Sandra‘s Closet

The coolest accessory for this summer? This time, I’m not talking about my Côte d’Azur inspired bag and shoes… I’m talking about my new pool floats! It’s been a few years now that these funny inflatables became the hypest pieces to show on Instagram. Pink flamingos have long ruled the scene, but now it is time for some angel wings action!

My look: Off-the-shoulder cotton-poplin top by Stella McCartney, lace-trimmed striped seersucker maxi skirt by Jonathan Simkhai, printed halterneck bikini by Dolce & Gabbana, woven basket bag «Cannes» edition, frayed «St. Tropez» embroidered straw sunhat, and suede platform sandals, all by Miu Miu, T Wire Narrow 18-karat rose gold cuff and T Smile 18-karat rose gold diamond bracelet, both by Tiffany & Co., and Amulette necklace by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
A big thank you to my very talented daughter!!!

Still looking for some glamorous daytime beachwear? Emilio Pucci’s instantly recognisable kaleidoscopic designs have always been favoured by those in the know, and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon, making any Pucci printed piece an intelligent buy – whether it’s one of the brand’s iconic bikinis or a chic cover-up. For me, it truly is the ultimate luxe swimwear brand.

My look: Fiore Maya asymmetric printed silk-chiffon dress, Fiore Maya printed triangle bikini and Fiore Maya printed cotton-gauze pareo, all by Emilio Pucci, Candy metallic elaphe platform sandals by Saint Laurent, embroidered brocade drawstring backpack by Gucci, woven straw visor by Stella McCartney, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline and pearl necklace by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
A huge thank you to my daughter for taking the pictures!

I love summer, I love sunshine – it always makes me happy. Here you see me on my favorite island, St. Barths. When you get a chance to go there, stay at the beautiful Eden Roc St. Barths, such a magic place, or rent a villa overlooking the beaches.

My look: Buttoned knit top by Blumarine, crochet-knit triangle bikini and wrap-effect crochet-knit maxi skirt, both by Missoni, studded laser-cut suede sandals by Alaïa, Carlina round-frame gold-plated sunglasses by Chloé, printed beach bag by Lanvin (S/S 2009), colorful silk necklace by Etro, Rose des vents bracelet and Diorette daisy necklace, both by Dior Joaillerie, T Wire Narrow 18-karat rose gold bracelet by Tiffany & Co, Amulette necklace by Cartier and Lady Excalibur rose gold watch with diamonds by Roger Dubuis.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Each year, I receive many products to test for the summer. After testing them all, I always like to show you a summary of my favorites. Those ones you see here have fully convinced me and I can only recommend them. If you are wondering why there are no facial products included, bare with me, they will be coming up shortly in a different post.

But first of all, it all starts with the right beach tote, doesn’t it?!

BEACH TOTE

«Making Memories» beach tote by Sensi Studio for Eden Being
Holidays are all about making memories. Therefore I have fallen in love with this exclusive beach tote the minute I spotted it at the Eden Being Pop-up Boutique at Le Bristol in Paris. It hits it on the head with its woven maxim. The perfect companion for the beach, the bag will carry everything you need, even a laptop fits in perfectly. Handmade in Ecuador to designs from the Milan based creative studio, it is crafted from toquilla straw with woven lettering – a unique and absolutely stylish piece.

IN THE SUN

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Wet Skin Body Milk SPF50+ 250ml for CHF 27.00
This very high sun protection can be applied on damp or on dry skins. Its wet skin technology forms a gel that repels water on the skin and maintains its protection. It doesn’t leave any oily or sticky finish on the skin, not even white marks which is very unusual for a sun protection that high.

Biotherm Waterlover Sun Milk SPF30 200 ml for CHF 47.00
This is Biotherm’s first eco-designed sun care with no compromise on sensoriality, with eco-tested SPF filters and a 95% biodegradable base formula for a lower impact on the water environment. Now you can better protect what you love: your skin, your family and the ocean.

AFTER THE SUN

Clarins After Sun Moisturizer Ultra-Hydrating 200ml for CHF 41.50
This moisture-rich cream with soothing extracts of watermelon, sunflower and mimosa promotes a radiant, even, long-lasting tan. It helps reduce peeling and flaking, while taking the sting out of hot, sun-baked skin.

SUN GOODIES

La Mer The Glowing Body Oil 95ml for CHF 120.00
My favorite! With its rich blend of vitamin E and nourishing oils, this luxurious body oil softens and conditions skin to create a natural, sun-kissed glow. It gives your skin a touch of shimmer and youthful luminosity.

Bio-Beauté by Nuxe Cologne Fraîche Méditerranéenne Cédrat & Néroli 100ml for CHF 35.00
This floral and fruity cologne takes you to the heart of the Mediterranean and can be worn in the sun. Its olfactory combination of Cedrat and Neroli subtly perfumes the skin and envelops it with a breath of freshness.

SWIMWEAR

Bikini by Wikini
Let me introduce you to Wikini, an Italian swimwear brand, that creates beautiful bikinis at affordable prices. And they even do modest Brazilian-style buttoms which can be rarely found. The models are packed in a jar topped with the fabric of your chosen bikini. So cute!
In Zurich available from July 20-22, 2017 at a pop-up shop at Residence K.

And now happy sunbathing…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A whole summer trip, which begins at the Cannes Film Festival and moves among the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. It’s a new itinerant shop concept designed by Emilio Pucci completely dedicated to summer. It’s the Bikini Bar.

Bikini «Libellula»

In select boutiques, a specially designed colorful cabin will contain limited edition triangular Emilio Pucci bikini sets in 9 iconic prints, including: «Ranunculi», «Lance» and «Labirinto», archival prints; «Gazelle», «Parasol» and «Libellula».

The silhouette of a mermaid, the mythical figure loved by Marchese Emilio Pucci, characterizes the concept of the Bikini Bar.

The special collection of bikinis will be available for a limited time at the Emilio Pucci boutiques listed below, and also at the brand’s online flagship www.emiliopucci.com.

Cannes: May 16th – 28th
Beirut: from June 13th
Capri: July 1st – 15th
Mykonos: July 3rd – 20th
Taormina: July 6th – 20th
Saint Tropez: July 25th – August 4th
Porto Cervo: July 29th – August 13th

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Emilio Pucci
©Daniele Venturelli

When the time comes to free our feet and immerse them in some much-needed sun, women’s flip flops and beach shoes become our very best friends. If you are particular like me with your footwear, you will love those jelly ones by Valentino because they are almost undestroyable and great to be worn in the sand. No need to worry about ruining them.

Rockstud jelly flip flops in beige

Rockstud jelly flip flops in black

Rockstud jelly flip flops in pink

Stay tuned to see which color I got for myself…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino

Are you ready for your next seaside adventure? Life is better at the beach – we all know that. Get ready for your next trip to the sun with a stylish towel and probably a harness to carry it.

Harness leather towel carrier by The Beach People

Secured with silver buckles, it can be worn cross-body – leaving you free to carry beachside essentials. It’s perfect for stowing yoga mats too.

And here are some of my favorite beach towels at the moment:

The Caribbean round cotton-terry towel by The Beach People

Pineapple printed cotton-terry towel by Dolce & Gabbana

Printed floral cotton-terry towel by Dolce & Gabbana

Set of two striped woven cotton towels by Hammamas

The Lorne round cotton-terry towel with cushion by The Beach People

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Fashionable women in action sports, such as surfing or swimming, need functional and stylish clothing  in one. This post is dedicated to some fun pieces for the water as well as some beauty products that especially protect your hair. Be sure to pack those must-haves on your next vacation!

Citrus Sunshine Swimcap Cream, 75ml by Philip Kingsley
This product is absolutely amazing.  It was originally developed for the first US Olympic synchronized swimming team to protect their hair from dehydrating chlorine and salt water. This intensely hydrating formula is for use on wet hair and suitable for sensitive scalps, overly processed and damaged hair.

Vanishing Point Yosemite swim cap by Eres
Another way to protect your hair in the water, is a traditional swim cap. This Italian-made piece is crafted from the label’s signature shape-retaining peau douce fabric – it won’t move or slip when wet. Moreover it won’t pull your hair like many swim caps do.

Surf Infusion, 100ml by Bumble and Bumble
I adore creates soft beach waves. Enriched with sea salt and nourishing oils, this formula instantly adds texture, body and shine. UV inhibitors ensure tresses are protected from the drying effects of the sun.

Printed cotton-jersey T-shirt by Mikoh
The brand’s founding duo – Californian sisters and designers Oleema and Kalani Miller – are keen surfers who grew up on the sun-kissed beaches of Orange County. This classic crew-neck T-shirt is cut for a relaxed fit from soft cotton-jersey. Slip on this piece at the beach or team it with summery pants when you’re in the city.

Printed neoprene rashsuit by Perfect Moment
This rashsuit is cut from insulating 1.8mm neoprene that’s UV-protective and stretch-resistant so it holds its shape in water. This streamlined style has flatlocked seams to reduce irritation and feels super lightweight and flexible. The striped monochrome panels contour and flatter your figure.

St Tropez striped perforated neoprene backpack by Duskii
Store your beach essentials or a change of clothes in the roomy interior, adjusting the rope straps for comfort.

Saint Tropez striped neoprene swimsuit by Duskii
Matching your beach backpack, this swimsuit is crafted from sculpting neoprene, this comfortable style molds to the body for a flexible fit.

Surfboard by Chanel
And last but not least, you need a stylish surfboard and why not opt for one by Chanel. In 2010, the fashion house created luxury surfboards in the original Chanel classic aesthetic. I am sure you can still find them somewhere or ask for a special order in stores.

Who said surfing wasn’t chic?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Crochet bikinis are one of the biggest trends at the beach. Those new summertime must-haves lend a certain boho vibe to your look, they are the new neon and are taking over the beach, especially here in St. Barths.

Get the look: Crocheted cotton dress and crocheted cotton printed triangle bikini, both by Emilio Pucci.

The brand that has caused the hype is KIINI. Designed by Turkish-born Ipek Irgit, the label is loved for its bohemian aesthetic and vibrant, playful pieces. Each bikini is inspired by the designer’s global travels and is hand-crocheted for the most flattering, comfortable fit.

Tuesday crocheted cotton and neoprene triangle bikini

Yaz crocheted cotton and neoprene triangle bikini

Ro crocheted cotton and neoprene triangle bikini

Happy Shopping and greetings from St.Barths!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of KIINI and © Sandra Bauknecht

No, I am definitely not a beach bum. Once my feet touch the sand I feel fully energized. The salty air and the sunny weather seem to produce specific endorphins in my body that make me want to dance, leap and jump in the sea. Ballet, yoga, running, everything I like to do is incorporated in my daily beach routine. Forte Village‘s coast offers the perfect scenery with its crystal clear water.

My look: Colourful tunic and leopard print bikini, both by Lazul, Rome Sports chronograph in lilac by Jacques Lemans, necklace by Rejane Rosenberger and sunglasses by Warby Parker. All other jewelry pieces are souvenirs from Ibiza.

LAZUL is a London based luxury swim and resort wear brand that launched exclusively with Harrods in 2012. I truly love their expressive prints and vibrant colors, perfect for the beach!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht