Sandra‘s Closet

Help! «Everybody’s talking about inflation,» Jeremy Scott said backstage to Vogue when he presented his S/S 2023 Moschino collection. «The cost of everything’s going up: housing, food, life. So I took inflation into the collection.» So are you ready for some inflatable fun fashion to take a dip in the newest trend?! Imbuing joy in the vein of lifesavers and inflatable accessories, this outfit was my favorite to wear on board of Christina O.

If you ever feel like you’re drowning, hold on to fashion! That’s my advice!

My look: Life vest cropped jacket, stripe-detail high-waisted skirt, lifesaver hat, 105mm pointed-toe pumps, inflatable heart-charm earrings, all by Moschino, logo sunglasses, and J12 Mademoiselle La Pausa watch, both by CHANEL, tattoo tights by Calzedonia, and black bustier top by Versace.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Rian Davidson 
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Belmond unveils a partnership with Dior for a new wellness experience in the legendary gardens of Grand Hotel Timeo, Taormina, in celebration of the iconic property’s 150 year anniversary. From now to October 2023, the hotel’s storied gardens will welcome two Dior treehouse treatment cabins perched in the majestic cypress trees, offering guests and visitors exclusive skincare treatments in a verdant oasis, overlooking the sea.

In Timeo’s six-acre gardens, designed by English gardener and pioneering wildlife conservationist Florence Trevelyan at the end of XIX century, many artists and writers have found meditative peace and inspiration over the last 150 years. Today Grand Hotel Timeo and Dior Spa are fostering the same spirit, inviting guests to enjoy a moment of wellbeing in the hotel’s lush enclave.

LUXURIOUS WELLNESS COCOONS AMONGST THE CYPRESS TREES
Guests are invited to climb a few steps up a wooden staircase to access two highly sophisticated treatment cabins, one double and one single, perched in the cypress trees. These vibrant green wooden treehouses are elevated with the famous Toile de Jouy curtains, in a matching shade.
The decor takes inspiration from the fragrant flora and fauna which envelopes the pop-up spa. Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director of Dior, has reimagined the iconic Dior fabric decorating the cabins in a bold leaf-green to blend seamlessly with the lush surroundings. The Dior Toile de Jouy wallpaper, the bamboo seating and the modern design lamps with brushed brass finishes, create an intimate and refined atmosphere.

Each cabin, designed by Thirtyone Design + Management, has its own individual terrace with sea views complete with a parasol in matching fabric, rattan furniture and plants, offering guests the privacy to extend this moment of well-being in absolute serenity.

ICONIC TREATMENTS TAKEN TO NEW HEIGHTS
The menu of signature face and body treatments draws on the skills and expertise of Dior skincare, created to help the skin and the senses blossom during the summer. The signature Dolce Vita Solar Glow, a one-hour face and body treatment ensures a perfectly enhanced and extended sun tan. Depending on the time of the treatment, it concludes with either a head-to-toe application of protective sun cream, lotion or oil before sun exposure, or with a soothing after-sun balm or shimmering oil, at the end of the day.

Beauty-enhancing treatments, all characterised by iconic Dior techniques that combine the best of traditional Eastern and Western methods with powerful, targeted movements, include: Dior Prestige Haute Précision, a major holistic face treatment using the Dior Prestige product line and combining the regenerative power of the Granville Rose with enveloping massage techniques to blend pleasure with visible correction of the signs of age; and Constellation, a deeply relaxing holistic body massage, for perfect harmony between body and mind.

To see the spa menu and prices, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Pierre Mouton for Parfums Christian Dior
Disclosure: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

I still have so much to show you from my amazing trip on the Christina O yacht. So let’s get started. The beauty of being on a boat is that you can wake up each morning somewhere else. One of my favorite parts of our route was Corsica and this cute little place at the beach.

Tucked away on Aaron Beach, known for its pristine white sand and sparkling turquoise waters, Café de la Plage is a beautiful beachfront restaurant that offers a relaxed atmosphere and French, Mediterranean and European cuisine, if you are in Corsica, don’t miss it.

My look: Zamia bead-embellished embroidered tulle-paneled printed halterneck swimsuit, and Zamia fringed crochet-trimmed printed chiffon pareo, both by PatBO, Rockstud PVC jelly sandals by Valentino, Scarab Mustique 24kt gold-plated choker by Begüm Khan, butterfly sunglasses with rainbow letters, long necklace with coin charms, earrings with coin charms, and logo brooch, all by CHANEL, triangle-logo claw hair clip by Prada, and vertical Dior book tote by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Rian Davidson 
We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of its iconic Twingo, Renault has partnered with internationally renowned designer and contemporary artist Sabine Marcelis to reimagine this iconic model, unveiling an artistic vision of the original Twingo launched in 1993.

Sabine Marcelis, the latest winner of the ELLE DECO International Designer of the Year Award, has established her as one of the world’s most influential designers. Her impressive art installations have captivated international audiences, from design and art lovers at Art Basel to visitors to museums around the world.

Renault has commissioned Dutch designer Sabine Marcelis, that is known for her work with pure, elegant forms, her particular affinity with light, and her mastery of technologies that push the limits of what’s possible when it comes to making better use of materials, to revisit the iconic Twingo. The project began with a detailed exploration of the Twingo, returning to its most recognizable features: its iconic single-volume silhouette, its characteristic headlights, its modular interior with its incredible sense of space and luminosity.

This was followed by meticulous work on the play of transparency and the interplay between color and materials. The result is striking: a Twingo like no other, yet faithful to the very essence of the iconic model, 30 years after its creation.

«The collaboration with Renault began with an invitation to rethink Twingo as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations. It was a fantastic opportunity, and a new field of exploration for me, as I’d never designed a car before. Working on such an iconic and popular car was a real challenge, especially given the scale of the project. It was an opportunity to create something truly innovative and memorable,» says Sabine Marcelis.

This collaboration between Renault and Sabine Marcelis is a true testimony to the values of artistic and creative freedom. Renault’s commitment to electric cars – the concept has been retrofitted with an electric motor – and Sabine Marcelis’ innovative approach to materials and design create the perfect synergy to celebrate the anniversary of the iconic Twingo, revealing the car in a whole new light. Unique and unexpected, this concept is the meeting of the emblematic Twingo and the designer’s artistic vision, offering a refined reinterpretation of the vehicle.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Renault
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Barbie’s Malibu Dream Home is real and you can rent it on Airbnb! Located by El Pescador State Beach in Western Malibu, a beach community known for wealthy residents and high-end homes, and with less than a month go until the release on July 21 of Greta Gerwig’s BARBIE movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the team at Airbnb has taken over a Malibu mansion and revamped it as the Barbie Dreamhouse of your, well, dreams, or let’s say Ken’s dreams.

The story line is that while Barbie is away, she has handed over the keys to her Malibu Dream House this summer and Ken’s room could be yours for the night. To bring some much-needed Kenergy to the newly renovated and iconic Malibu DreamHouse, the place is decked out with some of Ken’s cowboy stuff as well, icluding horses,  guitars, games and more. And of course, rollerblades, because Ken literally goes nowhere without them.

Now, you can live it up Ken-style for a neon night in picture-plastic-perfect Barbie Land in this sunny surfer’s sanctuary. Placed perfectly above the beach with panoramic views, this life-size toy pink mansion is a dream come true! Welcome to the Kendom!

Booking opens at Airbnb at 10 a.m. PT on Monday, July 17 for two, one-night stays for up to two guests on July 21 and July 22, 2023.

– During your stay, you will have the opportunity to live in technicolor.
– Taking a spin through Ken’s awesome wardrobe to find your best beach fit. Look out Barbie, Ken has got quite the closet too!
– Channeling your inner cowboy and learning a line dance or two on Ken’s outdoor disco dance floor or performing a sunset serenade on his guitar.
– Challenging your fellow guests to a «beach off» with plenty of sunbathing and chillaxing by the infinity pool.
– Taking home a piece of Kendom with your very own set of yellow-and-pink Impala skates and surfboard.

Once you arrive and check-in, a concierge will ensure a comfortable stay for you and your guest — including showing you around and setting out and arranging meals. These one-night stays are not a contest. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Malibu. This home is privately owned and operated.

In celebration of BARBIE hitting theaters on July 21, and to honor girls’ empowerment, Airbnb will make a one-time donation to Save the Children. Save the Children provides learning resources and support to children, families, and communities in 100+ countries to build girls’ confidence and help them excel in school – ensuring everyone has equal opportunity to achieve success.

However, a little side note, Ken’s six-pack is not included, you will have to bring it yourself! Or you just hit Ken’s gym!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Airbnb
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Royal Ascot is almost as famous for its fashion as it is for racing. Needless to say, I had so  much fun dressing up for it. The dress code for the Royal Enclosure is quite strict, women are required to wear a modest dress and a hat with a base no smaller than four inches (10cm).

As I had to pack the hat in my hand luggage, I went for this one that fit perfectly in my little suitcase. The horsebit print of the dress was a nod to the races. I hope that you will like this outfit as much as I do. For the post about my day at Royal Ascot, click here please.

My look: Bow-detailed pleated printed silk-twill midi dress, cropped jacquard-knit wool and cashmere-blend cardigan, Horsebit 120 leather slingback platform pumps, GG-logo cat-eye acetate sunglasses, and Horsebit 1955 mini leather-trimmed crystal-embellished canvas-jacquard shoulder bag, all by Gucci, and black sculptural hat by Philip Treacy.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Felicia Sewerinsson @feliciasewerinsson
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This week, I was invited by my dear Net-à-Porter family and London based jeweler David Morris for an amazing Royal Ascot experience.

David Morris’ iconic fine jewelry has been held in the highest esteem since the 1960s, so it’s no wonder the clientele includes everyone from Hollywood legends to modern royalty. Designed with a focus on balanced proportions and colorful precious gems, every exquisite piece is handcrafted using traditional techniques in its London atelier on the famed New Bond Street.

Needless to say, the invitation to the Royal Enclosure was opulent and distinguished. When you arrive in Ascot, you will definitely have to plan enough time. Traffic is crazy as everyone tries to get there at once. Royal Ascot is undoubtedly one of the world’s most prestigious horse races. The five-day event has been running since the early 1700s, after Queen Anne rode on horseback from Windsor Castle and declared the field to be a fine place to hold a race.

With Polyana Santos and Tatiana Alonso Joorabchian in the box watching Tatiana’s horse in the race.

Steeped in tradition, a British monarch has attended yearly since 1825 – this year, I witnessed King Charles III‘s first opening of  the Royal Procession in a Windsor Grey horse-drawn carriage, followed by a clutch of royals, including everyone’s favourite newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Dress code perfection: Dorothy Constantin, my humble self, Polyana Santos, Becky Carson and Tatiana Alonso Joorabchian

Royal Ascot is divided into four areas. First there is the prestigious Royal Enclosure, which is invitation-only and was established in 1807 when an area was reserved exclusively for family, guests and the Household of King George III to view the first running of the Gold Cup. Furthermore there is the Queen Anne Enclosure, Village Enclosure and the Windsor Enclosure.

Being a centrepiece of the British social season, Royal Ascot is a unique place to experience magic. I enjoyed the beautiful green lawns and floral surrounds of the Royal Enclosure Gardens, which was the perfect spot for socialising with a glass of champagne, after we indulged in a beautiful lunch at Sandringham restaurant.

With my lovely hosts: John Lindsay Koulentianos ( Director of Wholesale & Franchise Development David Morris), Vikki Kavanagh (Net-à-Porter and Mr Porter Managing Director), Annabel Skamen and Michael Revenburg.

Best times with Iona Miller (Luxury Client Relations Lead Net-à-Porter and Mr Porter) and my dear friend Polyana Santos.

ROYAL ASCOT DRESS CODE

Whether you are attending Royal Ascot in the Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure, Village or Windsor Enclosure, be sure to check that your chosen style is perfect for the enclosure you are in by familiarizing yourself with the dress codes in advance. Royal Ascot is synonymous with sartorial elegance. This is upheld by a dress code, which invites guests to contribute to an occasion heralded as a major fashion event in its own right. The Dress Code set out to the right is to help you dress fittingly for the occasion. Each Royal Ascot enclosure has a different Dress Code.

In the Royal Enclosure, formal daywear is a requirement and it defined as follows:
• Dresses and skirts should fall just above the knee or longer (lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted)
• Shoulder straps must have a minimum width of 1 inch / 2.5cm
• Jackets and pashminas may be worn. Tops and dresses beneath must still comply
• Trouser suits are welcome and should be of matching material and colour
• Jumpsuits should fall below the knee and comply with the shoulder strap requirements
• Hats must be worn. However, a headpiece or hatinator with a minimum base diameter of 4 inches / 10cm is acceptable.

The following are not permitted:
• Fascinators (defined as a small headpiece attached to a comb, hair clip or headband that does not have a solid base of at least 4 inches / 10cm)
• Dresses and tops that are:
– Strapless or one shoulder
– Off-the-shoulder or bardot
– Halter neck (defined as a garment held up by a strap around the neck with an open back)
– Spaghetti straps
– Sheer (defined as any type of fabric that is see-through / entirely transparent)
• Visible midriffs (defined as the mid-region of the torso between the chest and the waist)
• Novelty patterns and fabrics (including, for example; slogans, phrases, promotional messaging, brand logos or cartoon imagery)

I can only recommend a visit to Ascot, it was such a wonderful experience and I will surely be back next year! Thank you Net-à-Porter and David Morris for having me!

TO SHOP DAVID MORRIS AT NET-A-PORTER, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Here they are the craziest shoes of the season. An art gallery’s worth of the weird, wacky and wonderful walked onto the runway for S/S 2023. Moschino’s pumps resembled miniature blow-up flamingo pool floats, one of Loewe’s sandals was entirely made of a huge 3-D petal and JW Anderson joined forces with Wellipets for some whimsical frog aesthetic. Heels, in particular, had a surreal feel, most notably seen in Alaïa‘s cabaret version and Sophia Webster‘s flamingo heels.

LoL, Sandra

Frog round toe clogs by JW Anderson x Wellipets

White coin purse heels by Pushbutton

Cabaret sandals by Alaïa

Flamingo-heel sandals by Sophia Webster

Flamingo-detail 100mm pumps by Moschino

Floral detail high-heel sandals by Dolce & Gabbana

Petal 90 leather sandals by Loewe

Froufrou Alta 150 satin sandals by Christian Louboutin

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Courtesy of the Brands
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From runways to capsule collections, the «cartoonification» trend is becoming a more noticeable fashion phenomenon. When the unruly American art collective For MSCHF‘s launched this spring a pair of Big Red Boots, that are taking inspiration from Dora the Explorer’s best friend Boots and Astro Boy, the cartoonish footwear immediately went viral.

Soft padded leather bag by Prada

But there is more… Prada‘s bags are cartoonishly puffy and Loewe featured some full-on «pixelated» looks on the runway. I mean those 8-bit hoodies look like their coming straight out of a video game.

Pixelated hoodie by Loewe

Fashion can be an escape and a source of joy and humor, while providing direction, creativity, and identity. It is a mirror to what is going on in this world. And let’s be frank, social media has become an all artificial blown-up world, that you can only survive with a sense of humor.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands / © Sandra Bauknecht
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The eternally-glamorous red lip has recently undergone a seriously racy makeover, thanks to trailblazing makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench. Her eponymous beauty brand Isamaya Beauty has just launched its third collection, entitled LIPS, that literally screams «read my lips.»

We all know that packaging is important in our days, and Isamaya Beauty seems to have heard the call for action. Sex sells … therefore the latest product additions are head-turning phallus-inspired lipstick tubes, a playful take on the sexual innuendo marketing tactic that beauty brands have deployed forever.

But be careful, your better half might be jealous how many times per day you enjoy this glow job …

TO SHOP THE LIPSTICKS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Isamaya Beauty
We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.