Sandra‘s Closet

A lipstick is never innocent and is much more than just a beauty step. 
Elegant or provocative, lips dress up to reveal their intentions, marking a presence, a difference and an attitude. Intense and radical, each ROUGE ALLURE shade sparks the imagination, expressing the personalities of all women.

Like a prelude to the rush of colour, the object itself is a true statement. A real jewel in its contemporary case with pure lines, it delivers the sensation of authentic luxury. Press once and it reveals itself in just one click, reinventing seduction in an exquisitely feminine step.

In 2012, ROUGE ALLURE explores a new range of colours that are more intense than ever before. To give colour all of its power, the formula evolves, while maintaining com­fort and gentleness. It is designed to enhance colour with the help of highly concentrated extremely fine pig­ments. And because colour dazzles even more on supple, protected lips, the formula is en­riched with moisturising and antioxidant agents, such as sweet almond oil, sappan wood and green tea.

RED IS A STYLE

The style of CHANEL can be traced in black and white. Free and unpredictable, red enriches its palette, setting off elegant ensembles with a note of boldness and imperti­nence.

For Gabrielle Chanel red is more than a colour, it is an attitude and a sign of distinction. Paradoxical and intriguing, but never innocent, red shimmers and makes a statement. On lips, it combines strength, femininity and allure.

The new ROUGE ALLURE collection puts red in the spotlight to match every style.

REDS

97 INCANDESCENTE, a flamboyant red with insolent radiance.
98 COROMANDEL, a luminous and precious orange-red.
99 PIRATE, an ultimate, slightly bluish red (see photo above).
102 PALPITANTE, an exquisite shade of raspberry red.
104 PASSION, a dazzling and absolutely glamorous red.
105 INIMITABLE, an intense, irresistible red with pearly reflections.

BEIGES

88 ÉVANESCENTE, a natural beige for a sophisticated nude effect.
90 PIMPANTE, the subtle seduction of a peach tone.

PINKS

91 SÉDUISANTE, a natural pink, hesitating between candor and spicy charm.
93 EXALTÉE, a true fuschia, deliciously provocative.
94 EXTATIQUE, the freshness and playfulness of an intense bluish pink.

ORANGES

95 ENJOUÉE, a fresh, energising coral pink.
96 EXCENTRIQUE, an absolutely bold and luminous apricot shade.

BROWNS

108 DÉTERMINÉE, a violet-plum brown with a bewitching character.
109 ROUGE NOIR, the revolutionary deep red, now a classic.
110 DÉLURÉE, the brazen originality of a deep brown.

CHF 48.- each

LE CRAYON LÈVRES

New shades of lip liners will be launched to match with the most flamboyant shades of ROUGE ALLURE:

55 FUSCHIA (new)
56 ORANGE INTENSE (new)
57 ROUGE PROFOND (new)
09 ROUGE NOIR

CHF 34.- each

LE VERNIS

For a radical makeover, ROUGE ALLURE is coordinated with iconic CHANEL nailpolishes:

565 BEIGE, a universal and iconic shade (new).
617 HOLIDAY, avant-garde and a future classic, this intense and sophisticated coral becomes part of the legend (new, depending on the market).
473 COROMANDEL, a timeless and extremely feminine orange-red.
08 PIRATE, the must-have flamboyant red (my favourite red).
18 ROUGE NOIR, deep, mysterious and inimitable.

CHF 35.- each

Available in Mid September 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

You are surely aware of the risks that you face by exposing your skin to the sun. How about protecting also your hair from sun damage? Of course, cancer isn’t a concern for it, but prolonged sun exposure and many hours in the pool or in the sea can damage the hair from the cuticle to its inner structure. The result is mostly faded colour, split ends, dryness, weakened and thinning hair. Therefore I recommend using products with formulas that contain UV absorbers in them. Above you can see my favourites that I have packed for my vacation.

Here are the details:

Paul Mitchell‘s newly launched first sun collection is amazing. Created for all hair types and especially colour-treated, dry or damaged hair, all three products feature the SolarVeil™ Complex, a powerful blend of sunflower extract and highly active UV absorbers, shields fragile strands from damaging UVA and UVB rays. The Island Passion Flower scent is inspired by the tropics and smells absolutely divine.

The limited edition range consists of:
Sun Recovery Hydrating Shampoo™ (CHF 29.- / 250ml) which nourishes hair and helps lock in colour – sulfate-free.
After-Sun Replenishing Masque™ (CHF 33.- / 250ml) aiming to hydrate and guard hair from UV rays and prevent colour fade.
Sun Shield Conditioning Spray™ (CHF 29.- / 125ml) to help maintain shiny hair colour and provide UV protection.

This after-sun nourishing milky serum (CHF 26.- / 50ml) from L’Oréal Professionnel‘s Solar Sublime Series Expert is a must. With the help of ceramide and vitamin E, it is instantly absorbed and conditions the hair fibre immediately to replenish it with suppleness and softness after exposure to the sun. Best applied on towel-dried hair. Available in salons exclusively.

Personally speaking, I like to change my shampoo once in a while and therefore always pack two different products. Redken‘s New Color Extend Sun protects highlights, safeguards color and replenishes sun-stressed strands. The advanced Hydra-Shield Complex with Mexoryl S.O, a patented UV filter, provides powerful protection while restoring lost moisture and luminous shine.

Color Extend Sun After-Sun Shampoo (CHF32.- / 300ml) continues to protect the hair even after the product is rinsed out, so using the shampoo prior to sun exposure will also help prevent UV damage.
Color Extend Sun Take Cover SPF25 (CHF 42.- / 154,1g) is an innovative hair treatment to protect the hair and scalp from UV damage. This lightweight mousse contains no alcohol, best to be used 30 minutes before sun exposure.

Kérastase‘s Huile Lactée (CHF 38.- / 125ml) is a great product with Vitamin E and UV absorbers to smooth sun-exposed hair. Its biphasic solution has two effects: The milky texture enriched with Ylang Ylang helps to avoid the unwanted frizz effect, while the luxurious oily phase protects the hair from moisture loss.

With those products, your hair will be safe. I also like to wear a big sun hat that is stylish and protective in one.

Bunny embellished straw sunhat by Eugenia Kim

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Personally speaking, I am hopelessly devoted to Mary Katrantzou‘s designs and her F/W 2012 collection is my favourite for the next season. During Paris Fashion Week, I went to the London Showrooms to explore her amazing creations. I love Mary. She is so crazily successful but still completely down to earth and took all the photos of me in her to-die-for dresses. We went for lunch and played dress-up afterwards. I have fallen in love with every single piece.

“A pencil, a spoon, a hanger, a chess piece, a hedge, a typewriter: For F/W 2012 Mary Katrantzou discovers the beauty in the everyday, elevating the mundane to the sublime in a collection where product placement becomes placement print.”

For the first time, Mary decides to match: To match everything. The collection is divided into seven distinct sections, each featuring prints composed from objects associated with a single colour in shades of white, blue, green, ivory, yellow, red and black, Models are saturated in a statement hue, from head to toe, working through a colour spectrum as graphic and striking as a Crayola crayon box.

Finally the wait is over! The new-season is here! Prepare to get lost in dizzying detail and sumptuous colour of the princess of print, with luxe embroideries and outstanding cuts that are all highly collectables at the end. Available from today at net-à-porter.com and matchesfashion.com.

Please enjoy all the photos below of my must-haves and see Mary’s love for detail!

LoL, Sandra

WHITE & IVORY

Gleam Coat

Ivory Dress with many layers of chiffon and painted leather sleeves

Powdy Dress with long sleeves, Powdy Biker Jacket and Powdy Scarf

YELLOW

Powder Gun Dress

The most breathtaking dress of the collection: Sprinter Fritz Dress
It came straight from the Ritz for me where Anna Dello Russo had tried it earlier that day. Those bendable pencils are absolutely divine! This dress is a piece of art!

Sweet Mary brought it to perfection on me!

RED

Typo Dress – Let me be your secretary!

Roseterrier Dress, printed leather with pleated skirt – amazing!

BLUE

GREEN

Expandit Dress with bolsters and embroideries by the famous French Haute Couture Embroidery House Lesage who collaborated for the first time with a London designer

BLACK

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This year, Hanhart is launching a new addition to the house’s legendary chonographs: The Primus Desert Pilot, which sports a trendy outdoor look with a sand-blasted case and a sand-coloured dial and fabric strap.

Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2012, the Swiss-German watch brand is known for its precision-perfect and absolutely reliable instrument watches designed for use in the air, on the land and on the sea.

PRIMUS Desert Pilot

Movement: HAN3809 modified automatic chronograph movement (bicompax), based on the Valjoux 7750 calibre; 28,800 vibrations per hour, 4 Hz; 28 jewels; rotor with a skeletonised Hanhart logo; power reserve of min. 42 hours

Functions: Small seconds at 9 o’clock, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, date display at 6 o’clock

Case: Sand-blasted stainless steel; anodised aluminium red reset button; fluted bezel with inlaid red marking; convex, internally anti-reflective sapphire glass; screwed-down, internally anti-reflective sapphire glass case back; large screw in crown; flexible lugs; diameter 44 mm, height 15 mm; water-resistant to 10 bar/100 m

Dial: Sand-coloured; with black Super-LumiNova®-coated, luminous Arabic numeral, index marks and hands

Strap: Fabric strap; folding clasp with inlaid red marking (anodised aluminium) made from sand-blasted stainless steel

Inspired by the desire for freedom and adventure, the Primus Desert Pilot highlights the independence of the wearer. Available end of summer for CHF 5950 / € 4250.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hanhart

This week, I drove up to Haleakalā National Park which is surrounding and including the crater. This massive vulcano forms more than 75% of the Hawaiian Island of Maui and its activity is in a non-eruptive phase. The temperature near the summit tends to vary and on my way up, I went through the clouds. On top of the vulcano, it was drizzling from time to time and quite cool but the nature is breathtaking.

As you see, I followed my own fashion advice and went for some Hawaiian prints. For the previous post on this trend, please click here.

My look on top of the vulcano: Hawaiian-print silk tunic dress (on sale) and Hawaiian-print silk tapered pants (on sale), both by Stella McCartney, cat eye glitter acetate and metal sunglasses and suede sandals, both by Miu Miu and small Marcie hobo bag in Skylight Blue by Chloé.

It looks like I landed on the moon, doesn’t it?! And what do you think of my natural curls?

LoL, Sandra

This rare species of Silversword is fragile and lives only upon the slopes of Haleakalā.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

In the summertime, it is hard to wear foundations as most of the time, you look like you are literally melting away. Therefore it’s best to go easy on the makeup and to choose the right formulas such as tinted moisturizers. If you want to wear heavier foundation, look for a product that controls oil.

Here are three amazing products for you:

ESTÉE LAUDER INVISIBLE FLUID MAKEUP

See no makeup; feel no makeup. The first-of-its-kind IntuiTone™ technology guarantees your true-to-life shade and keeps it real in every light. Fresh, flawless and radiant. Ultra-light, ultra-breathable and oil-free. It will change how you feel about makeup forever. Available in 12 long-lasting shades for beautiful skin of every ethnicity. It lasts all day, controls excess oil and won’t clog pores. Very important to know is that you have to shake it well with each application for fresh, perfectly blended makeup and if you need extra coverage, just add another layer.

CHF 54.- (30ml)

CLARINS EVER MATTE

An anti-shine, skin-balancing oil-free formula, ideal for women looking for a matte appearance in all circumstances. The plant-based “Skin Detox” complex helps regulate oil production and tighten pores. Its lightweight texture blends easily and allows skin to breathe without drying. The complexion appears more beautiful thanks to an invisible, long-lasting matte “veil” that evens skin tone and keeps skin shinefree from morning to evening. Unrivalled radiance: Clarins exclusive “Light-Optimizing+” complex captures, diffuses and magnifies light. Fine lines and small imperfections are visibly minimized. The complexion appears more even and radiant. SPF 15. Matte finish – Medium coverage , for all skin types with anti-pollution protection.

CHF 48.- (30ml)

CLINIQUE STAY-MATTE OIL-FREE MAKEUP

An oil-free makeup that helps you stay matte all day.
 This formula absorbs shine, controls oil, resists sweat and has been tested for streaking and fading at 25°C / 88°F with a constant 80% humidity. Laminaria Saccaharina extract helps regulate sebum production to give less surface oil, while siliceous earth absorbs oil from the skin surface to keep it feeling fresh.

It’s a must-buy summer foundation for all powder-only ladies with oily skin as it won’t show the lines so easily. Trust me on that one.

CHF 43.- (30ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Estée Lauder, Clarins and Clinique

Expanding his collection of fragrances, which currently includes “Daisy” (2007) and “Lola” (2009), and following his dot-enthusiasm – this month, Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with Yayoi Kusama will hit the stores – Marc Jacobs will be launching a new scent which is young and playful: DOT.

Before leaving for the US, I was invited to the press conference to explore the new fragrance. The composition is floral-fruity, spiced up with exotic notes of coconut and wrapped in soft vanilla embrace. Very young and gourmand.

The bottle is red covered with black dots and reminds me of a cute little ladybug. On top sits a butterfly. It will look great on display in your bathroom.

Top notes: Red berries, pitahaya (dragon fruit) and honeysuckle.
Middle notes: Jasmine, orange blossom and coconut water.
Base notes: Vanilla, musk and driftwood.

DOT Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 81.-), 50ml (CHF103.-) and 100ml (CHF 135.-).
DOT Body Lotion 150ml (CHF 59.-)
DOT Shower Gel 150ml (CHF 48.-)

Available in the US in July 2012 and in August 2012 internationally.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Marc Jacobs Fragrances, Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht

The new Miu Miu F/W 2012 campaign, shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, is a gallery of portraits with a seductive, provocative attitude. Actress Chloë Sevigny, who previously starred in the S/S 1996 campaign, impersonates a well-defined character, who vaguely yet perceptibly hints at psychedelic hedonism scenarios. A thread of subtle irony runs through all the images.

Naive, or maybe just apparently so, basically impenetrable, Chloë Sevigny raises the viewers’ curiosity, and plays with them. Clothing, with its sharp, masculine lines and the psychedelic repetition of prints, becomes the leading character in a kaleidoscopic visual collage, where masculine and feminine blur in a dandy-like fantasy conveying a refreshing eccentricity.

The setting is a series of stylised interiors: thick carpeting, a modernist chair and a butter-coloured hue set the context for a twist on the 1970s without defining it in any graphic detail. The emphasis placed on the character’s personality – engaging in an ambiguous exchange of glances with the observers, with whom she seems to share some kind of intimacy – is highlighted by repetitions in the frames and props enhancing the direct yet nonchalent poses.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Miu Miu

Have you been looking for the perfect bag to carry to work that fits all your personal belongings, keeps your laptop safe, looks stylish and is made out of great leather for an amazing price? Sounds be too good to be true? Actually not, you might have just found it…

Let me introduce to the new addition to my closet: The Loretta Bag by Rodtnes, made of soft, thick calfskin leather of the highest quality that will only become more beautiful with time. The leather is very similar to the Togo leather from Hermès.

The bag has the perfect size that fits everything you need for work.
Let me show you what is in my bag:

Monogrammed patent-leather iPad sleeve by Gucci holding my iPad, pink textured-leather notebook by Smythson, Culte sunglasses by Miu Miu, smartphone holder by Montblanc, my MacBook that is stored perfectly in a special compartment of the Loretta bag, Monogram card holder and wallet, both by Louis Vuitton, a magazine and a statement necklace by Gabriele Frantzen (that can transform your business look in one step to a glamorous outfit for night, always be prepared…).

Below you can find the photos and more facts on the fabulous Loretta bag.

About Rodtnes

In early 2011 Mette Rodtnes, a designing architect, was looking for a beautiful and functional workbag. When she realized that what she was looking for did not exist, she started to to develop the Loretta – the very first Rodtnes bag.

External features:

– Adjustable handles
– Security straps (the handles are kept safely in place by two straps on each attachment location)

–  Long detachable shoulder strap

– Two side pockets with magnetic closing (one side pocket holds a compartment for a mobile phone)

Internal features:

– Compartment to fit a 13 or 15-inch laptop computer. 
(15 inch = appr. 36 – 38 cm on the longest side)
– Compartment to fit A4 documents, iPad etc.
– Smaller zipped compartment.
– Large compartment

Loretta Bag by Rodtnes
Height: 31 cm. Length: 39 cm. Width at botton: 16 cm
Available in black, caramel and grey.

€ 374.- (Readers of Sandra’s Closet will get a special 20% discount by using the promotion code sandrascloset at checkout until the end of August 2012).

Prices for Swiss orders include VAT.
Prices for EU and international orders exclude VAT.

To shop, please click here. Rodtnes is only available online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Vertu, the market leader in luxury mobile phones, has added an elegant and feminine feel to its latest smartphone, Constellation which has resulted in the birth of Constellation Candy. Constellation Candy is on offer in a collection of bold summer shades, created to seamlessly complement and enhance the discerning lifestyle of the fashion forward female. The Constellation Candy touchscreen model offers an unrivalled range of category leading exclusive services.

Constellation Candy Tangerine- 7,400 euro, 6,500 pounds

Inspired by the turn of the season and the bright hues of summer, Constellation Candy is available in mint green, raspberry and tangerine, with 0.34 carats of natural gem stones, all delicately handset in a reduced setting around the pillow on the front of the phone: Rubies for the Raspberry Candy; Tsavorites for the Mint Green Candy and Orange Sapphires for the Tangerine Candy. Each Constellation Candy uses only the highest quality exotic alligator skin on the back plate and for the complementary handset slip case.

Constellation Candy Mint Green- 7,400 euro, 6,500 pounds

Each Constellation Candy is hand made by a single craftsman using only high performance materials, such as a single piece of flawless 3.5” HD multi-touch sapphire crystal for the screen, an 8 megapixel camera with an intricate ruby surround on the shutter key, polished ceramic pillow, surgical grade stainless steel with satin and polished finish, highest quality leather on the back plate of the phone as well as Vertu’s unique high fidelity sound system.

Constellation Candy Rasberry- 7,400 euro, 6,500 pounds

Vertu prides itself on being a pioneer of delivering relevant, tailored luxury information and services direct to a mobile handset through Vertu Concierge and continues to expand this proposition to deliver an unparalleled customer service.

Registering a Vertu Constellation Candy handset provides access to an array of exclusive services designed to ensure that a Vertu owner’s life is beautifully arranged. At the heart of these exclusive services is the independent concierge service, designed to meet the needs of Vertu’s discerning customers. Vertu owners will receive expert assistance, recommendations and priority bookings around the clock. Vertu Concierge can arrange anything from bespoke gifts to money-can’t-buy events and experiences and are 100% committed to fulfilling a Vertu owner’s every request.

Examples of Vertu’s exclusive opportunities available from Vertu Concierge (subject to availability):

VIP personalized styling at Stella McCartney (see my card above)

As London’s leading female fashion designer, Stella McCartney needs little introduction. Her stunning designs make waves on red carpets and fashion pages across the world.

Vertu owners’ can enjoy a similarly A-list experience at her flagship London store with an amazing opportunity available only through Vertu. Vertu owners’ only need to call concierge to receive a Private Wardrobing Card giving access to a wealth of VIP treatment at no cost.

The card includes the contact details of a wardrobe consultant to help choose the most show-stopping pieces from Stella’s range of luxury ready-to-wear clothing, accessories and perfume. Vertu owners can book a private store appointment – or request one at home, workplace or hotel – and receive personalised styling and a limited-edition gift.

The card also entitles a Vertu owner to a car service from a central London location to the store and back; gift service; shipping to home address on request; and same-day delivery in central London.

Global Fashion Weeks VIP Access

New York, London, Milan and Paris are the most prolific and world renowned fashion hubs, where couture is central to local culture. During Fashion Week, models, celebrities, socialites and members of the press gather to scoop the inside track on new designs and styles for the upcoming season, while a host of catwalk shows and glamorous parties add to the event’s firm hold on the social calendar.

Attendees catch a glimpse of this year’s haute couture before anyone else, amid the ultimate in style and sophistication. A Vertu handset owner can enjoy a highly bespoke fashion week experience with invitations to all the most influential shows.

With Vertu’s Constellation Candy, a door is opened to a world of exclusive privilege to discover a life beautifully arranged.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vertu and © Sandra Bauknecht