Sandra‘s Closet

Finally, Clarisonic – the US beauty obession – has hit the Swiss market. Whenever I was in the States, I had been arguing with myself if I should get this hyped skin cleansing tool or not. I never did, a huge mistake!

In April, I attended the press conference held at the HautZentrum Zürich and was truly impressed by this new technology. Coming from the creators of the Sonicare® toothbrush, Clarisonic has changed the way I cleanse my skin.

Taking off my make-up all of a sudden has become a lot of fun, like a 60 seconds daily spa treatment. The sonic frequency moves this easy-to-use device‘s soft, gentle brush back and forth at more than 300 times per second, thoroughly clearing my pores and skin surface.

Here are some of the benefits this revolutionary skincare tool delivers:
– Removes makeup six times better than traditional methods in just 60 seconds.
– Clears pores and reduces the appearance of pore size.
– Cleanses so thoroughly that skincare products absorb better.
– Creates noticeably healthier-looking skin.

One feature I adore is the Clarisonic Body Brush Head which takes sonic cleansing beyond the face to gently cleanse and exfoliate, smooth rough, dry patches, ideal for use on the décolleté, hands, arms, elbows, and feet. It firms, and smoothes the skin, delivering radiant, silky-soft results.

In Switzerland, Clarisonic is available exclusively at Marionnaud.

FACE: Clarisonic MIA 2™ Skin Cleansing System for CHF 189.00
A travel-friendly, professional-quality skincare brush with two speeds.

FACE & BODY: Clarisonic PLUS Sonic Skin Cleansing System for CHF 289.00
An enhanced Clarisonic® Plus system with a third speed along with a Body Brush Head.

Replacement Brush Head for CHF 29.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clarisonic

Cycling amongst the countless lotus fields and green peaks of Guangxi province in Southern China, I experienced a beauty so unique it has inspired painters and poets for centuries. Passing the minority villages, I got up close and personal with people in their everyday lives. I even went with my bike on a river raft. This cycle adventure is rural China at its absolute best!

My look: Printed tee by Happiness is a 10$ Tee, sunglasses by Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN and pants by Casall.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is the second look from my Firenze4Ever style lab with Luisaviaroma, shot at the Helvetia Bristol hotel in Florence. This one is actually my favourite outfit. I adore this amazing custom-made gown by Fausto Puglisi. The thigh-high slit is so sexy, revealing a lot of leg and combined with the headpiece, that you have to carry gracefully, it is all about drama.

To order just click on the highlighted text below:

My look: Embroidered tartan and wool crepe gown by Fausto Puglisi, ultra high suede platform pumps and red jeweled nappa leather clutch, both by Giuseppe Zanotti, mask with feathers by Idriss Guelai Atelier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tommaso Fontanella

The sweatshirt hype has already started a few season ago, think about Kenzo’s tiger among others, but for F/W 2013 it will reach its peak. Don’t complain that I haven’t told you. Here it is in written, you have to own a statement sweater!

The object of desire for all fashionistas is Givenchy’s F/W 2013 runway Bambi version. As it will be flying off the shelves in October, I have some good news.

PRE-ORDER THE BAMBI SWEATER BY GIVENCHY HERE.
The print is also available as T-shirt and tank top.

Cannot wait for mine to arrive…

LoL, Sandra

In Givenchy’s F/W 2013 ad campaign, Amanda Seyfried wears the new season’s must-have. 
Photos: Courtesy of Givenchy, © Disney, © Rex Features

It is time for some glamour again. One week before leaving for China, the Art Basel took place and I was invited for a special dinner at a church. All photos of the evening will be coming up shortly. In the meantime, enjoy my outfit post.

My look: Flame-effect lace dress (40% off) by Alessandra Rich, white ‘Duffle 6’ bag and Janis leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent and snake ring by Roberto Cavalli.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Introducing TOM FORD’s latest fragrance innovation, the PRIVATE BLEND ATELIER D’ORIENT fragrance collection. Inspired by the sublime beauty, enigmatic sensuality and exquisite luxury of Asia, I would like to invite you to discover those four new must-haves for all fragrance junkies among you:

SHANGHAI LILY – Opulent. Tantalizing. Elegant.
Shanghai Lily is an exotic floral scent that transports the senses into a world of rare and opulent ingredients from the historic silk road. Warm spices, elegant florals, and addictive notes of vanilla and frankincense create hazy reverie of glamour and temptation.

RIVE D’AMBRE – Ornate. Compelling. Warm.
Tom Ford’s newest take on the classic eau de cologne, Rive d’Ambre seduces with precious citrus fruits, that are regarded as a talisman of good fortune in Asia, illuminated by a warm and seductive, amber background.

FLEUR DE CHINE – Dramatic. Smoldering. Seductive.
Fleur de Chine is an unequivocally romantic and haunting floral fragrance touched with a reverence for the great scents of the past. Precious Asian flowers, including Hualan flower and star magnolia, are arranged in a bouquet of rare beauty.

PLUM JAPONAIS – Delectable. Luscious. Sensual.
Plum Japonais reveals the extraordinary beauty of the Ume plum by juxtaposing it with a lush and unconventional mélange of exotic Asian ingredients. Rich and luxurious, it is a fragrance with irresistible complexity.

EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE ONLINE HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford

On Wednesday, I flew over Kunming with Lucky Air to Guilin. From there, I took yesterday morning a boat on the beautiful Lijiang River to Yangshou. The cruise was amazing with a very interesting lunch. Have you ever tried snake wine?

The river reminded me of a jade ribbon winding among thousands of grotesque peaks. The reflections of the hills in the clear and greenish water were like bright and beautiful pictures. And I couldn’t stop taking them. Here are my favourites, enjoy!

My Féline Meow T-shirt by Brian Lichtenberg is available here. The sunglasses are by Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN.

Aboard the ship!

When the Lijiang river takes a big turn at Xingping, the beautiful scenery on the 20 Yuan note shows up.

In the boat’s fancy outdoor kitchen, the lunch was prepared.

The snake wine is produced by infusing whole snakes, perferably venemous ones, in rice wine or grain alcohol. The drink is considered an important curative and believed to reinvigorate a person according to traditional Chinese medicine.

Later, I had dinner while enjoying the beautiful sunset along the river. Another day filled with amazing impressions…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Three new flankers for summer have hit the shelves, all telling the story of love, with all the excitement, intoxicating attraction and euphoric feeling of these first moments. Those magic seconds when he is the only one are captured in a bottle. New scents that the skin can no longer do without, inspired by the sensations of a first kiss, a forbidden love, love at first sight and all the other moments that accelerate your pulse.

AMOR AMOR IN A FLASH by CACHAREL

A true love potion, this luscious oriental fragrance created by Pierre Negrin, encapsulates the excitement of love at first sight.

FLORAL FRUITY

Top notes: Red apple, mandarin orange and apricot
Middle notes: Cinnamon and jasmine
Base notes: Vanilla, sandalwood and caramel

Available as Eau de Toilette for CHF 55.90 (30ml), CHF 83.50 (50ml) and CHF 114.80 (80ml).

L’AMOUR FOU Eau de Toilette by EMANUEL UNGARO

The new 2013 Eau de Toilette flanker of the 2012 launched Eau de Parfum concentration is adapted to the sunny days of the year, a softer and more romantic version of the original, designed by Véronique Nyberg.

ORIENTAL FLORAL

Top notes: Black currant, toffee apple and pink pepper
Middle notes: Violet, rose and peony petals
Base notes: Musk, orris and vanilla

Available as Eau de Toilette for CHF 59.00 (30ml), CHF 79.00 (50ml) and CHF 119.00 (100ml).

AURA BY SWAROVSKI LOVE COLLECTION

This season, Swarovski is launching a new very sensual interpretation of the original perfume Aura from 2011, created by perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin with a beautiful floral-woody-musky trail.

FLORAL WOODY MUSK

Top notes: Physalis and freesia
Middle notes: Lily and rose
Base notes: White musk and sandalwood

Available as Eau de Toilette Légère for CHF 73.00 (50ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands

In Shanghai, I stayed at the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai, a temple of luxury. Located on the banks of the Huangpu River, the hotel offers amazing views of the famous Bund. The moment you step through the door, you feel the peaceful environment and are taken by the impressive art collection. 4000 original artworks are on display throughout the public spaces and guestrooms.

In the entry hall, a gigantic mosaic by leading Chinese artist Miao Tong welcomes the distinguished guests.

On my arrival, I was warmly welcomed by the lovely team. I stayed in one of the amazing 44 suites that combine Oriental style with contemporary furniture perfectly. The gorgeous interior design can also be found in the other 318 guestrooms.

All accommodations feature a large executive desk, an espresso machine, a traditional teapot with Jing teas and a minibar.

My spacious marble bathroom was to die for. Laying in the circular bathtub, I watched TV while gazing out across the city’s iconic skyline. The amenities are by sought-after London based perfumer Ormonde Jayne that I adore.

I was also invited to view Shanghai’s largest and most expensive Presidential Suite. Spanning 788 square metres, it features two private sky gardens, separate areas for dining, entertaining, meeting and resting. In addition, the large bathroom includes a two-metre Jacuzzi and steam room, plus a private gym and spa treatment room. Famous Chinese actor Jackie Chan was one of the first guests staying in this suite.

The hotel offers many different essential dining options for business and leisure. Celebrity chefs spoil their guests in six superb restaurants and bars, all equipped with outdoor seating facilities.

The Riviera Lounge is a great place to enjoy your afternoon tea.

At Zest restaurant, breakfast is served.

Shanghai chef Tony Lu serves authentic Jiang Nan cuisine at the Yong Yi Ting restaurant.

Yong Yi Ting also offers a Chef’s Table with a show kitchen for special degustation meals and cooking demonstrations. Famous German chef Alfons Schuhbeck had just been here to learn more about this traditional Chinese cuisine.

The hotel is also a great choice for events with a versatile range of rooms including a ballroom that can seat up to 500 guests. I was very impressed by the showroom for special celebrations where all sorts of chairs, china, tableware and party themes are thoughtfully displayed.

The Mandarin Cake Shop

I spent one entire afternoon at the spa and gym of the hotel. It is the perfect place to rejuvenate your body and mind, a becalming oasis of Zen. The butterfly is the muse for the interior design, a symbol of beauty and change in Chinese culture.

The 13 treatment suites are named “butterfly” in different world languages, including Mariposa (Spanish), Papillon (French), Kupu-Kupu (Indonesian), and Euthalia (Greek).

A spectular 25-metre indoor pool along with a vitality and children’s pool is open 24 hours along with a gym featuring a large range of Technogym equipment.

I can absolutely recommend the Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai. The team did everything to make my stay unforgettable and as convenient as possible. A jewel of Shanghai!

LoL, Sandra

Photos used for the collages: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental.
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While you are reading this, I am on my way to Guilin. After those amazing days of relaxation in sweats and sneakers, it was time to put my heels back on. At least for a few hours…

My look: Pedal Star skinny jeans with Asia print (also available in a cropped version), linen knit cardigan and matching top, all three by Closed, ultraviolet Serpenti shoulder bag by Bvlgari (also available in beige), Melt black powder pumps by Minna Parikka, sunglasses by Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN and bangles by Sal y Limon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht