Sandra‘s Closet

The influence of Asian exoticism has inspired fashion designers over decades. This season is no different from previous ones. For F/W 2013, the combination of oriental prints and modern outfits has been spotted on the runways. Below are some of my favourite pieces available now. The background photos were taken during my recent trip through China in Guilin.

Beaded resin and gold-plated necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane

Fawi wandering river strapless dress by Mary Katrantzou

Embellished tank top with Asian garden print by Balmain

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via style.com and © Sandra Bauknecht

To celebrate the launch of Rodial‘s newest line of products that include bee venom, the British beauty brand and Marionnaud Switzerland invited us busy bees, bloggers and journalists to a lovely lunch at the Widder Hotel in Zurich.

Listening to Rodial founder Maria Hatzistefanis who had flown in from London especially for the event, I learnt that the bee venom is a very interesting ingredient that helps to increase blood flow to the skin and provides a plumping effect to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It apparently fools the skin into thinking it has been stung with the toxin, which forces the body to produce collagen and elastin, which are both two key components of healthy skin, in the affected area. In case you are allergic to bees, no worries, the amount included is too small to cause an allergic shock or reaction. I am a big fan of the brightening eye cream of the line.

RODIAL Bee Venom Super Serum – CHF 229.00 (30ml)
RODIAL Bee Venom Moisturiser – CHF 219.00 (50ml)
RODIAL Bee Venom Eye Cream – CHF 165.00 (25ml)

Maria Hatzistefanis with me at the lunch

Also on display was the brand’s newest body care range. All products have some very fun names and promise to firm and target problem areas fast. Whatever body part you would like to focus on, Rodial has the right product: ARM SCULPT™ CHF 82.00 – TUMMY TUCK™ CHF 123.00 – BOOB JOB™ CHF 123.00 and SIZE ZERO™ CHF 79.00.
Rodial is exclusively available at Marionnaud in Switzerland.

The SIZE ZERO™ daily toning body moisturizer is a great way to get started as it works for most areas of your body. It helps to reduce stubborn fatty deposits and water retention. Maria told me that she loves to use it post-workout to firm and smooth the skin. A fast way to look great, just the right thing for busy bees…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Unfortunately, MAC‘s Tropical Taboo hasn’t arrived on time before my departure to China. It would have been the perfect look for Sanya. But no need to complain. Zurich feels very tropical at the moment as well, with temperatures rising every day.

The extremely colourful Tropical Taboo collection includes many of the brand’s iconic mineralize products, plus amazing new lipsticks and some beloved repromotes.
Here are my favorites:

LIPS
RICH LIPSTICK in Divine Choice (mid-tone cool pink cream) – CHF 36.00
CREMESHEEN GLASS in Fever Isle (bright red coral) – CHF 32.00
LIP PENCIL in Ablaze (bright apricot) – CHF 22.00

EYES
MINERALIZE EYE SHADOW in Time to Tango (lavender with silver pearl / frost) – CHF 33.00

CHEEKS
MINERALIZE BLUSH in Exotic Amber (orange with bronze pearl / frost) – CHF 35.00

This beautiful limited edition collection is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC and © Sandra Bauknecht

There is something about Mary that we all love! She is not only extremely charming but also one of the most talented designers of our time. Besides her amazing eponymous line, she has collaborated with the likes of Longchamp, Topshop and Repetto. This season, Mary Katrantzou has created a capsule collection in collaboration with Moncler, mixing the Italian house’s signature style with her iconic feminine cuts and bold graphic prints.

The exclusive collection MONCLER M will be available in Moncler boutiques worldwide from August 2013. As those pieces will surely be flying off the shelves, I recommend the following: 
PRE-ORDER THE MONCLER M COLLECTION HERE and be the first to wear it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Moncler

Vogue Italia interviewed some of us bloggers during Luisaviaroma‘s Firenze4Ever last month. And I feel very honoured to have been part of it.

Moreover, the Italian fashion bible featured my style labs. Thank you very much!
Enjoy your weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Style Lab: Style & Grace

Style Lab: Grunge Flair

Photos: Via Vogue Italia

If you think, isn’t she a little too old for being a Directioner?! Point taken! Yes, I am but my daughter is one and this is how I learnt about the boys of One Direction: Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson. In May, I even went to their concert in Zurich.

My look at the concert: Denim and wool jacket by Givenchy, leather and cotton-jersey sweater and chain-trimmed leather mini skirt, both by Saint Laurent, boots by Chanel and Pashli two-tone mini shark embossed leather satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Here are the breaking news for all Directioners: The boys created a line of beauty products with London-based makeup company MUA Cosmetics. They may sing about natural beauty in the song “What Makes You Beautiful,” but that’s not holding them back to come up with this very smart marketing strategy. So girls, forget the natural look because it’s the LITTLE THINGS, which is the name of their 15-piece lip, nail and cheek colour collection that make all the difference now.

Each band member has chosen their favourite color and signed their own ‘Kiss You’ lip shade: Harry loves Strawberry, Zayn loves Watermelon, Louis loves Vanilla, Niall loves Cherry, Liam loves Blueberry – which one will you choose?!

Available on www.muastore.co.uk, www.superdrug.com and in select Superdrug stores starting from July 29, 2013.

This is their moment. One Direction are about to take over the fragrance world, too. The new very sweet OUR MOMENT fragrance will go on sale in Harrods on August 25, nationwide in the UK from September 9, 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mua Cosmetics and Harrods

When I received those stunning photos today, I fell immediately in love with their mood. Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot are behind GUCCI’s amazing F/W 2013 campaign.

Abbey Lee Kershaw as the femme fatale and Adrien Sahores as the male model grab the viewer’s attention in a second. The background shifting from deep blue to saturated black emphasizes this dark and enticing collection perfectly.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

With fair skin and dark red lips, Michelle Williams made her debut as the new face of Louis Vuitton, sporting the House’s innovative new bag which is on top of my F/W 2013 wish list. Its tight lines, suggesting the penmanship of a W, outline a three-part body, which is enhanced by the blending of various materials. Being the perfect daily companion, the bag has plenty of surprises in store, both visual and tactile, of course all created with the House’s know-how.

Externally, it offers a doubly harmonious character, combining the smooth and silky surface of rare leathers with the emblematic Monogram canvas, or with a velvety tufted effect, embroidery on leather inspired by the art of tapestry. Inside, the intelligently designed space in suede leather features many different pockets, offering a logical place for all the objects which can be found in the intimate compartments of a woman’s life.

Uma Thurman was spotted recently with this new must-have at the Munich airport. Freshness, modernity, and elegance: the latest addition to the Louis Vuitton family has every sort of appeal.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Shoes, bags and champagne… my all time favourites! Charlotte Olympia has launched a limited edition capsule collection for Veuve Clicquot Champagne. So pop the cork, and raise your glass, in fabulous shoes, that personify style and class.

This ‘lovely bubbly’ collection is available both in-store at Harrods (Shoe Salon, First Floor) and online HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Harrods

The last stop of my trip through China was one of my favourite cities in the world: HONG KONG. This cultural melting pot offers a little of everything, from beaches to the best restaurants and nightlife, from culture to art and entertainment. As I know the metropole very well, I refrained from sightseeing and went on a shopping spree.

My look: Printed tee and sunglasses, both by Dolce & Gabbana, mid-rise cut-off denim shorts by Saint Laurent,coral Pashli medium leather bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim, criss-cross ankle strap sandals by Miu Miu and earrings by Gucci.

I stayed at the iconic Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Built in 1963, as the famous chain’s first opening, this is one of the few hotels in this futuristic city with a history. Located in the heart of Central’s most fashionable shopping district, The Landmark, Harvey Nichols and many other luxury brands are just within walking distance. An absolute prime location with great service!

In the afternoon, I took the ferry to Kowloon, which is also quite the place for shopping lovers. Next to the Star Ferry pier is Harbour City, a gigantic mall in Tsim Sha Tsui. In the tiny side roads, you can also experience fascinating local shops and markets, such as the Ladies’ Market.

In the evening, I partied at the highest bar in the world – Ozone at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The stunning rooftop location provides a stylish venue for a glass of bubbly complimented by a picturesque bird’s eye view of Hong Kong. My absolute favourite spot!

My trip to China has come to an end. I arrived back in Zurich yesterday morning, filled with amazing memories. It was such a great experience but also quite exhausting. But I never stop… next week, I will be off to Iceland. Might not be the place to wear my shorts again though…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht