Sandra‘s Closet

Personally speaking my favourite Hawaiian resort to stay at is the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, located at the Wailea Beach.

The beach in front of the hotel is wider than most of the others on the island with wonderful golden sand. This is where I started each morning with a yoga session. Listening to the sound of the waves, embraced by the softness of the sand was just amazing. Of course, this hotel is the perfect place to get married and during my stay, I witnessed many wedding celebrations.

The five-star hotel is home to four restaurants and bars, including an outpost of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s famous Spago. During your stay, you can treat yourself to some fine food. And of course, upon your arrival at the resort, you will be presented with the obligatory lei greeting.

The pool area is great but if you travel with kids not comparable to the Grand Wailea Resort which is next door, reminiscent of an amusement park, with fountains, tarzan’s swing, slides, caves, a bar in the pool and many other attractions. One of them while I was there: Britney Spears with her sons.
But be careful, all Grand Wailea Resort guests have to wear silver bracelets in the pool because it seems that Four Seasons guests tend to go over there from time to time.

If you travel without kids, you will have the best experience at the Four Seasons with a special pool area for adults only. Fashionistas will love the Missoni cabanas, furnished with the Italian brands fabrics and towels, but they cost an additional $495.- a day which I find absolutely crazy. I would prefer spending that money in the hotel’s boutique Knots 22 that carry the latest fashion from top designers, such as Missoni, Stella McCartney, Lanvin and many more.

As you see in the collage above, I love to pack Missoni when travelling. Those amazing knitwear pieces don’t wrinkle and are airy to wear in warm weather. To shop Missoni, please click here.

You can explore Missoni Home by clicking here for a great selection of cushions, towels and throws. Have fun decorating your world with the iconic zigzag pattern.

There are many sport activities offered at the resort, from yoga to hula dancing, from surfing to probably the most exciting one scuba diving. The hotel has also a well-equipped gym. If you like, you can book private lessons in tennis, pilates and gyrotronics® among others to keep yourself fit and busy.

I had a wonderful time at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea. Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much) and a hui hou (Goodbye)!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today I would like to show you the first precision hair powder brush that gives instant root lift, texture and body: Volume Maker by Shu Uemura (CHF29.-).

This invisible texturizing powder also helps to refresh and blow-dry for long lasting hairstyles. It is fragrance-free and works on all hair colours.

How it works:

To be used on dry hair. Neatly separate the sections where you wish to have volume. Place the powder brush at the root area. Click and stroke side-to-side. With the fingers, massage to distribute. For added volume, I recommend backcombing the hair in addition.

I am so happy with this product. This full volume look at the roots is always hard to achieve with long hair like mine. Now, it finally works. The brush distributes the powder lightly, where you want it to go, and becomes invisible. A little bit like a dry shampoo but so much more convenient.

When it is finally time to wash your hair, I recommend Shu Uemura‘s Cleansing Oil Shampoo (400ml, CHF 61.-) to get the job done!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Shu Uemura

Anne Hathaway grabbed attention yesterday at the European Premiere of The Dark Knight Rises in London in a stunning  shimmering gown from Gucci’s Resort 2013 collection. The long-awaited conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy is released worldwide tomorrow.

Speaking of Gucci Resort 2013, Frida Giannini seeked inspiration from a glorious 60s and 70s inspired getaway in Capri. Filled with sophisticated and elegant silhouettes, the designer plays with the iconic Flora print. The colours are divine, from vintage-like sorbet shades to earthy tones of beige, brown and black. Embroideries and embellishments on the neckline resemble a summer bouquet. I would love to have every single look!

It is so Bon Chic. Bon Genre!

LoL. Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci and © Getty Images

It’s July, and in the world of beauty and fashion, that means already fall! The new makeup collections are hitting the shelves. Bobbi Brown‘s Desert Twilight Collection, inspired by end-of-day light in the desert, transitions from summer to the next season with sun-swept nudes and pinks for eyes, cheeks and lips.

Personally speaking, I love that she injects her favourite colour turquoise to add a splash of colour reminiscent of the hues of Southwest jewelry. The combination of turquoise and bronzy hues is so perfect for a late summer glow.

MY MUST-HAVES (from top left to right):

Desert Twilight Eye Palette (Limited Edition) – CHF90.- / $60.-
Shades: Navajo, Twilight Pink Metallic, Twilight Metallic, Cement, Pink Dusk Metallic, Dusk Sparkle, Water Colour Pink Sparkle and Chocolate Mauve.
Includes a dual-ended Eye Shadow and Eye Liner brush – all in a sleek mirrored compact – so you can apply everything like a pro.

Long-Wear Cream Shadow (Limited Edition) – CHF37.- / $24.-
Now in the limited edition shade Blue Moon.

Nail Polish (Limited Edition) – CHF27.- / $22.-
In the unexpected hue of Turquoise, polish turns nails into the perfect fall accessory.

High Shimmer Lip Gloss (New shade) – CHF35.- / $23.-
Bobbi’s new lip gloss in Bronzed Heather combines gorgeous, light-catching shimmer with lasting, non-sticky shine.

Available this month at all Bobbi Brown counters worldwide, in Zurich at Jelmoli.

LoL, Sandra

I am a grown-up Roksanda Ilincic fan as you know and her pre-fall 2012 collection is one of my favourites for the next season. Inspired by her eighteen month-old daughter’s Legos, the uber-cute designs feature drop-waist dresses, puff skirts, Mondrian-like colour blocking and divine colour combinations.

You can shop a great selection at net-à-porter.com and matchesfashion.com. The cute Suzu wool-blend crepe dress to the left above has just found its way to me.

This month, the Serbian designer has launched her debut line for two to eight year olds, entitled Blossom Childrenswear. The range features mini-me clothes with instantly recognisable aspects from Roksanda’s womenswear designs and was inspired by the birth of Roksanda’s first child Efimia, back in 2010, who is perhaps unsurprinsgly, modelling the debut collection.

Roksanda puts an emphasis on material “to ensure the collection comprises of soft textures and loose, unrestrictive shapes”. This happens when a mother designs. She knows how to keep the little ones comfortable without giving up on style. The line is available at Liberty and on AlexandAlexa.com. I am loving it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roksanda Ilincic

Ladies, store your ballet flats! If you haven’t focused on the day-slipper trend, you really should embrace it. They are on the shopping list of every fashionista and a hot fixture on the fall high street. I went for leopard print slippers by Louis Vuitton in blue (for the previous post, please click here) – Poppy Delevigny has the same ones in red. 
For fall, Miu Miu‘s velvet embroidered slippers are my season’s favourites, so chic!

By the way, gentlemen, you are in the game as well. You can find the most extraordinary models for the fashion-forward of you at the end of this post.

Get involved now and shop those must-have footwear below!

LoL, Sandra

Shop the best slippers for WOMEN:

Embroidered velvet-covered leather slippers by Miu Miu

Embroidered satin-covered leather slippers by Miu Miu

Sequined leather slippers by Marc by Marc Jacobs

Intern tartan canvas and patent-leather slippers by Christian Louboutin

Sequin skull-embellished suede slippers by Alexander McQueen

Embroidered velvet slippers by Alexander McQueen

Swarovski crystal-embellished suede slippers by Giuseppe Zanotti

Wheel studded leather slippers by Jimmy Choo

Shop the best slippers for MEN:

Victory nude nubuck leather slippers by Kardinale

Leopard print suede slippers by Jimmy Choo Men

Sloane zebra print ponyskin slippers by Jimmy Choo Men

Coarse glitter slippers by Jimmy Choo Men

Purple velvet slippers by Del Toro

Velvet slippers with crystal tassel by Giuseppe Zanotti Men

Suede and Swarovski embellished slippers by Giuseppe Zanotti Men

Embroidered velvet slippers by Stubbs & Wooton
(Stubbs & Wooton is a Florida-based label, founded in Palm Beach in 1993, that specialises in luxurious slippers).

At the moment, I am completely addicted to La Prairie face care products and took them all on my road trip through the US. This means a lot because the packaging is quite enormous. Of course, it looks very luxurious in your bathroom but if you travel a lot like me, it is not very convenient. I hope that the Swiss brand will come up one day with a travel-size collection. But packing them is worth the effort! The results that you can achieve in a short amount of time are truly amazing.

Here is what I use on a daily basis at the moment:

EYES

ESSENCE OF SKIN CAVIAR EYE COMPLEX (Day)
Instant Firming Eye Energizer

The perfect pick-me-up for the sensitive skin surrounding your eyes, this lightweight, rapidly penetrating gel acts like a mini eyelift. I like to carry it in my handbag when flying to hydrate from time to time the delicate tissue around my eye and to soothe away signs of stress and fatigue.

It also effectively “erases” slight imperfections and helps to increase the staying power of eye makeup. CHF 160.- (15ml)

CELLULAR RADIANCE EYE CREAM (Day & Night)
Restorative Eye Treatment

Unfortunately, I have very sensitive skin around the eyes and not all eye creams work for me. This one is amazing as it helps to refine, hydrate and smooth the delicate skin surrounding the eyes without being too aggressive. A brightening complex, which combines light diffusers with vitamins and minerals, fills in lines and wrinkles and provides instant luminosity, immediately wiping away signs of stress and fatigue. CHF 412.- (15ml)

FACE

CELLULAR RADIANCE EMULSION SPF 30 (Day)
Protecting Emulsion

I am using this product for quite a while now (for the previous post, please click here) and I truly love it because it improves my natural glow immediately, while working to help prevent age spots and discoloration over time. Firmness and moisture increase, giving the look and feeling of younger skin while SPF protection helps minimize skin-aging damage. CHF 570 (50ml)

CELLULAR RADIANCE CREAM (Day & Night)
Time-Correcting Treatment

As you get older, you are loosing unfortunately your youthful luminescence and radiance more and more, especially after being short of sleep or too much time in an airplane. This truly advanced de-aging treatment with unique radiance complex helps to diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles while refining and firming the skin and enhances its reflective properties. Your complexion will become more luminous, more radiant from the moment of application. It will help you look as young as you feel. CHF 820.- (50ml)

CELLULAR POWER CHARGE NIGHT (Night)
Magical things happen at night

I have told about this magic potion for your skin already in April (please click here for the previous post and the detailed information). It is no joke, it helps you to turn back the clock overnight by taking advantage of your skins natural resting state to perform necessary recovery functions. CHF 544 (40ml)

CELLULAR LIQUID SOFT GLOW (Day)
Airbrush your face

Designed to create shimmery accents to contour and highlight any area of the face, this unique formula is flattering on all skin tones. This silky, lightweight fluid enhances the natural skin tone with a brightened luminosity and creates a “soft focus” effect to blur the look of lines & wrinkles with the help of an invisible light diffuser. It may be worn alone, or blended with your favourite foundation. CHF 72.- (30ml)

LoL, Sandra

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

Giorgio Armani‘s exclusive fragrance line, Armani Privé, has expaned its ‘Les Eaux’ collection with a new edition: FIGUIER EDEN – a real ode to nature.

With their ingredients and precious bottles, ‘Les Eaux’ each illustrate the colourful emotions and fragrant scents of legendary gardens.
Personally speaking, I love fragrances that have a fig accord and this one smells amazingly well, a very sophisticated scent.

The story of FIGUIER EDEN

A heritage of Mediterranean culture, the beneficial fig tree is deeply rooted in mythological and Biblical tales and legends. A symbol of wisdom associated with the goddess Athena, it grows alongside the olive tree at the heart of the Garden of Eden, offering the flavor of its fruit and the shade of its branches in this pure, calm and luminous space.
‘Les Eaux’ are a tribute to history and nature.

Top notes: Citrus, bergamot and pink pepper.
Middle notes: Fig, Moroccan iris and spicy notes.
Base notes: Woody notes and amber.

Armani Privé – Figuier Eden is available as 100 ml EDT for CHF 189.-.

If you are at the counter, have a look at the other Armani Privé creations as well. The four fragrances from ‘Les 1001 Nuits’ are a journey inspired by oriental legends: Oud Royal, Rose d’Arabie, Ambre Orient and Cuir Noir are among my favourites as well.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Giorgio Armani and © Sandra Bauknecht

On my last evening in Maui, I went for a lovely dinner at Spago restaurant, located in my hotel Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, which was definitely the perfect way to end my trip to the beautiful island. I still have so much to show you but I am already off to new adventures.
Texas, here I come!

My look, of course with more Hawaiian prints:
Floral blouse (30% off on sale), navy blue stretch pants (50% off on sale), red Antigona envelope clutch, all by Givenchy, green leather pumps by Prada and bowtie pasta and cameo clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

This month, CHANEL‘s S/S 2012 Haute Couture makeup collection BLUE ILLUSION will hit the stores.
As free as the air itself, blue has always been an invitation to travel, from inky nights and clear lagoons. In a design-forward fashion show setting recreating a long-haul flight in midair, Karl Lagerfeld‘s designs were presented with the clouds and moon floating above the audience last January. In a halo of light and strong lines around the eye, blue eyeshadows caressed the eyelids to echo jewel dresses, accompany tomboy postures and soften rebellious hairstyles with a new chic look.

Peter Philips, Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, borrows the intangible hues of summer blue. Like a cloud-strewn sky, eyes take up shimmering reflections that change with the light.

The juvenile grace of an almost nude face showcases eyes with marine depths, mellowed by the radiance of blue tones.

On eyelids, ILLUSION D’OMBRE takes on a scintillating and satiny effect that makes eye makeup glow with each bat of the lashes. Two airy shades of grey blue, one pale, DESTINATION, and the other more intense, APPARITION, adapt to all faces. Eyeshadows are applied according to inspiration: in sheer washes or deep colour blocks, in mono­chrome or gradations.

Mascara-laden lashes accentuate the graphic tracing of the eye contour with a sophisti­cated note. LE CRAYON YEUX BLEU AÉRIEN borders the eyelids with an intense stroke, like a horizon line over the ocean. The effect can be optimized with LE CRAYON KHÔL and LE STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF, chosen in the MARINE shade, perfect to intensify the depth of the eyes or create evening makeup.

The natural complexion is simply dressed in a tender pink blush with JOUES CONTRASTE ROSE ÉCRIN.

LE CRAYON LÈVRES NATURAL becomes one with a subtle shade of ROUGE COCO SUPERSTITION, a golden beige, the favorite colour of Mademoiselle.

For the final step of this chromatic journey, LE VERNIS SKY LINE sweeps nails with a delicate shade of pearly blue that captures and softens the light in its pearly reflections.

Don’t miss those limited edition must-haves:

Illusion d’Ombre (Apparition/Destination) – CHF 47.-
Le Vernis (Skyline) – CHF 38.-
Le Crayon Yeux (Bleu Aérien) – CHF 33.-

Available this month in Chanel stores worldwide and at Jemoli in Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel