Sandra‘s Closet

For S/S 2013, the designers have come up with some outstanding accessories. The ones I put together for you are like pieces of art, highly collectibles that probably belong more in a vitrine than to be worn. At least, it is fun to look at them.

THE SEASON OF EYE-CATCHING CLUTCHES

Lego clutch by Chanel

Butterfly clutch by Bottega Veneta

Clutch bag with Madonna print by Givenchy

Enameled resin perfume clutch by Lanvin

Jewel plexiglass butterfly clutch by Valentino

THE SEASON OF THE STATEMENT SHOE

Mink pumps by Céline

Magic square slingback pump by Louis Vuitton

Cherie poodle patent sandals by Charlotte Olympia

Strappy sandals by Alexander Wang

Patent-leather ankle-cuff sandals by Gucci

THE SEASON TO INVEST IN FASHION JEWELRY

Necklace by Christian Dior

Ruthenium-plated Swarovski crystal flamingo necklace by Roberto Cavalli

Metal circle earrings by Balmain

Large pom pom and raffia earrings by Dolce & Gabbana

Cuff by Erickson Beamon

I hope that you have enjoyed my little accessory report for S/S 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands

My love for Los Angeles started a long time ago when I went to a summer college there. The sunshine, the easy lifestyle, the friendly people, have fascinated me from the early start. The prejudices concerning the Californian city are multifarious, of course you have many people working in “the industry” and the plastic surgeries are higher per capita there than anywhere else. Yes, and the traffic is horrendous and I am scared of earthquakes.

However, there’s so much more to this metropolis that people don’t understand unless they immerse themselves in it. In summer 2010, I rented a house in Beverly Hills and spent two months there, long-time readers of Sandras’ Closet might remember. When the day came to fly back to Europe, I didn’t want to leave. Los Angeles has a mix of people, trends, fashion, nationalities, and industries that you can’t find anywhere else.

Therefore I was so happy when Montblanc invited me to come to Los Angeles to live the Oscar experience and to attend their “Signature for Good” 2013 charity brunch. When I landed at LAX, my heart started already jumping for joy. But enough of my love letter. So, what follows is my list of a few of my favorite things to do and see in Los Angeles.

Me in front of the Montblanc boutique on the famous Rodeo Drive.

At Opening Ceremony, one of my favourite shops.

Fred Segal‘s perfume store is gigantic.

Shopping like the locals on Robertson Boulevard. (For a detailed Los Angeles shopping guide, please click here).

Also home to my favourite restaurant for lunch: The well-known Ivy, a hot spot to see many celebrities.

Have an Ivy Sunday, so yummy!

Great for dinner: Cecconi’s

Girls just wanna have fun: Tea time at American Girl Place.

A must-see: Disneyland

The famous star handprints in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre have to be on your sightseeing list…

… along with Hollywood’s iconic Walk of Fame.

At Venice Beach, you can enjoy the lively boardwalk with a crazy and colorful crowd. From rollerscaters, artists, palm readers and street dancers, to performers and vendors of any sort. It is also home to the iconic “Muscle Club” – an outdoor gym where bodybuilders shape their bodies under the sun. Arnold Schwarzenegger used to go there.

My list could go on and on… my favourite hotel is by the way the Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica.

If I had a wish granted from the fairy…? I would love to live in such a fabulous Beverly Hills mansion. It doesn’t hurt to dream.

Thank you, Montblanc, for having me brought back to this fab city!
Bye-bye L.A., I will surely be back soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Black pumps will always be a classic, but this summer, it is all about white pumps. Incorporate this shoe trend into your own style by combining it with your favourite new season looks. Better be fast to snag a pair, they sell out fast!

Here are four of the bestsellers:
1 Abel leather pumps by Jimmy Choo
2 Patent leather pumps by Balmain
3 Paris leather pumps by Saint Laurent
4 Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent

LoL, Sandra

The last weeks have been incredible, I had so many amazing experiences, wonderful travels and endless parties. One thing that went missing though was sleep. So skin is attacked, its natural defenses are weakened and wrinkles set in. Don’t we all need a little rescuing sometimes? Therefore I would like to show you the three products that helped me look kind of fresh every morning. I like to keep my beauty savers easy and handy, here we go:

BOTANICAL D-TOX by Sisley

This product is a life saver! At times of stress or extreme tiredness, this powerful one month night treatment program enriched with detoxifying plant extracts refreshes the skin, as if it has been replenished by a good night’s sleep.
In 4 weeks, the face looks rested, skin regains its glow and energy.

CHF 209.00 (30ml)

PRODIGY POWERCELL EYE URGENCY by Helena Rubinstein

Those SOS eye patches work real magic, having an instant de-puffing, smoothing and lifting effect in one. It is a true luxury and sensorial feeling to put them on as they feel like a second skin due to Bio-cellulose that fusions with the skin. Your immediate anti-fatigue booster.

CHF 164.00 (6 pack), CHF 33.00 (1 pack)

TOP SECRETS TOUCHE EXPPRESS WAKE-UP EYECARE by Yves Saint Laurent

Perfect for on-the go rescue! It helps you fight puffiness and dark circles. Its smoothing emulsion is enriched with arnica, known for its decongesting and microcirculation activating properties. I love the draining action of this roll-on applicator. Regain a radiant look in a flash.

CHF 70.00 (2.5ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Sisley, Helena Rubinstein and YSL

Monday, I attended during Paris Fashion Week the Roger Vivier Cocktail to celebrate the launch of the book ‘Roger Vivier’, held at the boutique on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The tome will be available from April 2nd in the Roger Vivier boutiques and in fine bookstores.

Among the guests was Inès de la Fressange (see photo with me above), a French model, aristocat, designer of fashion and perfumes, and former muse for Karl Lagerfeld (Inès walked in the Chanel S/S 2011 runway show at the age of 54.). She has a very cute section on the Roger Vivier homepage, called “Ines’ Little Diaries”. Personally speaking, she looked absolutely stunning and was very lovely to talk to.

Inès de la Fressange and Bruno Frisoni

Today, designer Bruno Frisoni is at the helm of Roger Vivier. He’s one of the most charming designers in fashion and his witty humor can be seen perfectly in the picture I took of him at the event. He knows well how to design shoes in which ladies feel elegant.

Roger Vivier himself (1907–1998) was a French fashion designer who specialized in shoes and became famous for his stiletto heel. He was called the “Fragonard of the shoe” and many critics compared his creations to Fabergé. He designed the footwear for Queen Elizabeth II that she wore to her coronation in 1953 and the famous “buckle” shoes, Catherine Deneuve sported in the iconic French movie “Belle de Jour”, together with Yves Saint Laurent clothing.

Blogger girls from left to right: Me, Elisa Nalin, Tamu McPherson and Eleonara Carisi.

When we left the event, every guest got this cute little iPhone cover.

YOU CAN SHOP A LARGE SELECTION OF ROGER VIVIER AT LUISAVIAROMA AND MYTHERESA.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Roger Vivier

Time flies during Paris Fashion Week. There is so much going on. Besides from all those runway shows, you have many invites to cocktail receptions, special presentations and store openings. You go to “re-sees”, which means, visiting the showroom to explore the new collection from up close. I have so much too show you, but find barely time to work.

Here is the look that I wore yesterday to the Valentino F/W 2013 show which was one of my favorites, absolutely beautiful.

Double breasted jacket,dress with leather and lace appliqué, suede ankle boots, and tote bag, all by Saint Laurent,leather mini shoulder bag by Valentino and Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Sunday night, I had a blast in Paris at the Purple x Bulgari dinner at the famous Café de Flore, followed by the after party at Le Montana. The room was filled with the “Who’s Who in High Fashion” and of course many celebrities such as Tilda Swinton and Adrien Brody.

Enjoy some of the impressions! It doesn’t get more “in” than here…

Caroline Gaimari (Purple) with me

Famous crowd: Tilda Swinton, Haider Ackermann, Betony Vernon, Sandro Kopp, Waris Ahluwalia, and founder/owner of Purple Olivier Zahm

Arriving from the Givenchy F/W 2013 runway show with an extravagant hairdo: Models Magdalena Frackowiak and…

…Isabeli Fontana, here with Olivier Zahm

Patrick Liotard-Vogt (Chairman A Small World) and Olivier Zahm

Olivier Zahm and designer Haider Ackermann

Patrick Liotard-Vogt with me

Charlotte Stockdale, Derek Blasberg, Samantha Traina, and Gaia Repossi

One of my favourite designers: Olivier Theyskens with me

At the after party at Le Montana

Waris Ahluwalia

I truly had a blast and went to bed far too late. But when I got to my hotel room, I had a meltdown when spotting the fag burns in my beloved strapless lace and tulle dress by Dolce & Gabbana.

I truly hope that Dolce & Gabbana can save this amazing piece!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Purple © Stéphane Feugère, © Sandra Bauknecht

First of all, I am addicted to Jo Malone products so please excuse my excitement for the newest addition. Finally I can surround myself with one of my favorite colognes, English Pear & Freesia, at home. The scent is inspired by a walk in an orchard and captures the luscious scent of just-ripe pears, cooled by the autumn air, ready to twist free from the tree. I love the surprising, sensuous freshness of sweet pears, wrapped in a bouquet of white freesias, on a subtle background of scrambling wild roses and skin-warming amber, patchouli and woods, perfect to enlighten every room.

THE ENGLISH PEAR & FREESIA HOME COLLECTION

Scent Surround™ Diffuser 165ml – CHF 86.00

Scent Surround™ Room Spray 175ml – CHF 62.00

Available in Switzerland exclusively at Jelmoli in Zurich and Globus in Geneva from April 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

Last night, I went to the Zurich opera ball (remember last year?) and only slept two hours. Sorry that I didn’t take some pictures of my outfit, I needed a photo-free evening. But I actually wore the same dress as for La Soirée Monegasque. When I got home pretty late, I still had to pack for Paris Fashion Week. Here you see me at the airport this morning.

My look: Leather biker jacket by Saint Laurent, embellished cotton-jersey sweatshirt by Matthew Williamson, Boyfriend cropped distressed jeans by Current/Elliott, Pashli two-tone mini shark embossed leather satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim, flat tote bag by Saint Laurent, lace-up oxfords by Miu Miu (Available in many different colours. I bought mine in Zurich.) and Spectra trolley by Victorinox.

Very tired but all excited for some new adventures! Bonjour Paris!
Now, off to the Akris F/W 2013 show…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Brown’s hotel belongs to my favourites in London and their English Tea Room is famous. My preferred choice is their ‘TEA-TOX’, a healthy version of their award-winning Traditional Afternoon Tea. Served on tea-stands, you can indulge in healthy treats without feeling too naughty. For more information, please click here. And with such good conscience, you can hop over to Bruton Street where some of my beloved stores are located such as Stella McCartney and Matthew Williamson to look for the new season’s must-haves.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Brown’s Hotel