Sandra‘s Closet

You think that being fashionable means having headphones with no wires attached is enough. Then you are mistaken. And if you’re still using the standard Apple case for your earbuds, you’re living your life wrong.

CHANEL offers new solutions that every fashionista will be dying to own as their tech accessories double as luxurious neckpieces.

CHANEL AirPods pearl necklace

First of all, let me introduce you to the AirPods necklace which is not only stylish, but also extremely practical. Coming in different versions, from a pearl choker to a sautoir style reminiscent of glasses holders, it allows you to slot your buds directly into the special clasps.

CHANEL sautoir AirPods necklace

Good news is that also looks great worn without the buds. A great investment piece for many years to come, no matter if Apple changes the size of the AirPods again.

CHANEL pearl necklace with chain and AirPods case

The French Maison has also made a number of AirPod case accessories – including a chain belt and necklaces worn around cross body – that will take your outfit to the next level. Needless to say, I couldn’t resist…

LoL, Sandra

CHANEL AirPods case in white caviar leather

Photos: ©CHANEL, © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography

«If there’s a skin problem this stuff can’t deal with, I can’t find it.»
– The Huffington Post

Happy 30th Birthday, Egyptian Magic! My avid readers know how much I like this product (click here for a previous post). Since it arrived on the market in 1991, the wonder balm has, indeed, been working its magic. From applying on dry skin to taming frizz and hydrating parched lips, the multitasking all-purpose skin cream does it all—and I am not the only one awestruck by its healing powers.

Honey, Honey! Based on a formula that was created thousands of years ago in the land of the Pharaohs, Egyptian Magic’s unique process harnesses the power of our invaluable bee friends and combines six of nature’s most moisturizing ingredients to create a balm unlike any other. All-natural honey, bee propolis, pollen, royal jelly, and beeswax work with 100% non-GMO olive oil to nourish, soothe, and hydrate skin for an all over glow. That’s it. No additives, preservatives, fragrances, chemicals or parabens.

Legendary among celebrities, cult among the fashion press and beauty industry, it is also the must-have beauty tool for professional make-up artists. Using it for example with your foundation gives you an amazing glow. Or just dab a little bit over your blush.

Hydrates and moisturizes skin from head to toe. Use it as a moisturizer, lip balm, eye cream, a hair mask, a baby cream, a makeup remover, a shaving balm, an after sun lotion, or even as a vaginal moisturizer or a lubricant… one product does it all! Perfect for travelling as you just need this one pot.

In Switzerland, Egyptian Magic is available at Import Parfümerie.
CHF 36.00 (59ml) and CHF 54.00 (118ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Happy summer day, cruising around the island of Capri… Personally speaking, the best way to experience the refreshing water of the Mediterranean Sea and this magical island is on a boat as you can easily get to the best beach clubs and restaurants that way. We enjoyed swimming in rocky coves and emerald-green grottos and I sported my new bikini for the first time. Enjoy your weekend!

My look: Black crochet dress with camellia brooch (S/S 2020), pearl necklace for AirPods, scrunchie with scarf, all by CHANEL, Fynlee mesh-paneled bikini top, and matching Fynlee mesh-paneled bikini briefs, both by Agent Provocateur, 30Montaigne square sunglasses by Dior, Oyster Perpetual 36 with turquoise dial by Rolex, Rose Céleste necklace, Rose Céleste medaillon necklace, and Rose des Vents and Rose Céleste necklace, all by Dior Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Summer has just begun (here in Switzerland it feels more like fall), but in true form the fashion universe has already started spinning its own narrative for the possibilities that lie ahead. The F/W 2021 season will go down in history as it marks a year of no-contact, virtual fashion weeks. How is it to watch a fashion show behind your laptop screen? Let me assure you, it is not the same, you miss the energy, part of the message the designer wants to transport and of course the theater of fashion surrounding the event.

The outcome? F/W 2021 doesn’t wrap up as succinctly as previous ones. Designers have been working in exceedingly unusual circumstances, from home, with zoom meetings, in a vacuum, catering to an audience whose lives are forever changed. And yet, creativity reigns. For F/W 2021, the collections fell in line with the times by embracing that new positive joyful everyday outdoor, prepping for a new-wave Roaring ’20s, finding stability in leather, and keeping comfort key in elevated knitwear. A statement coat is one of the must-haves, proof, we have the urge to spend time outside.

There is something for everyone. Show some skin or cover it up! Be comfortable or be crazy! The choice is yours!

LoL, Sandra

Designers skipped the minimalism in favor of something optimistic and grand with a clear message: Let your light shine, ladies, the future is looking bright.

Conscious and respectful of the animal cause, brands are coming up with faux fur that is both cozy and seemingly more realistic than the real thing.

Statement coats are a must this fall but who says a blanket isn’t a garment? JW Anderson’s artful throws definitely do double duty and fashion’s newest hybrid, the puffcho, a blanket poncho that Gabriela Hearst hybridised with a high puffer collar for Chloé, will surely be seen on fashionistas around the globe.

Cosmonaut, alien or astronomer? A bit of everything at the same time. Fashion is dreaming of elsewhere and further afield, to say the least, rocketing winter into the sphere of futurewear, with inspirations ranging from sci-fi to NASA.

A feat of geometric style, fashion is displaying its taste for mixing and matching, juxtaposing and seeing together a variety of fabrics and leathers (vegan at Chloé by Gabriela Hearst).

A variation on a theme that springs eternal. This season, leather comes with a bourgeois 19eline and a baby doll biker look at Dior.

This season, fashion has taken to the slopes, with salopettes, parkas and quilted pieces revisited for the woman about town. A modern twist for keeping warm this winter in comfort and style.

The obsession of the season, knitwear goes for a comfy yet sexy silhouette. Dresses worn long, showing skin here and there, or are see-through for a more daring effect.

Branding is still a big game with these all-over logo prints. It is more subtle than wearing the designer name on your chest.

The classic skirt suits of recent seasons have morphed into quirky but prim pleated skirt sets.

The trusted suit has gotten a revamp. Traditionally, the style is composed of a blazer-and-trouser combo. For F/W 2021, designers introduced something new into the fold: coats with matching pants.

Cropped jackets and tops are still trending. However, these elegant, midriff-baring looks are far from the mini tees of your youth. Sophisticated and chic, these short takes are for posh girls only.

This fall, many runways showed an ode to the famous movie «Clueless». This 1990s interpretation means retro varsity jackets, and Clueless-esque skirts. Rodarte actually tapped ‘90s style icon, Clueless’ Cher Horowitz (aka Alicia Silverstone), for their latest lookbook.

Sweatpants are not forever. Slouchy, wide-leg jeans emerged as key looks for fall. Consider these ’90s pants for your post-pandemic life.

The Swinging Sixties revisited for the digital age get top billing this season, with monochrome, streamlined variations that are both sexy and tasteful.

Bulbous, bubble-like shapes started trending early in the lockdowns. For F/W 2021, the silhouettes show  an emphasis on the hips and thighs. Both womanly and protective, these new orbs offer coziness and a little forgiveness from the skintight silhouettes seen elsewhere.

Whimsical flamingo motifs spread their wings over ruched mini dresses at Moschino, oversized shoulders walked down the catwalk at Dolce & Gabbana, and ’80s-inspired pieces lit up the runway at Emporio Armani. Miami Vice or Dynasty, the choice is yours.

For those who subscribe to the idea of a new Roaring ’20s on the horizon, you’ll be perfectly outfitted for the occasion with these new flapper dresses.

There is a festive air about the collections this season. With dreams as a leitmotif, evening dresses come out of the closet, and a deluge of silver is shaking up fashion, with strength and character.

No matter your taste, there is a F/W 2021 catsuit to match your lifestyle. Those sexy one-piece wonders are perfect to dance the night away.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

This week, I stepped inside and experienced the cute little CHANEL Factory 5 pop-up shop at Jelmoli in Zurich. Mixing the black and white identity of N°5 and the bright colors of pop culture offered the perfect background to discover the new limited-edition products and to shoot this fun S/S 2021 CHANEL look. No doubt… leggings are back!

My look: Printed and embroidered silk top, black ruched shorts, hairband (all three pieces are from Look 30 S/S 2021), blue leggings (Métiers d’Art 2021 Le Château des Dames), ruched leather belt (S/S 2019), two-tone slingback shoes, (Look 34 Métiers d’Art 2020 Paris – 31 Rue Cambon), foldable printed shopper with chain (Look 33 S/S 2021), small classic flap bag in neon pink (S/S 2021), metal and stress earrings (S/S 2021) and Première Electro watch, all by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

In 1921, Gabrielle Chanel smashed the codes of perfumery with the creation of CHANEL N°5. She introduced an olfactory revolution – with a radical, sleek laboratory bottle and a lucky number – into women’s daily lives.

A century later, N°5 is the most famous fragrance in the world.

To celebrate this very special year, CHANEL has created the Factory 5 collection: limited editions inspired by quotidian objects as a reminder that N°5 transforms everyday life.

«By taking popular consumer items out of their context and dressing them up in the aesthetics of N°5, we return to CHANEL’s first creative gesture: that of transforming a functional object into a desirable luxury item. That’s what CHANEL FACTORY 5 is all about: offering the experience of luxury in everyday life.»

This month, CHANEL deploys this industrial scenography across the world’s largest cities. These pop-ups, imagined as theme parks dedicated to N°5, immerse people in a world which mixes the black and white identity of N°5 and the bright colors of pop culture. The experience is intended to be entertaining and offers a journey around the 17 products in this limited edition collection.

In a factory setting, the public follows the product through the various production line workstations and ends its journey with a visit to the factory store where they can watch playful, offbeat demonstrations. In Zurich, you can explore it at Jelmoli until July 18, 2021.

Other pop-ups in Switzerland are:
Boutique CHANEL PARFUMS & BEAUTÉ in Geneva from now until August 15, 2021
Boutique CHANEL MODE Geneva from now until July 31, 2021
Marionnaud Bern from now until July 18, 2021
Manor Lugano from august 2 – 15, 2021
Manor Vevey from July 19 – August 1, 2021
Globus Zurich from July 19 – August 1, 2021

There is also a digital version for those who wish to see the CHANEL FACTORY 5 without going to the pop up.

FACTORY 5 COLLECTION
N°5 LA CRÈME CORPS 150 ML CHF 85.-
N°5 LE GEL DOUCHE 20 X 6 ML CHF 75.-
N°5 L’HUILE CORPS 250 ML CHF 85.-
N°5 LES GALETS DE BAIN 10 X 17 G CHF 75.-
N°5 L’EMULSION CORPS 200 ML CHF 65.-
N° LA POCHETTE SURPRISE CHF 75.-
N°5 LE GEL DOUCHE 500 ML CHF 75.-
N°5 L’ÉMULSION CORPS 5 X 20 ML CHF 65.-
N°5 LE SAVON 90 G CHF 55.-
N°5 LE GEL PAILLETÉ 200 ML CHF 85.-
N°5 LE GEL DOUCHE 5 X 20 ML CHF 55.-
N°5 EAU DE PARFUM VAPORISATEUR 100 ML CHF 183.-
N°5 L’EAU VAPORISATEUR 100 ML CHF 183.-
N°5 L’EAU VAPORISATEUR DE SAC 7 ML CHF 55.-
N°5 L’EAU RECHARGES VAPORISATEUR SAC 3 X 7 ML CHF 75.-
Two products are exclusively available only at Boutique CHANEL PARFUMS & BEAUTE in Geneva (Bongénie, first floor, 34 rue du Marché, 1204 Geneva)
GOURDE CHF 75.-
5 RUBANS AUTOCOLLANTS CHF 60.-

Stay tuned as I will show you my personal experience soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

A bamboo handle tote first presented by the House in 1991 is reimagined by Alessandro Michele in the Gucci Diana. The current iteration is distinguished by removable, neon leather belts—a nod to the functional bands that once came with the original bag to maintain the shape of the handles—the latest expression of the Creative Director’s contemporary approach to archival elements.
Alessandro Michele explores the concept of embodiment in the new line, which is designed to evoke an aesthetic, but also an attitude. At the edge of inspiration, he takes a step beyond in a contemplation on the vast and impactful influence that a person, or perhaps, a persona, has had across generations and cultures.

The Gucci Diana is reflective of a certain era—even its silhouette echoes a moment in which practicality took its rightful place in the wardrobe—but the line maintains its timeless appeal. It represents the notion of style in constant evolution, fitting perfectly into the conventions of sophistication one day and undergoing reinvention the next, speaking to the House’s message of fluidity, freedom, and embracing fashion as a powerful medium of self-expression.

The colour palette is bright, classic and elegant, with the addition of some intriguing, unusual hues. There are seven colours of leather in total across three sizes of bag (medium, small and mini): black, white, a timeless cuir, bright emerald green, striking red, poudre light blue and light rose.

Every Gucci Diana is paired with three matching coloured belts in either fluorescent yellow, pink or orange. Each belt has a functional buckle and features a Gucci script logo in gold metallic film on its outer side. Those who choose a Gucci Diana can also purchase additional leather belts in the three special colours so that they can customise their bags. There is also the option to emboss the leather belts (on the insides) in store with letters and star symbols in a variety of metallic film colours.

The medium Gucci Diana makes an ideal daily bag or working tote on account of its roomy interior and detachable leather shoulder strap. The small size is the perfect everyday bag and also comes with a detachable leather shoulder strap. Finally, the mini bag is a charming everyday companion. The interiors of the leather Gucci Diana bags are lined in beige microfibre.

To add a luxurious dimension, there are versions of the Gucci Diana in precious leathers. A patchwork of multicoloured python creates a graphic model. There are also python styles in black, rock (ecru) and bright emerald green. In crocodile there is a black and a cuir version of the Gucci Diana; and in ostrich it comes in yellow, white, red and bright emerald green.

TO SHOP THE NEW GUCCI DIANA BAGS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci, Courtesy of Neil Mockford, Getty and BfA
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

The aesthetics of the ROLEX Oyster Perpetual models set them apart as symbols of universal and classic style. For 2021, the famous watch got a refresh in the form of new 36mm models featuring colorful lacquer dials. And underneath that dial is the new in-house caliber 3230.

I fell immediately in love with the turquoise color, that is so summery and fresh. However, those watches are extremely hard to get unfortunately. Therefore you can imagine my level of happiness when my love surprised me with this beauty, the Oyster Perpetual 36 with a turquoise blue dial and an Oyster bracelet.

TURQUOISE BLUE DIAL
A DISTINCTIVE FACE

The dial is the distinctive face of a Rolex watch, the feature most responsible for its identity and readability. Characterised by hour markers fashioned from 18 ct gold to prevent tarnishing, every Rolex dial is designed and manufactured in-house, largely by hand to ensure perfection.

OYSTERSTEEL
HIGHLY RESISTANT TO CORROSION

Rolex uses Oystersteel for its steel watch cases. Specially developed by the brand, Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family, alloys most commonly used in high-technology and in the aerospace and chemical industries, where maximum resistance to corrosion is essential. Oystersteel is extremely resistant, offers an exceptional finish once polished and maintains its beauty even in the harshest environments.

THE OYSTER BRACELET
ALCHEMY OF FORM AND FUNCTION

The Oyster bracelet is a perfect alchemy of form and function, aesthetics and technology. First introduced in the late 1930s, this particularly robust and comfortable metal bracelet with its broad, flat three-piece links remains the most universal bracelet in the Oyster collection. For the Oyster Perpetual models the Oyster bracelet is fitted with an Oysterclasp.

3230 MOVEMENT
SUPERLATIVE PERFORMANCE

The Oyster Perpetual 36 is equipped with calibre 3230, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, launched by the brand in 2020. At the forefront of watchmaking technology, this self-winding mechanical movement led to the filing of several patents, and offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability. Calibre 3230 incorporates the Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability.

OYSTER PERPETUAL 36
Oyster, 36 mm, Oystersteel
CHF 5’300,-

The colorful dials are also available for other sizes, such as the Oyster Perpetual 41, or 31. However, I like the 36 size the best.

There aren’t that many rules that I apply to watch collecting, as is probably evident from the versatile assortment of watches I’ve put together over the years and the variety of stories of how they came to be in my chosen set. With this one, it was love at first sight, and I am so grateful my lovely fiancé surprised me with it.

This watch is my «fun« summer piece in my collection – a timekeeper that brings a smile anytime it’s on my wrist, especially as it reminds me of my better half. One clear sign that you are falling in love with a watch is that you put it on, take it off, find an excuse to put it on again. I am sure I will wear turquoise all the way through winter …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Rolex and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored.

Shoe designer Amina Muaddi teams up with Wolford for a limited-edition collaboration including hosiery, leggings, bodysuits, jumpsuits, socks and a few skin-tight dresses.
Wolford, which sells everything from lingerie to beachwear and ready-to-wear apparel, is trying to get back to its roots as an innerwear brand — and hoping Muaddi can help.

The collaboration between Amina Muaddi and Wolford is a benchmark partnership. Both share the same DNA with regards to craftsmanship and commitment to excellence. Both share the same dedication for timeless contemporaneity and both are impassioned towards helping women express their identity and boost their confidence. A shared approach, avoiding fast-fashion, for a world with more consciousness.

Thong Tights

Amina Muaddi credits her Jordanian and Romanian heritage, as well as her time spent visiting family in Italy in her youth, as the DNA behind her eponymous label. Launched in 2018, it fuses a sense of opulence with timeless glamour, and is inspired by tastemakers from across the world. For Wolford, she created some truly outstanding pieces, among them the fabulous Thong Tights (finally!) and the Crystal Net Tights.

Crystal Net Tights

The collection is launching worldwide on July 5, 2021.
TO SHOP THE COLLECTION ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Wolford
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Certainly, thanks to the ongoing pandemic, S/S 2021 was a season like no other. Therefore I also waited with this report. Most of the presentations were virtual or with not many guests. New York and London opted for predominantly digital showcases, while Milan and Paris held scaled-back showings with strict social distancing measures. I attended CHANEL in Paris for example but it felt very different from before with all the strict social distancing measures and masks.

What are the trends? The common denominator on the runways was a heartfelt 1990s vibe. Furthermore, the new working-from-home routine certainly had an effect on what designers were coming up with. Think barrettes, tracksuits and midriff flossing. Wide-leg trousers offer more comfort and capes deliver that coziness we have been experiencing lately.

In general, there is an urge for vibrant prints and uplifting colors. Stay tuned, I will soon tell you about the F/W 2021 trends, what to keep and what to get.

LoL, Sandra

Everyday pieces, from dresses to sleepwear, have been given a joyful spin by designers who are experimenting with bold, uplifting colors and prints.

S/S 2021 brings a twist to the logomania trend. Designers unveiled new fashion statements with collages, patchworks and neon effects. In any case, this modernity enjoys playing with all manner of styles and colors in fun streetwear looks.

Pantone announced Ultimate Gray and Illuminating in combination as the color of the year 2021. Two independent colors that come together to create an aspirational color pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day.

Candy tops the trends of the season. Sugary candy tones, from cherry to raspberry, bring a dash of rose-tinted energy to summer.

Besides candy hues, orange now also stands out in the trendiest girls’ wardrobes this season.

This summer has a weakness for cape detailing, which is perhaps the ultimate in sartorial fantasy – no one, after all is really requiring a cape, however desirable they might appear.

This year, tie-dye is the print that everyone loves for S/S 2021. It has become the pattern of the pandemic.

This summer, designers looked for monochrome magic, very reminiscent of Coco Chanel’s favorites.

 Skinny jeans and cigarette pant lovers: hear me out. Baggy trousers may not have the streamlining effect of your favoured slim-line silhouettes. But, they’re a bona fide trend for spring, and they’re showing their elegant side this season, taking over as your everyday trouser shape of choice.

With quintessential, luxurious materials and smooth lines, minimalism took on a 1990s look all in white.

Head to toe denim looks are still holding strong. One of my favorite trends.

The tracksuit was also treated to a 1990s vibe. Raw sportswear effects and tech materials teamed up with couture sophistication to play everything down. Who dares win, with track pants about town, day and night.

Envelopping the silhouette in a joyful style, the fishnet style is making a seasonal comeback with a decidedly 1990s aesthetic. It is graphic and minimalist, with raw yet chic flexibility, setting an ultra-contemporary pace.

Brace yourselves for S/S 2021’s most stomach-clenching trend: bralettes are stronger than ever with a ferocity last witnessed in the 1990s.

Midriff flossing can be loosely translating as a series of crisscrossing cords and wraparound details resembling dental floss (hence the name) that can emerge from skirts, from the aforementioned bralette, as well as souping up the middle region of a maxi dress, resistance is futile.

Thanks to the Netflix series «Bridgerton», we welcome the return of the corset. Those body-sculpting pieces will make your silhouette sing, given streetwise attitude. Consider it the very opposite of loungewear – and a chance to blow away the cobwebs of 2020.

Romantic bohemian styles are still all the rage. However, not an ounce of folklore was present, just sheer grace and long transparent dresses with shimmering movements. A true celebration of femininity.

A variation on a decidedly popular theme, fashion contiued to play with shoulders and sleeves. Here, puffy and gathered looks were once again injected with extravagant volumes.

A strong trend since F/W 2020: a silvery glow. The new wardrobe combines fresh energy and old classics resulting in a barrage of sequins, sexy mesh, and crystals ribbing.

The pandemic has been tough on all of us. Designers make us dream and invite us to indulge in a fashion fairytale with these tulle gowns.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands