Sandra‘s Closet

The Brown’s hotel belongs to my favourites in London and their English Tea Room is famous. My preferred choice is their ‘TEA-TOX’, a healthy version of their award-winning Traditional Afternoon Tea. Served on tea-stands, you can indulge in healthy treats without feeling too naughty. For more information, please click here. And with such good conscience, you can hop over to Bruton Street where some of my beloved stores are located such as Stella McCartney and Matthew Williamson to look for the new season’s must-haves.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Brown’s Hotel

Recently, I visited the Chopard headquarters in Meyrin, that is very close to Geneva. The Swiss brand that is known for its luxury watches and high end jewelry was bought in 1963 by Karl Scheufele, owner of a manufacturing company of the same kind in Pforzheim, Germany. At this time, Chopard had four employees. The Scheufele family brought their knowledge and talents to Chopard and brought the company to what it is today. An established still family-owned business – with around 2.000 selling points around the world – that produces 75.000 jewelry pieces per year, and that makes the mechanical movements and all the gold used for the creations in-house. Today, Caroline Scheufele, a gemologist in charge for the precious stones buying and the exceptional creations, along with her brother Karl-Friedrich Scheufele run the business.

Me in front of the headquarters, wearing a dress and scarf by Gucci, coat by Etro, boots by Balenciaga and bag by Céline.

After a brief introduction, the lovely team showed me around the different manufacturing stations. The photos below are taken in  the room where the beautiful Imperiale collection is made. It is very impressive to see how much work, love for detail and craftsmanship go into one piece of jewelry. And of course, the best part was, when I was able to try the stunning valuables on. My nail polish and dress matched the rose gold and the cushion-cut amethyst of the Imperiale ring (REF : 829221-5039) perfectly.

The Imperiale collection is inspired by ancient embroidered patterns and decorative elements of the East. This pattern recalls the refined craftsmanship and elegant designs of empires past, and lends an exotic twist to the jewelry pieces.

On the way to my favourite part of the visit, I spotted the famous Palme d’Or designed and hand crafted every year in the workshops of Chopard. (Do you remember when I went with Chopard to the Cannes Film Festival last year, if not, please click here).

Chopard’s diamonds have dominated the Cannes red carpet since many years. The high jewlery collections, designed by co-president and artistic director, Caroline Scheufele, are truly breathtaking. Some of my favourites are the Precious Temptations and the Harrods Disney Princesses collections.

At the artisan atelier, I spotted also some made-to-order pieces like this absolutely amazing dog necklace. The goldsmith had several sketches of a dog’s physiognomy and produced a wax model before making the final piece. It is absolutely captivating to watch the passionate craftsmen at work.

The culmination of my imperial day with Chopard was a lunch at the famous Bayview restaurant at the Président Wilson hotel in Geneva. (Remember when I was there with La Mer. If not, please click here.) Such a treat prepared by one of the most famous chef in the world, Michel Roth (MOF and Bocuse d’Or – 1991) who served a feast for the eyes and culinary delight. The dessert in the shape of a ring was so cute. Thank you, Chopard, for that wonderful experience!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, the doorbell rang and the postman delivered some beautiful literally sweet surprises. The Park Hyatt Zurich sent me such a gorgeous cake in the shape of a bag that complemented the new limited edition nail polish shades by Estée Lauder PURE COLOR HEAVY PETALS perfectly.

The new limited edition spring collection of lacquers looks delicious thanks to its inspiration from the famous macaron dessert. The shades are from left to right: Narcissist, Lilac Leather, Coral Cult, Dilettante France, and Absinthe.

To a tasty weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Estée Lauder and © Sandra Bauknecht

New Year, New You! Have you lived up to your new year’s resolution? I am sure that most of you have, after four weeks have passed, already forgotten about their good intentions. But time flies and summer is approaching fast. So better start now getting in shape.

How to get started:

1. Get a stylish outfit to exercise that makes you feel good so that you want to work out.

Two-tone cotton-jersey hooded top, mesh-trimmed animal-print stretch tank, run mesh-trimmed animal-print stretch leggings, embossed yoga mat, all by Adidas by Stella McCartney and leather wedge sneakers by Pierre Hardy.

2. Find a sport or a studio that suits your personal needs best.

I try to work out at least 4-5 times a week when I am at home. When I am travelling, I exercise less in general. My favourite places in Zurich:
BALLET: Jeannette Steiner Ballettschule Küsnacht
PILATES: Karolina Schmid Pilates Personal Training
YOGA: Vasili Vlachos Iyengar Yoga Center

3. For toned thighs and skin, it is best to complement your workout with the right body care: Celluli Eraser by Biotherm.

This slimming gel works efficiently on two levels to visibly reduce cellulite from 14 days and deliver long-lasting results with the help of marine-derived active ingredients, red Coralline algae extract and pure caffeine, providing a double-effect against cellulite and fat formation. The formula’s refreshing frozen film texture gives skin a feeling of fresh vitality. Apply daily in circular movements on targeted areas. Available in Switzerland from February 2013 for CHF 58.00.

4. It goes without saying that a healthy lifestyle is essential to look your best.

Healthy nutrition helps you to maintain the natural balance and energy flow throughout our physical and mental body. Purelosophy drinks are designed to engage your senses, offering different blends of fresh natural fruit and gentle herbal tastes. A welcome change, a great and healthy treat.

Purelosophy is totally natural. The drinks are not carbonated, which is easier on digestion. Refined sweeteners are avoided that could lead to metabolic (“calorie counting”) and gastrointestinal disturbances. The sweetness comes naturally from fruit juices and fruit sugars. Purelosophy drinks are gently pasteurised to preserve taste and freshness for a long time.

Purelosophy is available online for CHF 3.00 (250 ml) and around the world, including famous places such as Confiserie Sprüngli Zürich, Badrutt’s Palace St.Moritz, Le Byblos St. Tropez, Shangri-La Paris, Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Los Angeles and Mandarin Oriental Singapore, among many others.

5. Cleanse, purify, detox your body from time to time!

Women want to have a perfect body, and therefore maintain constant pursuit of all kinds of light. Detoxification is always a very effective process to eliminate all the negative effects on our body from the environment, such as industrial chemicals, pesticides, additives in our foods, secondary smoke, pollutants, or heavy metals. Nowadays, internal detoxification should be adopted to keep your body systems in pristine condition.

Christina van der Schaar, founder of Holistic Health in Zurich, helps you find simple ways to eliminate toxins from your body with different sorts of detox programs, short-term or long-term, from 24-hour juice fasting for a radiance boost to long-term nutrition counseling. During the program, she comes home to you and delivers you what you need on a daily basis. I have to admit that I have never done such a detox program but I feel that it is time. Holistic Health has convinced me and once I get started, I will journalize my experiences here.

To a New You and Me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands

The restaurant Parisa, one of my favourites that I visited in Doha, belongs to the Sharq Village and Spa. Traditional Persian dishes are served with a contemporary, modern twist. The perfect ambiance to suit the mood of my outfit.

My look: Printed silk-blend crepe top, matching wide-leg pants with side splits from thigh to ankle, leather pumps with ankle straps, all by Gucci (50% off), holographic faux leather clutch by Stella McCartney (new season, please click here for more information on this rising trend), cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli and crochet-knit turban by Missoni (50% off).

I kept my make-up very easy, a little bronzer on the cheeks (24 Karat Shimmer Brick by Bobbi Brown – Limited Edition), mascara (Lash Queen Sexy Blacks by Helena Rubinstein) and red lips (Diorific 040 Marilyn by Christian Dior – Christmas look 2012).
On my nails: Coral Blame by Tom Ford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Day 10 of our Advent calendar is dedicated to some fabulous chocolate treats for the whole family. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly to the shop.

Charbonnel et Walker Handbag & Heels – Chocolate Shoes

A fun chocolate treat for a shoe-a-holic, this gift set from Charbonnel et Walker, one of Britain’s earliest chocolatiers, features a pair of high heels made from mouth-watering solid milk or dark chocolate. Presented in a special Charbonnel et Walker handbag-shaped gift box.

Choconchoc – Make A Chocolate House Kit

Would your Hansel and Gretel like to make their own fairytale house? Well this time it will be made of chocolate. Choconchoc’s Make A Chocolate House Kit contains everything your little ones will need for cement-mixing, brick-making, plan-drawing and building. But how long will the house stay standing?

Games For Motion – Scrabble With Chocolate Pieces

Made from the finest Belgian chocolate this fun collection of chocolates will make you see a game of Scrabble in a new light.

Maison Cailler – Edition Limitée ChocOrigine Grand Cru 2012

For the festive period, Maison Cailler has brought together two exclusive creations to make one perfect gift, a limited edition chocolate to crown the house’s long and successful collaboration with the Ecuadorian cocoa farmers. The “Edition Limitée” ChocOrigine Grand Cru 2012 for year end celebrations combines one coffret of “croquants” and one gourmet coffret of “ganaches”.
A very special treat for the chocolate connoisseur.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Maison Cailler, Harrods and © Sandra Bauknecht

Thanks to my friend Catherine who surprised me with those to-die-for sugar shapes, I have discovered Belle de Sucre, a brand that is almost too good to eat. Every little piece is handmade in the headquarter in Cornou, just South of Paris. Claire Vincent, the founder, came up with the idea to use different colours, shapes and flavours, all made from organic ingredients including fruit pulp and cocoa beans, making them a guilt-free pleasure as well as a work of art.

Adorably packaged and poetically designed, the collection, including must-haves like little handbags, flowers, hearts and lips, is already flying off the shelves! The perfect little surprise for a beloved friend or to decorate your Christmas table.

In Switzerland, Belle de Sucre products are exclusively available at Globus.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Belle de Sucre and © Sandra Bauknecht

“The best gift of all comes from the heart. It’s a song that you share or a smile that you start, it’s the love that you give… .” This is my daughter’s favourite Christmas song and I love the message. When it comes from the heart, every action becomes more beautiful.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money, it is more the time you invest to make somebody else happy. My friend Tine recently surprised me with this handmade cookie jar filled with glittering biscuits. Isn’t it the perfect gift for someone you love? All you need is some hot glue, cute ribbons, one or two flat Christmas ornaments and of course a canning jar. The decoration only depends on your individual tastes, have fun!

Speaking of love, today is my Dad’s 70th birthday! Happy Happy Birthday to the best father I could have wished for. I am blessed to you have you in my life.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“Water is life is love is life is water is life is love is life is water”
This lovely surprise was waiting for me on my doorstep…

Evian® Natural Mineral Water has teamed with American designer Diane von Furstenberg for the design of its 2013 limited-edition bottle, marking the first time the brand has linked with a female designer. The projects reflects a playful celebration of life and features a nod to the designer’s iconic mantras with, “Water is Life is Love is Life is Water is…,” gracing the bottle in her distinct handwriting and an ubiquitous heart DVF logo in a special hue of red.

Since 2008, evian® has collaborated with the world’s most acclaimed designers including Issey Miyake, Paul Smith, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix and Courrèges. To date, 10 million Limited Edition bottles have been sold and distributed to over 150 countries worldwide.

Just in time for the festive season, the limited edition bottle will be sold in Switzerland from November at the retailers Globus, Manor, among others for CHF 2.40.

“I am so excited about this collaboration because I have always loved evian® and I think drinking water is one of the most important things we can do to love ourselves and love is life! To me it is all about living life to the fullest and I am so proud to work with evian® to spread such an important message.“ said Diane von Furstenberg.

About Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg first entered the fashion world in 1972 with a suitcase full of jersey dresses. Two years later, she invented the wrap dress, which came to symbolize power and independence for an entire generation of women. After a brief hiatus, Diane reemerged on the New York fashion scene in 1997 and re-launched the iconic dress, reestablishing her company as a global luxury lifestyle brand. DVF is now sold in over 70 countries worldwide, and has 54 freestanding shops. In 2005, Diane received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), and one year later was elected to her current position as its President. Diane’s commitment to empowering women is expressed through fashion, philanthropy and mentorship. She sits on the board of the non-profit Vital Voices, and in 2010 established The DVF Awards to support and honor exceptional women and organizations.

If you are interested to hear Diane von Furstenberg speak about this collaboration in her own words, I invite you to step in her office by watching this video:

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of evian®, Diane von Furstenberg and © Sandra Bauknecht

I have to admit that I am completely addicted to coffee. I can stop eating sweets, drinking alcohol, but please never take away my coffee. Just the thought of my beautiful nice-smelling cup in the morning, gets me going and out of bed. Coffee actually has a lot of advantages and is not at all bad for you if you drink it in moderation. This is something I need to work on.

Many papers state that coffee is actually one of the healthiest beverages billions of people consume regularly. It can increase your metabolic rate and helps you burn fat if you don’t overdo your intake. Of course, only when consumed black or with a little milk or soy milk – which I like – coffee is great for your figure, as it is having zero calories, zero carbs, and zero fats. So leave away the sugar.

The caffeine in coffee keeps our brains alert and receptive of new information. So I hope that you have had your cup of coffee already because here is some information that you might be truly interested in:

NESPRESSO has launched a new coffee machine “that lives like you”: U – the ultimate experience in simplicity, modularity and purity for coffee lovers around the world that offers an amazing concept!

The Nespresso story began 25 years ago with a simple but revolutionary idea: enable anyone to create the perfect cup of espresso at home. Today, Nespresso has made that idea even simpler by developing U, the next generation machine that shapes itself to suit you and your lifestyle. With clever, modular design, U can change its form to fit contemporary living spaces and interiors. On top of that, the cool machine has a tactile interface which memorises your favourite cup length, and thanks to the pre-programmed Ristretto, Espresso and Lungo sizes, there is no need to select it each time.

The first-of-its kind, it has a rounded, adjustable water tank which is able to seamlessly slide around, letting it change shape to suit your home or office space.

In addition to a quick heat up time of 25 seconds, U features automatic brewing, so your coffee begins the second you drop your Nespresso capsule and effortlessly close its neat slider. Its immediate cut-off also makes it one of the cleanest machines – stopping any drips and automatically ejecting each capsule.

Available in four understated colours – Pure Cream, Pure Black, Pure Grey and Pure Orange – and with some dedicated accessories such as an innovative tray with two adaptable magnetic dispensers, that can be attached to the sides of the U machine or also be stacked on top of each other for a slimmer storage solution. U is priced at CHF 179.-.

And here are some great news for my Swiss based followers: THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN YOUR OWN U!

Nespresso kindly offers two of their new innovative coffee machines to Sandra’s Closet readers. All you have to do is to send me an e-mail with the header “Nespresso” to and tell me which of the four colours you would love to have.

Contestants MUST live in Switzerland. All entries must be received until November 9, 2012. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules.

Personally speaking, I truly love Nespresso because of its flexibility. Every family member can choose his or her own style. For example, I absolutely adore flavoured coffee. Therefore I am completely “going nuts” for Nespresso’s upcoming three end-of-year Limited Edition Grands Crus Variations 2012 for the festive season:

This year, it is inspired by three different notes of nut: Coconut, Hazelnut and Macadamia Nut. Originating from the Livanto family, each Grand Cru encapsulates its own distinct taste universe, opening up new coffee discoveries.

Nespresso Hazelnut – The combination of lightly roasted hazelnut notes with the Livanto Grand Cru reveals praline flavours, giving it a fine balance in the mouth.
Macadamia Nut – The rich savours of the macadamia nut combined with the roundness of the Livanto Grand Cru develop a surprising freshness and reveal citrus notes.
Coconut – A perfect harmony between the coconut notes and the Livanto Grand Cru creates a gourmand experience reminiscent of coconut macaroons.

Each of the Variations 2012 are 100% of natural origin and contain only roast and ground coffees mixed with natural flavourings and is free from food allergens. Available worldwide from November 12, 2012. A sleeve will sell for CHF 5.70 in Nespresso boutiques and online.

This post was so mouth-watering for me that I drank 4 cups of coffee while typing it. Speaking of moderation… but it just tastes so good. Don’t forget to enter the contest and good luck!

LoL, Sandra.

Photos: Courtesy of Nespresso and © Sandra Bauknecht