Sandra‘s Closet

During my trip to Cuba with CHANEL, I went on a Hemingway tour, following the footsteps of one of the worlds greatest writers.

My look: Denim top and matching culottes, both by Stella McCartney, Tian slip-on sneakers and Soho mini textured-leather shoulder bag, both by Gucci, sunglasses by Chanel, Portofino Midsize Automatic watch with diamonds and grey alligator bracelet by IWC Schaffhausen and Double C diamond black lacquer white gold ring by Cartier.

First stop was Finca Vigía, the only «real home» the author had in his lifetime. The house is located in a small, modest suburb of Havana named San Francisco de Paula, not too far from the capital city. Today it is a museum. You can only see the rooms from the outside looking inside the windows. It is very impressive to see the place where many masterpieces were written. In the garden there is even a small cemetery where Hemingway had buried his favorite dogs.

Second stop was the charming fishing village Cojímar that was the background for one of Hemingway’s most important works «The Old Man and the Sea» that is based on a real character living in town. The writer came here often by boat and had drinks at the local bar La Terraza. Today, one table with a stunning view from the seaside dining room is still reserved honoring Hemingway. For true literature aficionados, it’s a must see visit.

«But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.»
– Ernest Hemingway

Last stop of my Hemingway Cuba tour was El Floridita, a lovely bar in the center of Havana where the writer enjoyed many of the world’s famous daiquiris. Right to the left when you enter, you will find a life-sized bronze statue of Hemingway leaning his elbow on the mahogany countertop remembering their well-known guest.

On my Hemingway tour Cuba I have learned al lot about the writer’s past and his relationship with the Caribbean country and I can only recommend it! I feel blessed to have experienced the country before it will loose its old-world charm.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I am so in love with the new Gucci collections created by Alessandro Michele. Playful, feminine and in keeping with the motto «more is more», those pieces are absolute eyecatchers.

My look: Cotton-blend green lace dress, Linea G 2 leather-trimmed canvas shoulder bag, embellished leather mid-heel loafers, gold-tone crystal bracelet, double wrap ring with tiger heads, Tiger head ring with black enamel, wide band in metal and drop flower earrings with green crystals, all by Gucci. Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier, and «Dior Split» sunglasses by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I had come back from Havana right on time for Mother’s Day. My daughter really spoilt me on Sunday and I am so proud to be her mum. To celebrate the occasion, I chose this outfit as Dolce & Gabbana’s collections are often celebrating the Italian famiglia and the print on my skirt is based on drawings by the designers’ nieces and nephews.

My look: Neon pink silk top by Balenciaga, printed silk-satin midi skirt and Sicily medium appliquéd embellished textured-leather tote, both by Dolce & Gabbana, feather-winged suede sandals by Edgardo Osorio for Salvatore Ferragamo, feline earrings with crystals by Gucci, bangles by Chanel, Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier, ring «Mitza» by Dior Haute Joaillerie and Croco Tail sunglasses by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

One week offline… internet in Cuba is characterized by a low connections, limited bandwidth, censorship, and high cost. But now I am back from Havana and filled with amazing memories that I cannot wait to share with you. The city is full of beautiful colors and the vibrant walls were the perfect background to shoot this beautiful Temperley London dress that was inspired by Cuba.

My look: Arabelle wrap-effect embroidered cotton dress by Temperley London, fringed tweed bag, candy necklace and bracelet, all by Chanel, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, Portofino Midsize Automatic watch with diamonds and grey alligator bracelet by IWC Schaffhausen, Double C diamond black lacquer white gold ring by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

MEET THE MINI C de CARTIER
A baby-doll style in sharp, bright tones, the XS version of the C de Cartier bag electrifies any outfit with a vibrant pop of colour. Adorable and lightweight, this bag offers a fresh addition to an exquisite collection, adding a level of fun plus the ability to surprise!

COLOUR BLOCK
Utterly unique charm – popping pigments make a statement full of energy and sumptuous vitality: shimmering gold, jonquil yellow, morganite pink and peridot green.

ULTIMATE KNOW-HOW
With its pint-sized dimensions, two cheeky handles and a strap, this mini bag cultivates the chic know-how of its bigger counterpart. Finish off your look with tone-on-tone or contrasting saddle topstitching, a silver-coloured Cartier signature and hemmed leather lining.

I like and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier 2016, JB Thiele

Today and running through the week, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) has opened its doors. Only invited journalists and retailers from around the world are able to visit this most exclusive watch fair in Geneva at the Palexpo convention center. Renowned watch brands, such as IWC Schaffhausen, Audemars Piguet, Piaget, Montblanc, Cartier, Vacheron Constantin just to name a few display their newest timepieces. As all of these houses have in general famous ambassadors, you will most likely run in many celebrities at the exhibition. In the evening, exclusive events take place. One that is definitely not to miss is IWC Schaffhausen’s gala night which always takes place on Tuesday evening. Enjoy some of my impressions of last year and stay tuned for the new ones coming up soon!

Monday night is Montblanc night. Charlotte Casiraghi wore the same Montblanc earrings than me.

French actor Pierre Niney

Tuesday is THE day at the IWC Schaffhausen booth, many celebrities (here among them Nico Rosberg, Louis Hamilton, Ronan and Storm Keating) visit the Swiss watch manufacturer.

Framed by Marc Forster and Luis Garcia Fanjul.

IWC brand ambassador Karolina Kurkova with me

In the evening, the IWC gala «Journey to the Stars» took place which was amazing.

With Adriana Lima and Barbara Becker.

Great performance by Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall.

Love her! Emily Blunt

Having fun!

James Marsden.

With IWC Schaffhausen CEO Georges Kern 

British Formula 1 racing car driver Lewis Hamilton

As SIHH is all about watches, I would like to show you two of my favorite models I spotted last year. First the Big Bang Broderie by Hublot. Sized at 41mm, these beautiful watches come in three styles (two are shown in the picture). All are limited to 200 pieces, each style.

And second, Cartier‘s Rêve de Panthère watch. In this spectacular creation, Cartier’s panther emblem enters the decoration – at once diurnal and nocturnal – of a day/night movement that belongs to the great tradition of the Maison’s complications. Like by magic, The background sky changes from starry night to shining sun for an extraordinary interpretation of time measurement.

Enjoy your day!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and Cartier, © Sandra Bauknecht

This Sunday, I drove to Colmar in Alsace, France that is well known for its famous Christmas market. I can absolutely recommend this weekend excursion. From Zurich, it took me around one and a half hour to get there by car. Once you have arrived, you will enter the magic of Christmas at its best. First of all there’s the ambiance of the Old Town, illuminated and decorated like a fairy tale.

Colmar town centre is essentially pedestrian, comprises numerous architectural treasures such as monuments, churches, museums and alleys, full of imposing buildings dating from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Enjoy some of yesterday’s impressions below.

My look: Belted shearling coat and studded wool-silk shawl, both by Gucci, Tiger embroidered cotton-jersey sweatshirt by Kenzo, Le Garcon mid-rise slim boyfriend jeans by Frame Denim, suede boots by Prada Sport, boy bag with chains by Chanel, rose diamond ring by Piaget, Pasha C watch by Cartier and Carlina round-frame gold-tone sunglasses by Chloé.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Saturday, the 24th Street Parade took place in Zurich. The sun was shining and I enjoyed a fun afternoon at the Baur au Lac hotel. The Boom Boom au Lac party is a great way to have a front row seat at the iconic music parade while enjoying the serenity and space of the hotel’s beautiful park.

My look: Sea foam beaded tulle and navy lame dress and embossed lizard leather lace up booties, both by Rodarte, python leather buckle belt and Cassandre small suede shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery, white cuff by Chanel and Pasha C watch by Cartier, earrings by Prada and sunglasses by Céline.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht

In Amsterdam I stayed at The College Hotel which I can absolutely recommend. One night, I had dinner with my Dutch friends at Nacional, which is a great restaurant reminiscent of a Parisian brasserie. Afterwards, we had drinks at Bo Cinq followed by some dancing at Jimmy Woo.

My look: Leopard jacquard blazer and Tribute patent-leather sandals, both by Saint Laurent, black jumpsuit by Michael Kors, satin clutch by Prada, diamond bracelet by Vainard Fine Jewellery, diamond ring and rose necklace, both by Piaget and Amulette necklace by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A simple truth is that I like summer much better than winter and that I still remember those warm days I had in December when I I flew to Mauritius and stayed at the new beautiful LUX* Belle Mare resort. Even that it was raining most of the time, I could still wear something light.

My look: White lace embroidered slip dress by Thakoon, Rodizio clutch by Mary Katrantzou, Alice leather sandals with pearls by Saint Laurent, Amulette necklace by Cartier, candy necklace by Chanel, Tiffany T bracelet in rose gold by Tiffany & Co. and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

Speaking of which, while you are reading this post, I am on my way to sunny Los Angeles…
stay tuned for more.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht