Sandra‘s Closet

For years I mocked myself that I didn’t like rose perfumes: too dusty, too old-fashioned, too grandma-like. What perfume planet was I on? One day I looked around my boudoir table and realised that a lot of my fragrances were based around the rose, just in a more subtle way.

Here are the best new launches to introduce the flower of love to your olfactory wardrobe now. The five fragrances you’ll be probably sniffing to prolong summer a little longer.

PRADA Les Infusion Rose
Eau de Parfum CHF 136.76 (100ml)

A new edition to the collection Les Infusions de Prada. The fragrance interprets the note of rose in a new and different way, luminous and feminine. Created by perfumer Daniela Andrier and Miuccia Prada.

Notes: Turkish Rose, Bulgarian Rose, Galbanum, Neroli, Mandarine

BURBERRY My Blush
Eau de Parfum CHF 79.20 (30ml), CHF 120.00 (50ml) and CHF 165.60 (90ml)

A fruity floral Eau de Parfum with a sparkling twist.  Stepping back into a London garden awakening in the first light of day, My Burberry Blush captures the senses as blossoming flowers pop with spirited energy. Created by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian and Christopher Bailey.

Top notes: Pomegranate, Lemon
Middle notes: Rose Petals, Apple
Base notes: Jasmine, Wisteria

VIKTOR&ROLF Flowerbomb Bloom
Eau de Toilette CHF 68.00 (30ml)

The addictiveness of Flowerbomb is rewritten with an airy twist. A new interpretation of the iconic fragrance, Flowerbomb Bloom is an explosion of fresh flowers caressed with a breath of cool mountain air. The floriental fragrance was created by perfumer Domitille Bertier.

Top notes: Pomegranate, Mandarin
Middle notes: Freesia, Rose, Jasmine, Liquid Air
Base notes: Woods

BULGARI Splendida Rose Rose
Eau de Parfum CHF 126.00 (50ml), CHF 177 (100ml)

The floral chypre Splendida Rose Rose is worn like a necklace of 45 fresh roses, those contained in its bottle. It evokes the Italian romance that Bulgari enjoys with women, the absolute embodiment of the superlative femininity. The scent was created by perfumer Sofie Labbé.

Top notes: White Mulberry, Mandarin
Middle notes: Rose Essential Oil, Rose Absolute, Damask Rose
Base notes: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli, Guaiac Wood, Musk

GIORGIO ARMANI Sì Rose Signature
Eau de Parfum CHF 123.00 (50ml), CHF 156.00 (100ml)

Each spring, Giorgio Armani creates a limited edition bottle of the beautiful Sì Rose Signature scent. This year, it is reminiscent of an Haute Couture gown with its cute pink ribbon. Discover a floral fragrance that radiates beauty and passion. The fragrance was created by perfumer Julie Massé.

Top notes: May Rose, Damask Rose, Bergamot, Mandarin, White Freesia
Middle notes: Blackcurrant, Vanilla, Osmanthus, Iris, Ambrette Seed
Base notes: Amber, Patchouli

In case you are still not convinced about the rose fragrances, treat yourself to this beautiful clutch:

Printed metallic leather box clutch «I Love You» by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

First seen in March on the Miu Miu runway in Paris, the My Miu bag marks the first occasion in which the name of the brand features prominently both patched in psychedelic lettering and in the form of a large polished gold or palladium lock.

Star accessory of the new season, with its glittering fringes and jeweled buckles, the My Miu combines a respect for handcraftsmanship and the finest fabrications with a sense of femininity, irreverence and fun.

The My Miu show model is the most elaborate, presented in five different and highly distinctive combinations of precious materials: madras leather patched with python; python or ayers embellished with jewelled fringing; python or ayers finished with a jewelled buckle; matelassé leather with a python belt and jewelled buckle and fluffy fur with an ayers belt and jewelled buckle.

Colours range from classic – natural snake, black – to pop bright and pastel and, often, a juxtaposition of the three. All bags feature a removable and adjustable python or ayers strap allowing them to be carried cross body, on the shoulder or as a clutch.

The My Miu is also available in a slightly smaller size and fabricated to suit every occasion. Classic madras and ayers, matelassé and ayers and velvet and ayers bags come with a metal chain strap. The denim interpretation features a sporty nylon strap.

Completing the range, the mini My Miu is the simplest and most accessible version of the style. Light, easy and effortlessly elegant, it is crafted in signature matelassé leather and textile in a wide range of colours with a metal chain strap.

TO SHOP MIU MIU ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu – Backstage Images: © Carin Backoff

This accessories trend is pure fun and has become one of my favorites. Pompom embellished pieces have been popping up everywhere since last summer (remember those to-die-for pompom boho sandals?!). This colorful accent is fun and flirty – I adore the way these colorful little balls look hanging off the straps of a pair of beachy summer flats, on a straw hat or a great beach bag. It just puts me in a good mood.

Here are my favorite pompom-accented pieces that are sure to complete your summer wardrobe!
1 Maldives medium pompom-embellished woven raffia tote by Nannacay
2 St Tropez embroidered woven straw tote by Kayu
3 Corozon pompom-embellished woven straw hat by Sophie Anderson
4 Claudie small pompom leather cross-body bag by Sophia Webster
5 Frika embellished cotton shoulder bag by Antik Batik
6 Beach Hair Don’t Care straw clutch by Rebecca Minkoff
7 Adorada mini pompom-embellished woven raffia tote by Sophie Anderson
8 Pompom-embellished sandals by Elina Linardaki
9 Embellished lace-up suede pumps by Dolce & Gabbana (50% off)

And great news is these little pom-poms are here to stay for winter… for winter those cute balls come in all sorts of fur, best seen at Fendi:

By The Way pompom tote (1), mini leather bag strap (2), pompom wool cap (3), pompom charm (4), pompom sandals (5), pompom boots (6).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

2017 has become the year of the basket tote with the rise of Los Angeles-based label Cult Gaia’s structural bamboo bag from pretty cool to Instagram-famous within weeks.

The so-called ‘Ark’ clutch is a crescent-shaped bamboo clutch that feels offbeat yet timeless. Designer Jasmin Larian draws inspiration from vintage pieces and is committed to sustainable practices. Don’t miss the laser-cut acrylic version of the carryall in vibrant hues.

I thought to let you know there are many fabulous variations of the Cult Gaia bag. It might be not the most practical bag, but it is still the hottest accessory of the moment and extremely affordable.

1 Ark large bamboo clutch
2 Ark mini acrylic clutch in emerald green
3 Ark small bamboo clutch
4 Ark mini acrylic clutch in black

The Ark clutch is here to stay for the next season and will be launched in many colors. You can pre-order this small multi acrylic Ark clutch for Resort 2018 here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Cult Gaia

Fans of all over natural glow will love this summer’s bronze blush tones that made runway waves at many designers. Whether your personal style is bohemian or sophisticated chic, you can’t argue that naturally bronzed bone structure will make you look fresh-faced, which is perfect for the beach.

When you opt for some color, you should go for turquoise, wether on your eyes or your nails. You don’t have to be that dramatic, just a little turquoise liner is all you need to stay on trend this season. Here is what you will need (all limited edition):

ESTÉE LAUDER
Summer Look 2017 «Bronze Goddess»

Bronze Goddess Summer Look Palette – CHF 70.00
Bronze Goddess Summer Lip Glow in Sunlit Nude – CHF 34.00
Double Wear Highlighting Cushion Stick in Champagne Glow – CHF 44.00

GUERLAIN
Summer Look 2017 «Terracotta»

Terracotta Sun Tonic Waterproof Bronzing Powder – CHF 69.00
Météorites Baby Glow Touch CC Luminizer for easy strobing – CHF 45.00

LANCÔME
Summer Look 2017 «Summer Swing»

Belle de Teint Bronzer & Blush in 01 Patio Méditerranéen – CHF 75.00
Le Stylo Waterproof in 06 Tempo Méditerranéen – CHF 34.00
Vernis in Love in 103 L’Esprit Libre – CHF 26.00

By the way the straw bag is exactly the same one by Sensi Studio for Eden Being I showed you a few days ago (click here please for the previous post). On one side it says «Making Memories», on the other side it has this hand-painted palm and waves. My favorite!
TO SHOP IT, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Looking for a bag this season you can carry with anything? Lucky us… backpacks are still around and more trendy than ever in many outstanding designs. Your chiropractor will tell you they should never go away, but no matter what the backpack trend is taking over street style. And they even work at night…

1 Large backpack with Pallas Heads appliqué by Burberry
2 Badge-appliqué satin backpack by Miu Miu (30% off on sale)
3 Stripe-trimmed embellished metallic brocade backpack by Gucci
4 Appliquéd leather backpack by Givenchy
5 Appliquéd leather backpack by Fendi
6 Quilted backpack by Prada

I am so in love with this sequined backpack by Saint Laurent.

Such a special piece – ruffle backpack by Fenty by Rihanna.
Which one is your favorite?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Each year, I receive many products to test for the summer. After testing them all, I always like to show you a summary of my favorites. Those ones you see here have fully convinced me and I can only recommend them. If you are wondering why there are no facial products included, bare with me, they will be coming up shortly in a different post.

But first of all, it all starts with the right beach tote, doesn’t it?!

BEACH TOTE

«Making Memories» beach tote by Sensi Studio for Eden Being
Holidays are all about making memories. Therefore I have fallen in love with this exclusive beach tote the minute I spotted it at the Eden Being Pop-up Boutique at Le Bristol in Paris. It hits it on the head with its woven maxim. The perfect companion for the beach, the bag will carry everything you need, even a laptop fits in perfectly. Handmade in Ecuador to designs from the Milan based creative studio, it is crafted from toquilla straw with woven lettering – a unique and absolutely stylish piece.

IN THE SUN

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Wet Skin Body Milk SPF50+ 250ml for CHF 27.00
This very high sun protection can be applied on damp or on dry skins. Its wet skin technology forms a gel that repels water on the skin and maintains its protection. It doesn’t leave any oily or sticky finish on the skin, not even white marks which is very unusual for a sun protection that high.

Biotherm Waterlover Sun Milk SPF30 200 ml for CHF 47.00
This is Biotherm’s first eco-designed sun care with no compromise on sensoriality, with eco-tested SPF filters and a 95% biodegradable base formula for a lower impact on the water environment. Now you can better protect what you love: your skin, your family and the ocean.

AFTER THE SUN

Clarins After Sun Moisturizer Ultra-Hydrating 200ml for CHF 41.50
This moisture-rich cream with soothing extracts of watermelon, sunflower and mimosa promotes a radiant, even, long-lasting tan. It helps reduce peeling and flaking, while taking the sting out of hot, sun-baked skin.

SUN GOODIES

La Mer The Glowing Body Oil 95ml for CHF 120.00
My favorite! With its rich blend of vitamin E and nourishing oils, this luxurious body oil softens and conditions skin to create a natural, sun-kissed glow. It gives your skin a touch of shimmer and youthful luminosity.

Bio-Beauté by Nuxe Cologne Fraîche Méditerranéenne Cédrat & Néroli 100ml for CHF 35.00
This floral and fruity cologne takes you to the heart of the Mediterranean and can be worn in the sun. Its olfactory combination of Cedrat and Neroli subtly perfumes the skin and envelops it with a breath of freshness.

SWIMWEAR

Bikini by Wikini
Let me introduce you to Wikini, an Italian swimwear brand, that creates beautiful bikinis at affordable prices. And they even do modest Brazilian-style buttoms which can be rarely found. The models are packed in a jar topped with the fabric of your chosen bikini. So cute!
In Zurich available from July 20-22, 2017 at a pop-up shop at Residence K.

And now happy sunbathing…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This has been my object of desire for some time and it is so hard to get it: the ‘On A Summer Day’ Constance III – a rare multicolour swift leather bag with palladium hardware by Nigel Peake for Hermès S/S 2017. The vibrant and luminous hues are so perfect for the summer season, it’s definitely a real collectors item! I adore its geometrical and architectural details. If you look closely, you will spot buildings and trees.

Crazy as it sounds, this bag just hit the shelves this spring and has already been auctioned off for around £20000 two weeks ago at Christie’s first sale of designer totes.

 I love the Constance which is in my opinion one of the iconic beauties of the famous French Maison, along with its sisters Birkin, Kelly and Lindy. Here’s some bag trivia for those still not in the know. Created in 1959 by designer Catherine Chaillet, who named it Constance after her daughter who was born in the same year, this bag comes with a H-shaped fastener and a clever adjustable strap so that it can be worn over the shoulder or held by the side.

If you missed the beautiful Constance bag, hope is here. For F/W 2017, Hermès has collaborated with Nigle Peake again.

Look at this beauty: the Birkin bag in printed Swift calfskin leather ‘One Two Three and Away We Go’ – a playful and colorful exploration of the famous bag. I love.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès and via 1stdibs.com

J.W. Anderson‘s ‘PIERCE‘ bag is so popular it’s been reinvented in multiple colors and finishes. Those latest iterations are made for example from woven strips of leather to create a plaid effect or show a vibrant fish illustration created through cutting edge leather printing technology. All of them are punctuated with a signature barbell-embellished flap.

Pierce medium woven leather shoulder bag (30% OFF on Sale)

Medium Pierce printed leather shoulder bag

Pierce medium two-tone leather shoulder bag

Left: Pierce mini fringed suede shoulder bag
Right: Pierce medium fringed suede shoulder bag

ABOUT J.W.ANDERSON

Established by Jonathan Anderson in 2008, JW Anderson is still a very young brand – surprisingly so because of its indisputably impressive standing within the fashion industry. Having been in existence for less than ten years, the brand has been on every editor’s, buyer’s and It girl’s radar for pretty much just as long. An intrinsically unique perspective on the very essence of fashion and clothing has set JW Anderson apart from the outset, helping it garner a cult-like following. A finely trodden middle ground between critical acclaim and commercial success soon caught the attention of LVMH, whose investment only serves to confirm that even greater things are to come from the Irish-born designer and his incomparable vision. Season after season, Anderson’s show is the “one to watch” for awe-inspiring innovation and statement looks that you never even knew you needed. He is also Creative Director at Loewe.

A truly innovative design: Gold cylinder heel ballet shoe

His newest must-have? During his S/S 2018 menswear show at Pitti Uomo, J.W. Anderson has unveiled his collaboration with Converse which is absolutely divine. It’s a match made in heaven. Jonathan Anderson loves Converse. He’s been wearing them for years. So when the brand approached him for a collaboration with his label JW Anderson, how could he say anything but yes… and present us with these glitter-coated unisex All Stars that are said to be available this fall.

I love J.W. Anderson’s designs and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of J.W. Anderson and via Instagram

«Working with the most wonderful artisans from all over the world is completely natural for me,» commented Christian Louboutin ahead of the launch of his new Mexicaba totes that are exclusive to MATCHESFASHION.COM.

Handcrafted by local Mexican artisans from the Yucatán Peninsula and in collaboration with the Taller Maya Foundation, an organisation that supports the talents of local Mexican women, those absolutely beautiful totes are traditionally woven in riotous rainbow stripes and topped with vibrant, Mayan-style embroidered motifs alongside the designer’s crest-style logo.

Tap into the season’s wanderlust mood and carry it alongside a patterned maxi dress or to the beach. Infuse yourself with the vibrant spirit of Mexico.

TO SHOP THE EXCLUSIVE MEXICABA TOTES BY CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Christian Louboutin