Sandra‘s Closet

This spring, Gucci launches a new floral fragrance collection, consisting of 5 new scents, in tribute to one of its most iconic motifs: The Flora Garden Collection. For more information on the history of Flora, please click here.

“With Flora by Gucci, I wanted to express the loveliness of the Flora woman charming, romantic and optimistic. Now with The Flora Garden Collection I am celebrating multi-faceted way the Gucci woman expresses her personality.”

– Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini

Gorgeous Gardenia, Gracious Tuberose and Glamorous Magnolia will be available in Switzerland in April 2012 in selected department stores and perfume shops.

Eau de Toilette 30ml (CHF 90), 50ml (CHF 112) and 100ml (CHF 168)
Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 69)

Generous Violet and Glorious Mandarin will be sold in Gucci stores only.

Gorgeous Gardenia

A sumptuous white floral: Gucci’s faithful creation of the perfect gardenia.

Top notes: red berries, pear
Heart notes: white gardenia, frangipani flower
Base notes: patchouli, brown sugar accord

Glamorous Magnolia

A soft rosy floral: Gucci’s recreation of this most lustrous bloom.

Top notes: freesia, green leaves, citrus zest
Heart notes: peony, magnolia
Base notes: musk, sandalwood, warm chocolate accord

Gracious Tuberose

A fabulously fresh floral: Gucci’s homage to this most charismatic of flowers.

Top notes: violet leaves, peach
Heart notes: tuberose, orange flower, rose
Base notes: cistus (Rock Rose), white cedarwood

Glorious Mandarin

A gloriously juicy fruit: Gucci captures the exhilaration of mandarin.

Top notes: mandarin, peony
Middle notes: jasmine, pina colada accord
Heart notes: ambergris, white musk, creamy wood

Generous Violet

A sophisticated woody floral: Gucci’s salute to the bountiful violet.

Top note: violet leaves
Heart notes: orris, violet petals
Base note: suede accord

Each bottle reveals a different coloured juice – be it pale pink, green, blue, violet or yellow; their boxes emblazoned with the corresponding flower from the Flora pattern. You just would like to have them all, wouldn’t it be a lovely display for your bathroom?!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci, © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I would like to introduce you to Yves Saint Laurent’s newest nail polishes duos Les Manucure Couture Les Fauves that are available now in four different combinations, only in selected department stores for CHF49 each.

Duo N° 1 – Griffe Dorée – Gold and Black Shatter

Duo N° 2 – Griffe d’Argent – Silver and Black Shatter (on my nails below)

Duo N° 3 – Griffe de Sable –  Beige and Black Shatter

Duo N° 4 – Griffe de Jade – Khaki and Black Shatter

What looks like you just stepped out of a nail salon is actually quite easy to apply yourself and it is a lot a fun watching the effect happen. So how does it work exactly? Shatter polish is a special top coat applied over your regular nail colour that gives a “crackled” effect on the finish. As the shatter coat is matte, you can apply a topcoat for a high gloss finish if desired.

OPI was among the first ones to introduce the shatter polishes. Below you can see some of my favourite combinations.

LoL, Sandra

OPI Spark de Triomphe (gold) with OPI White Shatter on top

NARS Ecume (white) with OPI Blue Shatter on top

The name Nina Ricci is famous, especially the house’s most famous perfume, “L’Air du Temps” (created in 1949), but the brand has dropped off the fashion radar for quite some years. The French fashion house was founded by Maria “Nina” Ricci and her son Robert in Paris in 1932, and has been owned by the Spanish beauty and fashion group Puig since 1998.

After Maria Ricci’s death in 1970, the label went through a difficult phase, with different owners and designers. In 2009, designer Peter Copping, who had worked for Louis Vuitton, took over and since then Nina Ricci has been on the rise again. I absolutely adore Peter’s designs.

When designing the F/W 2012 collection which will be presented this Thursday during Paris Fashion Week, Peter Copping, Creative Director of Nina Ricci, asked himself what the Nina Ricci uniform would be. First and foremost among the house codes is the little black dress.

Here you can see me in Paris, posing in front of the Nina Ricci store window on Avenue Montaigne in the same dress that was on display:
Ruched taffeta and lace dress by Nina Ricci, tweed and leather jacket by Antonio Berardi, Black Mamba gold-plated snakeskin-effect cuff by Yves Saint Laurent, studded leather ankle boots by Valentino and Constance leather clutch by Jason Wu.

Tweed materials are another house signature; here Copping whipped them up in a feminine and soft style. Combined with a floral skirt, it takes your summer wardrobe to the next level.

Tweed coat, open-knit crew-neck sweater, mini pansy-print skirt, ruched linen wedges and Liane top handle bag, all by Nina Ricci.

For all perfume lovers, I recommend Nina Fantasy, a gorgeous Limited Edition version of her classic Nina fragrance, which will be availbale in Switzerland in April, just in time for spring.

Slightly sweeter smelling than the original, the scent combines top notes of bergamot, mandarin and pear with the delicate, powdery heart notes of cherry blossom, rose and heliotropes. Base notes are mate and brown sugar.

The white procelain bottle in the shape of a flamboyant apple is very fairytale-like. It draws inspiration from spring and magical moments. It is finished with a golden stem and leaves, engraved with the Nina Ricci signature, and has some sweet illustrations in golden pink.

Eau de Toilette, Limited Edition, 50ml, CHF 77.-

LoL, Sandra

The reason for my fairytale-like trip to Paris was the launch of Dior Addict Extrême, the new lasting fashion lipstick. For the official photos, please click here. Today, I would like to give you more information on the new season’s must-have beauty product.

In 2011, an addict fashion story came to life when Dior launched Dior Addict, the house’s first fashion lipstick in 44 easy-to-wear and playful colours with spectacular glossy shine and ultra-comfort. For last year’s post, please click here.

In 2012, Addict becomes Extreme, edgy and sophisticated. The new black case makes it a fashion statement already.
Available in 12 new pure luminous colours, starting in Switzerland Mid March for CHF 46.-.
(There will be 4 new nail polish shades complementing the look for CHF 37.-.)

The star ingredients of the lipsticks are 4 expert waxes with extreme opposite actions for a breakthrough combination of lasting comfort in an ultra-thin veil. Dior added the most thin and radiant oils for a luminous shine and radiant shades. Hyaluronic microspheres provide ultra-comfort and an immediate plumping result.

Below you can explore the 4 “It“– shades  and their 4 iconic styles.
I also created some fashion looks complementing the new lip colours. To shop the outfit, just click on the highlighted texts.

LUCKY
Audacious Pinks – Fashion Dress-Code

Inspired by Lucky, one of Dior’s most famous models, who was an icon on the catwalks in the `50s, this shade is for a woman who explores her inspirations and plays with her style.

Wrap-effect crepe dress by Vanessa Bruno, Masako silk-satin pumps by Charlotte Olympia and Mini Loubi Lula printed silk-twill frame clutch by Christian Louboutin.

Dior Addict Extrême 536 Lucky and Dior Vernis 659 Lucky

INCOGNITO
Beige Elegance – Minimal Chic

Inspired by the allure of Parisian women, this shade is synonymous for timeless sophistication.

Wool-twill blazer and shirt dress with star buttons, both by Miu Miu and snake-effect leather pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Dior Addict Extrême 316 Incognito and Dior Vernis 257 Incognito

RIVIERA
Sunny Shades – Cruise Aura

This coral tone stands for the elegance of the Riviera and the fascination of St. Tropez.

Printed silk-georgette top by Roberto Cavalli, silk-trimmed brushed-twill shorts by Elizabeth and James,leather ballerinas by Repetto, PS1 Small leather satchel by Proenza Schouler and enameled gold-plated cuff by Yves Saint Laurent.

Dior Addict Extrême 639 Riviera and Dior Vernis 537 Riviera

PLAZA
Depth & Intensity – Extreme Glamour

Inspired by the iconic Plaza Athénée hotel on Avenue Montaigne, this velvety pink is for all divas and the special moments in your life.

Strapless cotton and silk-blend faille gown by Prabal Gurung, neon python snake-clasp clutch by Roberto Cavalli and Tippi snake-effect leather pumps by Jimmy Choo.

Dior Addict Extrême 476 Plaza and Dior Vernis 579 Plaza

Which one is your favourite?

LoL, Sandra

My make-up look for the photo shoot was based on the “It”-colour Plaza, a wonderful pink tone. It is inspired by the glamour of the Parisian luxury hotels, such as the eponymous Plaza Athénée hotel. The colours are dramatic, deep and sophisticated.

My skin was prepped with the new Revitalizing Foundation from the Dior Prestige line which is only available in Asia (To all my Asian readers, lucky you!). It is an amazing product, you have to try it. For us Europeans, Diorskin Nude is a great alternative.

For the dramatic look, the make-up artist started to contour my eyes with a black eye pencil.

Then, she used the darkest shade of the 5-Colour Eyeshadow Palette “970 Stylish Move” and applied it with a beveled brush as an eyeliner.

She made the line thicker toward the outer edge and extended the upper line out beyond the corner of the eye, to form a cat’s–eye-like shape. The lighter colours of the palette served as a base. Then, she applied the new Diorshow New Look Mascara in black.

On my cheeks: Diorblush in 839 Vintage Pink.

On my lips: The new Dior Addict Extrême in 476 Plaza, lasting lip colour with radiant shine.

On my nails: Matching the lips, the new pink 579 Plaza nail polish was applied.
Love it so much!

Stay tuned for the official photos!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The last days have just been amazing. My blog has taken me on such a wonderful journey that I sometimes think it must be a dream. After getting back from NYC Fashion Week on Wednesday, I had a little time to pack a new suitcase. Thursday morning, I flew to Paris for a fairytale-like event hosted by Dior.

Together with other bloggers from all over the world, I was invited to explore the Dior Addict Extrême experience. The new nail polish and lipstick collection which is taking the iconic Dior Addict to a new “extreme” level will be available in Switzerland from the second half of March. As you can see, Kate Moss is again the face of the advertising campaign.

I stayed in an awesome suite at the Plaza Athénée which is just across from 30, Avenue Montaigne, the home of the house Dior.

Arriving at the Dior Haute Couture Salons felt like “Sandra in Wonderland“, no wonder looking at the gigantic chair and all those dreamlike Haute Couture creations. This place is full of magic and the people working at Dior are all extremely lovely.

Love for detail: Even the sweets came in the shades of the four new must-have lip colours.
Below from left to right: Lucky (coral pink) is the “It”-colour (on Kate Moss), Riviera (orange), Incognito (nude beige) and Plaza (creamy pink).

A detailed post on the amazing make-up I wore for the shoot and the official photos will follow soon! In the meantime, enjoy this little teaser below.

Thank you, Dior, for letting me be part of this fairytale!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Have a look at the new Holland Collection by OPI: Inspired by the country’s range of beautiful shades – as seen in vivid tulips, windmill-dotted hillsides and bustling canals – the collection’s twelve colours offer a mixture of sophisticated neutrals and highly-pigmented brights.

My favourite colour is the shimmery “I don’t give a Rotterdam” (Photo: ©Sandra Bauknecht).

The new collection will be available in Switzerland starting February 15, 2012 for CHF 23.90 each.

LoL, Sandra

With those freezing temperatures outside, I love to dream of warm weather, the sun, the sea and my new bikini outfit!

Metallic triangle bikini by Gucci, crystal-embellished leather sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti, canvas bag with Hawaiian print by Stella McCartney, round-frame acetate sunglasses by Yves Saint Laurent, gold-plated plexiglass cuff and multi-stone brass ring, both by Emilio Pucci.

It is the time of the year when it is best to get organized for your next trip to a tropical destination. As the lights of fitting rooms are in general not so pleasant for pale skin, I prefer ordering swimwear online.

For the perfect sunkissed make-up look, I recommend those products below:

For radiant skin:
1 – PURE RADIANT TINTED MOISTURIZER SPF30/PA+++ by Nars
Infused with naturally derived ingredients from French Polynesia where François Nars loves to spend a lot of time, this new tinted moisturizer instantly hydrates and evens out the skin tone. It has also been shown that it can reduce the appearance of discoloration and dark spots with regular use. The luxurious, oil-free formula obscures the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores and other imperfections while providing a translucent veil of broadspectrum sun protection.
Available in 9 shades with beautiful names: 1 Finland, 2 Alaska, 3 St. Moritz, 4 Annapurna, 5 Cuba, 6 Malaga, 7 Seychelles, 8 Martinique and 9 Polynesia.
In Switzerland in stores Mid March, CHF 72.-.

For sun-kissed cheeks and a glowing face:
2 – PURE COLOR ILLUMINATING POWDER GELEE TOPAZ CHAMELEON by Estée Lauder
High polish for your skin: 

This innovative tri-blend liquid, powder, gel formula goes beyond face powder to give you a sexy, sophisticated glow. 

It comes with a perfect mix of pigment and pearls for a multi-reflective finish. 

Smooth it on as an all-over soft sheen or sweep it on the cheeks for a luminous pearl highlighting effect. The perfect companion for the beach.
Available now for CHF 58.-.

For beautiful eyes in the shades of the ocean:
3 – OMBRE MINERALE 4 COLEURS in 08 Blue Sky by Clarins
This eye quartet palette has four long-lasting shades in the hues of the ocean. They can be applied dry or damp for a natural or sophisticated look. 
Available now for CHF 62.-.

4 – PURE COLOR INTENSE KAJAL EYE CRAYON in Dramatic Black by Estée Lauder
Reminiscent of Indian kajal eye crayons, those must-have pencils provide you with intense, smouldering colour in one single stroke. 

It glides on velvety smooth and blends easily.

 Use as a liner along lashline and softly smudge over lids to intensify the smoky look.
Available now for CHF 30.-.

5 – DIORSHOW NEW LOOK in Noir New Look by Christian Dior
A new amazing mascara that delivers infinite volume and an unparalleled lash-multiplying effect. 

Diorshow New Look features an exclusive breakthrough nana-brush to catch and coat every last lash with the precision of a couturier’s hand. The extraordinary formula with a Lash Amplifier™ ingredient provides an instant lash-multiplying action.
Available in Switzerland starting February 8, 2012 for CHF 48.-.

On the lips:
6 – LARGER THAN LIFE® LIP GLOSS in Gold Digger by Nars
The new Larger Than Life® Lip Gloss provides lustrous shine that stays in place for hours, while lips feel protected and moisturized. Natural lip enhancers provide volume while a new, shorter bristle brush delivers a precise application to define and shape lips. 
Available for CHF 35.-.

For eyecatching nails:
7 – PURE COLOR NAIL LACQUER in Topaz Teal by Estée Lauder
Colourful nails are a must and this turquoise shade is the perfect hue for the beach.
Available now for CHF 34.-.

To make sure that your body looks great in the sun, have a look at those upcoming new products that I can highly recommend:

For a healthy-looking tanned body:
DIOR BRONZE AUTO-BRONZANT Self Tanning Oil Natural Glow by Christian Dior

AMAZING MOOD-LIFTING PRODUCT!

Dior Bronze is the perfect replica of all pleasures of the sun to enhance the skin and lift the mood! On the application, the skin is satiny, luminious, perfectly moisturized and progressively recreates a radiant tan.
On the mood, you will feel the perceived pleasure of a unique uplifting action. A plant-based active ingredient helps stimulate the natural production of ß-endorphins, the so-called “pleasure molecules”, for an immediate mood-lifting sensation, as if you just spent time sunbathing!
Available in Switzerland beginning of March for CHF 58.- (100ml).

For a well-toned body:
DIOR SVELTE  BODY DESIRE Integral Perfection Care by Christian Dior

Anybody among you who is not wishing for the perfect well-toned body?! Here is a product that will help you to achieve it in one single step (But you still need to work on your daily sports routine and calories intake, sorry!).

This body care product acts on all of the key characteristics of a desirable body: slimming, firming, moisturrizing, toning and smoothing. How is that possible?
At the “heart” of the skin, adiponectin – a protein with a sensational spectrum of action discovered by Dior science – affects all those features. Stress and the excesses of modern life tend to inhibit the influence of this unique protein. Dior Svelte reactivates the natural synthesis of adiponectin for a visibly enhanced body in 4 weeks.
Available in Switzerland beginning of March for CHF 96.- (200ml).

You have still lots of time left to get in shape for summer! But better get started early…  this is all you need!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring 2012 make-up collection, created by Lloyd Simmonds, is called “Candy Face”. Those shades are so fresh and beautiful with melting textures and transparent effects that they seem sweet enough to eat! I am talking about sparkling sugar eyes, delicious cheeks and a gleaming smile.

I took a photo of my favourites:

VOILE DE BLUSH – Feathery light blush  in 04 Mauve Veil (to the right)

The gel texture is in osmosis with the skin. Impalpable, it forms a satiny veil, soft to the touch. Ultra melting, it “plumps” the cheekbones with a sublime effect, CHF 43.-.

MANUCURE COUTURE – Edition N°8 Nail Colour (to the left)

A nail polish duo that can be worn alone or together as a colourful French manicure. The small bottles are great to travel with, CHF 49.-.

Here is another new highlight from Yves Saint Laurent:

ROUGE PUR COUTURE – Vernis à Lèvres in 15 Rose Vinyl and 17 Encre Rose

A new revolutionary lip make-up. It is not really a lipstick, not really a lipgloss – and much more than a lip stain. Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres is a glossy stain. It comes with an applicator that is different than others providing you with a modern technology to keep your lips soft, coloured and sheer. The texture is new and not as you would expect it. Very light, not sticky, it just tints your lips with a coloured veil.
Available starting this month in 19 shades, CHF 48.- each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Yves Saint Laurent and © Sandra Bauknecht

Eres will dip into the nail polish market for the first time this March. The trendy lingerie and swimwear brand will launch worldwide in its own stores and franchises a limited-edition line of three nail varnishes — in colours that are inspired by its S/S 2012 swimwear collection, yellow, pink and brown. Each polish will be around € 16.

Matching your outfit to your nail polish or vice versa is quite the thing at the moment  and honestly it is a clever strategy of Eres. I like it!

LoL, Sandra

The pink of “Bengale” is as deep as a Byzantine gladiolus.

The brown of “Damas” is gloriously reminiscent of melted chocolate.

You can almost taste cardamom in the yellow of “Soufi”.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Eres