Sandra‘s Closet

Have a look at www.prettyballerinas.com, a shop that sells a huge variety of the beloved flats and ships worldwide. You can find your home country flag (probably a nice way to dress up for the World Cup), little embellishments, python leather, leopard print – just everything the heart desires. Some models are inspired by the ones seen at Chanel (the classic bi-colour), Salvatore Ferragamo (with the bow) and Prada (with the flower) for example but cost much less.
I love the Fashion Emergency Pack that says „open only when heels are killing you”. What a lovely gift! Happy Browsing!

LoL, Sandra

One of my favourite online stores Net-à-Porter has started to receive the new pre-fall 2010 collections and I do not want you to miss this. The beginning of the season offers always so many stunning pieces. Here are some of them, already put together in complete outfits. The Burberry Prorsum jackets are divine just as the python prints by Stella McCartney. A belted cardigan is a must-have for next season, why not go for this Fendi one and think leather, leather, leather! The Burberry Prorsum pencil skirt below would be the perfect opportunity. Do you feel the same urge to push the “add to shopping bag” button like I do?!

Natalie Massenet

As it has been a week of announcements, I have another one, this time for my male readers who probably feel a little left behind. Ten years to the day Net-à-Porter was founded and right after its acquisition by Richemont earlier this spring, the online shop`s founder Natalie Massenet and the Net-à-Porter family announced that they are adding a stand-alone menswear luxury retail site to the company, called Mr Porter. It will launch in January 2011 for next spring and will offer the most exclusive service along with style advice.  Brands like Balmain, Burberry, Lanvin, YSL and John Lobb, just to name a few, will make the stressed business man happy shopping from his desk. Or we could order for our men a little pre-selection to enjoy at home. I like it!

LoL, Sandra

Chanel`s Pre-fall 2010 is now arriving in stores. The theme: Paris-Shanghai. The Chinese megacity had been the perfect backdrop to present this fantasy collection last December.

The beautiful hommage was inspired by Shanghai`s louche past as the Paris of the East, when during the height of its glory in the 20`s and 30`s, the opium dens and nightclubs were all glamourous. A trip that Coco Chanel only made in her dreams.

My favourites are the black leather leggings with carved in camellia intarsias. I just do not want to find out how much they are…. I am very positive that it is a fortune.

The new Chanel store in Shanghai at the Peninsula hotel where you can find all these yummy exclusives.

To celebrate the Shanghai World Expo 2010, Chanel has also created a series of limited-edition accessories that are only available at stores in mainland China. Thank God the new boutique opened last year. The classic quilted flap bag with inside signature from Karl Lagerfeld “Shanghai Karl Lagerfeld” is divine. I really envy my Shanghai readers for being able to get your hands on this treasure. Send one over, please!

But there are more gorgeous accessories that will be available in other countries. What do you think of this adorable Take Away bag above to the left? I think it is a pretty hilarious and humorous take on fashion. I also adore the Chinese doll clutch and earrings.

LoL, Sandra

If you are having an iPhone and want to carry your loved ones always with you, you will adore this: The personalized iPhone case. And no more confusion to whom the phone is belonging. Send in any photo you like and you will receive your own customized cover, available at Kids and the City for CHF 125.-.

Why should you be the only one getting a new wardrobe? Your iPhone might be tired of its boring plastic case… and on top of this it makes a great gift!

LoL, Sandra

Rohmir was founded by former model and psychologist Olga Roh in 2007 and means in Russian Roh`s universe. The ready-to-wear line offers women a wardrobe in which luxury, elegance, glamour and intellectuality reign supreme. I especially like her cocktail couture. The prices are reasonable between CHF 500.- – CHF 1000.- for an evening dress. The blonde designer herself hails from Russian nobility and is now a resident of Monaco. It might be her own lifestyle that influences her creations, a mixture between Parisian chic and Slavic refinement. Her label is on the rise, inspired by the French 1920s and 1930s fashion, a culturally rich era and also a liberating time for women.
This spring, Rohmir`s first London boutique opened in Mayfair. The launch was attended by many UK-celebrities including TV-psychologist  Linda Papadopulos, Britain`s Next Top Model presenter Lisa Butcher and well-known models Olivia Inge and Zoe Hobbs.

Last week Cartier hosted an event in Zurich to present their new Trinity collection with all models dressed in Rohmir creations. What a lovely match! Please see for yourself:

Trinity Sautoir – Vincent Wulveryck © Cartier 2010

Trinity Ring – Vincent Wulveryck © Cartier 2010

Trinity Ear Pendants – Vincent Wulveryck © Cartier 2010

Left to right: Claire Treuer (Une Fille en Ville), me and Olga Roh (Rohmir)

In Zurich, Rohmir will be available at Une Fille en Ville (Augustinergasse 34, 8001 Zurich, +41 43 497 34 00, ).
For all other store locations please visit their homepage.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Claudia Lang

Nina Arnold-Shah

Bracelets, preferably many different ones worn together, are absolute must-haves. Celebs like Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Ritchie do not leave the house without being heavily armed. If you dream of stacking it like the stars, visit Nina and her Kids and the City shop. The charming mother of two sells a huge variety of those It-pieces.

Bracelet "Biscuit" CHF 79.-

Kids CHF 69.-

Charm Bracelets, CHF 79.-

Elastic Bracelets, CHF 79.- each

Sautoir "Biscuit" CHF 235.-

Sautoir "Medailles", from CHF 400.-

If you are looking for the perfect little special gift, Kids and the City is definitely the place to go. Most pieces can be personalized like the engraved medals “sautoirs” , passport covers or hand painted Swedish clogs for Mums and their little ones. I love to order my gifts for newborn babies at Nina`s.

Clogs, CHF 115.-/160.-

Personalized Bags, CHF 59.-

Necklace, CHF 95.- per engraved pendant

Bows, CHF 8.-/10.-, Hairpieces CHF 10.-

Scarfs by TANK, CHF 510.-

Personalized Baby Cushions, CHF 75.-

Passport Covers, CHF 54.-

If you are interested, do not hesitate to contact Nina at or +41 79 7683723. In case you are living in the Zurich area, you are more than welcome to visit her next week on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th of May from 10am – 6pm (or by appointment) as she is having a special “May Shopping Spree” on those days. Her address is Breitackerstr. 4, 8702 Zollikon. See you there!

LoL, Sandra

Photos:© Sandra Bauknecht

Here are some news for my Swiss based readers: The stylish S/S 2010 collection could have been admired at the trunk show hosted by Ruth Reinger last week at her store Designer am See located in Kilchberg/ Lake Zurich.

The printed silk dresses are skyrocketing bestsellers. Those outfits are perfect for your summer vacation in the South of France or Sardinia. Dozens of them could be packed in one single bag, they are comfortable and great for partying.

This multicoloured PVC coated beach bag was the generous give-away at the trunk show. My compliments to Ruth Reinger! It was a great event.
If you are interested, Designer am See carries Pucci exclusively in Zurich, have a look for yourself!

LoL, Sandra

Welcome to shopping heaven! The Dubai Mall is the ultimate experience for shopaholics with over 1200 stores meeting every possible desire. Most of the major designer brands in the world are located in the 440.000 square feet Fashion Avenue. In February, the first Bloomingdale`s store outside the US opened here a gigantic location. The mall is divided in different areas for sports & outdoors, kids, perfumes & beauty and many more.

The Dubai Mall is also home to the world`s largest indoor gold souk. You can experience the traditional custom of trade in an authentic wonderful surrounding.

Beautiful restaurants and cafés are located inside and outside along the waterfront promenande. There, with a stunning view on the world`s tallest tower: the Burj Khalifa, you can enjoy the Dubai Fountain show whilst having dinner.

The best is that there are so many attractions for the whole family so your husband and kids don`t get bored of your shopping fever. A huge indoor ice rink is the perfect entertainment area for your little ones along with the underwater zoo. My favourite part was the aquarium. You can park your hubby in the tank scuba-diving with sharks. He will have such an adrenaline shock in there that will lessen the one after when he spots you with all your shopping bags.

A lot of superlatives – this is shopping heaven on earth!

LoL, Sandra

Dress by Temperley London

Meet Heidi Kopp, store manager of à côté beauty treats by FAORO an amazing concept store in St. Moritz. The bubbly, charismatic former make-up artist with a great sense for trends offers a large variety of amazing beauty treatments, manicures, pedicures, conture make-ups and even tattoos.

The minute you enter the beautiful shop, you forget the mountains and feel like being in New York City. Luxury brands like Erno Laszlo, Dr. Sebagh, Révive are available along with outstanding perfumes from Annick Goutal or Bond N°9, just to name a few. A côté is a shop in shop at Faoro, the well-known St. Moritz clothing store.

My favourite is the cosmopolitan OPI nail bar where you can get your nails done at short notice. For me a côté is always a welcome change during my stays in the Engadin.

Indulge yourself and take a break from everyday life once you are up here!

LoL, Sandra

Open from June to April

High season: Mo-Sa from 9am to 7pm

Low season: Mo-Fr from 9am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 6.30pm, Sa from 9am to 5pm

Plazza dal Mulin 8, 7500 St. Moritz,  Phone +41 81 832 1493

Heidi Kopp with store owner Renato Faoro