Sandra‘s Closet

Today’s post is dedicated to jackets as they finish off a look perfectly and are the perfect mid-season solution. The right jacket can do wonders. Invest in good quality, the same goes for shoes and bags. But no worries, you don’t need to spend a fortune. The German fashion house BASLER offers great choices for an amazing price. Below, I styled some outfits for you including all kinds of jackets by BASLER.

SCHOOL HOUSE CHIC

A vibrant colourful jacket can take your look to style goddess allure in a second as you see here. The classic cut gives BASLER‘s pink blazer its contemporary appeal. Slip it on with boyfriend jeans and sneakers to master smart/casual cool.

Pink blazer and floral shirt, both by Basler, Le Garcon distressed slim boyfriend jeans by Frame Denim, Chuck Taylor All Star canvas sneakers by Converse and Antigona shopping tote by Givenchy.

WEEKEND BRUNCH

BASLER‘s tailoring skills are showcased to perfection in this beautifully crafted dotted blazer, a smart coverup that will make an elegant addition also to your professional portfolio.

Jacket with polka dots, matching wide pants with belt, both by Basler, scalloped satin and chiffon camisole by Kate Moss for Topshop, leather and snake clutch by Michael Kors, Gommino patent-leather loafers by Tod’s and On A Promise round-frame acetate sunglasses by House of Holland.

CHIC WEEKEND STYLE

Cropped jackets are among my favorites as they are so feminine. The construction of this piece by BASLER is complex, but it’s so easy to wear – team yours with a colorful dress, as pictured here, and enjoy that all eyes will be on you.

Cropped black and white jacket, green Palm Beach dress, both by Basler, gold-plated chain-link necklace by Ben-Amun, leather sandals by Alexander McQueen and multicoloured bag by Chanel.

BEACH PARTY

Sequins sparkling in the sunlight are just stunning and scream attention. Elegant eveningwear demands a suitably chic coverup and BASLER has the perfect piece matching all sorts of styles.

Sequined blazer and studded belt, both by Basler, white dress by Alice + Olivia, crystal-embellished raffia shoulder bag by Dolce & Gabbana and leather sandals by Givenchy.

TROPICAL VACATION

A belted jacket is the coolest way to cover up this summer. BASLER‘s safari-style version’s longer length makes it perfect for layering.

Belted linen jacket, white blouse, scarf with lace and animal print, bag, all by Basler, cady shorts by Chloé, sneakers by Nike and woven hat by Eugenia Kim.

Have a lovely weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday, I had a crazy afternoon, driving back from Como to Zurich where I had literally fifteen minutes to get changed. Then I jumped in the next limousine to go to Basel to attend an exclusive gastronomic experience hosted by Audemars Piguet during Art Basel.

The famous watch manufacturer had invited the Roca Brothers, Joan (head chef), Josep (sommelier) and Jordi (in charge of the desserts), from Spain to prepare a very special dinner.

Their famous restaurant El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Catalonia, Spain which opened in 1986 was first located next to their parent’s restaurant Can Roca, but moved to its current purpose built building in 2007. It holds three Michelin stars and has been named the best restaurant in the world by the magazine Restaurant in 2013, after having been ranked second in 2011 and 2012.

The cuisine served by the restaurant is traditional Catalan, but with an interesting twist. Personally speaking, I find their dishes based on perfumes, and with unusual presentations, the most captivating.

They have created menus based on fragrances such as Calvin Klein’s Eternity or Carolina Herrera. This has resulted in a perfume being released by the restaurant itself, called Nuvol de Ilimona, which we were able to smell last night during the first dessert served, a lemon distillation. Smelling and tasting the food at the same time is an orgastic explosion.

CEO Audemars Piguet François-Henry Bennahmias with me last night

Audemars Piguet spoilt us last night with this feast for the senses! Thanks a lot for this amazing invitation! Below you can see the yummy menu…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Photo Roca Brothers: Nacho Alegre for WSJ. Magazine

Greetings from beautiful Villa d’Este in Como, Italy where I am at the moment with Acqua di Parma for the presentation of their new fragrance Rosa Nobili. The photos of the event will be coming up shortly. Here you see me at the hotel before leaving to the gala dinner.

My look: Black liquid lamé jumpsuit and blue suede fringe shoulder bag, both by Gucci. Tribute sandals by Saint Laurent, diamond rose necklace, ring and Limelight Gala watch, all by Piaget, diamond earrings by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I was invited by Swarovski to attend the private opening of the global design forum Design Miami/ Basel 2014 followed by an exclusive dinner party. When I arrived, I was blown away by the amazing large-scale installation ‘Prologue’ created by Fredrikson Stallard.

The latest collaborative work between Swarovski and the acclaimed London-based designers is a monumental circular sculpture holding over 8,000 golden Swarovski crystal droplets within a patinated steel frame suspended from a beam.
‘Prologue’s’ luminous ring mimics the iconography of the sun and it shimmers as it constantly reflects and refracts light as it gently moves. It is a powerful representation of new beginnings and also a more abstract symbol of life and rebirth.

For over a decade, Swarovski’s creative collaborations have been a great opportunity for the world’s leading artists, architects and designers to experiment and share their most radical ideas using the medium of crystal.

Here I am with Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, in front of the art work who commented: “Fredrikson Stallard are amongst the most talented designers working today and their installations are always highly impactful and very beautiful. ‘Prologue’ is a glowing symbol of life, and its power lies in its scale. Its compelling presence draws the viewer closer, allowing us to feel a primeval connection with the sun.”

The artists Patrik Fredrikson and Ian Stallard with me yesterday.

About the Fredrikson Stallard
Patrik Fredrikson and Ian Stallard formed their design partnership in 1995 and have become internationally recognized as leading exponents of British avant-garde design. They have the ability to translate their vision into simple yet emotionally engaging furniture and product designs.
‘Prologue’ by Fredrikson Stallard was first shown at Art Basel in Hong Kong in May 2014. It is the second time Fredrikson Stallard have shown a dramatic large-scale installation for Swarovski at Design Miami/ Basel. The ‘Iris Collection’ was presented in 2011.

If you get the chance, I highly recommend a visit to Design Miami/ Basel (open until June 22, 2014). It is absolutely worth it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

VERSUS VERSACE and SUPERGA partnered on a vibrant new collection of footwear starting with a special edition of the SUPERGA 2750 model, made using one of the key prints from the VERSUS VERSACE F/W 2014 collection.

The shoes will be available online at shop.versace.com and superga.com in Europe from the 20th of June and to follow worldwide in selected VERSUS VERSACE boutiques and in the SUPERGA stores, from the 29th of June.

Personall speaking, I think that this is SUPERGA’s coolest collaboration so far!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Versus Versace and Superga

For Kérastase, offering women the hair they dream of is a never-ending quest. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the famous Parisian luxury hair care brand has prepared an exciting new launch, a completely revolutionary hair-taming collection named Discipline! L’Oréal Advanced Research decided to focus on women’s dissatisfaction with their unmanageable and frizzy hair. The new products promise “obedient” hair that does exactly what we want it to do.

I have tried the new line at home and really like it. My hair was easy to blow-dry, more shiny, resistant to humidity, and the best of all frizz-free for around 72 hours thanks to the following ingredients:

– Morpho-Keratine™, a unique blend of shape enhancing ingredients to consolidate hair fiber
– Surface-morphing polymers to smooth surface roughness

The Kérastase Discipline line for home includes the 250ml Bain Fluidealiste and Bain Fluidealiste sulphate free for CHF 29.00, the 200ml Fondant Fluidealiste for CHF 41.00, the 200ml Maskeratine for CHF 51.00, and the 150ml Fluidissime for CHF 51.00. The collection is available now. There is also a in-salon treatment that is said to last up to 10 hair washes.

The celebrated prima ballerina of the Mariinsky Theatre, who embodies with total perfection, Diana Vishneva, is the face of the new line.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Kérastase

Established in Rome in 1925 by Adele and Edoardo Fendi and renowned for almost 9 decades for its iconic creations crafted in a myriad of furs and leathers, the Fendi collections never disappoint. Snap up your either your favourite 2Jours, your Peekaboo or Baguette and team it with a great pair of heels for a dynamic fashion statement. See how one bag can change a look!

From left to right: Perforated leather and suede boots, Peekaboo medium leather tote from the ‘Bag Bugs’ Collection (for an artsy look), two-tone cady top, 2Jours small textured-leather shopper (for a classic style), leather pencil skirt and Baguette crystal and Perspex shoulder bag (for a night out), all by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Celebrating the FIFA World Cup in Brazil this summer, many luxury brands are launching special edition pieces. Here are the best ones…

Louis Vuitton is taking part for the second time. After a first appearance on the football field in 2010 in South Africa, the Louis Vuitton case, specially designed to carry the famous trophy, will be on July 13th, the final day of the Cup, in the stadium of Maracana in Rio of Janeiro.

Paying tribute to this year’s host nation for the Fifa World Cup, Bvlgari launches the new Octo Bi-Retro Brazil in a 50-piece limited edition.

Donatella Versace has turned to the FIFA World Cup for inspiration in style and created a special t-shirt that combines the passions of football with the vivid iconography of the Versace DNA. A brand new Versace baroque print is created using the colors of a Brazilian carnival, decorated with repeated images of footballs and flowers. The T-shirt, in silk satin for her and cotton jersey for him, is available in selected boutiques now.

MCM has launched the limited edition ‘München Cute Monsters’ collection. Drawing on the vibrancy of Brazilian culture and the festivity of the ultimate football tournament on the planet, the collection features the two pop art characters Viktor & Viktoria as MCM’s monster mascots for the games.

TO SHOP THE MCM ‘München Cute Monsters’ COLLECTION, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

This spring, Bobbi Brown announced Kate Upton as her new face for the upcoming campaigns. Now the time has come to take a first look and explore the new Surf & Sand Summer 2014 Collection. Reminiscent of the perfect beach holiday, it features the ultimate summer beauty essentials to create an effortless, chic beach look.

Surf Eye Palette (left) – Limited Edition – CHF 110.00
Eight stunning eye shadows in pastel tones from shimmery pink to soft blue and mild aqua shades.

Sand Eye Palette (right) – Limited Edition – CHF 110.00
This palette offers a variety of natural colors from metallic bronze to glitter gold. Perfect for day and night.

Sheer Lip Color – Limited Edition – CHF 38.00 
Sunlit Pink, Summer Nude, Peach Sorbet and Pink Taffy

Long-Wear Eye Pencil – Limited Edition – CHF 34.00
Black Chocolate and Bronze

Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick – New – CHF 40.00
Champagne Gold

Beach Rollerball Fragrance – Limited Edition – CHF 26.00 (6ml)
Bobbi’s classic “Beach” fragrance is now available in a portable rollerball version. The light and refreshing fragrance evokes warm sunshine and sea air.

Brightening Blush – Limited Edition – CHF 69.00
Bronze and Pink

The collection will be in stores in July 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown

A rare enamel and diamond wristwatch designed by Bvlgari in 1965 was sold on June 4th at Christie’s in London from a private collection. This extraordinary sale, tripling the estimate, has set a new world record price for a Bvlgari snake watch at an auction.

Enamel & diamond snake watch, by Bvlgari, circa 1965

The iconic piece, estimated between $300.780 and $417.750 fetched more than $ 1 Million, changing hands for the final price of $1.107.038. The Roman jeweler, today part of the LVMH Group, celebrates its 130th anniversary this year. The important achievement at Christie’s is testament to the investment value Bvlgari jewelry has, now for over a century.

Serpenti Watch
Quartz movement. 40 mm 18-ct pink gold case, dial and double-spiral bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds and turquoises. Eyes in turquoises. SPP40D2GD2T.2T

Since their first introduction as wristwatches in the 1940s, the Serpenti creations became the icons of Bvlgari’s creativity. As the years went by, eclectic reinterpretations in tune with major trends and prestigious endorsements consolidated their status of brand icons.

No leader of the ancient world is more closely associated with the snake than Cleopatra. Strongly intertwined to the Roman Empire through her love affairs with Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, when she first arrived in Rome in 46 BC, the cheering crowd could admire her beauty enhanced through the coiled gold snake bracelets that were adorning her body.
Almost 2000 years later, in the 1960s, Elizabeth Taylor could not resist to ask her favourite jeweller in Rome at via Condotti 10, to create especially for her a Serpenti bracelet, that she was wearing on the set of Cleopatra, as the new queen of the Nile (see photo in the first collage).

Serpenti Watch
Quartz movement. 40 mm 18-ct white gold case, dial and double-spiral bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds and onyx. Eyes in onyx SPW40D2GD2O.2T

I am a huge fan of the Serpenti watches and cannot wait to finally have one on my wrist…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bvlgari