Sandra‘s Closet

Welcome to Ulus 29! The trendy restaurant with its bar and nightclub is an Istanbul classic. Located between the first and second Bosphorus bridges, overlooking the Anatolian side with one of the most beautiful Istanbul Strait views, it combines contemporary and traditional interiors.  The menu is a mix of both as well, from a wide sashimi selection to mini pita, Turkish pizza and yoghurt kebab.

My makeup: Eyeshadow Palette in Baby Nu and Mascara Hypnôse Doll Eyes by Lancôme, New Lip Gloss in Buff by Bobbi Brown and Wanted Blush in 01 Glowing Peach by Helena Rubinstein.
On my finger nails: Pure Colour Nail Lacquer in Berry Hot, on my toes: Pure Colour Nail Lacquer in Purple Passion, both by Estée Lauder.

My outfit: Strapless Dress (with cut-outs at the back) and Sandals by Gucci (Resort 2011), Foldover Falabella Bag by Stella McCartney and Daisy Necklace by Christian Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Merhaba! Yesterday, I flew to Istanbul, Turkey. A place I had been wanting to go for a very long time. After having arrived in my hotel in the late afternoon, I didn’t even change and went straight to the nearby harbourside  district of Ortaköy, a fascinating place full of restaurants, nightclubs, specialty antique, jewelry and ceramic shops.

On the weekends, there is a colourful street market with Turkish handcrafts and local food street vendors in an oriental setting beside the famous Ortaköy Mosque.
Enjoy my first impressions of last night. I am loving it here!

LoL, Sandra

Me at the Bosphorus

Zebra-print Top by Stella McCartney, Leggings by Blumarine, Long Cardigan by Gucci, Stingray Sunglasses by Louis Vuitton and Daisy Necklace by Christian Dior

A fun dinner outside at the House Café Ortaköy.

Ortaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus Brigde that is connecting Europe and Asia.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here are some photos of the beautiful hiking tour I did last week. I love Bavaria and wanted to share those very picturesque photos with you. Religious symbols (see below) are everywhere in the South of Germany, even in the woods.

My hiking outfit: Leggings and top by American Apparel, cotton parka by Balmain, zebra-print calfskin hiking boots by Prada, watch by Roger Dubuis and sunglasses by Marni.

My foreign readers might understand why the dirndl (traditional costume in Bavaria) is very popular here. It just fits in so perfectly with the landscape and the cozy way of living.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Hello native Germany! I spent the last week at Schloss Elmau in Southern Bavaria. Unfortunately, the hotel is definitely not worth talking about it. The luxurious standard that they advertise on their website along with the photos don’t hold their promise.

The only beautiful part has been the spa house and the treatments where I could really take a break from everyday life. The view, the nature, and going hiking was also wonderful and reminded me of my childhood.

My comfy outfit on the day of arrival: Wide pants by Stella McCartney, nautical top and long scarf by Chanel, ballerinas by Prada and my new beautiful XL-Boston bag in bright blue python leather by Céline (Pré-fall 2011).

My makeup is done with products of the 29, St. Honoré Collection by Lancôme.

Unfortunately, I got really sick and am on antibiotics now with a middle ear inflammation and tonsillitis. No fun!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A multisensorial event hosted in Shanghai at the iconic Park Hyatt depicts the Miu Miu world in a glitzy experience, with performances and a fashion show taking guests through a 1940s-flavored glamour bash.

For the occasion, one of the world’s highest hotels, possibly one of the Chinese’s megalopolis most memorable spots, has been completely restyled by renowned Hollywood set designer Carl Sprague.

Giving life to a cinematic fantasy of glamorous abandon, Sprague has created a sensational set for a party held up high in the sky setting the stage for glamorous stars to banter, dine, sing and dance the night away.

Cecilia Cheung

Zhou Dong

The event occupied five of the Hyatt’s fourteen floors. Throughout the evening a dinner, a fashion show and a series of performances and acts brought the Miu Miu world to life throughout the luxurious venue. The Supper Club style dinner, featuring the Miu Miu Fall Winter 2011/12 fashion show (see photo above), took place with models meandering through the tables. Three other floors were turned into the party venue.

Singer Florrie

Performances included London band Florrie in concert and Variety International in a unique 1940s-themed edition of their world-renowned variety show: a jazz club, an illusionist act, cabaret and much more, in a spectacular mingling of song, dance, circus and vaudeville.

Variety International

DJ sessions by Misty Rabbit and Dan Lywood animated the party until late.

The unforgettable experience transported more than 800 guests, for one night, into a parallel dimension of glamorous emotion: a depiction of the Miu Miu world in its lively complexity.

And guess why such an event took place in Shanghai?! I would say because the Chinese are the customers of the future, if not already of today…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

Yesterday, I flew to London to attend two amazing parties. The first event was a tropical summer night hosted by Matthew Williamson and Chantal Kerzner.

Chantal Kerzner, Matthew Williamson and me

Matthew with me

My outfit: Sequined peacock feather skirt, clutch and necklace by Matthew Williamson, blouse by Alexander McQueen, shoes by Gucci, bracelet by Louis Vuitton.

Matthew’s Mayfair store was the perfect location with all its rainforest-like decoration and beautiful wall coverings to celebrate his Escape collection which is also available at One&Only high-end resort shops.

Chantal’s dad, Sol Kerzner, a hotel magnate, launched One&Only in 2002 with seven properties in The Bahamas, Mexico, Mauritius, The Maledives, South Africa and Dubai. Chantal, head fashion buyer for the boutiques, brings an eclectic mix of high fashion and cutting-edge labels to the holiday destinations.

Enjoy Matthew’s beautiful vacation must-haves, available also through matthewwilliamson.com.

Stay tuned for the next amazing party…
Bon Voyage!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

View from the top

The Mandarin Oriental, Paris has officially opened its doors yesterday. The new prestigious hotel is situated in a 30s art déco building on one of the most fashionable streets in the world, Rue Saint-Honoré, surrounded by high end fashion, haute couture and steps from the Louvre.

Rooms

The 99 rooms and 39 suites were conceived by distinguished architect Sybille de Margerie, designer of LVMH-owned Cheval Blanc. Patrick Jouin, who designed Jules Verne and Alain Ducasse at Plaza Athénée, designed the restaurant and bar spaces. 2-star Michelin chef Thierry Marx is in charge for your dining experiences.

The bar

The in-house spa works with Guerlain products and offers an indoor pool and a well-equipped fitness center.

The pool

I’ve just received notice about an exclusive grand opening offer. When booking („J’aime Paris“ rate starting at  €765) between July 17 and August 28, 2011, you will be treated to a €300 voucher per room, per stay or a €500 per stay per suite to be used in the restaurant or the spa.

I love brand-new hotels especially when you are one of the first guests in a room!
And isn’t Paris always worth a visit?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental

What happens when you step into a dream? Or rather, what happens when you dream inside a dream?

Last week when I was in Milan, I stayed at the Maison Moschino. You are more than likely familiar with the Italian fashion brand Moschino and their second line Moschino Cheap and Chic but did you know that they also have a fantastic hotel?

Situated in an old neoclassical railway station on Viale Monte Grappa, 12, the hotel is the result of the creative work led by Rossella Jardini and Moschino’s creative team.

The minute you enter the lobby, you are  transported into a fantasy world. Moschino’s playful language of fashion has been transformed and adapted to design fanciful settings and surreal rooms that each tell their very own fairytale.

Divided into four floors, the 65 rooms and junior suites are all different. Magical and whimsical details reminiscent of Enchanted Forests and children’s favorites like Alice In Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood and Candyland are the themes of some of the rooms. Other elements include walls climbing with ivy, cushions and lampshades covered in roses or ribbons, ballgown beds and mystery keys. The hotel also has a restaurant and a spa. Prices are very reasonable.

Photos: © Maison Moschino

My room could not have been a better match for me. I was sleeping in the closet. Welcome to 404 and enjoy exploring all those little illusory touches.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Greetings from the Hamptons! I arrived here yesterday after a very pleasant but long journey. Baume et Mercier, the well-known Swiss watchmaking company, invited me to experience and enjoy the seaside living in the Hamptons. During those three days, the new interpretation of the house’s famous Hamptons Collection will also be unveiled.

The claim is: Life is about moments. I am pretty sure that I will be able to share many of those with you in the next days. So please stay tuned for more to come.

Baume et Mercier sent me a booklet before the trip with all information needed that included also a very detailed list “What to bring” which I truly liked.

Last night, we started the experience with a lovely dinner at the Surfside Lodge in Montauk, NY. It is a place for surfers to hang out and is full of beautiful little details.

Here you can see me with my interpretation of the Hamptons style. I chose the maritime colour combination: White-blue-red and added some nautical stripes.

Blouse – Prada, Dress, Jacket and Shoes – Gucci, Bag, Earrings and Bracelet – Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

In case that you don’t want to miss the big event, you can enjoy the royal wedding at a royal location and book Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s wedding tour.

With special access and hosted tours by first-hand family members and associates of the royal family to Kensington Palace, Chartwell, Spencer House, Althorp and Westminster Abbey, all venues which members of the public have not had access to before, this promises to be the truly majestic stay. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park also boasts the only private Royal Entrance from Hyde Park.

This exclusive itinerary for the Royal Wedding Tour at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is as follows:

Tuesday 26 April

Check in to the hotel. Pre dinner drinks and a welcome dinner, before retiring to a deluxe room.

Wednesday 27 April

A tour of Chartwell, Sir Winston Churchill’s family home in Kent since 1924, with a special greeting from a member of the Churchill family and lunch at the nearby private family home.

That evening guests depart for Spencer House, the home of the Spencer Family, for drinks on the terrace overlooking Green Park followed by a private tour and dinner in The Great Room designed by James Athenian Stuart.

Thursday 28 April

The morning begins with a visit to The British Museum followed by lunch at The Wallace Collection with a special visit with the Director Dame Ros Saville.

Dinner will take place at the home of a member of the royal family, at their private London townhouse.

Friday 29 April

Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art with exclusive use of the venue and roof terrace overlooking The Mall. Guests will have unrestricted views of the royal wedding parade, nestled above the crowded streets and hustle below. Toast the happy couple with a glass of champagne before a sumptuous three course lunch served in the gallery.

After returning to the hotel, guests will then depart for Kensington Palace where the evening will begin with drinks in the sunken garden, followed by a tour by esteemed curator Nigel Arch and dinner in the newly restored Kings Gallery.

Saturday 30 April

Begin the day with a visit to the setting of the royal wedding, Westminster Abbey, with the Dean. This senior church in London is where great coronations, weddings and burials take place, and is an historic Royal Peculiar (a church whose jurisdiction falls directly under the monarch).

The afternoon allows time for a leisurely roam around London or perhaps a visit to The Spa at Mandarin Oriental to soothe aching muscles and unwind tired minds, followed by dinner at one of the hotel’s celebrated restaurants, Bar Boulud, London or Dinner by Heston Blumenthal.

Sunday 01 May

The day starts with a trip to Northamptonshire for lunch at Althorp, the ancestral home of Diana Princess of Wales’ family since 1508.  A private visit and lunch will be hosted by a member of the Spencer family.

That evening, guests can enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel before departing on Monday morning in majestic triumph.

The Royal Wedding Tour package is priced from GBP 11,300 for one person and GBP 18,800 for two people sharing the same accommodation.  Valid between 26 April and 01 May only, inclusive of Full English Breakfast, exclusive of VAT at 20% and 5% discretionary service charge, subject to availability.  Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly on +44 (0) 207 201 3618, on email or through the direct on-line reservations service, www.mandarinoriental.com/london.

And if you cannot get enough to commemorate this momentous occasion or you are a little insane, I recommend this fancy product: A refrigerator is being unveiled in tribute to the century’s super wedding. GDHA, a distributor for GE appliances in the UK, has launched a 5’9” side-by-side fridge freezer emblazoned with one of the official engagement photographs of the couple.

This is your chance to keep the royal romance fresh! And it is not an April Fool’s joke!

LoL, Sandra