Sandra‘s Closet

This morning, I woke up to the cutest message on Instagram. My beloved Mary Katrantzou had dedicated a post to me and named me among her #MaryMareMuses.

Her new capsule collection is capturing the same high-octane colors and whimsical spirit as her main line, Mary Mare is her playful take on vacation dressing, from swimsuits and accessories, to amazing cover-ups and dresses all are inspired by different sun-soaked destinations like the French Riviera, Portofino and the islands of Greece.

Wearing Mary Mare: World Oceans Day – Mary Mare.

I feel so honored to be named among her #MaryMareMuses. It was love at first sight when I spotted a dress from Mary’s first collection. Since then I have been collecting her amazing and dreamlike creations. We met the first time in Switzerland ten years ago when she won the Swiss Textiles Award and since then we have been friends. Our birthdays are just two days apart and we are both aquarius women. We had so many beautiful und fun moments together. I will never forget the chills I had during the S/S 2020 show at the Temple of Poseidon in Greece last year. Below you can enjoy a trip down memory lane, of 10 years of great friendship!

November 2010: The day we first met. Mary had won the Swiss Textiles Award and I was already a big fan of her work. My blog was just one year old.

November 2011: We had lunch in London and one week later Mary won the Emerging Talent Award (ready-to-wear) at the British Fashion Awards.

January 2012: Me wearing the famous Jewel Tree dress for the launch event for the «Mary Katrantzou for Longchamp» collection at Colette in Paris.

March 2012: Mary and I played dress up in Paris that day and I literally tried every single piece from the fabulous F/W 2012 collection. Those pieces are still among my all-time favorites in my closet.

March 2012: Mary and I at lunch in Paris where she answered the first travel insider I have ever had on my blog.

September 2012: Mary and I at Anna dello Russo’s Paradise Ball in Paris.

January 2013: In the Paris showroom to have a closer look at Mary’s S/S 2013 collection.

March 2013: Exploring Mary ‘s F/W 2013 collection in her Paris showroom.

July 2014: Dinner with Net-à-Porter in London

February 2017: UBS Unique event in London

February 2017: A closer look right after the show at Mary’s F/W 2017 that took place at Tate Modern.

June 2017: At Waddesdon Manor for the launch of Creatures and Creations.

February 2018: Backstage at her F/W 2017 runway show in London.

October 2018: With Mary and Eugenie Niarchos at Matchesfashion in London for Mary’s 10 Year Anniversary Party.

October 2019: The evening before Mary’s most beautiful S/S 2020 show in Greece.

October 2019: In front of the Temple of Poseidon with Erica Pelosini right after the show celebrating our dear Mary.

Thank you, Mary, for 10 years of great friendship! Thank you or always inspiring me and for making Sandra‘s Closet so much more colorful! To many more years to come…

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Mary Katrantzou and Sandra Bauknecht
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This was my outfit that I wore to my gourmet dinner at Anne-Sophie Pic in Valence. Comfy yet stylish, not too tight to be able to fully indulge in the 10-course three Michelin stars culinary experience. I am repeating myself, it is another Zimmermann dress but I love their luxe bohemian creations so much – the perfect wardrobe for sun-soaked destinations.

My look: Zinnia belted tiered metallic polka-dot linen midi dress by Zimmermann, Annabelle Swiss-dot tulle-trimmed straw hat by Eugenia Kim, Rendez Vous 105 metallic leather wedge sandals by Aquazzura, The Pouch chain-embellished gathered leather clutch by Bottega Veneta, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Thanks to Dioriviera capsule collection, I am reminded of one of my favorite islands, Capri. The perfect souvenir to think of the great time I had at the Italian Riviera this summer. Off I go into the weekend… stay tuned for all the great memories coming up soon!

My look: Cropped tie-dyed denim jacket, and embellished distressed denim shorts, both by Balmain, striped bodysuit «J’Adior Capri» and medium Bobby bag in latte, both by Dior, Farrah leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent, vintage CC pendant anklet by CHANEL, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Celine, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Greetings from the beautiful Villa d’Este. This was a difficult post to shoot as I faced three obstacles, first the photos were taken right before dinner with not the best light, secondly it was raining and last but not least my dear boyfriend was not in the mood to take some pictures as usual. However, I tried to get the best out of it, so that you can see one of my favorite summer outfits. I am such a big fan of jumpsuits and this one is light and unexpected as it looks like a dress.

Are you looking for the perfect party sandal? This pair features darling strawberry details, slim straps that wrap securely around the ankle, and a pin-thin heel.

My look: Bellitude cutout ruffled floral-print silk-crepon jumpsuit by Zimmermann, Jodie mini knotted leather tote by Bottega Veneta, Fragolina sandals by Aquazzura, metal glass pearls leather earrings by CHANEL (Cruise 2020), Coco Crush color in beige gold with diamonds by CHANEL Fine Jewelry, Rose Céleste necklace in 18k yellow and white gold, diamond, onyx and mother-of-pearl by Dior Fine Jewelry, and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Greetings from Sylt! I enjoyed a wonderful long weekend with great friends. Germany’s most famous island can be best explored by bike which you can rent everywhere. Here you see me on my way to the famous beach bar Buhne 16 that is only a short ride away from Kampen. My outfit was the perfect combination for all those different activities during the day. Stay tuned for more!

My look: Jacquard-trimmed printed stretch-jersey sports bra and matching cropped jacquard-trimmed printed stretch leggings, both by Versace, cotton-poplin shirt, all by Thom Browne, leather exaggerated-sole sneakers by Alexander McQueen, Multi Pochette Accessories in monogram canvas by Louis Vuitton and banana leaf print sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Now showing at Sandra’s Closet: «The back pack is back». At least this is what is written on the cassette sticker with DIY scrawl on my newest collector’s item: the Louis Vuitton S/S 2020 Video Tape Clutch.

Yesterday I had a quick stopover in Zurich to change my luggage as I am leaving today for Sylt. I have so many great things to show your from my travels, so please stay tuned. I tried to do a little digital detox for the past two weeks and it worked pretty well.

My look: Zinnia halterneck polka-dot linen and cotton-blend voile jumpsuit by Zimmermann, printed silk turban by Fendi, video tape clutch by Louis Vuitton, quilted leather mules by Bottega Veneta, cat-eye marbled-acetate sunglasses by Gucci, GG Running 18-karat white gold diamond hoop earrings, GG Running diamond X ring, and GG Running double diamond ring with chain, all by Gucci Fine Jewellery, and Pasha C chronograph in steel (2000) by Cartier.

The Pasha watch will be relaunched in September by Cartier, so I thought it is a great idea to dust mine and sport it again. To find out more, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
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Greetings from Lake Como, where I am staying at one of my favorite hotels in the world, Villa d’Este. It is simply a heaven in one of Italy’s most desirable locations: Cernobbio. This Renaissance era palace is a portal to another world, with a touch of Italian Old World charm it is a true luxurious experience. Walking through the beautiful gardens, I am wearing my favorite summer uniform, a floral Zimmermann gown and a Bottega Veneta bag. The linen fabrics are easy to pack and look great even a little bit wrinkled.

My look: Zinnia floral-print linen midi dress and Aurora oversized butterfly acetate sunglasses, both by Zimmermann, Almost Bare metallic leather sandals by Aquazzura, Jodie mini knotted leather tote by Bottega Veneta and Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet.

Looking at the terrible news from Beirut, I am so thankful that I am in such a beautiful and safe environment. Sending prayers to Lebanon. Everyone, stay safe! It is not the easiest time we are living in at the moment. So enjoy every day to the fullest!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. 

Black is prized for its understated elegance and endless wearability, but it’s not always the obvious choice when it comes to summer dressing. However, worn correctly, it has year-round appeal. Add a fancy logo and a little sparkle to this iconic color and mercury rises…

My Look: Cropped sequin-embellished cotton-blend tweed jacket, sequin-embellished cotton-blend tweed midi skirt, cropped sequin-embellished cotton-blend tweed top, and silver-tone crystal clip earrings, all by Alessandra Rich, Elephant mini crystal-embellished suede shoulder bag by Loewe, Kate 100 suede pumps by Christian Louboutin, and crystal-embellished cat-eye metal sunglasses by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. 

The perfect look for a late afternoon coffee meeting during those hot summer temperatures in the city. Airy and sophisticated, white with a touch of color, one of my favorites this season.

My look: Suraya cutout crochet-trimmed Swiss-dot silk maxi dress by Zimmermann, embellished necklace with coin charm by Oscar de la Renta, Ambra plateau sandals by Gianvito Rossi, Maya fringed woven tote bag by Sophia Webster, crystal-embellished round acetate sunglasses by Gucci, orange gold-tone and resin clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, Clash de Cartier ring large model in pink gold with amazonite, and LOVE bracelets, all by Cartier, and Big Bang Millennial Pink watch by Hublot.

Off to Capri today, my first flight after lockdown… I am so excited!

LoL, Sandra

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

My beloved Mary Katrantzou is giving me wanderlust while enjoying my staycation. Mary Mare is a seasonless, year-round capsule line, inspired by sunny, oceanfront destinations: Cannes, Nice, Greece, Portofino, Monte Carlo, Venice, Dubrovnik, the Côte d’Azur, and more. You saw me already sporting the sea-shell print in June (for the previous post, click here please).

Now, it is time to enjoy my newest pieces at the pool in my new house. I especially adore the signature Postage Stamps print, alluding to the nostalgia of writing postcards to our loved ones while on vacation. Taking inspiration from the 10th anniversary collection, this print was reimagined in her London studio and adorns my bathing suit.

My look: Côte d’Azur striped silk-georgette cover up, Ibiza postage-stamp print swimsuit, Mykonos striped triangle bikini, all by Mary Katrantzou, Tallow cat-eye sunglasses by Zimmermann, Loubi Bee Alta 130 leather platform sandals by Christian Louboutin, pink embossed leather shoulder bag by Fendi, floppy straw hat by Louis Vuitton (Cruise 2011), Ras Du Cou silver-tone, shell and beaded necklace, and Aimable gold-tone horn necklace, both by Isabel Marant.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. #MaryMare #WishWeWereThere