nancy Gonzalez. I was able to browse through the new S/S 2013 collection in the showroom located at the famous Plaza Athénée on Avenue Montaigne and was truly impressed by the love for detail and the outstanding craftsmanship and quality of the products.

By artfully combining eclecticism and exoticism, Nancy Gonzalez revolutionizes the luxury handbag. From electrically hued crocodile to three-dimensional ostrich flowers, this S/S 2013 collection proves that timelessness is not without whimsy.

SHOP THE NANCY GONZALEZ S/S 2013 COLLECTION NOW BY CLICKING HERE. The trunkshow ends on Thursday, October, 25, 2012 at 11pm EDT.

Finally, let me introduce you to an amazing art and charity project for which matte white crocodile leather was used as the “canvas” for each bag: THE ARTIST TOTES.

Will Cotton/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining and acrylic polymer. Will Cotton used the tools and vocabulary of cake decoration to re-imagine the bag as a frosted confection.

Nancy Gonzalez and her son share a passion for art. Therefore they have collaborated with TWO x TWO to create ten “priceless” artist totes. Those extraordinary collector’s items will be auctioned off tonight, Saturday, October 20, 2012, at the TWO x TWO for Aids and Art gala at Howard and Cindy Rachofsky’s Richard Meier designed home in Dallas, TX. 100% of the proceeds will be benefitting TWO x TWO for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art.

If you are interested in placing an absentee bid, send an e-mail to . For the full catalogue, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Jim Hodges/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, silver, japanese silver, charcoal, and 24k gold on paper. Jim Hodges created a separate artwork apart from the bag, boxed and wrapped inside the bag, packaged so that only the winning bidder will unveil his artwork.

Raqib Shaw/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, enamel, glitter, and rhinestones. Intricate designs adorn both sides of the handbag, while a crowned alligator, Santiago’s logo, reigns on the bottom of the bag.

Josephine Meckseper/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, fur tails and metal fixture, acrylic, fabric, and paper on canvas with metal chain. Josephine Meckseper built upon the handbag to create a wearable sculpture.

Photos: Courtesy of Nancy Gonzalez, Moda Operandi and © Sandra Bauknecht

Elie Saab’s S/S 2013 collection is called Heiress. While the designer might draw inspiration from the aristocracy, his creations are anything but austere. In fact, his designs for the next season brim with vibrant shades: cobalt, raspberry, and teal. From colour-splashed dresses to potently hued suiting, this collection creates a compelling chromatic narrative for spring.

SHOP THE NEW ELIE SAAB S/S 2013 COLLECTION STRAIGHT OFF THE RUNWAY BY CLICKING HERE. Trunkshow ends on Thursday, October 25th, 2012 at 11pm EDT.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Elie Saab and Moda Operandi, © Sandra Bauknecht

Since last June, I have been working on this exciting collaboration with Closed. And finally today, I can present you the result! After many different sketches, all sorts of drafts, from floral prints to wordplays and slogans, I presented the team of Closed my ideas. Some of them you can see above. The city prints were among their favorites and so I designed the Zurich edition.

I took this panoramic photo this summer and altered it with a computer-generated berry colour to create this print.

And below is the final result that I am so excited about!
TO SHOP PLEASE CLICK HERE

Great news for my readers, one of you has the chance to win this T-shirt in size M.
All you have to do is send me an e-mail to with the header “Zurich Edition”.

All entries must be received until November 1st, 2012. 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 an interview with me and Silvia Haghjoo, who also created a very cool blogger T-Shirt with Closed, please click here.

One thing is for sure, I will wear my T-shirt to many occasions. It is a very versatile piece that you can dress up or down easily.

Today’s look: Neon biker jacket by Christopher Kane, limited print blogger T-Shirt and Baker stretch pants, both by Closed, flocked suede clutch by Gucci, bangle by Sal y Limon, Melt black powder pumps by Minna Parikka and Pasha watch by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – Still: Courtesy of Closed

Today I would like to introduce you to Guerlain‘s newest foundations: PARURE DE LUMIÈRE.

I know that with so many new products on the market, you might already be thinking: What should be so different about this one? It is the answer to a natural-looking, fresh, glowing and radiant complexion while moisturizing the skin. It truly works its magic.
As Olivier Echaudemaison, Guerlain’s Creative Director, describes it: “Light is the secret of radiance. The mysteries of radiance are finally coming to light…”.

The house of Guerlain has been enhancing beauty for over 180 years. In 2012, thanks to a marine spring water source, natural reserve, located at a depth of 22 meters, Guerlain uses luminescent water. The composition is also extremely rich in minerals and trace elements, particularly manganese and silica, which all together lead to a remarkable hydrating power. Together with the technology of light reflection pigments the skin achieves absolute radiance.

Parure de Lumière, the first light-creating alchemist foundation is available now in two different textures:

THE CREME: A rich gel-cream texture that is insolently light and fresh! SPF 20
CHF 78.-
THE FLUID: An unparalled fine quality… for satiny skin. SPF 25
CHF 75.-

The radiance steps by Guerlain:

1. PREPARE the skin with Météorites Perles Primer. The complexion primer contains correcting and perfecting radiance pearls for a peach-skin effect. The complexion is matte and even, naturally enhanced before make-up is even applied.

2. EVEN OUT the skin with Parure de Lumière Fluid Foundation or Creme Foundation for an illuminated face.

3. CORRECT darkness and puffiness with the Precious Light Concealer.

4. ILLUMINATE your complexion by using Météorites Perles Powder.

5. SCULPT the face with the help of Guerlain’s iconic Terracotta Powder for a natural effect. The long-lasting moisturising bronzing powder restores a healthy glow in just a few brush strokes.

Enjoy your new radiance!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain

I have just received the new Prada Resort 2013 ad campaign photographed by Steven Meisel in New York City in the beginning of September and featuring model Sasha Pivovarova. Pretty cool, isn’t it? I am so ready for the new season…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and wearing pink is a great way of showing your support. I am in love with this uber-cute pink ruffled silk-mikado mini dress by Moschino and those lace-up fuchsia rubber rain boots by RED Valentino.

Many companies, such as Estée Lauder and Bobbi Brown, sell special products to raise awareness and funds by donating part of the retail price. This year, Estée Lauder compagnies’ Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Campaign is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the fight against breast cancer and honouring the life and legacy of Evelyn H. Lauder, BCA campaign founder and Pink Ribbon co-creator. This is definitely worth supporting!

Evelyn Lauder Dream Compact by Estée Lauder
This irresistible collectible compact is an elegant way to show your support of Breast Cancer Awareness for women and men. Filled and refillable with Lucidity Translucent Pressed Powder, the Evelyn Lauder Dream Collection also helps raise awareness that early detection saves lives. In special honour of Evelyn Lauder, 100% of the suggested retail price of each Dream Compact sold will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® from August 2012 – June 2013. Available in Switzerland for CHF 120.-.

Limited Edition Pink Peony Set by Bobbi Brown

Exclusive set in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Bobbi will be donating $10 of every sale of this set during the month of October to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. Featuring the Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Pink Peony, an innovative blend of sheer powder and micro pearls to give skin a natural-looking glow, paired with a Mini Face Blender Brush topped off with a bright pink handle. It’s a fun way to put on your makeup and show your support. Available in Switzerland for CHF 60.- (CHF 5.- will be donated).

Pink Bouquet by Moschino
A fruity-floral fragrance that exhales a lot of positive energy, youthful freshness and euphoric notes while being romantic and feminine.

Top notes: Bergamot, pineapple sorbet and raspberry.
Middle notes: Jasmine, pink lily of the valley, violet and peony petal.
Base notes: Peach, oakmoss, gingerbread and musk.

Eau de Toilette Nat. Spray 30 ml CHF 54.00 – 50 ml CHF 81.00 – 90 ml CHF 107.00
Perfumed Deodorant Nat. Vapo 50 ml CHF 42.00
Perfumed Shower Gel 200 ml CHF 42.00
Perfumed Body Lotion 200 ml CHF 52.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Estée Lauder, Bobbi Brown, Moschino and net-à-porter.

Lèvres en boîte: A colour in mind, your lips in a box. When you’re done, just shut it! Apart from your lip’s natural colour, there is no true “rouge”. Four shades offer a world of possibilities. Use one of the enclosed lip brushes with the special mixing pan and blend any combination of the four colours to create your own one. And of course, each shade of red may also be used individually.

Available in November 2012 for CHF 199.- / €145.-.
In Switzerland in Geneva (Globus), Lausanne (Bon Génie), Zurich (Jelmoli), Bern (Schütz) and Crans Montana (Parfumerie Internationale).
My foreign readers can shop the product here.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht