Sandra‘s Closet

Yesterday was just the perfect day. It was Swiss National Day, which is a public holiday and my parents were visiting from Germany. We were all enjoying the beauty of the garden and of course, I blogged a little in my beloved corner protected by the shade of a magnolia tree before dancing around the pool in my new clogs. Personally speaking, it doesn’t get much better than being in your own little paradise, nothing is so peaceful and relaxing.

My look: Tiered printed silk maxi dress from D&G‘s final collection, Stetson straw hat by Peter Grimm (Souvenir from Club 55 in St. Tropez), bangles by Sal y Limon, silver earrings by Gucci and my new Candy Block clogs by Lulu Vibes (If you would like to find out more about the cute brand, visit the homepage or have a look at this previous post.)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I love to have a subtle shimmer on my tanned skin in summer. Personally speaking, I think that it makes you look so much more radiant. Therefore I would like to introduce you to two  newly launched products that are beautifully scented while leaving your skin with the perfect golden glow.

Roger Gallet takes you on an olfactive journey into the Andalucian gardens of the Alhambra in Grenada under the orange trees of the Generalife Palace. Capture the vibrant sunshine, as well as the freshness of the leaf and the fruit, the softness of the flower and the fresh sensuality of orange wood.

Top notes: Bergamot, mandarin and orange
Middle notes: Ylang, orange blossom and coconut
Base notes: Cedarwood, vanilla and musk

Eau Sublime Or Bois d’Orange CHF 59.60 (100ml)

Inspired by the luxurious gardens of the Alhambra, Eau Sublime Or takes you on an exotic olfactory journey. Once sprayed – citrus fruits from Italy refresh and delight, revealing themselves a few minutes after spraying, floral & feminine heart notes of ylang, orange blossom and coconut flower are sublimely sensual. The final touch of glamour & chic – delicate flecks of gold settle on your skin in a subtle shimmer, beautifying the skin with radiance.
Does not stain clothing.

Crème Sublime Or Bois d’Orange CHF 34.90 (200ml)

An indulgent beauty ritual of summer glamour, illuminate your skin with Crème Sublime Or. Enriched with a cocktail of 6 nourishing oils (Macadamia, Argan, Camelia, Primrose, Sesame and gentle Almond), this luxurious body cream with a delicious and enchanting fragrance, moisturises and softens your skin for lasting hydration. Its delicate flecks of gold give a subtle illuminating effect. Rich but non-greasy, quickly absorbed by the skin. No parabens. Dermatologically tested.

For store locations, please visit the Roger Gallet’s homepage.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roger Gallet

To all my Swiss readers: HAPPY SWISS NATIONAL DAY!
For all others who are not familiar with this special celebration, here is some information: Swiss National Day is celebrated with fireworks and a public holiday. August 1st is to the Swiss what July 4th is to Americans, or July 14th to the French. This day was chosen because August 1st 1291 was the date on which three Alpine cantons swore the oath of confederation, an act which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland.

The Alpine country is well-known in the world for its chocolate (My favourite: Lindt), their watches (IWC, Roger Dubuis, Swatch, just to name a few) and the famous Swiss army knives (Victorinox).

The colours of the Swiss flag, red and white, have inspired me today to this cute outfit:
Floral-print cotton mini dress by Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, heart-intarsia cashmere sweater by Banjo & Matilda, red wrap watch by Swatch, Big Kiss leather lips clutch and Paloma fan-pleat satin pumps, both by Charlotte Olympia.

Enjoy your day!

LoL, Sandra

“Be yourself, everyone else is taken!”

Banjo & Matilda is the label of the moment that specializes in super soft cashmere with a playful twist (a kiss is hand-stitched on the inside of each garment). Designer Belynda Macpherson is inspired by her Bondi Beach surroundings to create clothing focused on comfort and longevity. Counting the founder’s supermodel sister-in-law, Elle, amongst its fans, the brand now boasts a luxurious selection of cashmere sweaters, coverups and pants.

“I design for real life and a love of absolute comfort and longevity. Simplicity with a generous serve of discreet luxury makes me happy, and I am guessing/hoping/knowing you’ll love it too”. – Belynda Macpherson

Find out how to style the new line and how Belynda’s sister-in-law and unofficial muse, Elle Macpherson inspired the label’s name below:

Peace-intarsia cashmere sweater

Where does the name Banjo & Matilda come from?

“I was pregnant with my son when I started the label and my sister-in-law, Elle, was adamant I call him Banjo but I compromised and used it for the label. I wanted an Aussie mate for Banjo, so I took the rest of the name from our unofficial national anthem, Waltzing Matilda.”

Star-intarsia cashmere sweater

Why a knitwear label?

“My mother used to hand knit cashmere legwarmers for ballet because I had sensitive skin, so I have an emotional attachment to it. I also noticed on the beach that everyone was wearing bikinis during the day and then putting their cashmere on at night.”

Ultimate Vee cashmere sweater

Describe the brand philosophy in 3 words?

“Sand, surf and sky – it’s very Australian, very free.”

Croquet long cashmere cardigan

How to wear your pieces?

“Either with a pair of jeans, ballet flats and a tee underneath or a nice crisp white shirt, pencil skirt and skinny belt for work.”

Oversized cashmere sweater

Who would you love to see wearing your designs?

“Elle is our unofficial muse but I also love Kate Moss and the way she puts hi-lo looks together.”

Cashmere track pants

I am in love with Belynda’s super-comfy and stylish creations and you?
To shop, click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Banjo & Matilda and net-à-porter.com

OPI has a very special treat in store for all of you this Holiday 2012! In celebration of James Bond’s Golden Anniversary OPI is releasing their first-ever 18 karat gold leaf top coat “The Man with the Golden Gun” together with a complete nail polish collection of 12 shades (The Spy Who Loved Me, Casino Royale, You Only Live Twice, Die Another Day, Skyfall, GoldenEye, The World Is Not Enough, Moonraker, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, The Living Daylights, Live And Let Die, Tomorrow Never Dies) dedicated to the famous spy.

“For 50 years Bond beauties have graced the big screen with their dazzling looks and opulent style, and gold has always played a prominent role,” commented Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI’s executive VP and Artistic Director, in the press release.

Inspired by the world of 007, this stunning top coat contains real 18 karat gold and comes packaged in a special limited edition collectable gold bottle – the ultimate holiday gift!

Burgundy and golden nails were all over the F/W 2012 runways. So get your hands on this combination for the ultimate new season manicure. Available October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

From Monogram to Monogram Empreinte, from canvas to leather…
The journey made by Louis Vuitton’s celebrated Speedy bag is short but significant. The Speedy 25 Bandoulière, the smallest version of the Speedy with its recently added shoulder strap, is now available in Monogram Empreinte – the first icon to join this subtly sophisticated calf leather line, whose embossed Monogram pattern is the symbolic imprint of Louis Vuitton’s heritage and craftsmanship.

The arrival of the Speedy, the original and quintessential city bag, represents the consecration of Monogram Empreinte, a collection at once classic and contemporary, young in spirit yet chic at any age. While retaining its iconic shape, the Speedy 25 Bandoulière has acquired new details that are typically Monogram Empreinte, notably outsize zipper pulls and bold brass rivets.
Diminutive yet deceptively spacious, as versatile as it is stylish, the Speedy 25 Bandoulière can be worn in different ways: casually slung across the body or draped gracefully over the shoulder on its adjustable, detachable shoulder strap, or else carried in the hand or hooked over the arm by its emblematic Toron handles.

To the four existing colours of Monogram Empreinte – Infini, a deep midnight blue; Orient, a burnt orange; Aube, a dark violet; Aurore, a rich raspberry – the Speedy 25 Bandoulière adds a fifth: Terre, a warm chocolate brown that is another discreet yet distinctive reminder of the history of Louis Vuitton.

Impossible though it may be now to imagine, this icon among icons was not always called the Speedy. Born in the 1930s, the little sister of the legendary Keepall was originally christened the “Express”, in reference to that era’s passion for new and faster means of transportation.

It even, for a time, bore the name “Vernet”, after a street near Louis Vuitton’s home in Paris. Neither suited it quite so well as “Speedy”, the name by which it is now affectionately known at the four corners of the globe.

The Speedy 25 has a particularly fascinating history. In 1965, Audrey Hepburn, a loyal Louis Vuitton customer, asked Henri-Louis Vuitton to create a smaller version of the Speedy as a Special Order. The Speedy 25 became a constant companion of this most stylish of stars, as it has for countless women since.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Waffle Maker (2012)

Last week, I came across this amazing piece of art by Andrew Lewicki and I was asking myself why can’t this LOUIS VUITTON WAFFLE MAKER just be a real product. Imagine your fashionable waffle imprinted with the famous Louis Vuitton Monogram pattern each morning. I am convinced that this product would be a bestseller if the French luxury house and Cuisinart collaborated to produce this creation. Fashionistas all over the globe would drool over this waffle maker to make stylish and delicious treats.

I was curious about the other work of the L.A.-based artist who was born in 1983 and found some pretty fun pieces on his homepage. Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Petit Déjeuner (2008)

Oreo Manhole Cover (2010)

Counterpane (2012)

Hermès silk scarves, Tiffany & Co. silk/wool/cashmere blend shawl, Gucci cotton shawl, Louis Vuitton silk scarf, Louis Vuitton silk/wool blend shawl, Burberry cashmere blankets, wool batting
70″ x 88″ x .5″

Photos: © Andrew Lewicki

Not only for Jo Malone fans, please have a look at the new VELVET ROSE & OUD Cologne Intense Limited Edition. Such an amazing gourmand scent.

Darkest Damask rose. Rich and textural, wrapped with smoky oud wood. Spiked with clove, decadent with praline. Velvet Rose & Oud joins the much-desired Cologne Intense Collection for a limited time. An addictive addition to the other five deeply sensual scents, inspired by centuries-old traditions of layering scents, incenses and oils. Laced with precious ingredients and lightened by a contemporary touch.

Top notes: Bergamot and clove
Middle notes: Damask rose and saffron
Base notes: Oud and praline

It took master perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin 18 months to create Velvet Rose & Oud. He describes the beautiful ingredient of praline like this: “Used in perfumery the praline note will give a fragrance more depth, inviting an unexpected and mysterious side. Known for its regressive quality, praline’s sensory effect will evoke memories that take you back to your childhood. I chose to use praline in the Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne to add a gourmand tone, with nutty almond notes. Giving a supple softness, praline is used to calm and balance the intensity of the oud. Dressing its animalic side, it moulds the oud into a more voluptuous note, while all the while complementing the sweet floral notes of the Damask rose, to make her more gourmand.”

Delicious worn alone, or layered with other Jo Malone™ scents to add textural depth.
Mist it with Dark Amber & Ginger Lily to mingle spices and incense and introduce an air of calming sensuality or Oud & Bergamot to intensify the allure of precious woods.

Available now for a limited time only.
Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne 100ml £95 / €115 /CHF165

LoL, Sandra

We’ve had Switzerland, America, Holland and now, OPI is continuing on its global tour this fall, this time with my home country Germany being the inspiration for this beautiful, very shimmering collection: GERMANY COLLECTION BY OPI.

The 12-piece collection includes from top left to lower right:

Don’t Pretzel My Buttons – A haute honey-beige that can always make you smile
My Very First Knockwurst – … and what a magical rosy-nude rendezvous it was
Berlin There Done That – A travelling taupe that’s seen it all. (Yep, that, too).
Schnapps Out of It! – Shake of the blues with a shot of fall’s must-have mauve!
Deutsch You Want Me Baby? – A self-assured shade of shimmering red-orange
Danke-Shiny Red – A self-assured shade of shimmering red-orange
Suzi & the 7 Düsseldorfs – The most beautiful bright purple of all
Every Month is Oktoberfest – Prost! Here’s to the prettiest plum in the Biergarten
German-icure by OPI – The best burgundy shimmer in the business
Unfor-Greta-bly Blue – Everyone’s favourite Fräulein loves this über-shiny blue
Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine! – A bodacious black-olive? We say “Ja! Ja! Ja!”
Don’t Talk Bach to Me – There’s nothing mellow about this sassy lime-yellow!

My favourite colour is “Deutsch You Want Me Baby?”. I love the never-seen-before metallic shimmer effect of orange and red. Such a wonderful colour for fall!

The full collection will be available in Switzerland on August 13 at select salons. Each colour retails for CHF 23.90.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I would like to introduce you to Schield Collection that was established in 2009 with the idea of interpreting jewelry in an ironic way. The mix between a young, creative team and a hand with decades of experience in the jewelry sector gives life to a high quality final product. Made in Italy, the use of precious materials combined with eccentric and fun style is the philosophy of the Schield Collection. You can shop and explore the beautiful collection at LUISAVIAROMA.COM.

One of the brand’s iconic pieces is the Crazy Rabbit Swarovski Crystals Bracelet.

Have a look at their equestrian line of outstanding horse tacks by clicking here.

The Schield F/W 2012 advertising campaign was photographed by well-known Spanish fashion photographer Diego Diez Marin. It reflects a strong woman in the middle of a frozen spring, ironic and at the same time very feminine, sexy and virginal.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Schield Collection and © Diego Diez Marin