Sandra‘s Closet

OLIVIER ECHAUDEMAISON, Make-up Creative Director at Guerlain, is one of the most handsome, charming and entertaining men I have ever met in the industry. Since 2000, he constantly aims to reveal and accentuate feminine beauty with his most innovative creations. Olivier is constantly travelling around the world for his job. Among all destinations, he adores Tokyo and shares with us his favorite spots of the Japanese metropole.

Your favourite city?
After Paris, I love TOKYO: a city which is so modern with a great civilisation and culture.

Your favourite hotel?
Until the still on-going renovation, I loved the HOTEL OKURA. I hope they will keep its unique mood.
2 Chome-10-4 Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo 105-0001
Phone: +81 3-3582-0111

Your favourite restaurant?
I love small, traditional, non-trendy places. I went to TEN–ICHI RESTAURANT last time and I really liked it. It is known for its superb, remarkably light tempura specialties.
1-1, Uchisaiwaicho 1-Chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8558
Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Tower Bldg., LL1
Phone: +81-3-3503-1001

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
I less and less go to night-clubs; as for the bars, I prefer popular, informal cafés.

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
There are two places that really impress me in different ways: TSUKIJI MARKET and EDO-TOKYO MUSEUM (pictured).
Tskiji Market: 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0045
Edo-Tokyo Museum: 1 Chome-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida, Tokyo 130-0015 

Your favourite park?
As I love trees, bonsais and flowers, I really enjoy walking around the IMPERIAL PALACE GARDENS KOKYO.
1-1 Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-8111

Your favourite shop?
ITOYA – an amazing stationery store. I also like big department stores with floors dedicated to porcelain.
〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo, Ginza, 2 Chome−7-15
Phone:+81 3-3561-8311

ISETAN – for the men fashion floors because they have a great selection!
〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku, 新宿3-14-1
Phone:+81 3-3352-1111
I also like the ‘bonsai‘ shops. But I couldn’t say any specific name because there are small stores in various areas.

Your must-have accessory?
My OMAS FOUNTAIN PEN with red ink, because people recognize my handwriting immediately.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
Today: DAVID BOWIE, but classic music relaxes after a duty day.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
Nothing specific while being in Tokyo. I mostly read in the plane, during long flights. I never watch plane programs, I prefer to read, and on paper; novels or essays like “IN PRAISE OF SHADOWS” by Jun’ichiro Tanizaki. So “enlightening“…

Thank you, Olivier, for sharing your insider scoop on Tokyo with us.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hiroaki Fukuda, © Omas, © Sandra Bauknecht and the different locations

LOUIS VUITTON and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the leading humanitarian and development organization, have signed a global partnership to support the most vulnerable children around the world. The aim is to raise funds for UNICEF and help support children that are exposed to conflict, diseases, natural disasters and other situations that threaten their safety and well-being.

Children are too often at risk during emergencies and humanitarian crises and are especially vulnerable to disease, malnutrition and violence. For those living in conflict zones, the situation is worse. They are more likely to be denied an education or access to clean water, and more likely to die before their fifth birthday. UNICEF is present before, during and after a crisis, providing children with essential protection, health care, safe water, nutrition and education.

Through the partnership with LOUIS VUITTON, funds raised will support UNICEF’s efforts to provide the essential interventions required to protect, save lives and ensure the rights of all children, everywhere. During 2016, a specially designed product, the Silver Lockit, will be available in Louis Vuitton stores worldwide and online.

For each sale of the Silver Lockit pendant or bracelet, $200 will be donated to UNICEF. The Silver Lockit, inspired by the unpickable tumbler lock invented by Georges Vuitton in 1890 to protect clients’ most precious belongings, is a symbol of protection. It also seals one’s promise to help children in urgent need.

Shopping for a good cause. Share your commitment by making a pinky promise with the hashtag #MAKEAPROMISE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

Hello fellow nail polish lovers! Here is OPI‘s newest collection – a tribute to New Orleans. Beautiful hues that work perfect for summer. Featuring 12 new nail lacquers in light pastel shades but also a couple of brights, the new OPI New Orleans 2016 Collection will easily satisfy any preferences. I have my eyes on the purplish shades featured in the ad campaign but I’m also not turning away from that gorgeous metallic pewter. I invite you to discover them all below.

There are 12 shades in the OPI New Orleans 2016 Collection (available as nail polishes as well as gelcolor shades) from left to right:

Let Me Bayou a Drink – This refreshing blush is my treat.
Humidi-Tea – Beat the heat in this nude shimmer.
Show Us Your Tips! – Let’s see how this periwinkle shimmer looks on you.
Rich Girls & Po-Boys – Make a date with this china blue crème.
I’m Sooo Swamped! – This verdant, creamy green is drenched in style.
Take a Right on Bourbon – An intoxicatingly warm, metallic pewter.
Crawfishin’ for a Compliment! – This light, creamy orange is perfect on me, isn’t it?
Got Myself into a Jam-balaya – A yummy mélange of spice and creamy peach.
She’s a Bad Muffuletta! – Don’t mess with this hot red crème.
Spare Me a French Quarter? – Say oui-oui to this mellowed raspberry crème.
I Manicure for Beads – Throw me nothing but this luscious purple crème.
Suzi Nails New Orleans – This light, bright pink hits the spot for chic.

In stores now until end of August 2016. Each bottle CHF 19.90 (15ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

Fashionistas love fashionable and oh-so practical tote bags. Whether classic or reinvented, this handbag shape should be atop your must-have accessory wish list. A keeper forever!

1 Monogramme Cabas medium leather tote by Saint Laurent
2 Bamboo Shopper medium textured-leather tote by Gucci
3 Liberty leather tote by Victoria Beckham
4 Paloma small spiked leather tote by Christian Louboutin
5 Le Dix Cabas textured-leather tote by Balenciaga
6 Intrecciato leather tote by Bottega Veneta
7 Joy medium textured-leather tote by Tod’s
8 The Rockstud medium leather tote by Valentino

My avid readers have seen me a gazillion times with my Bamboo Shopper large textured-leather tote by Gucci. I adore this bag, so practical, stylish and easy to carry. Perfect for travelling!

More than 30 years after it was introduced, it is still one of the most exclusive tote bags in the world: the Hermès Birkin Bag, a true classic.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Update your warm-weather wardrobe with this amazing footwear. You can elevate your summer ensembles instantly with a statement pair of sandals.

Here are some of my favourites:

1 Bobbie Twist suede sandals by Sophia Webster
2 Latin Lover studded fringed suede and leather sandals by Aquazzura
3 Leopard-print calf hair lace-up sandals by Saint Laurent
4 Halley color-block suede sandals by Jimmy Choo
5 Embellished glittered leather platform sandals by Lanvin
6 Otrot 120 fringed suede sandals by Christian Louboutin
7 Vreeland lamé platform sandals by Charlotte Olympia
8 Glittered suede platform sandals by Miu Miu
9 Embellished silk-satin and cork platform sandals by Nicholas Kirkwood

Shoe designer Sophia Webster

If you are looking for the most eye-catching footwear ever. Have a look at the designs of Sophia Webster, a former assistant to celebrated cordwainer Nicholas Kirkwood. She is turning fashionable heads with her fabulous sandals:

Heaven Tempest Orchid satin and suede sandals by Sophia Webster

Flamingo Frill leather, satin and suede sandals by Sophia Webster

Underwater Lilico appliquéd leather slingback sandals by Sophia Webster

Evangeline suede and laser-cut metallic leather sandals by Sophia Webster

Malibu Sunset vinyl-trimmed patent-leather, suede and satin sandals by Sophia Webster

Which one is your sole-mate?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via Vogue.com

BOBBI BROWN‘s Malibu Nudes Collection is inspired of those carefree days at the beach in California. Easy-to-apply products that give you an instant healthy look. Actress Kate Upton is once more the face of the campaign.

NUDE ON NUDE EYE PALETTE – CHF 74.00
Colours: Nude – Cement – Wheat – Espresso – Malted

Bobbi’s iconic, all matte Nude on Nude Eye Palette is back for a limited time. Featuring four skin tone inspired shadows and a dark liner shade, this palette flatters all complexions and pairs perfectly with nude-to-bright lips. Includes a large mirror and a Dual-Ended Angle Eye Shadow/ Eye Liner Brush.

Nobody does nude makeup like Bobbi, and this palette is no exception. Based on shades she sees in women’s faces every day, this eye shadow palette takes the guesswork out of the perfect nude eye. Every shade is instantly flattering–no blending required.

BLUSH DUO – CHF 62.00
Available in:
Pastel Pink / Powder Pink (light skin tones) (pictured)
Sand Pink / Pale Pink (medium skin tones)
Tawny / Peony (golden skin tones)
Plum / French Pink (dark skin tones)

Inspired by Bobbi’s signature blush technique, this duo lets you give cheeks the ultimate natural-looking flush. Includes complementary neutral and pop shades designed to be layered. The sleek, black case includes a mirrored lid for easy application wherever you are.

Bobbi’s secret to achieving the perfect cheek. This duo features neutral and pop blush shades that are designed to be layered for a fresh, healthy glow. The silky matte formula glides smoothly onto cheeks and lasts all day.

ART STICKS – CHF 41.00
Available in: Hot Berry, Electric Coral, Punch, Brown Berry, Rich Nude, Bare

Bold color that packs a one-two punch. This chunky pencil gives you lipstick and liner in one, comfortable wear and a creamy matte finish.

Formulated with Shea Butter and emollients, Art Stick has a creamy texture and a featherweight feel—for comfortable wear that lasts hours.

In stores in Switzerland from March 2, 2016.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown

There is a new It-bag waiting for all fashion lovers: GUCCI‘s SYLVIE BAG. Featuring a number of the house’s iconic elements, this new amazing style makes use of the well-known GUCCI web stripe and combines this with a distinctive ornamental chain with a spring-buckle closure, a detail that lends the style a bourgeois confidence.

The house web motif appears as a woollen insert underneath the chain detail – the two decorative elements, hard and soft, combining to create a characterful signature for this neat, structured handbag.

Gucci S/S 2016

The shoulder strap is in grosgrain and also features the house web design, and metallic details on its tips. However, the web colour-combination on this grosgrain strap is always different to that on the bag’s web insert, a playful mismatch that contributes to the SYLVIE’s eccentric appeal. For those occasions when a more subdued look is appropriate, each bag also comes with an alternative, matching shoulder strap in plain leather.

• Materials: calf leather, crocodile.
• Colours: green, red, white, black, blue.
• Lining: suede.
• Finish: light gold.
• Inside: zippered pocket, and compartments for mobile phones.

Gucci Pre-fall 2016

I love the new SYLVIE BAG but will definitely wait for the Pre-fall 2016 version in pink. Isn’t that one adorable?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

Some of my readers might recognize this dress and the clutch as well as the coat, but you have never seen me wearing it together. I love when I spot great new combinations in my closet. Sometimes we think we desperately need something new and forget about all the treasures hidden in our wardrobes. Happy searching!

My look during Haute Couture Week in Paris in the end of January: Soft pink mink coat with flower intarsia and red leather boots, both by Prada, Aubine embellished satin-twill dress and Falabella crystal-embellished faux leather clutch, both by Stella McCartney, heart earrings by Chanel, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Would be a lovely Valentine’s Day outfit as well…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Attention lovers! MIU MIU introduces a capsule collection especially for Valentine’s Day. The offering draws on the playful juxtaposition of different worlds.

Cherries are the recurrent sweetly romantic motif of this quintessentially feminine collection, always coming, like lovers, in sparkling pairs and nestling on vivid green crystal leaves.

Jewelled hearts also make an appearance and an exclusive logo – MIU MIU Loves – is applied to the madras leather styles.

Purses suspended from palladium hardware, wallets, card holders, key chains and bag trinkets all feature in the colors of passion – black, ruby red and sugar pink – often with contrasting linings. Materials include madras and nappa leather with signature “cloqué” workmanship. Characteristically irreverent details finish each piece, among them more cherries, hearts and lettering in polished silver or brightest red enamel.

Anybody looking for a Valentine’s Day surprise? This collection is so beautiful!
If you need more shopping ideas, click HERE for a previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

Yesterday was Chinese New Year and from now we are in the Year of the Monkey, which will be ending on January 27, 2017 (Chinese New Year’s Eve).

What is the Year of the Monkey? The monkey is ninth of the 12 animals in the recurring 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle that means every 12 years there is a Monkey year.

2016 is a Fire Monkey Year — What does ”Fire Monkey” means? In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with a Chinese zodiac animal sign and one the five elements: gold (metal), water, wood, fire, or earth. Both the sign and element of your birth year are said to affect your personality and destiny. Element-sign combinations recur every 60 years:

Fire Monkey … 2016, 1956, … Ambitious and adventurous, but irritable
Wood Monkey … 2004, 1944, … Always ready to help others; compassionate, with strong self-esteem, but stubborn
Water Monkey … 1992, 1932, … Smart, quick-witted, fond of being in the limelight, but haughty
Gold Monkey … 1980, 1920, … Smart, quick-witted, and confident, but also irritable and stubborn
Earth Monkey … 1968, 1908, … Frank, optimistic, and fearless.

As China is still an important market for the luxury goods industry, many designers have come up with some special editions dedicated to the Year of the Monkey.

Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani is joining the celebrations, launching an exclusive and limited-edition Year of Monkey Face Palette for 2016.

To celebrate Chinese New Year, Gucci presents a monkey key chain with glass pearls.

Prada launches a capsule collection of accessories for a prosperous Lunar New Year with a primate key rings, luggage tags, gold trinkets, and furry charms.

Givenchy makes a bold statement with this monkey print sweatshirt.

Lucky charm at your finger: Amedeo‘s three monkey ring.

Bring the good vibes of 2016’s Monkey Year to your house with Seletti‘s monkey lamp shade.

To a prosperous and wonderful Chinese Year! If you like to find out more about your own Chinese sign,  click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands