As we all know, fashion trends can be difficult to keep up with. In an industry where one color, fabric or print can be crazily hot one season and totally out the next, there’s no doubt that following is no easy task. Not to worry, I am here to help you looking chic all year long! Scroll through my forecast for what styles will be on everyone’s shopping list this F/W 2014 season.

Capes, ponchos, fur, feathers and shearling, the collections are all about wrapping up against the cold. Get ready to ward off Winter’s grip in khaki hues, Sixties prints and flashes of shining gold. Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2014 TREND 1: SWEET SIXTIES
Miu Miu – Gucci – Dsquared²

F/W 2014 TREND 2: SUITS
Hermès – Christian Dior – Ralph Lauren Collection

F/W 2014 TREND 3: MILITARY KHAKI
Calvin Klein Collection – Isabel Marant – Balmain

F/W 2014 TREND 4: HEAD TO TOE KNITS
Stella McCartney – Céline – Marc Jacobs

F/W 2014 TREND 5: ARGYLE SWEATERS
Louis Vuitton – Maison Martin Margiela – Tommy Hilfiger

F/W 2014 TREND 6: FELINE
Carven – Givenchy – Sportmax

F/W 2014 TREND 7: OPTICAL ILLUSIONS
Matthew Williamson – Bottega Veneta – Dries Van Noten

F/W 2014 TREND 8: TEAM PLAYERS
Tom Ford – DKNY – Jeremy Scott

F/W 2014 TREND 9: SHEARLING
Anthony Vaccarello – Prada – Christopher Kane

F/W 2014 TREND 10: FANCY FURS
Versace – Emilio Pucci – Chloé

F/W 2014 TREND 11: PONCHOS
Roberto Cavalli – Burberry Prorsum – Etro

F/W 2014 TREND 12: CAPES
Dolce & Gabbana – Elie Saab – Valentino

F/W 2014 TREND 13: GOLDEN GIRLS
Just Cavalli – Saint Laurent – Moschino

F/W 2014 TREND 14: BIRDS
Emanuel Ungaro – Marni – Alberta Ferretti

F/W 2014 TREND 15: BLACK VELVET
Emporio Armani – Chanel – Nina Ricci

Photos: Via Style.com

While you are reading this post, I am back in the Middle East. This time, I followed Chanel‘s invitation to Dubai. Here, the French house’s Cruise 2015 show will take place tomorrow evening.

The last time I flew with Emirates in their new amazing A380 was in January with Thierry Mugler for the launch of their newest fragrance Alien Eau Extraordinaire. In this post, I will tell you all about this fantastic trip to Oman.

The A380 is an experience in itself. The world’s largest passenger jet has a twin-deck, which means business and first class are on the top floor. Every business class seat has a built-in mini-bar, a personal storage area and a privacy divider. And here comes the best, there is even a real bar on this floor where passengers can mingle and enjoy a drink.

I spent one night in Dubai before leaving on a fun road trip to the Six Senses Zighy Bay resort which is located on the northern Musandam Peninsula in the Sultanate of Oman.

When you arrive on top of the mountain, you will surely be taken by the breathtaking scenery of this hidden gem. The resort is as spectacular as its setting, with the natural beauty of Oman’s rugged mountain landscape on one side and a sandy beach on the other.

I have to say, I was amazed how fast you find total inner peace here through the power of nature. The resort is built on sand and you throw away your shoes in a second. Feeling the sand beneath your toes, you tantalize your senses, you enjoy an exciting remoteness and a barefoot luxury beyond imagination.

The team of Thierry Mugler invited us to “lâcher price” which means to let go and the Six Senses Zighy Bay offers the perfect surrounding. Being committed to environmental responsibility, the resort offers fresh, organic food prepared with ingredients that are cultivated in the region.

I stayed at a private villa with my own pool, 24-hour butler service and my own bike to drive around the resort. The rural charm of the rooms is amazing and I loved taking an outdoor shower in the morning.

One day, we went on a cruise. We had no cell phone coverage to really let go. It was such a beautiful afternoon that I absolutely enjoyed.

Let’s have a closer look at Alien Eau Extraordinaire, the new addition to Thierry Mugler‘s Alien family, created by Dominique Ropion and Veronique Nyberg.

Pierre Aulas, artistic director at Parfums Mugler, explained me more about this beautiful floral fragrance launch. He is very charming and a genius when it comes to both, marketing and fragrance creating.

ALIEN EAU EXTRAORDINAIRE

Delicate floral notes transport a unique freshness and femininity. Exuding pure optimism, this scent is perfect for summer.

Top notes: Tunisian Neroli, Tea and Bergamot
Middle notes: Tiare Flower and Heliotrope
Base notes: Cashmeran and White Amber

It was such an amazing trip… Stay tuned for my upcoming post from Dubai, this time with Chanel!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Of all the special joys in life, the big ones and the small,
a mother’s love and tenderness is the greatest of them all.

Happy Mother’s Day 2014 to all the caring and courageous mums out there! While appreciation for any parent should be every day of the year, I still love to extra appreciate my mom on this special occasion. Dear Mama, I feel blessed to have you in my life, a true inspiration, my best friend, you’re my mother, I would have no other! I love you!

Touch your mum’s heart with a sentimental poem or gift her with a little surprise (If you have forgotten about Mother’s Day, get her a little gift online and hand her a voucher). Your mother will surely appreciate the heartfelt emotions and treasure them forever.

From left to right:
Heart-intarsia cashmere sweater by Chinti and Parker
Heart-print cotton-voile shirt by Chinti and Parker
Heart-print cutout-back bandeau swimsuit by Stella McCartney
Rose, geranium and jasmine pebble soap set by Bamford

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: net-à-porter

Today, I would like to introduce you to my friend Anna who had a fantastic business idea. Catering to all animal lovers, she opens today her first shop in Stuttgart dedicated to our furry friends: LIEBESTIER (Unter dem Birkenkopf 13-15, 70197 Stuttgart, Germany).

Anna Frahm of LIEBESTIER

Similar to Pet Kingdom at Harrods, the store offers everything a canine or feline heart wishes for, but in much more contemporary way, not completely aloof.

Anna showcases the very best pet products in her cute little store reminiscent of a kennel, from dog beds, toys, bowls to the most exclusive and healthy delicacies for cats and dogs. With a permanent gourmet food frontage within the shop, she even sells the finest truffles for dogs.

Speaking of fashion, you can match the collar of your dog to your new leather bracelet. How cool is that? I couldn’t resist and filled my Dorset leather tote by Mulberry with the cutest treats for my parent’s dog.

In the future, Anna is planning to open more stores in other cities. So let’s hope, she will also come to Switzerland one day!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Liebestier and © Sandra Bauknecht

“Your best look and a great photograph can be life changing…”, this is Adriana Tripa‘s mission. Based in Zurich, she pursues her passion to make people look more beautiful. Her photo studio LOOX that she founded in 2007 is the place to go if you would like to have a fun photo shoot with great pictures to take home. The charming blonde does your make-up and explains you which facial features you should emphasize. Afterwards, she photographs you in different ways. My photos below are not photoshopped! Adriana does it all with make-up and light.

If you are looking for a self-esteem boost, visit Adriana who will capture your best image!

LOOX Photo Studio by Adriana Tripa – Rämistrasse, 8001 Zürich/Switzerland
Phone: +41 79 354 3053 – E-mail:

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Adriana Tripa

Here is the second look from my photo shoot in Los Angeles with PIAGET. This outfit is one of my favorites this season. The blood lustre rockabilly-inspired satin bomber jacket with the vampire detail on the back is such an eye-catcher while giving an unexpected twist to the feminine Piaget jewelry. An unbeatable combination!

My look:Embellished satin bomber jacket, leopard print blouse, red skinny stretch-leather pants, Betty chain red leather shoulder bag and suede ankle boots, all by Saint Laurent, sunglasses by Céline, jewelry and Limelight Gala watch, both by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Behind the Scene Photos (Collage): © Sandra Bauknecht – Photos: David Shama

The covetable ‘PS1‘, Proenza Schouler’s leather clutch is a must-have accessory and has become already a classic. This iconic style offers enough room for your wallet, smartphone and lipstick, its sleek design is perfect day or night.

My favorite version this season:

PS1 printed leather clutch for S/S 2014
It features a geometric motif and a photorealistic-print lining, epitomizing the label’s collage-inspired vision for spring.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Proenza Schouler, Luisaviaroma

Sportswear is a huge trend this S/S 2014 season and its stroke of sheer genius is mesh, wether it is seen on a sporty top, a sultry dress – or a sophisticated pair of heels. Nothing seems quite as fresh as a this airy material that is revealing parts of your skin. You can dress it up or keep it simple –  yet you will be sure to turn fashion heads this season.

Here are some suggestions for you to shop:

1 Leather, suede and mesh sneakers by Karl Lagerfeld
2 Dunstable techno-mesh coat by Belstaff
3 Bandage and mesh dress by Hervé Leger
4 Mesh-paneled stretch-jersey top by McQ Alexander McQueen
5 Embellished cloqué and mesh top by 3.1 Phillip Lim
6 Suede and mesh ankle boots by Alaïa
7 Embroidered honeycomb-mesh skirt by Lela Rose

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Here is CHANEL‘s summer 2014 makeup look: Reflets d’Eté.
Mix. Match. Mismatch. It’s a season of colour creativity. The shades of summer add a playful stroke to your beauty ritual, with vibrantly versatile options from LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES Glossimer and LE VERNIS Nail Colour. Coordinate shades of gloss and polish to accentuate a bronzed-skin look, or contrast lips, tips and lashes with a bright, shimmery eye for a sweet colour clash. The pairing possibilities are endless . . . the bolder, the better.

EYES

Illusion d’Ombre CHF 47.00
Mirage Bronze – Utopia Luminous lavender (Limited Edition) – New Moon Irridescent copper (Limited Edition)

Mascara Inimitable Waterproof CHF 47.00
Violet Touch Purple with gold shimmer (Limited Edition) – Orange Touch Orange with gold shimmer (Limited Edition)

Style Yeux Waterproof CHF 35.00
Ambre Dore Gold

LIPS

Lèvres Scintillantes CHF 41.00
Hello Jelly light rose (Limited Edition) – Sexy Jelly fuchsia  – Happy Jelly coral – Sunny Jelly orange

NAILS

Le Vernis CHF 35.00
Eastern Light White beige (Repromote, Limited Edition) – Sweet Lilac Lilac (Limited Edition) – Pink Tonic Fuchsia (Limited Edition) – Tutti Frutti Soft coral – Mirabella Orange (Limited Edition)

TEINT

Le Blush Crème de Chanel CHF 54.00
Cheeky Rose with bronze tint (Limited Edition)

In Switzerland available in the beginning of June 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

These sunglasses made me drool when I got the press release this week. I absolutely adore their unique, highly recognizable shape that resembles a kiss.
Not just any kiss, a VALENTINO KISS…

A unique curvy silhouette underlined by a metal line running along the front. Two mini-studs encrusted emphasize the rockstud touch of the style. The Valentino logo is printed in gold on the left temple. The style comes in different colors: Scarlet, Rubin, Valentino Red, Black, Black/Red and Vintage Havana/Black. Available to buy soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino