Sandra‘s Closet

Finally, Christmas Eve is here and the tree has been revealed. Each season, I love to surprise my family with another colour scheme. This year, I went for white, black, silver and gold with a hint of glittering brown.

I had the idea of a “Christmas tree forest” and pulled up two, one for my daughter with lots of teddybears in gold and silver and a matching taller one for the adults, which obviously is a very girly one, with shoes and bags. (I couldn’t resist the French Christmas at Globus.)
Christmas ornaments are such a sweet surprise for a beloved friend, a lovely gift to be remembered once a year.

As you see, the trees are fake but with the white snow, I think they look pretty. Somehow, I have always felt sad for all those trees being cut down for just a few days… and such a fake one is actually pretty practical as no fir needles are coming down and it looks the same from beginning to end.

A personal tip to take your fake tree to the next level: Spritz it with Jo Malone‘s Pine & Eucalyptus Scent Surround™ Room Spray that instantly fills your home with a breath of fresh air from the woods and feel the tree come alive.

I am wishing you all a Merry X-Mas with lots of laughter, love and of course awesome presents!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I absolutely love scented candles and their calming effect. By creating a cozy atmosphere, just its glow can be comforting.
But mind, they are many differences in terms of quality and it is advisable to buy one made of good ingredients as some candles might produce smoke laced with toxins.

I recently came across CALMING PARK scented candles that are produced in Grasse, France, the world capital of perfume. They are made of organic palm wax and paraffin with a 12% perfume concentration. Their scents are absolutely gorgeous!

The classic range is available in 5 different fragrances:

CACTUS
The calming note of cactus, the pure transparece of water flowers and aloe vera on a background of precious woods.
CASHMERE
The exotic soothing trip to India, the woody notes of patchouli and cedar mingle with precious incense and myrrh balms.
FIG-BAMBOO
The cut grass, the leaves of the green fig tree and the gourmand wood notes accompanying the pure and calming bamboo.
SEQUOIA
The relaxing sandalwood note, , fresh pink berries associated with zesty notes of lime and tangerine spiced with cinnamon bark and clary sage.
SPA DE PROVENCE
The calming scents of the dew from a provencal garden, clarity leaves of green tea and fig, powdery notes of mimosa and heady jasmine on a wooden background of olive and orange leaves.

Today, you have the chance to win the very special candle L’ABSENCE that jazz sensation Melody Gardot has created in collaboration with CALMING PARK.

L’ABSENCE
The relaxing scent of lavander, the sensual notes of the ocean meet the woody notes of cedarwood, cashmere and iris, spiced up by patchouli and white musc.

To win, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Calming Park” to and like Sandra’s Closet on Facebook.

All entries must be received until January 4, 2013. 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.

For those who don’t want to rely on their chance to win, L’ABSENCE is available as limited edition at selected CALMING PARK’s stockists:

– LIMITED STOCK, ZURICH
– HAUTE PARFUMERIE THEODORA, GENEVA
– LISA FEILER, BERN
– EXCELSIOR, MILAN
– FIERTE, SEOUL

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Melody Gardot, © Agi Simoes and © Sandra Bauknecht

Have you been looking for the perfect gift for a beloved one?
What about something stylish and special for the home? Below, you will find some oh-so luxe ideas that are tailored for the haute couture inspired taste. If you are interested, just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly to the shop!

LoL, Sandra

Giles illustration Leah plate by Giles

Nador velvet down and feather-filled cushion by Missoni

Nerja floral-print modal and cashmere-blend throw by Missoni

Miss Lanvin 34 porcelain figurine by Lanvin

Set of six Russian dolls by Lanvin

Mirrored stainless steel champagne bucket by Maison Martin Margiela by L’ATELIER d’Exercises

Monogrammed wool-blend blanket by Gucci

Even though Christmas itself is only a moment between 24 Dec and 25 Dec, for most of us Christmas decorations take a lot of time. Every year I try to set up a different Holiday theme and go beyond the traditional green-red-gold style. Personally speaking, my husband cannot understand why we need so many ornaments in different colors but I truly love the fact that my Christmas tree never looks the same.

I have been collecting Christmas ornaments since many years. Whenever I am travelling, I am taking one home. My tree is therefore full of memories and each ornament has its own little story. This little cutie was a present from my friend Mel recently.

How adorable are those mini lipstick hangers, Chanel-like bags and shoes, who wouldn’t like to have a Birkin dangling on the tree?!
Those must-haves are available in Switzerland at Globus. The Swiss department store is celebrating Noël à la française (French Christmas) and offers a selection of the most fashionable Christmas ornaments ever!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Globus und © Sandra Bauknecht

During Art Basel and Design Miami 2012, MARNI presented, for the first time in the US, the exhibition “L’Arte del Ritratto” in collaboration with the photographer and filmmaker Francesco Jodice. The new edition of 125 chairs from the Marni Charity Project are sold now exclusively at the Marni Miami Store, where last night personalities from the art, design and fashion industries gathered together for a private cocktail hosted by Consuelo Castiglioni, Marni Creative Director. The project reaffirms Marni’s involvement with charitable initiatives.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Marni

I have to admit that I am completely addicted to coffee. I can stop eating sweets, drinking alcohol, but please never take away my coffee. Just the thought of my beautiful nice-smelling cup in the morning, gets me going and out of bed. Coffee actually has a lot of advantages and is not at all bad for you if you drink it in moderation. This is something I need to work on.

Many papers state that coffee is actually one of the healthiest beverages billions of people consume regularly. It can increase your metabolic rate and helps you burn fat if you don’t overdo your intake. Of course, only when consumed black or with a little milk or soy milk – which I like – coffee is great for your figure, as it is having zero calories, zero carbs, and zero fats. So leave away the sugar.

The caffeine in coffee keeps our brains alert and receptive of new information. So I hope that you have had your cup of coffee already because here is some information that you might be truly interested in:

NESPRESSO has launched a new coffee machine “that lives like you”: U – the ultimate experience in simplicity, modularity and purity for coffee lovers around the world that offers an amazing concept!

The Nespresso story began 25 years ago with a simple but revolutionary idea: enable anyone to create the perfect cup of espresso at home. Today, Nespresso has made that idea even simpler by developing U, the next generation machine that shapes itself to suit you and your lifestyle. With clever, modular design, U can change its form to fit contemporary living spaces and interiors. On top of that, the cool machine has a tactile interface which memorises your favourite cup length, and thanks to the pre-programmed Ristretto, Espresso and Lungo sizes, there is no need to select it each time.

The first-of-its kind, it has a rounded, adjustable water tank which is able to seamlessly slide around, letting it change shape to suit your home or office space.

In addition to a quick heat up time of 25 seconds, U features automatic brewing, so your coffee begins the second you drop your Nespresso capsule and effortlessly close its neat slider. Its immediate cut-off also makes it one of the cleanest machines – stopping any drips and automatically ejecting each capsule.

Available in four understated colours – Pure Cream, Pure Black, Pure Grey and Pure Orange – and with some dedicated accessories such as an innovative tray with two adaptable magnetic dispensers, that can be attached to the sides of the U machine or also be stacked on top of each other for a slimmer storage solution. U is priced at CHF 179.-.

And here are some great news for my Swiss based followers: THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN YOUR OWN U!

Nespresso kindly offers two of their new innovative coffee machines to Sandra’s Closet readers. All you have to do is to send me an e-mail with the header “Nespresso” to and tell me which of the four colours you would love to have.

Contestants MUST live in Switzerland. All entries must be received until November 9, 2012. 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.

Personally speaking, I truly love Nespresso because of its flexibility. Every family member can choose his or her own style. For example, I absolutely adore flavoured coffee. Therefore I am completely “going nuts” for Nespresso’s upcoming three end-of-year Limited Edition Grands Crus Variations 2012 for the festive season:

This year, it is inspired by three different notes of nut: Coconut, Hazelnut and Macadamia Nut. Originating from the Livanto family, each Grand Cru encapsulates its own distinct taste universe, opening up new coffee discoveries.

Nespresso Hazelnut – The combination of lightly roasted hazelnut notes with the Livanto Grand Cru reveals praline flavours, giving it a fine balance in the mouth.
Macadamia Nut – The rich savours of the macadamia nut combined with the roundness of the Livanto Grand Cru develop a surprising freshness and reveal citrus notes.
Coconut – A perfect harmony between the coconut notes and the Livanto Grand Cru creates a gourmand experience reminiscent of coconut macaroons.

Each of the Variations 2012 are 100% of natural origin and contain only roast and ground coffees mixed with natural flavourings and is free from food allergens. Available worldwide from November 12, 2012. A sleeve will sell for CHF 5.70 in Nespresso boutiques and online.

This post was so mouth-watering for me that I drank 4 cups of coffee while typing it. Speaking of moderation… but it just tastes so good. Don’t forget to enter the contest and good luck!

LoL, Sandra.

Photos: Courtesy of Nespresso and © Sandra Bauknecht

Personally speaking my favourite Hawaiian resort to stay at is the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, located at the Wailea Beach.

The beach in front of the hotel is wider than most of the others on the island with wonderful golden sand. This is where I started each morning with a yoga session. Listening to the sound of the waves, embraced by the softness of the sand was just amazing. Of course, this hotel is the perfect place to get married and during my stay, I witnessed many wedding celebrations.

The five-star hotel is home to four restaurants and bars, including an outpost of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s famous Spago. During your stay, you can treat yourself to some fine food. And of course, upon your arrival at the resort, you will be presented with the obligatory lei greeting.

The pool area is great but if you travel with kids not comparable to the Grand Wailea Resort which is next door, reminiscent of an amusement park, with fountains, tarzan’s swing, slides, caves, a bar in the pool and many other attractions. One of them while I was there: Britney Spears with her sons.
But be careful, all Grand Wailea Resort guests have to wear silver bracelets in the pool because it seems that Four Seasons guests tend to go over there from time to time.

If you travel without kids, you will have the best experience at the Four Seasons with a special pool area for adults only. Fashionistas will love the Missoni cabanas, furnished with the Italian brands fabrics and towels, but they cost an additional $495.- a day which I find absolutely crazy. I would prefer spending that money in the hotel’s boutique Knots 22 that carry the latest fashion from top designers, such as Missoni, Stella McCartney, Lanvin and many more.

As you see in the collage above, I love to pack Missoni when travelling. Those amazing knitwear pieces don’t wrinkle and are airy to wear in warm weather. To shop Missoni, please click here.

You can explore Missoni Home by clicking here for a great selection of cushions, towels and throws. Have fun decorating your world with the iconic zigzag pattern.

There are many sport activities offered at the resort, from yoga to hula dancing, from surfing to probably the most exciting one scuba diving. The hotel has also a well-equipped gym. If you like, you can book private lessons in tennis, pilates and gyrotronics® among others to keep yourself fit and busy.

I had a wonderful time at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea. Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much) and a hui hou (Goodbye)!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

At Dufourstr.138 in Zurich’s Seefeld quarter, there is the most beautiful flower shop:
SUSANNE WISMER BLUMEN.

Entering this green oasis will never fail to take your breath away and to inspire you for your own interior decoration. The charming florist and her team truly pursue their passion for flowers.
With the ongoing floral fashion trend, you are at the exactly right place.

For all of you living abroad, just enjoy the photos below.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Any room, any occasion, transforms when it’s styled with scent. A way to personalise your home and shape the mood. To uplift, to wind down… or simply to add an air of luxury. Because the ambience of your home should be as inviting as the fragrance on your skin.

I am so excited for Jo Malone‘s new introductions to their iconic Home Collection, that are available now. In Switzerland at Jelmoli Zurich and Globus Geneva.

Scent Surround™ Diffusers

Understated. Sleek. Effortlessly and continually add an enveloping scent to any space.
Available in Lime Basil & Mandarin, Pomegranate Noir and Red Roses.

165ml £45 / €60 / CHF86

Scent Surround™ Room Sprays

Instantly create an impression with a burst of enticing scent.
Available in Lime Basil & Mandarin, Pomegranate Noir and Red Roses.

175ml £34 / €45 / CHF62

Limited Edition Scent Surround™ Drawer Liners and Sachets

Infuse clothes and linens with the signature scent of Lime Basil & Mandarin.

Sachets 3 pieces £20 / €25 and Drawer Liners 5 pieces £30 / €40
(Limited edition, not available in Switzerland)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

Check out this wonderful new S/S 2012 collection from Ralph Lauren Home. I love those ethno-inspired patterns and the earthy colour combinations.

The setting for the photo shoot is also divine. Watch and enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren Home