Sandra‘s Closet

One month without my mother.
The sadness is still heavy, like a secret shadow I carry with me. I hesitated for a long time whether to share these pictures and words, because grief is intimate, and yet, it is part of life. And I believe it’s important to find light even in the darkest chapters.

«Grief is the price we pay for love.» – Queen Elizabeth II

She always wanted her farewell to be bright, colorful, and full of joy, no gloomy speeches, but laughter, champagne, and celebration. Because life continues, and she believed that death is not the end, only a checkpoint on our journey.

She wished for a forest burial, her final resting place embraced by nature. I carried her urn from the ceremony to the tree, sometimes smiling, sometimes crying, because grief is not one single face, but many. My sister said something in her speech that will stay with me forever: «The ashes become one with the tree, so I can embrace our mother again.»  A thought both heartbreaking and comforting, because it makes her presence eternal.

At her farewell I wore color because fashion is my language, my way of expressing love. A Dolce & Gabbana skirt whispering «Mama, I love you» in every language, and a matching bag with a mother, two daughters, a dog, and a cat, exactly her world. Through clothes I painted the immensity of my love for her.

What touched me deeply: my childhood friends traveled from far away to stand by my side. Their presence was a gentle reminder that love weaves us together across time and distance, and I am endlessly grateful.

She was extraordinary, and she taught me to embrace life with both elegance and humor. And so I honor her not only in grief, but in light. And now life moves forward, I’m on my way to Boston with my daughter, filled with gratitude and excitement for this new journey ahead.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Hotels have long been known for their signature scents, but now, Mandarin Oriental is going a step further by creating their own new signature color: Celadon Green, developed exclusively with the Pantone Colour Institute. Inspired by traditional Asian ceramics, the shade embodies calm, refinement, and cultural heritage—yet Mandarin Oriental has transformed it into something contemporary and experiential.

The color is not just part of the design language; it’s woven into every detail of the brand. Guests encounter Celadon Green in delicate pastries at The Mandarin Cake Shop, in mooncakes presented in elegant green boxes, and even in cocktails that reinterpret the hue with matcha and fresh herbal notes.

Fashion and travel collaborations extend the story further. Limited-edition Sunspel T-shirts at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London and Globe-Trotter luggage collections allow travelers to carry a piece of Mandarin Oriental’s identity beyond the hotel walls. At the spa, soothing tones of Celadon Green complement treatments designed to relax body and mind, turning color psychology into an integral part of the experience.

To celebrate the launch, Mandarin Oriental has also taken Celadon Green global with playful Pantone «chip» installations, creating stylish photo moments from London to Bangkok.

More than just a shade, Celadon Green is Mandarin Oriental’s way of turning design into lifestyle, luxury you can see, taste, wear, and feel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Mandarin Oriental
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Louis Vuitton is embarking on a bold new chapter with the arrival of La Beauté, its first dedicated make-up line. Rooted in the Maison’s codes of travel, creativity, and savoir-faire, the line promises not just products, but collectible objets d’art designed to be cherished over time.

At the helm of this debut stands Dame Pat McGrath, DBE, appointed as Creative Director, Cosmetics. Known as one of the most influential make-up artists of our era, McGrath brings her signature artistry and innovation to Louis Vuitton, shaping a universe of beauty built on emotion and bold expression.

The initial collection focuses on three pillars: LV Rouge lipsticks in 55 shades, LV Baume lip balms in 10 luminous variations, and LV Ombres eyeshadow palettes in 8 chromatic harmonies. Each product is housed in sustainable and refillable packaging designed by Konstantin Grcic, combining modern responsibility with Louis Vuitton’s heritage of craftsmanship.

To mark the launch, the Maison unveiled a striking campaign captured by Steven Meisel and directed by Damien Krisl. House Ambassador Hoyeon, joined by models Ida Heiner, Chu Wong, and Awar Odhiang, embodies the brand’s vision of empowerment and femininity. Against surreal landscapes of crimson deserts and pink lakes, the imagery blurs the line between dream and reality, presenting beauty as both a lifestyle and an art form.

LV Rouge Complete Lipstick, €140
LV Baume Complete Lip Balm, €140
LV Ombres Complete Eyeshadows, €220
LV Rouge  and LV Baume Refills, €60
LV Ombres Refill, €80

The worldwide launch will be on August 29th, 2025 in a selection of Louis Vuitton stores (in Switzerland, available in Zurich only) and on louisvuitton.com following the worldwide digital pre-orders on August 25th.

While the creative vision and ambition of La Beauté are undeniable, the launch highlights a broader shift within luxury beauty. Over the past two years, prices in fashion and cosmetics have climbed to unprecedented heights, while service and quality often feel as though they are heading in the opposite direction. For many customers, the experience of walking into a boutique to indulge in a small luxury has become complicated: appointments are required, stock is limited, and spontaneity is replaced by waiting lists.

Luxury, at its essence, should feel effortless, joyful, and special. Increasingly, it risks feeling transactional, less about craftsmanship, more about access. Perhaps Louis Vuitton’s new beauty line will deliver on its promise of «heirloom-worthy» products. But as price tags rise, one can’t help but ask: is this still true luxury, or simply the performance of it?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton / Sandra Bauknecht
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Rest in Peace Mama 🖤
October 26, 1946 – August 8, 2025

«Some bonds are written in the soul, untouched by time, unbroken by goodbye.»

One week ago, I said goodbye to my beautiful mom, a truly sensational mother, a loving wife, and a soul who adored animals, especially her dogs, with all her heart. She gave everything for us.

She called me her little Goldfish, and for 50 years, we spoke every single day. My Dad always said I was the other end of the umbilical cord that was never cut and he was right.

When she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, they gave her three months but she fought for a year and a half, facing it with courage, grace, and that unstoppable energy she carried all her life, the same energy she passed on to me. She was a true warrior.

It still feels unreal. This past week, I have felt paralyzed, lost in the silence where her voice used to be. But I know that she would want me to keep going, to follow my path, to live fully, just as she always told me to.

She taught me so much about love, resilience, and believing in your dreams. Long before it was a trend, she was manifesting the life she wanted. She inspired me not just as a mother, but as a human being.

She was my safe place, my constant, my heart. There is no part of me that isn’t shaped by her love. I will miss her laugh, her voice, her everything… but I will carry her with me, always.

Thank you, Mom, for every sacrifice, every hug, every moment. You were, and will always be, my forever home.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

If your world seems upside down, I recommend reading Vex King’s «Good Vibes, Good Life». This self-help book focuses on personal transformation through positive thinking, self-love, and mindset shifts, providing practical advice and motivational insights on how to live a happier and more fulfilling life. Personally speaking, it helped me a lot during my journey.

Here are the key themes and lessons:

1. The Power of Positivity
• Your thoughts shape your reality. Maintaining a positive mindset helps attract good experiences and opportunities.
• Surround yourself with uplifting people and environments.

2. Self-Love & Self-Care
• Treat yourself with kindness and compassion.
• Engage in activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.
• Set boundaries and remove toxic influences.

3. Manifestation & Law of Attraction
• Focus on what you want, not what you lack.
• Visualizing success and believing in your worth will help bring positive changes.

4. Overcoming Challenges & Negativity
• Accept that setbacks and failures are part of the journey.
• Learn from negative experiences and use them for growth.
• Gratitude helps shift focus from problems to possibilities.

5. Raising Your Vibrations
• Everything, including thoughts and emotions, has energy.
• Higher vibrations (like love and gratitude) attract positive experiences.
• Practice meditation, affirmations, and mindfulness to maintain a high frequency.

6. Taking Action Towards a Better Life
• Positive thinking alone isn’t enough—consistent action is key.
• Develop healthy habits and a routine that supports your goals.
• Stay committed to personal growth and lifelong learning.

In my opinion, Vex King blends spiritual wisdom with practical self-improvement strategies in such a self-explanatory and great way, that is making Good Vibes, Good Life a powerful guide for anyone looking to cultivate happiness, inner peace, and success. The book encourages self-belief, resilience, and the pursuit of a life aligned with one’s true desires. It helped me, and I hope it will help you, too!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Felicia Sewerinsson @feliciasewerinsson
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We are only a few days in the new year and we have already a new It-bag or at least a bag the fashion world talks about. Walmart launched an affordable handbag on their website  that mimics the style of the iconic Hermès Birkin, with prices ranging from $78 to $102. Dubbed the «Walmart Wirkin» by social media users, the affordable alternative exploded in popularity on TikTok, with influencers showcasing the bags and offering mixed reviews.

«The Walmart Birkin bag is called a Wirkin and it’s for the Wirkin class,» a TikTok user wrote.

Screen shot from the Walmart website

Becoming a hit for its design and quality at a fraction of the luxury bag’s price, the Wirkin has also sparked debates about the ethics of producing and buying luxury «dupes.»  A dupe is a product that imitate the design of luxury items without being counterfeit as they don’t show a logo. Supporters argue that such items democratize fashion by making high-end styles accessible to a broader audience, while critics contend that they may undermine the value of original designs and contribute to issues related to fast fashion. 

Birkin 35 in orange Togo leather by Hermès

Personally speaking, such concerns are overblown; the Wirkin isn’t the first, and almost certainly not the last, cheap clone of a designer bag to hit the market. However the degree to which the conversation took off shows the growing sentiment among shoppers, who are frustrated with big luxury.

Birkin 30 in gold Epsom leather by Hermès

For luxury aficionados, owning a Hermès Birkin is a mark of exclusivity and wealth. These bags, named after actress and singer Jane Birkin, are not readily available in Hermès stores. Shoppers often face months-long waitlists, even after securing a coveted spot for purchase. However the quality of a Birkin bag is outstanding and that is something a dupe can never deliver. Each Hermès Birkin bag is hand-sewn by a single artisan, and is then buffed, painted, and polished, taking up to 40 hours to make. Artisans purportedly train for five years before they are allowed to make their first Birkin bag. The stitch on which the brand’s reputation is based — the saddle — cannot be replicated by a machine, as it requires two needles simultaneously passing through the same seam. I wrote my first blog post ever about it. This is how Sandra’s Closet started in November 2009 (see collage below).

Truth is … if you walk into a Hermès store for the first time, no amount of money will be enough to get you the Birkin bag of your dreams. That’s because each store reserves the bags for a limited number of customers, and typically only those who’ve made enough repeat purchases. In October 2024, three U.S. consumers sued the French luxury house to persuade the judge that the company is forcing buyers to spend thousands of dollars on other products before they can purchase one of its famed Birkin bags.

Two super special Birkin editions: Faubourg Birkin 20 in So Black matte alligator with black hardware and Himalaya Niloticus crocodile Birkin bag, both by Hermès.

The question I am asking is «what is luxury». For me, it is walking into a shop, getting something that I wished for, and being treated like a princess during this process, especially if I spend these astronomical amounts of money. Unfortunately, those times are over. If the sales associate doesn’t know you, you might feel rejected and won’t be treated well. Then, the other problem is, that these bags achieve such high prices on the secondary market, that they become desired objects for robbers, something that I had to unfortunately experience myself. So the question is … is it really luxury if I have to worry about it instead of indulging into it?!

Maybe one day the «Wirkin» will too be looked at as a piece of art, albeit a print vs an original. Safe to carry around with less risk to be stolen.

LoL, Sandra

Shiny Rose Schéhérazade Porosus Crocodile 25 Birkin bag by Hermès

Photos (1-3): Courtesy of Walmart
All other photos of the Hermès Birkin bags: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Happy New Year 2025 to all of you, my fabulous readers! New year, fresh vibes, and a heart full of gratitude—let’s make it unforgettable! Here’s to a year of sparkle, style, and unforgettable looks. May your 2025 be as fabulous as your favorite pair of heels and as fun as a last-minute shopping spree. Wishing you lots of runway-worthy moments and outfits that turn heads wherever you go!

I am so excited for the next chapter at MY STYLE ROCKS. Cheers to a season of embracing bold choices, and rocking every outfit like a winner, to a closet full of dreams, and a year full of fashion-forward memories!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Beyaz @kazmva0
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored. We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

For 2025, the Pantone Color Institute selects PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, two of my favorites, that are answering the desire for comfort.

«We look to a mellow brown hue whose inherent richness and sensorial and comforting warmth extends further into our desire for comfort, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others.»
Laurie Pressman
Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute

Mocha Mousse on the S/S 2025 runways.

With its sophisticated, earthy elegance, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse can stand alone or serve as a versatile foundation, enhancing a wide range of palettes and applications – from minimalist to richly detailed designs – across all colour-focused industries. It is a very versatile shade infused with inherent sophistication that stands for quiet luxury.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Courtesy of the Brands / © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored. We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Every year, the Claridge’s Hotel in London invites a designer to collaborate on the decoration of their iconic Christmas tree. Last year, it was Louis Vuitton, this year it is no other than Sir Paul Smith, who revealed a traditional 20ft Christmas tree sitting in a Signature Striped barrel and decorated with Paul Smith colourful baubles, ribbon and over 100 bespoke birdhouses.

Sir Paul has collaborated with two friends of the house on the decorations, British artist Nik Ramage, who has made a series of mechanical birdhouses, all with a playful Paul Smith twist, with roofs decorated in playing cards, postage stamps and dice. In Paul’s office, a miniature cable cart hovers overhead and Ramage took inspiration from this and engineered a flying bird to frame Claridge’s reception. Design studio Studiomama, have created a series of their whimsical ‘Off Cut Creatures’ to sit around the base of the tree.

Adding to the festive design, Paul Smith’s holiday Merrymaker fragrance will scent the lobby, and a chorus of birdsong is projected from the tree throughout the day to welcome guests into the lobby of the hotel. Sir Paul has even transformed the hotel lobby into his living room, with a geometric Paul Smith stripe Rug Company Rug, reupholstered Maharam by Paul Smith fabric pieces surround the fireplace to offer guests a warming retreat during the winter months.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without an element of festive fun and adding to the playfulness, Sir Paul has revealed ‘Paul’s Pick n Mix’ trolley, which will be available for guests to enjoy.

«My wife Pauline and I have been staying and dining at Claridge’s for many years. We have spent so many special moments like Christmas and New Year at the hotel with our grandchildren and so it is often a family affair. It’s a great honour to be asked to create this year’s Christmas tree and it’s something I hope people will enjoy and find fascinating and fun. When designing this year’s tree, I automatically thought of a bird house, friendly and optimistic, a symbol of home which reflects the welcoming spirit of Claridge’s.»

Sir Paul Smith

I truly miss spending my time in London before Christmas, but due to my MY STYLE ROCKS project, I couldn’t find the time this year.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Claridge’s
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The limited edition Dolce & Gabbana x STABILO set features three special versions of the STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL highlighter and a black marker.
The all-over design combines timeless Dolce & Gabbana patterns with the ink colors. The Carretto Siciliano print is paired with Milky Yellow, Leopard with Beige, while the Zebra and Blu Mediterraneo motifs correspond to the Black and Cloudy Blue models.

Encased in packaging adorned with the iconic Carretto Siciliano motif, this vibrant and original design serves as a perfect decorative element.

• The set includes three highlighters and a marker, each featuring different patterns and ink colors
• Dual tip sizes: 2mm and 5mm
• STABILO Anti-Dry-Out technology: lasts up to 4 hours without the cap
• Water-based ink for quick drying.
• Packaging Dimensions:183 x 15 x 35 mm

Available here for CHF 29.90. A great gift for a fashion lover.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dolce & Gabbana / STABILO
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