Sandra‘s Closet

The closing night of LUISAVIAROMA‘s Firenze4Ever took place at the stunning Boboli Gardens (Giardini di Boboli), a park behind the Pitti Palace in Florence, that is home to a collection of sculptures dating from the 16th through the 18th centuries, with some Roman antiquities. It is amazing how LUISAVIAROMA always surprises us with another outstanding location.

Seated around the fountain in the Island Bassin (Vasca dell’Isola), we enjoyed a wonderful Tuscan dinner, a dance show, the amazing scenery followed by the after party with a private rock concert. The motto of the night was “Grunge Glam” and I went through my closet to find the most “punk-style” pieces that were in there.

My look: Cut-out knit dress, matching leggings and leather glove clutch, all by Alexander McQueen, choker by Louis Vuitton, bracelets by Miu Miu and Hermès, strappy sandals by Gucci and statement rings by Roberto Cavalli. All pieces are from previous seasons.

Below you can enjoy all my impressions of the night.

LoL, Sandra

Familiar faces: Sung-Joo Kim (looking a little different than at the MCM Grand Opening in Zurich last month) and the MCM team came to present their newest collaboration: they teamed up with illustrators, Craig & Karl, for a limited edition collection of summer accessories.

Adrian J. Margelist, Chief Creative Officer MCM, with me

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Stella McCartney knows exactly how women want to dress right now and that she has proved again for the S/S 2013 season. Her eco-friendly designs are one of the most wanted styles of all times. At the runway show in Paris, I spotted Charlotte Rampling who also told me how much she adores Stella’s style. Great news is that some of her summer must-haves are now on sale and I put a selection of the best pieces available for you together below. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

Me front row at the Stella McCartney S/S 2013 show.
If you like my look, click here for the outfit post.

Lightweight and airy, the perfect companion for every day.
Airtex-mesh bomber jacket

There’s no other dress like the intense blue shift with transparent panelling for a head-turning entrance at every event.
Silk-organza and crepe dress

With this playful sporty look, you are sure to stand out in the office and at cocktail hour.
Printed silk shirt and matching pants

Spring meets sophistication with Stella McCartney’s LBD.
Strapless embroidered organza dress

My favourite for day and night.
Odilia organza and knit circle dress

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I just got back from Florence for a quick stopover before heading off for one month to China and had a lovely lunch at the Jules Verne Panorama Bar with the H&M Switzerland team. The view over the city of Zurich up there is breathtaking.

My look: Safari-print cutout cotton shirt (40% off) and matching skirt (50% off), both by Carven, white ‘Duffle 6’ bag and Janis leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent, earrings by Chanel and floral sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Trio infernale: René Zibold, Gray Castillo and my humble self.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

MIU MIU once again reinterprets the cornerstones of modern elegance by revisiting the classic derby shoe. Menswear-inspired, the new footwear for F/W 2013 is characterized by the unusual pairing between the different components and masculine proportions. The soles are made of leather and further complemented by black or white rubber lug soles. Designed in polished, metallic or patent leather and matched with asymmetric tips for a sophisticated look.

The new derbies are available in black and silver and also in a slip-on version.
PRE-ORDER THE NEW MIU MIU DERBY SHOES HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

Let me introduce you to my latest beauty musts. It is all about roses…

1 Flora rose, iris and orange blossom scented candle by FORNASETTI
My first step of a beauty routine is the calming scent of a candle. This one I love. Its delicate aroma of white rose and jasmine, inspired by the Fornasetti gardens in Milan is divine. I like to keep the ceramic vessel to store jewelry and small trinkets.

2 Rose de Vie – Sérum Délicat, 30ml by DR. SEBAGH
Lightweight and beautifully scented, this serum is the quickest way to a fresh and youthful glow.

3 A Rose By Any Other Name Body Cleanser, 500ml by AESOP
Fragranced with Rose Damascene Flower Oil and enriched with softening botanicals, it’s the perfect shower gel that will envelop you with a feeling of well-being and help to keep you focused through even the most manic of days.

4 Baume De Rose Lip Protectant by BY TERRY
My personal daily essential. The signature formula is enriched with softening Rose Flower Essential Wax and healing Shea Butter, simply dab it on to instantly soothe and plump your lips.

LoL, Sandra

LUISAVIAROMA‘s Firenze4Ever always feels like a summer festival, the days and nights are filled with amazing events and beautiful experiences. You get to meet famous designers, mingle with your fellow blogger colleagues and enjoy one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, Florence. Here you see me on the way to the store. More impressions coming up soon…

My look: Sheer plissé dress (50% off now) and cuff, both by Stella McCartney, Inga strappy sandals by Gucci and vine green Donna hobo bag by Alexander Wang.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Firenze4Ever is always an amazing experience. LUISAVIAROMA invites us to spaces that you usually don’t get to see like that. On Sunday night, we went to the beautiful Museo del Costume at Palazzo Pitti. The walk up the hill to the entrance offered some stunning views on Florence with the Duomo within one’s reach.

My look: Chunky-knit cotton-blend cropped sweater by Chloé, appliquéd leather and lace skirt by Jason Wu, white ‘Duffle 6’ bag and Janis leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent and cuff by Stella McCartney.

Robert Cavalli, the youngest son of Roberto, framed by Tina (Bagsnob), Hilary (Lyst) and me.

Inside the museum, we had a fabulous dinner.

Thank you, LUISAVIAROMA , for another amazing event!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Something for my Swiss and German based readers: 
The July/August issue of SI Style magazine featuring my monthly fashion column is available now. This time, I am telling you some “hairy anecdotes” that I experienced in my life. The last one just happened recently to my daughter and my beloved hair dresser Charles Aellen had to come on a Saturday evening to save us.

Greetings from Florence!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

My dear readers, I just wanted to give you a quick notice that NET-A-PORTER’S INTERNATIONAL SALE is launching this morning. There are some great products marked down up to 50% off. Have fun!

TO SHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Below are some of my favourites that would be perfect for the new season.

LoL, Sandra

Crystal-studded suede pumps by Valentino (30% off)

Silk-georgette and cotton top by Giambattista Valli (30% off)

Wool mini skirt by Saint Laurent (50% off)

Two-tone silk sweater by Jil Sander (50% off)

Photos: Courtesy of net-à-porter.com

Last night was probably the best one I have ever had in Tuscany. I was absolutely determined to go to bed early but that didn’t happen. It was so much fun being re-united with my favourite blogger colleagues and of course the LUISAVIAROMA team. The first Firenze4Ever evening started off with cocktails at the store.

Our host, Andrea Panconesi, owner of LUISAVIAROMA, with my beloved Hilary from Lyst and my humble self.

Bryanboy and gorgeous Tina from Bagsnob.

In the car with Hilary on our way to the next stop: La Fattoria Delle Corti, a gorgeous location 20 minutes outside of Florence, in the Tuscany wine region.

Hilary and me with Tiani from Belmodo

My look: Printed jumpsuit with studs, matching chiffon poncho, both by Givenchy, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps and Betty chain red leather shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent.

Tiani, Tina and lovely Camilla with me.

Having fun at dinner with Bryan and Tina.

After we left the Fattoria, we went to the pool party at Roberto Cavalli’s mansion which was absolutely amazing. The ambiance, the house, the enormous gardens, every little detail was just beautiful. The music was outstanding and I danced until dawn. Before leaving, I even spoke to Roberto’s parrot as you can see in the last picture.

The decor reminded me a lot of the one that Roberto Cavalli created for the amfAR gala.

I am sure that you are curious how Roberto Cavalli’s palace looks like. It is amazing as you can imagine. I would like to respect his privacy but of course I have some photos for you. Enjoy!

I am off to more adventures today! Firenze4Ever is the best…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht