I am very happy to reveal my new project: Starting this fall, I will be guest blogging for Marionnaud Switzerland. Those posts will be published in German and French and I will be showing you on a regular basis some of my beauty must-haves.
Thank you, Marionnaud, for the lovely introduction in the recent magazine!
LoL, Sandra
If you like my look, please click here.
Photo of me: Christian Dietrich
This weekend close friends of mine got married. It was a very romantic and beautiful private wedding celebration with lots of tears of joy and laughter. The bride looked breathtakingly stunning and so thought the handsome groom. One detail that I truly loved was that each guest had a little heart with his name on the table filled with a personalized quote.
My look: Stretch-cady peplum-hem gown by Alessandra Rich, bow-embellished patent-leather pumps by Saint Laurent, satin clutch bag by Prada, statement necklace by Lanvin and diamond rose ring by Piaget.
I am wishing the newlyweds a happy married life full of love and magic moments!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Between my recent trips to China and Iceland, I flew for one day to Berlin to shoot MCM‘ s amazing new collaboration with Craig & Karl: EYES ON THE HORIZON. I love the German capital (and that is not only because I was born in this country), it’s one of the most vibrant, energetic cities in Europe. It’s the combination of two facts that can be felt everywhere: its present anything-goes-and-anything’s-possible vibe and its somber past.
Let me take you on a tour around Berlin. I had so much fun with my very talented photographer Christoph Schemel. See for yourselves:
First stop: THE KURFÜRSTENDAMM
Known locally as the Ku’damm, one of the most famous avenues in the city is home to many shops, such as the MCM boutique, hotels and restaurants. It’s often considered the Champs-Élysées of Berlin.
Second stop: DAS STUE
Located right next to the Tiergarten (central park of Berlin), the stylish design hotel Das Stue offers all the comforts of a quiet urban refuge within the heart of Berlin.
Third stop: CAFE AM NEUEN SEE
Christoph and I had a fabulous lunch at this fun place outside in the garden area with waiter service (there is also a self-service beer garden part directly by the lake) and planned the rest of our shoot. I had a piece of very yummy cheesecake (German cheesecake is the best) that went so fast I forgot to take a picture.
Fourth stop: SIEGESSÄULE
Berlin’s “Victory Column” is a famous monument and probably one of the best known symbols of the city. The “Golden Lizzie,” as it is known in local slang, was originally built around 1864 to celebrate Prussia’s victory in the German-Danish war.
Fifth stop: BRANDENBURGER TOR
Located at the heart of Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate is standing at the western end of the avenue Unter den Linden. It has been a symbol for both, the divided Cold War city and the country’s reunification. Today, it is one of the metropole’s most-visited landmarks.
Last stop: GRILL ROYAL
Before I flew back to Zurich, we went to Grill Royal for drinks. This see-and-be-seen restaurant is still, after opening a couple of years ago, the place-to-dine and very popular with the celebrity crowd. Below you see me before the entrance on Friedrichstrasse.
I hope that you have enjoyed my day in Berlin! Cannot wait to be back soon…
My look: Ivory blazer, cropped metallic leather motocross pants, both by Balmain, black top by Tom Ford, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, shoes by Gucci, key ring, clutch and backpack, all from the MCM x Craig & Karl Eyes on the Horizon collection. Rose necklace and ring, both by Piaget.
LoL, Sandra
Photos by Christoph Schemel
Gosh, it feels so good to be back in Zurich and to dress up again. One week in Iceland with no makeup and fancy clothes has been enough for me. Now, I am ready to bring back some glamour into my life! For a start, I had a fabulous girls’ lunch yesterday in the city…
My look: Striped stretch-silk chiffon top, printed cotton-blend brocade skirt, filigrane embellished gold-plated necklace, bucket bag featuring a floral and face print and matching heels, all by Dolce & Gabbana, ring “Mitzah” by Dior Haute Joaillerie and bangles by Chanel and Rasoir sunglasses by Miu Miu.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
This is the most stylish I got in Iceland. First of all, it was freezing cold (Thank God, I brought this padded gilet with me!), second of all, I have never felt the urge to dress up or put on make-up. Everything is just laid back and very relaxing.
My look: Grosgrain-trimmed cotton-jersey sweatshirt by Saint Laurent, Pedal Star skinny-leg printed denim pants by Closed, white padded gilet
by Moncler Grenoble, large studded backpack
by MCM, sunglasses by Marc Jacobs, printed silk scarf by Gabriele Frantzen and biker boots by Chanel. Hat, souvenir from Iceland.
Being on “luxury withdrawal therapy” is kind of fun for one week, but now I cannot wait to bring back some glamour into my life. Stay also tuned for the upcoming post about the most breathtaking sceneries I have seen on the island.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
After two days in Reykjavík, I have started my trip around Iceland. The so-called Golden Triangle, “the three great destinations” for the Icelandair travelers that visit the country are Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir and were first on my “to-see list”. Believe me, they are absolutely worth the visit. Step off luxury and explore paradise! Enjoy my photo diary.
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park
The Þingvellir area is an area of sea-floor spreading, displaying the close association of crustal rifting and volcanism. Þingvellir is next to the Great Rift Valley of Eastern Africa the only site on earth where the effects of two major plates drifting apart can be observed. Almannagjá that you can see above is pherhaps the most dramatic structure at Þingvellir.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss (translated as “Golden Falls”) is to my opinion one of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls (and I have seen Niagara falls in Canada!). The light, the scenery is just breathtaking.
Geysir – Strokkur
Strokkur is one of Iceland’s famous fountain geysers, erupting about every 4-8 minutes 15-20m high, sometimes even up to 40m high. It is part of a whole geothermal area next to the famous Great Geysir which was the first one described in a printed source and which is the name giver for this natural phenomenon.
It was freezing cold and I experienced very strong winds that day.
My look: White padded gilet by Moncler Grenoble, pink sweater and checkered shirt, both by Abercrombie & Fitch, large studded backpack
by MCM, sunglasses by Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN, printed silk scarf by Gabriele Frantzen, suede classic short boots by UGG Australia and Le Skinny de Jeanne mid-rise skinny jeans
by Frame Denim. Hat and gloves, both souvenirs from Iceland.
Skógafoss
On my drive further east, I passed by Skógafoss, a waterfall situated in the south of Iceland at the cliffs of the former coastline. It probably rivals Gullfoss as Iceland’s most famous waterfall.
Dyrhólaey
The small peninsula Dyrhólaey is located on the south coast of Iceland. The view from up there from the cliff is gorgeous with black lava columns coming out of the sea.
Travelling through Iceland feels a little bit like being on luxury withdrawal therapy. The accommodations are pretty basic and you don’t find fancy restaurants. But you find something here that is absolutely unbeatable, breathtaking nature, an amazing light as it barely gets dark these months and peace for your mind.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
On Saturday morning, I flew to Reykjavík, the largest city in Iceland. The world’s northernmost capital of a sovereign state has been on my “places to see” list since a very long time.
I have completely underestimated the climate. The city’s coastal location makes it prone to wind and it is freezing cold here. As I spent the last weeks only in hot temperatures, it feels even worse. During my first few hours in this beautiful and very colorful city , I went shopping and got myself a wool hat and sweater.
My look: White padded gilet by Moncler Grenoble, green sweater by Abercrombie & Fitch, 620 Photo Ready mid-rise leggings-style jeans
by J Brand, large studded backpack
by MCM, sunglasses by Marc Jacobs and Jenny brushed-suede ankle boots
by Isabel Marant. The hat is a souvenir from Iceland.
Here in Reykjavík, there are many things to do and explore. One of the big highlights is whale watching.
The meat of this large mammal can be found on almost every menu in this country.
View of Harpa concert and conference center from the old harbour.
City center
Panorama of the city and the largest church in Iceland
Central Reykjavík seen from…
… the top of Hallgrímskirkja Church.
Colorful rooftops line Reykjavík.
Approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Reykjavik is the famous Blue Lagoon, a place that you don’t want to miss. Set in the pure heart of the Icelandic landscape, it offers a complete spa experience. The warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulphur and bathing is reputed to help some people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis. I felt too cold to go swimming but the scenery itself has been worth the visit.
Now, I am off to see some geysers and more…
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
My lovely colleague Katrin Roth from annabelle’s beauty blog (a must-read) spotted me recently at a press conference retouching my makeup and fell immediately in love with my little emergency mascara pouch. Today, she wrote a very funny post about it (Thank you!).
This bag was a souvenir from a dear friend after her recent trip to the US. It is from Californian designer Pamela Barsky, who creates all sorts of fun accessories.
LoL, Sandra
This was my outfit that I wore to the fun lunch with Rodial and Marionnaud recently in Zurich. I love wearing pastel colours in summer and the combination of light green with soft yellow has been among my favorites this season. The new Noé BB bag by Louis Vuitton in the vibrant shade of citron just adds the right unexpected splash of colour.
My look: Contrast-collar cotton and wool-blend sweater (70% off) by Moschino Cheap and Chic, lace and chiffon skirt, shoes and Noé BB bag in citron, all by Louis Vuitton, studded handbag and sunglasses, both by Prada, fashion jewelry by Chloé.
While you are reading this, I am on my way to Iceland today. So stay tuned for some updates from Reykjavik!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Vogue Italia interviewed some of us bloggers during Luisaviaroma‘s Firenze4Ever last month. And I feel very honoured to have been part of it.
Moreover, the Italian fashion bible featured my style labs. Thank you very much!
Enjoy your weekend!
LoL, Sandra
Style Lab: Style & Grace
Style Lab: Grunge Flair
Photos: Via Vogue Italia