Sandra‘s Closet

While you are reading this, I am on my way to the SIHH, Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, in Geneva. I love this watch fair where this year 16 brands exhibit their new creations in an outstanding and extremely luxury environment. IWC Schaffhausen is one of them and I know that their booth as well as their party will once more make history.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the brand’s iconic Portugieser watch line and launching a new collection at this year’s SIHH, I will of course keep you posted with some essential information.

To raise your enthusiasm, I would like to show you some very exclusive photos (some of you might have seen some in the October issue of L’Officiel Switzerland) of the amazing Ladies Lunch “Timeless Portofino” during the 10th Zurich Film Festival Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Watches (co-partner of the ZFF), and my humble self hosted at the Widder Hotel in Zurich to celebrate the new IWC Portofino midsize watches.

IWC CEO Georges Kern framed by Karolina Kurkova to the right and myself to the left

You have seen my new beautiful watch in many outfit posts. Thanks a lot to those who sent me your lovely comments about this new beauty in my closet.

Special guest of the event was Karolina Kurkova, the charming blonde chatted over lunch about her life with my girlfriends and took a souvenir photo with each guest. As an additional gift, there was a handwritten card with a personal dedication of the famous top model. Karolina is truly an amazing woman!

Enjoy all the pictures below and stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Karolina was checking on the photos (a true pro) to make sure all of them were immaculate.

Karolina framed by Monika Kern to the left and Margarita Forster to the right.

Having fun with David Biedert backstage taking some pics.

Photos: Courtesy of IWC, © David Biedert and © Sandra Bauknecht

How fun to add an unexpected flair to this daytime look with this olive, pink and black number. And good news is polka dots are here to stay, so a really good investment!

My look: Bomber jacket in olive green by Jonathan Saunders, cropped cardigan by Azzedine Alaïa, cotton polka-dot T-shirt and Cassandre small suede shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent, leather and gabardine shorts by Tibi, scarf with fur trimming and leather boots, both by Gucci, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery and diamond studs by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

New, limited and perfect for Valentine’s Day, The Body Shop is launching the Smoky Poppy body care line which is enriched with real, hand-picked poppy flowers from the Ankara region of Turkey. This sensual and indulgent range is infused with a seductive, euphoric scent that will leave you longing for more.

The packing is really beautiful and the scent absolutely tempting. When I opened the box filled with all those beauty must-haves, I was immediately taken by their intoxicating, seductive and captivating blend of sultry spices, elegant flowers and colorful shades.

From left to right:
Smoky Poppy Poppy Seed Peeling CHF 24.90
Smoky Poppy Body Butter CHF 24.90
Smoky Poppy Shower Gel CHF 9.90
Smoky Poppy Body Lotion CHF 19.90
Smoky Poppy Bath Bombs CHF 29.90
Smoky Poppy Massage Oil CHF 24.90
Smoky Poppy Eau de Toilette CHF 24.90

Smoky Poppy Deluxe Collection CHF 84.90
A great gift for Valentine’s Day!

The makeup range includes the following products:

Lips & Cheeks Velvet Sticks CHF 22.90 each
Poppy Universal Lip & Cheek Velvet Stick CHF 22.90

Yellow Poppy Shimmer Cubes Palette CHF 39.90
Pink Poppy Shimmer Cubes Palette CHF 39.90

Colour Crush™ Nail Polish in Cupid Pink, Mad About Blue and A Sunny Affair, CHF 9.90 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Body Shop and © Sandra Bauknecht

Hawaii Collection by OPI brings the fresh, bright colors of its namesake islands to nails and toes this summer. This new collection features a palette ranging from muted tones of mint, peach, pink and nude to bolder hues of coral, green, purple and gold to deep tones of mauve, violet, brick red and shimmery blue.

When I spotted the press release, I reminded myself that I still had this draft about a tour around Maui from 2012 that I haven’t published yet. Who has ever been there knows about its magic. The beautiful beaches, surfing, the weather, the islands’ lush greenery, colorful flowers, and yummy fish, the landscape that ranges from Scottish Highlands to a tropical rainforest, all together inspired those 12 fresh new nail shades.

“Printed, flowing fabrics dominated spring runways, with patterns and graphics in both bold and muted hues. Warm, ethereal neutrals in shades of rose, peach and mint added a soft, feminine note,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. “That’s Hula-rious!, a pastel mint green from the Hawaii Collection, was seen at Charlotte Ronson’s S/S 2015 NYFW show; this shade was used to create a cutout half moon manicure that complemented the designer’s youthful presentation.”

Hawaii Collection by OPI includes the following shades in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas:

That’s Hula-rious!
This pastel mint green makes me dance with joy!

My Gecko Does Tricks
Being bright and pearly green is just one of its talents.

Do You Take Lei Away?
On second thought, I can’t wait – I need this creamy nude now!

Is Mai Tai Crooked?
Get it straight – this fruity orange crème is fabulous!

Go with the Lava
Flow You can feel the heat shimmering off this golden red.

Aloha from OPI
Let’s give a warm island hello to this bright creamy coral!

Suzi Shops & Island Hops
A light and happy pink that’s the perfect traveling companion.

Just Lanai-ing
Around This dark, creamy mauve says “hang loose!” in style.

Hello Hawaii Ya?
In this gorgeous, dusky purple, I’m doing just fine.

This Color’s Making Waves
This shimmery, lagoon blue has got heads turning.

Lost My Bikini In Molokini
With this reef-inspired purple, what’s one bikini more or less?

Pineapples Have Peelings Too!
The heart of the matter lies in this gold shimmer with colorful sparkle.

Hawaii nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. The new shades will be available in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas from 15th February, 2015.

If you are interested in some previous posts from Maui, click on the highlighted links below:

Aloha from Maui

On Top of the Volcano – Maui Sunset Dinner

Last Night in Maui – Four Seasons Maui at Wailea

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of OPI, Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Stella McCartney unveils its’ S/S 2015 ad campaign images for the first time today featuring model Natalia Vodianova photographed in Ibiza by Harley Weir.

A frequent favourite of the designer and styled by herself, this is the 7th time Natalia appears in her campaign. The photos are inspired by the effortless spirit and fluid silhouette of the new collection.

My favorite looks from Stella McCartney’s S/S 2015 collection

The new campaign highlights the iconic Falabella bag in quilted metallic silver faux leather in mini and micro size, as well as in the embroidered denim crossbody.

Embroidered Denim Crossbody Bag

Baby Falabella Quilted Messenger Bag

The micro quilted metallic Falabella will be sold exclusively at Stella McCartney stores worldwide and online starting this March. Get yourselves on the wait lists now!

YOU CAN PRE-ORDER THE STELLA MCCARTNEY S/S 2015 RUNWAY COLLECTION HERE.

TO SHOP THE NEW RESORT 2015 COLLECTION, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Stella McCartney

While being in London, I spotted the new Miu Miu Astro Running sneakers in their store on New Bond Street. Transforming the classic running shoe into a piece of style, they come with unprecedented lightness and are one of the must-haves for the next season. Sneakers appeared on many runways.

The articulated rubber sole, sourced in the Miu Miu archive, has been reinvented with the addition of little round nubs – part baby hedgehog, part sea creature in appearance. The upper is crafted in a technical satin that is entirely hand-embroidered with constellations of sequins and crystal.

The neck of the shoe is cut in neoprene, sock-like, to ensure a perfectly close fit. Apparently contrasting elements are brought together to make the world a more lovely place to be: light-footed, light-hearted and sparkling with touches of light.

TO SHOP MIU MIU SHOES ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE. (Those sneakers will arrive shortly in stores around the world).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

You’ll be blooming’ gorgeous with those cheerful colored stains for lips and cheeks. A must for all globetrotting’ celebs, makeup artists and gals everywhere, those products that come in four different shades, give you the sexiest flush you can get from a bottle. A kiss-proof and smudge-proof, indelibly sheer tint, it gives an innocent yet provocative glow to keep everyone guessing. My 5-second makeup for a healthy look.

Since last summer, each of the current range of lip and cheek stains has a little sister, with benebalm, lolllibalm, chachabalm and posiebalm joining the iconic Benefit family.

My personal two favorites are benetint, the classic, and posietint, a poppy-pink stain. 
TO SHOP ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Benefit and © Sandra Bauknecht

Capitalising on its position in London’s most fashionable district, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London announces an exclusive partnership with French high end luxury Maison Chloé, as the S/S 2015 collections arrive in stores, commencing Thursday 12th February 2015.

In celebration of London Fashion Week, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is offering guests a special package in luxurious accommodation, with the opportunity to own the Drew ahead of London Fashion Week and experience a limited edition Chloé afternoon tea at The Rosebery with Chloé Fizz champagne cocktails.

Drew medium textured-leather shoulder bag

The Chloé Debuts package starts at GBP 1,722 and includes:
• One night’s accommodation for two in a Knightsbridge Turret Suite with sweeping views of the UK’s fashion capital
• À la carte breakfast for two people over looking Hyde Park
• Personalised service at Chloé on Sloane Street to receive Chloé’s ‘Drew’ bag
• Chloé Love Story perfume
• Chloé-inspired afternoon tea for two people in the enchanting tea room, The Rosebery

The Rosebery

For an aficionado experience in February 2015, guests visiting The Rosebery for a limited edition Chloé-inspired afternoon tea and a Chloé Fizz cocktail will be able to view a mannequin showcasing the fashion collection in the lobby of the hotel and two vetrines displaying the Drew bag in a variety of different colours and patterns.

Drew small python shoulder bag

The Drew bag is a delicate, modern saddlebag with round, sculpted lines, it features an elegant turn lock system, in perfect harmony with its knotted fob chain and horseshoe pivots. Available in three sizes, this cross–body style offers an effortless transition from daytime to evening, with crisp raw edging on sumptuous materials.

Terms and conditions
The package is valid from Thursday 12th February 2015 to Monday 9th March 2015. Reservations are subject to availability, inclusive of VAT at 20% and 5% discretionary service charge, subject to availability. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly on +44 (0) 207 201 3773, or through the direct on-line reservations service, www.mandarinoriental.com/london.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Manadrin Oriental and Chloé

Sometimes when you are stressed and you only got five minutes to dress, the result turns out to be one of your favorite looks. This happened to me last week when I put together those pieces in a hurry and really liked the style. Isn’t the color of this long powder blue coat just divine?!

My look: Powder blue paneled wool-blend coat by Tibi, cropped hoodie with zipper and sequined Playboy bunny by Marc Jacobs, grey wool mini dress with embroideries by Blumarine, Monogramme embellished shopper tote, both by Saint Laurent, boots by Gucci, chain and padlock necklace by Chanel, Portofino Midsize Automatic watch with diamonds by IWC, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery and Pure Matt 100 denier tights by Falke.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Sporting this Dolce & Gabbana top on a  snowy day in the mountains, I felt like Little Red Riding Hood in a Gstaad Fairytale. Called “Once upon a time… in Sicily” designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana created a whimsical F/W 2014 collection with a very fashionable flair. Who doesn’t like to feel like a fairy once in a while?

My look: Black mink coat by Prada, appliquéd tweed top by Dolce & Gabbana (mine is the runway version with the red fur hood), ribbed cashmere turtleneck by Gucci, leather and jersey leggings by Givenchy, Tribale small fringed python shoulder bag by Lanvin (40% off), fur boots by Prada Sport, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht