Sandra‘s Closet

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Christopher John Rogers is one of fashion’s most exciting new names, and it’s easy to see why. Since launching his eponymous brand only a few seasons ago, the designer’s unabashed use of color has already earned him a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award and a legion of fans, including Zendaya, Tracee Ellis Ross and Michelle Obama. I wore his rainbow knit dress on a sunny day in New York and went for a walk through Central Park.

My look: Pleated striped ribbed wool maxi dress by Christopher John Rogers, lilac peak-lapels double-breasted blazer by Balmain, La Medusa leather plateau sandals, and small La Medusa top handle bag, both by Versace, square-frame glitter sunglasses by Gucci, and black monogram croc-embossed leather belt by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Lacuna Photography
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What would you wear for a tropical date? I went for this beautiful high-low dress. It is a form of asymmetrical dress, typically longer at the back, and shorter at the front. The ruffles add to the tropical vibe. The photos were taken in Puerto Rico at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, a resort I can only recommend and that I will show you more about very soon.

My look: Off-the-shoulder ruffled printed metallic fil coupé silk-blend georgette dress by Dundas, Angel leather platform sandals by Gucci, small La Medusa top handle bag by Versace, python leather buckle belt by Saint Laurent, and dark blue clip-on stone drop earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Rome or Roma as the locals call their home, the Eternal City, with its unique and fascinating history, its thousand churches, palaces and fountains; Rome, where behind every corner and building lies a secret to be discovered, a legend to be told, history to be revealed, is also home to many famous fashion brands.

The country’s contribution to fashion is vast and its capital is no exception. Many designers come from Rome, such as Elsa Schiapparelli who was born there in 1890, Giambattista Valli, and of course the famous houses of Fendi and Valentino, along the jewelry brand Bulgari. Valentino will present his next F/W 2022 Couture show on July 8 in Piazza Mignanelli, home to the company’s storied headquarters, and a stone’s throw away from the Spanish Steps.

The Italian obsession with looking good is nothing new. It is contagious. So I photographed this fun summer look from the Versace S/S 2021 runway in front of the famous Colosseum, the largest standing amphitheatre in the world, that began to be built under between 72 and 80 AD.

My look: Ruffled embellished cady and plissé mini dress, padded-shoulder denim jacket in blue, Trésor de la Mer gold-tone crystal choker, Trésor de la Mer gold-tone crystal bracelet, and Trésor de la Mer gold-tone crystal earrings, all by Versace, black calf leather lace up Janis pumps by Saint Laurent, Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet, and waist bag with chains and pearls, all by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Daydream Studio
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

New Alaïa, new denim! I am such a huge fan of Pieter Mulier‘s first collection for Alaïa. Four years after Alaïa’s passing, the Belgian designer, who was Raf Simons right hand before, created a collection with so many amazing pieces that pay homage to Azzedine Alaïa‘s greatest hits, including body-sculpting knitwear, multi-strap corset belts, and hooded silhouettes evocative of Alaïa’s North African roots. As Pieter said, he wanted his first collection for the French house to be «a return to foundations.» I bought many pieces, among them this beautiful denim look that I photographed on the streets of Paris and that you will hopefully like as much as I do.

My look Hooded denim and stretch-knit thong bodysuit, and high-rise straight-leg jeans, both by Alaïa, Yigit silk-satin platform pumps by Amina Muaddi, Milena embellished metallic embroidered tulle and satin bra, and Milena black lace thong, both by Agent Provocateur, video tape clutch by Louis Vuitton, and cat-eye tortoiseshell-acetate sunglasses by Bottega Veneta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Mystical New York City… I was three times in the American metropole last month and every time I experienced different weather, from sunny blue skies to freezing temperatures to lots of rain. However, the latter didn’t stop me to photograph my outfits. Surprisingly, the rainy backdrop added an interesting touch to the photos. I love how the transparency of the dress blends in with the concrete of the city. And I finally got to wear my new boots from the Jimmy Choo x Mugler collaboration.

My look: Black organza fil coupé dégradé coat by Alexander McQueen, pleated ribbed-knit midi dress by Alaïa, Mugler sock ankle boots by Jimmy Choo, Dr Bored Paloma clutch mini by Christian Louboutin, silver-tone crystal clip earrings by Alessandra Rich, grosgrain-trimmed wool-blend felt cap by Saint Laurent, and logo brooch by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Lacuna Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

This post might be a little bit more daring than others but those Louboutin pieces deserve attention and with my blog being down, I had time to come up with some unusual ideas. It was raining cats and dogs outside, when I took the photos by myself with a tripod and the timer in my beautiful suite at the Ritz-Carlton New York located at Central Park. If you would like to know more about this collaboration with artist Doctor Bored, click here please.

My look: Macramé lace-trimmed silk-satin chemise and macramé silk robe in fire red, both by La Perla, Dr Bored Paloma clutch mini and Pinupina 130 limited edition pumps, both by Christian Louboutin, and Satin Touch 20 denier stay-up stockings by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

The past weeks my world was upside down…. my dear readers, please accept my sincere apologies for not posting during the past weeks. Instead of publishing daily, you haven’t received a newsletter since Easter Sunday. This has never happened in 12.5 years I am doing this job.

The reason for it was that my web host got hacked. The attack was not specifically concerning my blog, it was the host itself. Unfortunately, during the recovery process, we realized that posts had disappeared and it took quite some time to recover the work I have established since 2009. Now, everything is back, I apologize if you received some newsletters double due to the recovery process.

Those who are following me on Instagram, have seen that I have been traveling a lot the past days. I had an amazing time in New York City and Puerto Rico that I am so eager to show you. Sometimes, it also feels nice to take some time off.

I would like to take this opportunity and thank you for the wonderful messages I have received during the past days. Some of you were so sweet to wonder what was going on with Sandra’s Closet. It made me realize how much I have missed blogging.

Back on track from now… you will see a lot of posts, already published and coming up, stay tuned! Don’t get confused with the dates of the posts, I dated them back as I don’t want to loose my streak of daily posting and they had been planned for those days …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, First Photo: Daydream Studio @daydream_communication
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Until Easter Monday, you can enjoy in Zurich those rose filled fountains, an initiative of the city’s Altstadtkirchen. Originally presented for the first time last year, when the pandemic was in full swing, it is a message of hope with the slogan «without thorns there is no rose». This year, with the war in Ukraine taking place, we need a message of hope more than ever.

For me, dressing up during those sad times, always gives me hope and joy. I am a huge fan of Zimmermann, the designs are feminine, comfortable and romantic.

My look: Pink Botanica Butterfly gown by Zimmermann, CHANEL No.5 parfum box evening bag, and bi-color tweed ballerinas, both by CHANEL (S/S 2021 Collection Act 2), floral sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana, 4810 hoop earrings in pink gold with diamonds by Montblanc, and Carrera Automatic Chronograph by TAG Heuer.

Let’s hope, everything is coming up roses! Happy Easter!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

Happy Easter weekend to everyone! I am wishing you a successful Easter egg hunt. I found my treasure already. This beautiful Simone Rocha egg-shaped bag is for me a true «objet d’art» – it will also look so striking standing on my coffee table when I am not using it.

My look: Double-breasted knit coat with floral pin, white blouse with long wide sleeves, A-line mini wrap skirt, suit vest with chain detail, all by Louis Vuitton, burgundy embellished wool-felt hat by Philip Treacy, acrylic and faux pearl-embellished leather tote by Simone Rocha, and burgundy mesh boots by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

What to buy now? A question I get often asked. Times have changed. It is not always about the newest trends. Brands are launching re-editions and the second hand market is booming. Shopping in a more conscious and sustainable way has become important to many of us instead of just spending on whatever just hit the shelves.

If you invest in great quality and some designer pieces, you will enjoy those for many years to come. Here you see me in New York City for the launch party of PIAGET‘s new POLO S watches. My look consists of vintage pieces like my CHANEL bag that I got for my 18th birthday along with the dress from Gucci’s S/S 2016 runway collection (Look 39).

My look: Multicolored lace embroidered dress, beaded necklace, and Molina turquoise lip pumps, all by Gucci, quilted lambskin mini 2.55 vintage classic flap bag by CHANEL, Limelight Gala watch, rose diamond ring and rose diamond necklace, all by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.