Sandra‘s Closet

Between Chopard and cinema, there blooms a romance worthy of the big screen’s most beautiful love stories. Year after year, grand events such as the Cannes Film Festival continue to enrich the house’s magnificent array of partnerships.

Today, this unique relationship has been given a new brilliance, because the Geneva-based jeweler is embarking on an exclusive collaboration: Chopard has worked with a costume designer to select jewelry for Naomi Watts in the much-anticipated film DIANA, about the late Princess of Wales, which opens in cinemas in September and is produced by Award winning British company Ecosse Films. Below you get a sneak preview, enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chopard

I love smoky eyes, they are always on trend. I have recently tried two new products that are absolutely great. Here are some tips how to achieve this gorgeous look very easily.

SERGE LUTENS FARD A PAUPIERE N°2

Discover the most recent addition to the Les Necessaires de Beauté collection: a palette in pale neutrals and mauves to create a smoky eye that is as easy to wear as black.

Available for CHF 200.00 (at Jelmoli in Zurich for example).

GLOMINERALS SMOKY EYES KIT

This kit includes four essential colors for creating a sultry smoky eye in a sleek, mirrored compact. A five easy steps application guide is also included.

Formulated with glominerals’ exclusive blend of antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, E and green tea, it provides nutrients that are vital to maintaining skin’s healthy radiance. The colours may be applied dry or wet to increase pigment, which is great if you are using them as an eye liner.

In Switzerland available for CHF 64.00 (at Schminkbar in Zurich or Cosmetic Susan Meier in Lucerne among others).

TIPS  & TECHNIQUES 
How to create the perfect smoky eye

When creating a smoky eye, always start off with doing the eyes first, as makeup may fall on to the face. Use the lightest shade as a base eyeshadow from lash line to brow. Follow with the second lightest color, applying it to the lid, stopping just beneath the brow bone. Next, apply a darker hue in the outer 3/4 of the crease. Lastly, add definition by lining top and bottom lash lines using the darkest one such as black. Smudge gently for a sexy, smoky look. Blending is the key. Use lighter, more natural tones on the cheeks and lips to let the eyes stand out but not look overdone.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Glominerals and Serge Lutens, © Sandra Bauknecht

So many of you have been asking me for more updates from China. I had been chilling for one week at the Mandarin Oriental Sanya, before I flew yesterday to Hong Kong. Experiencing the power of zen, I have become fully aware, here and now, all of my senses alert. I did a lot of yoga classes and enjoyed many Chinese spa treatments which are truly special, absolutely amazing. This exclusive retreat on the tropical island of Hainan Island has got a location on a private bay that offers no equal. I stayed in one of the huge luxurious villas with my own pool and outstanding service. I found new friends, from monkeys to geckos to grashoppers. What a beautiful spot on earth, a hidden paradise and I am truly thankful for the time and enlightenment! A resort that I can absolutely recommend!

Let me show you a little more…

Me on a beach walk before sunset wearing Juicy Couture and my Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN sunglasses.

A warm welcome in my own two-storied villa. Every day, I received a new basket with fresh fruits.

Diving in my own private pool in a Chanel bikini.

In the outdoor shower

Bath room amenities by Acqua di Parma.

If you are staying in one of the resort’s villas, you are having exclusive access to the Cliff Lounge, where complimentary champagne breakfasts, afternoon tea and evening cocktails are served daily. It feels very calm, relaxed and you are never confronted with too many people.

The food was divine. Here you see my daily breakfast.

Next to the beautiful private beach, you can relax at one of the three gigantic outdoor swimming pools. I preferred staying at my own villa where I met some new animal friends…

The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Sanya is one of the best I have ever been to. I had a lot of treatments and each of them was amazing. Try the Chinese Detox massage where herbs are applied to your body, the Lava Sea Shell massage using self-heated shells together with local coconut oil, and the Oriental Foot treatment for the ultimate wellness experience.

The light was very special in Sanya, especially in the evening… a true paradise.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The colour vermilion is nowadays commonly called ‘China red’. The perfect hue to be worn in Sanya, where I am at the moment. The South China Sea, which is part of the Pacific Ocean, is absolutely beautiful and was the perfect backdrop to take the photos.

I have truly enjoyed the last days here in paradise, no make-up, just a little lipstick, my hair not straightened, with my natural waves, just living for the moment.

My look: Louise dress, Fatal sleeves and Lucent belt, all three by Wolford, hat by H&M and Melt black powder pumps by Minna Parikka.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Looking at those pictures, I have to admit that I am becoming a little homesick. Before I left for China, I was invited by a lovely friend to join a chocolate party at the LINDT factory in Kilchberg, Switzerland. You can rent the chocolate studio for 20 people and more to create some yummy treats.

The Maîtres Chocolatiers, real masters of their craft, were welcoming our group and helped us to make a LINDT chocolate bear and some amazing pralines. Every single detail counts when it comes to creating the finest chocolate and I had a real blast decorating my sweets. Bon appétit!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

In the beginning of July while I was travelling through China, Chloé unveiled at the Hôtel de Miramion in Paris the amazing new fragrance Roses de Chloé, a celebration of the flower of love in the heart of the city of lights. The rose was already a key ingredient of the fragrance signature, launched in 2008.

Now, it has been reinterpreted, in the form of a Damascena rose essence. Reminiscent of a walk down the Parisian rose gardens, the sensual new scent includes bergamot, magnolia, white musk and amber.

In Switzerland available from August 22, 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chloé (Coty Prestige)

Here is my last look from Luisaviaroma‘s Firenze4Ever style lab shot at the bar of the Helvetia Bristol hotel in Florence. I am completely in love with Givenchy’s F/W 2013 collection (think about that gorgeous Bambi sweater…), a little punk, a little grunge all with a certain flair.

To order, just click on the highlighted text.

My look: Wool grain de poudre coat with golden details and sequined printed cotton fleece long sweatshirt, both by Givenchy, So Nice earrings by Reminiscence, calfskin metal plaque booties by Giuseppe Zanotti and studded backpack by MCM.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tommaso Fontanella

Don’t we all would love to see the world through rose-coloured glasses, so here is an idea, what about rose-trimmed sunglasses? I had been drooling over those stunning Dolce & Gabbana floral shades for a while and couldn’t wait to get my hands on them.

If you don’t want to spend that much money on a pair of eye-catchers, why not DIYing them yourself? All you will need is a pair of sunglasses, a variety of ceramic roses and flowers (available at art supply stores), some popsicle sticks and toothpicks, plus hot glue.

Just be careful to use a small amount of hot glue when applying the flowers and to let it dry thoroughly. I like to press the embellishments with the help of a popsicle stick firmly on the shades. Enjoy this fun DIY project and of course your new sunglasses. You won’t go unnoticed this summer!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Ad Photo: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

Les Plus Dorés is the small New York-based label making a big impact. Its football jersey-inspired T-shirts sporting the names of the industry’s best and brightest designers are a sell-out sensation. Philo, Wang, Tisci – which team will you choose?

I have pledged my allegiance to team Jacobs. All tees are stamped with each designer’s year of birth, the most stylish way to work the sports luxe trend.

TO SHOP LPD, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of LPD, © Sebastian Kim

During this year’s Art Basel, Annette Weber (Instyle), Sue Giers (Closed) & Jenny Falckenberg (Unique Art Concepts) invited me for a very special dining experience to Pret A Diner, a pop-up restaurant at the Elizabethan Church in Basel. Located in the heart of the Swiss city, this neo-Gothic church was transformed into a space of sensory excellence and we enjoyed the creations of Michelin-starred chef Tim Raue. The location reminded me a lot of the amazing dinner I had with Luisaviaroma at a church in Florence a year ago.

German magazine Bunte wrote about the evening and called me a style icon, thanks for that! If you like my look, please click here for the previous post with all the details.

Lovely Sue Giers (Closed) with me

The amazing location at the Elizabethan church

Old buddies: Sanjiv Singh (Lacoste), Fabien Mollet-Viéville (MelonDistrict) and my humble self.

A warm hug from Jenny Falckenberg

My German peers: Thorleif Griess-Nega (Instyle Men) and Inka Marnette (Instyle, Bunte)

Me with EVA & ADELE who claim to be a living artwork.

Speaking of which, I would like to show my two favourite masterpieces spotted at this year’s Art Basel: Sylvie Fleurie‘s “Kelly Bag” and Jani Leinonen‘s amazing art work which has been fascinating me since many years.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht