Sandra‘s Closet

For the first time, there was a credit that no one has seen at a runway show before: One of Chanel’s famous Parisian ateliers, the legendary couture embroidery house Lesage, lend their skills to Peter Philips, Creative Director for Chanel Makeup, by creating the most stunning embroidered eyebrow pads for the models.

Lesage (embroidery) is along with 7 other ateliers part of Chanel’s subsidary dedicated to “Métiers d’ art”, Paraffection. These include Montex (embroidery), Desrues (costume jewelry), Lemarié (feather-maker), Maison Michel (hat-maker), Massaro (boot-maker), Goossens (goldsmith) and Guillet (fabric flowers-maker).

The emphasis of the runway makeup look is on the eyebrows by using those amazing Lesage pads which won’t be for sale unfortunately. The rest of the face is kept nude and simple.

But there are two new products that will be available in the fall that will make our hearts leap with joy. “Ombre Contraste” is a compact powder in a lavender-taupe shade, called “Notorious” specially created for this show that Peter Philips used for all the shading and sculpting of the face.

For the nails, the new It- shade will be “Frenzy”, a light taupe, which is totally colour coordinated with “Notorious”.

Here is your shopping list:
(the highlighted ones will be available this fall, the rest is in stores already):

Chanel F/W 2012 Ready-to-Wear Show
Makeup by Peter Philips

Skin prepared with HYDRA BEAUTY SERUM

The Complexion
MAT LUMIERE
POUDRE UNIVERSELLE LIBRE
ECLAT LUMIERE
CORRECTEUR PERFECTION

The Eyes
LE CRAYON KHOL « Clair » (N°69)
RECOURBE CILS DE CHANEL
Embroideries made by Maison Lesage specially for the show

The Eyes and the Cheeks
OMBRE CONTRASTE “Notorious” – Exclusive Creation available in specific point of sales in September 2012

The Lips
ROUGE COCO BAUME – Spring 2012 Collection

The Nails
LE VERNIS « Frenzy » (N°559)  – Fall 2012 Collection

Cannot wait to have “Frenzy” on my nails!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel 2012, Vincent Lappartient

Let me introduce you the Ombres Matelassées, the new eye palette from Peter Philips, Creative Director of Chanel Makeup, that offers a new interpretation of the iconic quilted effect so emblematic of Chanel.

Held in a black rectangular case, the five shades Pear, Pale Gold, Gold, Golden Khaki and Black Night are presented in a harmonious crisscross arrangement. Simply apply as desired to the eyelids, using the double-tipped foam applicators and brush.

Application tips:
– Use the foam applicator to apply the eyeshadows and the brush to gently blend them, for a makeup look that mixes different shades.
– The two darker shades can be used damp as an eyeliner. Simply apply with the tip of a foam applicator, along the base of the lashes.

Available in Switzerland at Chanel boutiques from the beginning of April for CHF 85.-.

In Paris, the Ombres Matelassées palette was pre-released at the re-opening of the Chanel boutique on 51, Avenue Montaigne last week.
This 600m2 boutique houses the unique world of Chanel and all of Karl Lagerfeld’s creations – Ready-to-Wear, handbags, shoes, jewellery and other accessories – as well as fine jewellery and watches.

The two floors of the new space were inspired by the finesse of Mademoiselle Chanel’s private apartment at 31 Rue Cambon.

The conception of this new address was entrusted to New York architect Peter Marino, who is responsible for all of the Chanel boutiques across the globe.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Bring the ombre trend right down to your nails and try rocking something with a gradient! You have two options: Either you take two nail polish colours and apply both in a fading effect or you try the easier way by using five different hues from the same colour family (see below).

I created this ombre effect by choosing five different shades (307 Orange Fizz, 539 June, 535 May, 537 Riviera and 533 April), then I started at the darkest point on my thumb and gradually worked my way to my pinky. The key to making this manicure look not like a kindergardener’s paint-by-number project, is choosing the right colours. This pastel version looks pretty sophisticated, don’t you think? 
And now, we finally know what to do with all those nail polishes we have been collecting over the past years!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and I have put together a Valentine’s gift guide for you with small tokens, grand gestures and everything in-between. Gentlemen, have a closer look and delight your loved one! Wrap up something special and wow your Valentine.

And Ladies, I recommend sending a not-so-subtle hint! In case you are single, why not treating yourself to a fabulous gift?!

Swatch‘s numbered limited edition Valentine’s Day collection:
CATCH MY HEART GZ264S and LOVELY MINE GZ265S, each CHF 60.- (in Swatch stores only)

You can’t go wrong with Ladurée‘s special edition macarons for Valentine’s Day. Starting February 10th, you’ll be able to buy the grapefruit-flavored treats in a special pink-and-blue box.

What about this cute little bag by s.Oliver? €15.95

Sigg‘s famous drinking bottles come in a Valentine’s Limited Edition. A great surprise for your little girl.
Valentines Special / Art. Nr. 8341.70 / 1.0 L / CHF 27.-
Dear Deer / Art. 8322.40 / 0.6 L / CHF 25.-

Alternatively you can surprise your boyfriend in a cool shirt by New Yorker, CHF 16.95.

What about a little game on Valentine’s Day? Agent Provocateur‘s Charades is just perfect for the occasion, CHF 60.-.

Write a love letter with Montblanc‘s Bohème white gold fountain pen with a red heart-shaped ruby (CHF 23.100.-)…

…preferably with Montblanc‘s Love Ink in red (CHF 13.40).

Needless to say, famous fashion houses have jumped on the Valentine’s trend and have come up with many gift ideas, such as Gucci that offers a whole collection of little goodies.

I love this Miu Miu handbag (CHF 990.-) and the matching bracelets (CHF 290.- each).

How cute is this pocket mirror by Louis Vuitton?
Available now for €240.-.

Prada‘s adorable key chain with the little Kara bear trick will surely break some hearts (CHF 190.-).

Give a little love… your iPad will thank you for such a sweet cover (CHF 290.- each)! And spending money might be even more fun with Prada’s heart-print wallet (CHF 450.-).

Chanel offers a more subtle colour palette for their Valentine’s collection.
I am so in love with this cuff, please be mine!

LoL, Sandra

The three well-known fragrances from the Chanel Chance family, the original Chance (2003) with amber and spicy elements and a floral top note, the Chance Eau Fraîche (2007), a sharper floral scent with fresh vetiver, citron and teak wood notes and the Chance Eau Tendre (2010), a “fruity floral” with grapefruit, white musk and jasmine scents, come now in a handy “twist & spray” version.

Choose your favourite “Chance” version and get it in an atomiser that fits in the palm of your hand, making it easy to use and easy to carry in your handbag. It is the perfect addition for all “Chance” fans among you.

Chanel has also created three new Chance body products. Available in Switzerland in the end of January 2012.

LoL, Sandra

CHANCE

The decidedly young scent for those who dare to dream.

– Eau de Toilette Vaporisateur  Sac 3 x 20 ml CHF 118.-

CHANCE Eau Fraîche

The unexpected fragrance. . . Sparkling, spirited, surprising.

– Vaporisateur Sac 3 x 20 ml CHF 118.-
– Lait Fondant pour le Corps 200 ml CHF 68.-

CHANCE Eau Tendre

Tender yet vibrant. . . the fragrance of a woman who embraces her chance

– Vaporisateur Sac 3 x 20 ml CHF 118.-
– Lait Fondant pour le Corps 200 ml CHF 68.-
– Gel Moussant pour la Douche 200 ml CHF 60.-

This was my look last week for a lunch meeting in Zurich. I love the colour combination of pink, brown and light grey – always preppy.

You might remember the dress because I wore it to the Gucci S/S 2012 show last September in Milan. For the previous, more colourful look, please click here. Good news is that this pink dress is on sale 50% off now and with its vibrant colour a great investment piece for the next season.

My look: Two-tone silk crepe de chine dress, alpaca and wool gilet, grey python bag, brown leather boots, all by Gucci, pink bleached denim scarf by Louis Vuitton, ring Diorette by Dior Haute Joaillerie and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

On my lips: Rouge Allure Velvet 37 L’Exubérante by Chanel, a wonderful matte pink tone.

LoL, Sandra

I love this bleached denim scarf from Louis Vuitton’s S/S 2010 collection.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A city arises from the middle of nowhere in a feverish vision, like a mirage. Under the azure blue of a cloudless sky, Las Vegas keeps the desert dust at bay in the hypnotic ballet of neon lights. Along the Strip, the luxury hotels and casinos set the scene for a modern fairytale in which all dreams are possible. Amongst them stands the Bellagio Hotel. Its sumptuous gallery will welcome an entirely remodeled CHANEL boutique in end of this month.

Peter Philips, Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, creates a gold-plated collection and strews stardust over polyester dreams.

The iconic gold of CHANEL elegance slips into every texture. A silky powder on the skin, sunny lacquer on the nails or a sheer whisper on the lips, it highlights a radiant face that’s on a lucky streak.

LUCKY STRIPES

The Exclusive Creation of the collection concentrates the entire spirit of Las Vegas in its traditional square case. Lined up in rows, four shades of sand and bronze sweep through every variation of a fabulous desert in which gold embraces the sun and shines. On the surface of the colours, an embossed star design seems to extend a warmwelcome to the city of dreams. For an illuminating makeover, a beveled brush is ideal for choosing and blending shades, sweeping lightly over the cheekbones, face or eyelids.

CHF 85.-

ROUGE COCO SHINE BRILLANT

The extremely melt-away texture and playful spirit of the most mischievous CHANEL lipstick get into the game with a total golden look. BRILLANT: faithful to the style of Coco Chanel, its sheer golden shade gives a fun twist to the traditional codes ofelegance.

CHF 46.-

LE CRAYON LÈVRES VEGAS GOLD

It accentuates the centre of the upper lip with a golden line. A makeup tip that adds a touch of light and emphasizes the fullness of a sparkling smile.

CHF 34.-

LE VERNIS GOLD FINGERS

A semi-sheer golden lacquer glides over nails like a talisman for a Midas touch.

In Switzerland available starting February 20, 2012 in CHANEL stores only.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Ladies, don’t miss out the new Chanel spring 2012 make-up look “Harmonie de Printemps”.

The colour range of lovely pink and peachy tones works perfectly for day and night. This collection includes everything you need to look all radiant, glowing and ready for spring. Peter Philips, Chanel’s Creative Director for make-up, got inspiried by springtime skies.

I was so lucky to try the products before they officially hit the markets. Starting today in most European countries, my Swiss readers have to be more patient. Unfortunately, it won’t be available until the end of the month. So enjoy my photos to get all excited.
Isn’t anticipation the greatest joy?

Your must-have, the star product for a radiant glow: BLUSH HORIZON DE CHANEL

Great eye colour: OMBRE ESSENTIELLE in 91 Tigerlily

From left to right: ROUGE COCO SHINE in 69 Flirt, ROUGE COCO in 41 Destinée and ROUGE COCO BAUME.

I love Chanel nail polishes. Here is the must-have spring trio!
From left to right: LE VERNIS in 533 April, 535 May and 539 June

Perfect light pink for the new season: 535 May.

This peach tone works with everything: 539 June.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel and © Sandra Bauknecht

As you know, I love the blue & black trend for F/W 2011.

My look: Oversized midnight blue mohair sweater by Céline, black leather leggings by Fendi, belt by Gucci, flat bow embellished shoes by Valentino, tricolour Trapeze bag by Céline, earrings by Chanel and ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

Hope that you like it as much as I do! Below you can see some details shots!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Looking outside, it is truly sweater weather! And this season, it is official, the cheesy holiday jumper got a style upgrade. Suddenly, all that we want are reindeers, snowflakes and jacquards. My favourite are Moschino’s penguins.

1 Penguin intarsia wool sweater by Moschino
2 Cropped wool-blend jacquard sweater by Alexander Wang
3 Fair Isle neon wool-blend sweater by Juicy Couture
4 Fair Isle knitted cotton sweater by Jonathan Saunders
5 Snowman intarsia wool sweater by Moschino
6 Snowflake sequined merino wool sweater by Markus Lupfer
7 Firgrove intarsia wool and alpaca-blend sweater by Aubin & Wills
8 Chunky-knit Fair Isle sweater by J.Crew
9 Polar bear intarsia wool and alpaca-blend sweater by Stella McCartney

Stylist Carolin Sieber rocks this trend by combining her Topshop sweater with a leather mini and Chanel booties. Get cozy for Christmas!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Mr Newton for Harper’s Bazaar