Sandra‘s Closet

Recently, I was invited by Cinnamon Circle, the new online source for luxury hotels and travels, for an afternoon tea in honour of the Dukes Hotel London at the Baur au Lac in Zurich.

The boutique hotel’s director, Mrs Debrah Dhugga, who is one of the few women in such a leading position, had flown in from London to present her small hidden gem personally. It was such a pleasure talking to her. Having an amazing aura, she radiates passion and enthusiasm. “If I stood still, Dukes wouldn’t have moved forward”, she explained to me. “When I started, it was a 4-star hotel, now it is a 5-star hotel that won the coveted prize of ‘England’s Leading Boutique Hotel’ at the World Travel Awards 2011.”

Debrah Dhugga with me

Debrah had a lot of fantastic ideas and translated her plans into action. For example, being a woman herself, she realized that female guests want something different. Therefore, she created the Duchess Rooms. Cuddly bathrobes, safe locks at the door, magazines are just a some of the feminine touches that make her female travellers feel like being at home. And only female members of the hotel’s staff will take care of the ladies during their stay.
Today, 24% of Debrah’s clientele is female.

Kids are very welcome at the Dukes Hotel. Upon their arrival, the little guests are welcomed by Dukesy, a cute plush dachshund, and mini duke and duchess outfits are waiting for them in the room. The hotel even offers a “Mr & Mrs Afternoon Tea” for children. For the complete service offers, please click here.

Debrah with Dukesy

Famous barkeeper Alessandro Palazzi is running the Dukes Bar that has a lot of history because it used to be Ian Fleming‘s drinking hole. The New York Times wrote: “The hotel bar which some say concocts one of the world’s best Martinis”.

And there is one that I will definitely have to try: Fleming 89, a new martini which celebrates the link between Dukes Bar and James Bond. Created by Alessandro Palazzi in partnership with London-based perfumery Floris, whose “89” Eau de Cologne was famously worn by James Bond, the flavour, colour and smoothness of the martini are a sophisticated complement to the aroma of this quintessentially English gentleman’s fragrance.

James Bond fans can book the ultimate Dukes Bond experience, available from 3rd September, 2012 until 13th January, 2013 here.

The hotel restaurant Thirty Six offers modern-traditional food with its classical twist, prepared by Michelin-stared chef Nigel Mendham.

My favourite spot: The Perrier Jouet Lounge that features the finest champagne cocktails in an intimate and relaxed setting. 
One thing is for sure, my next stop: Dukes Hotel London!

LoL, Sandra

Debrah Dhugga framed by Cinnamon Circle’s founders, Manuela Weber and Jörn Pfannkuch
Photos: Courtesy of Dukes Hotel and © Sandra Bauknecht

For the fashion-conscious vodka-lovers out there, here is your new fashionable drink: ROBERTO CAVALLI VODKA.

Roberto Cavalli says about the tasty addition to his universe on his blog: “In life it takes imagination! I believe I have it!
 I do not remember if I told you what it was that prompted me to create the ROBERTO CAVALLI VODKA. I go clubbing… I notice that vodka is the most popular drink… smooth… or with some juice… the most fashionable vodka is French… French…? Why not Italian…? I design the Cavalli style bottle and my son Tommaso selects the best distillery… that’s how the first Italian Vodka is born!”

A few days ago, I created a special cocktail… I can say I am not fond of high volume alcohol drinks… but I really like my cocktail… maybe too much! I get into a nasty habit of making one before bed… l put the glass near the bed and I enjoy it ‘til the last delicious drop! It helps me fall asleep… gently! Try it and let me know how you like it…”

Here is the recipe:

If you are in Florence, I recommend a visit to Caffè Giacosa, one of the city’s most famous cafés. After a painstaking restoration faithful to the original structures, Roberto Cavalli, a born Florentine bound to tradition, reopened this lovely spot. There you can enjoy and shop chocolate, pastries, wines and spirits, all embellished with the iconic Cavalli logo and animal prints.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli and © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, I was in Munich for work. I absolutely love the Bavarian city in which I had lived for 8 years. The most important events of my life took place there: My studies, my engagement and wedding, the birth of my daughter, my first job as an editor for Marie Claire magazine and so on. Therefore great memories are around every corner.

As I haven’t been very active on instagram so far, I thought it would be a great way to get started by sharing some of my favourite places with you.

Follow me on instagram: @sandrascloset

Rhubarb tart at my favourite place for lunch: Schumann’s Tagesbar

Lodenfrey is prepared for the upcoming Oktoberfest season with beautifully decorated windows and the new Wiesndirndl 2012.

Spotted at Theresa: My beloved Irma (Do you remember my fabulous T-shirt? )
You can shop all of the shop’s treasures online at mytheresa.com.

Residenzstreet

Marion Heinrich‘s new shopping temple carrying Tom Ford, Chloé and Céline among others.

Munich Opera

Can you guess what I was wearing? 
Dress and jacket by Stella McCartney (I sported that look for the event with Kaufmanfranco in London. Click here for the outfit post.), python Boston bag by Céline (Close-ups here) and my new Rockstud ankle boots by Valentino (Fall’s It-booties).

My Diorette ring by Dior Joaillerie. On my nails: 563 Vertigo by Chanel.

Kusama windows at Louis Vuitton

In stores now: Louis Vuitton‘s amazing F/W 2012 runway bags. My personal must-have: The sequined North South bag in Monogram Sunshine Express (see photo).

Very funny, this is how Munich policemen are giving parking tickets. Real horse power!

The Michael Jackson Memorial is still in front of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof, where the famous scene took place when the King of Pop held his son out of the window.

I hope that you have enjoyed those little moments via instagram.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While being in Texas, I went to a rodeo event in Mesquite, the so-called rodeo capital of Texas. At the beginning, I was excited to see this Southern tradition and loved watching everybody dressed up in Western style. Inspired by all the stetsons around me, I bought myself another cowboy hat at one of the booths in front of the arena. Unfortunately, during the event, I started to realize that this sort of entertainment is not very kind to the animals. It is an icon of Texas but I wouldn’t go there again.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Welcome to Fort Worth in Texas, that is the sixteenth most populous city in the United States of America and a cultural gateway into the American West. The city was established in 1849 and today still embraces its Western heritage and traditional architecture and design. A must see are the Fort Worth Stockyards.

My look: Twill cargo shorts by Alexander McQueen, olive green top by Prada, cuff by Stella McCartney, Pandora bag by Givenchy and Monogram ballet flats by Louis Vuitton.
The stetson is a souvenir from Mesquite.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While being in Texas, I had to see the famous Southfork Ranch, renowned as the filming location for the “Dallas” television series and went directly after my shopping spree at the Highland Park Village (click here to see also the details of my look).
My most embarrassing moment: Thanks to my coral shape heels, I fell down the grand staircase in the entry hall of the Ewing Mansion and of course, being in the United States, there was a lot of excitement and I had to fill out the “Southfork Ranch Injury Damage Report”.
My answer: “Relax and blame it on Chanel!”

Exciting news for all fans: Dallas has returned to television after two decades away.

In this Dallas, J.R.(Larry Hagman) and Bobby (Patrick Duffy) continue on in Southfork, but now the focus has shifted to their sons, John Ross (Josh Henderson) and Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe). Of course, the boys stake out their claim on the Ewing name – albeit in disparate ways. John Ross, being the son of the more ruthless J.R., is interested solely in continuing to drill for oil, while Christopher, whose father is the kindhearted Bobby, sees his focus shifting toward alternative fuel sources and green energy.

I have started to watch it and truly enjoy seeing all the well-known faces together with the new young actors.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of TNT

I still owe you my photos from Texas, which was the last stop of my road trip through the US. The first day in Dallas, I went shopping at the Highland Park Village, which is an upscale shopping mall and the home of brands like Chanel, Stella McCartney, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin among others. It was the first self-contained shopping center in America and therefore declared a National Historic Landmark in 2000.

My look: Two-tone stretch-jersey contour dress and cuff by Stella McCartney, bowtie pasta and cameo clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, coral shape heels by Chanel, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline and Pandora bag by Givenchy.
On my nails: “Today Was A Fairytale” with Virgin Diamond Powder by Deborah Lippmann.

It was very funny to see my new two-tone dress in Stella McCartney‘s window and later inside.

Stay tuned for more photos of this outfit as I went after my shopping spree to the famous Southfork Ranch.

By the way, if you like Mexican food, you have to eat at Mi Cocina, located in the Highland Park Village. So yummy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

From Chicago I flew to Denver where I didn’t stay very long as I had to drive all the way up to Wyoming and South Dakota. Knowing that I would be sitting quite a while, I decided to be dressed as simple and casual as possible.

My look: Printed-back velour hooded top and matching track pants, both by Juicy Couture, original seamless tank top by Sugarlips, brown Pandora bag by Givenchy, Pegase 55 cabin case by Louis Vuitton, cat eye glitter acetate and metal sunglasses by Miu Miu and brushed leather trainers by Maison Martin Margiela.
On my nails: Beach Cruiser (neon pink) by Orly.

LoL, Sandra

At Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Those seamless Sugarlips tops are available in many different colours and so comfy to wear.

A photo from the air.

Safely arrived at Denver International Airport.

Denver skyline

Me in front of the Colorado State Capitol Building

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I started my crazy road trip through the US in the city in which I had lived for 2 years: Beautiful CHICAGO. It always feels so great to be back, seeing your friends, wallowing in memories and going to your favourite restaurants (Gibsons, Le Colonial, NoMI at the Park Hyatt and RL Restaurant at the gigantic Ralph Lauren store). The weather was amazing and I enjoyed going for a stroll through downtown.

My look: Mint green collarless jacket (50% off on sale), floral printed dress (50% off on sale), both by Marni, leather and chain bracelet, “Lucky Clover” earrings and necklace, mint green ballet flats, sky-blue Marcie hobo bag, all by Chloé and glitter sunglasses by Miu Miu.

By the way, the crowds weren’t waiting for me. The presidential family had lunch at Gibsons at the same time we had. Enjoy some shots of this wonderful city.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Personally speaking my favourite Hawaiian resort to stay at is the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, located at the Wailea Beach.

The beach in front of the hotel is wider than most of the others on the island with wonderful golden sand. This is where I started each morning with a yoga session. Listening to the sound of the waves, embraced by the softness of the sand was just amazing. Of course, this hotel is the perfect place to get married and during my stay, I witnessed many wedding celebrations.

The five-star hotel is home to four restaurants and bars, including an outpost of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s famous Spago. During your stay, you can treat yourself to some fine food. And of course, upon your arrival at the resort, you will be presented with the obligatory lei greeting.

The pool area is great but if you travel with kids not comparable to the Grand Wailea Resort which is next door, reminiscent of an amusement park, with fountains, tarzan’s swing, slides, caves, a bar in the pool and many other attractions. One of them while I was there: Britney Spears with her sons.
But be careful, all Grand Wailea Resort guests have to wear silver bracelets in the pool because it seems that Four Seasons guests tend to go over there from time to time.

If you travel without kids, you will have the best experience at the Four Seasons with a special pool area for adults only. Fashionistas will love the Missoni cabanas, furnished with the Italian brands fabrics and towels, but they cost an additional $495.- a day which I find absolutely crazy. I would prefer spending that money in the hotel’s boutique Knots 22 that carry the latest fashion from top designers, such as Missoni, Stella McCartney, Lanvin and many more.

As you see in the collage above, I love to pack Missoni when travelling. Those amazing knitwear pieces don’t wrinkle and are airy to wear in warm weather. To shop Missoni, please click here.

You can explore Missoni Home by clicking here for a great selection of cushions, towels and throws. Have fun decorating your world with the iconic zigzag pattern.

There are many sport activities offered at the resort, from yoga to hula dancing, from surfing to probably the most exciting one scuba diving. The hotel has also a well-equipped gym. If you like, you can book private lessons in tennis, pilates and gyrotronics® among others to keep yourself fit and busy.

I had a wonderful time at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea. Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much) and a hui hou (Goodbye)!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht