Sandra‘s Closet

Celebrate the 2021 holiday season with this indulgent 24-day advent calendar, full of full and mini-sized Shiseido treats, from skincare products and makeup to fragrances. I received one and I am so happy about it as I love to open those little doors before X-mas. The small sized products are also great for traveling.

Inspired by breathtaking visions of festive fireworks, the iconic Hanabi Show in Tokyo, the magical collection is housed in decadent packaging.

The price for this super luxury gift is CHF 140.00, available now and allowing you to immerse yourself in the essence of Japanese beauty.

Scroll down to see what’s inside… spoiler alert!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Shiseido
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored.

If you are living in Switzerland, you will definitely know AVANZAR, the brainchild of Margarita Heredia Forster. The dual Ecuadorian-Swiss citizen established the Swiss-based foundation in 1999 to enable disadvantaged women in her home country Ecuador and their families to lead a self-determined life in economic independence by teaching them skills and know-how. The foundation is financed entirely by charitable donations from private individuals and institutions; numerous volunteers also support AVANZAR in its administration and daily work in the programs it offers.

Teamwork: Flo und Margarita

AVANZAR develops its own programs to meet the social and economic needs of underprivileged women who fall outside the scope of what the government and private sector offer. For example, Atelier Avanzar has been very successful in producing fashionable knitted bags. The designs are created in collaboration with the well-known Zurich accessory designer Florence Bachofen-Székely, and the bags are sold in the Atelier’s online store as well as at private sales and fairs.

This F/W 2021 season, the bags are extremely beautiful and I absolutely love the mood of the campaign.

GIORGIA
This yarn and leather crossbody bag with its sober design has the perfect size so you really want to carry it with you every day. The adjustable leather handle is attached to the bag with pretty brass-colored rings and rivets. The bag closes securely with a zipper that has a leather tassel detail. Inside there is a zippered compartment and two open pockets.

ADA FRINGES
This soft bag with its snap closure and eye-catching leather fringe detail is the perfect accessory to complement the trendy boho look. Thanks to its volume it is a practical and fashionable companion, always and everywhere. The easiest way is to squeeze it casually under your arm or carry it in your hand. In the spacious interior there is a zippered compartment in which valuables can be safely stored.

SELVA
This medium-sized handbag in leo pattern spices up any outfit! It can be worn comfortably with the adjustable nylon handle over the shoulder or as a crossbody. The short handles made from the softest leather make it pleasant to carry the bag by hand or in the crook of the arm. A zipper closes the bag securely, and inside it has a zippered compartment and two open pockets.

WUAPA VINTAGE
The embossed leather details on the side of this bag create this coveted vintage look. It has plenty of space and soft leather handles lie comfortably on the shoulder or over the arm. On the sides, this bag has decorative elements created from leather and hook closures, and it is lined with water-repellent nylon fabric. It closes with a magnetic closure. Inside it has a zippered compartment for valuables and a leather strap with a hook for your keychain.

LAURA
This bag is the perfect companion through everyday life. It impresses with subtle details and accents: Rivets and knitwear make it an easy statement piece. The shape reminiscent of a saddle bag offers generous space. Valuables are safely stowed in the zippered interior compartment, and thanks to two additional interior compartments, even small items will not get lost.My Swiss based readers can explore the collection live during the Atelier Days in the first week of November at Erlengut in Erlenbach / Lake Zurich, Erlengutstrasse 1a, where 20 labels will present their collections.

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 10 am – 7 pm
Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 9 am – 6 pm

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Avanzar / Atelier Avanzar
#DoGood #BuyGood

Maximum moisture plus powerful repair, that is what BOBBI BROWN‘s cult-favorite EXTRA Skincare Collection is all about. Now, the Extra Repair Complex is boosted with 5x more Argireline Peptide than the original formula which helps to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

It boosts moisture and replenishes the skin with amino acids and peptides, the building blocks of the skin to support skin’s natural collagen.

The best is yet to come. The EXTRA Skincare collection is not only skin loving, but also planet conscious from now on. You can refill and reuse your packaging with a replacement pod of this deeply moisturizing new formula, available for the EXTRA EYE REPAIR CREAM (CHF 109.00) and the EXTRA REPAIR MOISTURE CREAM INTENSE (CHF 159.00).

Refill. Reuse. Repeat. Available from October 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Bobbi Brown
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. However, I received the products to test them.

The fall and its breathtaking colors are always the perfect backdrop for a photo shoot.
For this outfit, I loved to experiment with colors and shapes. The result has become one of my fall favorites and I hope you will like it too.

My look: Long sleeve checked blouse, sleeveless knit top with sequins, ruffled skirt with built-in shorts, and floral brooch, all by Louis Vuitton, Billy vinyl-trimmed houndstooth tweed beret by Maison Michel, Rockstud leopard-print calf hair trapeze bag (2014) by Valentino, and green platform suede boots by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

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

Contrary to popular belief, rubber boots can be fashionable and are ultra trending this F/W 2021 season. Waterproof and stylish, these pairs of boots below are the ultimate investments to stay chic in the rain. Forget the traditional Wellington boots (named in honor of Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington), and update your wardrobe with one or two of those stylish options.

LoL, Sandra

Chain metallic-rubber boots by JW Anderson

Puddle glittered rubber ankle boots by Bottega Veneta (my choice)

Julian matelassé and rubber boots by Cecilie Bahnsen x Diemme

Betty knitted-cuff rubber ankle boots by Chloé

Atelier Shoes 03 Rose Edition 3D rubber knee boots by Valentino (my choice)

Horsebit rubber boots by Gucci

Tess rubber boots by Balmain

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

In photography, the golden hour is the period of daytime shortly after sunrise or before sunset, during which daylight is redder and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky. This is the time, when your complexion looks best. This week, I introduced you to the YSL Or Rouge prestige skincare collection, which is like golden hour for your skin. The outfit I wore in the photos is also inspired by this magic light. The crinkled fabric of the skirt was sparkling beautifully in the last sunrays of the day.

My look: Satin piped cotton-velvet coat in black, embellished ribbed silk top, metallic plissé midi skirt in gold, Sac De Jour Nano leather shoulder bag, hoop-drop clip earrings, embellished patent-leather pumps, and braided sequined stretch-crepe and lamé turban in black, all by Saint Laurent, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Celine.

LoL, Sandra

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

On 12 and 13 of November, Prada will present the sixth iteration of Prada Mode at the Levenson Mansion in Moscow featuring an installation by artist Damien Hirst. A traveling social club with a focus on contemporary culture, Prada Mode provides members with a unique art experience along with music, dining, and conversations.

Pharmacy exterior © Damien Hirst and Science Ltd. All rights reserved, DACS 2012

For Prada Mode Moscow, Damien Hirst will transform the historic building with his installation, Pharmacy. Hirst created Pharmacy restaurant in Notting Hill, London in 1998, six years after the inaugural installation of the same name at the Cohen Gallery New York.

Pharmacy was conceived as a fully functioning restaurant and bar in an installation of Hirst’s floor-to-ceiling medicine cabinets, and specially made butterfly paintings. Hirst designed furniture, architectural details such as a huge molecular model in its window, light boxes, and a wallpaper design taken from a catalogue of prescription medicine.

© Tate, London 2012 © Damien Hirst and Science Ltd. All rights reserved, DACS 2012

In Moscow, Hirst will present the third iteration of Pharmacy restaurant, the second being installed at his Newport Street Gallery, London. It is fitting for this to be made especially for Prada Mode: the artist’s long-time friend Miuccia Prada designed the staff uniforms for the original restaurant.

«I’m so excited to be invited by Miuccia to recreate Pharmacy for Prada Mode in Moscow,» said the artist. «I’m pulling out all of the stops to make this amazing, and the four floors of the historic Levenson building will provide the perfect place for it. I can’t wait to get going! I’ve always thought great restaurants can be art, and Pharmacy is a living breathing artwork, best filled with people and art as one.»

One of the most extravagant houses in Moscow… Levenson Mansion.

The Levenson Mansion is a private residence on Moscow’s Patriarch Ponds. The Art Nouveau landmark was designed by architect Fyodor Shechtel in 1900 for the A.A. Levenson Skoroprinting Company, an official purveyor of his majesty Emperor Nicholas II’s Imperial Court.

Last year, Fondazione Prada and Damien Hirst came together in aid of Save The Children.

Prada Mode Moscow will welcome members to access the club at any time over the course of the two-day project to participate in morning and afternoon panels and discussions as well as nightly events featuring exhilarating performances and live music, sampling specialty cocktails and dining throughout. Pharmacy installation will then open to the public from November 14th to 20th 2021.

LEVENSON MANSION
9, TRYOKHPRUDNY LANE
MOSCOW
NOV 12–13 2021

Update on October 21, 2021: Due to today’s news, please be informed that the Prada Mode Moscow event is now postponed. The new dates will be announced soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada and © Damian First if not stated otherwise

Dedicated to the mountains, the Coco Neige F/W 2021 collection offers essential winter sports pieces and accessories imbued with the codes of CHANEL. The collection campaign, photographed by Inez & Vinoodh, is embodied by artist and House ambassador JENNIE, reflecting different facets of the CHANEL spirit.

A collection moving between sport and style, designed for unrestrained enjoyment on the slopes.

A pair of sophisticated ski goggles has joined the Coco Neige F/W 2021 collection. Enhanced with three lines of micro-strass and signed with the CHANEL letters on the sides, these goggles come with a black, silver or electric blue mirror lens. For the ultimate touch of femininity, the black or pale grey elastic strap in gathered fabric has a satin-finish.

The Coco Neige F/W 2021 collection will arrive in boutiques from October 19th 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Trix Hildebrand and © CHANEL
#CHANELCocoNeige #CHANELEyewear #CHANELSunglasses

What I love about my job a lot is that I get to try many different products. This way, I can select what really works and does the magic for me before featuring it on my blog.

Personally speaking, I like to change my skincare routine from time to time as I have the impression that my skin likes to be challenged and to get new impulses. Like any regimen, skincare is a very personal journey. What works for one person might not work for another. However, luxury skincare products frequently contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or more unique ingredients. Therefore I recommend investing in prestige skincare. Think of it as an investment in yourself.

Waking up to healthier and more revitalized skin is something we all wish for. Let me introduce you to YSL OR ROUGE, where the secret to good skin grows in Moroccan gardens. Ažfter years of research, and analysis of more than 100 plants, YSL Beauté discovered that Moroccan Sa
ron was a unique plant, containing a super sugar called crocin. Together, crocin and crocetin, (it’s powerful molecular precursor) deliver unparalleled double protection against skin aging. Crocin modulates inflammation – one of the primary triggers of lines, wrinkles and an uneven tone and texture. Crocetin activates cellular protection to counteract free radical damage and make skin more resilient to aggressors.

Experience unparalleled lifting and firming with the best-selling power duo, OR ROUGE Crème Fine and OR ROUGE Le Serum; both remastered into an even higher-performing, lightweight and effective formula for a daily defense against fine lines and wrinkles. Their daily use leaves skin looking naturally more vibrant, re-contoured and re-plumped.

Now more concentrated in both crocin and crocetin from Sa
ron, the newly reformulated OR ROUGE Le Serum is the first step to dramatic skin renewal for sublimely smooth, uniform, plumped and radiant skin. It comes with the highest concentration ever of Saffron pistil meets Saffron water: the essence that’s formed during the distillation process and carries powerful skin protecting properties. Re-igniting epidermal cell energy deep down, it brings about uniformity and a visible skin transformation.

OR ROUGE Crème Fine is the second step that also uses the power of the pistil in the saffron flower to regenerate skin and fight the 11 visible signs of aging. Infused with shea butter and apricot oil, the skin is immediately more hydrated, protected and nourished. Its daily use reinvigorates the skin texture, visibly boosting radiance and resurfacing younger, supple skin. The fine and luxurious texture is 100% formulated without parabens, sulfates and mineral oil.

Repackaged in a sleek, couture design that has received the highly respected recognition of responsible sustainable luxury, you can experience the true luxury of the OR ROUGE collection with new environmentally conscious refillable packaging.

With OR ROUGE, YSL presents modern women with a new manifesto for living the life they choose – and getting the skin they want. Personally speaking, I find OR ROUGE very soothing and hydrating,  keeping moisture locked in and making my skin soft and youthful looking. It feels like golden hour for your skin…

You won’t regret making the investment! I am not telling you to change your skincare routine but sometimes it is worth trying something new to activate the renewal process. You are also not eating spaghetti every day … just saying.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored.

October is breast cancer awareness month and each year the Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign unites and inspires people globally in the mission to create a breast cancer-free world. Founded in 1992 by the late Evelyn H. Lauder with the launch of the iconic Pink Ribbon, the Breast Cancer Campaign is the Estée Lauder Companies’ largest corporate social impact program and supported by their employees worldwide. The campaign has raised more than $99 million to support global research, education and medical services, with more than $80 million funding 321 medical research grants through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

ESTÉE LAUDER
Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
CHF 149.00 (of which 50% are donated to «Look Good Feel Better»)

Breast cancer is not a disease that has a single story. It is as diverse and complex as our global community and it profoundly impacts everyone it touches – patients, loved ones, doctors, caregivers, advocates and more. My mum had this terrible disease twice in her life and I am very grateful that she successfully fought it twice. However, I know about the impact it has on the whole family.

In support of everyone touched by breast cancer, this year’s campaign features layers of the Pink Ribbon—the universally recognized symbol for breast cancer. Shades of pink, textures, and designs intertwine to signify the diversity of the disease, the equity they hope to help achieve and the unity they have in support of the entire breast cancer community worldwide.

ESTÉE LAUDER
Brave & Beautiful Kit
CHF 69.00 (of which 50% are donated to «Look Good Feel Better»)

Together, the Estée Lauder Companies are accelerating the progress towards a more equitable and beautiful future for the breast cancer community and beyond. It’s #TimeToEndBreastCancer.

How can you help? The 2021 Breast Cancer Campaign has launched a new social media call-to-action to rally supporters and raise funds for BCRF: Join them in helping fund lifesaving breast cancer research by grabbing your favorite pink lipstick, drawing a ribbon, sharing your story, and tagging 5 people in your post to do the same.

LA MER
Crème de La Mer The Moisturizing Cream 15ml
CHF 100 (of which 50% are donated to «Look Good Feel Better»)

For every public, in-feed Instagram or Facebook post during the month of October featuring both #TimeToEndBreastCancer and #ELCdonates together, the Estée Lauder Companies will donate $25 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation up to $150,000.

Great news for my Swiss readers: on October 21, 2021, the Estée Lauder Companies will be hosting a charity sale between 11am – 7pm at Giessereihalle, Puls 5, 8005 Zurich. Products for sale are marked down up to 50%, all proceeds will go 100% to «Look Good Feel Better».

LoL, Sandra

BOBBI BROWN
Powerful Pinks Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss Duo
CHF 52.00 (of which 100% are donated)

AVEDA
Hand Relief™ Moisturizing Crème with Shampure™ Aroma
CHF 27.00 (of which CHF 10 are donated to «Look Good Feel Better»)

CLINIQUE
Great Skin, Great Cause Limited Edition Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
CHF 99.00 (of which 50% are donated to «Look Good Feel Better»)

Photos: © Estée Lauder Companies, Photo of me: Michael HJ Lopez Photographie
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. However, I received some of the products to try them.