Sandra‘s Closet

Being the last fragrant masterpiece from Gabrielle Chanel herself, Chanel N°19 entered the world of perfumery in 1970, created by Henry Roberts. The number 19 stands for the birthday of Gabrielle Chanel: August 19th. The year of its launch, she turned 87 and died only a few months later. The green fragrant trail with distinctive hints of iris has remained a bestseller among women all around the world.

A LITTLE ANECDOTE

One day, having ordered labels with the name “Coco” on them, she realized that it didn’t work for that fragrance. And so she called it “N°19”. Why N°19? Not long before her death, Coco explained why to her friend and confidante, Carmen Tessier.

“It is the day of my birthday, August 19. I was born under the sign of Leo – the lion. And I am just like the lion: I will bring out my claws to protect myself against being hurt. But believe me, it is har­der for me to lash out at someone than to have someone lash out at me.”

“So what do you think of this fragrance?” she asked, while spraying us with more. “Believe it or not but a man once stopped me in the street because of it. As I was leaving the Ritz, I felt someone touch my shoulder.

I turned around and saw a stranger. Before I could sharply brush off this intruder, he said, with an American accent: ‘Excuse me, I’m with two ladies who would like to know what perfume you are wearing.’

“I told him: ‘Why don’t you all follow me.’ And I took them to the CHANEL boutique, where – once we arrived – they realised who I was (…).”

MADEMOISELLE CHANEL SPEAKING WITH CARMEN TESSIER ABOUT N°19, “LES ANNÉES CHANEL” BY PIERRE GALANTE, 1972, P. 321-322

This summer, a new chapter created by Jacques Pole, begins: Chanel N°19 presents itself as delicate as a cloud of powder combining iris with musky notes to give a surprising fresh aroma:
CHANEL N°19 POUDRÉ

“I wanted to underline the importance of iris at CHANEL, while giving a new facet to N°19,” revealed Jacques Polge. “The desire to rework the original accord with other, more contemporary, powdery notes, came naturally to me.”

And so it is that the latest generation of the most sophisticated, beautifully soft and light musks has joined the world of N°19. Although clearly less green, N°19 POUDRÉ diffuses an incisive freshness on first contact with a zesty sensation of Grasse neroli and mandarin. Then Iris pallida appears, clinging to the dry swirls of Haitian vetiver root, bringing hints of powder cases and lipstick wax, archetypes of noble femininity. Iris fully expresses itself, enveloped in comforting and vel­vety white musk. A light almond impression from tonka bean gives the musk an even cosier feel. And then there’s that irresistible sensation of a cloud of scent on the skin…

TOP NOTES
Grasse Neroli
Mandarin Orange

MIDDLE NOTES
Jasmine Absolute
Iris Pallida

BASE NOTES
White Musk Notes
Haitian Vetiver
Tonka Bean

Available in Switzerland starting August 19th, 2011.
EAU DE PARFUM Vaporisateur 50ml, CHF 127
EAU DE PARFUM, Vaporisateur 100ml, CHF 183

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel

Grab some AE jeans and put together a look that’s made to wow. You could win $1,000 and see your winning outfit on AE’s New York Times Square billboard! Moreover, one reader is going to receive a surprise gift pack from American Eagle Outfitters.

To participate, enter the contest here on Sandra’s Closet and create a complete outfit (you can enter as many as you like). The contest runs from now until August 18, 2011 at 11:59pm PST.

Have fun and good luck!

LoL, Sandra

No, this is not the newest Tom Ford advertising campaign. It is part of the amazing pictures taken by Mario Testino during the recent wedding of Kate Moss with rocker Jamie Hince for the September issue of American Vogue. The newly weds channel a modern-day Mick and Bianca Jagger, re-creating the couple’s 1971 backseat wedding portrait by royal photographer Lord Lichfield
On Kate: Tom Ford velvet-and-fur coat. On Hince: Tom Ford red velvet jacket.

Kate Moss graces also the cover of the fashion bible. Mario Testino captured the famous  party guests plus the beautiful decorations and details so wonderfully that I wanted to share these with you. What a great inspiration for your own big day, don’t you think?

LoL, Sandra

Lara Stone with her husband

Paul McCartney with his daughter Stella

Naomi Campbell and Marc Jacobs

Like mother, like daughter: Kate Moss with Lila Grace
Photos: via Vogue

Bye-bye Turkey! I truly enjoyed my last night at the beautiful Çırağan Palace Kempinski İstanbul. The hotel was outstanding in everything and I would absolutely recommend staying here. Here are some photos of the restored historical Sultan’s Palace which is part of the hotel and where the 11 VIP suites are located with a private entrance.

My outfit: Blue Sweater and Dress by Alexander McQueen

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Sultan suite one of the biggest in Europe with over 376 square meters is located on the second floor of the magnificent historical Palace overlooking the Bosphorus. It has hosted many royals and precious guests since its opening such as King of Spain – H. E. Juan Carlos II and the Queen; King of Jordan – H. E. Hussein and the Queen; the US former President Mr. Bill Clinton; Luciano Pavarotti and Liza Minelli, Oprah Winfrey and many more.

Staying in the Sultan Suite is a luxurious privilege with two master bedrooms and an astonishing marble bathroom with gold plated taps, guests enjoy 24 hour private butler service and absolute privacy. Rack rate: 30.000 Euro per night + VAT % 8

By the way, during my stay I spotted Zaha Hadid…

LoL, Sandra

Sultan Suite Master Bedroom

Sultan Suite Master Bathroom

Sultan Suite Second Bedroom

Sultan Suite Second Bathroom

Sultan Suite Living Room

Photos: Courtesy of Çırağan Palace Kempinski İstanbul

Yesterday, it was raining cats and dogs here in Istanbul. Unbelievable, where can I go for just one week of sunshine?!
To enlighten my weather depression, I went to Istinye Park, one of the most impressive shopping malls I have seen.

It felt a little like „Scotty had beamed me up to the USA…“ The mall showcases international brands like Zara, Gap, Massimo Dutti and many more. In addition to these stores, the shopping centre has fabulous restaurants and cafés such as Borsa restaurant and La Durée.
The outdoor section with a green central park truly resembles a Mini Rodeo Drive. It features high-end lines like for example Miu Miu, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and the local trendy department store Beymen.
With almost 300 shops in total, I was bound to find something…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

During the last days, I did a lot of sightseeing in this phenomenal city. Today was my favourite: Istanbul’s most famous monument, the former cathedral and later mosque of Haghia Sophia (meaning „Divine Wisdom“) that was originally built in 537 A.D., in the rule of Emperor Justinian, and later converted to a mosque after the conquest of the city by Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II in 1453.

View of the Haghia Sophia from the beautiful Four Seasons at Istanbul Sultanahmet terrasse.

The interior is truly awe-inspiring, particularly the main chamber, roofed by its fabulous dome, 30m (98ft) in diameter, just breathtaking.

While sightseeing, I like to be comfortable but don’t want to look too sloppy. Today I went for my T-shirt dress with colourful applications and ballet flats by Lanvin and had an extra pair of  leggings plus my ikat print scarf by Louis Vuitton with me to respect the local dress codes if necessary. Backpack (very practical) by Prada.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I visited the Grand Bazaar (in Turkish, Kapali Carsi, meaning „Covered Market“) which is truly a whole new world. Made up of a maze of interconnecting vaulted passages, the Bazaar has its own banks, baths, mosques, cafés and restaurants, not to mention the thousands of shops, all glittery and fairy-lit in the absence of natural light. Since the rise of the mall, it is no longer the biggest shopping centre in the world, but it is definitely one of the oldest. You can browse through a sea of trinkets, jewelry, clothes, oriental decorations, fabrics, carpets and much more. I tried to capture some of my favourite impressions for you and hope that you will like them.

At the end of this post, you will see what I got to take a piece of Istanbul home with me. I am invited soon to a „1001 Nights“ themed party and this will be my costume…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, I witnessed an amazing Kazakhstani wedding at my hotel Çiragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul that is located directly on the European shores of the Bosphorus. Once the residence of the last Ottomane Sultans, the architectural grandeur and stunning view, both serve as an amazing ambiance for such a celebration. Turkey is known for its great tradition of hospitality and I couldn’t agree more. The service and friendliness here are outstanding.

I have loved the wedding decoration with oriental touches and the colour combination of lilac and green. But the most beautiful detail were the dangling wedding dresses overlooking the Bosphorus. Wow!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Welcome to Ulus 29! The trendy restaurant with its bar and nightclub is an Istanbul classic. Located between the first and second Bosphorus bridges, overlooking the Anatolian side with one of the most beautiful Istanbul Strait views, it combines contemporary and traditional interiors.  The menu is a mix of both as well, from a wide sashimi selection to mini pita, Turkish pizza and yoghurt kebab.

My makeup: Eyeshadow Palette in Baby Nu and Mascara Hypnôse Doll Eyes by Lancôme, New Lip Gloss in Buff by Bobbi Brown and Wanted Blush in 01 Glowing Peach by Helena Rubinstein.
On my finger nails: Pure Colour Nail Lacquer in Berry Hot, on my toes: Pure Colour Nail Lacquer in Purple Passion, both by Estée Lauder.

My outfit: Strapless Dress (with cut-outs at the back) and Sandals by Gucci (Resort 2011), Foldover Falabella Bag by Stella McCartney and Daisy Necklace by Christian Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Merhaba! Yesterday, I flew to Istanbul, Turkey. A place I had been wanting to go for a very long time. After having arrived in my hotel in the late afternoon, I didn’t even change and went straight to the nearby harbourside  district of Ortaköy, a fascinating place full of restaurants, nightclubs, specialty antique, jewelry and ceramic shops.

On the weekends, there is a colourful street market with Turkish handcrafts and local food street vendors in an oriental setting beside the famous Ortaköy Mosque.
Enjoy my first impressions of last night. I am loving it here!

LoL, Sandra

Me at the Bosphorus

Zebra-print Top by Stella McCartney, Leggings by Blumarine, Long Cardigan by Gucci, Stingray Sunglasses by Louis Vuitton and Daisy Necklace by Christian Dior

A fun dinner outside at the House Café Ortaköy.

Ortaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus Brigde that is connecting Europe and Asia.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht