Sandra‘s Closet

Time flies. One year ago, I was one of the advertising faces for the Closed F/W 2011 ad campaign. So I was very curious to see what the Hamburg-based brand has come up with this season. Shot by Max Farago in Amsterdam, the team set out with no fixed agenda or timetable to follow. And the Dutch capital presented them with plenty of spontaneous opportunities. In the end, they said, it became hard to depart.

Closed looked to other aspects of the city than those so instantly recognisable such as the iconic canals and gabled housing and realised that the texture of the streets was providing an ideal backdrop for the seasonal collection. And, of course, the easy going laidback attitude that the city is most known for resonated perfectly with the clothes and the four chosen individuals that comprise theCLOSED F/W 2012 campaign.

Find out who this season’s Closed ambassadors are:

Clara Cullen

Born in Argentina and based in New York where she makes film, Clara describes her life: “I love cooking. I have a horse named “El Zurdo”. I write my dreams. I like taking pictures of old women and dogs. My mum is the example of a woman. And dad is my number one fan. Travelling is part of my life. The Metropolitan museum in New York and the Musée d’Orsay in Paris are my favourites. Icons are, Yves Saint Laurent, Sonia Rykiel, Rita Mitsouko, Delia Derbyshire. Buenos Aires, New York. I’m obsessed with miles. I had a hard time communicating when I was a kid. I didn’t like school. It’s important to break the rules.”

Karta Healy

Introducing himself as a conceptor is typically modest of Karta. Probably the only person to successfully persuade a bunch of stiff British politicans to loosen their ties and enjoy bike riding in London’s House of Commons, Healy has been referred to as a cycling scientist. Educated in political science and then trained in industrial design, he is evangelical about the freedom of two wheels over the pollution of four wheeled vehicles and consults with city councils globally on congestion. His Sikh upbringing and nomadic travelling has given him an open outlook on life. As he says, “I have always lived ‘off-the-grid’.” True enough, Karta currently resides on a converted boat in London, “to escape the city within the city.”
Freedom could well be his middle name.

Pernille Teisbæk

Copenhagen-based editor, blogger and TV host, Pernille describes herself: “I’m a fashion blogger and freelance stylist. I just turned 28 years and I feel better and stronger than ever before… because I’m doing what I love. It all started when I was 12 years old and got my grandmother’s old sewing machine. I started to think about making something new – creating clothes that only I could have. Then I started looking in the magazines to find inspiration. After modeling, I started as fashion director at WOMAN magazine. I’ve since gone freelance. I really like the process of creating a universe around a specific look. I guess that is why I feel at home in front of the camera and behind it.”

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Closed and © Sandra Bauknecht

Dolce & Gabbana Fragrances unveils its newest face: the French model and actress, Laetitia Casta. Laetitia’s unparalleled beauty, sensuality and femininity brought her to the attention of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana who chose her to embody the Dolce & Gabbana woman for the launch of their newest fragrance Dolce & Gabbana Pour Femme.

“Laetitia has always bewitched us with her sensual and natural charisma: she is the perfect interpretation of the Dolce&Gabbana woman of today.” says the famous designer duo.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana launched their first scent Dolce & Gabbana Pour Femme in 1992 that marked the decade of the nineties. In 2012, the designers have decided to re-launch their rich floral perfume in a new version.

Top notes: Neroli, raspberry and tangerine
Heart notes: Jasmine and orange blossom
Base notes: Marshmallow, vanilla, sandalwood and heliotrope

The advertising campaign was shot by Mario Testino in Sicily with Laetitia Casta and Noah Mills. The fragrance is available from July 2012 – as 25, 50 and 100 ml Eau de Parfum for women.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana Fragrances

From Chicago I flew to Denver where I didn’t stay very long as I had to drive all the way up to Wyoming and South Dakota. Knowing that I would be sitting quite a while, I decided to be dressed as simple and casual as possible.

My look: Printed-back velour hooded top and matching track pants, both by Juicy Couture, original seamless tank top by Sugarlips, brown Pandora bag by Givenchy, Pegase 55 cabin case by Louis Vuitton, cat eye glitter acetate and metal sunglasses by Miu Miu and brushed leather trainers by Maison Martin Margiela.
On my nails: Beach Cruiser (neon pink) by Orly.

LoL, Sandra

At Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Those seamless Sugarlips tops are available in many different colours and so comfy to wear.

A photo from the air.

Safely arrived at Denver International Airport.

Denver skyline

Me in front of the Colorado State Capitol Building

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

First of all, there is no doubt that Lancôme produces the best mascaras in the entire world and the newest creation HYPNÔSE STAR is just a testament to my statement.

For their advertising campaign, inspired by the movies of the 30s, the famous French luxury cosmetics house is calling upon Betty Boop, the sexy cartoon character, and Daria Werbowy. “Betty Boop’s mischievous eyes and innate sensuality are combined with the contemporary spirit and confident femininity of Daria Werbowy,” Lancôme says. “Yesterday’s vintage glamour meets the glamour of today.”

Wrapped in a sparkling case, Hypnôse Star combines a specially designed brush, which has three patents pending, and a “Black Diamond” effect fluid formula to sculpt lashes. Two flat sides deliver mascara to the lashes, including the shortest ones, while two oblique sides with longer fibers separate and lengthen lashes while fixing them in a curl.

Utilizing two types of wax, Hypnôse Star offers two formulas for light texture and robust volume. Different soft waxes provide a mistake proof application while hard carnauba wax forms a thin film over the entire lash surface and sets the curl.

Available now for CHF 44.-.

Werbowy wears “Noir Midnight” Hypnôse Star mascara, Ombre Hypnôse eyeshadows “Erika F” I202 and “Strass Black” S310 and “Beige Diaphane” 03 Teint Idole Ultra 24H foundation. Lips are enhanced with “Sequins d’Amour” 170N Rouge In Love lipstick.

New OMBRE HYPNÔSE eyeshadows are available for CHF 39 each in 24 amazing shades.

Have a look at this super-cute video in which we will learn from Mrs Boop that “all stars have a secret,” before Daria chimes in with Betty’s signature boop-oop-a-doop!

LoL, Sandra

Photos & Video: Courtesy of Lancôme

Jo Malone‘s newest scent is called Blackberry & Bay. Think about childhood memories of blackberry picking with stained lips and sticky palms – the scent of innocence.

Master perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin, who shares his time between Paris and Grasse, where he was born as the son of a perfumer, found the inspiration for this beautiful, different new fragrance “out of rambling, autumnal country walks in deepest, mellowest autumn; of blackberry picking in overgrown English woodland; of foraging for perfectly ripened blackberries in rustling hedgerows. I have always wanted to create a fruity fragrance that captures the richness of red and black berries and so I embarked on this journey to create a scent that is full of juicy sweetness, bursting with the sparkling tartness of just ripe blackberries, while playing with the green, leafy earthiness of the bay accord.”
Fabrice also created Paco Rabanne’s Black XS L’Excès.

Top notes: Blackberry and grapefruit
Middle notes: Bay and floral accord
Base notes: Vetiver and cedarwood

Available from September 2012.
In Switzerland at Globus Geneva and Jelmoli Zurich.

Cologne 30ml (CHF 68.-) and 100ml (CHF 130.-)
Body & Hand Wash CHF 64.- 
Body Cream CHF 99.-
Home Candle CHF 82.-
(All suggested retail prices)

I love this new addition to Jo Malone’s world. Try combining Blackberry & Bay with Lime Basil & Mandarin for added vibrancy with a peppery, citrus zest. Or layer it with Nectarine Blossom & Honey for sweetness with a green, herbaceaous edge.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

Lovers of everything Hello Kitty, please have a seat! I have some exciting news for you: Your favourite icon has been turned into a rock star by Swarovski for fall. The gothic inspired collection features your favorite cat in a darker fiercer look, and I am sure you will just love it!

Above you can see some of the cutest pieces:

Ring – 119.- CHF
Leather Bracelet – 190.- CHF
Wristlet Pouch – 200.- CHF
Hello Kitty Limited Edition 2012 – Price on request
(Collectors, make sure to get your hands on one of the 88 Limited Edition figurines – with 23325 brilliant crystals adorning it.)

LoL, Sandra

I started my crazy road trip through the US in the city in which I had lived for 2 years: Beautiful CHICAGO. It always feels so great to be back, seeing your friends, wallowing in memories and going to your favourite restaurants (Gibsons, Le Colonial, NoMI at the Park Hyatt and RL Restaurant at the gigantic Ralph Lauren store). The weather was amazing and I enjoyed going for a stroll through downtown.

My look: Mint green collarless jacket (50% off on sale), floral printed dress (50% off on sale), both by Marni, leather and chain bracelet, “Lucky Clover” earrings and necklace, mint green ballet flats, sky-blue Marcie hobo bag, all by Chloé and glitter sunglasses by Miu Miu.

By the way, the crowds weren’t waiting for me. The presidential family had lunch at Gibsons at the same time we had. Enjoy some shots of this wonderful city.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Gentlemen, here is a great product from Kiehl’s for you: FACIAL FUEL No-Shine Hydrator.
Dive into deep shine-free hydration with this instantly refreshing, lightweight oil-free 24-hour moisture gel formulated to effectively mattify the skin’s surface.

Powered by a blend of zinc, sodium, and magnesium, the formula helps reduce the appearance of facial oils while also boosting skin’s ability to maintain optimal hydration. An ideal moisturizing solution for men’s oily skin, this super-absorbent formula uses a unique technology to control shine, leaving skin clean and healthy-looking.

Available from September 2012 for CHF 75.- (30ml).

LoL, Sandra

Something for my Swiss and German based readers: 
Please have a look at the recent issue of SI Style magazine featuring my monthly fashion column. This time, I am telling you more about my trip to the Film Festival in Cannes with Chopard last May.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

You might have seen those colourful bottles at the counter already and if you haven’t smelled them yet, please do. All four are uber-yummy and I like the idea behind the collection. Ralph Lauren celebrates the many facets of modern young women by saying that “scent is an essential accessory for all of the roles a woman plays.” Today’s woman should have a fragrance wardrobe to choose from according to mood and occasion. And here it is:

THE BIG PONY FRAGRANCE COLLECTION FOR WOMEN

Have fun exploring those four vital attributes and find out which F/W 2012 looks plus accessories would coordinate those passions best.

N°1 SPORTY

Catch her if you can. This floral citrus scent features grapefruit & blue lotus for a vibrant, energetic fragrance that evokes confidence while awakening the senses. Confident and fearless, the sporty woman is a natural born leader and ready to take on the world.

Her must-haves: Cabas Chyc leather tote by Yves Saint Laurent and Tokyo metallic and leather sneakers by Jimmy Choo

N°2 SENSUAL

A floriental fruity with the key ingredients of cranberry & tonka mousse, this fragrance is for an alluring flirt and the romantic at heart. Playful and irresistible, this modern woman follows her heart.

Her must-haves: PS1 Medium textured-leather pouch by Proenza Schouler and Maniac leather platform pumps by Brian Atwood

N°3 FREE-SPIRITED

Eccentric, rebellious and independent, this floral green fragrance highlights pear & mimosa. The crisp, bright scent represents ultimate optimism and natural feminine radiance for a woman who dances to the beat of her own drum.

Her must-haves: Victoria leather tote by Victoria Beckham and suede and elaphe slingback sandals by Nicholas Kirkwood

N°4 STYLISH

Edgy and refined, with a flair for the exotic, this oriental floral contains key ingredients of wild cherry & purple amber. Designed for the stylish woman, her flair expresses her unique personality and catches the eye and the hearts of anyone who crosses the path.

Her must-haves: PS1 Large suede satchel by Proenza Schouler and Havana patent-leather brogues by Christian Louboutin

Available now as EdT 30ml (CHF 44.90) and EdT 50ml (CHF 54.90).

LoL, Sandra