Sandra‘s Closet

From the runway to the street, collars are having a fabulous fashion moment right now. It is an amazing fashion accessory that can change your look so easily in one step. Wear yours as a contemporary alternative to a statement necklace, layering it over color-clash textiles for maximum impact.

1 Embellished cotton-poplin collar by Marni
2 Amber crystal and bead-embellished cotton collar by Karl
3 Shearling collar by Marni
4 Rabbit collar by Marni
5 Hilde crystal collar necklace by Dannijo (Enter FREE8 for worldwide free shipping, for a limited time only)
6 Abbey faux pearl collar by Karl
7 Pointed metallic-leather collar by 3.1 Phillip Lim
8 Striped silk collar by Miu Miu
9 Alycia metal-tipped lace-trimmed cotton collar by Karl

I couldn’t resist and got this beaded wool-felt collar by Marni. Which one is your favorite?

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

The press event for the launch of Lancôme‘s newest fragrance LA VIE EST BELLE started with the following statement:
“Lancôme is not a brand, it is a philosophy of femininity.”

The French house is turning over a new leaf. The scent is meant to be a declaration for a new era. In a world full of diktats and conventions, there must be another way. Therefore, the concept plays with the idea of natural and simple beauty, the choice of once own vision of happiness and freedom. This shows best in the advertising film directed by Tarsem Singh (Mirror, Mirror), in which the face of the campaign, beautiful Julia Roberts, frees herself from being an imaginary puppet on a string (Click here for the making of).

This gourmand and elegant composition was developed by three famous perfumers together, Olivier Polge, Dominique Ropion and Anne Flipo. It took them three years of probation and endless versions to create the final formula that includes 63 ingredients with iris playing the lead, surrounded by orange blossoms and jasmine as middle notes. I especially like the warm and powdery base with accords of tonka bean, praline, patchouli and vanilla. This fragrance is surely going to be a new bestseller, following in the steps of its famous predecessor Trésor.

The flacon is a redesigned version of the classic Lancome bottle from 1949. It is a masterpiece of crystal in the shape of a smile, a square in the circle that achieves the impossible. Happiness captured in a bottle.

Top notes: Pear and black currant
Middle notes: Orange blossom, jasmine and iris
Base notes: Praline, tonka bean, vanilla and patchouli

Available in Switzerland in September 2012.
Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 75.-), 50ml (CHF 115.-) and 75ml (CHF 145.-)
Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 59.-) and  Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 66.-)

The press event took place at the Dolder Hotel in Zurich. The weather was definitely not co-operating but you have to take the rough with the smooth. No matter what: La vie est belle – Light up the world with a smile from the heart, like Lancôme’s lovely PR-lady Magi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme and © Sandra Bauknecht

Mila’s wearing “Starlet”, Connor “Luke” and Jessica “Pedal Star”. But who are the actual stars here at the legendary Chateau Marmont? The jeans or the celebrities?

On August 16, the third annual original Closed jeans event returned to Chateau Marmont. Many stylists and stars dropped in to check out the current styles. The “Denim from Germany” has achieved cult status inside the Hollywood community.

Connor Cruise with me last February in New York

Guests included Tom Cruise’s son Connor Cruise, who shopped with enthusiasm for his upcoming European tour as a DJ. His favourite pair of jeans: a “Luke” in vibrant orange.

Mila Kunis bucked the trend in favour of a “Starlet” in grey paired with a blue-black silk blouse.

Jennifer Missoni was enchanting – the entire Denim Bar fell under the spell of this sweet, gorgeous apparition. And she refused to take off her new “Marlow” jeans.

Star stylist Brooke Dulien avidly shopped for jeans for Kristin Bell, Joy Bryant and Dex Shepard, the star cast of “Hit and Run”.

And of course no event would be complete without Closed spokesperson, socialite and author Jessica Joffe. Her all-time favourite: The “Pedal Star”.

One thing is for sure, at Closed, the jeans are the stars of the show.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Closed and © Sandra Bauknecht

Slouchy, chic and impeccably crafted, the Soft Stirrup bag is my perfect fall accessory. It is a supple interpretation of the iconic Stirrup shaped handbag symbolizing Gucci’s riding heritage with its signature equestrian hardware. Its spacious design (a laptop fits in perfectly) and the luxurious texture make it just right for work or the weekend and bring subtle sophistication to any look. Pair it with skinny jeans for a downtown vibe or a pencil skirt for uptown elegance.

One thing is for sure, you will see me on many occasions with my beautiful new grey washed leather Soft Stirrup. And while being at the Gucci store in Zurich (Poststrasse 3 – Phone +41 44 211 46 20), I couldn’t resist to get another must-have accessory for fall. The beautiful GG pattern shawl with fur trim in the season’s new berry shade.
I absolutely love my new treasures!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The wind of change is blowing at Estée Lauder. The house’s new scent VERY ESTÉE, which will be launched this fall, comes with an effective advertising slogan of great impact:
“The new sexy fragrance.”

It is a floral musky scent, elegant and modern.

Top notes: Lotus flowers, freesia, cassis and pink pepper
Middle notes: Bulgarian rose, rose oil NaturePrint®, Brasilian gardenia NaturePrint® and jasmine FirNat®
Base notes: Sandalwood, cedar, cashmere accord and musk

Available in the beginning of October 2012 in Switzerland.
Eau de Parfum 1.0oz / 30ml (CHF 60.-) and 1.7oz / 50ml (CHF 80.-)

Estée Lauder spokeswoman, Hilary Rhoda, is the face of the campaign. (I met her and Tom Pecheux once in New York during Fashion Week, click here for the photos.)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Estée Lauder

This week, I am participating in the “Dirndl Style Challenge” by Dirndl Magazine and Limberry. The voting has been open since Monday and now I need your help to win.

Please click on the like button next to my photo on Facebook.

It would mean a lot to me! Thank you!

LoL, Sandra

Do you know that you can design your own Converse sneakers? Style your ultimate pair of Converse shoes with this fun online application, available on their homepage. This interactive designer can be pretty addictive. You can even personalize your creation. Pretty cool, isn’t it?

The only problem is that they don’t ship to Europe. I got mine sent to my hotel in Maui while I was there.
And here they are… living up to the recent neon trend.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Something for my Swiss and German based readers: 
The newest issue of SI Style magazine featuring my monthly fashion column is available now.

This time, I am telling you more about my road trip through the US and the horrible hailstorm, that I hit on my way back from Mount Rushmore.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Many Marseille locals love their panoramic view of the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica that majestically reigns over the Provençal city. But it is more than just a religious monument, it’s a participant in the life of the city: the inhabitants refer to it in everyday language as “La Bonne Mère”, or the “Good Mother” which is an expression of surprise, relief and joy. It is synomynous for the love of a mother and confers to the Virgin Mary.
L’Occitane, founded by Olivier Baussan in 1976 with the purpose to celebrate and preserve the traditions of his native Provence, continues with the traditions of soap masters with a tribute to the “Good Mother” through its Bonne Mère line of soaps and body products which are all-natural, hypoallergenic, made with a pure plant base and lightly scented. The only question you have to answer is if you prefer milk or honey?

Savon de Marseille 100g (CHF 6.-)

Douceur de Douche – Gentle Shower Gel – 600ml (CHF 24.-)

Crème Lavante Mains – Creamy Hand Wash – 300ml (CHF 16.-)

Crème Douceur – Gentle Cream – 75ml (CHF 22.-)

I love the retro-feel of the packaging that looks adorable on display. Transform your bathroom in a land of milk and honey.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of L’Occitane and © Sandra Bauknecht

The new season is fast approaching and some of the best F/W 2012 runway looks are available now. This is your chance to be in fashion’s forefront.

Brocade is set to be one of the season’s hottest trends, and Stella McCartney‘s black and cobalt pattern is a typically chic take on the look.

Wool-blend brocade top and Patty brocade skirt, both by Stella McCartney

No one delivers contemporary femininity quite like Christopher Kane, and this rose-flocked tulle dress is a standout piece from his F/W 2012 runway show.

Leather-trimmed flocked tulle dress by Christopher Kane

With his trendsetting vision, Marc Jacobs predicts precisely what women want to wear every season.

Metallic bouclé wool-blend jacket and metallic bouclé wool-blend skirt, both by Marc Jacobs

Mary Katrantzou brings her beautifully mesmeric prints to knitwear this season. Coziness has never been that beautiful.

Wool-blend dress by Mary Katrantzou

Miu Miu‘s acclaimed F/W12 runway collection was a riot of colour and dandy-esque tailoring. Miuccia Prada‘s message was clear: Pants are a must for the new season!

Belted wool-crepe tunic and wool-crepe straight-leg pants, both by Miu Miu

LoL, Sandra