Sandra‘s Closet

Christian Dior himself praised the timeless aura of polka dots: “they offer charm, elegance, relaxation and are always casual.“

Joyous, elegant and timeless, polka dots are at the heart of DIOR‘s summer make-up collection with  confetti-strewn nails that are an invitation to dive into a fantasy-filled world.

APPLICATION TIPS
Step 1: apply a coat of polish
Step 2: dip the Dotting Tool into the second polish in the set
Step 3: dab polka dots onto the base coat

SHADES

Pastilles: an azure blue punctuated with nude beige

Confettis: a bold melon heightened with cherry red

Plumetis: a petal pink dotted with lavender mauve

DIOR Vernis with «dotting tool» (one shot) is available now for CHF 44.50.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

Guitar straps for handbags are the new It-charm according to Fendi and Valentino. Personally speaking, I find it a great way to customize and to add a rock ‘n’ roll edge to any bag for a personalized look.

Left: ‘Enchanted Wonderland’ embroidered guitar strap and right: ‘Animalia’ embroidered guitar strap, both by Valentino

‘Strap You’ shearling stripe shoulder strap by Fendi

There are many different patterns to choose from, but they are selling out fast. So hurry and secure yours!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Bagbliss

Last weekend, when I was looking for a picture with me wearing my Vela backpack by Prada in the ’90s (see yesterday’s post here), I came across so many old pictures and of course I couldn’t stop going through them. One thing that made me really laugh out loud was that I took outfit post photos more than 10 years before becoming a blogger. Call me a visionary…

Those ones were taken in a hotel room in South Africa before heading to dinner. I wore a jumpsuit by Escada with a little cardigan by Ralph Lauren, sandals by Prada, sunglasses by Gucci and a little charm necklace by Tiffany & Co. Something I would still wear but I have to admit that I am not so sure about my blonde hair and my facial expression is priceless, OMG! Isn’t it a good thing that I like myself so much better today…?!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My first Prada moment was in my French class in school when I spotted my teacher with an interesting bag in nylon (how I looked at that time you can see above, blonde as hell…). It must have been in 1989 or 1990. The Italian fashion house had just launched its first women’s ready-to-wear collection and was on its way due to its originality to become one of the most influential fashion houses and a premium status symbol of the ’90s. The designs came to be known for their dropped waistlines and narrow belts as well as the use of unusual fabrics. Prada has always been an emotional brand for me. Probably because I started to collect it from the first season. Most men don’t understand Miuccia’s style and I had many funny discussions about it as I was always drawn to it. It made me feel independent and strong while of course feeling extremely fashionable.

One of my first Prada pieces I got was the famous «Vela» nylon backpack in black that accompanied me through my high school years (see photo above). For being over 20 years old, it looks pretty fantastic! Launched in 1984 in an “industrial-weight nylon used for army tents,” according to Vogue, the utile house classic evolved into its best-known form in 1987.

Vela Backpack by Prada

Now the label’s signature backpack is back on the streets and on its way to become again a must-have. Just as coveted as in the early ‘90s, this sporty-chic style will take you through off-duty dressing on a decidedly chic note. The Vela is just roomy enough to hold all your essentials safe, while keeping you supremely stylish and the nylon material is great when you hit the rain.

The modern version of 2016: Robot Backpack by Prada

Great news is that Prada finally made it into the world of online shopping and is exclusively available at Net-à-Porter and Mytheresa.com.

This post inspired me to show you in the near future a Prada look of each season that I collected over the years. Going down memory lane can be quite emotional, especially as I link events to outfits and scents. I may not remember your name but I will never forget what you wore when we met… it is just the way my brain is structured, embracing a deep love of fashion that I hopefully spread with this blog!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada, © Vogue/Hans Feurer and © Sandra Bauknecht

Timeless and elegant, V-cut pumps sit high on your foot for a glove-like silhouette that subtly gives the illusion of longer legs. This winter they are a must. Highlight their beautiful silhouette with cropped pants or pleated midi skirts.

Leather-trimmed guipure lace pumps by Valentino

Aja suede pumps by Acne Studios

Velvet pumps by Chloé

Low-cut suede pumps by Lanvin

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Hello from NYC! I arrived Wednesday and had to go straight to my first meeting with Piaget. After a quick change at my hotel, the Park Hyatt, I took those photos in two minutes as it started drizzling. It was extemely hot and humid but I couldn’t wait to put on my new crochet-like cardigan. I adore its logo-embossed faux pearl buttons and lace Peter Pan collar that both add to its heritage feel.

My look: Metallic lace-trimmed cotton-blend cardigan and blue knitted dress, both by Gucci, dark blue suede strappy sandals by Miu Miu, metallic patchwork camera bag by Saint Laurent, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

One word says it all. Sense. Essence. Essential. The essence of Hermès and the soul of fragrance. The Hermessence collection is emblematic of the signature of a house, of creative freedom, and of unique poetry for both women and men.

Hermessence collection (see photo above) – Rose Ikebana, Osmanthe Yunnan, Iris Ukiyoé, Muguet Porcelaine, Vanille Galante, Brin de Réglisse, Épice Marine, Vétiver Tonka, Santal Massoïa, Poivre Samarcande, Paprika Brasil, Cuir d’Ange and Ambre Narguilé.

To create each olfactory poem in the Hermessence collection, Hermès ventures forth with Jean-Claude Ellena in the pursuit of beauty. Their quest is shaped by encounters with materials, people and cultures. For Muguet Porcelaine, the thirteenth fragrance in the collection, Jean-Claude Ellena sought to capture a flower that moves him profoundly, a rebel whose innocent delicacy conceals strength and mystery.

The history of perfumery is strewn with lily of the valley. Yet experts label it “the mute flower” as its fragrance evades all attempts at capture. To reproduce its essence, the perfumer must use his creative palette, his associations of ideas and his imagination. In the hands of Jean-Claude Ellena, this silent, diaphanous flower becomes eloquent and radiant.

“From nature transformed to nature idealised, my craft as a perfumer could be likened to a game of hopscotch. Arriving at the ‘summit’ at a hop, after multiple attempts, is joyful, celebratory. There is so much subtlety in lily of the valley that I imagined it exalted,” explains Jean-Claude Ellena. “I immersed myself in its perfume, abandoning my other senses, in order to recreate the beauty and the supple exquisiteness of this flower of porcelain fragility.”

Because Muguet Porcelaine is the story of a flower conquered by the mind, this fragrance is lily of the valley, it is the scent, wholly and exclusively, of its burgeoning bells and its protective foliage.

And as if traversed by an air of spring, the transparency of the bottle is energised by a vibrant green. In tribute to the hues of the flower, the bamboo-coloured case in Swift calfskin envelops its white Mysore goatskin interior in a perennial green.

Available in Hermès stores, Bon Génie Geneva and online for CHF 385.00 (200ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès, © Richard Dumas

Who needs a beach to carry the bag? These woven totes will look great both on and off the sand. Hurry up as they will sell out fast…

Sicilian embellished straw basket by Muzungu Sisters

Painted woven straw tote by La Ligne

Frayed woven toquilla straw tote by Sensi Studio

Leather-trimmed embellished woven straw tote by Dolce & Gabbana

Sicilian pompom straw tote by Muzungu Sisters

Don’t forget… sometimes life is a beach!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

«Dino Cool» – the hype and success of Jurassic World hit the catwalk. Combined with one of the oldest dyeing techniques (with first traces found in ancient Egypt) that was popular in the 70’s, tie dye, it creates a cool look. The cherry on the cake is Marc Jacobs‘ eye-catching take on the American Flag. Perfect for me as I am leaving to New York today… stay tuned.

My look: Embellished striped wool and linen-blend and leather bomber jacket and tie-dyed cotton-jersey T-shirt, both by Saint Laurent, black jeans by Dolce & Gabbana,
embroidered denim clutch by Marc Jacobs, embellished metallic leather sandals and aviator-style metal sunglasses, both by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Sometimes I receive a press release that truly makes me happy and excited. Today, I got one of those. Great news! The ALEXANDER MCQUEEN brand launches its first women’s fragrance under the creative direction of Sarah Burton after signing a deal with P&G Prestige.

Do note that there were already two scents on the market, Kingdom, in 2003, and My Queen, in 2005, that were developed by YSL Beauté. Both were disappearing very quickly from the shelves after being discontinued in 2008.

Although Alexander McQueen passed away six years ago, his legacy lives on in his label’s stunning designs by Sarah Burton, who was also in charge for the amazing juice that is the base for those two new scents, McQueen Parfum and McQueen Eau de Parfum.

Inspired by the craftsmanship of haute parfumerie, McQueen has created a unique scent made from the precious essence of three night-blooming flowers: Sambac jasmine, tuberose and ylang ylang. There are also topnotes of clove, pink and black pepper, as well as vetiver. Solid, sensual, with the artisan’s love of form, the parfum bottle is a small work of art. Gold feathers crown the perfume bottle, reflecting bespoke craftsmanship that is pure McQueen.

ORIENTAL FLORAL

Top notes: Clove, pink and black pepper
Middle notes: Sambac jasmine, tuberose and ylang ylang
Base note: Vetiver

The association with these nighttime flowers launched the social media hashtag #BloomAtNight, a tag that can easily be tied to more than a few of the pieces in the new F/W 2016 collection.

McQueen Parfum
50ml – CHF 450.00

McQueen Eau de Parfum
30ml – CHF 90.00, 50ml – CHF 119.00, 75ml – CHF 149.00

Available in Switzerland from September 5, 2016.

TO SHOP THE NEW ALEXANDER MCQUEEN FALL COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Alexander McQueen