Unfortunately, society deems it unacceptable to roam the streets naked. Even that it looked different at this weekend’s Street Parade in Zurich. However, Alexia Hentsch has come up with the perfect solution, which effectively gives you the thrill of being naked with a sprinkle of modesty in the form of cleverly-placed appliques and embellishment. Repeat after me: bodysuits are best.
TO SHOP ALEXIA HENTSCH ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Browns and Alexia Hentsch
This summer, gingham has re-emerged and is having a big moment. It’s appearing everywhere ― on runways, red carpets and Instagram. Jonathan Anderson played with the idea of sculptural shapes for Loewe’s S/S 2018 runway and this midi dress, which is one of my summer favorites, has a cutout waist and feminine gingham poplin panels that really stand out against the contrasting twill. By the way, you can also unbutton the dramatic ruffled shoulders for a simpler look which I haven’t done so far as I like the drama…
My look: Convertible cutout twill and gingham poplin dress, and Barcelona gingham mini bag, both by Loewe
, Agon embellished platform pumps
by Gucci and Eiffel tower pearl earrings by Chanel.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
I have always been a big fan of M∙A∙C’s beauty kits as they offer a great choice of colors or brushes and make the perfect gift. Here are new launches that hit the shelves this week:
M∙A∙C Artist Edit Brush Kit
Basic – 89.00 CHF
M∙A∙C Artist Edit Brush Kit
Eye – 79.00 CHF
M∙A∙C Artist Edit Mini Lipstick Kit
M∙A∙C Idols – 63.00 CHF
M∙A∙C Artist Edit Lip Trio
Red – Nude – Pink – 63.00 CHF each
M∙A∙C Artist Edit Little MAC
Pink – Nude – 22.00 CHF each
M∙A∙C Artist Edit Total Babe – matte
79.00 CHF
M∙A∙C Artist Edit Metalista – metallic
79.00 CHF
Limited editions, available now, exclusively at M∙A∙C STORE ZURICH (BELLEVUE), M∙A∙C STORE LUCERNE (TRAIN STATION), M∙A∙C JELMOLI ZURICH and online.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of M∙A∙C Cosmetics
Introducing NARCISO Eau de Parfum Rouge – the epitome of femininity, sublimely seductive. A new fragrance explores the fine art of passion further.
An exciting new chapter of the NARCISO fragrance line narrative continues to embrace
the infinite powers of femininity. I am not a big fan of the other ones but I have fallen in love with NARCISO Eau de Parfum Rouge immediately.
The NARCISO fragrance line has always embraced color as a key element. The colors chosen for each scent are carefully considered; they radiate from within. The vivid red of Eau de Parfum Rouge captures the fierce powers of attraction while the blush color of Eau de Parfum Poudrée signifies extreme seduction. The original fragrance, NARCISO Eau de Parfum, is a warm stone-white that alludes to the mythical story of the fragrance and black, the color of NARCISO Eau de Toilette, implies mystery.
Top Notes: Bulgarian rose, Iris
Middle Notes: Musk
Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Amber, Vetiver, White Cedarwood, Black Cedarwood
The subtle blend of romanticism of floral poetry and the deeper, darker sensuality of NARCISO rouge leaves a devastating trail that bewitches and stirs the senses.
Eau de Parfum 30ml – CHF 81.00
Eau de Parfum 50ml – CHF 120.60
Eau de Parfum 90ml – CHF 149.40
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Narciso Rodriguez
For his F/W 2018 show, Tom Ford definitely thought outside of the box, or let’s say at least the «fashion box». Confident in the extreme, the designer send something truly amazing pieces down the runway and I am not talking about the technicolor cheetah printed coats and leggings, or snakeskin suit and a silver lamé blazer, I am talking about the «Natalia» bag emblazoned with a simple expression: «PUSSY POWER» and the matching kitten heels embellished with Swarovski crystals.
Echoing Ford is comedian and political commentator, Trevor Noah who dedicated an entire segment of his Netflix one hour standup special «Afraid of the Dark», to the power of the pussy. I love this part:
«Have you ever come across a pussy? You realize vaginas can start revolutions and end wars. You realize, even on a physical level, the vagina is one of the strongest things that have ever existed. Virtually indestructible…The vagina is frighteningly powerful. You realize that human beings come out of a vagina.
Human beings come out and still it continues to work as intended. Do you understand how impressive that is? A human being comes out of the vagina. And still, it continues to operate, it continues to work, after a human has just come out. You’re saying it’s weak? You just sit on a penis wrong and it breaks. “Don’t be a penis,” that should be the phrase. I wish I was a pussy.»
Pussy Power Natalia bag crafted of glitter plexi, crystals and plexiglass by Tom Ford
Pussy Power slingback by Tom Ford
Ladies, time to show our power! It all starts with a shoe, a bag, and your attitude!
Pussy on… I need these shoes!
LoL, Sandra
Lip Color Satin Matte in Pussy Power by Tom Ford
Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford
Setting out to discover distant horizons can lead to experiences that are as unexpected as they are magical. An aurora borealis rising across a lava desert.
A cloud of fireflies taking flight in a tropical forest.
A shower of shooting stars raining down over the open sea.
Such rare and fantastic phenomena become engraved in the memory forever.
LOUIS VUITTON Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, fascinated by the trace of such fleeting moments that you wish you could keep forever, dreamed up an enchanting composition: a jubilant perfume that stirs all the senses and celebrates our capacity to experience awe. To grasp what is impossible to capture. To photograph the natural mirages we envision constantly. In his quest to embody waking dreams from far-flung explorations, he found the olfactory direction for Attrape-Rêves.
Such a composition would never settle for a conventional beauty. It needed an explosive fragrance trail; one that was vibrant and surprising in equal measure. Inspired by the euphoria one feels when gazing at a burst of shooting stars, he let himself be guided by an African cacao flower of absolute purity. A raw material, treated in Grasse, that distills regressive, animalistic inflections.
To airy cacao, he added a bouquet of peony, delicate flower with thousand petals, fresh and luminous. He reinforced the power of the duo by pairing it with the slightest touch of essence of patchoulol, the noble, modernized heart of patchouli. Even then, settling for a gustatory fragrance was out of the question. Like an olfactory about-face, lychee and Turkish rose absolute created an unexpected and purebred elegance. He also used ginger and bergamot like flavor enhancers, to amplify this extraordinary perfume’s contrasts and freshness.
Eau de Parfum Attrape-Rêves 100ml 210€
In-store refill 100ml 125€
Eau de Parfum Attrape-Rêves 200ml 320€
In-store refill 200ml 250€
Travel Spray 4×7.5ml 210€
Travel Spray Refills 4×7.5ml 115€
Miniature Set 7x10ml 260€
Available as of 13th September at select Louis Vuitton stores and at louisvuitton.com.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
#LVParfums – #louisvuitton
Last week before the amazing Great Gatsby party, I flew with a small little helicopter from Cannes to Ramatuelle to attend a lovely luncheon at Club Les Palmiers hosted by a great friend from Switzerland. I have to admit that I am a really big fan of the transparent fashion trend – so light and perfect for the hot temperatures!
My look: Layered stretch-jersey dress by Emilio Pucci, beaded Mexican-style clip earrings, hippie-style bag and matching belt with multicolored tassels and coins, all by Etro, leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent, Rose des Vents bracelets by Dior Joaillerie, and Chelsea pilot sunglasses in rose gold with blue mirrored lenses by Michael Kors.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Recently, I received new beauty products to try. These two have been helping me to survive the hot weather perfectly. Regardless of where you live, this summer has been a scorcher (and it’s not even close to being over!). I have definitely been in the sun too much. I try to protect my skin, but it is still dried out.
LA MER‘s new TREATMENT LOTION HYDRATING MASK is absolutely amazing. You can hydrate on the go. This innovative supercharged sheet mask is infused with a full ounce (30ml) of The Treatment Lotion‘s energizing vitality in each application. Your skin feels immediately moisturized. Prep with The Treatment Lotion followed by the mask for an healthy glow.
CHF 170.00 (6 sheet masks) #LoveLaMer
To beat the hot weather, I love to put the products in the fridge and apply them chilled. This feels so good and refreshing.
Beauty on the go – also best for travelling. Another amazing product is this one here:
JO MALONE‘s LIME BASIL & MANDARIN BODY & HAIR OIL is a great way to refresh and moisturize after a hot day. Spray it on your dry or wet skin or hair and you will immediately feel invigorated. You will love its summery smell.
CHF 81.00 (100ml) – #DeclareYourScent
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Last Saturday, I was invited by a dear friend from Munich to a very special celebration, the Great Gatsby party, held at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jan-Cap-Ferrat, France. The decoration and the ambiance were divine. It is definitely one of the most beautiful villas on the Côte d’Azur, located between Nice and Monaco. The villa of Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild is also a museum, a pleasant daytrip destination, that houses a rich fine and decorative arts collection in a Belle Époque Italian-style palazzo.
My look: Vintage nude silk dress with plissé by Ralph Lauren Black Collection, feather stole, satin evening bag with fake fur trim, choker and earrings, all by Dior, long pearl and feather necklace by Lanvin, t-bar spectator shoes by Yves Saint Laurent (S/S 2004), feather-embellished velvet headband by Prada, brooch (worn in my hair) by Matthew Williamson and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and resorts, announced that it has taken over the management of CastaDiva Resort & Spa, an existing resort on Lake Como, Italy. The property will be rebranded as Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como in spring 2019 following a refurbishment of facilities. This will be Mandarin Oriental’s first resort in Western Europe and will complement the Group’s Milan hotel.
Located on the shores of Lake Como, and surrounded by lush botanic parkland, the resort is a landmark of historic importance, comprising 76 spacious rooms and suites housed in nine villas, dating from the 19th Century. Two of the villas will be bookable in their entirety giving guests their own private retreat. Almost all accommodation has lake views that can be enjoyed from either a balcony or terrace. The resort features four restaurants and bars, including a lakeside terrace for al fresco dining, a large spa with an indoor swimming pool and an outdoor floating pool on the lake. There is also a variety of social and meeting facilities in the resort’s grounds.
Lake Como has been a popular travel destination for centuries, and is regarded as one of the most beautiful resort areas in northern Italy. The lake is surrounded by villas, gardens and villages and offers visitors a wealth of scenic views, hiking trails, boating and other water activities. It is easily accessed from Milan Malpensa airport.
CastaDiva Resort & Spa was acquired in 2017 by funds managed by Attestor Capital LLP, a value-oriented investment manager with a long-term investment horizon, based in London and primarily focused on investing in Europe.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental