My olympic experience with Omega has been just amazing – a one in a lifetime experience. The brand’s hashtag for the event «RecordingDreams» can be taken literally. From the moment I put my feet on Brazilian ground, I have been constantly exposed to magic moments. I landed on Tuesday morning around 6am, went to the hotel to drop off my luggage and then we started at the Rio Olympic Arena to watch my favorites, the Artistic Gymnastics finals, followed by the fast-paced action of Track Cycling in the Velodrome. The day ended with a special dinner in the hospitality lounge of the arena, followed by drinks at the House of Switzerland.

Decorated with iconic things from our Alpine country, this popular Baixo Suiça meeting place is in a prominent location on the edge of the Lagoa, a popular lagoon in the centre of Rio close to the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. And who would have thought that I end up on a sleigh n Brazil?!

Have fun to see some of my favorite moments of my first day!

Congrats to Simone Biles who finished the Rio Olympic gymnastics competition with a breathtaking floor routine that earned her a fifth Olympic medal. Now, she truly deserves to be called the best female gymnast that ever lived. the silver medal went to team-mate Aly Raisman and bronze to Amy Tinkler of Great Britain.

What a magic moment watching Fabian Hambüchen from my home country Germany winning the gold medal at the horizontal bar finals. The perfect way to end his amazing career!

Yannick Jenni, Omega Brand Manager Swiss Market, with me in the arena.

Fast-paced action inside the Velodrome.

The Rio Olympic Arena during the day…

… and at night.

Late night drinks at the House of Switzerland.

What a wonderful day surrounded by lovely people! Only a few hours of sleep as the alarm clock was set for 6 am in the morning. Ready for the next adventures! Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Omega

As you know I am in Rio de Janeiro at the moment and extremely busy watching all sorts of olympic competitions and events which means there is really no time left to post. Therefore I have thought you might like this outfit post that was shot in Bali last month, another amazing tropical destination.

My look: Cutout satin-bandage bodysuit and tiered ruffled satin-bandage shorts, both by Balmain, studded fringed leather sandals and Monogramme fringed leather and jacquard clutch, both by Saint Laurent, ladder gold-tone chain bracelet by Proenza Schouler, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and earrings by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I landed in Rio de Janeiro to visit the Olympic Games as guest of Omega Watches. The Swiss brand assumes its role as the Official Timekeeper and is the name behind the clock that is «recording Olympic dreams» when every split second counts.

During the next days, I will be able to follow many athletes who strive for victory in their respective sport fields.

Stay tuned as I will be so happy to share with you this adventure. Here are some first impressions from my room at the newly opened Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Omega and © Sandra Bauknecht

Check out my favorite non-streak self-tanners to keep you glowing all summer long! If you’re still scared of trying those products, it’s time to get over it because let’s be very honest, getting an actual tan is a hell of a lot worse for you! An that said, self-tanners have truly evolved in 2016. Many formulas contain skin care benefits and come with new technologies to help you apply flawlessly. Don’t forget, it is still indispensable that you exfoliate well beforehand.

Have a look at these high-achieving sunless options that will make people think you’ve taken a sunny vacation. It is also a great way to cheat during your holidays as your friends might be impressed how fast and even you tan.

LANCASTER Self Tan Beauty In Shower Tanning Lotion
CHF 55.00 (200ml)

What an amazing technology! Discover a totally new self tan experience. A «1 minute express» application in your daily shower that gives you a beautiful sun-kissed glow from your first application. Day after day, you develop a real-as-natural golden tan. No streaks or orange look!

LA MER The Face and Body Gradual Tan
CHF 110.00 (200ml)

This is my favorite product by far and I use it all year around! This refreshing self-tanning lotion absorbs quickly for an even, perfectly natural-looking glow with no streaks. Infused with the nutrient-rich Miracle Broth™, heart of La Mer’s profound powers of transformation, it immerses skin in moisture, soothing sensitivities and restoring radiance. With sea-born antioxidant actives, it helps revitalize and recharge for a year-round radiance. What is truly great about it is that you can also use it for the face. It never leaves streaks or any orange color. It is so easy to apply! You will love it!

CLARINS Self Tanning Milky-Lotion Face and Body
CHF 38.50 (125 ml)

No summer can last all year around! This ultra-hydrating self-tanner promotes a beautiful tan, for both face and body, and at the same time a 24-hour hydration with the help of extracts of fig and aloe vera.
It is really the perfect product if you tend to have dry skin.

Metallic Fabric Sandals by GUCCI

These glamorous, retro-inspired beauties from Gucci were at the top of my wish list. Once I spotted them, I knew those are the perfect companions for the beach season. The crossover shape in its lustrous silver-tone sparkly fabric is sure to have heads turning, while the sizeable chunky heel will elevate any bikini look. And in combination with your newly tanned skin, it is perfection!

This post is also available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog.

Stay tuned! While you are reading this, I am on my way to Rio de Janeiro!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I would love to get you holiday-ready with my favorite five sun products that I have tested intensively during the last two weeks during my stay in St. Tropez. Sun cream is the biggest summer essential in our beauty bags, and you can be expecting no less than the best protection for your skin with these must-haves.

FOR THE FACE

DIOR BRONZE Beautifying Protective Creme Sublime Glow SPF 50
CHF 49.50 (50ml)

Boasting a divine melt-in texture and an incredible scent, this facial sun cream has a finish that reveals its pearlescent highlights and that is extremely light for its high sun protection factor. It does not whiten the skin that is instantly wrapped in a satiny light. Designed for the fine and fragile skin of the face, it protects it from free radicals and prevents the appearance of photo-induced dark spots. For me a daily must!

SISLEY Tinted Sun Care Youth Protector SPF 30
CHF 150.00 (40ml)
Available in 01 Natural – 02 Golden (this is the shade I am wearing)- 03 Amber

If I am looking for more coverage at the beach or at dinner, I go for this amazing product with its ideal luminous make-up finish. Besides, it helps to protect the skin from the effects of photo-aging, such as wrinkles, brown spots, dehydration and loss of firmness. Its optimal sun protection filters and active ingredients protect the DNA and have anti-free radical properties. Moreover the moisture level of your skin is maintained.

FOR THE BODY

BIOTHERM Fluide Solaire Wet or Dry Skin SPF 30
CHF 41.00 (200ml)

I love this sun cream! And do you want to know why? Wet or dry, there is no need to choose anymore! Get the same sun protection even when skin is wet. New water-chasing technology prevents the formula from being diluted by water to protect wet skin so you can top up faster. With its so-called «Sun Sea Wind Repair Technology» it defends your skin from the combined effect of sea, wind and salt which make it more vulnerable to UV damage.

LA MER The After Sun Enhancer
CHF 150.00 (200ml)

Get your post-sun glow with this luxurious, lightweight gelée that instantly cools and quenches parched skin. Over time, it softens and recharges skin from the look of damage for an even, radiant and ageless tan. Massage onto body in circular motions for soothing post-sun pampering and to help enhance skin’s luminous glow.

LANCASTER – Le Parfum Solaire EdT
CHF 60.00 (100ml)

The House is known for breakthrough innovations in UV expertise. Never wear perfume and expose your skin to the sun as it can cause serious irritations. But here is an exception that is specially developed for the sun: Lancaster’s newest fragrance Le Parfum Solaire which gives you a flowery-musky relaxing cloud and will keep your memories of the holidays all year around.

Top notes: Aldehydes, petitgrain, lily of the valley, ylang-ylang
Middle notes: Cinnamon, rose petals, jasmine, hyacinth
Base notes: White musk, vanilla, violet, cabreuva wood

This post is also available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

More is more, this is what the F/W 2016 season is all about! With fashion in a maximalist mood, accessories have taken center stage. On the runways, heels were high, the bijoux was stacked and layered, and the bags were furrier or came with accessories of their own. The forecast: Get ready for your most sumptuous season yet.

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2016 TREND 1: GUITAR STRAPS
Valentino – Fendi – Burberry

F/W 2016 TREND 2: DAVID BOWIE BOOTS
Maison Margiela – Marc Jacobs – Balenciaga

F/W 2016 TREND 3: STATEMENT GLOVES
Delpozo – Loewe – Rodarte

F/W 2016 TREND 4: CHOKERS
Balmain – Alexander Wang – Lanvin

F/W 2016 TREND 5: STACKED JEWELS
Gucci – Etro – Bottega Veneta

F/W 2016 TREND 6: FUR BAGS
Michael Kors Collection – Salvatore Ferragamo – Versace

F/W 2016 TREND 7: HIKING BOOTS
Rag & Bone – Louis Vuitton – Prada

F/W 2016 TREND 8: BAG ACCESSORIES
Dolce & Gabbana – Dior – Chanel

F/W 2016 TREND 9: VELVET CRUSH
Stella McCartney – Erdem – Dries Van Noten

F/W 2016 TREND 10: EMBELLISHED HEELS
Oscar de la Renta – Miu Miu – Saint Laurent

Céline – Proenza Schouler – Prada

This season, you need to get creative when it comes to how to carry your bag. One thing is for sure, it needs to be any other way than you are actually supposed to: around your neck, under your armpit, wrapped around your waist, or attached to your belt.

LoL, Sandra

Céline

Chanel

Céline

Prada

Céline

Prada

Nina Ricci

Altuzarra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Recently, I watched the new Mother’s Day movie. It is star-studded ensemble film (Kate Hudson, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Garner, Julia Roberts just to name a few…) that follows three generations in the week leading up to this special celebration with all of them facing the ups and downs of motherhood. It is really an entertaining film that I can recommend.

One scene caught my eye specifically and that means in terms of fashion of course. Without giving away too much, it’s pretty much in the end when Julia Roberts, who plays also a grandma (Can you imagine? Time flies!) shows up in a stunning pink dress. With capes being so fashionable this season, this built-in version is absolutely divine.

Get the look: Cape-back crepe mini dress by Alexander McQueen, Dolce leather-trimmed painted wood clutch by Dolce & Gabbana, So Kate 120 leather pumps by Christian Louboutin and Lady Stardust 18-karat rose gold multi-stone ring by Stephen Webster.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Here they are: the most important trends for the F/W 2016 season. Scroll through my forecast to see which styles will be on everyone’s shopping list next season. From statement furs to velvet everything, from extra long sleeves to oversized down jackets, the choice is yours – enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2016 TREND 1: VELVET
Akris – Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini – Giorgio Armani

F/W 2016 TREND 2: CHECKMATE
Chanel – Vivienne Westwood Red Label- Marni

F/W 2016 TREND 3: ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Alexander McQueen – Moschino – Dolce & Gabbana

F/W 2016 TREND 4: BIKER GIRLS
Courrèges – Chloé – Louis Vuitton

F/W 2016 TREND 5: BEIGEMANIA
Céline – Hermès – Max Mara

F/W 2016 TREND 6: ON DUTY
Prada – Maison Martin Margiela – Miu Miu

F/W 2016 TREND 7: SHINY TRENCH COATS
Proenza Schouler – Tod’s – Burberry

F/W 2016 TREND 8: PUFF DADDY
Sacai – Balenciaga – Stella McCartney

F/W 2016 TREND 9: ’80s POWER ONE-SHOULDER
Lanvin – Saint Laurent – Isabel Marant

F/W 2016 TREND 10: CAPES
Elie Saab – Temperley London – Gucci

F/W 2016 TREND 11: BUBBLEGUM
Kenzo – Simone Rocha – Carven

F/W 2016 TREND 12: EXTRA LONG SLEEVES
Marc Jacobs – Michael Kors Collection – Vetements

F/W 2016 TREND 13: TURTLENECKS WITH ZIPPERS
Versace – Dior – Emilio Pucci

F/W 2016 TREND 14: BONDAGE
Gareth Pugh – Loewe – Alexander Wang

F/W 2016 TREND 15: LONG SCARFS
Etro – Missoni – Roberto Cavalli

F/W 2016 TREND 16: PINSTRIPE SUITING
Calvin Klein Collection – Tibi – Trussardi

F/W 2016 TREND 17: TINSEL
Marco di Vicenzo – Jeremy Scott – Emporio Armani

F/W 2016 TREND 18: FUR STOLES
Dries Van Noten – Vionnet – Givenchy

F/W 2016 TREND 19: STATEMENT FURS
Fendi – Salvatore Ferragamo – Mary Katrantzou

F/W 2016 TREND 20: MODERN NYMPHS
Alberta Ferretti – Valentino – Rodarte

I have fallen in love with all the shades of Chloé’s S/S 2016 collection from the first moment I saw it. Inspired by the youthful optimism of the ’90s, Clare Waight Keller embraced an interesting color spectrum for her must-have pieces. My favorite top combines two trends, rainbow colors and off-the-shoulder. It is cut from airy silk-georgette and detailed with dip-dyed tassels. Emulate the runway styling by wearing yours with love-worn denim shorts as I did.

My look: Off-the-shoulder striped silk-georgette top by Chloé, mid-rise cut-off denim shorts by Saint Laurent, woven straw visor by Stella McCartney, nouveau python clutch, metallic fabric sandals and ruthenium-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl clip earrings, all by Gucci, Tonda 1950 set clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier, cuff by Chanel and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht