Sandra‘s Closet

Something for all nail aficionados to look forward to! Illuminate fingers and toes with the new Neo-Pearl Collection by OPI which will hit the shelves end of April 2020 when hopefully all stores will be open again. Modern iridescent hues for Spring 2020, this collection includes 12 shades in pinks, purples, blues and nudes. Neo-Pearl brings together natural translucence
and luminosity for a soft and modern update to the metallic nail trend.

From accessories to textiles, pearls are making a reappearance on runways and red carpets in
unexpected, non-traditional ways. The pearl’s influence is seen in each shade. Its whimsical and
feminine qualities combine with bold chrome undertones for elegantly radiant hues. Soothing elements from land and sea lend hints of icy blues and greens to iridescent shades. Classic nudes are infused with notes of blush, rose and lilac for a sophisticated twist on these wearable favorites.

Six of the Neo-Pearl Collection shades will be available in GelColor and Nail Lacquer formulas,
including:
Shellabrate Good Times!
Celebrate your inner luminosity with a classic ivory shade that’ll make you glisten.
Pretty in Pearl
Feeling pearly pretty? Elevate the classic nude with hints of copper and orange.
Shellmates Forever!
OPI introduces a pink that is one shell-of-a-color!
Just a Hint of Pearl-ple
Vintage violet is a smart choice to stir an abundance of oohs and aahs.
Did You See Those Mussels?
Get ready to flex – this pearly blue brilliance will buff up your nails.
Two Pearls in a Pod
Make everyone green with envy. OPI’s green sheen will glisten and shine.

The collection’s other six hues will be exclusively available in Infinite Shine formula, including:
You’re Full of Abalone
Experience an ivory pearlescent glow of soft and luminous beauty.
I’m a Natural
Dare to go bare with a flawless pearlescent nude that’s tan-talizing.
Glisten Carefully!
This lilac pearlescent screams wisdom, nobility and passion – glisten and glow!
Love or Lust-er?
Deep, shadowy purple and pearlescent shine add drama to your next mani/pedi.
Two Baroque Pearls
Try some affordable luxury – a pearlescent blue shade that will make you feel rich.
Olive for Pearls!
This soft, opulent, olive-y goodness will turn heads like never before.

As I am in the lilac mood, my favorite shade of the collection is: Glisten Carefully!

GelColor provides a salon-perfect finish with up to three-week wear, while Infinite Shine offers a highshine finish and traditional lacquer application. Nail Lacquer features a highly-pigmented, rich formula for even application without streaking.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht

Jo Malone London introduces a new limited-edition collection, offering a fresh perspective on an iconic ingredient which you already know I adore: English lavender.

Journey to an enchanted world of violet visions, where English lavender meanders in purple pathways across the countryside. Discover a trio of takes on this timeless note, each offering a different presentation of natural lavender. One strikingly aromatic, the second fresh with a cool woodiness, and the third cascading with soft florals. Fall out of the ordinary and into a new lavender story.

The collection includes three limited-edition Colognes, each available in 30ml decorative bottles:

Wisteria & Lavender
Cascading wisteria frames a characterful house, creating a nostalgic purple picture. This soft floral presentation of English lavender is entwined with sweet wisteria and powdery heliotrope. A picturesque trio, cocooned in clean and delicate white musk.
Silver Birch & Lavender
Morning light across a rambling garden, framed by silver birch trees.
The air fresh with a crisp coolness that cuts through the iconic scent of English lavender. Refreshed with a squeeze of grapefruit, grounded by a woody, charismatic base of silver birch and a compelling note of roasted oak.
Lavender & Coriander
Aromatic English lavender nestled in a thriving and fragrant herb garden, bolstered by the striking note of coriander. Earthy sage deepens the lavender’s timeless scent, while creamy tonka bean adds an unexpected touch of warmth and sensual balance.

«In perfumery, we mainly use French lavender. It is such a familiar, popular scent, so we wanted to explore it in ways that you might not be used to. We’ve taken natural English lavender and gone in three different directions with the other ingredients, to give it that Jo Malone London twist.» – Celine Roux, Global Head of Fragrance

Each of these distinctive Colognes adds something unique when paired with another scent from the brand’s refined palette. Jo Malone London recommends pairing:
Wisteria & Lavender with Peony & Blush Suede for a sensual floral combination. Blooming peonies add opulence to dainty lavender and wisteria, with a soft trail of musk.
Silver Birch & Lavender with Wild Bluebell for an aromatic floral combination. The dewy delicacy of bluebell is wrapped in herbaceous notes of English lavender, warmed with amberwood.
Lavender & Coriander with Lime Basil & Mandarin for a zesty and aromatic combination. Spicy coriander and a kick of basil add herbaceous edge to sparkling citrus notes.

Two limited-edition home products complete the new collection, both infused with the scent of Lavender & Musk.

Scent the road to dreams with Jo Malone London’s limited-edition Pillow Mist. Aromatic English lavender mingles with a cocooning note of musk to create a soft and sensual scent that helps the user relax and unwind for a good night’s sleep.
Create a tranquil atmosphere with a Diffuser in the same fragrance. The perfect scent to place on a bedside table or dresser to encourage a relaxing mood.

TO SHOP THE JO MALONE LONDON LAVENDERLAND COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
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Wisteria & Lavender 30ml Cologne – CHF 72.00
Silver Birch & Lavender 30ml Cologne – CHF 72.00
Lavender & Coriander 30ml Cologne – CHF 72.00
Lavender & Musk Pillow Mist 45ml – CHF 36.00
Lavender & Musk Diffuser 165ml – CHF 109.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © JoMaloneLondon #Lavenderland
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

OMG! Lilac – the shade, that interestingly enough, made a resurgence in winter, has been seen everywhere this season. If you don’t want to go for the head-to-toe look, combine the pastel hue with khaki for the ultimate sophistication. Put on a turban and you are ready to turn heads…

My look: Sequin-embellished mohair-blend cardigan by Alessandra Rich, leopard-print stretch-cady turban by Dolce & Gabbana, leather tapered pants, and Venus satin pumps, both by The Attico, Multi Pochette Accessories in monogram canvas by Louis Vuitton, sunglasses by Fendi, Love bracelets, and Tortue 18-karat rose gold, alligator and diamond watch, both by Cartier, Diorette ring and earrings, both by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

For some of us, lilac has been associated with many things, but not for long a time has it been rendered chic. Probably you are reminded of the colour of your first eye shadow once applied liberally at school or it’s the colour of your grandmother’s favorite dress. It’s the shade that brides sometimes dress their bridesmaids in if they don’t really like them.

Zara shelves before the lockdown last week – lilac allover.

However, last winter it has already been seen all over the runways in head-to-toe looks and this S/S 2020 season it has become the must-have colour (forget classic blue) – I swear. Pastel or neon hues are all enjoying a newfound popularity, but none are more pervasive than lilac. An evolved, more adult take on millennial pink, the trick to making it looking modern rather than old-fashioned and saccharine is all in the shape and colour combinations. Tomorrow, I will show you my favorite combo – so make sure to check back!

LoL, Sandra

Sabina ruffled crinkled silk-georgette maxi dress by Ulla Johnson

Crystal-embellished cotton-twill mini dress by The Attico (15% off)

Feather-trimmed cotton-jersey mini dress by The Attico

Metallic wool-blend jacquard track pants by Gucci

Sequin-embellished mohair-blend cardigan by Alessandra Rich

Big Sisea cotton-poplin shirt by The Row

Tena woven flared pants by Joseph

Novia strapless jacquard midi dress by Emilia Wickstead

Mel open-back ribbed wool-blend turtleneck sweater by Alice + Olivia (15% off)

Buckle-detailed draped stretch-jersey mini dress by Moschino

Venus satin pumps by The Attico

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Vogue and Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Yesterday, Anna Wintour, who helms the chairmanship at the Costume Institute since the ‘90s, announced via Vogue that the Met Gala 2020 will officially be postponed in light of the coronavirus outbreak. News of the postponement comes after the Met’s decision to close its doors until April 4.

Understandably, as everywhere in the world life is slowing down, taking a step back to fight together against this terrible virus. I am living in Switzerland that closed more businesses yesterday to slow the spread of the coronavirus but stopped short of ordering the country’s 8.6 million citizens to stay home. Under the new rules, restaurants, museums, cinemas, hair salons, and all nonessential commerce had to shut down at midnight until at least April 19. Borders with France, Austria, and Germany are tightened. The move comes just days after the Federal Council reintroduced border controls with Italy, closed schools, and banned gatherings of more than 100 people. As of Monday, Switzerland had 1,680 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 14 of them fatal. The country is only testing those severely stricken by the disease.

Yesterday at CHANEL – empty shelves in preparation for the lockdown.

Yesterday evening, I was the «last customer standing» at CHANEL. I had to pick up something before the store officially closed for many weeks. It was quite scary, seeing the shelves emptied and saying good-bye to everyone not knowing when we well be seeing each other again.

Personally speaking, I am really scared of the economic impact this health crisis will have. This is a particularly challenging time for many of the business, especially the small ones, regardless of their location, as the economic fallout from this situation will likely impact their business in some way. My industry is absolutely affected, the stock market experienced sharp declines, demonstrating the impact of the virus on consumer industries. While the impact on fields including travel, entertainment and technology are widely known, lifestyle industries – including fashion and beauty – have been affected as well. Most companies, especially the huge beauty conglomerates, depend on the Asian market with a strong focus on China as well as travel retail, two strong pillars that have just disappeared. Event cancelations and affected sales due to the closure of many stores also impact the industry tremendously.

Looking to a resolution for the global health crisis, Giorgio Armani has donated 1.25 million euros to hospitals and institutions in Italy. Versace made a contribution of about 144 thousand dollars to the Chinese Red Cross Foundation. LVMH announced on Sunday that it will use its perfume production lines to start making hand sanitizer that will be delivered free of charge to health authorities to protect people against the coronavirus outbreak.

Good news is that online sales are booming and as long as DHL and all the other shipping companies are allowed to deliver to our doorstep, we can still keep up with the fashion trends.

What is going to happen at Sandra’s Closet during the next weeks? I have to admit I am happy as a bug, for the first time I can enjoy being at home, working 24/7 on things and stories I haven’t had the time to write about due to my busy schedule. No travel plans, no FOMO (fear of missing out) as everybody is doing the same. I am not missing anything. Furthermore, I will relax, read a book, exercise and spend time with my daughter with whom I have finally the time to shoot a lot of outfit posts with no rush in between appointments.

Stay tuned, I will entertain you daily and hopefully make you dream of what we will be wearing when we get out of our exile. My dear fashion enthusiasts, enjoy your daily glimpse of fashion and beauty on Sandra’s Closet while staying home and healthy. And please laugh daily… that is the best remedy of all.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography – © Sandra Bauknecht

In 2020, CHANEL brings new olfactory experiences with two fragrance formats available in limited edition: CHANCE Fragrance Pens and CHANCE EAU TENDRE Hair Oil. Practical products you can slip into your bag and carry with you like lucky charms to discreetly refresh the scent of your CHANCE fragrances on the skin and hair.

CHANCE Fragrance Pens
CHANEL proposes the four interpretations of CHANCE in a unique, travel-friendly format: CHANCE Fragrance Pens. Apply the retractable tip directly on the skin to touch up the fragrance of your choice throughout the day to suit your mood. CHANCE offers a dose of optimism, CHANCE EAU FRAÎCHE a fresh and energizing effect, CHANCE EAU TENDRE a moment of tenderness and CHANCE EAU VIVE a vivifying sensation. CHANCE Fragrance Pens, the favorite new way to wear fragrance for a stroke of good luck.
Set of 4 pens: CHANCE, CHANCE EAU FRAÎCHE, CHANCE EAU TENDRE and CHANCE EAU VIVE  –  4 x 1,2g CHF 94.-

CHANCE Eau Tendre HAIR OIL
CHANCE EAU TENDRE, the soft and delicate floral-fruity fragrance, is now available as a hair oil that teams hair care and perfuming in one new, unique product. Its formula enriched with jojoba oil leaves the hair soft, shiny and light. Apply a small amount of CHANCE EAU TENDRE Hair Oil down the lengths to the ends for smooth, delicately scented hair.
CHANCE Eau Tendre Huile Cheveux – 35 ml CHF 70.-

In stores now as well as two new sizes of CHANCE Eau de Tendre:
CHANCE Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum 35ml CHF 95.-
CHANCE Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum 150ml CHF 207.-

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
#TAKEYOURCHANCE #ChanelFragrance

World Sleep Day was two days ago and it made me realize that the right bedding can make or break how the whole room feels. One of the most popular bedding trends for 2020 is the use of bold, striking patterns in stark shades of black and white. And if you are really a fashion lover as I am, you should add some stylish bed sheets to your decor.

Recently on a shopping spree in town, I spotted CHRISTIAN FISCHBACHER‘s newest luxury bedding line called «Catwalk». This light-hearted design, available in pink and white, is smattered with fashion classics in a tongue-in-cheek homage to iconographic designs. It is illustrated in the light, narrative style of fashion magazines and blogs – you will be reminded of CHANEL sunglasses and nail polishes, LOUBOUTIN heels and AESOP creams, topped off with champagne, strawberries and macarons. This beautiful satin bedding whisks you away on a city break to Paris and makes it look like a chic fashionista has just emptied the contents of her handbag all over a hotel bed.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christian Fischbacher – Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yes Girl Yes! Turquoise, light blue and red make a great colour combination. It’s almost spring and those vibrant shades announce the arrival of my favorite season. Some colours and a positive attitude will help us go through these troubled times. The coronavirus has resulted in countless changes to daily life – bars, restaurants are empty and the calls for «social distancing» to slow the spread of the virus is pretty tough on everyone. Therefore I am convinced that it is even more important to find joy in the little things and this can be a great outfit in eclectic hues. Online shopping is a safe way to get your new season pieces …

My look: Ruffle silk jumpsuit by Rodarte, small flap bag with top handle by CHANEL, Impatiens clip-on earrings by Oscar de la Renta, and leather platform pumps by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Location: Park Hyatt Zurich Onyx Bar
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Today is World Sleep Day, an annual event, intended to be a celebration of sleep and a call to action on important issues related to sleep, including medicine, education, social aspects and driving. It is organized by the World Sleep Day Committee of World Sleep Society and aims to lessen the burden of sleep problems on society through better prevention and management of sleep disorders.

We all know that a good night’s sleep can mean good skin health and a glowing complexion because when you’re sleep-deprived, your body makes more of the stress hormone cortisol. Today’s post is dedicated to a good night’s sleep and everything you need to awake up energized and radiant. Here are some beautifying next-generation night treatments that target specific skin concerns, from hyperpigmentation, pore size, fine lines and wrinkles and skins firmness.

RODIAL CBD Sleep Drops Booster
Soothing overnight treatment

The CBD Sleep Drops contain the balancing, non-hallucinogenic active ingredient CBD from the hemp plant. Its strong anti-inflammatory properties help to calm the skin and reduce redness. Formulated alongside elasticity boosting Collagen, moisturising Squalane and anti-inflammatory actives, Purslane and Chamomile, these therapeutic drops will leave skin feeling soothed, regenerated and comforted.

MZ SKIN Replenish & Restore Placenta & Stem Cell Night Recovery Mask
Powerful overnight mask

MZ Skin’s ‘Replenish & Restore’ mask works hard while you sleep to make skin appear smoother, firmer and more radiant by morning. It’s enriched with powerful ingredients that stimulate cell growth to promote a youthful-looking complexion – Hyaluronic Acid plumps with instant hydration, while Plantago Extract brightens and evens tone.

BYNACHT Perfect Nacht Sleeping Balm
Helps to promote sleep

Research shows that the skin’s renewal rate almost doubles at night because it’s free from external stressors, making it more receptive to active ingredients. BYNACHT’s ‘Perfect Nacht’ balm helps to ease you into slumber with a fragrant blend of essential oils. Ylang Ylang Flower Oil, Melissa Officinalis Leaf, and Lavandula Angustifolia Oil are proven to support a good night’s rest, so you can give your complexion the care it needs.

THIS WORKS Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
Helps you falling asleep

Relaxation is essential for getting a good night’s sleep, and This Works’ pillow spray has been formulated with this in mind. The soothing blend of Lavender, Vetivert and Wild Camomile essential oils will help calm the mind in preparation for a restorative slumber.

ALLIES OF SKIN Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum
Targets problems such as hyper pigmentation

This next-generation serum works hard to treat stubborn breakouts, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and brighten your complexion as you sleep. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and a blend of Rosehip and Tamanu oils, it gently exfoliates and enhances cellular renewal, while boosting hydration. Peptides also combat redness and inflammation.

ONE OCEAN BEAUTY Ultra Marine Cellulite Night Cream
An overnight treatment to fight cellulite

Sounds too good to be true? You’ll have to try it! One Ocean Beauty’s rich night cream harnesses the power of two sustainably sourced marine ingredients to help improve the appearance of cellulite. It’s specially formulated with proteins that follow your body’s natural circadian rhythms, firming and toning overnight. It’s blended with nourishing Murumuru Seed and Shea Butters, which have a moisturizing effect you’ll really notice in the morning.

NURSE JAMIE Beauty Bear™ Age Defy Pillow
For less sleep wrinkles and a better sleep in general

My avid readers know that I swear on Nurse Jamie’s uniquely shaped Beauty Bear™ pillow that is designed to support your neck and lumbar muscles, allowing you to sleep more soundly. The satin covering doesn’t absorb like cotton cases – it allows your skin to retain its natural moisture and oils, helping to minimize the appearance and creation of deep-set sleep wrinkles.

Awaken feeling and looking revitalised – this is what we all want. And with the fact that we should all stay home due to the corona virus, we might have the chance to get more sleep. Stay safe!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Great news for my Swiss readers: from now on you can discover Givenchy‘s range of perfumes, fragrances, makeup and skincare products at Sephora Switzerland. Givenchy has been synonymous with avant-garde elegance since its conception. From couture collections to bold beauty products, discover how the house continually defies conventions.

Ever-changing, the signature scents reflect unique style and grace. And don’t miss the three bestsellers of the brand, created by Nicolas Degennes, the Artistic Director for Makeup and Colors at Givenchy, during your next shopping spree:

– the Lipsticks of the Le Rouge collection
From powerful rouge to delicate nude, our cutting-edge lipsticks are made for every shade of you.
CHF 49.00

– the Mascara Volume Disturbia
Application as innovative as the formula. Maximize your lashes for immediate sophistication.
CHF 39.00

– the foundation Teint Couture City Balm
Perfect your skin with the feel and finish you desire. This is covert coverage designed for comfort.
CHF 61.00

Last week, I was invited to try the products and indulge in the world of Givenchy Beauty at Folium in Zurich. Nicolas Degennes, who has been at the forefront of technical innovation and design since the launch of the Givenchy beauty line, is the man responsible for some of the Maison’s most iconic products. Unfortunately, he couldn’t join us personally that night as he was not allowed to travel due to the corona virus situation. Nevertheless, I got a great interview with him via mail that you can enjoy reading below.

Nicolas Degennes, Artistic Director for Makeup and Colors at Givenchy

You are at the helmet of Givenchy Beauty since 99… what has changed during the years?
Everything has changed. Competitors, research evolve all the time. There are more new propositions on raw materials. It has changed and is going to change again.

Make-up now and twenty years ago – what are the biggest differences?
Competition, many brands are on the market today comparing to 20 years ago.
This give to the consumer more choice but it can also give confusion. So we need to be more and more straight to the point, especially for a couture brand like ours, it is fundamental to keep our promises.

Got my Givenchy lipstick engraved with my name that night.

5 minutes of make-up … what is a must?
If you had to choose…Eyes or lips?
Always the lips. Complexion in 3 minutes because in 5 we have time to do complexion, lips, and mascara.
But the more important is to apply a mascara and a lipstick.
If we have no time to apply some mascara, I would recommend just clean lashes with water to give them more density but anyway apply a red lipstick. This will give power and strength.

What are the biggest make-up trends at the moment?
The red lipstick is making a strong coming back. It has been always present in the makeup world but it is becoming more and more powerful.

What will be next?
New textures! These textures will make the colors and I know what I am talking about.

How much do fashion and beauty influence each other?
We constantly observe the fashion trends but in the beauty world, we work 3 years in advance so, obviously we have to look upon fashion and let ourselves influenced.
However, we also have to take our own decisions. However, you will notice that the beauty around the skin and the texture have a real influence on fashion.

The biggest faux pas in make-up?
Not to wear any make up at all. This is a big mistake.

Your icon?
Women, all the women!

Best trick you have ever learnt?
Patience.

Thank you, Nicolas, for your insight into the world of Givenchy Beauty!
Sephora loves Givenchy and we love it, too…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – © Debora Zeyrek for Sephora
#sephoraswitzerland #sephoralovesgivenchy #givenchybeauty @sephoraswitzerlandPhoto of Nicolas Degennes: © PR, Robert Jaso for PARFUMS GIVENCHY