Sandra‘s Closet

Energy is the essence of life. Every day you decide how you’re going to use it by knowing what you want and what it takes to reach that goal, and by maintaining focus. – Oprah Winfrey

This look is inspired by the More Than a Feeling with Swarovski contest, an outfit that bursts with floral energy finished off with Prada’s super-hot summer accessories.

Floral-print devoré stretch-jersey top and matching ruched silk skirt, both by Nina Ricci, cadillac clutch, sandals with flame detail and jewel detail, earrings, bracelet, hair pin and statement necklace, all by Prada.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I still owe you my photos from Texas, which was the last stop of my road trip through the US. The first day in Dallas, I went shopping at the Highland Park Village, which is an upscale shopping mall and the home of brands like Chanel, Stella McCartney, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin among others. It was the first self-contained shopping center in America and therefore declared a National Historic Landmark in 2000.

My look: Two-tone stretch-jersey contour dress and cuff by Stella McCartney, bowtie pasta and cameo clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, coral shape heels by Chanel, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline and Pandora bag by Givenchy.
On my nails: “Today Was A Fairytale” with Virgin Diamond Powder by Deborah Lippmann.

It was very funny to see my new two-tone dress in Stella McCartney‘s window and later inside.

Stay tuned for more photos of this outfit as I went after my shopping spree to the famous Southfork Ranch.

By the way, if you like Mexican food, you have to eat at Mi Cocina, located in the Highland Park Village. So yummy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday was just the perfect day. It was Swiss National Day, which is a public holiday and my parents were visiting from Germany. We were all enjoying the beauty of the garden and of course, I blogged a little in my beloved corner protected by the shade of a magnolia tree before dancing around the pool in my new clogs. Personally speaking, it doesn’t get much better than being in your own little paradise, nothing is so peaceful and relaxing.

My look: Tiered printed silk maxi dress from D&G‘s final collection, Stetson straw hat by Peter Grimm (Souvenir from Club 55 in St. Tropez), bangles by Sal y Limon, silver earrings by Gucci and my new Candy Block clogs by Lulu Vibes (If you would like to find out more about the cute brand, visit the homepage or have a look at this previous post.)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

From Chicago I flew to Denver where I didn’t stay very long as I had to drive all the way up to Wyoming and South Dakota. Knowing that I would be sitting quite a while, I decided to be dressed as simple and casual as possible.

My look: Printed-back velour hooded top and matching track pants, both by Juicy Couture, original seamless tank top by Sugarlips, brown Pandora bag by Givenchy, Pegase 55 cabin case by Louis Vuitton, cat eye glitter acetate and metal sunglasses by Miu Miu and brushed leather trainers by Maison Martin Margiela.
On my nails: Beach Cruiser (neon pink) by Orly.

LoL, Sandra

At Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Those seamless Sugarlips tops are available in many different colours and so comfy to wear.

A photo from the air.

Safely arrived at Denver International Airport.

Denver skyline

Me in front of the Colorado State Capitol Building

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I started my crazy road trip through the US in the city in which I had lived for 2 years: Beautiful CHICAGO. It always feels so great to be back, seeing your friends, wallowing in memories and going to your favourite restaurants (Gibsons, Le Colonial, NoMI at the Park Hyatt and RL Restaurant at the gigantic Ralph Lauren store). The weather was amazing and I enjoyed going for a stroll through downtown.

My look: Mint green collarless jacket (50% off on sale), floral printed dress (50% off on sale), both by Marni, leather and chain bracelet, “Lucky Clover” earrings and necklace, mint green ballet flats, sky-blue Marcie hobo bag, all by Chloé and glitter sunglasses by Miu Miu.

By the way, the crowds weren’t waiting for me. The presidential family had lunch at Gibsons at the same time we had. Enjoy some shots of this wonderful city.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On my last evening in Maui, I went for a lovely dinner at Spago restaurant, located in my hotel Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, which was definitely the perfect way to end my trip to the beautiful island. I still have so much to show you but I am already off to new adventures.
Texas, here I come!

My look, of course with more Hawaiian prints:
Floral blouse (30% off on sale), navy blue stretch pants (50% off on sale), red Antigona envelope clutch, all by Givenchy, green leather pumps by Prada and bowtie pasta and cameo clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

During my stay in Maui, I watched many beautiful sunsets. The light is so amazing – colouring the sky in shades of yellow, orange, blue and purple. I captured some of those moments for you with my camera.

One of my favourite places on the island to have dinner and watch the sundown is the Italian restaurant Sarento’s On the Beach in Kihei, Maui. Great food, great service and great location.

My look: White ruffled dress by Tibi, coral shape heels by Chanel, glitter sunglasses by Miu Miu and necklace Pearl Drape with horse clasp by Gabriele Frantzen.
On my nails: Believe created with Cher by Deborah Lippmann
(a shimmering metallic gold beige).
Curls all natural!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Personally speaking, I am hopelessly devoted to Mary Katrantzou‘s designs and her F/W 2012 collection is my favourite for the next season. During Paris Fashion Week, I went to the London Showrooms to explore her amazing creations. I love Mary. She is so crazily successful but still completely down to earth and took all the photos of me in her to-die-for dresses. We went for lunch and played dress-up afterwards. I have fallen in love with every single piece.

“A pencil, a spoon, a hanger, a chess piece, a hedge, a typewriter: For F/W 2012 Mary Katrantzou discovers the beauty in the everyday, elevating the mundane to the sublime in a collection where product placement becomes placement print.”

For the first time, Mary decides to match: To match everything. The collection is divided into seven distinct sections, each featuring prints composed from objects associated with a single colour in shades of white, blue, green, ivory, yellow, red and black, Models are saturated in a statement hue, from head to toe, working through a colour spectrum as graphic and striking as a Crayola crayon box.

Finally the wait is over! The new-season is here! Prepare to get lost in dizzying detail and sumptuous colour of the princess of print, with luxe embroideries and outstanding cuts that are all highly collectables at the end. Available from today at net-à-porter.com and matchesfashion.com.

Please enjoy all the photos below of my must-haves and see Mary’s love for detail!

LoL, Sandra

WHITE & IVORY

Gleam Coat

Ivory Dress with many layers of chiffon and painted leather sleeves

Powdy Dress with long sleeves, Powdy Biker Jacket and Powdy Scarf

YELLOW

Powder Gun Dress

The most breathtaking dress of the collection: Sprinter Fritz Dress
It came straight from the Ritz for me where Anna Dello Russo had tried it earlier that day. Those bendable pencils are absolutely divine! This dress is a piece of art!

Sweet Mary brought it to perfection on me!

RED

Typo Dress – Let me be your secretary!

Roseterrier Dress, printed leather with pleated skirt – amazing!

BLUE

GREEN

Expandit Dress with bolsters and embroideries by the famous French Haute Couture Embroidery House Lesage who collaborated for the first time with a London designer

BLACK

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, I drove up to Haleakalā National Park which is surrounding and including the crater. This massive vulcano forms more than 75% of the Hawaiian Island of Maui and its activity is in a non-eruptive phase. The temperature near the summit tends to vary and on my way up, I went through the clouds. On top of the vulcano, it was drizzling from time to time and quite cool but the nature is breathtaking.

As you see, I followed my own fashion advice and went for some Hawaiian prints. For the previous post on this trend, please click here.

My look on top of the vulcano: Hawaiian-print silk tunic dress (on sale) and Hawaiian-print silk tapered pants (on sale), both by Stella McCartney, cat eye glitter acetate and metal sunglasses and suede sandals, both by Miu Miu and small Marcie hobo bag in Skylight Blue by Chloé.

It looks like I landed on the moon, doesn’t it?! And what do you think of my natural curls?

LoL, Sandra

This rare species of Silversword is fragile and lives only upon the slopes of Haleakalā.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Treat yourself! It’s the patriotic thing to do and this was my motto for the day of the Fourth of July. After a lovely yoga session at the beach early in the morning, I wore my new stars and stripes bikini for a lazy day at the pool followed by a little shopping tour in the afternoon at The Shops at Wailea, a sweet little mall close to my hotel.

My look, of course Hawaiian-inspired:

Orchid printed T-shirt by Givenchy (also a favourite of Rihanna and Liv Tyler), denim mini skirt by Dolce & Gabbana, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, white and silver wedges by Prada Sport and Falabella shoulder bag by Stella McCartney.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and ©style.mtv.com