Sandra‘s Closet

Here is another outfit post from my recent trip to the US, taken on Abbot Kinnley Boulevard in Venice Beach. The weather was very weird and I didn’t see much of the Californian sun during my stay. A great place for lunch is Gjelina, a place worth its hype. Even that I am not a vegetarian, I do love my veggies and their kale salad is to die for.

My look: Wool-blend jacquard coat (fabric inspired by children’s wallpaper) by Miu Miu, two-tone stretch-jersey contour dress by Stella McCartney, Bamboo leather tote by Gucci, suede booties by Saint Laurent, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, rose diamond ring and Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Chicago is, hands down, the best place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, outside of Ireland. As most of you know, I had lived in the Windy City for two years before I moved to Zurich and always loved seeing the Chicago River dyed in a brilliant shade of green (a tradition that dates back to 1962). A great inspiration for today’s post.

Are you in the mood to leave all others green with envy? Here you go, indulge in this great outfit in the must-have hues for St. Paddy’s Day.

Get the look: Emerald green one-shoulder ruffled crepe gown by Lanvin, Amazon cutout suede sandals by Aquazzura, crystal-embellished satin shoulder bag by Burberry and gold-plated, crystal and resin clip earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane.

Looking at the photos below from yesterday’s dyeing festivities makes me really miss Chicago and my friends there…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Chandler West/For Sun-Times Media

As you know, I am travelling like crazy and funnily enough the more I do, the more I like to take only hand luggage. Unfortunately, the amount of liquids to take is strictly limited on flights. Therefore I was very happy when I discovered this amazing travel set by EVE LOM. The brand’s core philosophy is all about a perfectly cleansed, exfoliated skin as the key to a glowing complexion. Their multi-award-winning cult products have become beauty insiders’ secret weapon – and are still unrivalled in a highly competitive market.

EVE LOM‘s Travel Essentials set ensures your skin looks radiant no matter your itinerary. Filled with flight-compliant sizes of the label’s most coveted products – including the cult-status Cleanser and Muslin Cloth, Morning Time Cleanser, Rescue Mask and TLC Radiance Cream – this compilation is a must-have for long or short trips.

TO SHOP THE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS SET, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday, Gucci presented their studs collection (post coming up soon) at their Las Vegas store, which is located at The Crystals at CityCenter. The newest shopping heaven in town features the most luxurious designers on over 500,000 sq ft (46,000 m2) of stylish retail space.

My look: Leopard print jacket, belted jersey dress, python sandals and Bamboo leather tote, all by Gucci, Limelight Gala watch, rose diamond necklace and ring, all by Piaget.

This is how I Vegas… indulging in the most outstanding shopping experience.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I left for an amazing press trip I had been really looking forward to since weeks. Being invited by Gucci for the launch of their limited edition fragrance GUCCI GUILTY STUD to Nevada is pretty cool, isn’t it?

The trip was long, I flew from Zurich via San Francisco to Las Vegas. During the flight, I watched (couldn’t have been a better attunement…) Last Vegas, a comedy about a wild bachelor party thrown by group of old friends (Michael Douglas, Kevin Kline, Morgan Freeman and Robert de Niro). It is such a funny movie, imagine The Hangover as a geriatric edition.

Avid readers of my blog might recognize part of my look. It is one of my favorite outfits to wear on long-distance flights as I really like to be comfy.

My look: Spencer leather lapel jacket by Saint Laurent, leopard print jacket and matching track pants, both by Dolce & Gabbana, fine-knit cashmere top by Joseph, silk stole and textured-leather Bamboo tote, both by Gucci, suede boots by Balmain, rose diamond ring by Piaget and Spectra trolley by Victorinox.

Stay tuned for more coming up from Sin City. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas… this does not apply to Sandra’s Closet! Promised, you will know everything. As a little teaser, I will enjoy a private concert by Bruno Mars tonight. Excited!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I have some fun news for you. The famous Crazy Horse Paris is coming to Switzerland as part of their Forever Crazy World Tour. On Friday, 7th March 2014 the 10 Crazy Girls from the classic Parisian revue theatre are to hold two performances in Badrutt’s Palace Hotel of their show with unique and sensuous choreography. Combined with stunning lighting effects, original music and daring outfits, you can expect a show that has no equal.

ABOUT CRAZY HORSE PARIS
60 years ago, the founder of the Crazy Horse cabaret, Alain Bernardin, was fascinated by American show girls and women in general. He was driven by a single idea – to make feminine beauty and artistic creation his focus. Over the years he developed his own particular style. This includes the tradition upheld to this day that each dancer is christened with her own unique stage name before her first Le Crazy performance. So the troupe is made up of names such as Shiny Shadow, Loa Vahina and Lila Magnetic.

CRAZY FACTS & FIGURES
• It takes a dressmaker on average one week to make a single costume
• Each dancer has at least six pairs of specially made shoes
• Each dancer uses 500 litres of body make-up, 300 lipsticks in Crazy Red, 720 pairs of false eyelashes and 2,500 pairs of stockings every year
• It takes three months of intensive training for a classically trained dancer to be ready to slip into the role of a Crazy Girl
• World renowned fashion designers such as Paco Rabanne, Loris Azzaro, Karl Lagerfeld, Emmanuel Ungaro and Azzedine Alaia have designed Crazy costumes
• Christina Aguilera drew inspiration for her music video »Hurt« from the Crazy dancers
• Christian Louboutin designed various shoes for the shows
• Dita Von Teese became the first guest star at Le Crazy in October 2006 in Paris, followed amongst others by Pamela Anderson in February 2008

Performances on 7th of March, 2014 begin at 7.30pm and 10pm in the ›Embassy Ballroom‹. 
Tickets from CHF 220.00 – To book and for further information please call:+41 (0)81 837 2659 or
send an e-mail to: .

If you cannot make it to St. Moritz, I recommend anyone in Paris to go see it. The show is absolutely amazing.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Crazy Horse Paris

“One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster. The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free. I can feel the Devil walking next to me…” – Murray Head

I spent one night in Bangkok that would put the most amazing nights in the shade. It just had everything you can imagine. I started with drinks at Sirocco Sky Bar, located on the 64th floor of the Lebua State Tower, which is the second tallest building in Thailand. You might recognize the building as it was prominently featured in the 2011 American film Hangover Part 2. This is where the helicopter scene was filmed. I had barely seen a location that breathtaking in my life before. Named “the most stunning rooftop bar you’ll ever see” by the New York Times, you can enjoy stunning views of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river. Just be prepared that a glass of champagne will cost you around CHF 70.00 (… and it is not a Dom Pérignon).

My look: Cashmere and silk-blend cardigan by Miu Miu, crochet knit dress by Azzedine Alaïa, Pas platform sandals by De Siena, Veronika Isis studded shoulder bag by MCM, necklace by Carmen Cita Jones Jewelry and rose gold bangles by Sal y Limon.

After Sky Bar, I went to Mezzaluna restaurant, which is located at the 65th floor inside the dome. German chefs who happen to be identical twins, Thomas and Mathias Suhring, bring their years at the Michelin-starred restaurants of Europe to prepare masterfully the finest menus that are rivaled only by the breathtaking 180-degree city and river views before you.

Later, I went to Patpong, one of the world’s most famous red-light districts. As I am a very curious little human being, I wanted to see some of the iconic shows… and had a very entertaining night. To be continued…

LoL, Sandra

All photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Movie photos in first collage: IMDb

If you have a weekend in Bangkok, squeeze in a day trip to Chatuchak Weekend Market and you will not be disappointed. This must-visit is one of the world’s largest weekend markets with over 15,000 booths selling goods from every part of Thailand. Everything is on sale here, shop ‘till you drop’, although not all at the best bargain rates.

The best way to get there is to hop on the Skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station, and follow the crowd until you see rows of canvas stalls selling clothes and other items. Almost everything can be found here, and most vendors actually come from local factories, like antique wood carving, clay handicrafts, wooden funitures, hand made decorated flowers, and much more.

My look: Tulle floral skirt and jacket (you need one for the Skytrain, the air conditioner feels like being in a freezer), both by Jean Paul Gaultier Femme, tank top by American Vintage, Vela nylon backpack (great piece to carry your personal belongings while travelling) by Prada, sunglasses by Marc Jacobs, studded bracelet by H&M and golden sandals by Zara.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I spent New Year’s Eve at Ku Dé Ta, Bangkok‘s recently opened new 2-story hot spot on the 39th and 40th floor of Sathorn Square Building. First, I enjoyed an eight course meal at the beautiful Signature restaurant followed by some dancing at the night club on the same level. Being already known in the Asian club scene because of its sister venue in Singapore, this entertainment playground is an awesome place you don’t want to miss while being in Thailand!

My look: Studded leather shift dress and leather bra top, both by Saint Laurent, wild flower gunmetal-tone Swarovski crystal ear cuffs by Roberto Cavalli, strappy sandals by Gucci, camouflage fold over clutch by Valentino, rose diamond ring and Limelight Gala watch, both by Piaget.

Again Happy New Year 2014 and thanks for following Sandra’s Closet!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Happy New Year from Bangkok where I am at the moment. I hope that you started 2014 in a very fun way. Today is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one!

On the first day of the year, I am exploring the Thai city a little more with all its shrines and spirit houses. Something that you can see here on every corner. It is a truly amazing place to visit.

My look: Zebra print top by Saint Laurent, grey mid-rise skinny leg distressed jean by J Brand, studded leather loafers by Miu Miu, Donna hobo bag in vine green by Alexander Wang and floral sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

The Erawan Shrine (officially named Thao Maha Brahma) in Bangkok is not old, but it is an interesting testament of the role of religion in modern Thai society. In 1955, the founder of the Erawan hotel was told by an astrologist, that the time for laying the foundation stone was not really right. It could only be corrected by building a shrine in the area. Following this advice, the Thao Maha Brahma was enshrined one year later.

The Erawan Shrine is located on the northwest corner of the Grand Hyatt Erawan property, near the Chit Lom stop on the skytrain. It consists of a golden statue, the Thao Mana Brahma, that sits beneath a glittering canopy, surrounded by offerings of flowers, incese and candles. The area is crowded with worshippers day and night and always wafting with incense smoke. A very magical place to visit and a great spot to wish for a Happy New Year.

Enjoy some of my impressions and of course stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht