Sandra‘s Closet

When Karl Lagerfeld lost almost 90 pounds in the beginning of the Nineties, rumors attributed the weight loss to his consumption of only Diet Coke and steamed vegetables. From April 24th, the Parisian trend department store Colette sells a limited edition of the famous drink especially designed by Karl Lagerfeld himself. He dressed the light aluminium bottle in white, black, pink and gave it a new slim silhouette. The bottle is €3.50 and the chic special box, accompagnied by a bottle-opener hidden in a drawer, is €60.-.

As I am totally addicted myself to this wonderful zero-calorie treat, I am completely in love with its new look. Diet Coke should keep it the Lagerfeld way. So much better!

LoL, Sandra

Easter marks the first appearance of spring colours and dresses for the stylish fashionistas. Even if there might me snow on the ground, the appetite for ruffles, florals and brights is big at this time of the year. Easter has this wonderful element of spring fever and romantic pastels belong to that festive day. Here is my suggestion for the perfect Easter Egg Hunt outfit: The pink beaded drape dress by Temperley London is so lovely in combination with the trendy strappy satin ankle boots by Burberry Prorsum, the reflector-embellished leather clutch by Maison Martin Margiela and the rose cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli.

All the chocolate eggs will be yours as your stunning look will distract the others from focusing on the game. Happy Easter!

LoL, Sandra

At the moment, I am in paradise, at a very quiet and calm place:
The Liwa Desert in the Empty Quarter, the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, 150 km away from Abu Dhabi. When I drove to the new Quasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, I was wondering the whole time if I probably took the wrong direction. There were no houses, people or plants. The only thing to see was sand – almost having a hypnotising effect on me. But the moment I arrived at the hotel, I couldn`t believe my eyes. In front of me lay a temple blending indigneous traditions with outstanding luxury. The tranquility of the desert had embraced me.

The photos show the views from my villa.

Welcome to shopping heaven! The Dubai Mall is the ultimate experience for shopaholics with over 1200 stores meeting every possible desire. Most of the major designer brands in the world are located in the 440.000 square feet Fashion Avenue. In February, the first Bloomingdale`s store outside the US opened here a gigantic location. The mall is divided in different areas for sports & outdoors, kids, perfumes & beauty and many more.

The Dubai Mall is also home to the world`s largest indoor gold souk. You can experience the traditional custom of trade in an authentic wonderful surrounding.

Beautiful restaurants and cafés are located inside and outside along the waterfront promenande. There, with a stunning view on the world`s tallest tower: the Burj Khalifa, you can enjoy the Dubai Fountain show whilst having dinner.

The best is that there are so many attractions for the whole family so your husband and kids don`t get bored of your shopping fever. A huge indoor ice rink is the perfect entertainment area for your little ones along with the underwater zoo. My favourite part was the aquarium. You can park your hubby in the tank scuba-diving with sharks. He will have such an adrenaline shock in there that will lessen the one after when he spots you with all your shopping bags.

A lot of superlatives – this is shopping heaven on earth!

LoL, Sandra

First of all, many greetings from Dubai where I am at the moment. Shopping here is absolutely amazing and I spotted something truly interesting that you might have not seen yet:
The exclusive Hublot watch “Lady Dubai” created for Dubai by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the largest retailer of Swiss brand timepieces in the Middle East. It is an absolutely limited edition. Only thirty of these unique watches have been produced and are only available in Dubai.

As you already know, I am not the biggest Hublot fan but this model here is another one that caught my attention. It is so fashionable. The shape is the typical Hublot Big Bang one with a white mother of pearl dial surrounded by a rainbow-coloured bezel set with semi-precious stones and a white crocodile strap.

The best is to come: The watch is accompagnied by six different interchangeable straps matching the colours of the bezel. The one I saw was number 13 and is available at their Dubai Mall store for approximately CHF 60.000.-. They would ship to your home address if you are interested…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

There has been a talk about the Fendi Peek-A-Boo bag since a few seasons, but all of a sudden it comes out of hiding and has reached the It-bag status. Created by Karl Lagerfeld and shown for the first time at the Fendi S/S 2009 runway, it has appeared in every Fendi show since then in different materials and colours. For the opening of their prestigious new shop in Las Vegas at the MGM Hotel, Fendi launched a limited Peek-A-Boo edition in 24 carats gold leaves (see picture above) for approximately $36.000. Spotted on many celebrities in various sizes, the shape of the bag is very Birkin-esque but with only one handle like the famous Kelly bag. It has a “kangaroo pouch” that can be draped open. The tote is very sophisticated but not looking to bourgeois like his Hermès forerunners plus the prices are far more attractive.

I am totally in love with them. Especially the unclasped look gives the bag a kind of sloughy cool appearance. My only problem is to decide which one I prefer as there are sooooo many beautiful versions out there. This summer my favourite model is the tapestry one but probably it is worth waiting with a view to the stunning yellow leopard version from the upcoming winter collection, see below.

For my Swiss based readers, Bongénie Grieder carries those bags.
Have you decided yet?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Fendi

Go bold at cocktail hour with a red statement dress. Everything floral, like prints or applications, is essential this summer. My winner is this bright-red strapless silk mini dress with pleats and oversized flowery ruffles by Stella McCartney. This show-stopping runway style deserves center stage; slip on some gorgeous sandals (mine are the Fendi ones from the show) and keep the accessories simple.