Sandra‘s Closet

When you look in your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth. Your mum is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend. Sunday is Mother’s Day, time to appreciate the most amazing woman I’ll always admire, appreciate and love.

Personally speaking, I have a very deep bond with my mum. Her eyes looked after me all my life and this inspired me to today’s gifting idea. Why not surprise your mum with a great eye care product or / and a pair of sunglasses, telling her how thankful you are to have her in your life.

It was love at first sight because we have all been loving our mums the second we opened our eyes for the first time. Even if you cannot be with your mum physically like me due to the current worldwide crisis, you can still surprise her with a gift sent to her directly. Just click on the highlighted product description to be transferred to the respective shop.

LoL, Sandra

The Eye Concentrate by La Mer
My avid readers know that I am a huge a fan of this newly formulated product. With triple the Concentrated Miracle Broth™, it helps transform the delicate eye area with essential energy and healing hydration to reduce the look of dark circles, lines and wrinkles in 3 weeks. Lime tea concentrate, the antioxidant powerhouse, helps prevent future damage before it begins.
Theprocedure is top secret, rumors are they play classical music to the kelp-based elixir for three months as it ferments. No matter how they do it, the formula’s anti-aging effects are truly undeniable.

Cat-eye neon-trimmed printed tortoisehell acetate sunglasses by Fendi
For the mum, who loves everything fashion like me, those sunglasses feature both, the monogram and neon trend in one.

Eye Rescue Stick by Susanne Kaufmann
The perfect new tool for the spa-loving mum as she can apply the stick whenever she wants during the day. Stored in the fridge, it can deliver an even more intense cooling effect. The product counteracts the appearance of puffiness and dark circles, energizing tired-looking eyes caused by blue light and smoothes various visible signs of aging like first wrinkles.

Green coffee extract reduces swelling around the eyes, while jasmine and hawthorn activate the enzyme telomerase in the skin cells and unleash antioxidative properties. A highly concentrated active ingredient from baobab helps to smooth out crow’s feet and fine lines. Ectoin increases cell protection and an antioxidant from larch bark leaves the eyes with a fresh glow.

Eye Cream Line A by Susanne Kaufmann
Powered by a combination of active botanical ingredients like white lupine and elderberry extract, this brightening treatment stimulates collagen production to improve firmness while simultaneously reducing any puffy areas.

Oversized aviator-style gold-tone sunglasses by Givenchy
Those clean frames look very sophisticated.

Eye Cream by Dr. Barbara Sturm
If your mum is into a thorough medical understanding of cells and anti-aging, she will love Dr. Barbara Sturm’s beauty products. Designed to target dark circles, this ultra hydrating eye cream has been specially developed in her German lab with purslane and golden root to lift the sensitive areas around the eyes and reduce puffiness. It’s also infused with active omega lipids that help skin retain moisture. Personally speaking, I love its pudding-like consistency.

D-frame acetate sunglasses by Bottega Veneta
Those sleek shades will work for pretty much any occasion.

Black Rose Eye Contour Fluid by SISLEY PARIS
The rose is the queen of the flowers, and this fluid features black rose aqueous extract for a radiant complexion and hydrating padina pavonica. Specially formulated for everyday use on the delicate eye area, it is fitted with a soothing ceramic applicator, that with regular use, reduces puffiness and dark circles, leaving behind a luminous, youthful-looking glow.

Paris oversized cat-eye zebra-print acetate sunglasses by Balenciaga
Animal prints are always in style and worn as sunglasses in an oversized cat-eye silhouette, they add some drama to every look. 

Luminary Genius Eye Cream by Bynacht
Between the hours of 11pm and 4am our skin’s renewal rate almost doubles – with no exposure to environmental aggressors or makeup, the dermis can absorb nutritional ingredients without any interference. Perfect for targeting signs of aging and tiredness around the eyes, Bynacht’s specially formulated cream is infused with persian silk tree extract and nourishing oils that repair and hydrate while you sleep.

Air Heart cat-eye acetate and gold-tone sunglasses by Le Specs
Slightly oversized, the blacked-out lenses will complement practically all of your mum’s outfits.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands – Photo of me: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Doting love is when you are extremely and uncritically fond of someone, something a mother feels for her child. In German, we call this behavior «Affenliebe» which translates into monkey love. According to some scientists, these intense, special exchanges that human mothers share with their offspring might have deep roots all the way back in monkeys. Both species use the same gestures and affectionate behaviors towards their children. When I was a little girl, I learnt a lot about primates as my mother, who is the biggest animal rights activist you can imagine, is totally fond of those animals.

As Mother’s Day is coming up and the tropical trend is huge this summer, I would like to dedicate today’s post to all those amazing fashionable pieces featuring those cute little monkeys. I am sure that not only my mum will go bananas seeing them.

And in case you are wondering why I didn’t call the post «monkey love», here is the answer. In the urban dictionary this expression stands for crazy animalistic sex requiring acrobatic poise. It can also be termed «monkey lovin‘». Isn’t it funny how you can go wrong just translating a word correctly?

LoL, Sandra

Monkey-print halterneck silk top by Bottega Veneta

Monkey crystal-embellished brooch by Erdem

Sequinned monkey-appliqué wool-blend dress by Valentino

Monkey diamond, opal, silver & 18kt gold earrings by Bibi van der Velden

Jungle-appliqué embroidered knit sweater by Valentino

Monkeys Forest print poplin dress by Valentino
Monkey-appliquéd T-shirt by Valentino

Monkey print twill cape by Burberry

Scarf tie point-toe mules by Burberry

Monkey print chain-strap cardholder by Burberry

Killer monkey print swimsuit by Dsquared2

Medium monkey jacquard TB shoulder bag by Burberry

Drawstring monkey print jacket by Burberry

Soleia printed cotton-voile pajama set by Desmond & Dempsey

Scimmie Thyme, Lavender and Cedarwood scented candle by Fornasetti

Avantgardening satin bedding by Christian Fischbacher

Equateur wallpaper by Hermès

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

As promised, please enjoy today’s detailed post about Déesse Pro, the original market leading LED phototherapy mask that is available at Sonja Frey Soni Cares. I know that this Hannibal Lecter-esque light-up mask looks quite funny, definitely very instagrammable. However, Alessandro Michele showed similar shapes (only as accessories) on the runway for this Gucci F/W 2019 collection so it seems to be quite fashionable.

No joking, here are the hard facts why I have become such a big fan. Light therapy provides a safe, pain-free way to achieve naturally vibrant and clearer skin. I have been using this tool for over four weeks and am truly impressed about its results. My complexion looked already brighter, tighter and smoother from the very first 10-minute use.

How does it work? The device uses low-level light therapy (LLLT) by way of medical-grade, surface-mounted, light emitting diodes (LEDs) in 4 variations to expose the skin to clinically proven 4 wavelengths of light, delivered at safe, therapeutic doses. These clinically proven treatments rejuvenate skin and improve the most problematic skin conditions.

Stars such as Kim Kardashian, Kate Perry, Madonna and US celebrity facialist Shani Darden already swear by it. Interesting to know is that NASA originally developed it for plant growth experiments on shuttle missions and later found it to have promise for wound treatment.

CHOICE OF 6 TREATMENT MODES

ANTI-AGEING – Red Light (630nm)
• Increases the production of collagen and elastin
• Help reduces fine lines
• Improves skin texture and tone
• Increases the skins natural hydration
• Stimulates circulation and lymphatics
• Revitalise the complexion
• Restores the skin radiance

PURIFYING – Blue Light (415nm)
• Improves skin clarity
• Blemish fighting action without irritation
• Helps regulate natural oil production
• Helps spot prone skin

BRIGHTENING – Green Light (520nm)
• Reduces the production of melanin
• Lightens and reduces existing pigmentation
• Improves the skin complexion
• Neutralises, balances and calms skin

POST PROCEDURE – Near Infrared Light (830nm)
• Boosts metabolism as more ATP produced
• Rejuvenates the skin
• Promotes circulation
• Promotes scar healing
• Improves loose, sagging skin
• Increases skin elasticity five-fold
• Reduces collagen loss
plus Red Light (630nm) plus Blue Light (415nm)

CALMING – Green Light (520nm) plus Blue Light (415nm)

ANTI-AGEING EXPRESS – Red Light (630nm)

This intensive treatment replicates salon-like facials from the comfort of your own home. You can choose for example between 10, 20 or 30 minute treatment sessions, between manual and pre-programmed options. A light protection for the eyes is delivered with the mask.

What else could you wish for while being in quarantine? Make time for yourself to practice self-care. Mood-boosting moments that offer some respite during these difficult time. During the past weeks, applying the phototherapy mask has become a fantastic and addictive ritual for me. While I am doing the treatment, I listen to meditation podcasts or sound baths to soothe my mind. I totally recommend taking part in Jasmine Hemsley’s Instagram Live sound baths every Saturday evening (@jasminehemsley). This time for myself has had such a positive effect on both my mind and my body, let alone how much my skin improved.

You will be amazed how many more positive effects this tool can give you. Please enjoy this little interview with Sonja Frey, who carries the mask in her online shop.

Light therapy is said to treat all sorts of skin conditions but it can even help with depression or sleep disorders. Could the Déesse PRO LED Mask help with this as well?
Yes, LED Light therapy of any kind is known to improve depression and sleep disorders as it improves the serotonin.

Can I use the mask also in other parts of my body such as the stomach or the knees for example for rejuvenation of the skin or to treat allergies?
Yes, the mask can be used on the body to treat other conditions i.e Acne on the back or Psoriasis on the legs etc (however, we wouldn’t recommend using Near Infrared – the lightening bolt button of the Mask – on these skin conditions).

 Can I use the mask also in combination with a facial mask under it?
The mask producer itself would always recommend to use the mask on a clean dry skin to maximise light absorption. A facial mask could be used pre or post treatment to maximise the outcome.
A lot of facial therapist do put a facial product first and then put on the mask.

What happens if the LEDs don’t work anymore, can I exchange them?
LEDs are not like normal bulbs, they do not have a«‚lifespan», it is rare for LED to just stop working. Also, the mask has a 1 year warranty from the date of original purchase.

Can I burn myself with this mask? Are there any side effects?
No, it is not possible to burn yourself with the mask, as you aren’t using UV rays. LED light therapy doesn’t cause burns compared to other anti-aging treatments such as chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser therapy. It may be safe for all skin colors and types as LEDs are visible light rays and there are no known side effects.

If I use the green light, can I still get a tan?
The green light does not effect tanning. Even if you have a tan already, it won’t fade away and you will still be able to tan after using it. LEDs are not used as a source of tanning, because they do not emit UV rays. However the green light will calm your melanocyte activity and break down existing melanin clusters to improve hyperpigmentation.

What is your favorite treatment mode and why?
My favorites are Mode 1 for anti-ageing and collagen boost and Mode 2 for purifying depending on my personal needs. I usually combine Mode 1 with any other procedure to get the full spectrum, from  accelerating tissue repair to reducing inflammation or pore shrinking.

Do I need the light protection for the eyes? Or can I just leave my eyes closed?
I would always recommend protecting your eyes as a precaution either with the goggles provided or damp cotton rounds. Please ensure that you keep your eyes closed at all times.

The treatments come in two intensities. For whom is the higher intensity recommended?  In case I don’t have enough time, can I get the same results with a high intensity treatment of 15 minutes than with a low intensity treatment of 30 minutes?
The intensity mode refers to near infrared, which acts as a boost for your cell energy as it is optimizing the skin. It also has great healing powers as it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin to minimize skin aging. NIR does increase the heat in the skin, therefore for a sensitive skin keep the intensity on low. I would always recommend using the mask for a minimum of 15 minutes and a maximum of 30 Minutes, at least 2 times a week.

You will have to see for yourself how amazing the effects of light therapy are. This mask will help you find your inner peace through relaxation while boosting your complexion and providing you with beautiful, young-looking skin at the same time.

YOU CAN SHOP THE DÉESSE PRO PHOTOTHERAPY MASK AT SONJA FREY HERE.

LoL Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Déesse Pro and Sonja Frey Soni Cares
© Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: When you make a purchase, I am not receiving a commission. I am just a big fan of the product!

The barely there sandals that wrap around your ankles have already reached cult status. Bottega Veneta‘s version from their Resort 2020 collection is the one we keep seeing on feeds right now. The shoes instantly became a viral hit for the clever styling trick (see trouser tuck) that ruled the street style scene throughout the early months of the year. Personally speaking, I love it so much, the perfect way to wear pants that are too long without having to cut them off. I will post an outfit with them this week, so please stay tuned!

In the meantime, enjoy those beautiful sandals seen on the runways and my favorites this season below, secure yours by clicking on the highlighted description.

LoL, Sandra

Wrap-around snake-effect leather sandals by Bottega Veneta

Cleo crystal-embellished leather sandals by René Caovilla

Opera 120 leather sandals by Gianvito Rossi

Cleo embellished metallic satin and leather sandals by René Caovilla

Cleo crystal-embellished leather sandals with small heel by René Caovilla

Snake-effect leather sandals by Bottega Veneta

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Today, I would like to introduce you to Swiss beauty entrepreneur Sonja Frey. I first met her at a wedding in Tuscany last summer and was immediately impressed by her beautiful skin and complexion. The 38-year old, who resides in Zurich, founded her online shop in 2019. Originally under the name Uniquare, she changed it this year to Sonja Frey Soni Cares.

Her catchy slogan, that plays with her nick name, «Soni Cares», stays also for her personal passion behind her brand. Over the years, the charming blonde developed a huge knowledge of everything organic and natural when it comes to skincare. After helping friends and family in finding the right products, she decided to take it to the next level with the launch of her beautiful online shop. Only health and beauty products that meet her high standard of quality, eco-friendliness, and clean ingredients are included. You will find brands of all price categories, as for her it’s not about the price tag, but the quality of each hand selected product. Great news is that Sonja ships internationally. Let us surprise you!

On your website, I read that you were a trained attorney-at-law before launching your online shop. Can you tell us a little why you decided to become an entrepreneur and what were the biggest challenges?

I still work as an attorney-at-law on an independent basis. The wish to become an entrepreneur has been in my mind for a long time. As I started to realise that toxic ingredients are used for so many  beauty products, I started to do more and more research and became very passionate about this subject. In the end I decided that I wanted to help others to easily navigate through the beauty jungle out there and find all the great products on one website. That’s how I started my shop.

What would be the best advice after becoming an entrepreneur to give to your younger self at the beginning?

Follow your dreams! It’s the best way to actually find a job or build a business which will last and be successful in the end. Only when you are really passionate about what you are doing, you will go the extra mile and people will believe in what you are doing.

Even Sonja’s dog Mimi is crazy for the GLO Precision Eye Pencil

Last year, you gave birth to your first child. How do you manage to combine both, being a businesswoman and a mother?
A very good question. I can give you the answer in 10 years:-). My baby girl is 11 months old, it does get easier. Of course it is hard to find time for everything, however as I believe in following your dreams, you can make anything happen.

How did you find the brands you are selling?

It all started with a personal passion (and addiction) to find the best brands for myself. So I started researching and researching and researching… During my travels for example, I was always checking the spas and local shops for their products, exploring their ideas about beauty, their philosophy. It is a continuing journey and really an addiction, I cannot stop looking for good brands, I am still doing so to expand my collection. I truly love all the products I am selling.

What is the common thread?

All brands work on a natural basis, are cruelty-free, non-toxic or anything similar. I am convinced that we all should reduce chemicals as much as possible in our lives, and only use them where they are really necessary. Most of the time, we forget our bathroom shelf. I was absolutely shocked once I learned about the ingredients that my former beauty products included, such as Polyethylene for example, a common component of plastics. This so-called microplastic is included in so many products, especially in facial scrubs, face wash or hands soaps among others. Besides being a primary concern for your health, those very small pieces also pollute the environment.

What is your own beauty routine?

I try to keep it simple, not too many products at once but change of routine/products from time to time:
– Morning: 1. cleaning, 2. face serum or cream depending on the season, 3. eye cream 4. sunscreen (always!)
– Evening: 1. cleaning, 2. serum/night cream or night mask, 3. eye cream

Do you have a beauty hack that you like to share with us?

Puh, I would say less is more. Don’t try to overdo it, give your skin time to breathe and use the right products, as natural as possible including some key ingredients. For example Vitamin C & A are great for the skin. I recommend the Vitamin C Treatment from NUORI and the Vitamin A Cream from SKINDESIGNLONDON, the latter will soon be available, so please stay tuned.

Sonja’s favorites

What are your favorite products on your website? Products we shouldn’t miss and why…

– Of course the Déesse Pro LED Mask, because it is the only beauty tool that replaces a treatment from a professional cosmetician.
– The Lumion Face Mist. I love it, especially at the moment, due to its antibacterial effects. It helps before an acne breakout and provides you with a clean face whenever you need it.
– The Regulatpro Hyaluron Anti Aging Drink. As we all know, beauty also comes from within. This is my daily dose of highly effective hyaluronic acid which naturally beautifies the skin, connective tissue, hair and nails.
– The Natural Perfumes from Dedcool LA. They smell fantastic and combine highest quality with natural ingredients. They are vegan, non-toxic, contain no palates, no parabens, no carcinogens and cruelty-free.
– GLO Pressed Base Powder. For me the best powder I tried so far, as your skin can breathe and it includes no harmful ingredients.
– FÎ-NE Deodorant Vetvier Geranium. Deodorants without aluminium salts are much better for your health and absolutely trendy at the moment. However, it is hard to find a good one that works and provides day-long protection. That’s why I like this one and its smell in Vetvier Geranium is divine.
– The Kokoso Coconut Oil for me and my little girl. It can be applied easily, is all natural with healing effects and can be used all over your body as often as you like. My absolute favourite coconut oil.
– If your budget is a bit higher, you will love the JK7 Golden Face Oil, it’s amazing. This beauty brand is a class of its own, very high performing and all natural. Once you have tried it, you will know what I am talking about.
But on my site, there are so many more amazing products, I could go on and on.

Do you use the Déesse PRO LED Mask on a regular base? Can you tell us a little more about this product?

The Déesse Pro LED Mask is where it all started for me. I was in the US for a few months and every cosmetic studio had a light therapy offering. I stumbled over the Déesse PRO LED Mask as it was the best one on the market and I found out that all stars and their cosmetic studios use this mask, like Shani Darden in LA for example. Of course, I needed to have it. Coming back to Switzerland, my friends were really interested to get to know this mask and as shipping to Switzerland was not possible at this time, I partnered up with the brand to do their exclusive retail here.

Ever since I got it in 2018, I use it on a very regular basis, sometimes daily, sometimes once a week, depending on my schedule. The good thing about the mask for me is, that I can also use it while watching TV. However, be careful, Déesse Masking in front of the TV is not for everyone, if you have sensitive eyes stay away from this. So what else can I say about this product. Maybe one thing, for me it was very interesting to find out that even NASA did some color studies and found out that this actually works. I still can’t believe that it is not yet popular in Switzerland. I am sure this will change.

Sonja Frey – a true pioneer when it comes to natural beauty

Sonja Frey in three words (adjectives).

Young, free and wild – haha, jokes aside: loving, intuitive, caring.

Thank you, Sonja, for sharing your beauty tips and experience with us!

As you know me, I always try things for myself to give you the best report possible. I have used the Déesse Pro LED Mask now for over 4 weeks and the results are truly amazing. I was blown away myself. Stay tuned, as I will post the detailed article about this beauty tool and light therapy in general shortly.

LoL, Sandra

Instagram @soniafrey.sonicares
Photos: © Sonja Frey

Go Girl! It has been raining now almost over a week and you better be back in boots and shell jackets. This Alexander Wang denim look includes two of the coolest pieces I have in my closet, a very tight denim shirt and those hot pants that are layered to look as though you have a denim jacket tied around your waist.

For my very attentive readers who have been asking me why I am enjoying two different pools. The answer is simple, I am currently in between houses. My fiancé and I are reconstructing our new home and we will be moving in in the end of the year.

Let me know if you would be interested in seeing the interior design process. Dressing myself or a home is something I truly love to do. And our new house will be so amazing.

My look: Belted shell jacket and buckled leather and shell platform boots, both by Prada, textured leather-trimmed denim shirt and tie-front distressed denim shorts, both by Alexander Wang, Boy bag with chains by CHANEL, and plissé sunglasses by Dolce Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Oh, how wonderful spring is! With its bees, flowers, sun and now finally rain, it is my favorite season. One tradition I truly adore is the gifting of lilies of the valley on the first of May as a symbol of springtime and to wish happiness which is very popular in France. In many countries, the first of May is also National Labor Day. As a result, it is a public holiday that we get to enjoy.

My first of May outfit: Lily of the valley-print pussy-bow silk blouse and Lily of the Valley-print pleated silk skirt, both by Valentino

Legend has it that the custom began on May 1, 1561 when King Charles IX received a sprig of the tiny flower as a token of good luck from knight Louis Girard. It is said that whoever finds a lily of the valley with 13 small bells will be particularly lucky.

The king liked the idea so much that he decided to start a tradition and presented a bouquet of lilies of the valley to each of the ladies of his court each year on the same day. And thus began the Fête du Muguet as it is called in France, or May Day.

Christian Dior dedicated his whole Spring 1954 collection to his favorite flower.

The lily of the valley was also Christian Dior’s favorite flower and one of his lucky charms. Faithful to tradition, he offered it each May 1st to all his petites mains and clients. Christian Dior so cherished this spring flower that his florist, Madame Dedeban, grew it for him year-round in a specially heated greenhouse!

The Dior Hommes Fall 2014 collections full of lily of the valley details.

Thus, summer or winter, he was never without a sprig of it in his buttonhole. He also kept some in a finely-wrought box in his pocket. During preparations for his fashion shows, he would ask his petites mains to sew some sprigs of lily of the valley into the hem of a sleeve or a dress. Being the talisman it was, he was also prone to pinning it to the underside of the lapel of the suits worn by his models.

The original Diorissimo bottle of 1956

His beloved flower was also present in his collections each season. He devoted an entire line to it for spring 1954, and, two years later, with Edmond Roudnitska, the couturier realized his dream of capturing its green and floral fragrance. And so, 1956 saw the launch of his third opus, Diorissimo, a triumph of olfactory prowess.

Dior Haute Couture S/S 2016

Lily of the valley has inspired the House’s perfumes and designs ever since, as it did the S/S 2016 haute couture collection. Sprigs of lily of the valley, traced out in beads and sequins, bloomed across a white Bar jacket, the result of over three hundred hours of embroidery.

Kirsten Dunst at the 69th Festival de Cannes in 2016

Later in 2016, at the 69th Festival de Cannes, Kirsten Dunst ascended the famous steps in a white silk gazar Dior haute couture dress embroidered with 300 lily of the valley flowers.

The famous dress Muguet from 1957 was on display at the amazing V&A exhibition «Christian Dior Designer of Dreams»

This special creation was inspired by the dress Muguet, designed by Christian Dior for his S/S 1957 collection in which the flower also blossomed on a dress named Mois de Mai.

Surprise for my daughter today: The beautiful Lucky scent engraved with her name and sign.

In 2018, the Maison launched Lucky as part of their Maison Christian Dior Collection – another fragrance that features lily of the valley, in combination with white flowers and ozonic notes. The nose behind is Francois Demachy, Parfumeur-Créateur Dior, who says:. “Christian Dior was very superstitious and would stitch a stem of lily of the valley into the seam of his dresses for good luck. I wanted to represent the perfume of this hidden lily of the valley, sewn into metres of silk, with a profusion of white flowers and freshness. The scent of his favourite flower gradually reveals itself. Lucky is a good luck charm and the perfume to wear whenever you want to cross your fingers.”

Dior’s new Lily of the Valley china is so beautiful, click here for more infos. 

And last but not least, a very sweet fairytale tells of the affection between the lily of the valley and a nightingale. Once upon a time, every night, the nightingale would come to the garden to sing. However, the lily of the valley was shy and hid herself from the bird. The nightingale was lonely and said he would no longer sing unless the lily of the valley revealed herself, and promised to bloom every May for all to see. And so she does.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior, Giambattista Valli, Vogue and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

A common refrain during the COVID-19 pandemic: Life is a blur. The days all seem to blend together — is it Tuesday or Friday? It’s Thursday! Before the lockdown, my week consisted of a handful of recurring activities, obligations and other plans. I knew it is Thursday because I am my having my yoga class. Being stuck at home has completely distorted my sense of time. I have to remind myself which day of the week it actually is. Therefore, I decided to make life feel a little more normal by adding a routine to my week and by dressing up in a very comfy way when working at my desk. Today’s look has become actually my favorite quarantine outfit!

However, I am spending even more time looking at my screen with multiple Zoom Meetings, so many posts to be written and changes to adapt. Therefore a ritual that has become pretty additive for me is the application of my LA MER EYE CONCENTRATE. It adds some structure to my life in quarantine, helps me to focus when my thoughts are drifting away at home.

My look: GG logo jersey jacket, matching GG logo jersey sweat pants, red T-shirt with tennis embroidery, Rajah large embellished leather-trimmed tweed tote, Dionysus leather-trimmed bouclé-tweed shoulder bag, Angelina crystal-embellished tweed sandals, all by Gucci, bow-detailed embellished satin headband by Prada, and hoop earrings by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Location: Presidential Suite / Park Hyatt Zurich
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Today is World Dance Day, a global celebration of dance, that takes place every year on 29 April. Ever since I was a little girl dance has always been my favorite sport.

When house cleaning sucks, especially with no help during quarantine, I love to dress up, put the music on and dance while doing chores. So much more fun and thanks to my new noise-cancelling headphones (for more infos, see yesterday’s post here) nobody gets disturbed.

Let’s face it — It’s more productive to clean the house while singing and dancing to a catchy tune.

My look: Allison grain de poudre wool blazer by Stella McCartney, silk-paneled cashmere and silk-blend tank, silk-satin track pants, and satin platform pumps, all by Tom Ford, Aby Lock small printed leather shoulder bag by Chloé, Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet, H9 3rd generation Active Noise Cancellation Headphones in peony by Bang & Olufsen, JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet in rose gold with diamonds, LOVE bracelet SM in white gold, LOVE bracelet in rose gold with 4 diamonds, and CLASH DE CARTIER bracelet SM in rose gold, all by Cartier, Coco Crush bracelet in yellow gold by CHANEL, Rose Céleste necklace in 18k yellow and white gold, diamond, onyx and mother-of-pearl, daisy necklace and Astro Dior aquarius necklace, both by Dior Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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As much as I love fashion, I love medicine. The only reason why I didn’t become a doctor was that I didn’t want to wear a white coat every day and have short nails. I know it sounds superficial but it is true! During my law studies, I took a few semesters of forensic medicine because I was so interested.

Therefore I was absolutely fascinated by The Prada Group‘s latest commitment to support PROTEGGIMI with the aim of exploring the role science plays in contemporary society. This research project dives into male susceptibility to Coronavirus. Clinical data suggest that COVID-19 affects men more seriously than women: San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, supported financially by the Prada Group, will investigate the role played by male sex hormones in this imbalance.

San Raffaele Hospital in Milan

Coming on the back of the «Human doctors, warrior patients» project, a partnership with the Gianni Bonadonna Foundation to develop innovative cancer treatment and research, the initiative not only coincides with a period of global health crisis – researching why the pandemic predominantly affects men – but also reflects Prada’s forward-looking, original research, which seeks to foster dialogue between neuroscience and culture.

Prof. Andrea Salonia

The PROTEGGIMI project, developed by the San Raffaele research hospital in Milan and coordinated by urologist and andrologist Prof. Andrea Salonia, director of the San Raffaele Urological Research Institute and a lecturer at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, will seek to explain the disparity in the impact of COVID-19 on men and women and to assemble a European register of epidemiological data on COVID-19, broken down by sex. The project will also involve various research groups from Italy and across Europe.

According to the latest data, men account for 66% of deaths from COVID-19 in Italy – a percentage that rises as the age bracket gets younger – and they are also more likely to require treatment in intensive care, accounting for 82% of all admissions in the Lombardy region. Sex hormones, and testosterone in particular, could explain this disparity, at least in part.

«It is crucial to be able to examine separate data for men and women», Prof. Salonia explained, «if we are to understand whether testosterone levels are linked to the severity of the illness, and to assess any long-term impacts on the overall health of men who have recovered from the virus. We hope this research will produce its first results in the next few weeks».

Personally speaking, I am really looking forward to seeing the outcome of this research.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada