Sandra‘s Closet

Who would have thought that cheetah print and red lace could look so lovely together?!

Olivia Palermo knows her style well and combines her animal-print shorts by Tibi with a red lace top by Zara for a punchy contrast. She keeps the rest simple with a pair of ballet flats by Repetto and a gold cuff.

If you are planning already your fall wardrobe, have a look at those pieces:

Printed cotton-blend sateen blazer (40% on sale) and skinny pants (50% off on sale), both by Tibi and Cecilia lace shirt (new season) by Erdem.

You could work the look from head to toe with the pants and the jacket together or just wear one at a time with this beautiful lace shirt for a fashion-forward combination.

LoL, Sandra

Last week, the Haute Couture presentations for F/W 2012 took place in Paris and they have brought along some adorable and stunning looks. From Christian Dior to Stéphane Rolland, from Versace to Valentino, enjoy the best of the best.

GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE:

Personally speaking, Givenchy Haute Couture F/W 2012 is my favourite. It is so modern, edgy and cool. This fringed top above or the long embellished cape with fur details are both to die for! If I could wear couture every day, how I would long for it to be Givenchy Haute Couture…

STÉPHANE ROLLAND HAUTE COUTURE:

Stéphane Rolland is always one of the highly anticipated presentations during Haute Couture fashion week in Paris, and this time was no exception. His couture designs are modern and sexy, more of a “Hot Couture”.

Do you remember when supermodel Yasmin Le Bon closed the show in a gigantic red gown last season? Click here for the previous post. This time, it was actress Fan Bingbing, whom I had met at the Trophée Chopard party in Cannes in May, who wowed the guests in a striking sleeveless gown with a cape that took over the entire runway.

CHANEL HAUTE COUTURE:

Two contradictory words on the invitation: “New Vintage”. At Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld returned to the essence of the fashion house and delved into the past with a collection of bouclé jackets and feather-trimmed gowns. His bridal look left me speechless.

ZUHAIR MURAD HAUTE COUTURE:

Opulence is what Zuhair Murad is all about. Haute Couture how you imagine it.

VALENTINO HAUTE COUTURE:

Valentino‘s embroidered and hand-painted looks were proof that couture’s artistry and craftsmanship are higher than ever. Absolutely breathtaking!

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, who have been helming the famous label since 2008 following Mr Valentino’s retirement, did a wonderful job.

CHRISTIAN DIOR HAUTE COUTURE:

Raf Simons’s debut collection for Christian Dior was probably one of  the most refreshing couture show. Clean but masterfully tailored, those strapless embroidered mini gowns over pants, all free from fuss, looked like contemporary couture should look like.

ATELIER VERSACE:

Donatella Versace returned to the Ritz Paris for the presentation of her Atelier Versace F/W 2012 collection. 
The famous hotel had hosted many Atelier Versace shows before. Donatella was paying homage to her late brother Gianni with a collection that encapsulated the best of the iconic Versace looks.

ARMANI PRIVÉ:

Those sultry veils seen at Armani Privé were outstanding.

JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE:

Speaking of Hot Couture, Jean-Paul Gaultier served up a good dose of sexiness with his creations. Gaultier at his best!

I hope that you have enjoyed my little Haute Couture report.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Getty Images

British new It-label Teatum Jones has been asked by London’s famous hotel The Dorchester to create an exclusive printed scarf of the same name, that will be officially launched this September during London Fashion Week for S/S 2013, alongside a special Teatum Jones fashion tea. This is truly great news for a label only into its third official season and for all fashionistas among you.

‘The Dorchester’ scarf designed by Teatum Jones, measures 136cm by 136cm, is made of 100% pure silk double georgette and will be sold exclusively at Liberty, from Tuesday 18 September 2012, priced at £245.- and at shop.thedorchester.com.

The ‘Teatum Jones Fashion Tea’ will be held on The Promenade at The Dorchester bringing fashion week to everyday London fashionistas showcasing Teatum Jones F/W 2012 collection, and of course the  ‘The Dorchester’ scarf.

Afternoon tea sittings for this special event on Tuesday 18 September take place at 2.15pm and at 4.45pm, and are priced at £52 per adult including a glass of champagne. (Prices are inclusive of VAT and exclusive of service charge at 12.5%). For reservations or further information, please telephone The Dorchester on +44 (0)20 7629 8888 or email restaurants..

About Teatum Jones

Catherine Teatum and Rob Jones studied at Ravensbourne College of Design and Central Saint Martins respectively. They worked with Luella Bartley, Warren Noronha and John Richmond before setting up Teatum Jones, and were picked up by Liberty in their second season for S/S 2012. This year has seen the launch of the Teatum Jones’ S/S 2012 collection in Canada, adding to existing retail territories in the UK, US and the Middle East. Teatum Jones have also been name-checked on 2012 Hot Lists in UK magazines Vogue, Elle, Stella and The Observer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Teatum Jones, Timeout and The Dorchester

A lipstick is never innocent and is much more than just a beauty step. 
Elegant or provocative, lips dress up to reveal their intentions, marking a presence, a difference and an attitude. Intense and radical, each ROUGE ALLURE shade sparks the imagination, expressing the personalities of all women.

Like a prelude to the rush of colour, the object itself is a true statement. A real jewel in its contemporary case with pure lines, it delivers the sensation of authentic luxury. Press once and it reveals itself in just one click, reinventing seduction in an exquisitely feminine step.

In 2012, ROUGE ALLURE explores a new range of colours that are more intense than ever before. To give colour all of its power, the formula evolves, while maintaining com­fort and gentleness. It is designed to enhance colour with the help of highly concentrated extremely fine pig­ments. And because colour dazzles even more on supple, protected lips, the formula is en­riched with moisturising and antioxidant agents, such as sweet almond oil, sappan wood and green tea.

RED IS A STYLE

The style of CHANEL can be traced in black and white. Free and unpredictable, red enriches its palette, setting off elegant ensembles with a note of boldness and imperti­nence.

For Gabrielle Chanel red is more than a colour, it is an attitude and a sign of distinction. Paradoxical and intriguing, but never innocent, red shimmers and makes a statement. On lips, it combines strength, femininity and allure.

The new ROUGE ALLURE collection puts red in the spotlight to match every style.

REDS

97 INCANDESCENTE, a flamboyant red with insolent radiance.
98 COROMANDEL, a luminous and precious orange-red.
99 PIRATE, an ultimate, slightly bluish red (see photo above).
102 PALPITANTE, an exquisite shade of raspberry red.
104 PASSION, a dazzling and absolutely glamorous red.
105 INIMITABLE, an intense, irresistible red with pearly reflections.

BEIGES

88 ÉVANESCENTE, a natural beige for a sophisticated nude effect.
90 PIMPANTE, the subtle seduction of a peach tone.

PINKS

91 SÉDUISANTE, a natural pink, hesitating between candor and spicy charm.
93 EXALTÉE, a true fuschia, deliciously provocative.
94 EXTATIQUE, the freshness and playfulness of an intense bluish pink.

ORANGES

95 ENJOUÉE, a fresh, energising coral pink.
96 EXCENTRIQUE, an absolutely bold and luminous apricot shade.

BROWNS

108 DÉTERMINÉE, a violet-plum brown with a bewitching character.
109 ROUGE NOIR, the revolutionary deep red, now a classic.
110 DÉLURÉE, the brazen originality of a deep brown.

CHF 48.- each

LE CRAYON LÈVRES

New shades of lip liners will be launched to match with the most flamboyant shades of ROUGE ALLURE:

55 FUSCHIA (new)
56 ORANGE INTENSE (new)
57 ROUGE PROFOND (new)
09 ROUGE NOIR

CHF 34.- each

LE VERNIS

For a radical makeover, ROUGE ALLURE is coordinated with iconic CHANEL nailpolishes:

565 BEIGE, a universal and iconic shade (new).
617 HOLIDAY, avant-garde and a future classic, this intense and sophisticated coral becomes part of the legend (new, depending on the market).
473 COROMANDEL, a timeless and extremely feminine orange-red.
08 PIRATE, the must-have flamboyant red (my favourite red).
18 ROUGE NOIR, deep, mysterious and inimitable.

CHF 35.- each

Available in Mid September 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Let me introduce you to my favourite bronzing powder that comes with a SFP 10:
The perfect balance between skincare and make-up, CARITA‘s PROTECTING AND BRONZING SUN POWDER SPF 10 offers a mosaic of three shades with a matte and iridescent finish that matches any skin tone to intensify and sculpt a tan, while protecting the skin against UVB rays.

At the heart of the formula, Chaulmoogra oil combined with Sweet orange extract helps to promote the natural pigmentation process and prolong a tan.

The powder can be used during sun exposure over sun cream to intensify your colour; after exposure to enhance and prolong your tan; and/or all year long for a naturally sun-kissed complexion.

It comes with a cute little pouch and a brush for CHF 65.-.

LoL, Sandra

You are surely aware of the risks that you face by exposing your skin to the sun. How about protecting also your hair from sun damage? Of course, cancer isn’t a concern for it, but prolonged sun exposure and many hours in the pool or in the sea can damage the hair from the cuticle to its inner structure. The result is mostly faded colour, split ends, dryness, weakened and thinning hair. Therefore I recommend using products with formulas that contain UV absorbers in them. Above you can see my favourites that I have packed for my vacation.

Here are the details:

Paul Mitchell‘s newly launched first sun collection is amazing. Created for all hair types and especially colour-treated, dry or damaged hair, all three products feature the SolarVeil™ Complex, a powerful blend of sunflower extract and highly active UV absorbers, shields fragile strands from damaging UVA and UVB rays. The Island Passion Flower scent is inspired by the tropics and smells absolutely divine.

The limited edition range consists of:
Sun Recovery Hydrating Shampoo™ (CHF 29.- / 250ml) which nourishes hair and helps lock in colour – sulfate-free.
After-Sun Replenishing Masque™ (CHF 33.- / 250ml) aiming to hydrate and guard hair from UV rays and prevent colour fade.
Sun Shield Conditioning Spray™ (CHF 29.- / 125ml) to help maintain shiny hair colour and provide UV protection.

This after-sun nourishing milky serum (CHF 26.- / 50ml) from L’Oréal Professionnel‘s Solar Sublime Series Expert is a must. With the help of ceramide and vitamin E, it is instantly absorbed and conditions the hair fibre immediately to replenish it with suppleness and softness after exposure to the sun. Best applied on towel-dried hair. Available in salons exclusively.

Personally speaking, I like to change my shampoo once in a while and therefore always pack two different products. Redken‘s New Color Extend Sun protects highlights, safeguards color and replenishes sun-stressed strands. The advanced Hydra-Shield Complex with Mexoryl S.O, a patented UV filter, provides powerful protection while restoring lost moisture and luminous shine.

Color Extend Sun After-Sun Shampoo (CHF32.- / 300ml) continues to protect the hair even after the product is rinsed out, so using the shampoo prior to sun exposure will also help prevent UV damage.
Color Extend Sun Take Cover SPF25 (CHF 42.- / 154,1g) is an innovative hair treatment to protect the hair and scalp from UV damage. This lightweight mousse contains no alcohol, best to be used 30 minutes before sun exposure.

Kérastase‘s Huile Lactée (CHF 38.- / 125ml) is a great product with Vitamin E and UV absorbers to smooth sun-exposed hair. Its biphasic solution has two effects: The milky texture enriched with Ylang Ylang helps to avoid the unwanted frizz effect, while the luxurious oily phase protects the hair from moisture loss.

With those products, your hair will be safe. I also like to wear a big sun hat that is stylish and protective in one.

Bunny embellished straw sunhat by Eugenia Kim

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Personally speaking, I am hopelessly devoted to Mary Katrantzou‘s designs and her F/W 2012 collection is my favourite for the next season. During Paris Fashion Week, I went to the London Showrooms to explore her amazing creations. I love Mary. She is so crazily successful but still completely down to earth and took all the photos of me in her to-die-for dresses. We went for lunch and played dress-up afterwards. I have fallen in love with every single piece.

“A pencil, a spoon, a hanger, a chess piece, a hedge, a typewriter: For F/W 2012 Mary Katrantzou discovers the beauty in the everyday, elevating the mundane to the sublime in a collection where product placement becomes placement print.”

For the first time, Mary decides to match: To match everything. The collection is divided into seven distinct sections, each featuring prints composed from objects associated with a single colour in shades of white, blue, green, ivory, yellow, red and black, Models are saturated in a statement hue, from head to toe, working through a colour spectrum as graphic and striking as a Crayola crayon box.

Finally the wait is over! The new-season is here! Prepare to get lost in dizzying detail and sumptuous colour of the princess of print, with luxe embroideries and outstanding cuts that are all highly collectables at the end. Available from today at net-à-porter.com and matchesfashion.com.

Please enjoy all the photos below of my must-haves and see Mary’s love for detail!

LoL, Sandra

WHITE & IVORY

Gleam Coat

Ivory Dress with many layers of chiffon and painted leather sleeves

Powdy Dress with long sleeves, Powdy Biker Jacket and Powdy Scarf

YELLOW

Powder Gun Dress

The most breathtaking dress of the collection: Sprinter Fritz Dress
It came straight from the Ritz for me where Anna Dello Russo had tried it earlier that day. Those bendable pencils are absolutely divine! This dress is a piece of art!

Sweet Mary brought it to perfection on me!

RED

Typo Dress – Let me be your secretary!

Roseterrier Dress, printed leather with pleated skirt – amazing!

BLUE

GREEN

Expandit Dress with bolsters and embroideries by the famous French Haute Couture Embroidery House Lesage who collaborated for the first time with a London designer

BLACK

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This year, Hanhart is launching a new addition to the house’s legendary chonographs: The Primus Desert Pilot, which sports a trendy outdoor look with a sand-blasted case and a sand-coloured dial and fabric strap.

Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2012, the Swiss-German watch brand is known for its precision-perfect and absolutely reliable instrument watches designed for use in the air, on the land and on the sea.

PRIMUS Desert Pilot

Movement: HAN3809 modified automatic chronograph movement (bicompax), based on the Valjoux 7750 calibre; 28,800 vibrations per hour, 4 Hz; 28 jewels; rotor with a skeletonised Hanhart logo; power reserve of min. 42 hours

Functions: Small seconds at 9 o’clock, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, date display at 6 o’clock

Case: Sand-blasted stainless steel; anodised aluminium red reset button; fluted bezel with inlaid red marking; convex, internally anti-reflective sapphire glass; screwed-down, internally anti-reflective sapphire glass case back; large screw in crown; flexible lugs; diameter 44 mm, height 15 mm; water-resistant to 10 bar/100 m

Dial: Sand-coloured; with black Super-LumiNova®-coated, luminous Arabic numeral, index marks and hands

Strap: Fabric strap; folding clasp with inlaid red marking (anodised aluminium) made from sand-blasted stainless steel

Inspired by the desire for freedom and adventure, the Primus Desert Pilot highlights the independence of the wearer. Available end of summer for CHF 5950 / € 4250.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hanhart

This week, I drove up to Haleakalā National Park which is surrounding and including the crater. This massive vulcano forms more than 75% of the Hawaiian Island of Maui and its activity is in a non-eruptive phase. The temperature near the summit tends to vary and on my way up, I went through the clouds. On top of the vulcano, it was drizzling from time to time and quite cool but the nature is breathtaking.

As you see, I followed my own fashion advice and went for some Hawaiian prints. For the previous post on this trend, please click here.

My look on top of the vulcano: Hawaiian-print silk tunic dress (on sale) and Hawaiian-print silk tapered pants (on sale), both by Stella McCartney, cat eye glitter acetate and metal sunglasses and suede sandals, both by Miu Miu and small Marcie hobo bag in Skylight Blue by Chloé.

It looks like I landed on the moon, doesn’t it?! And what do you think of my natural curls?

LoL, Sandra

This rare species of Silversword is fragile and lives only upon the slopes of Haleakalā.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

In the summertime, it is hard to wear foundations as most of the time, you look like you are literally melting away. Therefore it’s best to go easy on the makeup and to choose the right formulas such as tinted moisturizers. If you want to wear heavier foundation, look for a product that controls oil.

Here are three amazing products for you:

ESTÉE LAUDER INVISIBLE FLUID MAKEUP

See no makeup; feel no makeup. The first-of-its-kind IntuiTone™ technology guarantees your true-to-life shade and keeps it real in every light. Fresh, flawless and radiant. Ultra-light, ultra-breathable and oil-free. It will change how you feel about makeup forever. Available in 12 long-lasting shades for beautiful skin of every ethnicity. It lasts all day, controls excess oil and won’t clog pores. Very important to know is that you have to shake it well with each application for fresh, perfectly blended makeup and if you need extra coverage, just add another layer.

CHF 54.- (30ml)

CLARINS EVER MATTE

An anti-shine, skin-balancing oil-free formula, ideal for women looking for a matte appearance in all circumstances. The plant-based “Skin Detox” complex helps regulate oil production and tighten pores. Its lightweight texture blends easily and allows skin to breathe without drying. The complexion appears more beautiful thanks to an invisible, long-lasting matte “veil” that evens skin tone and keeps skin shinefree from morning to evening. Unrivalled radiance: Clarins exclusive “Light-Optimizing+” complex captures, diffuses and magnifies light. Fine lines and small imperfections are visibly minimized. The complexion appears more even and radiant. SPF 15. Matte finish – Medium coverage , for all skin types with anti-pollution protection.

CHF 48.- (30ml)

CLINIQUE STAY-MATTE OIL-FREE MAKEUP

An oil-free makeup that helps you stay matte all day.
 This formula absorbs shine, controls oil, resists sweat and has been tested for streaking and fading at 25°C / 88°F with a constant 80% humidity. Laminaria Saccaharina extract helps regulate sebum production to give less surface oil, while siliceous earth absorbs oil from the skin surface to keep it feeling fresh.

It’s a must-buy summer foundation for all powder-only ladies with oily skin as it won’t show the lines so easily. Trust me on that one.

CHF 43.- (30ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Estée Lauder, Clarins and Clinique