Sandra‘s Closet

So many of you have been asking me during the last days where I have been staying in Doha as my first post already showed some pictures of the fabulous resort. I spent a magical week at the Sharq Village and Spa operated by The Ritz-Carlton Company and experienced an unforgettable stay in the heart of Qatar.

It is located ten minutes from Doha International Airport on a private coastline with a beautiful beach offering striking views of Doha’s skyline. Due to the airport’s close proximity, you can enjoy some really impressive views on the departing airplanes.

Two fresh water pools are surrounded by the resort’s impressive traditional architecture inspired by the life and culture of ancient qatari tribes. The weather was just perfect during the last days, sunny and not too hot. The service is very friendly, the staff is greeting each hotel guest by name. I could totally get used to “Miss Sandra”.

Sharq Village and Spa is home to different highly recommended restaurants: Al Liwan (Lebanese), Al Dana (Casual), Al Jalsa (Arabian Café), Cigar Lounge, Al Wanis Shisha Terrace and Parisa (Persian), which has been my favourite. I will post some photos of my last dinner there soon. Of course, you can also enjoy a quick meal whilst relaxing at the pool at Al Seef Bar.

Al Jalsa (Arabian Café)

Breakfast at Al Dana

Al Wanis Shisha Terrace

Funnily enough, as I have just been to a Six Senses Spa in Gstaad at the Alpina hotel, I have been curious to compare both. The most important fact they have both in common, they are amazing in their own way. The Six Senses Spa in Sharq Village is respective of Qatari traditions with a separate ladies entrance, reception and exercise facilities. Something that I have also enjoyed very much, having state of the art fitness facilities just for myself.

The best part of my stay was the fairytale-like very spacious suite with a total of 165.5 square meters including a living room and two bedrooms each with their own bathroom. Fresh rose leaves on the bed were just one of the daily nice touches.

Bulgari bath amenities, a rainforest shower and a deep soaking jacuzzi tub were a daily pleasure. My trip to Doha was absolutely perfect and I am truly sad to leave. Stay tuned for more posts on my little adventures here under the Qatari sun.

LoL, Sandra

Photos used for collages: Courtesy of Sharq Village; All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Let’s have a look at Miu Miu‘s S/S 2013 ad campaign that is formed of a series of mise-en-scenes and still lives, in a mysterious domestic setting. The muted tones and painterly light of the theatrical setting highlight the vibrant vitality of the cast.

Photographed by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin in New York, the campaign follows Miu Miu’s tradition of subverting traditional advertising imagery, this season offering a fresh view of contemporary femininity, rich with nuance and authenticity. High and low materials meet in rooms that have no sense of time or place, bleached wooden paneling and ruby red satin mirroring the duality of materials in the collection.

The cast itself embodies the many facets of a woman’s personality, femme fatales and innocent ingénues, playful belles and nostalgic beauties. This diverse constellation of women share their own private language, in an intimate series of poetic interactions. Nonchalant groupings and abstract close ups reflect both a harmonious closeness and their distinct individuality. Looking in through doors and windows that seem to lead to another world, we encounter a new kind of elegance in this seductive celebration of contemporary femininity.

Rich chocolate Shibori dip-dye mink jacket

One thing all these women have in common? Their desire to own one of Miu Miu’s unbelievable fur pieces! For the post of the S/S 2013 show, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Travertine Shibori dip-dye mink jacket

Caramel and raspberry handmade Shibori dip-dyed fur stole

Soft grey and black handmade Shibori dip-dyed fur stole

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

2013 is starting with a fashionable comeback of previous season’s must-haves of which some could be truly named vintage pieces. Another proof for my closet theory, keep everything, there will be a time to wear it again. So I am very happy to have all those pieces still in my wardrobe…

Olivia embellished leather waist belt by Moschino
The return of the iconic Moschino belt is probably the biggest surprise for me. I bought mine in Rome during my final school trip… a long time ago. It looks so used that I have ordered a new one now. Gosh, who would have thought that?!

The Britannia Skull leather box clutch by Alexander McQueen
This Union Jack-inspired clutch has become officially a true classic and will vamp up every outfit in seconds.

Double-breasted wool-blend blazer by Balmain
First launch for Pre-fall 2010, this blazer of glory sold out in seconds. Now, it is back in black. Hurry up to stock up your colour palette or to finally add this classic to your wardrobe selection.
If you interested to see me wearing it, please click here.

LoL, Sandra