Sandra‘s Closet

Being part of the NET-À-PORTER family comes with many privileges. It is my favorite online shopping destination, not only because of the great selection and the absolutely wonderful and outstanding personal shopping team, that always takes the best care of me, but also for all the amazing experiences and trips, plus all the wonderful people I met during these journeys.

As one of NET-À-PORTER‘s most loyal clients and someone with a passion for Italian craftsmanship, I was invited to join the team for a one-of-a-kind trip to Solomeo, the homeland of Brunello Cucinelli. Alongside my guest of choice, which was my fiancé, I was invited to an intimate tour of the manufacture and opportunity to explore Solomeo – a beautiful hamlet meticulously restored over the last 20 years. In addition, the MR PORTER Managing Director Fiona Firth co-hosted a dinner with Mr Brunello Cucinelli himself.

A warm welcome in our beautiful hotel room.

We arrived Thursday evening in Florence, where a car was waiting to take us to our hotel in Umbria, the Borgo Dei Conti Resort. After we quickly freshened up, we went down to meet the lovely NET-À-PORTER team for drinks ahead of a wonderful dinner.

Stay tuned for all my amazing experieneces during this trip. We had a private tour of Brunello Cuccinelli’s headquarters and manufacture, and  joined Mr. Brunello Cucinelli himself for an intimate dinner in his home in Solomeo. On Saturday morning, we went on an incredible tour of Assisi, followed shortly afterwards by a lunch. In the evening we had another amazing dinner in the surroundings of Solomeo before departing on Sunday morning.

I am so grateful for all the memories and encounters during this weekend that I will happily share with you during the next days. Thank you, Brunello Cucinelli, MR PORTER and NET-À-PORTER, for this amazing experience!

LoL, Sandra

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

Life is bueno, life is good when you get to spend it in the Extreme Wow Suite at the W Barcelona. Featuring a Gaudí-inspired bar, foosball table and some fun relaxing areas where we took the photos, it also offers a jacuzzi on the huge terrace, and private sunbeds.
The dress is another fun rainbow colored one by Christopher John Rogers whom I presented you earlier this month (click here for the previous post).

My look: Rainbow striped long knit dress by Christopher John Rogers, coral brushed leather tote bag by Prada, Cindy sandals with fluorescent flowers and dalmatian spots by Sophia Webster, and resin bead necklace by Marni.

LoL, Sandra

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

Welcome to EL&N – London’s most Instagrammable hot spot. Everything here is irresistibly chic, pink perfection with flower walls, pink interiors and alternative lattes taking social media by storm.

EL&N stands for Eat, Live and Nourish. I came across this place by coincidence when I was looking for a location to shoot. I couldn’t have worn a better outfit fitting the interior, don’t you think?
I went for a Turkish Delight Hot Chocolate, a rose flavored white hot chocolate covered with whipped cream, served with two Turkish delights, that was very yummy.

My look: Concert checked recycled woven blazer, matching Concert cropped checked recycled woven flared pants, Concert jacquard-knit merino wool, cotton and cashmere-blend tank, Concert striped silk-twill shirt, all by Zimmermann, Hippipump crystal appliqué suede ballet flats by Christian Louboutin, My LV chain pilot sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, and flap bag with top handle in iridescent grained calfskin and gradient lacquered metal, all by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Felicia Sewerinsson @feliciasewerinsson
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

The Newbury Boston is one of my favorite hotels worldwide, a historic landmark in Boston, Massachusetts, originally opened in 1927 as The Ritz-Carlton Hotel at that time. The property anchors fashionable Newbury Street and the picturesque Boston Public Garden, located in the heart of the Back Bay. It is also home to Contessa, Boston’s most sought after dining experience and definitely the most trending hot spot. After a complete refurbishment under the creative vision of renowned designers Ken Fulk, Jeffrey Beers, and Alexandra Champalimaud and being renamed The Newbury Boston, it opened its doors again in May 2021.

Its slogan «a well-crafted life» fits its service and the beautifully decorated rooms perfectly. Here you see me in my corner suite with its stunning views, reading the iconic Bostonian children’s book «Make Way for Ducklings» by Robert McCloskey.

My look: Glitter jumpsuit, pearl necklace and flap bag with top handle in iridescent grained calfskin and gradient lacquered metal, all by CHANEL, April silk-satin hair clip in pink by Jennifer Behr, and Fira velvet-trimmed suede and flocked tulle pumps in black by Jimmy Choo.

LoL, Sandra

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

London nights are the best. I love those British vibes that combine tradition with trendy joyfulness. Here you see me leaving my hotel, The London EDITION, that I can absolutely recommend, as well the Berners Tavern restaurant inside.

My look: Off-the-shoulder double-breasted wool-twill coat by Valentino, lace-trimmed point d’esprit tulle and plissé-chiffon mini dress by Dolce & Gabbana, Kate Botta Alta stretch-suede over-the-knee boots by Christian Louboutin, and Broadway lurex floral jacquard clutch by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sinbad Phgura @sinbadphgura
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Last weekend, I followed NET-A-PORTER and Purdey‘s invitation to go to the English countryside for a day of clay shooting – something that I had never done before. Being a very good customer at the online shopping destination means you get invited to very special experiences and this one was one of them.

As you might imagine, I was very excited about this trip and what to dress. I googled «Duchess of Cambridge in the countryside» and this inspired me to this country style look. As my house is still a big construction side, it became pretty challenging to find the boxes with my wellington boots and rain coats in storage. However I managed!

It’s important to dress appropriately, to make sure you stay warm, and dry throughout. You won’t have fun if you’re soaked through on the first drive, nor will you enjoy yourself if your swing is being hindered by your Mackintosh. I really liked my outfit that I put together with many layers that were comfortable and warm. A detailed post will follow.

Founded in England in 1814, James Purdey & Sons, or simply Purdey, is a British gunmaker based in London, specialising in high-end bespoke sporting shotguns and rifles. Purdey holds three Royal Warrants of appointment as gun and rifle makers to the British and other European royal families. The company also produces ready-to-wear and accessories.

Twinning with my lovely Alli from the Net-à-Porter team.

Being always at the forefront of advances in the design and building of guns and rifles, Purdey took out several patents for technical innovations over the years, of which many were adopted by other gunmakers.

In 1882 the company moved from Oxford Street to new premises on the corner of South Audley Street and Mount Street, where the company remains to this day.

Whilst James Purdey & Sons is best known as a maker of shotguns, it also produces rifles, both double-barrelled and bolt-action. The guns are custom-made, largely by hand. They are extremely expensive. A new Purdey shotgun starts at around £89000 and can be customized with special engravings. This one in the photo above costs around £120000.

In 2018, Purdey acquired the Royal Berkshire Shooting Group, which includes also the The Royal Berkshire Shooting School where the event took place. Located around 1.5 hours from Central London, the Shooting School is recognized as the finest facility of its kind, employing eight full time, professional shooting instructors and having one of the most expansive shooting grounds in the country.

As this was my first time shooting, I was accompanied by an instructor who provided me with the safety measures and guided me round the school to make sure I could access the full range of stands that are on offer. Shooting can become very addictive. I hit the clay on my third trial and was over the moon.

I had so much fun with Alli and Harry from my Net-à-Porter family.

Shooting is a sociable sport. It is best shared among friends, old or new. I loved spending the day together with my Net-à-Porter family and getting to know new people.

When the wind turned up, it got pretty chilly and I was very thankful for the warm tea and for the lovely lunch after the clay shooting. A huge thank you to Iona and her team for the great organization.

I had an amazing day filled with unforgettable memories.

LoL, Sandra

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

Strike a pose with Aquazzura as Brown’s, a Rocco Forte Hotel, offers a new, exclusive suite shopping experience in collaboration with the famous luxury Italian women’s footwear brand, the so-called «Head over Heels with Aquazzura» package.

Aquazzura’s story of creating magical footwear, a brand favoured by many celebrities and fashion stars from around the world, including Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Olivia Palermo and more recently featured in the «Sex And The City» spin off, worn by Carrie Bradshaw. Founded by Edgardo Osorio in 2011, the brand will be celebrating 10 years during 2022 coinciding with a yearlong celebration of Brown’s Hotel 185th Anniversary.

Aquazzura store in London

Guests who book the Brown’s «Head over Heels with Aquazzura» can choose either a one or two night stay in one of the hotel’s beautifully appointed suites. During their stay guests will be treated to a variety of bespoke experiences from the dedicated team at Aquazzura’s flagship store on Albemarle Street, just moments away from the hotel. One such experience will include a bespoke in-suite design consultation and shoe fitting. Guests will also receive an exclusive invitation to visit the Aquazzura store after hours for a VIP shopping experience as well as a pedicure at The Spa at Brown’s.

The Donovan Bar

What’s more, The Donovan Bar, Brown’s stylish drinking den, will display three of Aquazzura’s finest shoes from its latest collection, the Tequila Plexi Sandal 105, Temptation Crystal Sandal 105 and the Seduction Crystal Pump 105.

These three pairs of stunning heels will be dotted around the bar allowing guests to admire the shoes whilst sipping on delicious tipples from Salvatore Calabrese’s extensive cocktail menu, one of which is the ‘Tequila Scandal’ – created especially in celebration of this exclusive collaboration. ‘Tequila Scandal’ is a champagne style cocktail, made with Tequila, Calabreses’s Acqua Bianca liqueur and infused with home-made pineapple juice and green cardamom cordial.

As an add-on to the experience and as a last glimpse, Brown’s knowledgeable concierge team can purchase tickets to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, Cinderella, that hit the stage in 2021, at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, a short taxi ride from the hotel.

«Head over Heels with Aquazzura» at Brown’s Hotel starts from £1,300 and is based on double occupancy, valid from 11 January 2022 until 01 April 2022.

Includes the following:
– A one or two night stay from studio suites above.
– Breakfast in Charlie’s or in the comfort of your suite.
– Two ‘Tequila Scandal’ cocktails to enjoy at the Donovan Bar or in suite.
– One ‘Vital Pedicure’ treatment to enjoy at The Spa at Brown’s.
– VIP Welcome amenities including a bespoke gift bag from Aquazzura.
– Bespoke Aquazzura offerings including: 20% discount on any purchase, in-suite personalised shoe fitting, out of hours store visit including champagne to enjoy whilst shopping.

The perfect surprise gift for a fellow fashionista!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Brown’s Hotel, Aquazzura, Janos Grapow
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Do you feel this wanderlust, this strong desire to travel the world? I love travelling the world and hope that soon our lives will be back to normal and less restricted to explore the world. Gabriela Hearst created a sweater series this season that I have fallen in love with.

In her exploration of North, Central and South America this season, The designer wanted to translate some of the continent’s most beautiful places into colorful knitwear patterns. Knit in 100% cashmere for the ultimate in luxury and softness, the Ines Sweater depicts:

• the high mountains and ski runs in Aspen, Colorado
• the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park
• the ancient mountain ridges and ruins in Machu Picchu, Peru (on my bucket list)
• Teotihuacán, the ancient Aztec pyramid known as the Temple of the Sun outside of Mexico City.

Knit and hand embroidered by artisans in Italy, those sweaters are as unique as they are beautiful.
To order just click on the highlighted texts above. Wouldn’t it be an amazing gift to surprise someone with a trip to one of the destinations and gift the sweater as a gift voucher…

LoL, Sandra

Aspen

Yellowstone

Machu Picchu

Teotihuacán

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Gabriela Hearst
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Arriving perfectly dressed for the new season, the F/W 2021 Prêt-à-Portea collection at The Berkeley Hotel in London showcases couture cakes inspired by designers from Ganni to Gucci. A contemporary twist on afternoon tea, this playful and stylish edit is set to become another favourite for sweet-toothed fashionistas.

This season’s collection opens with a striking ensemble from Balenciaga Couture – reimagined as a velvety mandarin cheesecake, topped with an oversized chocolate hat. While a delicately spiced and intricately iced biscuit – complete with red lipstick and oversized glasses – is our pastry team’s fitting tribute to fashion icon Iris Apfel’s 100th birthday.

Seasonal flavours are firmly on the menu, with the cassis mousse with blackcurrant jelly, depicting Stella McCartney’s psychedelic jumpsuit. A Pink Lady apple pavlova is a refreshing nod to Giambattista Valli’s avant-garde look, and a hazelnut dacquoise with salted caramel sees cult Danish brand Ganni make its Prêt-à-Portea debut.

The season’s centrepiece is a made-to-share red velvet mascarpone mousse, finished with a chocolate truffle riding hat – straight from Gucci’s 100th anniversary collection.

As always, your tea also includes elegant canapés and sandwiches, with a selection of loose-leaf teas from our extensive collection.

Until 2 January 2022, festive Prêt-à-Portea will be served only, from £79 per person. This will include our fashion-inspired delicacies, as well as festive treats and your choice of a mocktail, a glass of champagne or a glass of mulled wine.

From 11 – 14 Feburary, 26 & 27 March and 15 – 18 April 2022, the seasonal Prêt-à-Portea will be served only, from £79 per person. This will include our fashion-inspired delicacies, as well as seasonal treats and your choice of a glass of champage or a mocktail.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Berkeley and Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored.

Named «The Celestial Snow Globe», Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2021, has been created by Kim Jones, Artistic Director of the Dior men’s collections. This unique, contemporary tree – luminous and crystalline in its transparency and purity – tells a Christmas story woven from emotions and dreams.

Evoking the idea of a magnificent snow globe, this year’s dazzling tree is an enchanting object of desire, illuminated with magical sparkles and reflecting snowflakes, travelling across the surface. State-of-the-art holographic projections are mixed with toile, recalling the emblematic toile of the Dior Haute Couture Ateliers, while traditional pleating techniques are also highlighted, a tribute by Kim Jones to the excellence of the Dior Ateliers «petites mains». These projections radiate from the base, upwards and beyond the tree, creating magical visuals around the space and up the famous staircase, all set against an atmospherically lit lobby.

«It has been a great honour for me to have designed the Christmas Tree for Claridge’s and thus brought Dior, London and the Christmas spirit together in this iconic place.» – Kim Jones

In another nod to the House’s heritage, the Christmas baubles, that seem to float in orbit around the tree, reflect Dior’s iconic motifs. These include, stars – Monsieur Dior’s celestial good-luck charm – and miniature perfume bottles in the form of Monsieur Dior’s dog, Bobby, who was symbolically reinterpreted and celebrated by Kim Jones for his first Dior show.

This whimsical homage to the House’s founder continues with Kim Jones’s faithful canine companion, Cookie, perched on top of the 6.5 meter tree, delicately hugging Monsieur Dior’s lucky star. The star echoes the shape of the talisman that Monsieur Dior treasured in his office – a decisive sign of his destiny that played a key role in his decision to create his couture house in 1946.

So beautiful and different… and by the way, I could totally see Kim Jones becoming the new Artistic Director of CHANEL. Lagerfeld started at Fendi, too. Just saying…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Claridge’s