Sandra‘s Closet

Today, I have spent a great day in Vienna. Shopping, sightseeing and a surprise, the only thing missing was the sun.

First, I went to Liska, a fabulous high fashion store, located in the heart of the Austrian city. Established in 2002, the shop carries brands such as Saint Laurent, Dior, Fendi and Valentino, as well as their own label, Liska by Thomas Kirchgrabner, the boutique’s USP is its range of furs. Your premier destination if you are on the hunt for that perfect mink coat or sable stole.
TO SHOP LISKA ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Then, I did some sightseeing and visited the famous Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule)…

… and Vienna’s landmark, the St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom).

The best moment of today was when I saw Dave Gahan again. I have always been a huge fan of Depeche Mode and had met him in Frankfurt a few years ago. If you are interested in seeing the previous post, please click here.

My look: Coat with fur details by Blumarine, cashmere sweater by J.Crew, scarf and stretch-leather skinny pants, both by Gucci, ankle boots by Prada and leather tote by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This morning, I attended the Omega press conference in the presence of Nicole Kidman that I will show you very soon. It was freezing cold today in Vienna so that I didn’t feel like being outside for too long. In the afternoon, I took a “Fiaker”, a horse carriage, to the city’s iconic Sacher hotel to treat myself to the probably most famous chocolate cake in the world: Original Sacher-Torte.

Its story began in 1832, when it was created by a 16 year old apprentice in his second year, Franz Sacher, for Wenzel Clemens Prince Metternich, the chancellor of Austria. The head chef was ill and not able to fulfill the important order so that the teenaged Franz Sacher had to invent something on the spot. That was the day when the victorious career of the renowned Austrian dessert composition began…

The basis is a chocolate cake, thinly coated by hand with best-quality apricot jam. The chocolate icing on top of it is the crowning glory. You can order it online here.

My look: Python-print down jacket by Roberto Cavalli, red knit dress with chiffon ruffles and black scarf with gold threads, both by Gucci, boots by Balmain and my beloved leather tote by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This afternoon, I have arrived in Vienna. Omega invited me to their Ladymatic event and the La Nuit Enchantée (An Enchanting Night) which will take place tonight. Known for its captivating look, the iconic Ladymatic has been a prestigious example of the brand’s style and invention since its launch in 2010. During the weekend, the newest Ladymatic timepieces will be shown as well as the campaign featuring long-time ambassador Nicole Kidman who will be also present at the event tonight. Stay tuned as the exclusive video will be coming up here soon.

I am staying at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton and attached some photos of my spacious room. Upon my arrival, I had to have an Austrian apple strudel, so yummy!

Follow me on Instagram or Twitter (@sandrascloset) for live updates.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Tuesday, I flew to one of my favourite cities in the world: London. I was invited by Marionnaud to attend the Rodial Beautiful Awards. Here you see me on the arrival day. I stayed at the lovely St. Martins Lane hotel, where the event took place in the evening. Before going on a little shopping spree, I enjoyed a yummy lunch at the Asia de Cuba restaurant.

My look: Military coat by Miu Miu, shirt and knit waistcoat by Gucci, double-layered mesh skirt by Theyskens’ Theory, glass crystal eagle necklace by Lanvin, boots by Balmain and leather tote by Saint Laurent.

I know that you have seen me lately many times with this shopper by Saint Laurent. It is truly my favourite bag at the moment, especially when I am travelling. It is easy to carry and suits all sorts of styles. Stay tuned for the upcoming post of the event, I love my job!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As you know, I was with Montblanc in Los Angeles recently. One spot that is fun to visit is Madame Tussauds Hollywood Wax Museum which is located right next to the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Walk of Fame.

I jumped in the middle of all the touristy action and went a little crazy. But I mean where on earth can you in one day…

…get a close-up with Steven Spielberg…

…sit next to Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump…

…dance with Madonna…

…chat with Jack Nicholson…

… make fun with Jim Carrey…

…get a photo with Angelina Jolie…

…see Michael Jackson again…

…hold hands with Robin Williams…

…swing your hips with Beyoncé Knowles…

…be so close to Hugh Jackman…

…hang from the ceiling next to Spiderman…

…and get to film with Alfred Hitchcock?

My look: Two-layered top by Gucci, distressed gray jeans by Dolce & Gabbana, embellished sandals by Prada, bangles by Chanel, necklace and sunglasses, both by Roberto Cavalli and Elsie bag by Chloé.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My love for Los Angeles started a long time ago when I went to a summer college there. The sunshine, the easy lifestyle, the friendly people, have fascinated me from the early start. The prejudices concerning the Californian city are multifarious, of course you have many people working in “the industry” and the plastic surgeries are higher per capita there than anywhere else. Yes, and the traffic is horrendous and I am scared of earthquakes.

However, there’s so much more to this metropolis that people don’t understand unless they immerse themselves in it. In summer 2010, I rented a house in Beverly Hills and spent two months there, long-time readers of Sandras’ Closet might remember. When the day came to fly back to Europe, I didn’t want to leave. Los Angeles has a mix of people, trends, fashion, nationalities, and industries that you can’t find anywhere else.

Therefore I was so happy when Montblanc invited me to come to Los Angeles to live the Oscar experience and to attend their “Signature for Good” 2013 charity brunch. When I landed at LAX, my heart started already jumping for joy. But enough of my love letter. So, what follows is my list of a few of my favorite things to do and see in Los Angeles.

Me in front of the Montblanc boutique on the famous Rodeo Drive.

At Opening Ceremony, one of my favourite shops.

Fred Segal‘s perfume store is gigantic.

Shopping like the locals on Robertson Boulevard. (For a detailed Los Angeles shopping guide, please click here).

Also home to my favourite restaurant for lunch: The well-known Ivy, a hot spot to see many celebrities.

Have an Ivy Sunday, so yummy!

Great for dinner: Cecconi’s

Girls just wanna have fun: Tea time at American Girl Place.

A must-see: Disneyland

The famous star handprints in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre have to be on your sightseeing list…

… along with Hollywood’s iconic Walk of Fame.

At Venice Beach, you can enjoy the lively boardwalk with a crazy and colorful crowd. From rollerscaters, artists, palm readers and street dancers, to performers and vendors of any sort. It is also home to the iconic “Muscle Club” – an outdoor gym where bodybuilders shape their bodies under the sun. Arnold Schwarzenegger used to go there.

My list could go on and on… my favourite hotel is by the way the Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica.

If I had a wish granted from the fairy…? I would love to live in such a fabulous Beverly Hills mansion. It doesn’t hurt to dream.

Thank you, Montblanc, for having me brought back to this fab city!
Bye-bye L.A., I will surely be back soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Brown’s hotel belongs to my favourites in London and their English Tea Room is famous. My preferred choice is their ‘TEA-TOX’, a healthy version of their award-winning Traditional Afternoon Tea. Served on tea-stands, you can indulge in healthy treats without feeling too naughty. For more information, please click here. And with such good conscience, you can hop over to Bruton Street where some of my beloved stores are located such as Stella McCartney and Matthew Williamson to look for the new season’s must-haves.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Brown’s Hotel

This week, when I went to Italy, I stayed at the amazing Bvlgari Hotel Milano. Located on a private street, just a few minutes away by feet from the famous shopping streets, Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga, it is the perfect accomodation for the most refined and cosmopolitan clientele. The tastefully renovated 18th-century Milanese palazzo is also home to a 4,000-square-meter private garden, a natural extension of the nearby Botanical Garden, and a wonderful spa with an indoor swimming pool, which are both ideal for unwinding after a busy day in the Italian fashion capital.

My comfortable room offered a wonderful blend of modern designs with high technology features. The service was outstanding, nice touches as my very own business cards were waiting for me upon my arrival.

The room was beautifully scented with Bvlgari’s famous Eau Parfumée au thé vert (green tea), even the bed linens smelled lovely.

In a nice little box on the desk were office supplies, such as a tiny highlighter, paper clips, a rubber and a sharpener.

Room service was fabulous, the food, being Italian of course it is divine. And I always adore having a coffee maker in my room. The Bvlgari Milan has become quickly my favourite place to stay at in the city!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bvlgari Hotel & Resorts and © Sandra Bauknecht

My trip to Qatar surpassed all expectations. Doha has reminded me a lot of Dubai 10 years ago, even better, modern and of course, full of luxury. Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, all eyes are on Middle East’s new hot spot as the Qatari will host a large number of the venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. According to the British Telegraph, Qatar has the second highest income per capita in the world and you can see it everywhere.

On the first day of the year, I went shopping at Doha’s Villagio Mall, which was overly impressive. Reminiscent of the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace and the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian in Las Vegas, the mall has got a changing sky that gives shoppers the feeling of being outside and a canal that runs through the center of the mall with gondola rides for guests. Every designer brand you can think of is represented, such as Bottega Veneta, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Montblanc among others. There is even an amusement park in the mall.

See for yourselves:

My look: Mathilda tuxedo jacket by Stella McCartney, green tee by Ralph Lauren Blue Label, top by Missoni, skinny mid-rise jeans by Rag & Bone Jean, sandals by Gucci, Alice two-tone bag by Chloé, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, necklace by Roberto Cavalli and 4810 hoop earrings by Montblanc.

Stay tuned for one last post from Doha about The Pearl.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The restaurant Parisa, one of my favourites that I visited in Doha, belongs to the Sharq Village and Spa. Traditional Persian dishes are served with a contemporary, modern twist. The perfect ambiance to suit the mood of my outfit.

My look: Printed silk-blend crepe top, matching wide-leg pants with side splits from thigh to ankle, leather pumps with ankle straps, all by Gucci (50% off), holographic faux leather clutch by Stella McCartney (new season, please click here for more information on this rising trend), cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli and crochet-knit turban by Missoni (50% off).

I kept my make-up very easy, a little bronzer on the cheeks (24 Karat Shimmer Brick by Bobbi Brown – Limited Edition), mascara (Lash Queen Sexy Blacks by Helena Rubinstein) and red lips (Diorific 040 Marilyn by Christian Dior – Christmas look 2012).
On my nails: Coral Blame by Tom Ford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht