“For the 4th edition of Firenze4Ever, and the launch of the S/S 2012 collections, a PINK CARPET will welcome the most influential fashion and music bloggers from all corners of the world.”
Today, I am flying to Florence for the fourth edition of Luisa Via Roma’s Firenze4Ever. As you can imagine, I am so excited to be invited again…
Stay tuned for many posts on this exciting event.
LoL, Sandra
In the mood to shop the floral trend for S/S 2012?
Here are the best pieces available at the moment.
Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly! Happy Shopping!
DRESSES
1 Floral-print silk crepe de chine dress by Dolce & Gabbana
2 Floral-print silk crepe de chine dress by Sonia Rykiel
3 Floral-print silk-chiffon dress by Jason Wu
SKIRTS
1 Floral-print silk-georgette skirt by Proenza Schouler
2 Embroidered tulle skirt by Marc Jacobs (my personal must-have)
3 Floral-print ruched silk-chiffon skirt by Jason Wu
TOPS
1 Floral-print jacquard blazer by Etro
2 Rose-print silk blouse by Prabal Gurung
3 Shay floral-print silk scarf by Jimmy Choo
GOWNS
1 Lucietta floral-print silk crepe de chine gown by Erdem
2 Draped floral-print silk-chiffon gown by Roberto Cavalli
LoL, Sandra
“After women, flowers are the most heavenly creation.” — Christian Dior
Here is your perfect make-up look to complement your new floral outfit. The huge S/S 2012 fashion trend has also come across the world of beauty. Dior‘s “Garden Party” collection is amazing and will be available in Switzerland starting on the 18th of January, 2012.
First of all, let me tell you a little story:
“Christian Dior grew up in Granville, on the cliffs of Normandy, in a house buffeted by strong winds, and seemingly unsuited to the creation of a garden. However, the young man’s creative strength and relentless hard work defied nature, and today one can still admire the garden in bloom and in particular, the fantastic rose garden planted with his own hands.
Christian Dior also loved the excitement of parties, and often hosted the aptly named “Grand Balls of the Century” with enchanted beauties from the Normandy coast and Paris alike. The theme of the festive garden is still alive today throughout many Dior creations. The Dior spring colour collection is inspired by Dior’s fantastic garden.”
NAIL POLISHES
Let me get you started with the stars of the collection and my absolute favourites: The two SCENTED nail polishes in 694 Forget-me-not (light mauve) and 504 Waterlily (soft green) which you can see on my nails below.
DIOR VERNIS “Garden Party” (one-shot): CHF 38 each
The nail polishes come with a rose scent that is only discernible when you hold your nails close to your nose (which started to look weird as I couldn’t stop myself from smelling my yummy finger nails). The scent only starts to appear when the polish dries on your nails. It is amazing, love, love, love it!
EYESHADOW PALETTES
The 5-Couleurs “Garden Edition” Couture Eyeshadows Palette (one-shot): CHF 92 each
841 Garden Roses Soft pinks, Parma violet, silver and purple (see photo above left)
441 Garden Pastels Pale pink, buttercup yellow and luminous greens (see photo below left)
The 3-Couleurs Smoky Palette: CHF 68 each
461 Smoky Garden (one-shot) (see photo below right)
961 Smoky Violet (see photo top right)
STAR PRODUCT
The “Garden Party” star product is a piece of art, a clutch that was designed with the floral spirit in mind. Featuring a glossy leather-like shell, adorned with a woven pattern and sealed by a beautiful rose clasp, this limited-edition makeup must-have for eyes and lips should be on your shopping list! Inside is a trio of delicate rose-embossed eye shadows, one shade of Dior Ultra-Gloss and one Lip Maximizer. Available in two colour harmonies:
Star Product (one-shot) “Garden Clutch Make-up Palette”, CHF 115 each
001 Milly Garden (see my photos below)
002 Granville Garden (see photo above)
BLUSH
This is an amazing product! This blush enhances your unique cheek colour for an ultra-natural and customized healthy glow effect. Your face looks after the application as if revitalized with a breath of fresh air.
DIORSKIN Rosy Glow Blush 001 Pétale: CHF 69
LIP COLOURS
Rouge Dior, CHF 48 each
363 Rose Corolle/ Corolle Pink
448 Rose Tulipe/ Tulip Pink
Rouge Sérum, CHF 52 each
255 Rosée Sérum
355 Pétale Sérum
DIOR Addict Ultra Gloss, CHF 44 each
152 Rose Mondain/ Socialite Pink
396 Party Lilac
452 Rose Pretty/ Pretty Rose
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht
Following on from the iconic Versace for H&M collection, Donatella Versace has created a brand new cruise collection that will be available from 19th January 2012 as an H&M online exclusive.
The collection is designed as a holiday capsule wardrobe that’s also an instant style update for spring.
The women’s collection is light and feminine, with a berries and butterflies print on dresses, tops, negligées, dressing gowns and a silk cashmere cardigan. There are also white jeans, bikinis, and accessories such as charm bracelets, print bags, ballet flats and high heels.
For men, the focus is on fashion classics like a leather detail wool blazer, jeans and denim shirts, alongside pleat-front shorts in cotton or denim.
Abbey Lee Kershaw is the face for the campaign and is posing in the newly revealed pieces.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Via Design Scene and Front Row View
Good news for S/S 2012, everything’s coming up roses (and orchids, and daffodils, and daisies). Head to toe floral prints are one of the season’s biggest trends and were seen all over the runways.
My all-time favourite Mary Katrantzou who is known for her bold prints and vivid colors, showed this trend in perfection, flowers and print – the perfect combination of her strengths. Her runway was divided by a field of carnations. Please click here for the previous post.
Take a peek at the most fun garden party of the season! Floral prints, extreme edition!
The colours range from fabulous bright colours reminiscent of a tropical vacation to soft neutrals and stunning pastels. Lilac and light green are among summer’s favourites.
As if the floral prints weren’t enough, the designers went and attached 3-D flowers and embellishments to the fabrics. A season’s must! Best collection: Louis Vuitton!
I’m betting it won’t be long before a style icon like Alexa Chung is spotted in this cool Chloé or Prada outfit!
If you didn’t think you could wear a head to toe look printed with multi-coloured florals and still look cool, Erdem just proved you totally wrong.
From the necklace, to the shoes, to the bags, to the earrings, this S/S 2012 trend is a complete floral explosion!
Stay tuned for more to complement this look…
LoL, Sandra
To complement the Hawaiian-inspired trend for Resort 2012, Sisley Paris has the perfect make-up look, so-called “Tropical Orchid”.
L’Orchidée (highlighter blush with white lily) – 76 € / 93 CHF
Instant Perfect, 20ml (primer) – 48,50 € / 58.50 CHF
Phyto-Ombres Eclat Ultra Violet N°14, Garden Rose N° 9 und Jungle N°6 (eye shadows) – 33 € / 40 CHF
Golden Touch (cream eyeshadow) – 30 € / 36.50 CHF
Phyto-Lip Shine Sheer Coral N°8 und Sheer Fushia N°14 (lipsticks) – 33 € / 40 CHF
Available in February 2012
The star product of the collection that I can highly recommed is L’Orchidée, a highlighter blush with white lily.
It has a light and silky texture that makes your skin look smooth and radiant. The white lily extract has also a moisturizing effect. Suitable for all skin tones and seasons.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
A new year, a new season! Let me get you started with the new collections and trends! Probably you will be leaving soon for a tropical resort. Then you will be in love with those Hawaiian-inspired Resort 2012 pieces! And if not, you can include them in your winter wardrobe for the ultimate new-season-feel!
To shop, just click on the highlighted text!
To the right on top: Hawaiian-print modal and silk-blend scarf by Stella McCartney
Limited Edition Juicy tropical surfboard by Juicy Couture, Hawaiian-print silk jumpsuit by Stella McCartney and green PS1 Medium leather satchel by Proenza Schouler
From right to left: Hawaiian-print silk dress, Hawaiian-print silk pants and Hawaiian-print cotton-sateen midi skirt, all three by Stella McCartney
From left to right: Polar tropical-print espadrille wedges by Jimmy Choo, Falabella small faux python shoulder bag by Stella McCartney, flower skirt by Givenchy, flower sleeveless dress by Givenchy, tropical-print slim sweater by Marc by Marc Jacobs and Havana printed silk-satin dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs
Aloha!
LoL, Sandra
Days skiing or snowboarding on crisp, pristine snow, nights unwinding in cosy bars and restaurants – a winter break can be one of life’s most rewarding pleasures. But it can also be one of the most demanding times for your skin.
To survive the cold and dry climate of the Swiss Alps, I like to do this daily routine.
STEP 1 – PROTECTION
First of all, it is very important to use sun protection, as the alpine sun can be pretty aggressive. Just as a swimsuit won’t keep you warm in the mountains, your summer sunscreen won’t provide all the care you need. For every 1,000 metres you climb, the sun’s rays grow in intensity by up to 12%.
I therefore recommend the PIZ BUIN® Mountain range. All products feature an innovative formulation that delivers the special protection needed in high altitude conditions. PIZ BUIN®’s advanced UVA/UVB sun filter system and an extract of Edelweiss help to protect your skin from the sun and long-term skin damage. Enriched with a Cold Shield Complex, all products provide long-lasting moisturisation protecting the skin from extreme cold and wind.
PIZ BUIN® Mountain Combination Sun Cream SPF 15, SPF 30 or new SPF 50+ with SPF 30 lip stick,
40 ml, CHF 13.50
PIZ BUIN® Mountain Glacier Cream, SPF 30 high, with retro design inspired from its first version in 1946,
40 ml, CHF 15.90
STEP 2 – EMERGENCY CARE
One of the advantages of being a blogger and a journalist is to be able to try new beauty products before they hit the markets. There were two more products that truly helped me survive the cold weather and very dry climate here in the Swiss mountains. They will be sold in department stores starting Mid January 2012.
The one that I use all the time and highly recommend is Baume de Beauté 14 by Carita. It is a very practical tube with an applicator that you can carry around easily with you. It is super moisturizing, you can wear it all day long on the lips to repair them and on the cuticles to nourish them. I like to leave it on all night on the ends when my hair is a little brittle and unruly. This magical balm also works on dry parts of the body. Three things in one, wow!
CARITA Baume de Beauté 14, 20 ml, CHF 32
STEP 3 – REPAIRING AND BALANCING
Clarins Face Treatment Oils – Blue Orchid, Santal and Lotus – have always been among my beauty essentials. This month, they will be relaunched, presenting themselves in a new look and with an even better concentration.
They naturally give skin the means to „recover“ and regain the perfect balance. Very fine, quickly absorbed and composed of 100% pure plant extracts, they leave no oily residue and help your skin to defend all sorts of temporary imbalances such as dehydration, redness and loss of radiance, effects of such dry climates. My favourite is Blue Orchid. I like to use it as the only product at night as a cure or combined with a mask.
Face Treatment Oils, 30ml, each CHF 44
LoL, Sandra
Happy New Year 2012 to all of you!
May it be filled with love, peace and joy… and lots of shopping sprees!
I started the New Year 2012 very relaxed in St. Moritz. If you stay away from the hustle and bustle, you can allow yourself to enjoy quiet and relaxation! I have recharged my batteries and I am full of energy for many exciting things to come. Stay tuned as I will be leaving very soon to Italy again!
My look for a walk around the lake of St. Moritz: Black mink coat with grey fur collar by Prada, 912 low-rise skinny jeans by J Brand, black cashmere sweater
by Chinti and Parker, Sam fine-knit scarf
by Isabel Marant, Intrecciato leather gloves by Bottega Veneta, sunglasses by Tom Ford and snow boots by Prada Sport.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
If I whetted your appetite for some serious Tom Ford shopping, have a look at the retailers list by clicking here. Good news is that a new Tom Ford boutique just has opened its doors in St. Moritz on the famous Via Serlas (see photo above).
Germany has got its first Tom Ford shop since last month in Munich.The 1400 square foot, two-story franchised flagship store is located at Falckenbergstrasse adjacent to Maximilianstrasse (see photos below).
My New Year’s Resolution for 2012: I want a “Ford Fiesta”!
With this in mind, Happy New Year!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Marion Heinrich, © Sandra Bauknecht