Sandra‘s Closet

Beijing, the heart of China, is definitely worth a visit. After having been the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games and compared to 1994 when I had been here the last time, it has completely changed. But some things always remain the same and today’s sightseeing tour around the metropole’s most traditional must-sees was proof of that.

My look: We T by Boss Orange (Such a fun initiative, join to find your T-shirts Buddy here), printed pants with side stripe (very similar to Louis Vuitton’s Stephen Sprouse print) by Zara, flats by H&M, bangles by Sal y Limon and sunglasses by Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN. The cap is a souvenir from Beijing.

I started my tour with a visit to the famous Temple of Heaven, where the Emperors paid homage to the glory of heaven, is the largest group of structures in the country dedicated to rituals. Therefore its name is a little misleading because it is definitely more than just a temple, it is a huge park as well. Many local people have yearly tickets to access the area and they enjoy outdoor activities such as dancing or playing games, especially like today on a Sunday morning.

This sign freaked me out a little. Do you remember exactly when I survived the hail storm in Wyoming exactly one year ago? I am still a little traumatized…

A Chinese lunch with an interesting view…

The very impressive and respectful Tiananmen Square is the largest central city square in the world. This immense courtyard is surrounded by a variety of significant edifices such as the Tiananmen Tower, Great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, Monument to the People’s Heroes and National Museum. For security reason, Tiananmen Square is fenced and you have to pass a security check before entering.

The magnificent Forbidden City is the largest and the best-preserved imperial palace complex in the world. For five centuries, this palace functioned as the administrative center of the country. Such an impressive treasure to visit.

I had a day filled with amazing impressions. As you see in the pictures, the smog is pretty bad but it also keeps the sun away which might not be the worst. The humidity is high and you really have to get used to the oppressive weather. Next stop, the Great Wall!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Early morning, I arrived in Beijing. A city that I had last seen in 1994 and that has completely changed. Being the capital of China, it is one of the largest cities in the world with over 20 million habitants. Today, it is very modern and offers everything you can imagine. I was extremely tired and to keep myself awake, I went for a little shopping tour close to the Peninsula Beijing, where all luxury boutiques are located.

Today, I am off to see again the Forbidden City, the Tiananmen Square and more. For live updates, you can follow me on instagram (@sandrascloset). In the meantime, please enjoy some of my first impressions.

LoL, Sandra

After I had arrived in my hotel room, I put on my new ultra-comfy GOrun ride 2 running shoes by Skechers with an integrated cushion to explore the city.

Tradition and modernity, Beijing offers both, gigantic shopping malls and little stores.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Sophistication and raw sensuality come together in Prada’s F/W 2013 campaign, shot by Steven Meisel in New York.

A stellar ensemble of fresh new faces such as Amanda Murphy and Kristine Froseth star alongside iconic, era-defining stars like Christy Turlington and Freja Beha. They inhabit seductively stark scenes, the pivotal characters in an enigmatic portrait of femininity.

Photographer: Steven Meisel

Models: Amanda Murphy, Catherine McNeil, Kristine Froseth, Christy Turlington, Caroline De Maigret, Cameron Russell, Fei Fei Sun, Rachel Williams, Malaika Firth, Freja Beha, Sophia Ahrens

Location: New York, studio, April 15th-20th 2013

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

The sea holds many secrets, among them the power to retard the skin-aging process. Advanced Marine Biology by La Prarie, a marine-derived skincare line, contains superior formulas and age-fighting benefits perfect for those who seek eco-friendly products. An anti-aging complex, anti-oxidants and mega-rich sea nutrients combine to energize, protect and renew your skin. The perfect starter kit (from left to right) for a great price compared to other La Prairie collections.

ADVANCED MARINE BIOLOGY FOAMING MOUSSE CLEANSER
A gentle and conditioning cleanser that lifts away impurities without stripping skin of its natural moisture. CHF 74.00 (125ml)

ADVANCED MARINE BIOLOGY TONIC
This revitalizing triple-phase serum can play an important role in helping your skin regain its youthful tone and radiance. CHF 116.00 (150ml)

ADVANCED MARINE BIOLOGY REVITALIZING EMULSION
A multi-purpose, lightweight moisturizer for the face, neck and eye area. CHF 156.00 (50ml)

ADVANCED MARINE BIOLOGY EYE GEL
A lightweight anti-aging eye treatment that reduces puffiness and dark circles around the eye area. CHF 119.00 (15ml)

ADVANCED MARINE BIOLOGY DAY CREAM SUNSCREEN SPF 20
A moisturizing cream-gel that firms your skin, while offering high-level protection against environmental impact, including harmful sunrays. CHF 156.00 (50ml)

I love those five products and can absolutely recommend them. My skin feels refreshed, hydrated and revitalized.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Prarie and © Sandra Bauknecht

Something for my Swiss and German based readers: 
The special seaside edition of SI Style magazine is available now featuring my column about my trip to Cannes with Chopard.

While you are reading this, I am off for one month to China. Hopefully I will have access to my blog, other social media platforms might be hard to use. Stay tuned for photos of my new adventure… Beijing, here I come!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

For S/S 2013, MCM makes a bold move bringing art and fashion together by launching the amazing limited edition collection ‘Eyes on the Horizon’, in collaboration with pop art whiz-duo Craig & Karl.

The pieces evoke a sunny optimism, recalling sun kissed vacations and the youthful excitement of endless summers. The artwork is focused on playful eyes peering out through pairs of sunglasses while taking on amusing and abstracted forms to add a sense of fun and modernity to the fashionable musts. I truly adore their humorous twist. A special project regarding this beautiful collection that I will participate in will be revealed soon.

TO SHOP THE LIMITED COLLECTION ‘EYES ON THE HORIZON’, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MCM and Craig & Karl

LUISAVIAROMA‘s Firenze4Ever was once again an outstanding experience. The sun was shining, blue sky over Florence and I enjoyed every single minute of it. Below are some backstage impressions and a little teaser of my photo shoot with Tommaso Fontanella.

A goody bag filled with amazing products from the likes of MCM and Sisley (my favourite mascara) among others waited for me.

LUISAVIAROMA goes punk!

Being interviewed by the lovely Kelly for Glamour and Vogue Italia.

My F/W 2013 selection: Fausto Puglisi, Emanuel Ungaro and Givenchy…

Tommaso showing me the first pics.

Very happy with the result of the shoot: Tom, Anna and me.
Stay tuned for the style labs coming up soon! Missing Florence already…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, the limited Dior Summer Mix Edition 2013 will be hitting the shelves in Switzerland. It features four Diorblush Cheek Cremes, with a new creamy, mousse-like non greasy texture that blends easily. An absolutely amazing must-have beauty product for the summer season. Along with those four blushes come four nail polishes in hot, vibrant shades to mix and match. For me, it is all about the colour combination of coral and pink as you can see above.

Pink patent-leather ankle-cuff sandals, coral patent-leather envelope clutch, both by Gucci, Sunnies 448 nail polish and Bikini 871 blush cream, both by Dior.

BLUSH CREME – CHF 49.50 each (One shot)
Bikini 871, Capri 851, Panama 651, Pareo 971

VERNIS – CHF 37.00 each (One shot)
Capeline 658, Créoles 678, Sunnies 448, Tie & Dye 858

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

Introducing POLO RED, the new Ralph Lauren fragrance for men with a fiery edge and daring confidence. Inspired by the designer’s legendary luxury car collection and the resulting adrenaline rush, it captures speed and seduction in a powerful scent.

Nacho Figueras, professional polo player and face of the fragrance, says: “When I’m playing polo I need to push myself and be the first to the ball – that’s when my adrenaline rushes to its peak. Riding a horse is very much like driving a car: it’s about the race and hitting the right curves to get the most speed. Whether riding a polo horse or behind the wheel, I’m in control.”

WOODY SPICY

Top note: Red grapefruit
Middle note: Spicy red saffron
Base note: Deep red wood

In Switzerland exclusively available at Marionnaud from July 2013.
Eau de Toilette 40ml (CHF 60.00), 75ml (CHF 75.00) and 125ml (CHF 98.00)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren

Last Wednesday, I attended the opening night of the new solo exhibition at the Gucci Museo in Florence. The museum presents four significant works from the Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos (open to the public until December 15, 2103). Red Independent Heart #1 and Psycho, both from the Pinault Collection, plus Lavoisier and the video work Hand-made will be exhibited in Italy for the first time.

My look, a mix of coral and fuchsia: Ruffled printed silk-gazar mini dress, pink patent-leather ankle-cuff sandals, coral patent-leather envelope clutch, necklace with coral flowers motif and earrings with fuchsia pendants, all by Gucci.

For more information on the Gucci museo, I invite you to have a look at this previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Red Independent Heart #1

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht