Sandra‘s Closet

As with any royal occasion, I am always curious about the outfits. Today, Dutch King Willem-Alexander took the oath next to his wife Queen Máxima during a religious ceremony at the Nieuwe Kerk church in Amsterdam, marking the abdication of Queen Beatrix and the investiture of her eldest son. He became the first king of the Netherlands since 1890.

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands wore for the inauguration of her husband, a custom royal-blue gown by Dutch designer Jan Taminiau. Her floor-sweeping lace embellished dress was combined with a matching floor-sweeping cape, which reminded me a lot of Gwyneth Paltrow’s 2012 Tom Ford Oscar gown appearance.

But I couldn’t take my eyes of Willem-Alexander’s royal mantle, decorated with silver lions and ermine fur, it is a piece of art. The original dates to 1815, but it has been repaired and altered over the past century, and had been also worn for the investitures of his mother and grandmother.

I would love to have such an outerwear and thought immediately of Valentino‘s beautiful F/W 2013 collection where I spotted something similar on the runway, like a modernized version of the royal coat, made of red mink with an ermine collar.

I am sure that I would feel like a real princess in it. More of Valentino will be coming up soon, so please stay tuned. It has been one of my favourite collections for the next season and I took some great pictures in the showroom in Paris as you can see in this little preview below.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: REUTERS/Lex Van Lieshout/Pool, Valentino and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, I spent some amazing days with Louis Vuitton in Munich for the opening of the gigantic new Maison that I will show you during the next days. Many celebrities from all over the world had flown in to attend the fun event. But there was a project I was even more excited about… Louis Vuitton asked me to be in a photo shoot for the ART OF PACKING.

In my beautiful hotel room at the Charles Hotel, Ward, the in-house packing expert, explained me enthusiastically how packing efficiently could well be considered an art and gave me some tips which were funnily enough very similiar to my ‘method’. As I am very particular about my clothes and accessories, I have realized that I already master the art of packing pretty well given also the amount of travel I’ve been going through since I have started my blog.

So enjoy this step-by-step guide to filling a suitcase or travel bag. In my case, it is the Pégase 45 by Louis Vuitton, the best companion for a 24-hours trip that has the perfect size to take it on board of an aircraft.

In order to maximize space in your luggage and to minimize creasing of your clothes, preparation is the key. It is very important to keep the global picture and that starts already with the right type of suitcase or travel bag for your occasion.

1. Lay out all the items you would like to pack. Like this, you  will see what works well together and won’t take too much. Here you see all my looks. Isn’t it hard to believe that all of those will fit in my little Pégase?!

2. Optimize weight. Instead of taking heavy shoe trees, stuff your heels with wrapping tissue.

3. To protect your pieces, use separate felt bags for your shoes and accessories.

4. Don’t forget to do the same with your jewelry in order to protect it from scratching.

5. A smart way of packing is to use the empty space inside your bags or shoes for example and fill it with your small items. You could also roll up your belts to fit them in.

6. To avoid creasing, it is indispensable to understand the nature of the fabrics of your clothes. For example, roll the uncomplicated materials such as denim or cashmere scarfs into tight, compact spirals to maximize suitcase space.

7. Fold the clothes carefully and use wrapping paper for items that are delicate such as this embroidered top.

8. Once you have all your items rolled or wrapped, you can get started to put them in your luggage. It is very important to put all the heavy ones in first.

9. Another great way to minimize creasing of your delicate pieces is to stuff them with other clothes as I did here.

10. The Pégase has two flaps to secure your clothes from moving up and down which is great. Can you imagine that everything that was laying on the bed fit in?!

And there was still space to put the leopard print trenchcoat with its collar raised on top as the sun was shining.

Without having to push or squeeze it, I closed my Pégase 45.

And I have to admit that after having finished packing, I am usually pretty happy. Now, off to the airport! The next adventure is waiting…

My look: Cashmere top with Stephen Sprouse leopard print, dark blue leather pants, Noé BB bag in citron, bi-colour pumps, necklace and ring, all by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jamie McGregor Smith for Louis Vuitton

While promoting her new single ‘Come and Get It‘, Selena Gomez was spotted last Wednesday in NYC wearing a killer look from 3.1 Phillip Lim. And the slogan matches her new song…

Get her look: Get It Girl cotton-appliquéd silk-chiffon top and botanical-print silk tapered pants, both by 3.1 Phillip Lim, mid-length gabardine zip detail trenchcoat by Burberry London and two strap Elisabetta heels by Bionda Castana.

I am in love with 3.1 Phillip Lim’s botanical print for S/S 2013 and couldn’t resist this floral top and the matching Polly small flap clutch (also available at Vestibule in Zurich) that has been featured in the brand’s first ad campaign shot in New York City.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of 3.1 Phillip Lim, Via justjared and  © Sandra Bauknecht

If you think that the emerald makeup trend is too vibrant for you, you will love today’s post featuring the most alluring nude and bronze products for this summer.

Above you can see my personal must-haves that are all part of the new collections hitting the stores now.

1 CLARINS Shimmer Body Oil – CHF 49.00
2 CLARINS Summer Bronzing Compact – CHF 49.00
3 CLARINS Colour Quartet & Liner Eye Palette – CHF 62.00
4 ESTEE LAUDER Pure Color Nail Lacquer So Vain – CHF 34.00
5 ESTEE LAUDER Pure Color Nail Lacquer Diabolique – CHF 34.00
6 ESTEE LAUDER Dual Ended Liquid Liner Black Sands – CHF 40.00
7 YVES SAINT LAURENT La Laque Couture N°37 Taupe Maresque – CHF 38.00
8 TOM FORD Bronzing Powder Gold Dust – CHF 82.00

CLARINS Splendours Summer Makeup Collection

Amazing, that was the first word that literally came into my head when I unpacked the stunning summer makeup collection from Clarins. Splendours is themed around a harmony of glistening gold shades for the perfect warm natural summer glow. Available now.

ESTEE LAUDER Pure Color Nail Lacquers French Nudes

Suiting every women’s skin tone, Makeup Director Tom Pecheux created these muted nudes that look elegant and sophisticated. In stores now.
From left to right: Diabolique, Nudité, Bittersweet, So Vain and Ballerina Pink.

YVES SAINT LAURENT Saharienne Heat

Lindsey Wixson, the face of the ad campaign, shows how gorgeous the variety of colours in this collection look: bronze and nude combined with shades of purple and emerald.
The perfect alternative for those who would like to add a splash of colour to their natural look. And with the golden Moroccan arabesque designs on top of the compacts, it is a pleasure to open them every day. In stores now.

TOM FORD Beauty Summer 2013 Color Collection

Tom Ford’s summer 2013 makeup collection brings some interesting essentials to the table. Beautiful nudes and bronze shades that will give you that natural-looking glow we all want to achieve during the warm weather months, for a skin that is bathed in sunset light.
In Switzerland available Mid May 2013 exclusively at Jelmoli Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

Wedding gown by Matthew Williamson, bridal veil by Lanvin and rings by Bvlgari

It’s that time of year… after those horrible rainy and grey days, we are thinking of our summer holidays and some of us might even plan something bigger, a wedding. Are you looking for the perfect paradise that will leave you speechless with magnificent, sun-filled memories?

I have something for you: Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, Bali, offers the special setting for your exclusive ceremony. You have four different wedding experiences and of course a large selection of rings to choose from the house of Bvlgari:

The Water Wedding

The altar is set upon a transparent carpet gently floating on the surface of the Water Pond. A truly unique experience, for a wedding ceremony held in front of the infinity of the Indian Ocean.

The Beach Wedding

An exclusive experience for those who choose to celebrate their ceremony on a secluded, white sand beach in front of a brilliant blue lagoon with wild Indian Ocean crashing on the reef.

The Pavilion Wedding

A romantic wedding experience for unions held in the formal surroundings of this intimate space decorated with garlands of fragrant flowers. A solemn ceremony starting with the bride-to-be moving towards the altar along an aisle deeply carpeted with blossoms.

The Bale Wedding

A romantic venue modelled on the traditional Bale Bengong pavilion and sited more than 160 metres above the beach below, with breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean. This exclusive setting is decorated with 5,000 blossoms.

Each Bvlgari wedding proposal includes flowers and decorations by a world-renowned floral designer, traditional Balinese performance, champagne for the toast and an exclusive Bvlgari wedding certificate holder. A wedding planner takes care of any special request in order to create a unique and unforgettable experience.

The legal validity of religious and civil ceremonies varies from country to country. To confirm the validity of the ceremony guests are planning in Bali, guests must consult all authorities (local and country of origin) involved. To help with all plans the staff at the Bvlgari Resort is pleased to provide all necessary information for definitive clarification of all issues beyond our area of expertise. Please contact Bulgari Hotels & Resorts Bali, Jalan Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia, Phone: +62.361.847.1000.

I can only recommend Bali as I went there for my honeymoon, such a beautiful island.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bvlgari

As promised, here is the makeup tutorial for emerald eyes. The Pantone Colour of the Year 2013 looks gorgeous on nearly every eye colour.

Products used to create the look:

1 CHANEL Stylo Eyeshadow 47 Blue Bay
2 DIOR 5 Coleurs Eye Shadow 374 Blue Lagoon
3 MAC Eye Shadow Vanilla Velvet
4 DIOR Diorshow Liner Waterproof Aqua Green
5 SHISEIDO The Makeup Eyebrow and Eyeliner Compact BL3 Light Brown
6 ANASTASIA Brow Gel Clear
7 SISLEY So Intense Mascara Black
8 CHANEL Mascara Inimitable Waterproof 37 Lime Light
9 CHANEL Lèvres Scintillantes/Glossimer 427 Envolée

Brushes: BOBBI BROWN Angle Eye Shadow Brush and MAC Brush 228

And here you go:

To complement the emerald green eyes, I like to wear apricot hues on the lips. My favourite at the moment is CHANEL Glossimer 427 Envolée from the new summer look (available in Switzerland end of May 2013).

Hope that you have enjoyed that makeup tutorial! Happy Sunday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Saturday, I spent a beautiful day in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. The sun was shining and I enjoyed exploring the city very much. Below you can enjoy some of my impressions.

My look: Bouclé tweed jacket and matching Lily bouclé tweed shoulder bag, both by Mulberry, stretch-leather skinny pants by Gucci, suede boots by Balmain, Sandra two-tone stretch-cady top and printed scarf, both by Stella McCartney and Portrait sunglasses by Prada.

I stayed at the NOBIS HOTEL, a luxury design hotel, located in two historic late 19th-century buildings on Norrmalmstorg square in the city centre of Stockholm. I have liked its contemporary design very much. Here you see me sitting in the so-called lounge, a quite spectacular room with a ceiling height of 28 meters.

When staying at Nobis Hotel, you have to try their house cocktail, so delicious.

In the bathroom of my hotel room, I was overly happy to find the complete body range of one of my favourite scents: BLANCHE by Byredo.

As I was at the very center of what’s going on in Stockholm in every sense, I had everything I wanted to explore within walking distance. Above you see the Royal Opera House.

Lunch at T-Bar that belongs to the Diplomat Hotel, an iconic Art Nouveau palace by the shore of Strandvägen, another great place to stay at.

My favourite Swedish dish: Löjrom (Bleak Roe or Kalix Caviar), such a delicacy.

A little shopping tour around the famous department store NK.

I had such a wonderful time in Stockholm and will surely be back. Stay tuned for one more sightseeing post coming up soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“Lively. Radiant. Lush… A colour of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.”

Ladies and Gentlemen, drum roll please, it is official, EMERALD GREEN is the colour of the year according to Pantone, the authority and market leader in colour. One of the season’s hottest fashion trends, the timeless shade was seen on many S/S 2013 runways such as Gucci (my favorite), Kenzo and Burberry Prorsum (combined with another trend: metallics).

ICE Watch has launched a new unisex watch model in collaboration with Pantone dedicated to the trendy emerald tone, in two variants: emerald and white/white and emerald. 
Other trend colours will follow in the future.
ICE Watch Emerald White – CHF 109.00

From fashion to beauty, there are many ways to wear this vibrant colour from day to night and it’s a definite go-to for your next shopping trip!

Belted silk-twill blouse and matching silk-twill flared pants, both by Gucci, suede platform pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti and Lulu leather shoulder bag by Saint Laurent.

Don’t forget to look for some gorgeous makeup products that will complement your new season look, now may be the best time.

A great way to get started with the new style are nail polish shades in sea hues. Draw attention to your manicure and you will be really hitting the trend.

The best ones available are: CHANEL Le Vernis in 657 Azuré and 667 Bel Argus (CHF 35.00 each), DIOR Vernis Bird of Paradise Duo 001 Samba (One Shot, CHF 47.00) and YVES SAINT LAURENT La Laque Couture 36 Vert D’Orient (CHF 38.00).

The nail polish shades are part of my two favourite summer beauty looks by DIOR and CHANEL. Have a look yourself how beautiful those collections inspired by enchanting animals are:

DIOR – Bird of Paradise

Inspired by Christian Dior‘s passion for color, the new collection tells the tale of an exotic faraway. Drawing from nature’s tropical paradises, the Bird of Paradise collection embraces the vibrancy of nature and translates to versatile, wearable shades for summer.
In stores now.

My personal must-haves:

DIOR 5 Coleurs Eye Shadow 374 Blue Lagoon (One Shot, CHF 92.00)
The legendary 5 Couleurs case is coated with shimmering pigments, inspired by the golden reflections of a peacock’s feathers. Stunning!

DIOR Diorshow Liner Waterproof Aqua Green (One Shot, CHF 34.00)
Add a fun pop of color to your eye makeup with this limited edition liner.

L’Eté de Papillon de CHANEL

Another amazing collection comes from the house of Chanel. Creative Director of Makeup Peter Philips was inspired by the dazzling colours of butterfly wings and created electric shades for the eyes. A stunning effect is achieved is through the application of colorful mascaras.
Available in Switzerland starting end of May 2013.

My personal must-haves:

CHANEL Stylo Eyeshadow 47 Blue Bay (CHF 47.00)
This exclusive creation is easily applied to highlight eyes with gleaming colour. The smooth-gliding pen has a cooling, water-infused formula for a shimmering veil on lids or precise definition.

CHANEL Mascara Inimitable Waterproof 37 Lime Light (CHF 47.00)
The iconic mascara in a long-wearing, waterproof formula that won’t flake or smudge comes this season vibrant limited edition shades of blue, green and yellow.

To complement such a vibrant beautiful eye makeup, choose lips in orange, apricot hues, following in the footsteps of Tangerine Tango, which was the shade of 2012…
Stay tuned for an upcoming post in which I am wearing this beauty look.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel, Dior, Ice Watch, Style.com and © Sandra Bauknecht

Here are the details of my look that I wore to the photo shoot with Steve McCurry and the following Tribute to Photography Night in St. Moritz.

Fishtank silk-blend jacquard mini dress by Mary Katrantzou, Tribute chain-detailed suede sandals by Yves Saint Laurent, green calf skin cuff and medium Box bag in fluo pink matte python leather by Céline.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Next month, Jo Malone is launching a new limited edition fragrance that is just perfect for summer: OSMANTHUS BLOSSOM Cologne.

Delicately exotic. This white flower captures the duality of apricot counterpoised with supple leather. Luminous petitgrain and luscious peach and orange flower ripple over voluptuous cashmere wood. Packed in a beautiful decorated bottle.

FLORAL FRUITY

Top note: Petitgrain
Middle note: Osmanthus blossom
Base note: Cashmere wood

Available in May 2013 as Cologne for CHF 68.00 (30ml) and CHF 130.00 (100ml). 
In Switzerland exclusively at Jelmoli Zurich and Globus Geneva.

Combine it with Jo Malone‘s Blackberry & Bay to add a tart verdant depth, or with Nectarine Blossom & Honey to amplify with a sophisticated sweetness.

For romantic summer feelings with a touch of exotics. I love!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone