Sandra‘s Closet

I am a coffee addict and I always adore NESPRESSO‘s new creations for the Christmas season. This year’s scents turn to pure indulgence.

Have fun discovering the new gourmand limited editions that all contain only natural flavors and don’t miss the amazing recipe at the end of this post!

VARIATIONS LIMITED EDITION – Vanilla Amaretti
Indulgent almond and vanilla flavors, reminiscent of sweet amaretti biscuits, enhance the roundness of Livanto.

VARIATIONS LIMITED EDITION – Vanilla Cardamom
The delicate harmony between vanilla and cardamom aromas awakens Livanto’s toasted notes for a surprising coffee experience.

VARIATIONS LIMITED EDITION – Ciocco Ginger
The daring marriage of Livanto’s fragrant roaster notes with dark chocolate flavour is livened up by ginger hints, offering you a delighting experience.

TROPICAL CIOCCO GINGER

YOU WILL NEED:
1 Ciocco Ginger capsule
1 slice of lemon
1 cl cherry syrup
15 cl ginger beer
Crushed ice
1 Ritual Recipe glass
1 Aeroccino or milk frother

PREPARATION:
Cut the lemon slice in quarters and put it into the glass. Add the cherry syrup, then the crushed ice and crush further. Pour the ginger beer. Moreover, pour one Ciocco Ginger Espresso (40 ml) in a recipient and foam it together with 3 ice cubes. Finally, add it on top of the ginger beer and decorate with a slice of lemon.

Merry X-mas to all of you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Nespresso

Zurich has a new hot spot. Last week, HATO opened its doors at Brandschenkestrasse 20 (reservations +41 44 280 1880, zurich @hato-restaurants.com). The restaurant’s chef Nathan Dallimore brings the bold flavors of «Fine Asian Cuisine» and fresh sushi to every dining experience. Before today’s official start, I had the honor to try all the culinary highlights during an intimate lunch. The food is absolutely excellent, my favorite is the vegan «Soya Duck Salad» (see photo below). The interior is stylish and intimate at once, curtains can separate certain areas. There is also a special LALIQUE room for  private occasions. On Thursday, the VIP opening party took place… enjoy the pics.

My look: Wool twill jacket, cutout leather platform pumps and small California leather bucket bag with stars, all by Saint Laurent, scalloped bandage dress by Hervé Léger, Satin Touch 20 denier stay-up stockings by Wolford, tulle and pearl necklace by Lanvin and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

The vegan «Soya Duck Salad», it’s fake duck, so yummy.

An extremely interesting combination that I loved: scallop, pork and artichoke puree.

Fantastic Har Gau Dim Sum.

Photos : © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht

EVIAN and New York-based fashion designer ALEXANDER WANG have unveiled the 2016 limited edition bottle featuring the New York-based designers’s signature bar code logo on two contrasting bottles, one black and one white. The purity of evian water is emphasized through clean graphics and highlighted by the play of the lines on the bottles.

Alexander Wang (Photograph by Steven Klein)

This is the ninth time the mineral water company has collaborated with the fashion world to create a new design for its iconic product. Previous collaborators included Diane von Furstenberg, Paul Smith, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Elie Saab and Kenzo, to name a few.

The 2016 evian x Alexander Wang limited edition will be available in 75cl glass bottles at evian.com and retailers worldwide in October 2015.

TO SHOP ALEXANDER WANG PRET-A-PORTER, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Evian

No single food can supply all nutrients in the amounts you need. Everything you eat becomes a part of not only your inner being, but the outer fabric of your body as well. The healthier the foods are that you consume, the better your skin will look. Supplements are a great way to deliver the right health and beauty benefits. FOUNTAIN creates water-soluble formulas that rather than being applied topically to the skin, include key ingredients – including hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and youth-boosting Resveratrol – that are bio-available and therefore easier for the body to absorb. Suitable for both men and women. My three favorites are the following:

The Energy Molecule, 240ml by FOUNTAIN
If your daily schedule is running you ragged, this super supplement will offer the energy boost you need. It’s a potent blend of Creatine – an organic acid that delivers fuel to your cells – and invigorating Vitamin B12. Mix two teaspoons into your favorite pick-me-up when you need it most.

The Glow Molecule, 240ml by FOUNTAIN
Boost your skin’s natural radiance with this supplement. A concentrated form of reactive Glutathione, this acai-flavored liquid works to counteract aging cellular oxidization caused by harmful free radicals and peroxides. Two teaspoons a day will bring out a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion within just a week.

The Hyaluronic Molecule, 240ml by FOUNTAIN
Help your skin stay soft, supple and smooth with this supplement. This unisex formula is packed with Hyaluronic Acid that holds 1000 times its weight in water to plump your complexion and keep eyes and joints lubricated. The body’s natural reserve of the molecule decreases with age, but this liquid Ginger supplement will be easily absorbed within the body when taken daily.

YOU CAN SHOP THE COMPLETE FOUNTAIN RANGE ONLINE HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of Fountain

With the fall season right around the corner, it is the perfect time of the year for entertaining. I love throwing a theme soiree in an intimate gathering. I am not the most dedicated chef, but I absolutely adore table settings and decorations. For this photo shoot (for SI Style Magazine), I went for an Asian inspired theme (most pieces available at Jelmoli).

How to get started? First, of course, with your invites. Having an accurate guest count is essential for a dinner party, especially if you are planning on having some special surprises like personalized napkins for your friends to take home (available for order at Kids and the City). I like to tie ribbons around them to match the color theme of the night.

Personally speaking, a beautiful table setting is like the canvas for a perfect meal. On the morning before the event, I love going to the flower market and getting fresh blooms. I usually place them in the center as well as in small pots and vases everywhere in the room. My rule is to keep all flowers and candle low enough that guests can have great conversations over them. Very important is that you stay with non-scented candles since you don’t want to interfere with the tastes and smells of your food.

Once your guests have arrived, relax and enjoy the good company, delightful ambiance, and delicious food you put so much work into. It’s time for the hostess to enjoy, too!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Agi Simoes for SI Style Magazine

Healthy snacking is an opportunity to fuel your body between meals. For many women, dieting equals food restriction and snacks get usually eliminated in the name of saving calories. But snacking can be a good idea if you go for these good-for-you treats. If you stay satisfied, you won’t be craving for the bad things.

Kale Chips Indian Curry – CHF 9.00 (75g)
Wirsing Chips Sour Cream & Onion – CHF 9.00 (75g)
Spicy Cracker – CHF 9.00 (70g)
Crunchy Granola – CHF 12.00 (150g)

With the bikini season just around the corner, it’s time to get your vegan snack attack on! Available Mid May 2015 online at www.detox-delight.ch or by phone +41 43 3001382. All snacks are sugar free and contain no preservatives.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Detox Delight

Capitalising on its position in London’s most fashionable district, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London announces an exclusive partnership with French high end luxury Maison Chloé, as the S/S 2015 collections arrive in stores, commencing Thursday 12th February 2015.

In celebration of London Fashion Week, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is offering guests a special package in luxurious accommodation, with the opportunity to own the Drew ahead of London Fashion Week and experience a limited edition Chloé afternoon tea at The Rosebery with Chloé Fizz champagne cocktails.

Drew medium textured-leather shoulder bag

The Chloé Debuts package starts at GBP 1,722 and includes:
• One night’s accommodation for two in a Knightsbridge Turret Suite with sweeping views of the UK’s fashion capital
• À la carte breakfast for two people over looking Hyde Park
• Personalised service at Chloé on Sloane Street to receive Chloé’s ‘Drew’ bag
• Chloé Love Story perfume
• Chloé-inspired afternoon tea for two people in the enchanting tea room, The Rosebery

The Rosebery

For an aficionado experience in February 2015, guests visiting The Rosebery for a limited edition Chloé-inspired afternoon tea and a Chloé Fizz cocktail will be able to view a mannequin showcasing the fashion collection in the lobby of the hotel and two vetrines displaying the Drew bag in a variety of different colours and patterns.

Drew small python shoulder bag

The Drew bag is a delicate, modern saddlebag with round, sculpted lines, it features an elegant turn lock system, in perfect harmony with its knotted fob chain and horseshoe pivots. Available in three sizes, this cross–body style offers an effortless transition from daytime to evening, with crisp raw edging on sumptuous materials.

Terms and conditions
The package is valid from Thursday 12th February 2015 to Monday 9th March 2015. Reservations are subject to availability, inclusive of VAT at 20% and 5% discretionary service charge, subject to availability. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly on +44 (0) 207 201 3773, or through the direct on-line reservations service, www.mandarinoriental.com/london.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Manadrin Oriental and Chloé

A Happy 2015 to everyone! I hope that you started the New Year as wonderful as I did. The last day of the year was just perfect. The sky was crisp blue, the sun was shining and I had a lovely fondue lunch at Wassergrat on top of the mountain where I enjoyed the most stunning views over the Alps. If you are there, you have to try their meringue dessert. It is to die for.

New Year’s Eve itself, I spent at the Gstaad Palace Hotel, a night among friends that was truly perfect. To a prosperous 2015 that hopefully will be as fantastic as it started.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Each year EVIAN releases a new collectible water bottle in time for the holiday season and this time the famous brand has teamed up with no other than the house of KENZO to create a one-of-a kind design.

Previous collaborations (from right to left): Christian Lacroix (2008), Jean Paul Gaultier (2009), Paul Smith (2010), Issey Miyake (2011), Courrèges (2012), Diane von Furstenberg (2013), Elie Saab (2014) and now Kenzo (2015).

Kenzo F/W 2014 ad campaign

KENZO’s Creative Directors, Carol Lim and Humberto Leon, were influenced for their F/W 2014 collection for both men and women by the work of artist and director David Lynch and it is in this vein that the bottle’s motif features a broken floor pattern, toying with the idea of shifting the elements. Offering a magnifying glass effect when full, the bottle’s purple fragmented pattern is penetrated by a sole lime zig-zag, giving the holder a distorted and skewed view of its ultra-pure contents.

The Evian + Kenzo Limited Edition Collector’s Bottle is available for CHF 3.50 at Globus and Manor in Switzerland while supplies last. Great news is that five of my Swiss readers can win such a collector’s bottle.

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Evian + Kenzo” to . All entries must be received until December 5, 2014. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. The winner has to have a Swiss address.

Stay tuned for many more raffles to follow during the next 24 days until X-mas.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Evian and Kenzo

This week I flew to Bangkok to attend the launch celebration of the fifth Cabinet of Curiosities, the acclaimed yearly pop-up exhibition, that is presented this time by Siwilai, the renowned multi-brand concept store. More will be coming up soon about this event.

Wednesday evening, the exclusive pre-opening dinner took place at Bo.lan, one of the world’s best Thai restaurants, located in Sukhumvit. We enjoyed fine dining at its best, a very spicy Thai cuisine created from age old recipes. After we had finished, the most fun part of the night took place. We were all driven to the after party at Sugar Ray You’ve Just Been Poisoned (to be taken literally) in tuk-tuks. What a fun and very fast ride through the city of Bangkok.

Before I left to the event, those pictures of my outfit were taken on the terrace of my hotel, the Okura Prestige, a luxurious and contemporary five-star hotel.

My look for the night: Nude dress with pleated skirt, cutout suede sandals and scalloped laser-cut leather waist belt, all by Azzedine Alaïa, cloquet nappa leather bag Swarovski crystals and crystal-embellished clip-on earrings, both by Miu Miu, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget, diamond bracelet and ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

The two protagonists: Barom Bhicharnchitr (Managing Director of Central Embassy and Siwilai) and Thomas Erber (Founder of Le Cabinet de Curiosités).

Lovely international company at the dinner table at Bo.lan.

A fun tuk-tuk ride with Swiss-Thai designer Laend Phuengkit, who also designed some limited edition pieces for the exhibition.

A truly fun night – stay tuned for more coming up from Bangkok soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht