Sandra‘s Closet

L’Occitane is famous for its shea butter that is harvested by hand in Burkina Faso – Africa, before being made into creams, lotions, soaps and other products at the brand’s factory in Provence. Also known as “women’s gold”, shea butter has been used for ages as a natural beauty balm because it moisturizes, soothes and protects the skin. Now available are some fabulous limited editions. The packaging is the cutest with little bear and honey bee drawings.

Shea Honey Whipped Body Cream
Give into sweet temptation with the Honey Whipped Body Cream, which combines the nourishing powers of shea butter with the delicious scent of honey. The unique formula has a light, soufflé-like texture which feels incredibly soft to touch, leaving the skin silky and smooth. 
CHF 31.- (125ml)

Shea Honey Hand Cream
This sweetly fragranced easy to use hand cream is highly concentrated with shea butter to help protect, nourish and soften your hands. Hands recover softness and comfort immediately.
CHF 10.- (30ml)

The limited edition shea butter and honey collection also includes a foaming shower gel (CHF 21.- / 250ml) and a balm (CHF 10.- / 8ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of L’Occitane and © Sandra Bauknecht

This was my look that I wore to my birthday lunch. I have to admit that I a completely crazy for the new Saint Laurent collection and went a little overboard on shopping my must-haves.

My look: Boxy sculpted dress with broad shoulder details and black leather tote (also available in white), both by Saint Laurent, grey suede ankle boots from a previous collection when it was still Yves Saint Laurent, 4810 hoop earrings by Montblanc and cotton velvet tights by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Great news: The recent trend edition of Swiss annabelle magazine is featuring one page of my online shopping tips that you can also enjoy online by clicking here.

Speaking of a shopping spree, what would be on today’s wish list?
Metallic textured-leather shoulder bag by Burberry Prorsum
Gold stud sunglasses by Alexander McQueen
Paris patent leather pumpsby Saint Laurent
Cabochon and crystal bead self-tie necklace by Lanvin

For details on the looks featured in annabelle magazine, please click on the photos below.

LoL, Sandra

Recently, I visited the Chopard headquarters in Meyrin, that is very close to Geneva. The Swiss brand that is known for its luxury watches and high end jewelry was bought in 1963 by Karl Scheufele, owner of a manufacturing company of the same kind in Pforzheim, Germany. At this time, Chopard had four employees. The Scheufele family brought their knowledge and talents to Chopard and brought the company to what it is today. An established still family-owned business – with around 2.000 selling points around the world – that produces 75.000 jewelry pieces per year, and that makes the mechanical movements and all the gold used for the creations in-house. Today, Caroline Scheufele, a gemologist in charge for the precious stones buying and the exceptional creations, along with her brother Karl-Friedrich Scheufele run the business.

Me in front of the headquarters, wearing a dress and scarf by Gucci, coat by Etro, boots by Balenciaga and bag by Céline.

After a brief introduction, the lovely team showed me around the different manufacturing stations. The photos below are taken in  the room where the beautiful Imperiale collection is made. It is very impressive to see how much work, love for detail and craftsmanship go into one piece of jewelry. And of course, the best part was, when I was able to try the stunning valuables on. My nail polish and dress matched the rose gold and the cushion-cut amethyst of the Imperiale ring (REF : 829221-5039) perfectly.

The Imperiale collection is inspired by ancient embroidered patterns and decorative elements of the East. This pattern recalls the refined craftsmanship and elegant designs of empires past, and lends an exotic twist to the jewelry pieces.

On the way to my favourite part of the visit, I spotted the famous Palme d’Or designed and hand crafted every year in the workshops of Chopard. (Do you remember when I went with Chopard to the Cannes Film Festival last year, if not, please click here).

Chopard’s diamonds have dominated the Cannes red carpet since many years. The high jewlery collections, designed by co-president and artistic director, Caroline Scheufele, are truly breathtaking. Some of my favourites are the Precious Temptations and the Harrods Disney Princesses collections.

At the artisan atelier, I spotted also some made-to-order pieces like this absolutely amazing dog necklace. The goldsmith had several sketches of a dog’s physiognomy and produced a wax model before making the final piece. It is absolutely captivating to watch the passionate craftsmen at work.

The culmination of my imperial day with Chopard was a lunch at the famous Bayview restaurant at the Président Wilson hotel in Geneva. (Remember when I was there with La Mer. If not, please click here.) Such a treat prepared by one of the most famous chef in the world, Michel Roth (MOF and Bocuse d’Or – 1991) who served a feast for the eyes and culinary delight. The dessert in the shape of a ring was so cute. Thank you, Chopard, for that wonderful experience!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is your exclusive preview of Longchamp‘s new S/S 2013 video that will debut tomorrow on February 12, 2103. This awesome campaign will put you in a good mood. Turn up the volume and you should be dancing…

I have to admit that I am sometimes feeling like Coco Rocha at the security check. I feel the urge to get those grumpy people to smile.

The old TWA terminal’s minimalistic design at JFK in New York reflects the architectural theme of the new S/S 2013 collection. Highlighting the season’s star bags: Longchamp 3D, LM Cuir and Gatsby Sport, Coco Rocha is set in scene as the glamorous, cosmopolitan traveler running to catch her plane, grabbing her bags from the luggage carousel, and passing through security.

The S/S 2013 collection is also dominated by the Finca Luisa statement print in saturated shades, structured shapes and an architectural vision. Exclusively created for Longchamp, this graphic motif was inspired by the houses characteristic of South American estates (finca in Spanish) and is a playful tribute to the Mexican architect Luis Barragàn, celebrated for his use of bold block color.

LoL, Sandra

Longchamp 3D Bag

Longchamp Gatsby Sport Bag

Stills, ad and runway photos: Courtesy of Longchamp, Photos showroom: © Sandra Bauknecht

This Valentine’s Day make her blush with something from this gift guide. Of course, those ideas work perfectly for every woman you love, your girlfriend, your mother, your daughter and your wife. If nobody is treating you, treat yourself and say be mine!

BEAUTY

Valentine’s Day is getting close, what if he offered you the new fruity floral KENZOAMOUR I♥U ?
A bouquet for every day, a subtle love message every morning.

Top notes: Grapefruit and black currant
Heart notes: Rose, cherry and lilac
Base notes: Musk and cedarwood
Available now. CHF 80.50 (40ml)

When it comes to the art of gifting, Jo Malone offers some of the most beautiful choices. For Valentines’ Day, the brand’s Red Roses fragrance is lovely, composed of seven types of roses from around the world.

Celebrate the essence of romance with the Red Roses Fragrance Chronicle™. A trio of exclusive accords to layer with voluptuous Red Roses. Create individual effects: Sweet Lemon brings tantalising transparency; Scarlet Velvet Rose adds richness; and Honeycomb, a nectar-like warmth. Write your own love story…
Available at Jelmoli Zurich and Globus Geneva for CHF 130.00

For Valentine’s Day, Bobbi Brown recommends to mix unusual colour combinations, her favourite at the moment: pink and red.

PINK & RED COLLECTION (New and limited edition shades from left to right):
Sheer Colour Tint in Sheer Pink and Sheer Cherry, CHF 39.00
Sheer Lip Gloss in Cheery (new) and Pretty in Pink, CHF 35.00
Nail Polishes in Pink Valentine and Valentine Red, CHF 27.00
Creamy Matte Lip Color in Hot (new) and Heart, CHF 38.00

The message that street artist Curtis Kulig spreads is amazing: Love is universal. Everything about the newest Smashbox collection “Love Me” is true to Curtis, to his art. Cute, beautiful and cool in one with hearts allover.

LOVE ME COLLECTION (In Switzerland exclusively availabe at Marionnaud)
Eye Shadow Palette in Admire Me (pink-brown) and Entice Me (blue-purple), CHF 44.00
Be Legendary Lipstick in Love Me (red) and Tempt Me (coral), CHF 26.00
Blush in Idolize Me (light pink), CHF 40.00
Paint Pen Eye Liner in Jet Black, CHF 29.00
Lip Enhancing Gloss in Adore Me (coral red) and Charm Me (bubblegum pink), CHF 24.00

FASHION

Declare your love with this playfully embellished jersey T-shirt by Lanvin. 
Blooming with vinyl flowers and sparkling with crystals, it will make the heart of every fashionista girlfriend leap with joy!

You cannot go wrong with a pair of fabulous shoes:
Love Me heart-appliquéd suede pumps by Charlotte Olympia

The Valentines Bayswater leather clutch by Mulberry is the perfect gift for your beloved one.

This beautiful Valentine bag by Gucci is part of a whole collection dedicated to love.

WATCHES & JEWELRY

You’re crazy in love? Say it out loud! Make it perfectly clear with A LA FOLIE (GZ281) — the Swatch watch that says,” I’m mad about you. True love has nothing to hide”, created especially for Valentine’s Day.

Model: Gent
Dial: pink with heart-shaped opening revealing some pink components within
Case: 34 mm solid mat white plastic
Bracelet: bi-colour mat white and pink silicone, smells like vanilla
Available now for CHF 70.00.

How cute is Montblanc‘s Valentine necklace?! It pairs a large heart in warm pink gold combined with the house’s star emblem in stainless steel. The two pendants are firmly tied together with an adjustable leather cord which is available in black or brown.
Available for CHF 325.00.

I hope that I could inspire you a little. And last but not least, here is an amazing contest for you:

VALENTINE’S DAY SSENSE Selfie Contest
To celebrate love in the modern world SSENSE is hosting a contest. The idea is simple: participants take a photo of themselves and upload it to Instagram with the hashtag #SSENSELOVESME. Two entries will be picked on Valentine’s Day, and the winners will receive a $2,500 gift card to use on ssense.com.

To participate: Follow @SSENSE on Instagram. Take a photo of yourself. Post that photo to Instagram with the hashtag #SSENSELOVESME and mention @SSENSE. The contest ends at 12:00pm EST on Valentine’s Day.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands, © Sandra Bauknecht

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Have a look at my favourite foot care products to survive the cold winter months and to get you sandal ready for summer.

CHAMOMILE MINT MASSAGE by OPI
With the help of botanical extracts, plus vitamins and emollients, this product works wonders. A non-greasy spa massage for home that moisturizes your feet perfectly. For all who have barely time to get a pedicure. (Can also be used on hands).
CHF 39.90 (125 ml)

NORDIC BERRY FOOT CREAM by Neutrogena
This foot treament is a real favourite of mine. It intensively moisturizes and nourishes even the driest skin of feet, it helps to prevent rough and horny skin. You will see visible results already after one week of use.
CHF 19.90 (100ml)

AMANDE FOOT CARE by L’Occitane
If you’re looking for a foot lotion that you can actually feel working, then this is the one for you. With a mix of almond milk, shea butter and purifying mint essential oil, tired toes are reawakened with a tingly feeling.
Thanks to its powdery finish, you can quickly put your shoes on.
CHF 14.- (50ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the brands
Fur scarf by Gabriele Frantzen

Avoid dry, flaky hands this winter with my favorite hand cream products that smell delicious and do wonders for cold-weather ravaged skin. Say hello to softer hands!

WHITE CAVIAR ILLUMINATING HAND CREAM SPF 15 by La Prairie
This lightweight formula offers sun protection and anti-ageing benefits to help keep wrinkles at bay. It also contains powerful actives for brightening to minimize age spots.
CHF 179.- (100ml)

ROSE HAND CREAM by Jurlique
A rich protective hand cream with organic ingredients of rose, calendula and viola, to deeply moisturize and restore smoothness. For skin that is looking taut and gorgeous.
CHF 59.- (125ml)

EXTRA HAND CREAM by Bobbi Brown
A purse-friendly hand cream for on-the-go comfort that moisturizes and helps repair dryness instantly. Shea butter and clary sage combine to strengthen hands’ natural moisture barrier; glucosamine gently exfoliates while licorice extract helps lessen the appearance of discolorations.
CHF 50.- (50ml)

ARGÀ HANDSBUTTER by Nature’s
Boasting a range of natural ingredients, this ultra-rich nourishing product contains argan oil and shea butter to leave hands soft and moisturized. A perfect emergency product for sore, cracked hands. It is not greasy and leaves a pleasant citrus aroma.
CHF 10.- (50ml), available at Foret Vierge in Zurich

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the brands
Fur scarf by Gabriele Frantzen

Recently, I participated in the campaign shoot for the Il Tavolo Food Festival in Zurich which will take place in collaboration with the Park Hyatt from June 27 – 30, 2013.

As I was completely free in choosing my outfit, I went for some food inspiration: Lobster print and pasta earrings. Ellin Anderegg, the photographer, liked my bag so much that it immediately became part of the advertising photo. Next to me is Lucy Tallo, owner of PR/Ticular.

My look: Lobster silhouette shift dress (If you like the crustacean theme, have a look at this Lobster intarsia-knit sweater or the Lobster-print cotton-jersey sweatshirt) and Maverick suiting blazer, all by Tibi, cutout patent-leather ankle boots by Lanvin, Miss Sicily wool tapestry and leather tote and pasta earrings, both by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, the doorbell rang and the postman delivered some beautiful literally sweet surprises. The Park Hyatt Zurich sent me such a gorgeous cake in the shape of a bag that complemented the new limited edition nail polish shades by Estée Lauder PURE COLOR HEAVY PETALS perfectly.

The new limited edition spring collection of lacquers looks delicious thanks to its inspiration from the famous macaron dessert. The shades are from left to right: Narcissist, Lilac Leather, Coral Cult, Dilettante France, and Absinthe.

To a tasty weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Estée Lauder and © Sandra Bauknecht