Sandra‘s Closet

“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

I came back from my amazing road trip through the US this week and left immediately to Munich for a day with Bobbi Brown. Stay tuned, I will tell you all about it very soon.

During the last 5 weeks, I went through 9 states – Illinois, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Utah, Nevada, California, Hawaii and Texas – and besides the horrible hail storm in South Dakota, I was blessed the whole time with beautiful sunny weather. So I was quite shocked when I got back to Switzerland where there was no sign of summer at all. Surprisingly, I found severe hail damage in my garden, my pool cover looked like shot with a pump gun. What a subtle irony! And when I experienced a mini tornado yesterday at Lake Zurich, I was inspired to this outfit.

Mini Tornado in Zurich on July 21, 2012 (Photo via Tagesanzeiger)

Invest in some great fall key pieces. Bottle green is one of the hottest colours for the season. Peplum hems appeared on many runways and are one of the most flattering trends. A trench coat is a true classic piece that works for so many occasions and definitely belongs in your closet – with Burberry you cannot go wrong. Finally, add a piece of colourful statement jewelry.

Mid-length cotton-gabardine trench coat by Burberry London, fine-knit wool peplum top, bottle-green De Manta leather tote, skull-print modal and cashmere-blend scarf, skull-embellished umbrella, all by Alexander McQueen, stretch-leather skinny pants by Yves Saint Laurent, multi-stone cuff by Emilio Pucci and ‘Original Tall’ Wellington boots by Hunter.

Nars Fall 2012 collection offers for your eyes and nails some icy shades with stormy names:

Vent Glacé (Glacial Wind) Duo Eyeshadow, CHF 59.-

Storm Bird Nail Polish (Limited Edition), CHF 32.-
Both available from August 2012.

Good news: The weather forecast says that the arrival of summer is close in Zurich. Let’s hope that the weather gods will be merciful.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Nars

The day I left for my trip to the US, a wonderful package arrived at my doorstep filled with the newest goodies from Guerlain and of course, I packed them all.

The French house’s fall 2012 makeup collection is an homage to femininity and the sensuality of colours. It overflows with beautiful shades of reds (Rouge D’Enfer) and pinks (Rose Angélique), just perfect to complement my Hawaiian looks.

Natalia Vodianova is again the face of the ad campaign and she is wearing bold red lips coloured with the new Rouge G L’Extrait de Guerlain. I took the photos of my favourite products at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea.

For fall, pair your lipstick with your blush and change your look every day. Guerlain’s blush duos Rose aux Joues allow you to shade, sculpt and colour in total freedom. 
My favourite blush and lipstick combination: Rose aux Joues (CHF 70.-) in 04 Pink Punk and Rouge G (CHF 64.-) in G76 Gracy (a beautiful raspberry)

Guerlain, the creator of the first tube of lipstick in 1870, now offers Rouge G L’Extrait. Its liquid, creamy, ultra-pigmented, and velvety consistency stays on amazingly well. The case is an outstanding object, pull, click and watch the double mirror gracefully open.
Available in 7 shades for CHF 64.- each.
My favourite colour: M69 Orgueil (a matte burgundy)

The new Lasting Colour High-Precision Lip Liner in 42 Bois des Indes is the perfect nude beige – an essential designed to enhance the natural tone of the lips. CHF 36.-

I love wearing eyeshadows and adore this new set of four shades to the left. It is a variation between the warmth of oranges and browns to make red looks sizzle.
My favourite eyeshadow and blush combination: L’Écrin 4 Coleurs (CHF 80.-) in 14 Les Fauves and Rose aux Joues (CHF 70.-)  in 01 Peach Boy.

Available from August 15, 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Guerlain

Family owned and operated for over ninety years in Zurich, Osswald will officially open its doors in the heart of SoHo, New York City in August 2012. Highly regarded in Europe for their carefully curated array of niche perfumes, luxury skincare and exceptional customer service, Osswald is pleased to bring their time-honoured values and standards to the US for the first time.

Since 1921, generations of the Dreiding family have been continuously progressing the Osswald Parfumerie in Zurich. It began with founder Boris Dreiding, who was then succeeded by his son Jago Dreiding, Jago was followed by his wife Tamara who took the helm in the late eighties.

Tanja Dreiding Wallace and Werner Abt (Photo: Bolero)

With Tamara’s direction and the help of store manager Werner Abt, Osswald entered the niche perfume and luxury skincare market. In 2005 she asked her daughter Tanja Dreiding Wallace, who had been living in New York City for over 8 years at the time, to return to Zurich and manage the company’s future growth. Tanja found herself becoming fiercely passionate about the brand’s international plans. She took pride in staffing the Zürich flagship with the most knowledgeable professionals in the beauty care business. Within a few years, Osswald became one of Europe’s leading niche parfumerie and skincare boutiques known for its superior customer service.

“Once Osswald was established as one of the leaders in the European niche perfume, skincare and cosmetic market, I realized that growing the family business was my true calling,” says Tanja Dreiding Wallace, CEO of Osswald. “In 2010, during a visit to New York, I detected a void in the beauty retail industry for premium service and quality products. At that point, I was committed to launching Osswald in the US and sharing my family’s vision of premium Swiss hospitality with New Yorkers, individuals who would appreciate our approach to an extraordinary shopping experience.”

My dear NY-based readers, here is my shopping list of exclusive must-have products that you will only find at Osswald NYC in the US:

For the American debut, Osswald will exclusively launch and sell coveted Swiss skincare brands Bellefontaine, Cell Premium, and La Colline as well as established brands Cellcosmet and Valmont. Each brand is on the cutting edge of skincare, using advanced technologies including the use of stem cells.

My skincare shopping suggestion:

This is an amazing magical product that will be launched in September 2012: Time Master Intensive Program by Valmont. The Swiss brand with over 25 years of experience calls itself the magician of time and is renowned for its spa treatments. Now, a professional unique intensive program will be available to be used at home. A combination of technology, efficiency and precision, this nano-emulsion is so delicate that it penetrates the skin in a split second and treats all the causes for aging. Within 28 days, Time Master Instensive Program regulates the cellular mechanisms of the skin and turns back the clock.
The 4-week treatment will be available for CHF 1235.-/ € 950.-.

Sought after perfumes including Pierre Guillaume’s Parfumerie Générale and Profumum Roma will only be available at the Osswald New York location, as well as Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Clive Christian, MDCI, Kilian, Micallef, Amouage, Pierre Guillaume’s Huitième Art and Six Scents amongst others.

My fragrance shopping suggestion:

If you get a chance, please explore the fragrance world of Pierre Guillaume: Parfumerie Générale and Huitième Art, a niche collection of 8 fragrances launched for the brand’s 8th anniversary in 2010 – synonymous with perfume being the 8th art. His creations are a must for anyone who loves perfume. 
I met the perfumer once at an event held at Osswald in Zurich and was truly impressed by his passion. He is young, brilliant, intellectual and very handsome. My favourite – among many of his scents I like – is PG19 Louanges Profanes, an oriental floral, that is fresh and soft in one.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian offers bespoke scents. Ask the Osswald team for more information. So sophisticated!

Other offerings will include By Terry makeup, scented candles, exquisite bathroom accessories and mirrors, manicure etuis, shaving kits, toiletry bags and other beautiful items in the luxury lifestyle sector.

Osswald NYC will open August 2012
311 W. Broadway New York, NY 10013 www.osswaldnyc.com

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of the Brands

Personally speaking my favourite Hawaiian resort to stay at is the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, located at the Wailea Beach.

The beach in front of the hotel is wider than most of the others on the island with wonderful golden sand. This is where I started each morning with a yoga session. Listening to the sound of the waves, embraced by the softness of the sand was just amazing. Of course, this hotel is the perfect place to get married and during my stay, I witnessed many wedding celebrations.

The five-star hotel is home to four restaurants and bars, including an outpost of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s famous Spago. During your stay, you can treat yourself to some fine food. And of course, upon your arrival at the resort, you will be presented with the obligatory lei greeting.

The pool area is great but if you travel with kids not comparable to the Grand Wailea Resort which is next door, reminiscent of an amusement park, with fountains, tarzan’s swing, slides, caves, a bar in the pool and many other attractions. One of them while I was there: Britney Spears with her sons.
But be careful, all Grand Wailea Resort guests have to wear silver bracelets in the pool because it seems that Four Seasons guests tend to go over there from time to time.

If you travel without kids, you will have the best experience at the Four Seasons with a special pool area for adults only. Fashionistas will love the Missoni cabanas, furnished with the Italian brands fabrics and towels, but they cost an additional $495.- a day which I find absolutely crazy. I would prefer spending that money in the hotel’s boutique Knots 22 that carry the latest fashion from top designers, such as Missoni, Stella McCartney, Lanvin and many more.

As you see in the collage above, I love to pack Missoni when travelling. Those amazing knitwear pieces don’t wrinkle and are airy to wear in warm weather. To shop Missoni, please click here.

You can explore Missoni Home by clicking here for a great selection of cushions, towels and throws. Have fun decorating your world with the iconic zigzag pattern.

There are many sport activities offered at the resort, from yoga to hula dancing, from surfing to probably the most exciting one scuba diving. The hotel has also a well-equipped gym. If you like, you can book private lessons in tennis, pilates and gyrotronics® among others to keep yourself fit and busy.

I had a wonderful time at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea. Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much) and a hui hou (Goodbye)!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today I would like to show you the first precision hair powder brush that gives instant root lift, texture and body: Volume Maker by Shu Uemura (CHF29.-).

This invisible texturizing powder also helps to refresh and blow-dry for long lasting hairstyles. It is fragrance-free and works on all hair colours.

How it works:

To be used on dry hair. Neatly separate the sections where you wish to have volume. Place the powder brush at the root area. Click and stroke side-to-side. With the fingers, massage to distribute. For added volume, I recommend backcombing the hair in addition.

I am so happy with this product. This full volume look at the roots is always hard to achieve with long hair like mine. Now, it finally works. The brush distributes the powder lightly, where you want it to go, and becomes invisible. A little bit like a dry shampoo but so much more convenient.

When it is finally time to wash your hair, I recommend Shu Uemura‘s Cleansing Oil Shampoo (400ml, CHF 61.-) to get the job done!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Shu Uemura

Anne Hathaway grabbed attention yesterday at the European Premiere of The Dark Knight Rises in London in a stunning  shimmering gown from Gucci’s Resort 2013 collection. The long-awaited conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy is released worldwide tomorrow.

Speaking of Gucci Resort 2013, Frida Giannini seeked inspiration from a glorious 60s and 70s inspired getaway in Capri. Filled with sophisticated and elegant silhouettes, the designer plays with the iconic Flora print. The colours are divine, from vintage-like sorbet shades to earthy tones of beige, brown and black. Embroideries and embellishments on the neckline resemble a summer bouquet. I would love to have every single look!

It is so Bon Chic. Bon Genre!

LoL. Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci and © Getty Images

It’s July, and in the world of beauty and fashion, that means already fall! The new makeup collections are hitting the shelves. Bobbi Brown‘s Desert Twilight Collection, inspired by end-of-day light in the desert, transitions from summer to the next season with sun-swept nudes and pinks for eyes, cheeks and lips.

Personally speaking, I love that she injects her favourite colour turquoise to add a splash of colour reminiscent of the hues of Southwest jewelry. The combination of turquoise and bronzy hues is so perfect for a late summer glow.

MY MUST-HAVES (from top left to right):

Desert Twilight Eye Palette (Limited Edition) – CHF90.- / $60.-
Shades: Navajo, Twilight Pink Metallic, Twilight Metallic, Cement, Pink Dusk Metallic, Dusk Sparkle, Water Colour Pink Sparkle and Chocolate Mauve.
Includes a dual-ended Eye Shadow and Eye Liner brush – all in a sleek mirrored compact – so you can apply everything like a pro.

Long-Wear Cream Shadow (Limited Edition) – CHF37.- / $24.-
Now in the limited edition shade Blue Moon.

Nail Polish (Limited Edition) – CHF27.- / $22.-
In the unexpected hue of Turquoise, polish turns nails into the perfect fall accessory.

High Shimmer Lip Gloss (New shade) – CHF35.- / $23.-
Bobbi’s new lip gloss in Bronzed Heather combines gorgeous, light-catching shimmer with lasting, non-sticky shine.

Available this month at all Bobbi Brown counters worldwide, in Zurich at Jelmoli.

LoL, Sandra

I am a grown-up Roksanda Ilincic fan as you know and her pre-fall 2012 collection is one of my favourites for the next season. Inspired by her eighteen month-old daughter’s Legos, the uber-cute designs feature drop-waist dresses, puff skirts, Mondrian-like colour blocking and divine colour combinations.

You can shop a great selection at net-à-porter.com and matchesfashion.com. The cute Suzu wool-blend crepe dress to the left above has just found its way to me.

This month, the Serbian designer has launched her debut line for two to eight year olds, entitled Blossom Childrenswear. The range features mini-me clothes with instantly recognisable aspects from Roksanda’s womenswear designs and was inspired by the birth of Roksanda’s first child Efimia, back in 2010, who is perhaps unsurprinsgly, modelling the debut collection.

Roksanda puts an emphasis on material “to ensure the collection comprises of soft textures and loose, unrestrictive shapes”. This happens when a mother designs. She knows how to keep the little ones comfortable without giving up on style. The line is available at Liberty and on AlexandAlexa.com. I am loving it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roksanda Ilincic

Ladies, store your ballet flats! If you haven’t focused on the day-slipper trend, you really should embrace it. They are on the shopping list of every fashionista and a hot fixture on the fall high street. I went for leopard print slippers by Louis Vuitton in blue (for the previous post, please click here) – Poppy Delevigny has the same ones in red. 
For fall, Miu Miu‘s velvet embroidered slippers are my season’s favourites, so chic!

By the way, gentlemen, you are in the game as well. You can find the most extraordinary models for the fashion-forward of you at the end of this post.

Get involved now and shop those must-have footwear below!

LoL, Sandra

Shop the best slippers for WOMEN:

Embroidered velvet-covered leather slippers by Miu Miu

Embroidered satin-covered leather slippers by Miu Miu

Sequined leather slippers by Marc by Marc Jacobs

Intern tartan canvas and patent-leather slippers by Christian Louboutin

Sequin skull-embellished suede slippers by Alexander McQueen

Embroidered velvet slippers by Alexander McQueen

Swarovski crystal-embellished suede slippers by Giuseppe Zanotti

Wheel studded leather slippers by Jimmy Choo

Shop the best slippers for MEN:

Victory nude nubuck leather slippers by Kardinale

Leopard print suede slippers by Jimmy Choo Men

Sloane zebra print ponyskin slippers by Jimmy Choo Men

Coarse glitter slippers by Jimmy Choo Men

Purple velvet slippers by Del Toro

Velvet slippers with crystal tassel by Giuseppe Zanotti Men

Suede and Swarovski embellished slippers by Giuseppe Zanotti Men

Embroidered velvet slippers by Stubbs & Wooton
(Stubbs & Wooton is a Florida-based label, founded in Palm Beach in 1993, that specialises in luxurious slippers).

At the moment, I am completely addicted to La Prairie face care products and took them all on my road trip through the US. This means a lot because the packaging is quite enormous. Of course, it looks very luxurious in your bathroom but if you travel a lot like me, it is not very convenient. I hope that the Swiss brand will come up one day with a travel-size collection. But packing them is worth the effort! The results that you can achieve in a short amount of time are truly amazing.

Here is what I use on a daily basis at the moment:

EYES

ESSENCE OF SKIN CAVIAR EYE COMPLEX (Day)
Instant Firming Eye Energizer

The perfect pick-me-up for the sensitive skin surrounding your eyes, this lightweight, rapidly penetrating gel acts like a mini eyelift. I like to carry it in my handbag when flying to hydrate from time to time the delicate tissue around my eye and to soothe away signs of stress and fatigue.

It also effectively “erases” slight imperfections and helps to increase the staying power of eye makeup. CHF 160.- (15ml)

CELLULAR RADIANCE EYE CREAM (Day & Night)
Restorative Eye Treatment

Unfortunately, I have very sensitive skin around the eyes and not all eye creams work for me. This one is amazing as it helps to refine, hydrate and smooth the delicate skin surrounding the eyes without being too aggressive. A brightening complex, which combines light diffusers with vitamins and minerals, fills in lines and wrinkles and provides instant luminosity, immediately wiping away signs of stress and fatigue. CHF 412.- (15ml)

FACE

CELLULAR RADIANCE EMULSION SPF 30 (Day)
Protecting Emulsion

I am using this product for quite a while now (for the previous post, please click here) and I truly love it because it improves my natural glow immediately, while working to help prevent age spots and discoloration over time. Firmness and moisture increase, giving the look and feeling of younger skin while SPF protection helps minimize skin-aging damage. CHF 570 (50ml)

CELLULAR RADIANCE CREAM (Day & Night)
Time-Correcting Treatment

As you get older, you are loosing unfortunately your youthful luminescence and radiance more and more, especially after being short of sleep or too much time in an airplane. This truly advanced de-aging treatment with unique radiance complex helps to diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles while refining and firming the skin and enhances its reflective properties. Your complexion will become more luminous, more radiant from the moment of application. It will help you look as young as you feel. CHF 820.- (50ml)

CELLULAR POWER CHARGE NIGHT (Night)
Magical things happen at night

I have told about this magic potion for your skin already in April (please click here for the previous post and the detailed information). It is no joke, it helps you to turn back the clock overnight by taking advantage of your skins natural resting state to perform necessary recovery functions. CHF 544 (40ml)

CELLULAR LIQUID SOFT GLOW (Day)
Airbrush your face

Designed to create shimmery accents to contour and highlight any area of the face, this unique formula is flattering on all skin tones. This silky, lightweight fluid enhances the natural skin tone with a brightened luminosity and creates a “soft focus” effect to blur the look of lines & wrinkles with the help of an invisible light diffuser. It may be worn alone, or blended with your favourite foundation. CHF 72.- (30ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht and Stills: Courtesy of La Prairie