Sandra‘s Closet

This summer, a dear friend of mine is getting married and she has wished for us bridesmaids to be dressed in pastel colors, every girl in a different shade, from rose to lavender, from light blue to soft yellow. My assigned hue is mint green and so I have been looking for the perfect gown. I came across those two beautiful dresses that might look pretty much the same but if you check their price tag, you might be extremely surprised…

SPLURGE: Pleated silk-chiffon gown by Elie Saab
STEAL: Cross front plissé-chiffon gown by Halston Heritage

LoL, Sandra

When you think “festival fashion,” Coachella, which starts today, is pretty much the gold standard. With the stylish crowd gathered in one dusty desert destination, decked out in their boho best, it’s a feast for the eyes. With the emergence of ’70s styles on the S/S 2015 runways, adapting to the boho vibe seems to be an easy task. Take, for example, fringe. From fringe hemlines to cropped tops, gorgeous flats and even bags, the look is everywhere you turn at a music festival. Here is some style inspiration.

Get the look: Fringed leather biker jacket by Balmain, cropped cutout stretch-knit top by Jonathan Simkhai, cut-off denim shorts and Monogramme fringed suede shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent, Virginie rabbit-felt fedora by Maison Michel, gold-plated chain bib necklace by Ben Amun, aviator-style gold-tone mirrored sunglasses and leopard-print calf hair point-toe flats, both by Victoria Beckham.

A hat looks always stylish or opt for a flower crown. Colour some cute daisies under your eyes for the ultimate hippie feeling or stitch some floral lace around one hemline of your denim shorts. Wether you are in Palm Springs or not, this style looks great everywhere.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Etsy and © Sandra Bauknecht

“Shine that lasts until removed!” – OPI launches a revolution in nail color with NEW Infinite Shine Gel Effects Lacquer System, that is offering the rich color, intense shine and lasting wear of gels – without the need for LED-light curing or soak-off removal. Available in 30 new shades (plus Primer base coat and Gloss top coat), Infinite Shine utilizes a three-step system to deliver a high-shine classic crème finish for nails that lasts up to 10 days.

“Infinite Shine was developed to meet consumer demand for a nail lacquer with a gel-like finish that also boasts the exceptional formula, on-trend colors and iconic names for which OPI is best known,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Brand Ambassador. “Infinite Shine shades are applied and removed like traditional lacquer, but they provide the high-shine and long-wear typically reserved for gel formulas, for shine that lasts until you take it off!”

Infinite Shine includes a full range of fashion-forward shades ranging from neutrals to bright reds, oranges and pinks to dark gray, blue and black hues. It is applied via a three-step system; first, apply Infinite Shine Primer (Step 1) to prevent staining and increase lacquer durability. Next, select one of 30 shades (Step 2) and paint two thin, even coats for richly-pigmented, vivid color. Finally, finish with Infinite Shine Gloss (Step 3), which features a state-of-the-art gel polymer formula that cures in natural light. Product can be removed easily with Expert Touch Nail Lacquer Remover; no soaking is required.

Infinite Shine products feature a proprietary formula and each bottle includes OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. In Switzerland available from April 10 for CHF 24.90 each shade, PRIMER, LACQUER und GLOSS.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

Oh La La! Saint Laurent‘s Cruise 2015 collection, named “Psych Rock’s New Rising“, is just to die for. Bohemian looks, layered hippie-chick necklaces, fringed boots, and everything a luxe hippie could dream of.

My look: Floral-print silk crepe de chine dress, embellished velvet vest, Anita fringed suede shoulder bag, fringed studded suede ankle boots, woven lurex tassel necklace, Patti beaded suede necklace and infinity belt, all by Saint Laurent. Cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

First of all, I would love to thank everyone who sent me a message wondering why I have been absent from blogging. The reason was I truly needed some digital detox.

Those who are following me on Instagram might have seen that I had been traveling extensively over the last two and a half weeks. I flew directly from the shopping spree in Abu Dhabi to New York City, stayed there one night and left via St. Marteen to St. Barths for the Bucket Regatta. After that I went to St. Kitts to explore the newly opened Kittitian Hill resort that focuses immensely on sustainable vacations, followed by a stopover in Miami and a few days in Bermuda.

Now I am back filled with great memories and adventures that I am happy to share with you over the next weeks! Below are some little previews…

It takes only 15 minutes to fly from St. Marteen to…

…St. Barths. The landing is definitely spectacular due to the view and its famous short runway.

Enjoying the Bucket Regatta and the ASW boat party at the same time…

…with the world’s best mojitos by…

…by Mojitoman Ibiza and Mojitowoman. They will be in Ibiza this summer, don’t miss them!

Next stop: St. Kitts

Belle Mont Farm is Kittitian Hill’s first luxury five star hotel. Situated in 400 acres of tropical farmland, you enjoy spectular views, great service and the most amazing food which is prepared only with locally foraged ingredients. Did you know that as a ASW members, you are granted a complimentary 7-night stay in one of the charming guest cottages?!

If you are in St. Kitts, don’t miss one of the island’s hot spots: Salt Plage. The perfect place for a sundowner.

A stopover for a night in Miami.

I stayed at the newly opened Villa Bagatelle, which is the first hotel in the wildly successful family of Bagatelle bistros. A great place to party in the heart of South Beach.

My last destination of my trip was Bermuda which unfortunately was slightly chilly. The water is insane due to an incredible clarity and color.

Now, you might understand why I had been offline. Sometimes, you have to sit back, relax and just enjoy with your eyes…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Easter time at de GRISOGONO twists magic around. It’s time today to go on a virtual enchanting Easter Hunt and follow the Easter Bunny to find the eggs. To participate and have the chance to win an Allegra bracelet, please click here.

Happy Easter to all of my fabulous readers and good luck!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of de Grisogono