Sandra‘s Closet

In June 2013, the Coca-Cola Company launched in Argentina its first soda that is said to be naturally sweetened with sugar and stevia: COCA-COLA LIFE.

The product can be seen above sporting a green label and is packaged in the award-winning PlantBottle™ that is constructed of 30 percent plant material and is fully recyclable. The new drink contains 54 calories per 300ml, a 60% reduction compared to the classic Coke.

For the time being, it is only available in the South American country and it is still unknown if it will be launched elsewhere in the future.

Personally speaking, I am a Coke Zero addict and drink a lot of it. Of course, I would be over the moon to consume a “healthier” version of my favourite drink. But drinking sugar or high fructose corn syrup – even that it is less – is still kind of absurd. On the other hand, what does this new launch say about the other Coca-Cola drinks?!

What do you think about the green label? I don’t find the bottle appealing at all and prefer my Diet Coke without calories well-dressed in Marc Jacobs. Cheers!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Coca-Cola and © Sandra Bauknecht

This morning, I attended a press conference at Jelmoli in Zurich to explore the house’s unique shop concept called SAHLING Düfte and to hear more about the newest fragrance launch of Penhaligon’s London: IRIS PRIMA.

In a unique partnership with English National Ballet, the new scent was created by famous perfumer Alberto Morillas to capture the very essence of ballet.

As most of you know, I have been dancing ballet all my life (here you see me with my daughter) and I had immediately my very own ideas how to put all those amazing things about classical dance in one bottle. From the costumes, to the sets on stage, the theatre make-up and the elegant rehearsal rooms, there are many aspects to consider.

At today’s press conference with Kris Dembinski, Head of Global Sales Penhaligon’s London.
(If you like my look, please click here for the details.)

Kris told me that it took one and a half year to develop this amazing new scent. During the process, they met with ballet dancers, went backstage, watched how they prepare themselves, their dedication and passion. The British brand even decided to sponsor two dancers to give them the chance to develop their skills even more.

FLORAL WOODY MUSK

Top notes: Bergamot, pink pepper and amber
Middle notes: Iris absolute, Arabian jasmine, hedione and paradisione
Base notes: Leather, sandalwood, vetiver, amber, vanilla and benzoin

Eau de Parfum 50ml (CHF 180.00) and 100ml (CHF 250.00).

If you are in Zurich, pay a visit to Jelmoli’s new corner, it is absolutely worth it. The retro-style apothecary furniture is a wonderful backdrop to shop luxurious fragrances.

Besides Penhaligon’s, Sahling Düfte carries Juliette Has a Gun, Annick Goutal, Il Profvmo, Etro and Amouage.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Penhaligon’s London and © Sandra Bauknecht

Coco Chanel once said: “Luxury must ne comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury…”. Wishful thinking and not always true – unfortunately.

Fashion weeks are approaching and I start slowly getting myself organized for some stylish but comfortable outfits in which I can run around the whole day and look good at the same time.

Here you see today’s shopping obsession: Tiger-intarsia knitted sweater by Kenzo, stretch-leather skinny pants by The Row, Emile textured-leather tote by Alexander Wang (love its rose gold-finished design) and black leather ankle boot with metal chain by Givenchy (one of the hottest shoes of the season).

My notes and my iPhone should look stylish as well with the runway textured-leather notebook by Smythson and the chain-embellished cover by Moschino.

I will finish off the look with some statement nails and vibrant lips: Giddy Kipper nail polish by Butter London and Persistence matte lip color by Kevin Aucoin.

LoL, Sandra

Something for my Swiss and German based readers: 
The September issue of SI Style magazine featuring my monthly column is available now. This time, I am telling you all about my trip through China. If you like my outfit, have a look at this previous post. If you haven’t followed my adventure, you could do so now by clicking on the tiny photos below to be transferred directly to each post, have fun!

LoL, Sandra

Launched in 2011, the Boy CHANEL bag has become an recognizable House creation and its status as such, is set to last. For the CHANEL F/W 2013 collection Karl Lagerfeld has reinterpreted its design with a resolutely modern and supple version.

Quilted or smooth, the flap is animated by a graphic contrasting effect with an overstitched or quilted braiding. Forever faithful to its codes, the chain strap and the Boy lock, the handbag is available in four sizes from a mini version to a maxi bag.

In shades of black, pearl grey and white, there’s a distinct contrast with the deep nuances of brick red, lead green and bright petrol blue.

In addition to the smooth or patent calfskin and the exotic alligator and python skins, it also exists in two aged goatskins, one iridescent and the other with graduated shading.

Another variation has a smooth leather or tweed flap and comes with four different sized link chains, emphasising the Boy CHANEL’s definitive rock’n’roll allure.

I love this Boy and need it in my closet. My object of desire for F/W 2013, perfect to complement my edgy and punk-inspired looks for the next season. 
Available in CHANEL boutiques from September 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

I am very happy to reveal my new project: Starting this fall, I will be guest blogging for Marionnaud Switzerland. Those posts will be published in German and French and I will be showing you on a regular basis some of my beauty must-haves.

Thank you, Marionnaud, for the lovely introduction in the recent magazine!

LoL, Sandra

If you like my look, please click here.
Photo of me: Christian Dietrich

Guerlain introduces its exclusive fall 2013 VOILETTE DE MADAME makeup line, composed to make every woman irresistible, expressing her seduction and personality with style and femininity. Madame’s ultimate accessory, the veil, is the inspiration for this season’s collection. Like the seductress herself, this delicate fabric gives only small glimpses into a woman’s mysterious world. And as Madame unveils herself, her secrets come to light. It is all about “being beautiful and playing the game of seduction,” Olivier Echaudemaison, Creative Director, describes his inspiration.

Let’s have a closer look at one of my favourite makeup collections of the season. Two luxurious collector’s items adorned in Swiss dot: her precious ROUGE G and the unique 4-COLOUR BLUSH, a delicately violet-scented pressed powder which brings colour to her cheeks, are among my must-haves.

Rouge G de Guerlain (Limited Edition)
860 Madame Batifole – a vibrant fuchsia
861 Madame Flirte – a fruity red
862 Madame Rêve – a voluptuous pink
CHF 64.00

Madame Rougit
4-Colours Blush (Limited Edition)
CHF 85.00

Her GLOSS D’ENFER, with three new shades to die for, and her COLOUR LACQUER complement the look perfectly.

Gloss d’Enfer (Limited Edition)
860 Madame Batifole – an electric sparkling fuchsia (middle)
861 Madame Flirte – a gourmand sparkling red (left)
863 Madame Fascine – a sparkling deep purple for a bitten lips effect (right)
CHF 43.00

Colour Lacquer (Limited Edition)
860 Madame Batifole – an intense fuchsia
CHF 37.00

The new It-accessories for the eyes: two colours, two textures: L’ECRIN 2 COULEURS. Guerlain’s new duo eye shadows are the perfect tool for creating statement looks.

L’Ecrin 2 Couleurs
01 Two Rock – mysterious green & dazzling black
02 Two Stylish – deep blue & metallic grey
03 Two Extravagant – chocolat brown & zesty green
04 Two Gossip – stirring plum & baroque gold
05 Two Candy – soft white & sparkling pink
06 Two Parisian – intense black & powder pink
07 Two Lovely – soft grey & aquamarine
08 Two Spicy- ebony brown & spicy casual
CHF 62.00

The collection is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain

She’s elegant, chic, superb and totally effortless. The Lancôme Fall 2013 L’ABSOLU DESIR Collection is a tribute to the Parisian woman – always sophisticated and never overstated. Kate Winslet is the face for this beautiful makeup look that is in stores now.

L’ABSOLU ROUGE
Rose Nu (06), Rouge Rayonnant (07), Caprice (132), Rouge Désir (186), Rose Désir (322) and Prune Désir (386) – CHF 45.00

The signature of Parisian elegance: timelessly red lips. To celebrate this symbol of French beauty, Lancôme pays homage to its cult lipstick, L’Absolu Rouge. Which is your colour for the week?

BLUSH DESIR
A Kiss from Paris (01) – CHF 65.00

I love this product! A precious powder with orange and pink-toned shades, specially crafted to bring out your skin’s radiance. Like a postcard from Paris, the gold-embossed black case features the Eiffel Tower, roses and lipstick kisses… a real collectible!

VERNIS IN LOVE
Purple Fiction (185), Black Sepia (385) and Grey Lumière (485) – CHF 26.00

For fall, Lancôme brings to you black, reinvented! Discover the 3 new Vernis in Love limited edition shades – enlivened with captivating colour and pigments in intense plum, brown and grey!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lancôme

This weekend close friends of mine got married. It was a very romantic and beautiful private wedding celebration with lots of tears of joy and laughter. The bride looked breathtakingly stunning and so thought the handsome groom. One detail that I truly loved was that each guest had a little heart with his name on the table filled with a personalized quote.

My look: Stretch-cady peplum-hem gown by Alessandra Rich, bow-embellished patent-leather pumps by Saint Laurent, satin clutch bag by Prada, statement necklace by Lanvin and diamond rose ring by Piaget.

I am wishing the newlyweds a happy married life full of love and magic moments!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Moto Jacket (aka fall’s must-have item) should be in your closet right now.

Just when I thought it had gone to biker heaven, this topper pops up on most of the major F/W 2013 runways in every way possible, floral at Givenchy, classic at Saint Laurent and sexy at Jason Wu. The biker jacket is a super-easy way to work this season’s grunge trend and to add some edge to any outfit. Try one of these amazing ones below:

1 Leather biker jacket by Balmain
2 Cracked-leather biker jacket by Proenza Schouler
3 Two-tone textured-leather biker jacket by Faith Connexion
4 Hyde paneled leather biker jacket by IRO
5 Jovanna neon stretch-denim biker jacket by Karl Lagerfeld
6 Herringbone wool-blend biker jacket by Junya Watanabe
7 Karle leather biker jacket by J Brand
8 Leopard-print ribbed leather jacket by 3.1 Phillip Lim
9 Trompe l’oeil leather biker jacket by Alexander Wang

Classic leather biker jacket by Saint Laurent (my favourite one as you can see above)

Royal blue nubuck biker jacket by Alexander McQueen (now on my wish list)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via style.com, © Sandra Bauknecht