Sandra‘s Closet

What is the ultimate style? For me this means investment pieces that are timeless, classy and that you can keep for many seasons to come. In terms of brands, CHANEL is one of the Houses that offers great and seasonless investment opportunities.

My look: Sparkling knitted dress with silky underdress by CHANEL, Chiara crystal-embellished suede slingback pumps, and Palmette crystal-embellished suede cross-body bag, both by Christian Louboutin, and necklace by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – The photos were taken by myself at Gstaad Palace.
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I am a queen because I know how to govern myself. Ladies, never forget, you are the queen of your own empire! Straighten your crown and make the world your oyster and that works best in a great outfit.

My look: Cropped embellished cotton-blend sweater, and cutout crystal-embellished distressed high-rise slim-leg jeans, both by Area, turquoise logo embossed medium Baguette bag by Fendi, loafers with logo buckle by CHANEL, «Les Mustangs II»double face scarf 90 by Hermès, and Aquanaut Luce in khaki green by Patek Philippe.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – The photos were taken by myself at Gstaad Palace.
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Adventure time in my new cruelty-free fake fur coat that still captures the luxurious appeal of mink. Nadja Axarlis, founder of FAZ, produces her luxury pieces at a small Parisian atelier. I had a lot of fun taking these photos in the snow outside of the Gstaad Palace hotel.

By the way, the sweater features a travel destination that is on top of my bucket list, can you guess which one it is?

My look: The Cool belted faux fur coat by FAZ, Ines embroidered cashmere-jacquard sweater, and Diana suede leather tote, both by Gabriela Hearst, printed jersey track pants by Dolce & Gabbana, «Vicky» hat in black by Hermès, green rubber boots with logo (F/W 2022 Runway), earrings with red and turquoise stones (Métiers d’Art 2014 Paris – Dallas), and sunglasses, all by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography 
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The heart shape as a motif is impossible to ignore in fashion right now. Already in June last year, I posted about the heart shaped bag trend. Fans of the heart bag may not intrinsically realize it, but the motif speaks to a psychological comfort during a time when things are still incredibly uncertain.

CHANEL debuted pastel quilted flap bags in the shape of chunky hearts on the S/S 2022 runway and they immediately sold out everywhere. I found one for you pre-owned in great condition, that is 15% off right now, please see below.

2022 Heart diamond-quilted crossbody bag by CHANEL Pre-Owned

The shape of a heart is so beautiful, but also gives good energy and in some ways, hopefully, spreads love. Valentine’s Day is coming up and I thought you might get inspired. However heart shaped bags aren’t just for Valentine’s Day and weddings, just saying… happy shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Le Cagole Heart mini studded crinkled-leather shoulder bag by Balenciaga

Pearl Heart medium bag by Simone Rocha

Heart-shaped biker crossbody bag by Moschino

Heart shaped shoulder bag by Blumarine

Metal Devotion crystal-embellished bag by Dolce & Gabbana

L’Amour Petite Cœur crystal-embellished clutch bag by Judith Leiber

Le Coeur heart-shaped leather shoulder bag by Alaïa

Heart pillow clutch by Alexander Wang

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

Sporting a head-to-toe Dolce & Gabbana floral look at Gstaad Palace. I absolutely adore how the gloves and overknee boots blend in with print of the jumpsuit.

Great news is that Mid February the Italian Maison will take over the Palace for two weeks, host a gala, and present their Alta Moda collection as well as their stunning high jewelry inside the hotel’s Salle Baccarat to the distinguished clientele.

My look: Long floral-print down jacket, jersey Turlington blazer with rose print, power jersey jumpsuit with rose print, overknee boots with rose print, jersey gloves with rose print, and rose-print logo-plaque headband, all by Dolce & Gabbana, 2001 eagle plaque flap shoulder bag, and matching 2001 eagle logo earrings, both by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography 
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

I am such a zodiac lover. Therefore Zimmermann‘s F/W 2022 collection, called Stargazer, caught my eyes immediately. Sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann created the most beautiful collection moulded around the mysticism of the zodiac. It is a fairytale decadence dedicated to our unique place in the universe; it is for a decadent heroine who’s meandering a maze of fantasy both light and dark. I loved the print and the orange hues dedicated to the sign of the aries. As I gave birth to one, I couldn’t resist to get this look.

My look: Kaleidoscope Aries cotton-blend shirt dress, and Kaleidoscope Aries printed leggings, both by Zimmermann, Aevitas Pointy satin platform pumps by Versace, Cleo crystal-embellished shoulder bag by Prada, Mitza ring by Dior Fine Jewellery, 1994 faux-pearl dangle CC clip-on earrings, and pearl necklace, both by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography  – The photos were taken at Gstaad Palace.
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

A spectacular book published by Thames & Hudson to celebrate the exceptional CHANEL High Jewelry creations, from the launch of Gabrielle Chanel’s first collection in 1932 to the most contemporary pieces.

«I used my penchant for all that shines to try and reconcile elegance and fashion in a set of jewelry.»
Gabrielle Chanel

From Gabrielle Chanel «Bijoux de Diamants» collection to the newest interpretations of her signature signs and symbols by Patrice Leguéreau, Director of the CHANEL Fine Jewelry Creation Studio, CHANEL High Jewelry remains eternally modern and true to the spirit of her enterprise.
Breathtaking new photography and classic images from the CHANEL archives brings together revealing combinations in a stunning visual narrative, privileging aesthetic form over 4 chapters: the origins, the symbols, the spirit, and the allure. Gabrielle Chanel’s passion for fabulous and improbable marvels is celebrated here in a covetable book-object that pays tribute to the House’s unparalleled insistence on luxury and refinement, creativity, and beauty.

Based on extensive research and exploring Chanel’s inspirations and art through some of the most precious of all her creations and the eternally modern ideas they have inspired, the book features superb photographs by Karl Lagerfeld, Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, François Kollar, Roger Schall, George Hoyningen-Huene, Horst P. Horst, André Kertész, Sarah Moon, Koto Bolofo, Karim Sadli, Dominique Issermann, and many others. It is also illustrated with images from CHANEL’s archive and sketches that express the creativity and joie de vivre of the world’s finest High Jewelry collections.

Retail price: £150 / 150€ / $200
Publication dates: France / United Kingdom: December 2022
China / Japan / Korea: January 2023
United States: March 2023

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL #CHANELHighJewelry
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

In her ateliers on rue Cambon, Gabrielle Chanel always kept two tools to hand: a pair of scissors suspended from a ribbon which she wore round her neck as a sautoir, and on her wrist the indispensable tool of any seamstress, a pincushion.

In 2023, Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio, has borrowed this tool to create the Mademoiselle Privé Pique-Aiguilles watch.

«I like the image of this functional piece of jewelry that adorns the wrists of seamstresses,» says Arnaud Chastaingt. This essential dressmaking accoutrement generally takes the form of a metal cuff topped with a generously sized dome-shaped cushion. On a technical level, it enables dressmakers to keep and organize their pins and needles where they can see them, to help them as they work. «I am fascinated by the design of objects whose architecture is the product of a practical need. In terms of style, the pincushion commands authority on the wrist, with presence and impact. Its outsize format does not detract from its comfort in any way, and it adapts to all wrists. I love the random design of needles on the surface of the cushion. Organized or disorganized, the pinheads pricked into the fabric dome create a decorative effect that evolves with the progress of the seamstress’s work. I have adopted the spirit of this tool to create a watch. While its architecture has the boldness of simplicity, its oversized dial flirts with excess and offers an incredible space for expression. I dreamed of this creation as a blank canvas for the most audacious Métiers d’art. I have imagined five tableaux for this collection: a lacework of camellias, a composition of iconic bags, jewels strewn on black tweed, a diamond embroidery, and a jacket at the pattern stage.»

Each of these pieces tell a story, a story unique to CHANEL, a story of Couture and of Haute Horlogerie to which only CHANEL possesses the secret.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL #MademoisellePrivé #CHANELHauteHorlogerie
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Long time, no post. Life has been a wild ride lately! Ready to get back into the swing of things. After some time off blogging and Instagram, I am back with one of my favorite CHANEL looks of all time, that I wore to the S/S 2022 show in Paris.

My look: Jumpsuit in tweed with chain details (Look 13), ruched belt, rhinestone Coco handle gunmetal bag, and flap card holder with chain, (Métiers d’Art F/W 2021), pearls and crystals large script brooch (Pre-fall 2019), earrings and sunglasses, all by CHANEL, felt sailor cap by Saint Laurent, and Montana 120 stretch-satin thigh boots by Christian Louboutin.

I dated this post to the date, Christmas Eve, when I started my social media pause… stay tuned, as there will be many posts coming up from now…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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In 1987, CHANEL presented its first watch creation, the Première watch, designed for women by its Artistic Director Jacques Helleu. Choosing the octagonal shape of the stopper of the N°5 perfume bottle for its case and dressing it in black lacquer and borrowing the interlaced leather and chain strap of the iconic quilted bag for its bracelet, the Première surprised the watchmaking world that until then had been governed by masculine codes.

In 2022, the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio presents the Hors-Série PREMIÈRE Haute Horlogerie capsule. Composed of 3 creations, the capsule is inspired by the first watchmaking creation of the House, the Première watch, and by its iconic gold interlaced chain. Black and gold set with diamonds, with bracelets that are oversized, many-faceted or dressed with the symbols of the House, the Hors-Série PREMIÈRE watches embody the audacity of an era.

«Exaggerated, agglomerated, superposed, stacked, I have chosen to pay tribute to Première by playing with excess,» says Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio.

Hors-Série PREMIÈRE Iconic Chain
18K yellow gold case. Black-lacquered dial. 18K yellow gold chain bracelet set with 625 diamonds (~14.28 carats), interlaced with shaved black velvet. High precision quartz movement. Functions: hours, minutes. Water-resistance: 30 meters. Dimensions: 19.7 x 15.2 x 7.5 mm. Diamonds: 625 brilliant-cut diamonds (~14.28 carats). Limited to 5 pieces. *Technical description of a size XS (wrist size: 150 mm).

Hors-Série PREMIÈRE Chain Charms
18K yellow gold case. Black-lacquered dial. 18K yellow gold chain bracelet set with 112 diamonds (~3.39 carats), interlaced with black
velvet. 6 charms in yellow gold, onyx and diamonds representing symbols of the House: number 5, lion, camellia, Gabrielle Chanel, comet and byzantine motif. High precision quartz movement. Functions: hours, minutes. Water-resistance: 30 meters. Dimensions: 19.7 x 15.2 x 7.5 mm. Diamonds: 283 brilliant-cut diamonds (~4.82 carats). Limited to 5 pieces.

Hors-Série PREMIÈRE Gourmette Chain
18K yellow gold case. Dial set with 116 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.37 carat). 18K yellow gold gourmette chain set with 1016 diamonds (~3.89 carats). High precision quartz movement. Functions: hours, minutes. Water-resistance: 30 meters. Dimensions: 19.7 x 15.2 x 7.5 mm. Diamonds: 1132 brilliant-cut diamonds (~4.26 carats). Limited to 5 pieces. *Technical description of a size XS (wrist size: 150 mm).

Love those models so much…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: © CHANEL #CHANELPremiere #CHANELHauteHorlogerie
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored. We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!