Sandra‘s Closet

Sometimes, a press release can truly surprise. Recently Donna Karan sent me a basket full of Granny Smith apples along with a bottle of cider vinegar and the house’s newest beauty launch (matching my beautiful Sac de Jour in green by Saint Laurent perfectly).

The brand is expanding its line of DKNY Be Delicious fragrances (originally launched in 2004) with a new innovative collection of skin hydrating fragrances that nourish the skin leaving it soft and luminous. The collection consists of two already known fragrances now in a new form:

DKNY BE DELICIOUS SKIN Hydrating Eau de Toilette

FLORAL FRUITY
Top notes: Cucumber, Grapefruit and Magnolia
Middle notes: Lily-of-the-Valley, Tuberose, Rose, Violet and Green Apple
Base notes: White Amber, Woody Notes and Sandalwood

Available in Switzerland exclusively at Marionnaud from February as Eau de Toilette 50ml (CHF 72.00) and 100ml (CHF 100.00). From March 2014 also in selected department stores and shops.

DKNY BE DELICIOUS FRESH BLOSSOM SKIN Hydrating Eau de Toilette

FLORAL
Top notes: Apricot, Cassis and Grapefruit
Middle notes: Lily-of-the-Valley, Rose and Jasmine
Base notes: Red Apple and Woody Notes

Available in Switzerland exclusively now at Marionnaud as Eau de Toilette 50ml (CHF 72.00).

The original formulas of the fragrances are enriched with the so-called “Apple Fusion Complex“, a blend of ingredients that is clinically proven to help moisturizing, smooth and brighten the skin. The bottles are also redesigned with a new atomizer spray for all-over body misting that dispense a soft, lightweight veil, and also with a new shape that is a bit more curvaceous.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Donna Karan and © Sandra Bauknecht

Radiant Orchid, the color of 2014, belongs to one of my favourite shades since many years. It embodies everything I love and looks amazing on most skin tones. Moreover, purple hues complement green in perfection.

My look: Edith double-breasted wool coat, Oleg fluted stretch-cady dress, green cloche hat, all by Stella McCartney, embroidered bib necklace by Matthew Williamson, heels by Gucci and So Black Kelly bag by Hermès.

Today, I am on my way to Los Angeles with Piaget, stay tuned for some fun events…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Feminine, sophisticated and reminiscent of 1950s elegance, for the new season polka dots returned to the S/S 2014 runway. At Burberry Prorsum they came in a modernized and bold way, while at Dolce & Gabbana and Moschino they appeared smaller in black and white or red – all aptly retro-inspired, especially given Moschino’s special anniversary show.

So cute, a real must-have! Polka dot ‘Pashli’ satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim

Shop the trendy look and get one of those amazing pieces:

1 Polka-dot cotton and lace shirt by No. 21
2 Febe stretch-mesh balconette bra by L’Agent by Agent Provocateur
3 Polka dot-print stretch-silk dress by Dolce & Gabbana
4 Leather-trimmed polka-dot canvas slip-on sneakers by Katie Grand Loves Hogan
5 Polka-dot linen shirt by Burberry Prorsum
6 Polka-dot cotton dress by Marni
7 Polka-dot silk bow tie by Saint Laurent
8 Chuck Taylor All Star polka-dot suede sneakers by Converse
9  Polka-dot cashmere and silk-blend scarf by Burberry Prorsum
10 Lilico flower-embellished leather sandals by Sophia Webster

There is also a scent dressed in dots living up to the trend. Insolence, one of Guerlain’s iconic fragrances, is adopting a whirlwind of neon pink polka dots. A true collector’s item for lovers of the fruity floral scent or a great way to rediscover it.

Top notes: Raspberry, red berries, lemon and bergamot
Middle notes: Violet, orange blossom and rose
Base notes: Orris, sandalwood, tonka bean and musk

Insolence – Limited Edition Crazy Touch – Eau de Toilette 50ml bottle, CHF 110.00.
Available from March 1, 2014 on all Guerlain’s authorized points of sale.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands

First launched in 1982, CHANEL‘s Les 4 Ombres, the ultimate cult palettes for the eyes, have enjoyed a tremendous success over all those years. In 2014, a new chapter is added with 8 new quads inspired by the house’s famous tweeds, the fabric Coco Chanel loved so much. Each palette contains four eye shadows, of which each represents a colored tweed thread.

I have been a huge fan of these products and was all excited to try the new ones. Just one word, they are amazing and offer everything your little beauty addict heart desires.

Just like the house’s iconic tweed jacket, these palettes can be worn in many different ways to create natural, intense, almond-shaped or smokey eyes! At the end of this post, you can find the tutorials for each of those looks, created with Chanel Les 4 Ombres in Tissé Vénitien.

Les 4 Ombres – CHF 77.00

202 Tisse Camelia
204 Tisse Vendôme
208 Tisse Gabrielle
214 Tisse Mademoiselle
224 Tisse Riviera
226 Tisse Rivoli
228 Tisse Cambon
232 Tisse Vénitien (see below)

Stylo Yeux Waterproof – CHF 35.00

905 Smoky Grey
906 Marron Glace
908 Iris
909 Bleu Metallique

Le Volume Waterproof – CHF 47.00

10 Noir
20 Brun
30 Vert Grise

Available in Europe (including Switzerland) starting Mid Mars 2014.
And now enjoy the tutorials on a sunny Sunday afternoon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Global color authority Pantone announced its official shade for 2014: RADIANT ORCHID, a captivating and enigmatic purple! “While the 2013 color of the year Emerald, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

Feeling inspired? Shop the trending colour to your wardrobe with my picks:

1 Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil by Aromatherapy Associates
2 Studded wool sweater by Versace
3 18-karat gold amethyst ring by Pippa Small
4 Queen Vic – Nail Polish by Butter London
5 Polished-leather and satin pumps by Lanvin

Radiant Orchid’s rosy undertones radiate on the skin, producing a healthy glow when worn by both men and women. A dazzling attention-getter!

My favourite accessory: Nouveau suede fringe shoulder bag by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Santigold is Santi White: an artist whose perseverance relies on invention, a major muse watched by the inspired world, an American singer-songwriter and producer. She is neither calm nor mayhem, but from her lungs burst every color in between.

Exclusively for Smashbox, she designed an amazing colorful limited edition collection inspired by the idea of a post-apocalyptic golden age. In this world she imagined, the earth, the stars, mankind and aliens co-exist in perfect harmony.

BE LEGENDARY LIPSTICK RING – CHF 68.00
Still Kickin’

EYE SHADOW COLLAGE – CHF 47.00 each
Earth As We Know (left) and Apocalypse Now (right)

BE LEGENDARY LIPGLOSS – CHF 30.00 each
All Gold E’rything (left) and Hot Lava (right)

DOUBLE-ENDED LIMITLESS EYE LINER – CHF 33.00 each
Azurite Is Never Wrong (left) and Yellow Dwarf/Green Martian (right)

In Switzerland available exclusively at MARIONNAUD from April 15, 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Smashbox

Salvatore Ferragamo has just launched a brand new fragrance SIGNORINA ELEGANZA that I know you are going to love. Elegance has always been a defining element for which the Florentine brand is famous worldwide. In tribute to this sophistication, the new luxurious fragrance celebrates feminine grace and seduction. At the end of this post, you have the chance to win a bottle… and to shop Salvatore Ferragamo online, please click HERE.

CHYPRE FLORIENTAL

Top notes: Pear and Grapefruit
Middle notes: Almond and Osmanthus
Base notes: White Leather and Patchouli

Available now as Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 75.00), 50ml (CHF 105.00) and 100ml (CHF 135.00), Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 43.00) and Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 51.00).

Anja Rubik is the face of the beautiful campaign shot by Mario Testino. The artistic and cinematographic behind the scenes images truly reflect the essence of Signorina Eleganza.

Great news is that three of my lovely Swiss readers get the chance to win a 50ml bottle of the new Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina Eleganza Eau de Parfum. To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Signorina Eleganza” to . All entries must be received until March 3, 2014. 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: Courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo

Chase away the February blues with a pop of Valentino‘s fluo Rockstud bags.
Choose from a range of bright colors such as acid green, striking yellow or hot pink.

1 Va Va Voom leather shoulder bag in neon-green
2 Va Va Voom crystal-embellished leather shoulder bag
3 Glam Lock in neon-yellow
4 Glam Lock embellished leather shoulder bag
5 Glam Lock in pink with embellishments
6 Glam Lock in neon-pink

My favorite: Va Va Voom calf hair shoulder bag with neon yellow accents.

With those bags, you cannot go wrong. They make a style statement and vamp up every look.

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday, Gucci presented their studs collection (post coming up soon) at their Las Vegas store, which is located at The Crystals at CityCenter. The newest shopping heaven in town features the most luxurious designers on over 500,000 sq ft (46,000 m2) of stylish retail space.

My look: Leopard print jacket, belted jersey dress, python sandals and Bamboo leather tote, all by Gucci, Limelight Gala watch, rose diamond necklace and ring, all by Piaget.

This is how I Vegas… indulging in the most outstanding shopping experience.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I left for an amazing press trip I had been really looking forward to since weeks. Being invited by Gucci for the launch of their limited edition fragrance GUCCI GUILTY STUD to Nevada is pretty cool, isn’t it?

The trip was long, I flew from Zurich via San Francisco to Las Vegas. During the flight, I watched (couldn’t have been a better attunement…) Last Vegas, a comedy about a wild bachelor party thrown by group of old friends (Michael Douglas, Kevin Kline, Morgan Freeman and Robert de Niro). It is such a funny movie, imagine The Hangover as a geriatric edition.

Avid readers of my blog might recognize part of my look. It is one of my favorite outfits to wear on long-distance flights as I really like to be comfy.

My look: Spencer leather lapel jacket by Saint Laurent, leopard print jacket and matching track pants, both by Dolce & Gabbana, fine-knit cashmere top by Joseph, silk stole and textured-leather Bamboo tote, both by Gucci, suede boots by Balmain, rose diamond ring by Piaget and Spectra trolley by Victorinox.

Stay tuned for more coming up from Sin City. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas… this does not apply to Sandra’s Closet! Promised, you will know everything. As a little teaser, I will enjoy a private concert by Bruno Mars tonight. Excited!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht