Sandra‘s Closet

Jeremy Scott for Longchamp, editions 2006 – 2016

In 2006, the very classic House of Longchamp teamed up with fashion’s favourite enfant terrible, Jeremy Scott, much to everyone’s shock and surprise. Contrary to what people expected, the pairing of traditional French with American pop was perfect, with Jeremy Scott revolutionizing the brand’s iconic Le Pliage bag each season, ever since.

The «Long Distance Call» bag by Jeremy Scott for Longchamp, 2016

This year’s edition, the «Long Distance Call» bag is inspired by a trip to space, in the depths of a mysterious universe where stars, planets and pink phones perfectly align. The 80s-style graphic print adds a vintage touch. Are you ready to embark on this new adventure?

Get your ticket for the “Jeremy Scott for Longchamp” galaxy exclusively at Colette now and in Longchamp points of sale later from June 2016.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Longchamp

«Today is a good day», a mantra we should always tell ourselves. If we feel comfortable in our skin, it is most likely to be a great one. So let’s start with the perfect outfit in the morning. Here you see me on my way to the Bulgari fragrance presentation at Shui Tang in Zurich’s Niederdorf (click here for the previous post) happy as a bug… as I really love my new shoes!

My look: Eska cut-out leather seamed drape dress by Tibi, nude cardigan with elbow patches by Prada, belted leather jacket and fringed cracked-leather pumps, both by Gucci, Cara Delevingne studded leather backpack by Mulberry, «Dior Split» sunglasses and «Tribale» earrings, both by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Sending you many kisses with today’s outfit post! Wear your lipstick not on your lips, but on your clothes and accessories. Too cool… and at least a little fun in this rainy weather.

My look: Wool toggle coat by Gucci, printed silk crepe de chine shirt and Monogramme lipstick printed textured-leather clutch, both by Saint Laurent, leather and jersey leggings by Givenchy, ankle boots with zipper by Prada, pearl earrings by Chanel and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Alexa Chung is a fan and we are, too. Here is the fastest manicure. Painting your nails will never be the same again with NAILS INC’s ‘Spray Can’ polish. Designed to be as quick and easy as applying perfume, it goes on by simply misting over fingertips to achieve a super smooth finish. You have to use a base coat and can wash the excess away with warm soapy water after spraying. Or use a cleansing wipe when on the go. You will be left with a perfectly applied manicure. We will never have to go all chipped and half-painted again!

«Porchester Square» is the perfect nude shade to match any look.

To shop NAILS INC Spray Can Nail Polishes, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of NAILS INC

La Colle Noire is the newest addition to the Collection Privée de Christian Dior. A mysterious name for a place dear to the House of Dior.

The new sunny composition is in homage to the land of Grasse, which plays a vital role in the history of Dior fragrances, and to its flower queen, Rose de Mai. Located not far from Grasse, the Château de La Colle Noire was purchased by Christian Dior in 1951. It was, for him, a genuine haven of peace lovingly shaped by his own hand, where he grew his beloved flowers that had already become the signature of Dior fragrances.

François Demachy, Dior Perfumer-Creator, drew inspiration from this bountiful place to build his fragrance around an intense, expressive and dense Absolute of Centifolia Rose. La Colle Noire is an incisive multi-faceted floral fragrance.

«La Colle Noire celebrates Rose de Mai melded with spices, woods, amber and musks. The Grasse Rose is unique, spicy and powerful.
It is not overly sweet, it conveys all the raw and sun-drenched beauty of this region in the south of France.»
François Demachy, Dior Perfumer-Creator

Top Note: Rose de Mai Absolute
Middle Note: Sri Lankan Sandalwood
Base Note: White Musks

Available now for CHF 335.00 (125ml), CHF 480.00 (250ml) and CHF 675.00 (450ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Christian Dior Parfums

During my trip to Cuba with CHANEL, I went on a Hemingway tour, following the footsteps of one of the worlds greatest writers.

My look: Denim top and matching culottes, both by Stella McCartney, Tian slip-on sneakers and Soho mini textured-leather shoulder bag, both by Gucci, sunglasses by Chanel, Portofino Midsize Automatic watch with diamonds and grey alligator bracelet by IWC Schaffhausen and Double C diamond black lacquer white gold ring by Cartier.

First stop was Finca Vigía, the only «real home» the author had in his lifetime. The house is located in a small, modest suburb of Havana named San Francisco de Paula, not too far from the capital city. Today it is a museum. You can only see the rooms from the outside looking inside the windows. It is very impressive to see the place where many masterpieces were written. In the garden there is even a small cemetery where Hemingway had buried his favorite dogs.

Second stop was the charming fishing village Cojímar that was the background for one of Hemingway’s most important works «The Old Man and the Sea» that is based on a real character living in town. The writer came here often by boat and had drinks at the local bar La Terraza. Today, one table with a stunning view from the seaside dining room is still reserved honoring Hemingway. For true literature aficionados, it’s a must see visit.

«But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.»
– Ernest Hemingway

Last stop of my Hemingway Cuba tour was El Floridita, a lovely bar in the center of Havana where the writer enjoyed many of the world’s famous daiquiris. Right to the left when you enter, you will find a life-sized bronze statue of Hemingway leaning his elbow on the mahogany countertop remembering their well-known guest.

On my Hemingway tour Cuba I have learned al lot about the writer’s past and his relationship with the Caribbean country and I can only recommend it! I feel blessed to have experienced the country before it will loose its old-world charm.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

«Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it.»
– Lucy Maud Montgomery

Taking about body odor is not a pleasant topic, but it can’t be ignored. But the idea that ingredients in deodorants, namely aluminum, can cause breast cancer has been scaring me for a while. I mean, it makes sense, applying something so chemical-heavy near that part of our body certainly does give me chills. Therefore I had been looking for an aluminium-free deodorant that really keeps me stink free for some time now.
And finally I have found one that I like: the Herbal Deodorant by AESOP, a botanically based product created for everyday use, which is suitable for men and women alike.

Its formulation contains zinc ricinoleate to help address compounds associated with coryneform bacteria – the main contributor to strong body odour – and a considered blend of essential oils, including rosemary, sage and eucalyptus. These ingredients also impart a refreshing residual aroma that complements our cleansing and hydrating preparations for the body.

Herbal Deodorant is available at signature stores, counters in select department stores, and at Aesop online for CHF 35.00 (50ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Penhaligon’s has unveiled their very first gourmand fragrance, EQUINOX BLOOM, inspired by the quintessentially English tradition of afternoon tea, and the transitional moment when day turns to evening and when cold winter yields to spring.

Created by Master Perfumer Olivier Cresp, Equinox Bloom plays with an olfactory palette inspired by the delights of high tea, accompanied by the heady bouquet of the first sweet spring flowers.

Perfumer Olivier Cresp

“During one of my recent visits to London, I enjoyed an incredible brunch in a smart, refined place, where the magnificent atmosphere of the rooms, furnished with opulent floral compositions, ensnared my senses almost at once. While admiring the floral scenery, my brunch included delightful toasts topped with honey and marmalade and these gourmand facets inspired me to bring to Equinox Bloom a trendy, modern inflexion to the generous floral bouquet. To me, this luxurious and abundant refinement reflects Penhaligon´s generosity in fragrances in a perfect way.” – Olivier Cresp, Perfumer.

A subtle, sweet treat from Penhaligon’s, Equinox Bloom plays on the country’s favourite traditions and pleasing transitions – day to night, winter to spring – offering up a delicious and distinctive blend of gourmand and floral infusions to truly delight the senses.

GOURMAND FLORAL

Top Notes: Neroli Bigarade Essence, Violet Leaves Absolute, Chantilly Accord
Middle Notes: Frangipani, Orange Blossom Absolute, Jasmine Sambac Absolute
Base Notes: Ambrox, Benzoin Siam Absolute, Brown Sugar Accord

Equinox Bloom is available now as Eau de Parfum 50ml (€ 139.00) and 100ml (€ 189.00).

And if you are happen to be in Hong Kong, please enjoy Penhaligon’s special afternoon tea at The Four Seasons Hotel.

The hotel’s pastry chef Ringo Chan designed a new selection of treats inspired by the new scent Equinox Bloom, among them jasmine lemon cake pops, rose and pink praline éclair, and aqua sphere and white peach verrine, as well as a selection of afternoon tea buffet items.

The Lounge, G/F, Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central; +852 3196-8820

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Four Seasons, © Penhaligon’s and © Conor Beary 2016

I am so in love with the new Gucci collections created by Alessandro Michele. Playful, feminine and in keeping with the motto «more is more», those pieces are absolute eyecatchers.

My look: Cotton-blend green lace dress, Linea G 2 leather-trimmed canvas shoulder bag, embellished leather mid-heel loafers, gold-tone crystal bracelet, double wrap ring with tiger heads, Tiger head ring with black enamel, wide band in metal and drop flower earrings with green crystals, all by Gucci. Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier, and «Dior Split» sunglasses by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

CLARINS has always cared for the hands, which are constantly exposed to harsh environmental factors and ageing, to keep them youthful, beautiful and comfortable. A cult beauty product for over 30 years, Hand and Nail Treatment Cream is a highly effective, complete skin care which nourishes, smoothes, regenerates and beautifies the extremities we use so much. It has been my favorite product to care for my hands since ages.

Today, the famous beauty brand celebrates this success and launches a collection of 3 limited editions, adding three subtle fragrances to the legendary formula of Hand and Nail Treatment Cream: orange leaf, white tea leaf and fig leaf.

The three new scented versions of the original legendary formula offer the irresistible combination of three subtle fragrances with a unique beauty care, to keep hands looking youthful and beautiful all the way to the fingertips like invisible, scented beauty gloves. Fine, smooth and non-oily, Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Creams do not leave hands feeling greasy and do not stain. They are easy to apply and quickly absorbed.

Discover their new small tubes! Handy and easy to use, great for travelling, the new 30ml tubes, with their pretty leaf prints, make this essential daily skin care step nothing less than a daily beauty experience.

Orange leaf
Called the “golden apple” in Greek mythology, the orange is a symbol of wealth and fertility. The deliciously sweet fragrance of orange leaf is known for its relaxing properties.

Fig leaf
Evocative of the Mediterranean sun, fig leaf is a pure expression of the tree in full leaf at the height of summer. Its sunny, vibrant fragrance is also reminiscent of cool, woody shade.

White tea leaf
Gentle, exquisite white tea leaf is of a rare purity. Its fragrance gives a fresh, delicate quality to the cream.

All good reasons to take care of your hands even more often, to leave them looking and feeling softer and more beautiful, day after day!

Available from June 6, 2016 for CHF 15.00 (30ml) each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Clarins and © Sandra Bauknecht