Sandra‘s Closet

The story of La Petite Robe Noire began in 2009, when the house of Guerlain launched an exclusive and limited edition fragrance which was only available to a very selective clientele, followed by La Petite Robe Noire 2 last year.

This fall, Guerlain will offer this very chic scent to broad market. Fresher, more radiant and passionate, in-house perfumer Thierry Wasser has modified his big love, La Petite Robe Noire slightly. Personally speaking, I have been a huge fan from the very first beginning. Inspired by the eternity and sophistication of a little black dress, it exudes the essence of Parisian elegance.

Left: The first La Petite Robe Noire. Right: The new one.

The ‘heart-shaped’ bottles of the La Petite Robe Noir collection are inspired by the legendary vials of the house, such as L’Heure Bleue and Mitsouko. The dress illustration has been altered every time so that each of the three fragrances shows a different shape of this clothing. The animated ad campaign was created by French artists Olivier Kuntzel and Florence Deygas.

Top notes: Red berries, black cherries, almond and bergamot
Middle notes: Licorice, Bulgarian and Turkish roses and smoked black tea
Base notes: Anise and the famous Guerlinade (A mix of the Guerlain’s beloved ingredients: Tonka bean, vanilla, iris and patchouli)

The new La Petite Robe Noire is available as 30 ml (CHF 90.-), 50 ml (CHF 129.-) and 75 ml (CHF 179.-) Eau de Parfum
Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 66.-) and Body  Lotion 200ml (CHF 77.-)
Available in Switzerland from August 27, 2012.

An absolutely captivating and utterly irresistible perfumed creation by Guerlain. Like the cut of an iconic little black dress, this fragrance is shaped with all of the French house’s finesse.

I am convinced that we will hear much more of La Petite Robe Noire in the future. This uber-cute illustration translates so well into all aspects of Guerlain; from makeup to body products, to conceivable further versions such as cosmetic cases and more. The possibilities are endless…

This would be the perfect look for your new scent, elegant and sophisticated, stylish and playful.

Diana brocade little black dress by Roland Mouret, ruffle-trimmed suede pumps by Nicholas Kirkwood, croc-effect leather clutch by Alexander Wang and resin and crystal necklace by Marni.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Illustrations: Courtesy of Guerlain

Charlotte Ronson, has become one of the most sought after American womenswear designers and her New York Fashion Week runway shows are a must see. Born in London into an artistic family – her older brother is Mark Ronson, the face for Fan di Fendi pour Homme – and raised in New York, Charlotte followed the tradition by developing her own unique style at an early age.

In 2000, Ronson launched her first collection, C. Ronson, which gained instant recognition and the attention of renowned publications. In May 2002, Ronson opened her flagship boutique in New York’s hip Nolita neighborhood.

In 2005, Aaron Nir joined C.Ronson as president and the collection was re-named “Charlotte Ronson” – a natural evolution of the brand and an accurate reflection of who Charlotte is and what she and her customer want to wear. In late 2009, Charlotte and Aaron became partners and established Charlotte Ronson International headquartered in New York City. With Charlotte Ronson’s sense of style and Aaron Nir’s savvy business sense this dynamic team has created a powerful brand with widespread recognition and huge potential.

Known for her impeccable style and trendsetting designs, Ronson’s clothing and accessories have quickly become a favourite among such fashion forward celebrities, models and influencers including Blake Lively, Kirsten Dunst, Nicole Richie, Rihanna, Diane Kruger, Leighton Meester, and Nicky Hilton, whom I spotted at the show.

Below are some photos I took at the F/W 2012 fashion show in NYC. Her musts for the next season are bohemian prints, an iconic staple. Alongside the Alpine-inspired knits and proper pencil skirts, they look absolutely sophisticated. A modern wardrobe for a real girl. The collection is available at LUISAVIAROMA.COM.

A little goody spotted front row at the Charlotte Ronson F/W 2012 show:
A fluo pink Céline Boston tote.

LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Charlotte Ronson and © Sandra Bauknecht

American actress Jessica Biel definitely belongs to the Giambattista Valli fan club. Accessorising the refined animal print with simple black accessories for a television appearance in NYC during her “Total Recall” press tour, I think Miss Biel looked extremely elegant.

Get Jessica’s look:
Animal-print silk-charmeuse dress from Giambattista Valli‘s Pre-fall 2012 collection, 2Jours textured leather tote by Fendi and Blade pumps in black patent leather by Casadei.

LoL, Sandra

OMG!!! Today, Sandra’s Closet hit 40.000 facebook likes which makes me so happy. In March 2012, Sandra’s Closet had 10.000 likes, so 30.000 fans in 5 months is pretty awesome.

Thank you for reading and following my blog that has taken me on such an exciting adventure!

If you are not a facebook fan yet, you can become one by clicking here.
Let’s hit the 50.000 soon…

LoL, Sandra

Welcome to Fort Worth in Texas, that is the sixteenth most populous city in the United States of America and a cultural gateway into the American West. The city was established in 1849 and today still embraces its Western heritage and traditional architecture and design. A must see are the Fort Worth Stockyards.

My look: Twill cargo shorts by Alexander McQueen, olive green top by Prada, cuff by Stella McCartney, Pandora bag by Givenchy and Monogram ballet flats by Louis Vuitton.
The stetson is a souvenir from Mesquite.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Dior‘s fall 2012 makeup collection GOLDEN JUNGLE could not be more perfect. A mix of gold, khaki, and light earth tones – beautifully combined – comes with some amazing surprises. Have a look below and explore the gorgeous crocodile leather effect on the nails along with the fierce animal pattern on the star product. For the feline goddess in you!

STAR PRODUCT (One shot)
Golden Jungle Palette Fall Look 2012 – CHF 110.-
Available in Golden Khakis and Golden Browns

5 Couleurs Eyes in Khaki Design – CHF 90.-

Perfect for fall: Glowing skin is combined with a light shimmer right up to the brow-bone, punctuated with a bold, thickly drawn cat’s eye and finished off with lots of mascara.

3 Couleurs Eyes – CHF 68.-
Available in Ivory Glow and Nude Glow

Dior Blush – CHF 69.-
Available in Sugar & Spice and Sunkissed Cinnamon

Dior Addict Lipstick (One Shots) – CHF 46.- each
Available in Wild, Instinct, Fatale and Daring

Dangerous right down to your nails, the must-have nail polish is the new Duo Vernis, combining a gold base with a matte olive topcoat. The crackled effect is stunningly reptilian, like the scales of a crocodile.

Dior Golden Jungle Nail Art Duo (One Shot) – CHF 54.-
Dior Vernis (One Shot) – CHF 37.- each in Amazonia and Bengale

This gorgeous collection will be available in Switzerland from August 15, 2012. I think with your summer tan, these shades will look absolutely divine.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

The 26th Biennale des Antiquaires runs from 14th September to the 23rd at the Grand Palais in Paris and alongside the world’s most exclusive antique and art dealers are ten of the most desirable jewelers including Boucheron, Chanel, Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Harry Winston, Piaget, Van Cleef and Arpels, and for the first time ever Bulgari and from China Wallace Chan.

All of these houses create their most refined jewels for this event which is the most important show of its kind. One collection has already caught my eye: “Couture Précieuse” by Piaget with which the famous jeweler renews its homage to feminine beauty and celebrates its second participation in the Biennale des Antiquaires. Once again, Piaget affirms its style with strength and elegance, dressing women in watches and jewelry that are as spectacular as they are exceptional, epitomising the veritable secrets of seduction.

My dream piece: The laces inspired cuff watch in white gold and diamonds sculpts the wrist like a wasp waist. The Fine Jewelry laces, some set with brilliant-cut diamonds and other with baguette-cut diamonds, cross over and intertwine. An ode to elegance, the beauty of this piece reveals another treasure – a watch enabling its wearer to check the time discreetly on the inside of the wrist – another expression of Haute Couture refinement.

Couture Précieuse Exceptional cuff watch Radiant Laces Inspiration.

Discreet lecture of time inside the wrist. Crafted in 18K white gold.
Case and integrated clasp set with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.8 ct). 
Bracelet set 288 baguette-cut diamonds (13.8 cts) and 85 brilliant-cut (approx. 9.2 cts). 
Silvered dial. Piaget 56P quartz movement. High Jewellery expertise. Ref. G0A38200 Couture

When a piece of Piaget jewelry or a watch is finally finished, it is the result of hundreds of hours of development and execution by Piaget’s master jewelers. Each piece can therefore be considered unique, because it is made by the hands of men whose unique masterpieces can never attain this level of perfection in an absolutely repeatable manner. See for yourself:

Assembling the gold link.

Diamonds-setting on the gold links.

Final details.

I am invited to the Biennale des Antiquaires, so stay tuned for some amazing photos in September!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Piaget, © Collection Grand Palais/François Tomasi

“But I just don’t want to know, ‘Cos for twenty-four years, I’ve been living next door to Alice. Alice, who the f… is Alice.”

Thinking of Alice, you might start to hum the famous song. But as a true fashionista, you have to know, who Alice is.
It is the new bag of the season, a must-have accessory from the Chloé fashion house created for the F/W 2012 collection, that has placed its bets on modern, urban elegance.

Be the first to carry this fabulous piece and pre-order it at SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM (Good news for my British and Candian readers: Free shipping from August 5-20, 2012. Simply enter promo code AFFSHIP at checkout.) and LUISAVIAROMA.COM.

LoL, Sandra

Alice large handbag in blushed pink python and vegetal calfskin
3S0160 705 41Z

Alice large handbag in husky white shiny leather and vegetal calfskin
3S0160 703 00X

Photos: Courtesy of Chloé

One year after the arrival of Prada Candy Eau de Parfum a highly exclusive Deluxe Edition is unveiled along with a Collector Edition.

Impossible to ignore, Prada Candy’s visual world is bold, unconventional and fresh, yet quality materials make it sophisticated and timeless.
Prada Candy’s novel olfactory balance combines exceptionally high-quality ingredients in excessive proportions: magnified by white musks, noble benzoin joins with a modern caramel accord to give the fragrance a truly unique signature.

Prada Candy Deluxe Edition transposes these codes on a scale that is truly opulent. The exaggerated proportions of the flacon are both extreme and elegant, a statement of luxury and lavish indulgence rarely seen in modern perfumery. Inside the statement is carried through in the parfum itself. The parfum, the fullest expression of the perfumer’s art: the ingredients are magnified to their maximum concentration bringing an intense new richness and warmth.

Prada Candy Deluxe Edition Parfum will be distributed  at highly select points of sale, for a limited time only. Available in 900ml for CHF 3000.-.

The Prada Candy Collector Edition comes with a very special treat: A genuine signature saffiano leather bracelet in hot pink hugs the top of the bottle. Embossed in golden letters “Give Me Candy”, it will be a stylish addition to your wardrobe.

Prada Candy Collector Edition Eau de Parfum is available in 80ml for CHF 141.-.
Available in September 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada Fragrances

While being in Texas, I had to see the famous Southfork Ranch, renowned as the filming location for the “Dallas” television series and went directly after my shopping spree at the Highland Park Village (click here to see also the details of my look).
My most embarrassing moment: Thanks to my coral shape heels, I fell down the grand staircase in the entry hall of the Ewing Mansion and of course, being in the United States, there was a lot of excitement and I had to fill out the “Southfork Ranch Injury Damage Report”.
My answer: “Relax and blame it on Chanel!”

Exciting news for all fans: Dallas has returned to television after two decades away.

In this Dallas, J.R.(Larry Hagman) and Bobby (Patrick Duffy) continue on in Southfork, but now the focus has shifted to their sons, John Ross (Josh Henderson) and Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe). Of course, the boys stake out their claim on the Ewing name – albeit in disparate ways. John Ross, being the son of the more ruthless J.R., is interested solely in continuing to drill for oil, while Christopher, whose father is the kindhearted Bobby, sees his focus shifting toward alternative fuel sources and green energy.

I have started to watch it and truly enjoy seeing all the well-known faces together with the new young actors.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of TNT