Sandra‘s Closet

This fall, Tom Ford introduces four new Private Blend fragrances. The collection, so-called JARDIN NOIR, is dedicated to four classical flowers: Narcissus, hyacinth, rose and lily. “When you showcase their darker and less innocent aspects, flowers can become so thrilling and beautiful, they could almost ruin you. That was the sensation I was after,” says Tom Ford.

Here are the four new amazing scents:
Jonquille de Nuit, Ombre de Hyacinth, Café Rose and Lys Fume.

Jonquille de Nuit

”Unusual top notes of wild Alpine cyclamen, acacia and angelica seeds, balanced with Egyptian violet leaf and bitter orange leaf absolute, provide a contrasting structure which allows the heady narcissus heart to spill into the senses. This powerful floral vibration is pushed, heightened, and teased to the brink—until a sensual, hypnotic base of orris and warm amber arrest this frenetic blossoming.”

Ombre de Hyacinth

”Merged with the rich earthiness of galbanum and the green drive of violet leaf, then enhanced with a glamorous veil of Magnolia leaf ORPUR and cool, incense-inflected Olibanum, lovely Hyacinth becomes a maddening enigma. It plays distance against desire with gem-like shimmers of pink peppercorn and jasmine absolute that tease and entice. The tension finally breaks as Persian galbanum, benzoin and musk pull back the curtain to reveal Hyacinth’s addicting sensuality.”

Café Rose (My favourite)

”Three precious rose essences dance with exotic spices and dark coffee. Saffron and black pepper entice the tight blossoms of Rose de Mai to unfurl. Then, the lush and saturated heart of precious Turkish rose oil and Bulgarian rose absolute creates an enveloping, narcotic haze—until a teasing bite of coffee essence cuts through the romance and awakens dervish passion. Incense resin, amber, sandalwood and patchouli surround this dance with sensual, creamy depth.”

Lys Fume

”Soft notes of Italian mandarin and pink peppercorn and cool, spicy nutmeg and turmeric entice you into a lush and overgrown garden of night-blooming tropical white lilies, tangled with ylang ylang from Moheli. The intoxicating air, soaked with this expansive floral effect, is streaked with the beautiful, sub-tropical melancholy of balsamic, South Indian davana essence and West Indian Demerara rum essence. A woody harmony of rich vanilla absolute from Madagascar, amber-toned cistus labdanum, styrax and oakwood creates a dreamy, hypnotic warmth.”

The collection will be available at all Tom Ford Private Blend counters from September 2012 in Switzerland. 50ml (CHF 250.-) and 250ml (CHF 660.-)

Gentlemen, pay attention. This fall, here is the elixir that will infatuate the ladies around you. TOM FORD NOIR includes notes of bergamot, verbena, caraway, baie rose, violet flower, black pepper, nutmeg, iris, geranium, rose, clary sage, opoponax, amber, patchouli, vetiver, civet and vanilla. A truly sexy composition.

Ladies, be careful. This scent is dangerous stuff!

Tom Ford Noir will be available from September 2012. 50ml (CHF 120.-) and 100ml (CHF 156.-).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford

For fall 2012, Mr. Tom Ford brings some fun makeup colours into our lives. The genius has always focused on the essence of femininity and this limited edition collection includes the probably most stunning autumnal pigments for the season.

All beauty enthusiasts, check out the best items here:

EYE COLOR QUAD in Enchanted
CHF 90.-

EYE DEFINING PENCIL in Exotic Teal
CHF 42.-

EYE COLOR QUAD in Emerald Lust
CHF 90.-

CHEEK COLOR in Narcissist
CHF 76.-

LIP COLOR in Aphrodisiac
CHF 62.-

ULTRA SHINE LIP GLOSS in Naiveté
CHF 55.-

NAIL LACQUER in Minx
CHF 42.-

Available in Switzerland from September 2012. If you cannot wait, click HERE to shop this amazing collection now. I want it all!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford

“I have always loved the heritage and romance of England. My collection for Fall 2012 is about a modern glamour inspired by the timeless character and refined elegance of an authentic way of living.” –Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren‘s inspiration were obviously the Roaring Twenties. The first part of his show was devoted to boy-for-girl suits, followed by flapper-like dresses in gold and platinum Art Deco embroideries. So beautiful!

I especially love the Ralph Lauren Collection shoe collection for F/W 2012. Riding boots have been seen on many runways and the American designer’s take on them is just perfect. Click HERE to shop.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren

From the runway to the street, collars are having a fabulous fashion moment right now. It is an amazing fashion accessory that can change your look so easily in one step. Wear yours as a contemporary alternative to a statement necklace, layering it over color-clash textiles for maximum impact.

1 Embellished cotton-poplin collar by Marni
2 Amber crystal and bead-embellished cotton collar by Karl
3 Shearling collar by Marni
4 Rabbit collar by Marni
5 Hilde crystal collar necklace by Dannijo (Enter FREE8 for worldwide free shipping, for a limited time only)
6 Abbey faux pearl collar by Karl
7 Pointed metallic-leather collar by 3.1 Phillip Lim
8 Striped silk collar by Miu Miu
9 Alycia metal-tipped lace-trimmed cotton collar by Karl

I couldn’t resist and got this beaded wool-felt collar by Marni. Which one is your favorite?

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

The press event for the launch of Lancôme‘s newest fragrance LA VIE EST BELLE started with the following statement:
“Lancôme is not a brand, it is a philosophy of femininity.”

The French house is turning over a new leaf. The scent is meant to be a declaration for a new era. In a world full of diktats and conventions, there must be another way. Therefore, the concept plays with the idea of natural and simple beauty, the choice of once own vision of happiness and freedom. This shows best in the advertising film directed by Tarsem Singh (Mirror, Mirror), in which the face of the campaign, beautiful Julia Roberts, frees herself from being an imaginary puppet on a string (Click here for the making of).

This gourmand and elegant composition was developed by three famous perfumers together, Olivier Polge, Dominique Ropion and Anne Flipo. It took them three years of probation and endless versions to create the final formula that includes 63 ingredients with iris playing the lead, surrounded by orange blossoms and jasmine as middle notes. I especially like the warm and powdery base with accords of tonka bean, praline, patchouli and vanilla. This fragrance is surely going to be a new bestseller, following in the steps of its famous predecessor Trésor.

The flacon is a redesigned version of the classic Lancome bottle from 1949. It is a masterpiece of crystal in the shape of a smile, a square in the circle that achieves the impossible. Happiness captured in a bottle.

Top notes: Pear and black currant
Middle notes: Orange blossom, jasmine and iris
Base notes: Praline, tonka bean, vanilla and patchouli

Available in Switzerland in September 2012.
Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 75.-), 50ml (CHF 115.-) and 75ml (CHF 145.-)
Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 59.-) and  Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 66.-)

The press event took place at the Dolder Hotel in Zurich. The weather was definitely not co-operating but you have to take the rough with the smooth. No matter what: La vie est belle – Light up the world with a smile from the heart, like Lancôme’s lovely PR-lady Magi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme and © Sandra Bauknecht

Mila’s wearing “Starlet”, Connor “Luke” and Jessica “Pedal Star”. But who are the actual stars here at the legendary Chateau Marmont? The jeans or the celebrities?

On August 16, the third annual original Closed jeans event returned to Chateau Marmont. Many stylists and stars dropped in to check out the current styles. The “Denim from Germany” has achieved cult status inside the Hollywood community.

Connor Cruise with me last February in New York

Guests included Tom Cruise’s son Connor Cruise, who shopped with enthusiasm for his upcoming European tour as a DJ. His favourite pair of jeans: a “Luke” in vibrant orange.

Mila Kunis bucked the trend in favour of a “Starlet” in grey paired with a blue-black silk blouse.

Jennifer Missoni was enchanting – the entire Denim Bar fell under the spell of this sweet, gorgeous apparition. And she refused to take off her new “Marlow” jeans.

Star stylist Brooke Dulien avidly shopped for jeans for Kristin Bell, Joy Bryant and Dex Shepard, the star cast of “Hit and Run”.

And of course no event would be complete without Closed spokesperson, socialite and author Jessica Joffe. Her all-time favourite: The “Pedal Star”.

One thing is for sure, at Closed, the jeans are the stars of the show.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Closed and © Sandra Bauknecht

Slouchy, chic and impeccably crafted, the Soft Stirrup bag is my perfect fall accessory. It is a supple interpretation of the iconic Stirrup shaped handbag symbolizing Gucci’s riding heritage with its signature equestrian hardware. Its spacious design (a laptop fits in perfectly) and the luxurious texture make it just right for work or the weekend and bring subtle sophistication to any look. Pair it with skinny jeans for a downtown vibe or a pencil skirt for uptown elegance.

One thing is for sure, you will see me on many occasions with my beautiful new grey washed leather Soft Stirrup. And while being at the Gucci store in Zurich (Poststrasse 3 – Phone +41 44 211 46 20), I couldn’t resist to get another must-have accessory for fall. The beautiful GG pattern shawl with fur trim in the season’s new berry shade.
I absolutely love my new treasures!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The wind of change is blowing at Estée Lauder. The house’s new scent VERY ESTÉE, which will be launched this fall, comes with an effective advertising slogan of great impact:
“The new sexy fragrance.”

It is a floral musky scent, elegant and modern.

Top notes: Lotus flowers, freesia, cassis and pink pepper
Middle notes: Bulgarian rose, rose oil NaturePrint®, Brasilian gardenia NaturePrint® and jasmine FirNat®
Base notes: Sandalwood, cedar, cashmere accord and musk

Available in the beginning of October 2012 in Switzerland.
Eau de Parfum 1.0oz / 30ml (CHF 60.-) and 1.7oz / 50ml (CHF 80.-)

Estée Lauder spokeswoman, Hilary Rhoda, is the face of the campaign. (I met her and Tom Pecheux once in New York during Fashion Week, click here for the photos.)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Estée Lauder

This week, I am participating in the “Dirndl Style Challenge” by Dirndl Magazine and Limberry. The voting has been open since Monday and now I need your help to win.

Please click on the like button next to my photo on Facebook.

It would mean a lot to me! Thank you!

LoL, Sandra

Do you know that you can design your own Converse sneakers? Style your ultimate pair of Converse shoes with this fun online application, available on their homepage. This interactive designer can be pretty addictive. You can even personalize your creation. Pretty cool, isn’t it?

The only problem is that they don’t ship to Europe. I got mine sent to my hotel in Maui while I was there.
And here they are… living up to the recent neon trend.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht