No, just kidding, it wasn’t me who went back to school, it was my daughter. So one of those very stressful mornings with no time to get ready as we had to leave pretty early. I am sure that all mums know what I am talking about.
Therefore I kept my makeup very simple, meaning just a little blush and some lipgloss (no eye makeup!). In case of an emergency, you can hide your eyes with big sunglasses.
My outfit: Blue Blazer and Python Flats by Zara (in stores now), White Shirt by Prada, Shorts by Blumarine, Sunglasses by Marc Jacobs, Python Boston Bag by Céline, Earrings and Ring by H&M, Bangles by Chanel and Bracelet (Souvenir from Istanbul).
Bye-bye Turkey! I truly enjoyed my last night at the beautiful Çırağan Palace Kempinski İstanbul. The hotel was outstanding in everything and I would absolutely recommend staying here. Here are some photos of the restored historical Sultan’s Palace which is part of the hotel and where the 11 VIP suites are located with a private entrance.
My outfit: Blue Sweater and Dress by Alexander McQueen
The Sultan suite one of the biggest in Europe with over 376 square meters is located on the second floor of the magnificent historical Palace overlooking the Bosphorus. It has hosted many royals and precious guests since its opening such as King of Spain – H. E. Juan Carlos II and the Queen; King of Jordan – H. E. Hussein and the Queen; the US former President Mr. Bill Clinton; Luciano Pavarotti and Liza Minelli, Oprah Winfrey and many more.
Staying in the Sultan Suite is a luxurious privilege with two master bedrooms and an astonishing marble bathroom with gold plated taps, guests enjoy 24 hour private butler service and absolute privacy. Rack rate: 30.000 Euro per night + VAT % 8
During the last days, I did a lot of sightseeing in this phenomenal city. Today was my favourite: Istanbul’s most famous monument, the former cathedral and later mosque of Haghia Sophia (meaning „Divine Wisdom“) that was originally built in 537 A.D., in the rule of Emperor Justinian, and later converted to a mosque after the conquest of the city by Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II in 1453.
The interior is truly awe-inspiring, particularly the main chamber, roofed by its fabulous dome, 30m (98ft) in diameter, just breathtaking.
While sightseeing, I like to be comfortable but don’t want to look too sloppy. Today I went for my T-shirt dress with colourful applications and ballet flats byLanvin and had an extra pair of leggings plus my ikat print scarf byLouis Vuitton with me to respect the local dress codes if necessary. Backpack (very practical) by Prada.
Yesterday, I visited the Grand Bazaar (in Turkish, Kapali Carsi, meaning „Covered Market“) which is truly a whole new world. Made up of a maze of interconnecting vaulted passages, the Bazaar has its own banks, baths, mosques, cafés and restaurants, not to mention the thousands of shops, all glittery and fairy-lit in the absence of natural light. Since the rise of the mall, it is no longer the biggest shopping centre in the world, but it is definitely one of the oldest. You can browse through a sea of trinkets, jewelry, clothes, oriental decorations, fabrics, carpets and much more. I tried to capture some of my favourite impressions for you and hope that you will like them.
At the end of this post, you will see what I got to take a piece of Istanbul home with me. I am invited soon to a „1001 Nights“ themed party and this will be my costume…
Welcome to Ulus 29! The trendy restaurant with its bar and nightclub is an Istanbul classic. Located between the first and second Bosphorus bridges, overlooking the Anatolian side with one of the most beautiful Istanbul Strait views, it combines contemporary and traditional interiors. The menu is a mix of both as well, from a wide sashimi selection to mini pita, Turkish pizza and yoghurt kebab.
My makeup: Eyeshadow Palette in Baby Nu and Mascara Hypnôse Doll Eyes by Lancôme, New Lip Gloss in Buff by Bobbi Brown and Wanted Blush in 01 Glowing Peach by Helena Rubinstein. On my finger nails: Pure Colour Nail Lacquer in Berry Hot, on my toes: Pure Colour Nail Lacquer in Purple Passion, both by Estée Lauder.
My outfit: Strapless Dress (with cut-outs at the back) and Sandals by Gucci (Resort 2011), Foldover Falabella Bag by Stella McCartney and Daisy Necklace by Christian Dior.
Merhaba! Yesterday, I flew to Istanbul, Turkey. A place I had been wanting to go for a very long time. After having arrived in my hotel in the late afternoon, I didn’t even change and went straight to the nearby harbourside district of Ortaköy, a fascinating place full of restaurants, nightclubs, specialty antique, jewelry and ceramic shops.
On the weekends, there is a colourful street market with Turkish handcrafts and local food street vendors in an oriental setting beside the famous Ortaköy Mosque.
Enjoy my first impressions of last night. I am loving it here!
LoL, Sandra
Me at the Bosphorus
Zebra-print Top by Stella McCartney, Leggings by Blumarine, Long Cardigan by Gucci, Stingray Sunglasses by Louis Vuitton and Daisy Necklace by Christian Dior
Today’s look has a little surprise. Let’s see if you spot it.
Printed T-Shirt by Irmasworld – Jeans by Fè-Sonho Segredo Bahia– Python Palais Pumps by Yves Saint Laurent – Baroque Sunglasses and Striped Sombrero by Prada – Neon Clutch by Christopher Kane – Bangles (Souvenir from Dubai).
Let me tell you more about theArt Print Irma Tee: Irma is an internationally known fashion illustration that has fans around the world. In Japan, she graces many covers and her success is unbelievable. There is a real Irma hype. So it is no wonder that ten percent of the proceeds will go to the Red Cross to benefit Japanese relief projects. Sometimes I see myself in the lovely figurine that is drawn by a friend of mine.
The jeans by the new brand Fè-Sonho Segredo Bahia were a gift of LuisaVia Roma (Thank you!) and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I first tried them on. Here is the surprise: They have butt padding. First I couldn’t think of someone who would like to have a bigger bottom, but the position of the „outer implants“ is above so that it creates a nice apple shape. I mean those jeans come from Brazil and this is the home of the perfect silhouette!
Here are some photos of the beautiful hiking tour I did last week. I love Bavaria and wanted to share those very picturesque photos with you. Religious symbols (see below) are everywhere in the South of Germany, even in the woods.
My hiking outfit: Leggings and top by American Apparel, cotton parka by Balmain, zebra-print calfskin hiking boots by Prada, watch by Roger Dubuis and sunglasses by Marni.
My foreign readers might understand why the dirndl(traditional costume in Bavaria) is very popular here. It just fits in so perfectly with the landscape and the cozy way of living.
Hello native Germany! I spent the last week at Schloss Elmauin Southern Bavaria. Unfortunately, the hotel is definitely not worth talking about it. The luxurious standard that they advertise on their website along with the photos don’t hold their promise.
The only beautiful part has been the spa house and the treatments where I could really take a break from everyday life. The view, the nature, and going hiking was also wonderful and reminded me of my childhood.
My comfy outfit on the day of arrival: Wide pants by Stella McCartney, nautical top and long scarf by Chanel, ballerinas by Prada and my new beautiful XL-Boston bag in bright blue python leather by Céline (Pré-fall 2011).
Today, I would like to share a video about me that was produced by Closed for the F/W 2011 The X campaign. You will probably see a quite different Sandra.
The gorgeous striped cardigan, the lace top and red pants areall part of the upcoming winter collection by Closed, the ruched suede booties are by Gucci. Enjoy!
White shirt all buttoned-up to the very top (see Trend Alert F/W 2011: Buttoned-up Collars)
Set of ivory and gold bangles by Chanel, Bracelet bought at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
Ring by H&M
My favourite bag at the moment: The XL Boston Bag in blue python by Céline
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
My outfit: Blue Sweater and Dress by Alexander McQueen
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Sultan Suite Master Bedroom
Sultan Suite Master Bathroom
Sultan Suite Second Bedroom
Sultan Suite Second Bathroom
Sultan Suite Living Room
Photos: Courtesy of Çırağan Palace Kempinski İstanbul
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Me at the Bosphorus
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht