Sandra‘s Closet

Expanding his collection of fragrances, which currently includes “Daisy” (2007) and “Lola” (2009), and following his dot-enthusiasm – this month, Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with Yayoi Kusama will hit the stores – Marc Jacobs will be launching a new scent which is young and playful: DOT.

Before leaving for the US, I was invited to the press conference to explore the new fragrance. The composition is floral-fruity, spiced up with exotic notes of coconut and wrapped in soft vanilla embrace. Very young and gourmand.

The bottle is red covered with black dots and reminds me of a cute little ladybug. On top sits a butterfly. It will look great on display in your bathroom.

Top notes: Red berries, pitahaya (dragon fruit) and honeysuckle.
Middle notes: Jasmine, orange blossom and coconut water.
Base notes: Vanilla, musk and driftwood.

DOT Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 81.-), 50ml (CHF103.-) and 100ml (CHF 135.-).
DOT Body Lotion 150ml (CHF 59.-)
DOT Shower Gel 150ml (CHF 48.-)

Available in the US in July 2012 and in August 2012 internationally.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Marc Jacobs Fragrances, Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht

The new Miu Miu F/W 2012 campaign, shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, is a gallery of portraits with a seductive, provocative attitude. Actress Chloë Sevigny, who previously starred in the S/S 1996 campaign, impersonates a well-defined character, who vaguely yet perceptibly hints at psychedelic hedonism scenarios. A thread of subtle irony runs through all the images.

Naive, or maybe just apparently so, basically impenetrable, Chloë Sevigny raises the viewers’ curiosity, and plays with them. Clothing, with its sharp, masculine lines and the psychedelic repetition of prints, becomes the leading character in a kaleidoscopic visual collage, where masculine and feminine blur in a dandy-like fantasy conveying a refreshing eccentricity.

The setting is a series of stylised interiors: thick carpeting, a modernist chair and a butter-coloured hue set the context for a twist on the 1970s without defining it in any graphic detail. The emphasis placed on the character’s personality – engaging in an ambiguous exchange of glances with the observers, with whom she seems to share some kind of intimacy – is highlighted by repetitions in the frames and props enhancing the direct yet nonchalent poses.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Miu Miu

Have you been looking for the perfect bag to carry to work that fits all your personal belongings, keeps your laptop safe, looks stylish and is made out of great leather for an amazing price? Sounds be too good to be true? Actually not, you might have just found it…

Let me introduce to the new addition to my closet: The Loretta Bag by Rodtnes, made of soft, thick calfskin leather of the highest quality that will only become more beautiful with time. The leather is very similar to the Togo leather from Hermès.

The bag has the perfect size that fits everything you need for work.
Let me show you what is in my bag:

Monogrammed patent-leather iPad sleeve by Gucci holding my iPad, pink textured-leather notebook by Smythson, Culte sunglasses by Miu Miu, smartphone holder by Montblanc, my MacBook that is stored perfectly in a special compartment of the Loretta bag, Monogram card holder and wallet, both by Louis Vuitton, a magazine and a statement necklace by Gabriele Frantzen (that can transform your business look in one step to a glamorous outfit for night, always be prepared…).

Below you can find the photos and more facts on the fabulous Loretta bag.

About Rodtnes

In early 2011 Mette Rodtnes, a designing architect, was looking for a beautiful and functional workbag. When she realized that what she was looking for did not exist, she started to to develop the Loretta – the very first Rodtnes bag.

External features:

– Adjustable handles
– Security straps (the handles are kept safely in place by two straps on each attachment location)

–  Long detachable shoulder strap

– Two side pockets with magnetic closing (one side pocket holds a compartment for a mobile phone)

Internal features:

– Compartment to fit a 13 or 15-inch laptop computer. 
(15 inch = appr. 36 – 38 cm on the longest side)
– Compartment to fit A4 documents, iPad etc.
– Smaller zipped compartment.
– Large compartment

Loretta Bag by Rodtnes
Height: 31 cm. Length: 39 cm. Width at botton: 16 cm
Available in black, caramel and grey.

€ 374.- (Readers of Sandra’s Closet will get a special 20% discount by using the promotion code sandrascloset at checkout until the end of August 2012).

Prices for Swiss orders include VAT.
Prices for EU and international orders exclude VAT.

To shop, please click here. Rodtnes is only available online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Vertu, the market leader in luxury mobile phones, has added an elegant and feminine feel to its latest smartphone, Constellation which has resulted in the birth of Constellation Candy. Constellation Candy is on offer in a collection of bold summer shades, created to seamlessly complement and enhance the discerning lifestyle of the fashion forward female. The Constellation Candy touchscreen model offers an unrivalled range of category leading exclusive services.

Constellation Candy Tangerine- 7,400 euro, 6,500 pounds

Inspired by the turn of the season and the bright hues of summer, Constellation Candy is available in mint green, raspberry and tangerine, with 0.34 carats of natural gem stones, all delicately handset in a reduced setting around the pillow on the front of the phone: Rubies for the Raspberry Candy; Tsavorites for the Mint Green Candy and Orange Sapphires for the Tangerine Candy. Each Constellation Candy uses only the highest quality exotic alligator skin on the back plate and for the complementary handset slip case.

Constellation Candy Mint Green- 7,400 euro, 6,500 pounds

Each Constellation Candy is hand made by a single craftsman using only high performance materials, such as a single piece of flawless 3.5” HD multi-touch sapphire crystal for the screen, an 8 megapixel camera with an intricate ruby surround on the shutter key, polished ceramic pillow, surgical grade stainless steel with satin and polished finish, highest quality leather on the back plate of the phone as well as Vertu’s unique high fidelity sound system.

Constellation Candy Rasberry- 7,400 euro, 6,500 pounds

Vertu prides itself on being a pioneer of delivering relevant, tailored luxury information and services direct to a mobile handset through Vertu Concierge and continues to expand this proposition to deliver an unparalleled customer service.

Registering a Vertu Constellation Candy handset provides access to an array of exclusive services designed to ensure that a Vertu owner’s life is beautifully arranged. At the heart of these exclusive services is the independent concierge service, designed to meet the needs of Vertu’s discerning customers. Vertu owners will receive expert assistance, recommendations and priority bookings around the clock. Vertu Concierge can arrange anything from bespoke gifts to money-can’t-buy events and experiences and are 100% committed to fulfilling a Vertu owner’s every request.

Examples of Vertu’s exclusive opportunities available from Vertu Concierge (subject to availability):

VIP personalized styling at Stella McCartney (see my card above)

As London’s leading female fashion designer, Stella McCartney needs little introduction. Her stunning designs make waves on red carpets and fashion pages across the world.

Vertu owners’ can enjoy a similarly A-list experience at her flagship London store with an amazing opportunity available only through Vertu. Vertu owners’ only need to call concierge to receive a Private Wardrobing Card giving access to a wealth of VIP treatment at no cost.

The card includes the contact details of a wardrobe consultant to help choose the most show-stopping pieces from Stella’s range of luxury ready-to-wear clothing, accessories and perfume. Vertu owners can book a private store appointment – or request one at home, workplace or hotel – and receive personalised styling and a limited-edition gift.

The card also entitles a Vertu owner to a car service from a central London location to the store and back; gift service; shipping to home address on request; and same-day delivery in central London.

Global Fashion Weeks VIP Access

New York, London, Milan and Paris are the most prolific and world renowned fashion hubs, where couture is central to local culture. During Fashion Week, models, celebrities, socialites and members of the press gather to scoop the inside track on new designs and styles for the upcoming season, while a host of catwalk shows and glamorous parties add to the event’s firm hold on the social calendar.

Attendees catch a glimpse of this year’s haute couture before anyone else, amid the ultimate in style and sophistication. A Vertu handset owner can enjoy a highly bespoke fashion week experience with invitations to all the most influential shows.

With Vertu’s Constellation Candy, a door is opened to a world of exclusive privilege to discover a life beautifully arranged.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vertu and © Sandra Bauknecht

Treat yourself! It’s the patriotic thing to do and this was my motto for the day of the Fourth of July. After a lovely yoga session at the beach early in the morning, I wore my new stars and stripes bikini for a lazy day at the pool followed by a little shopping tour in the afternoon at The Shops at Wailea, a sweet little mall close to my hotel.

My look, of course Hawaiian-inspired:

Orchid printed T-shirt by Givenchy (also a favourite of Rihanna and Liv Tyler), denim mini skirt by Dolce & Gabbana, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, white and silver wedges by Prada Sport and Falabella shoulder bag by Stella McCartney.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and ©style.mtv.com

To all my American readers, Happy Fourth of July from Maui! I will show off my American allegiance with this stars and stripe bikini from Ralph Lauren Blue Label at the beach.

Ricky American-flag bikini top and matching self-tie bottom.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here you see my favourite sun protection products at the moments. Those are the ones I have packed for my trip to Maui. Of course, I always start with a high SVP that gives more sunburn protection and prevents skin aging. Before giving you the product details, let me explain you a little bit further why sun protection is so important.

If the sun is not good for the skin, why not avoid it all together?

Because the sun also has beneficial qualities and can have a positive impact: its light stimulates the pineal gland in the brain which produces ‘tryptamines’, chemical molecules that help boost our mood. UV rays make it possible to synthesize vitamin D that impacts calcium, vital to a healthy bone structure.

What does ‘sun capital’ mean?

The ‘sun capital’ corresponds to the dose of sunrays each person can receive throughout their lifetime without the risk of developing a skin disease. At birth, everyone has a sun capital which slowly diminishes at each sun exposure which is why it is necessary to save it and to protect the skin beginning at a young age. Cells are generally able to divide themselves about 70 times in a lifetime. Sunburn can lead to unnecessary cellular division.

Why is it necessary to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays?

UVB rays, ‘B’ as in burn, are responsible for tanning but also for sunburn. Today, we know that they are also the rays which can cause skin cancer. UVA rays reach the deeper skin layers, the dermis in particular. Less energetic but more numerous, they are the rays responsible for signs of skin ageing because they can damage collagen and elastin fibres. UVA rays are able to penetrate the skin, even in the shade. They are a threat beginning at sunrise and all throughout the day.

The SPF 50+ version of the Garnier Ambre Solaire Kids Resisto Spray helps protect children’s delicate skin from sun induced skin damage and also works perfectly for adults, especially during those first days in the sun. It is extra water-resistant and sand-proof. My daughter is travelling with me and this is the product I use for her. I like it because it is not so greasy as others with this high protection.

CHF 21.90 (200ml)

The Kibio Solaire Suncare Body Lotion SPF 30 is my favourite product for the first days in the sun. I tan very easily so that I am safe with this protection. I especially like its ultra-fluid, water-resistant texture that will not leave any white trace behind.

Interesting to know is that every Kibio Solaire product has received the Ecocert label and are certified that they do not contain nanoparticles or colouring agents. All are paraben-free and fragrance-free (including synthetic fragrances).

The beautiful slightly sweet smell derives from the natural oils used for it: Organic coconut oil, organic vanilla essential oil and organic shea butter.

CHF 26.- (100ml)

When I am already tanned, I apply this product: Shiseido Sun Protection Spray Oil-Free SPF 15 that works for the face, body and hair. The oil-free moisturizing sunscreen is sprayed on easily and feels lightweight. Its formula includes Rose Apple Leaf Extract to deliver an antioxidant effect and help prevent UV-caused DNA damage plus Xylitol for soft and healthy-looking skin. Water-resistant and sand-proof.

CHF 43.- (150ml)

Products that I like to use in general:

I am a huge fan of La Prairie products that have the new Soleil Suisse Sun Defense Système. Powered by La Prairie’s science-driven biotechnology, the products go beyond the “first line of defense” of conventional sun-protection offerings. In fact, they constitute a new lifestyle of protective skincare for both women and men.

I use the Sun Protection Emulsion Face SPF 30 on a daily basis. It is formulated to protect the most exposed, most vulnerable part of your body, guards against the sun’s age-accelerating UVA and UVB rays and diffuses potential damage from environmental pollutants with anti-oxidants from the red algae Porphyra Umbilicalis. The lightweight emulsion is also rich in anti-aging agents and a blend of emollients that keeps the skin moisturized and protects its barrier function.

CHF 130.- (125ml)

Ultra Protection Stick Eye • Lip • Nose SPF 40 ratchets the sun protection factor up even higher to provide an extra dose of protection to the most super-sensitive regions of your face. It lightly and invisibly covers those often-neglected areas – including the ear lobes – with a protective barrier that keeps harmful UVA and UVB rays out and beneficial moisture in. This sleek, portable swivel-stick is something you’ll want to have with you at all times for frequent touch-ups to guard against environmental damage. I especially love to use it for the eyes and have it always with me in my bag.

CHF 74.- (10g)

At the end of day full of sun exposure, calming and revitalizing your skin is important. I love the easy-to-use Soothing After Sun Mist Face and Body by La Prairie that is an excellent antidote to sun-parched skin. Enriched with minerals and soothing botanical extracts, this gentle mist helps restore the skin’s equilibrium, while instantly diminishing redness and calming irritability. Its action is enhanced by Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, which relieves the skin’s sensitivity.

Complementing this calming action, a botanical moisturizing agent counteracts dryness with intensive 24-hour hydration, while sea-sourced minerals, including calcium and zinc, keep the skin supple and well nourished. Detoxifying red algae provides protection against environmental pollutants, major contributors to premature skin aging.

CHF 96.- (150ml)

This is my favourite step in the evening: Sunleÿa Soin après-soleil anti-âge by Sisley instantly refreshes, repairs and comforts skin exposed to the sun by trapping free radicals that accumulate during the day helping skin recover and repair itself. Sisley has developed a complete after sun care combining the benefits of a restorative product with a high-performance anti-ageing formula to help skin replenish itself and preserve its youthfulness.

Its emulsion texture is rich, light and non-greasy. It absorbs quickly and is delicately perfumed with essential oils of Marjoram and Mallow. Such a treat!

CHF 207.- (50ml)

Stay tuned for a post about the products I like to use to protect my hair from the sun!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht
Stills: Courtesy of L’Oréal Suisse SA, Kibio, La Prairie, Shiseido and Sisley.

DISCOVER A WHOLE NEW, GORGEOUS SHADE GALAXY

On the surface they look marbleized, but on the skin they blend for stunning celestial effects.

M·A·C‘s new Heavenly Creature colour collection features 9 Mineralize Eye Shadows, 4 Mineralize Skinfinish and 4 Mineralize Blushes, orbited by 5 Lipsticks, 5 Cremesheen Glass and False Lashes Mascara. Skin gets a nourishing boost with Mineralize Charged Water Cleanser, Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel and Moisture Eye Cream. Returning for a limited time, Mineralize Volcanic Ash Exfoliator gently cleanses and exfoliates for radiant skin. Create your celestial Mineralized look with 3 Duo Fibre Brushes. Natural goat hair lifts off, applying the perfect amount of Powder and Pigment while synthetic fibres fuse colour onto skin for a polished, luminous finish.

I love the mineralized products because you can play around with the different shades in them. They work perfectly on those days when you have no time to do your makeup as they create a great effect on your skin in seconds.
Here are my collection’s favourites:

MINERALIZE EYE SHADOW
EARTHLY Beige, peach and cool brown mélange, CHF 32.00, $20.00

MINERALIZE BLUSH
SUPERNOVA Magenta and burnished gold mélange, CHF 34.00, $23.50

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH
CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE Coral with gold shimmer, CHF 40.00, $29.00

BRUSH
187 Duo Fibre Face Brush Great to apply the mineralized skin products, CHF 67.00, $42.00

Available North America July 5, 2012, International July 2012 at all M·A·C locations.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of M·A·C

Finally I have arrived in paradise: Maui, the second-largest of the Hawaiian islands, in the middle of the Pacific ocean. The perfect place to relax and enjoy myself. The last time, I have been to Maui was fifteen years ago but nothing has really changed.

Of course, I will be blogging while I am here, cannot live without it anymore. Very funny, I will be taking the S/S 2012 Hawaiian fashion trend to a complete new level by wearing the tropical prints at their actual birthplace. So please stay tuned for more outfit posts to come.

My look: White embellished bikini by Valery Blu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Let me introduce you to Chanel‘s new Fall 2012 makeup collection, LES ESSENTIELS DE CHANEL, created by Peter Philips, Creative Director of Chanel Makeup. The collection was inspired by Coco Chanel’s signature style, “her essentials”: The little black dress, the quilted handbag and the two-toned shoe. Personally speaking, it is a very wearable makeup collection with classic pink hues and natural beiges to soften the face and lips while modern grey-black or sophisticated light taupe dress the nails.

In stores in Switzerland end of August 2012.
For the preview and nail colour swatches, please scroll down:

LUMIÈRE D’ARTIFICES BEIGES – CHF 84.-

Designed to extend a summer glow, this limited-edition duo of lighter and darker beige shades—enchantingly rendered to resemble sequins—blends together harmoniously for a subtly iridescent complexion.

My tip: If you have got one of Chanel’s limited edition highlighters from previous collections, you won’t need that one. The design looks beautiful, but the effect is pretty much the same compared to the preceding shimmering powders.

ROUGE ALLURE EXTRAIT DE GLOSS – CHF 48.-

Bold colour combines with the smoothest, silkiest gel texture for luxurious wear and deeply dramatic effect. Lips feel comfortable—never sticky or tacky—and look luminous, full and sensuous for hours.

The double-sided, flocked applicator is beveled to deliver ultra-precise definition.

My tip: Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss comes in a new shade, so-called 68 Troublant, which looks stunning worn alone for the day. For a darker, more glamorous effect for night, I recommend adding the new lip definer Le Crayon Lèvres in 54 Amarante – CHF 34.-.

NAIL COLOURS – CHF 35.-

Long-lasting, chip-resistant nail colour straight from the runways of Paris (for a previous post, please click here). State-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails. Unique patented non-spill bottle with wiping action for easy application.

My tip: Those nail polishes are a must, get them all! If you have to choose one colour, I would recommend 559 Frenzy, the new light taupe shade, that is different, new and so sophisticated!

STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF (EYE PENCIL) – CHF 35.-

Waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliner delivers long-lasting definition with a twist of the wrist: Colour winds up when you need it, winds down when you don’t. Gentle, soft, silicone-enriched formula delivers smooth, even lining. A built-in sharpener at the opposite end detaches for quick refreshes.

My tip: This is your perfect companion for the beach. Line and define the upper and lower eyelids based on eye shape and desired makeup result and it will stay on the whole day even after excessive swimming. I love 88 Noir Intense.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel and © Sandra Bauknecht