Sandra‘s Closet

Fashionable face masks are in my opinion a very good thing. We need to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and not everyone owns the materials (or has the seamstress skills) to make their own. We should all be focused on keeping ourselves and our communities safe; and the less time we spend in judgment of the way others achieve that, probably, the better.

Instead of investing in the newest lipstick (unfortunately nobody is going to see this for a while), you might consider getting a face mask with cool patterns or create one yourself as I did. I used those CHANEL camelia stickers and the ribbon you get when you buy something at CHANEL. I have always kept them and now they serve a wonderful purpose. Scroll down to see me wearing it.

I want to underline that those masks presented in this post aren’t medical grade, so they can’t be used by healthcare professionals, but they will make us feel more beautiful and will make grocery shopping more fun while protecting yourself and helping others.

My dear friend and fashion designer Natasha Zinko came up with another great idea and is now retailing those upcycled reusable face masks from fabric leftovers from previous collections. 50% of each sale will be donated to Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
The hospitals covered are Charing Cross, Hammersmith, Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea, St Mary’s and the Western Eye.

TO SHOP THE FACE MASKS IN DIFFERENT COLOR AND FABRIC COMBINATIONS BY NATASHA ZINKO, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Please don’t want to bash those who enjoy looking cute while self-quarantining and social distancing. People are different and if it benefits their mental health, let them be. I am finding joy and some normalcy in those little things, dressing up makes me happy. Therefore I am continuing to inspire you on a daily basis. Thank you for your support!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Natasha Zinko and via Vogue
Disclaimer: Masks to be worn as a fashion accessory, no medical use has yet been proven.

When I spotted René’s jacket that he wore for the launch event of Kenzo x H&M in NYC, I was immediately drawn to it. The collar was divine and it drove me nuts that I didn’t get which designer it was. It looked a little Gucci… when I asked, he revealed the secret: those embellishments were earrings by H&M that he had just sewn on to it. What a great idea! The same goes for his ribbon tie. It is a silk band with one sparkling H&M earring attached to it.

This is what I call creativity! Bravo, René! Follow him on instagram @monsieurené or @rené_zibold.

TO SHOP THE LATEST H&M EARRINGS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

“We feel it’s inevitable and crucial to create contemporary clothing.” – Demna Gvasalia.

The Creative Director of Paris design collective Vetements and Maison Margiela alumni elevates deceptively simple pieces with meticulous construction, considered fabrics and playful proportions. Leading the fashion tribe, he set a new tone for denim with its no-hem-hemline: think cut-off, let-down, frayed and raw. With its coolness, it’s completely street style approved and worth the investment.

Reworked high-rise slim-leg jeans by Vetements

And now, aside from Vetements, it’s gone mass: J Brand, Mother, Frame and many others (see below), are going for the uneven, distressed hem.

If you don’t feel like maxing out your budget on a pair of denim jeans, I suggest taking your scissors to create your own frayed style. For all others have fun shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Distressed mid-rise straight-leg jeans by Steve J & Yoni P

Insider cropped high-rise slim-leg jeans by Mother

Distressed mid-rise slim-leg jeans by Facetasm

Carolina high-rise skinny jeans by J Brand

Le Crop Mini frayed mid-rise bootcut jeans by Frame

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via Tommy Ton

It is one of those days when you are working like crazy and the door bell rings. Yes, mail can be a welcome distraction. Especially when it comes from the House of Guerlain, sending their newest scent, which (big surprise) you can name yourself.

Guerlain Mon Exclusif, as it is called in the absence of a real name, leaves room for the creativity of its lovers. You are invited to apply metallic lettering on the bottle or have it engraved directly with a unique name.

Created by Thierry Wasser, this oriental scent comes with fougère accords of fresh fern, lavender, soft sandalwood, caramel, salted butter, toffee, mandarine, iris and vanilla. It is absolutely delicious.

It is available at a price of CHF 170.00 (Eau de Parfum concentration) from September 1, 2015. In Switzerland at Bon Genie Geneva, Manor Geneva and Jelmoli Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and via Guerlain

Whether you’re heading to the beach in Saint Tropez, to a boardroom meeting or simply snuggling up with a good book on a Sunday: a braid is your perfect style partner and I have the ultimate braid guide for you today.

Combining fashion illustrations and easy-to-do tutorials, Kérastase‘s ‘The Couture Book of Braids’ features 30 different styles, from plaited ponytails to headband styles, beautiful summery fishtails, and even those extremely sophisticated alpine-style crown braids. Great news is that this e-book is free for download here.

Absolutely helpful is that Kérastase also shares their expertise on the best products to use, including their new Matérialiste all-over thickening spray gel (available now for CHF 34.00 / 190ml) that adds body and texture so that braiding becomes a breeze for those with fine hair, hair lacking density or even those that just want the perfect natural air-dry with a bit of “oomph”.

Use Matérialiste to create ‘The hat option waterfall braid’ found on page 92 in ‘The Couture Book Of Braids’.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Kérastase and © Sandra Bauknecht

Would you like to have a beautiful, but easy pair of DIY earrings? Or a fun necklace handmade? I have got a fantastic idea for you, enjoy this little tutorial that will be the perfect afternoon entertainment for you and your children. And no jewelry skills are needed to make these beauties.

All you need are some fun pearls, beads, hangers that come with a hole. A great arts and craft set is Pretty Girl by Faber-Castel. Then, look for some hoop earrings (can be found best at H&M) preferably not too thick to be able to string your decorations easily. For the necklace, I recommend an invisible thread.

Customize your fashion jewelry with your favorite colors. Show off how stunning your self-made earrings are with your hair pulled up in a bun or pony tail. My daughter loved this fun project!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Don’t we all would love to see the world through rose-coloured glasses, so here is an idea, what about rose-trimmed sunglasses? I had been drooling over those stunning Dolce & Gabbana floral shades for a while and couldn’t wait to get my hands on them.

If you don’t want to spend that much money on a pair of eye-catchers, why not DIYing them yourself? All you will need is a pair of sunglasses, a variety of ceramic roses and flowers (available at art supply stores), some popsicle sticks and toothpicks, plus hot glue.

Just be careful to use a small amount of hot glue when applying the flowers and to let it dry thoroughly. I like to press the embellishments with the help of a popsicle stick firmly on the shades. Enjoy this fun DIY project and of course your new sunglasses. You won’t go unnoticed this summer!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Ad Photo: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

Today’s post is dedicated to my very own little family. Thank you so much for the lovely Mother’s Day I had! You truly have spoilt me. First of all, I woke up with my daughter’s arms around my neck to a bouquet of my favourite flowers, peonies, as you can see in my collage above. I am so proud of her as she came up with the most creative idea ever. She gave me a wall clock that she had embellished with photos of us. How cool is that?!

Then, she had convinced her Daddy to get me this gorgeous ‘Diorette Marguerite‘ ring, the miniature version of my beloved ‘Diorette‘ ring. She handed it to me while telling me how much she loves me. Being a mum is the best job ever, since the payment is pure love…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As promised, here is the makeup tutorial for emerald eyes. The Pantone Colour of the Year 2013 looks gorgeous on nearly every eye colour.

Products used to create the look:

1 CHANEL Stylo Eyeshadow 47 Blue Bay
2 DIOR 5 Coleurs Eye Shadow 374 Blue Lagoon
3 MAC Eye Shadow Vanilla Velvet
4 DIOR Diorshow Liner Waterproof Aqua Green
5 SHISEIDO The Makeup Eyebrow and Eyeliner Compact BL3 Light Brown
6 ANASTASIA Brow Gel Clear
7 SISLEY So Intense Mascara Black
8 CHANEL Mascara Inimitable Waterproof 37 Lime Light
9 CHANEL Lèvres Scintillantes/Glossimer 427 Envolée

Brushes: BOBBI BROWN Angle Eye Shadow Brush and MAC Brush 228

And here you go:

To complement the emerald green eyes, I like to wear apricot hues on the lips. My favourite at the moment is CHANEL Glossimer 427 Envolée from the new summer look (available in Switzerland end of May 2013).

Hope that you have enjoyed that makeup tutorial! Happy Sunday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Ciaté offers amazing three-dimensional DIY manicures and the newest hit is the British brand’s Sequined Manicure. Just in time for the party season, when sequins are always appropriate if not essential, this nail trend seems just right.

Well… are you ready to try it out for yourself now?

I tried this fabulous mani set that features all the products you need to give your nails a glam-over. As you can see, it works very easily.

The only negative side effect is that the nails are very rough afterwards so that you have to be really careful when putting on your tights or going through your hair. To take it off, you will need a nail polish remover with acetone and plan some time.

Ciaté Sequined Manicure Kits are available in 3 colour blends and retail for £15 each, available for example at Selfridges in the UK or Sephora in the US.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht