If you have a weekend in Bangkok, squeeze in a day trip to Chatuchak Weekend Market and you will not be disappointed. This must-visit is one of the world’s largest weekend markets with over 15,000 booths selling goods from every part of Thailand. Everything is on sale here, shop ‘till you drop’, although not all at the best bargain rates.
The best way to get there is to hop on the Skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station, and follow the crowd until you see rows of canvas stalls selling clothes and other items. Almost everything can be found here, and most vendors actually come from local factories, like antique wood carving, clay handicrafts, wooden funitures, hand made decorated flowers, and much more.
My look: Tulle floral skirt and jacket (you need one for the Skytrain, the air conditioner feels like being in a freezer), both by Jean Paul Gaultier Femme, tank top 
by American Vintage, Vela nylon backpack 
(great piece to carry your personal belongings while travelling) by Prada, sunglasses by Marc Jacobs, studded bracelet by H&M and golden sandals by Zara.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
I spent New Year’s Eve at Ku Dé Ta, Bangkok‘s recently opened new 2-story hot spot on the 39th and 40th floor of Sathorn Square Building. First, I enjoyed an eight course meal at the beautiful Signature restaurant followed by some dancing at the night club on the same level. Being already known in the Asian club scene because of its sister venue in Singapore, this entertainment playground is an awesome place you don’t want to miss while being in Thailand!
My look: Studded leather shift dress and leather bra top, both by Saint Laurent, wild flower gunmetal-tone Swarovski crystal ear cuffs by Roberto Cavalli, strappy sandals by Gucci, camouflage fold over clutch by Valentino, rose diamond ring and Limelight Gala watch, both by Piaget.
Again Happy New Year 2014 and thanks for following Sandra’s Closet!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Happy New Year from Bangkok where I am at the moment. I hope that you started 2014 in a very fun way. Today is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one!
On the first day of the year, I am exploring the Thai city a little more with all its shrines and spirit houses. Something that you can see here on every corner. It is a truly amazing place to visit.
My look: Zebra print top by Saint Laurent, grey mid-rise skinny leg distressed jean by J Brand, studded leather loafers by Miu Miu, Donna hobo bag in vine green by Alexander Wang and floral sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.
The Erawan Shrine (officially named Thao Maha Brahma) in Bangkok is not old, but it is an interesting testament of the role of religion in modern Thai society. In 1955, the founder of the Erawan hotel was told by an astrologist, that the time for laying the foundation stone was not really right. It could only be corrected by building a shrine in the area. Following this advice, the Thao Maha Brahma was enshrined one year later.
The Erawan Shrine is located on the northwest corner of the Grand Hyatt Erawan property, near the Chit Lom stop on the skytrain. It consists of a golden statue, the Thao Mana Brahma, that sits beneath a glittering canopy, surrounded by offerings of flowers, incese and candles. The area is crowded with worshippers day and night and always wafting with incense smoke. A very magical place to visit and a great spot to wish for a Happy New Year.
Enjoy some of my impressions and of course stay tuned for more…
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
This was the outfit I wore to the ASMALLWORLD gala dinner in Gstaad Mid December. I still owe you all the photos from this weekend. Please bare with me, they will be coming up shortly.
While being in Bangkok, I am a little too busy exploring the city and finding the best spots to tell you all about.
My look (also perfect for New Year’s Eve…): Lace gown by Alessandra Rich (50% off now), bow-embellished patent-leather pumps by Saint Laurent, satin clutch by Prada, earrings by Miu Miu and rose diamond ring by Piaget.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Here you see me in London on my way to the NET-A-PORTER headquarters where I met with the Olsen Twins who presented their THE ROW S/S 2014 collection. Of course, all the photos will be coming up shortly. I actually surprised my daughter who is a huge fan of the famous twins. You should have seen her face when they entered the room… priceless.
My look: Leather dress
, star-intarsia cardigan (also available as sweater) and Janis pumps, all by Saint Laurent, scarf by Gucci, Kelly So Black and Hapi leather bracelet, both by Hermès, punk-style bracelet by Miu Miu and rose diamond ring by Piaget.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Merry X-mas to all of you. Christmas Eve was absolutely fantastic being surrounded by my loved ones in the comfort of my own home. In the morning after my last minute shopping tour, my daughter and I decorated our Christmas tree that turned out to be very girly in pink, white and silver with a touch of black. A few years ago, I decided to get an artificial tree. I always felt bad to cut one for only those few days and hated the cleaning up after the season was over. With the fake snow, I really love its look and to achieve this iconic pine smell, I use a little trick (Please click here for last year’s post). Each season, I also opt for another color scheme.
In the evening, we ate great food and dressed up just enough to feel special, but still be comfy. We always end up playing fun games and talk until late. After dinner, we exchanged gifts – the little extra magic and sparkle of a Christmas Eve. Being a mum, I felt like Sandra Claus seeing my daughter’s eyes filled with joy and happiness. It is one of those magical moments you treasure forever. My hubby really surprised me in a fun way. He had “bribed” my personal shopper at net-à-porter and got me some of my favorite items from my wish list. My personal shopper told me she had to take them out of my basket as they were defect and I had been so disappointed… great idea, I have to say! I cannot wait to show you my new pieces.
My look for Christmas Eve matching my tree:
Pink cowl-back silk-sateen dress (from the new Resort 2014 collection, also available in black) and pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps, both by Saint Laurent, art deco earrings by Prada, cuff by Chanel, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget, Twenties stay-up by Wolford.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
You know what I will be doing today… I will be buying all my Christmas presents as for the first time ever, I have not bought one single one. The last weeks were so busy with work that time flew without me realizing it. Yes, I would love to put my bag over my head and just pretend I can do some magic. So if you see me today in the city, say hi and cheer me up.
My look to go shopping: Grey travel poncho by Poncho Company Switzerland, fine-knit wool turtleneck sweater by Lanvin, Photo Ready mid-rise skinny jeans
by J Brand, plaid bag and scarf, both by Karl Lagerfeld, green suede tote bag by Hogan, Simona ankle boots by De Siena, earrings by Dior, frog ring by Roberto Cavalli and Pasha C watch by Cartier.
Believe in the magic of Christmas and enjoy the special moments among the ones you love most!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Are you wondering why I named this post Million Dollar Baby? Have a look at my neck… this amazing white gold and diamond choker necklace “EIFFEL MIDNIGHT” is worth CHF 1’190’000 and I had the great honour to wear it recently to a very exclusive event “La Soirée de la Couture Précieuse” hosted by Piaget and my humble self at their store in Zurich on Bahnhofstrasse (photos coming up soon). Believe me, it was hard to take it off…
My look: Houndstooth pencil dress by Alexander McQueen, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps and Sac du Jour leather tote in emerald green, both by Saint Laurent, Limelight Gala watch, necklace and rose diamond ring, all by Piaget and Twenties stay-up by Wolford.
On my nails: Toasted Sugar by Tom Ford.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Pascal Pazanda and © Sandra Bauknecht
