Sparkling Wishes for 2013 from Doha

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Happy New Year from Doha to all of you, my fabulous dear readers! I am looking forward to an exciting 2013 with you, and wish you all health, happiness and of course lots of style!
I decided last minute to fly to a sunny place. I had never been to Qatar before and am eager to share all of my impressions with you. In the photos you see me in my comfy outfit I wore on the flight upon my arrival in Doha.

My look: Leopard-print tracksuit by Dolce & Gabbana, sparkling scarf and studded ballet flats, both by Guccibi-colour Alice leather tote iconby Chloé. On my nails: Smoke Red by Tom Ford.

Stay tuned for the upcoming posts regarding my fabulous hotel, my New Year’s Eve celebration and much more! Let the party get started…

LoL, Sandra

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Qatar9Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Alpina Gstaad

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Recently, I was invited by Louis Vuitton to do an amazing film project with them for the opening of their new store in Gstaad. Unfortunately, the dates correlated with the launch of my Montblanc Bespoke Limited Edition Ink “Sandra Berry” and I couldn’t accept.

Nevertheless, I was lucky to join the French house’s press event which took place a few days later at the famous Swiss ski resort. For the first time, I took the train from Zurich to Gstaad. Unfortunately, you have to change trains twice but the last ride from Zweisimmen is absolutely worth the trip. The Goldenpass Railway is reminiscent of a miniature “Orient Express” with turquoise plush chairs and beautiful wood carvings (see photo to the right above).

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I stayed at the new luxury hotel, the Alpina Gstaad which just had opened its doors a few days ago. More than a place to stay in the mountains, it is combining Swiss tradition and thoughtful luxury in perfection. It is truly one of the most beautiful hotels I have seen so far in the Alps.

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The hotel’s design makes use of materials and craftsmanship typical to the region, including centuries-old fir wood crafted by master artisans. The result goes beyond Swiss stereotypes to create a fresh interpretation of Alpine chic.

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Facilities include 56 rooms and suites, Japanese cuisine from Megu, a Cuban cigar room and a Swiss ‘Stübli’ restaurant.

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Hotel_Room_Alpina_gstaadStaying in a brand new hotel room is, of course, awesome. The Alpina Gstaad offers everything you can dream of, a fireplace that lights up by pushing a button, lots of space for storage, Acqua di Parma bath products, a Nespresso coffee maker and many other things to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

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How gorgeous are those bedside lamps in the shape of a cowbell?!

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Healthy breakfast in the room.

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A beautiful surprise from Louis Vuitton was waiting in the room for me that you have seen me wearing in a recent post. Please click here if not.

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A true attraction is the hotel’s Six Senses Spa, where I had a signature massage. There are also indoor and outdoor pools, a well-equipped gym and of course, sauna, steam bath and much more. The only thing that I have found quite challenging is that you have to walk through the main lobby to get to the spa. Always feels weird in a bathrobe…

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I enjoyed my stay at the Alpina Gstaad very much and can absolutely recommend this hotel! A huge thank you to Louis Vuitton for those amazingly well organized and fun days in the Swiss mountains.

Stay tuned for all the photos from the opening event and for a very interesting interview that I did with Roberto Eggs, President of Louis Vuitton Northern Europe.

LoL, Sandra

Alpina_Gstaad_landscapePhotos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Beauty Trend New Year’s Eve: Sparkle

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New Year’s Eve is all about sparkling and glittering shades. No reason to be modest, it is that time of the year when more is more. Shine and party all night long. Here are some products that I personally find amazing and that are going easy on your budget.

1 DEBORAH 24ore Velvet Metal Eyeshadow in 03 Brown – CHF 13.90
This metallic eyeshadow can be used dry and wet.

2 T. LeClerc Mascara Céleste – CHF 36.50
For voluminous lashes in black with golden sparkles.

3 DEBORAH Perfumed Illuminating Powder “Totally Shimmer” in 02 Silver – CHF 19.90
The perfect shimmer for face and body.

4 DEBORAH Prêt-à-Porter Nail Top Coat in 72 So Jewels – CHF 5.90
Top off your favourite nail polish with this sparkling top coat.

5 Bourjois Golden Shimmer Mist Hair & Body – CHF 4.90
Golden sparkles for your hair that add enchantment to every movement.

5 Coal Diamond by Sylvie van der Vaart Night Fire – CHF 45.00 (EdP 25ml)
A floral-gourmand scent, seductive and warm with vanilla, jasmine, orchid, plum, orange blossom and tuberose.

7 T. LeClerc Matte Lipstick in 04 Beige – CHF 31.50
The perfect nude shade.

8 Bourjois Khôl & Contour XL in Noir Sparkling XL and Ultra Black XL – € 8.20 each
Intense eye colour in just one stroke.

9 UNE Cheery Lips Gloss in C02 – CHF 21.90
A colourful and nourishing formula that covers the lips beautifully while lasting up to 8 hours.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Fashion Trend New Year’s Eve: Sparkle

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Channel the look of New Year’s Eve glamour with the shimmer of allover sequins and invest in high style with those dresses that are eye-catching trophy pieces.

1 Annabelle sequined satin dress by Rachel Gilbert (50% off)
Paillette-embellished jersey mini dress by MICHEAL Michael Kors
Zenith chain and stud-embellished suede pumps by Brian Atwood (40% off)

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4 Pegaso lapis necklace by Rosantica
5 Light alate allover sequined dressicon by Jenny Peckham
6 Karmel sequined mesh dressicon by Alice + Olivia
Navy blue sequined one shoulder bandage dressicon by Hervé Léger
Tonda box clutch iconby Diane von Furstenberg

If you like to see me wearing such a sequined dress for New Year’s Eve, please click here for a previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Amazing Gucci Pieces on Sale

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The sale is on and I have spotted some amazing Gucci pieces marked off up to 50% for you. Keepers for many seasons to come!

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Floral-print silk-crepe shirt (Gucci’s floral prints are iconic and never go out of style).

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Studded suede and leather sandals (The perfect sandal for the next summer).
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Gucci Pre-fall 2012-Clutch

Studded suede mini box clutch (A chic way to carry your belongings on New Year’s Eve).

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Patent-leather pumps icon(I am in love with these shoes, they look stunning with boyfriend jeans or a sexy pencil skirt).

LoL, Sandra

Gucci UKPhotos: Courtesy of Gucci

Trend S/S 2013: Holographic Fashion

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Futuristic fabrics are high on this new season’s designer agenda and holographic looks are having a major fashion moment for S/S 2013. It is all about “Dress to Shine”!

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FASHION MEETS SPACE AGE

Christopher Kane showed his collection for S/S 2013 on a holographic catwalk and Alexander Wang turned off the lights to enlighten the special fabrics of his clothes.

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Holographic sequins played a major role at Antonio Berardi

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… and Talbot Runhof.

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The trendsetter this season is definitely Jonathan Saunders. His holographic pieces will be on every fashionista’s wish list.

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Christopher Bailey makes us drool over his metallic shiny fabrics for Burberry Prorsum that shimmer in all shades of the rainbow.

If you cannot wait to sport the trend first, have a look at those accessories below that have just hit the shelves:

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Stella McCartney and Proenza Schouler‘s sleek accessories are my favorite way to tap the trend, perfect for New Year’s Eve!

1 Holographic faux leather clutch by Stella McCartney
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Holographic faux leather pumps by Stella McCartney
3 Holographic faux leather iPhone 4 sleeve by Stella McCartney
4 Holographic leather card holder by Proenza Schouler
5 PS11 mirrored leather wristlet clutch by Proenza Schouler

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Holographic faux leather python print Falabella clutch by Stella McCartney

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Sandra Bauknecht and via Style.com

Net-à-Porter International Sale

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Yippie, another sale has started today and this is actually my favourite one: The NET-À-PORTER INTERNATIONAL SALE with amazing markdowns up to 50% off. As I told you in my previous post, it is much better to look for basics or pieces that will work for the next season.

Some of the big trends for S/S 2013 (as you can see in the pictures to the left) are the combination of black and white and ruffled details.

Here is a look that would be the perfect stylish addition to your summer wardrobe:

Crepe tuxedo blazer iconby Alexander McQueenwool-blend and silk-chiffon dress by Giambattista Vallilarge Cabas Chyc leather tote iconby Yves Saint Laurentruffle-trimmed suede pumps by Nicholas Kirkwood and splashout painted Swarovski crystal earrings by Tom Binns.

Happy Shopping by clicking HERE!

LoL, Sandra

NET-A-PORTER International end of season sale now on. Enjoy up to 50% off your favourite designers. Shop now

Mytheresa Sale – Best Buys

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The Mytheresa Sale has officially started today, good news is that you can enjoy up to 50% off. But be careful! Markdowns can be a tricky seduction. Opt for something basic that you can wear for many seasons to come and don’t go for the overall print everybody has already seen a zillion times and that is so last season.

Here are some great investment pieces (see collage above):

Bouclé blazer by Mulberry (a classic)
Ribbed sweater with crystal bead embellished collar by Miu Miu (very versatile)
Leather jean-style leggings by Acne (a must)
Falabella hobo bag by Stella McCartney (always stylish)
Leather ankle boots by Gianvito Rossi (an everyday essential)
Metallic scarf by Marc Jacobs (metallics will be huge for S/S 2013)

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

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Thank You, Santa!

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Thank you, Santa, for all the fantastic presents I got this Christmas. I am truly feeling blessed. Some of the gifts were so gorgeous and fashionable that I have to share them with you.

Of course, you will see me wearing them during the next weeks and the Valentino chain link clutch iconjust screams “Sandra”

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Patchwork leather envelope clutch iconby Chloé
2 Fabric zip laptop bag by Chanel
H Hobo Grande soft off-white nubuck leather bag by Hogan,
Wheel black pony skin loafers by Jimmy Choo

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5 Limited edition clutch by Meredith Wendell for Polyvore
6 Leather pouch by Fendi
Horseshoe id tag with personalization by Gucci
8 ’60s inspired silk scarf “Intensity” by Dior
Chain link clutch iconby Valentino

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My friend Edith has surprised me with this personalized stamp, what an awesome idea!

I just love Christmas, thank you to all for those wonderful gifts!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Day 24: Oh, Christmas Tree(s)…

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Finally, Christmas Eve is here and the tree has been revealed. Each season, I love to surprise my family with another colour scheme. This year, I went for white, black, silver and gold with a hint of glittering brown.

I had the idea of a “Christmas tree forest” and pulled up two, one for my daughter with lots of teddybears in gold and silver and a matching taller one for the adults, which obviously is a very girly one, with shoes and bags. (I couldn’t resist the French Christmas at Globus.)
Christmas ornaments are such a sweet surprise for a beloved friend, a lovely gift to be remembered once a year.

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As you see, the trees are fake but with the white snow, I think they look pretty. Somehow, I have always felt sad for all those trees being cut down for just a few days… and such a fake one is actually pretty practical as no fir needles are coming down and it looks the same from beginning to end.

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A personal tip to take your fake tree to the next level: Spritz it with Jo Malone‘s Pine & Eucalyptus Scent Surround™ Room Spray that instantly fills your home with a breath of fresh air from the woods and feel the tree come alive.

I am wishing you all a Merry X-Mas with lots of laughter, love and of course awesome presents!

LoL, Sandra

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Christmas_Tree_2012-1Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht