Sandra‘s Closet

Last week started off terribly. My mail system and my iPhone both broke at the same time. Great news for an editor-in-chief and a blogger, especially when it happens while travelling and you cannot access anything or do something about it. So I thought “whatever” and tried to make the best out of it… time to sport the sequined gun bag!

My look: Denim vest and sequined gun shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent, lace and gingham sweater dress by Carven, Monogram scarf by Louis Vuitton, suede and ostrich thigh boots by Emilio Pucci, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As you know, I spent last week in Los Angeles. Nice weather and sunshine most of the time. Friday I left to Moscow, which literally meant a 40°C difference in temperature and 11 hours in time, but those facts didn’t stop me from having a great weekend in the Russian city. Here you see me at the Red Square on Saturday. It was my first time back after 30 years.

My look: Shearling coat by Prada, metallic panel sweater by Givenchy, classic Plonge leather shorts by Saint Laurent, leopard-print scarf by Balmain, envelope bag by Céline and black leather boots by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A simple truth is that I like summer much better than winter and that I still remember those warm days I had in December when I I flew to Mauritius and stayed at the new beautiful LUX* Belle Mare resort. Even that it was raining most of the time, I could still wear something light.

My look: White lace embroidered slip dress by Thakoon, Rodizio clutch by Mary Katrantzou, Alice leather sandals with pearls by Saint Laurent, Amulette necklace by Cartier, candy necklace by Chanel, Tiffany T bracelet in rose gold by Tiffany & Co. and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

Speaking of which, while you are reading this post, I am on my way to sunny Los Angeles…
stay tuned for more.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Two weeks ago, the lovely Net-à-porter team contacted me and asked if I would like to join their #EmpoweredBy campaign that they are running this month. As you know, Net-à-porter is my favorite online shopping destination and of course I felt very honored to be part of it. It is all about celebrating women all around the world who empower us!

Great news is that you can join the #EmpoweredBy campaign that I shot in Klosters last week as well. Here are the instructions:

1. W for Women
Raise your arms above your head to create a natural W shape with your body. Just like I did.
2. Tell the world
Post your W on Instagram and say who you are #empoweredby.
3. Pass it on
Add friends to your post, asking them to do their own W and share who they are #empoweredby.

My look: Biker layered coat by Givenchy, studded cross sweatshirt and wide-brim studded rabbit-felt hat, both by Saint Laurent, stretch-leather skinny pants by Gucci, fur boots by Prada Sport and Kelly So Black bag by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While being in Los Angeles last week with Smashbox, I visited the Max Factor Hollywood museum, a real treasure box for all makeup and movie addicts. I will soon tell you more about it. Later, Davis Factor invited me to his amazing mansion for lunch. It was truly the perfect day not only because of the sunshine…

My look: Chain trim dress, logo bucket shoulder bag and pearl necklace with bow, all by Moschino, sunglasses by Miu Miu and shoes by Prada.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The last days here in Los Angeles have been magic like always. There is something about this city that makes me feel like I have arrived, that makes me want to embrace the world. I am leaving today but will be back in 10 days… here you see me outside of the Smashbox Studios in Culver City where Davis Factor himself photographed me yesterday. A truly divine experience that I will share with you soon. In the meantime enjoy the details of my outfit.

My look: Daga sequined bandage dress by Hervé Léger, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps by Saint Laurent, shearling bag and earrings by Chanel, sunglasses by Michael Kors, diamond ring and bracelet by Vainard Fine Jewellery, rose diamond ring and Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Being in my favorite city, Los Angeles, always makes me happy. Therefore I was over the moon when Smashbox (in Switzerland available at Marionnaud) invited me to come here for a truly amazing experience that I will tell you all about.

The first night I had dinner at Chateau Marmont. Here you see me leaving my hotel, Sunset Tower, which is right around the corner.

My look: Lampion dress, leather waist belt, platform shoes and stingray clutch, all by Azzedine Alaïa, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget, diamond ring and bracelet by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

TO SHOP A GREAT SELECTION OF ALAÏA ACCESSORIES, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you’ll land among the stars…” – what a great motto! The quote and my outfit, both totally suited my birthday mood. Be ready to show your gun license!

My look: Gun Pop jacquard dress and shearling bag, both by Saint Laurent, fake fur coat by Miu Miu, leather boots by Prada, bra by Victoria’s Secret and Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My avid readers might have wondered about my lack of posting. Usually, I blog on a daily base but I have been offline for five days. The reason was my birthday, I turned 40 last week. Friends have asked me why I share this number and my answer is that there is nothing to be ashamed or afraid of. I have been on this planet for over 40 years. I am happier than ever and achieved all the milestones in my life that I had set for myself. I have travelled the world and enjoyed life most of the time to the fullest. Now I am ready for the real fun…

40 has a lot of beauty and I will explain you why. In comparison to a younger age, I  am no longer taking decisions based on what I am supposed to do. I am making them based on what is right for me which is so liberating. I know that all social media channels don’t show the real world. If you still think that people are all so confident living their perfect lives, you might be mistaken. Most of them are just as screwed up as everyone else.

My longtime friends who visited me from all over told me this weekend that they admire my consistency through all these years they have known me. True, I have never lost the my zest for life, I always stayed true to myself. In my high school book, I found a quote of mine: “Be yourself, no matter what they say.” This has been a common thread. If it made me happy, I would never cared about other people’s opinion, which goes most importantly for my way of dressing.

I still like getting silly and I have always loved dancing like no one is watching or like everyone is watching. I like the attention. One thing that has definitely changed is that I never feel guilty again, more like a teenager, but less loud. You I know that there is always a plan B and that is is indispensable to get rid of the toxic people in your life.

I am thankful for the amazing people that surround me and I never forget to tell them how much I love them. I had an unforgettable birthday and I would like to thank everyone who made it so special.

Below you will find my different stages in life. Why? Because they are fun to look at!

1981: Being in first grade… a happy 6 year old Sandra.

1994: Having my own band and being on tour with the Backstreet Boys. I was 19 and had just finished school.

1997: My first trip to Hong Kong. Blond and ready to see life at the age of 22.

2004: Before my 30th birthday and before moving from Chicago to Zurich I did this cover shoot.

2013: Finally back to my natural hair color that you appreciate at the age of 38.

2015: And that is me one week ago, a selfie in bed. 40 and I personally think that I look better than I did at 20.

To life and its beauty!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Christian Dietrich (2013)
And a huge thank you to the Park Hyatt Zurich team for the amazing picture to my birthday! I love u guys!

Is it Friday yet? A question that seems to come up to my mind somehow too frequently, time just flies. I wore this look to the intimate lunch with Karolina Kurkova I co-hosted with IWC Schaffhausen last September and it has been one of my favorites during the last months. I hope that you will like it as much as I do!

My look: Leather biker jacket, ruffled leopard-print silk-georgette mini dress, Janis embellished suede ankle boots and Monogramme embellished shopper tote, all by Saint Laurent, diamond ring and diamond bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery and Portofino Midsize Automatic watch with diamonds and grey alligator bracelet by IWC Schaffhausen.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht