Sandra‘s Closet

For F/W 2018, it is one of my favorite trends: the comeback of the cape, so versatile and easy to put over even the biggest sleeves (click here for my look in the picture).

While being in London with my dear girlfriends, we had a heated discussion about finding the perfect black cape that is not overloaded with embellishments and I promised I would make a great selection which I am happily sharing with you today. Thank you, ladies, for your inspiration!

Here are the best pieces available at the moment (I also looked for the best deals…):

My favorite with its sophisticated black on black embroidery:
Baroque embroidered cape by Versace 

Classy and beautiful:
Mid-length cape with tassel detail by Lanvin

A great and unusual cut:
Asymmetric cape coat by Givenchy (30% off)

Like a queen:
Embellished cape coat by Versace

The subtle embellished piece:
Serena bead-embellished wool-blend cape by Altuzarra (50% off)

Military inspiration:
Embroidered cape by RED Valentino (30% 0ff)

Always stylish – the cropped version:
Cashmere cape by Chloé (50% off)
(Also available at Net-à-Porter but there it is not marked down yet.)

Love this one – too cute:
Studded scalloped wool and cashmere-blend cape by Valentino

Also available in a long version:
Wool and cashmere cape by Valentino

For the ultimate WOW-effect:
Cape-style blazer by Saint Laurent

The evening piece:
Satin-trimmed velvet cape by Saint Laurent

I hope that you have enjoyed this selection. Happy Friday to everyone!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © David Biedert Photography

A very dear and stylish friend of mine with whom I just spent two amazing days in London on a girls trip asked me where she could find a black tulle skirt. Thank you for the inspiration to write this post! (To see the complete look that I am wearing in the collage, click here please).

Versatile, comfortable and stylish – a black tulle skirt looks great with sneakers during the day and absolutely stunning with glamorous attire at night. You can even wear it for a black tie event if it is long enough. I love the combination with a white blouse – classy, sophisticated and feminine.

Here are my favorite pieces available right now. To shop, just click on the highlighted text:

The classic one:
Full layered tulle skirt by RED Valentino

Sophisticated with contrast stitching:
Long tulle skirt by Dorothee Schumacher

Trending: sheer tulle!
Lace tiered tulle skirt by Dolce & Gabbana

Like a ballerina:
Tiered tulle skirt by Brunello Cucinello

The embellished piece (best value for money!):
Lumiere embellished tulle maxi skirt by Needle & Thread (60% off)

The puffy one (something I love):
Tiered jacquard-tulle midi skirt by Needle & Threat

The fun one:
Flamingo patches tulle skirt by Olympiah (40&% off)

Ruffles are always an option:
Tulle tiered maxi skirt by Milla Milla (30% off)

Ready for the next black tie event:
Embellished sheer maxi tulle skirt by Elie Saab

A vintage piece from 1980 (It might have imperfections!):
Full length vintage tulle skirt by William Vintage
(By the way: William Vintage London is the world’s most beautiful haute couture vintage store. Totally trustworthy! The place to go if you like to find treasures from past decades.
2 Marylebone St, Marylebone, London W1G 8JQ,  Phone: +44 20 7487 4322).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Still haven’t been to the Polo Bar, RALPH LAUREN‘s first restaurant in New York City? The designer’s Kipton Mixologist Box lets you bring the designer’s signature cocktail style with you wherever you go. The travel set includes a hand-cut crystal decanter, four matching glasses, a leather-bound book full of cocktail recipes, a bottle opener, six cocktail picks, four coasters, and a silver-plated brass jigger and nut bowl. The elegant saddle leather carrying case is lined with our signature Wexford plaid wool, which is featured in the dining room’s décor.
Such a great gift for cocktail cognoscenti…

TO SHOP THE KIPTON MIXOLOGY BOX ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

The famous Polo Bar
1 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022, USA – Phone: +1 212-207-8562

Photos: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren

One of my favorite hotels in the world, the iconic Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, which is part of the Oetker Collection, has come together with HUBLOT to create a limited edition of fifty Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Eden Roc watches in a to die for blue shade.

With this unique creation, HUBLOT joins the prestigious Eden Being collection, with its exclusive and bespoke pieces. A wonderful homage to a legendary place where artists, writers, film stars, royalty and other distinguished figures have all been inspired over time.

In its black ceramic dinner jacket, polished and glossy, the Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Eden-Roc has a laid-back look. The markers, hands and hour counter are all in elegant shades of blue, inspired by the Mediterranean Sea. It is worn on the wrist with a strap in aged blue leather or perforated black calfskin with blue topstitching.

The second counter at 3 o’clock is inspired by the iconic buoy of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, the very buoy which looks out over the seawater pool hewn into the rock, with its blue tone, merging with the colour of the sea, which inspired the watch’s various shades. The HUB1155 self-winding skeleton chronograph movement has a power reserve of forty two hours.

The Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Eden-Roc watch is a limited edition. Just fifty numbered models, presented in a varnished mahogany case: an exquisite rendering of the hotel’s pier, stretching out into the infinite blue of the Mediterranean Sea, dotted with boats moored in the bay. Personally speaking, a match made in heaven!

YOU CAN PRE-ORDER THE CLASSIC FUSION AEROFUSION CHRONOGRAPH EDEN-ROC HERE FOR €19.500.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot, Oetker Collection and © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is my look that I wore to the Montblanc dinner hosted by Charlotte Casiraghi for the collection launch «Les Aimants» at Villa La Favorite Mid May in Cannes.

My look: Meda silk chiffon-trimmed sequined stretch-jersey midi dress by Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, Bianca metallic elaphe sandals and Cassandre small suede shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent, silver-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Miu Miu, and sunglasses by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last month, I flew to the Cannes Film Festival, and spent some amazing days there. Those who have been following me on Instagram have already seen a sneak preview of my experiences. One of them was a private dinner hosted by Charlotte Casiraghi to present her first jewellery collection with Montblanc, so called «Les Aimants by Charlotte Casiraghi».

Needless to say that the location, the magnificently modern Villa La Favorite, was just perfect for this intimate gathering. The Côte d’Azur is the home of the monégasque royal family, so of course Charlotte had an idea what the most suitable party venue could be. Guests from within her circle of family and friends, as well as models Toni Garrn, Cindy Bruna and French actress Virginie Ledoyen enjoyed a first look at the new jewellery collection on the terrace of the magnificent Belle-Époque property while sipping a glass of champagne.

Left: MAN RAY (1890-1976) Nancy Cunard, 1927
Right: The new jewelry collection «Les Aimants» by Charlotte Casiraghi

Inspired by a 1920s photograph of Nancy Cunard (1896-1965), the writer, heiress, political activist, and muse to some of the 20th century’s most distinguished writers and artists, who was also known for wearing stacks of large African wood and ivory bangles, the line features a range of circular charm necklaces, rings and bangles made in black and white resin. Charlotte had the concept of attraction between opposites in mind, therefore the jewelry pieces come with a magnetic silver part to enable the stacking and give women the freedom to customize versatile and contemporary styles by pairing them in a creative way.

During dinner, Parisian duo Hollydays, introduced by Charlotte Casiraghi as dear friends to her heart, performed their original blend of pop and electro music while guests enjoyed a delicious menu that was also a creative interpretation of the theme with the contrasting colours and textures.

CEO of Montblanc, Nicolas Baretzki and Charlotte Casiraghi wearing pieces from the new collection «Les Aimants»

The party continued late into the night when more guests joined the after-party… Following its Cannes debut, the new collection is now available in Montblanc boutiques globally as well as on the brand’s e-commerce.

Enjoy more photos of this beautiful night below…

LoL, Sandra

French actress Virginie Ledoyen

Festival de Cannes jury member Khadja Nin

With Nicolo Oddi, founder & CEO Alanui, at dinner

Pierre Niney and Sveva Alviti

Creative Director of Montblanc, Zaim Kamal worked closely with Charlotte Casiraghi to create the new jewellery collection «Les Aimants».

Toni Garrn

With lovely Cindy Bruna, one of my favorite VS Angels

Sisters: S.A.R. Alexandra De Hannover and Charlotte Casiraghi

Photos: Getty Images for Montblanc and © Sandra Bauknecht

If you’re wondering how to win your football-crazy guy’s heart, here are a bunch of ideas to turn the World Cup 2018 in a romantic love story. Watching him looking all stylish in front of the TV might help the relationship as well! I’ve found cool cufflinks, retro shirts and a vintage football that even you will want to display. And promised there is absolutely no dull coffee table books about lionised managers from bygone eras. Apologies if that’s your thing…

Football cufflinks by Paul Smith

Archive-print football V-neck T-shirt by Versace

Predator 18+ football trainers by Adidas by Pogba

Football-print cotton T-shirt by Vetements (50% 0ff)

Footballs socks by Saks Fifth Avenue Collection

Vintage World Cup ’98 football by Louis Vuitton

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

I love Prada. The reason is that Miuccia Prada has been a real trendsetter from her early beginnings, a strong woman with a clear vision. She doesn’t go with the flow, she is the flow.
Being a feminist, her way of dressing is a fierce force of nature. She’s saying «bye-bye» to the dated rules of how a woman «should» dress, because she absolutely understands there is no right way to be a woman. Miuccia Prada knows how to set the rules, new rules, to combine the unexpected. This is exactly what I love.

Her looks exude a very confident, powerful energy so intoxicating that it’s palpable. Here I am wearing some cute girly-like pastel colors but if you look closely at my tops, you will stop and think what the hell is this devil doing there and collectively wonder: Who. Is. This. Girl?! She is wearing a bandeau top over a striped shirt and wait… both are inside out.

My look: Printed striped cotton-poplin shirt, and printed striped cotton-poplin bandeau top, and vintage embellished pink satin clutch, all by Prada, layered tulle midi skirt by D&G Dolce & Gabbana, embellished satin pumps and gold glitter sunglasses, both by Miu Miu

A girl who chooses to embrace a fierce style is saying she doesn’t care if you think she’s «cute.» She just is! And most importantly she doesn’t care if people find her «intimidating.» She’s simply going as she feels like. There is nothing in the world sexier than going as yourself.

My summer inspiration? A chill day at the pool, working, embracing my feminine side while kicking some …! We should all dress not for men, nor even for other women, but for ourselves.

WIN A BOTTLE OF PRADA CANDY SUGAR POP EdP 80ml

And the same goes for fragrances. If you like it, wear it. You are the one around it 24/7. This one «Prada Candy Sugar Pop» – 30ml (CHF 87.00) and 50ml (CHF 116.00) – has just come out in spring as part of the playful gourmand collection Prada Candy. Delicate notes of Peach and Vanilla mingle with airy Apple and Mahonial and shiny top notes of Bergamot and Green Citrus, comprising an unexpectedly substantial scent story: a sweet first impression cut with an ironic aside, Prada Candy Sugar Pop leaves the room on a high note.

I really like its sweetness, so contradictious to a fierce look. You just have to know how to do it, that’s all. And this, sweet kittens, is where I come in. Tell me about your summer inspiration (description or photo) and WIN A BOTTLE OF PRADA CANDY SUGAR POP EdP 80ml. To participate, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header «MY PRADA SUMMER INSPIRATION» to . All entries must be received until June 30, 2018. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. The winner has to have a Swiss address.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – the contest is sponsored!
#mysweetaddiction, #pradafragrances, #pradacandysugarpop @prada

Aren’t we all about a two-for-one kind of a deal?! That’s why I would like to show you the It-piece of the S/S 2018 season, the hybrid piece, that is pretty exciting for me. Spotted on the runways of the likes of Alexander Wang, Balenciaga and Sacai to name a few, the designers layer two separate items and are selling them as one. A blouse attached to a cardigan, a crepe dress with another overlay dress, even a cashmere sweater with a lingerie top.

Cotton and pleated checked satin cardigan by Sacai

Though the idea of letting a brand choose how you should style clothes might sound limiting, all of the pieces below feel surprisingly versatile and entirely stylish. And after all, these designers know a thing or two about how to put together an outfit—why not let them do the work?

Check out my favorite hybrid picks below, and good news is they are all on sale. So you can really try the trend for yourself without feeling guilty! Don’t forget you are getting two for one!

From left to right: Layered lace-trimmed satin and jersey dress, Stack Tie tie-front distressed high-rise straight-leg jeans, and paneled wool-blend, lace and satin sweater, all by Alexander Wang.

From left to right: Cotton-twill and denim coat,  and layered printed crepe de chine and silk midi dress, all by Balenciaga.

From left to right: Printed striped cotton-poplin shirt, and printed striped cotton-poplin bandeau top, both by Prada.

From left to right: Layered straight jeans, and layered oversized jeans, both by Natasha Zinko.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Ladies, finally it is summer, time for us to enjoy the pool or the beach. But we all want to look our best without spending too much time on our daily make-up. Here is my personal super duper tip that will save you lots of hours and earn you many compliments.

My avid readers know I cannot live without this savior:
SOLEIL DE LA MER THE FACE AND BODY GRADUAL TAN
CHF 110.00 (200ml)

I tan pretty fast on my body but not on my face (this is also an advantage… less wrinkles!). I have a pretty pale complexion but since I use this amazing product all year around, I always get compliments for my tan. This refreshing self-tanning lotion absorbs quickly for an even, perfectly natural-looking glow with no streaks (no orange stripes, no bad smell). Infused with the nutrient-rich Miracle Broth™, heart of La Mer’s profound powers of transformation, it immerses skin in moisture, soothing sensitivities and restoring radiance. With sea-born antioxidant actives, it helps revitalize and recharge for a year-round radiance. It is so easy to apply! You will love it! And I use it on my body twice a week but daily on my face!

And then there are two new limited-edition products that LA MER has launched this summer that I don’t want you to miss.

Up first is the limited-edition SOLEIL DE LA MER BRONZING POWDER
CHF 98.00

Also infused with nutrient-rich Miracle Broth™, this silky pressed powder creates the look of a glimmering sun-kissed glow any day of the year. Harmonious and illuminating shades blend perfectly to highlight and define the contours of the face. The skin looks radiant with a sun-warmed, illuminated glow. It is scented with this kind of beachy resort-like fragrance that makes you feel like being on holidays in your own bathroom.

Next there are the two new limited-edition SOLEIL DE LA MER THE LIP AND CHEEK GLOWS (Coral Glow and Pink Sands)
CHF 75.00

This blend of glowing pigments suspended in nourishing oil gives skin a quick hint of healthy color. They are as well infused with the iconic nourishing Miracle Broth™, and add a sheer, buildable flush of color to lips and cheeks as they visibly refresh and renew delicate skin. I especially love to use them on my lips as they nourish them very well and moreover they taste amazing, reminiscent of  a delicious sweet mint.

You can find the LA MER summer collection out now. To see me wearing it, click here for this previous post at the pool. TO SHOP LA MER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of La Mer and Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht