Sandra‘s Closet

Let me introduce you to Dior‘s exclusive prestige line of perfumes, LA COLLECTION PRIVEE, made of rare noble ingredients. Below you will find my personal favorites along with the house’s newest addition: GRIS MONTAIGNE.

NEW LOOK 47

February 12, 1947: A major event was held at 30, avenue Montaigne in Paris, where Christian Dior presented his first fashion show. With his flower women and bright colors, the Designer launched a fresh fashion trend. “It’s a New Look!” exclaimed Carmel Snow, chief editor at Harper’s Bazaar, thus christening the Designer’s inimitable style. Today, the New Look has become an explosive, generous, ultra-feminine and floral fragrance.

Top note: Ylang-Ylang from Mayotte
Middle note: Indian Tuberose
Base note: Benzoin from Siam
Eau de Parfum Spray 125ml (CHF 275.00), 250ml (CHF 400.00) and 450ml (CHF 595.00)

MILLY-LA-FORET

After his fashion shows, Christian Dior loved to get away from high society Parisian life in order to recharge his batteries at his home in Milly-la-Forêt. “Hidden away from the world and surrounded only by my flowers, my canals and my small pond, I can listen to the sound of the Milly bells in peace.” he writes. Wandering through the surrounding woods, François Demachy imagined this fragrance as the embodiment of a romantic walk in the forest, with a fresh, tender and cottony scent.

Top note: Mandarin
Middle note: Neroli
Base note: White Musk
Eau de Parfum Spray 125ml (CHF 275.00), 250ml (CHF 400.00) and 450ml (CHF 595.00)

GRAND BAL

Literally fascinated by the excess of the imposing balls that he would not miss for anything, Christian Dior used his fashion to celebrate a certain luxurious and timeless celebratory spirit. A new chapter in the “Christian Dior Collection Privée”, Grand Bal elegantly embodies the intoxication of a summer’s night at the first light of dawn. Like the most beautiful of gowns, its radiant composition, dominated by Grasse Jasmine, conceals noble raw materials. “Grand Bal is an echo of Christian Dior’s great ball gowns, whose full skirts and beauty evoked the petals of a flower in full bloom,” François Demachy.

Top note: Grasse Jasmine
Middle note: Comorian Ylang-Ylang Essence
Base note: New Caledonian Sandalwood Essence
Eau de Parfum Spray 125ml (CHF 275.00), 250ml (CHF 400.00) and 450ml (CHF 595.00)

GRIS MONTAIGNE

And if grey were a perfume? The olfactory signature of the Couture House’s legendary location, 30, Avenue Montaigne, has become a reality. The perfumer’s response to couture, this sophisticated chypre fragrance is a bold interpretation of the Dior Grey. The Couture Grey featured in the collections since 1947, the Grey Emotion of Christian Dior’s family home in Granville, Pearl Grey like the facade of the boutique on Avenue Montaigne. Colour becomes a perfume: a burst of citrus, a floral heart of Turkish Rose and Jasmine Sambac from the Indian region of Tamil Nadu, followed by a woody note heightened with Indonesian Patchouli set against an ambery backdrop of moss.

Top note: Essence of Calabrian Bergamot
Middle note: Absolute of Damask Rose
Base note: Absolute of Macedonian Moss
Eau de Parfum Spray 125ml (CHF 275.00), 250ml (CHF 400.00) and 450ml (CHF 595.00)

In Switzerland, La Collection Privée by Christian Dior is exclusively available at Jelmoli Zurich, the crowning jewel of the Dior space at the Swiss department store.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

A fragrance completes your look like an invisible accessory. Personally speaking, it is a daily must for me and I admit that I am a perfume addict. Therefore I was over the moon today when a magic box filled with Yves Saint Laurent‘s new Oriental Collection, a trio of scents celebrating the splendours of the East, NOBLE LEATHER, SUPREME BOUQUET and MAJESTIC ROSE, arrived at my doorstep. All three extremely yummy!

NOBLE LEATHER
Between Conquest & Surrender

“The potent and deep scent of leather fervently states its case and whispers an elegant, raw and carnal sensuality. The ambery wood accord embraces languid vanilla and the earthy scents of patchouli before giving way to intermingling tanned leathers. Enhanced by a dash of bright saffron notes and softened by the candied sweetness of the dried fruit accord, this skin-deep fragrance leaves an unforgettable impression.”

SUPREME BOUQUET (My favorite!)
Between Exaltation & Serenity

“The radiant burst of a bouquet of white flower, a blend of whimsical tuberose, exotic ylang and enigmatic jasmine. Their blossoms drenched in luscious fruit and animal scents, fully spread their opulence. As a counterpoint, the vibrancy of the ambery wood accord, musks and patchouli is an invitation to serenity.”

MAJESTIC ROSE
Between Opulence & Mystery

“The dense blossom of May rose releases its majestic seduction through delicious honey-scented notes. The texture of its petals is warmed by spicy and vibrant saffron accord. The flower is drenched in notes of raspberry and is then lost in the darker folds of a balsamic oud wood accord, blended with a boldly smoked essence of guaiac wood.”

The Yves Saint Laurent Oriental Collection (Noble Leather, Supreme Bouquet and Majestic Rose) will be available mid June 2013, as 80 ml Eau de Parfum, for CHF 250.00 exclusively in Switzerland at Jelmoli Zurich, Globus Basel and Geneva.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE NEW ORIENTAL COLLECTION ONLINE. 

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent and © Sandra Bauknecht

In January, I told you for the first time about the amazing collaboration between Lancôme and Alber Elbaz, followed by a post in the beginning of May when I was able to show you the limited edition make-up collection that will hit the stores on June 15, 2013. Today, the Lancôme press office sent me this uber-cute video, that is SO FASHION WEEK! You have to watch it!

In the beginning of July, there will be the Hypnôse Show Party, one of the events of the year which will be held during Couture week in Paris with celebrities, socialites, trendsetters, top beauty and fashion editors. The “extravagant party” everybody wants to attend and I cannot! I am so bumped as I will be travelling for one month to China for work and pleasure. Of course, all the good things are always taking place at the same time… but I am also very excited for my time in Asia! And I hope that you are, too… as I will be keeping you posted from all the hot spots in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and many other places.

LoL, Sandra

Photos and video: Courtesy of Lancôme

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Jo Malone extends the Cologne Intense range with a new scent, SAFFRON. Spiced with pink pepper and the heat of incense, the golden saffron is striking against the creamy warmth of pale woods. A vivid statement that is quite different from the Jo Malone scents we know. I like it a lot and love to pair it with Blackberry & Bay.

Top note: Incense
Middle note: Saffron
Base note: Pale woods

Available starting this month for CHF 165.00 (100ml) at Jelmoli Zurich and Globus Geneva.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Jo Malone

Who would not want to be a Bond Girl?! Having a great body, a fancy name, being extremely sporty and super-handy with any kind of weapon, a Bond Girl looks absolutely stunning. Moreover she always gets James Bond himself. As this dream might not  going to happen any time soon, we should better focus on OPI‘s new The Bond Girls Liquid Sand™ collection.

The 6 different shades are each dedicated to a Bond Girl. I love their Liquid Sand™ texture (Do you remember the Maria Carey by OPI collection that featured the same technology?). It is easy to apply, extremely long-lasting and it gives your nails an eye-catching look in one stroke.

Top from left to right: Solitaire, Pussy Galore, Honey Rider
Bottom from left to right: Vesper, Tiffany Case, Jinx

My favourite shade is Tiffany Case.

The Bond Girls by OPI collection is in stores now for CHF 23.90 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht

Jo Malone created one of the world’s most sought after luxury fragrance brands eponymous with her name. In 1999, Jo sold her beauty business to Estée Lauder Companies and remained Creative Director until her departure in 2006. Now, five years on, Jo is once again designing scent and November 2011 marks the launch of her new global brand JO LOVES, that is not a subsidiary company or an associated business of Jo Malone Ltd.

Jo’s passion for fragrance never ceases and it was falling in love with cooking that inspired her to play with food, flavours and colours that she had never used before. Jo soon realised that her instincts were prompting her to create fragrance for a second time and she found herself asking ‘could I do it again?’

JO LOVES captures the things in Jo’s life that inspire her, from ingredients and people to moments in time nestled within bold red packaging; the heartbeat of the brand.

“When I start out with a fragrance I don’t always know where it will lead. It’s a creative process that often surprises me and I like that. JO LOVES will be full of excitement and anticipation and I want to discover things that I’ve only ever dreamed about. Everyday I’m struck by different smells which evoke emotions or memories that inspire me to be creative. The scent of my husband’s cologne, freshly washed linens, hot Moroccan mint tea, the smell of a horse’s saddle and New York in the rain are a few of my favourites but the list continues to go on and on”.

The range includes some beautiful scents with yummy names: POMELO, GREEN ORANGE & CORIANDER, ORANGE TULLE, GARDENIA, ORANGE TULLE, PINK VETIVER, MANGO NECTAR, A SHOT OF THAI LIME OVER MANGO and A SHOT OF OUD OVER MANGO.

You can shop JO LOVES online here. Jo has done it again… Jo Loves, we do, too!
Stay tuned for Jo Malone’s travel insider in which she gives us some amazing tips regarding her favourite city…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Loves

I have been thinking of getting bangs since forever, but I was always to scared going for the chop. Now, I am so glad that I didn’t do it as I have found the perfect solution, fringe clip-ins, at HERSHESONS, an amazing website for all sorts of hair products. This is the ultimate way to shake up your look without the nail biting long term commitment.

Available in different styles and colours, I went for two different winges that will show you below. The fringe clips in easily below the front of your hairline and stays undetectable.

THE ROCK CHIC CLIP IN WINGE

This side winge gives you the instant insouciance of a modern day rock chick, adding a graphic, sharp dimension to your hair. It works great with a headscarf like this Dolce & Gabbana one.

YOU CAN SHOP THE FLORAL PRINT HEADSCARF BY DOLCE & GABBANA HERE.

THE SHARP CLIP IN WINGE

Style it slick and 
square to add a chic, preppy twist or part 
it in the middle to 
nail a boho vibe that accentuates eyes and makes cheekbones stand to attention.

Have fun experimenting!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hershesons and © Sandra Bauknecht

Summer will hopefully be coming soon and with its arrival the time to show more skin. Here are some products that help you to achieve super soft skin extremely fast, especially in those dry areas around the elbows or knees. No matter how long you’ve been ignoring these body parts, with those three products to can get rid of those persistent scales and dark patches easily.

Argan Oil Peeling by Arganiae, CHF 17.00
I am in love with its creamy formula that delicately scrubs the skin leaving it smooth and soft.

Argà Velvety Body Cream by Nature’s CHF 24.50 (200ml)
Its fluffy texture makes its application a true please. Great for nourishing and firming the skin.

Argà Pure Argan Oil by Nature’s, CHF 48.50 (50ml)
The perfect addition to your beauty routine that works wonders on extremely dry spots.

Those argan oil cosmetics are entirely organic and contain no substances that can cause allergies, such as nickel, fragrances, preservatives, dyes, and have not undergone any type of chemical treatment.

In Switzerland available at FORET VIERGE (Klosbachstrasse 88 in Zurich, Phone +41 43 819 30 19), a wonderful shop that carries all sorts of natural cosmetics.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Whether you like floral, fruity, or the scent of the ocean itself, one spritz of these new fragrances will conjure up the sweet or refreshing smell of summer that is desperately needed during those cold and rainy days.

Here are my personal favorites:

CLASSIQUE Summer Fragrance by Jean Paul Gaultier

The design of this year’s summer limited edition of Classique is inspired by tattoos featuring carp motifs or koi tattoos.

ORIENTAL FLORAL

Top notes: Clementine, rose and orange blossom
Middle notes: Jasmine sambac, ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley and white iris
Base notes: Vanilla, musk and amber

Available now for CHF 85.00 (100ml)

ROBERTO CAVALLI ACQUA by Roberto Cavalli

The very elegant turquoise successor to the Roberto Cavalli Eau de Parfum from 2012 is inspired by exciting nights in the Mediterranean. The perfect scent for a party on a yacht.

FLORAL AQUATIC

Top notes: Lemon, watery notes and jasmine
Middle notes: Lily-of-the-valley
Base note: Musk

Available now for CHF 63.00 (30ml), CHF 94.50 (50ml) and CHF 123.00 (75ml)

CK ONE Summer 2013 Eau de Toilette by Calvin Klein

This limited edition for 2013 offers an interesting combination of citruses, fruits, aquatic and aromatic notes. A wonderful refreshing scent for a hot summer day, like a splash from a waterfall.

AROMATIC ACQUATIC

Top notes: Citruses and watery notes
Middle notes: Water lily, caraway seeds, watermelon and cucumber
Base notes: Moss, woody notes and musk

Available now for CHF 55.00 (100ml)

J’ADORE Voile de Parfum by Christian Dior

My absolute favourite for summer. Like a gentle veil it leaves a sensual trail on the skin, very elegant and light.

FLORAL

Top note: Damask rose
Middle note: Tuscan iris
Base note: White musk

Available now for CHF 115.00 (50ml) and CHF 165.00 (100ml)

LoL, Sandra

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

The Jo Malone™ Townhouse is in full bloom. Over 10,000 peonies and swathes of the softest blush suede have transformed the global headquarters for the launch of the Peony & Blush Suede Collection. The new fruity floral fragrance for women, developed by perfumer Christine Nagel, features red apple, peony, rose, honey and suede. Available in September 2013.

Peonies are my favourite flowers and I can literally smell them looking at the beautiful photos…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone