Sandra‘s Closet

OPI has a very special treat in store for all of you this Holiday 2012! In celebration of James Bond’s Golden Anniversary OPI is releasing their first-ever 18 karat gold leaf top coat “The Man with the Golden Gun” together with a complete nail polish collection of 12 shades (The Spy Who Loved Me, Casino Royale, You Only Live Twice, Die Another Day, Skyfall, GoldenEye, The World Is Not Enough, Moonraker, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, The Living Daylights, Live And Let Die, Tomorrow Never Dies) dedicated to the famous spy.

“For 50 years Bond beauties have graced the big screen with their dazzling looks and opulent style, and gold has always played a prominent role,” commented Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI’s executive VP and Artistic Director, in the press release.

Inspired by the world of 007, this stunning top coat contains real 18 karat gold and comes packaged in a special limited edition collectable gold bottle – the ultimate holiday gift!

Burgundy and golden nails were all over the F/W 2012 runways. So get your hands on this combination for the ultimate new season manicure. Available October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

From Monogram to Monogram Empreinte, from canvas to leather…
The journey made by Louis Vuitton’s celebrated Speedy bag is short but significant. The Speedy 25 Bandoulière, the smallest version of the Speedy with its recently added shoulder strap, is now available in Monogram Empreinte – the first icon to join this subtly sophisticated calf leather line, whose embossed Monogram pattern is the symbolic imprint of Louis Vuitton’s heritage and craftsmanship.

The arrival of the Speedy, the original and quintessential city bag, represents the consecration of Monogram Empreinte, a collection at once classic and contemporary, young in spirit yet chic at any age. While retaining its iconic shape, the Speedy 25 Bandoulière has acquired new details that are typically Monogram Empreinte, notably outsize zipper pulls and bold brass rivets.
Diminutive yet deceptively spacious, as versatile as it is stylish, the Speedy 25 Bandoulière can be worn in different ways: casually slung across the body or draped gracefully over the shoulder on its adjustable, detachable shoulder strap, or else carried in the hand or hooked over the arm by its emblematic Toron handles.

To the four existing colours of Monogram Empreinte – Infini, a deep midnight blue; Orient, a burnt orange; Aube, a dark violet; Aurore, a rich raspberry – the Speedy 25 Bandoulière adds a fifth: Terre, a warm chocolate brown that is another discreet yet distinctive reminder of the history of Louis Vuitton.

Impossible though it may be now to imagine, this icon among icons was not always called the Speedy. Born in the 1930s, the little sister of the legendary Keepall was originally christened the “Express”, in reference to that era’s passion for new and faster means of transportation.

It even, for a time, bore the name “Vernet”, after a street near Louis Vuitton’s home in Paris. Neither suited it quite so well as “Speedy”, the name by which it is now affectionately known at the four corners of the globe.

The Speedy 25 has a particularly fascinating history. In 1965, Audrey Hepburn, a loyal Louis Vuitton customer, asked Henri-Louis Vuitton to create a smaller version of the Speedy as a Special Order. The Speedy 25 became a constant companion of this most stylish of stars, as it has for countless women since.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Waffle Maker (2012)

Last week, I came across this amazing piece of art by Andrew Lewicki and I was asking myself why can’t this LOUIS VUITTON WAFFLE MAKER just be a real product. Imagine your fashionable waffle imprinted with the famous Louis Vuitton Monogram pattern each morning. I am convinced that this product would be a bestseller if the French luxury house and Cuisinart collaborated to produce this creation. Fashionistas all over the globe would drool over this waffle maker to make stylish and delicious treats.

I was curious about the other work of the L.A.-based artist who was born in 1983 and found some pretty fun pieces on his homepage. Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Petit Déjeuner (2008)

Oreo Manhole Cover (2010)

Counterpane (2012)

Hermès silk scarves, Tiffany & Co. silk/wool/cashmere blend shawl, Gucci cotton shawl, Louis Vuitton silk scarf, Louis Vuitton silk/wool blend shawl, Burberry cashmere blankets, wool batting
70″ x 88″ x .5″

Photos: © Andrew Lewicki

Not only for Jo Malone fans, please have a look at the new VELVET ROSE & OUD Cologne Intense Limited Edition. Such an amazing gourmand scent.

Darkest Damask rose. Rich and textural, wrapped with smoky oud wood. Spiked with clove, decadent with praline. Velvet Rose & Oud joins the much-desired Cologne Intense Collection for a limited time. An addictive addition to the other five deeply sensual scents, inspired by centuries-old traditions of layering scents, incenses and oils. Laced with precious ingredients and lightened by a contemporary touch.

Top notes: Bergamot and clove
Middle notes: Damask rose and saffron
Base notes: Oud and praline

It took master perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin 18 months to create Velvet Rose & Oud. He describes the beautiful ingredient of praline like this: “Used in perfumery the praline note will give a fragrance more depth, inviting an unexpected and mysterious side. Known for its regressive quality, praline’s sensory effect will evoke memories that take you back to your childhood. I chose to use praline in the Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne to add a gourmand tone, with nutty almond notes. Giving a supple softness, praline is used to calm and balance the intensity of the oud. Dressing its animalic side, it moulds the oud into a more voluptuous note, while all the while complementing the sweet floral notes of the Damask rose, to make her more gourmand.”

Delicious worn alone, or layered with other Jo Malone™ scents to add textural depth.
Mist it with Dark Amber & Ginger Lily to mingle spices and incense and introduce an air of calming sensuality or Oud & Bergamot to intensify the allure of precious woods.

Available now for a limited time only.
Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne 100ml £95 / €115 /CHF165

LoL, Sandra

We’ve had Switzerland, America, Holland and now, OPI is continuing on its global tour this fall, this time with my home country Germany being the inspiration for this beautiful, very shimmering collection: GERMANY COLLECTION BY OPI.

The 12-piece collection includes from top left to lower right:

Don’t Pretzel My Buttons – A haute honey-beige that can always make you smile
My Very First Knockwurst – … and what a magical rosy-nude rendezvous it was
Berlin There Done That – A travelling taupe that’s seen it all. (Yep, that, too).
Schnapps Out of It! – Shake of the blues with a shot of fall’s must-have mauve!
Deutsch You Want Me Baby? – A self-assured shade of shimmering red-orange
Danke-Shiny Red – A self-assured shade of shimmering red-orange
Suzi & the 7 Düsseldorfs – The most beautiful bright purple of all
Every Month is Oktoberfest – Prost! Here’s to the prettiest plum in the Biergarten
German-icure by OPI – The best burgundy shimmer in the business
Unfor-Greta-bly Blue – Everyone’s favourite Fräulein loves this über-shiny blue
Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine! – A bodacious black-olive? We say “Ja! Ja! Ja!”
Don’t Talk Bach to Me – There’s nothing mellow about this sassy lime-yellow!

My favourite colour is “Deutsch You Want Me Baby?”. I love the never-seen-before metallic shimmer effect of orange and red. Such a wonderful colour for fall!

The full collection will be available in Switzerland on August 13 at select salons. Each colour retails for CHF 23.90.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I would like to introduce you to Schield Collection that was established in 2009 with the idea of interpreting jewelry in an ironic way. The mix between a young, creative team and a hand with decades of experience in the jewelry sector gives life to a high quality final product. Made in Italy, the use of precious materials combined with eccentric and fun style is the philosophy of the Schield Collection. You can shop and explore the beautiful collection at LUISAVIAROMA.COM.

One of the brand’s iconic pieces is the Crazy Rabbit Swarovski Crystals Bracelet.

Have a look at their equestrian line of outstanding horse tacks by clicking here.

The Schield F/W 2012 advertising campaign was photographed by well-known Spanish fashion photographer Diego Diez Marin. It reflects a strong woman in the middle of a frozen spring, ironic and at the same time very feminine, sexy and virginal.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Schield Collection and © Diego Diez Marin

“It’s the chastity shoe. No one can get your toes in their mouth unless they have the key to your lock” said Tom Ford to Marie Claire magazine.

We used to lock our childhood diaries, but now it is time to lock our toes with this ultimate stiletto by Tom Ford. Super sexy with a golden padlock-detailed and a buckled ankle wrap, pointed toe and low-dipped vamp to elongate the leg. This shoe lets you get deeply personal and object of desire gets a whole new meaning…

Available also in white at Neiman Marcus and Tom Ford stores.

LoL, Sandra

Beaches, waves, deckchairs and flip-flops… Not without humour and cheekiness, Chopard celebrate the pleasures of an endless summer with the latest model in their Happy Sport collection: the HAPPY BEACH CHRONO.

With its generous 42mm case in 18-carat rose gold, the Happy Beach Chrono will leave no one cold on the warm sandy beaches this summer. With its painted dial representing a strip of sand swept by the waves and its little moving flip-flops set with diamonds, it leaves no room for doubt: the Geneva-based watch and jewelry company is celebrating the theme of the beach, the summer and the pleasures they bring.

Presenting the chronograph and date functions in a window eccentrically placed at 4.30, the Happy Beach Chrono is powered by a quartz movement and is water-resistant up to 30 metres. Its rotating bezel in 18-carat rose gold is topped with blue gloss indicators, while its crown, also in 18-carat rose gold, is set with a blue sapphire. Finally, in a nod to the beach chairs of yesteryear, the Happy Beach Chrono’s water-resistant brushed canvas strap is white with blue stripes – just as it should be.

Happy Beach Chrono, a timepiece at the height of the fun you will be having this summer! Let the dancing flip-flops set with diamonds reflect the paradise we all dream of when the summer heat arrives. For price inquiries, please contact the Chopard boutique nearest to you.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chopard

Believe it or not: The good old argyle sweater, loved by golf-playing grandfathers around the globe, has been revisited this fall by many designers. The iconic diamond-pattern has been given a bold update for the new season with side splits as seen at Stella McCartney or by layering this statement style over knee-length shorts and sheath boots for a sleek, contemporary look, as spotted at Givenchy. Whatever your style, this fashion classic is a perfect addition to your closet. Your stylish hole in one!

Shop some of the best ones available here:

1 Argyle-intarsia wool and cashmere-blend sweater by Stella McCartney
2 Diamond-intarsia wool turtleneck sweater by Stella McCartney
3 Blue wool blended V-neck sweater with argyle front by Dsquared2
4 Plum python and suede trim sweater by Salvatore Ferragamo
5 Classic argyle-intarsia wool sweater by United Colors of Benetton
6 Modern argyle knit cashmere-silk cardigan by Pringle of Scotland

LoL, Sandra

La Mer aficionados who are looking for a lighter version than the classic formula’s thicker consistency, will be very pleased about the brand’s fifth moisturizer to be launched this fall.

The new Moisturizing Soft Cream delivers the same radiance and renewal that made the original Creme de la Mer a legend in a supple new texture. Infused with the nutrient-rich Miracle Broth™, the heart of La Mer’s profound powers of transformation, and Lime Tea Extract™, it penetrates deeply to replenish moisture and strengthen skin with the help of a new phospholipid technology. Renewed and energized, skin looks youthfully radiant.

Pat a small amount between fingertips and press gently into skin.

Available from September 2012.
30ml (CHF 195.-) and 60ml  (CHF 350.-)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Mer