Sandra‘s Closet

Ladies, are you also desperate in finding great gift ideas for your better half?! Men are so hard to gift. Yes, I know a Ferrari would just be enough but if your wallet doesn’t allow the yacht or the private jet, here is an idea!

To celebrate the magic of the holiday season, Ermenegildo Zegna presents Zegna’s Toyz, an exclusive collection of modern gift ideas in PELLE TESSUTA™, the innovative woven leather fabric made from extremely thin strips of micro leather in place of fabric yarns.

Zegna’s Toyz features a wide range of home, travel and gaming products all made in Pelle Tessuta. The items are dedicated to the modern man for three different moments of his life:

“Essential” is a collection of small leather goods for the gentleman’s business life and includes, among other things, a valet box, a business card case and a sunglasses case.

“Toys” is a selection of leisure and entertainment travel games, which includes a domino set, a playing card set and a game cube.

The “Technological” offer consists of a series of multimedia accessories, such as headphones and speakers, created in collaboration with Master & Dynamic, the premium audio brand known for its sophisticated sound tools.

Zegna’s Toyz: contemporary gifts for distinctive men. Available now in Zegna stores worldwide and online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Zegna

Now, more than ever, gifting is considered an art. To celebrate the holiday season, the Art of Gifting collection that debuted in early 2017 has expanded with new offerings. Sharing emotions, that is something that is deeply rooted in the Maison Louis Vuitton’s attention to excellence.

Louis Vuitton’s first store in 1854.

In 1854, Louis Vuitton founded his namesake House as an emballeur, or trunk packer. The most elegant ladies of the day flocked to his store right by the legendary Place Vendôme to entrust him with their jewels, hats and sumptuous dresses.

A remake of the original Louis Vuitton Pateki brainteaser

Renowned for its innovative trunks, the Art of Packing specialist soon began creating delightful talismans, such as the Pateki brainteaser invented by Gaston Louis Vuitton, the grandson of the House’s founder.

Starting in the 1920s, the pleasure of offering gifts became an art de vivre in its own right, and was illustrated in works such as «Gift-giving, the proper guide to choosing and offering a present for New Year’s, the holidays, birthdays and all circumstances in which one wishes to be kind to those one loves.»

In 2017, the Gifting collection presents a trio of themes that extends the art of generosity with gift ideas for intimate and grand occasions alike. Ideal for year-end festivities, these presents enhance the joys of the season and highlight the unique excellence of Louis Vuitton’s workshops.

Plexiglass box «Scott»

Decorative objects distill the iconic codes of Louis Vuitton to all areas of the home. Like a smaller-scale, nested iteration of Louis Vuitton’s trunks, the «Scott» keepsake box lives up to its heritage and spiritedly blends the modernity of Plexiglas with the sensuality of natural cowhide leather.

Valet trays «Georges»

In the living room, assorted photo frames naturally find a place next to «Georges», a valet tray named after the creator of the Monogram canvas. To combine chic and practicality, three formats come in either Epi leather or natural cowhide leather.

Christmas tree baubles

There are even Christmas ornaments for decorating the tree with Monogram flowers in leather, where canvas and silk embellish the traditional fir with a luxurious iconic touch.

Notebooks

Celebrated by Louis Vuitton, writing, an essential part of the Art of Travel, fires the imagination more than ever. Personnal notebooks, the stalwart companions of traveling writers and the repository for ideas big and small, take on the sheen of precious metals, in gold or silver. Two diary formats in Epi leather join a lineup of colourful or printed notebooks, pencil cases, bookmarks, desk blotters and pencil holders in Monogram Canvas and House leathers.

Teddy bear «Louis» and truck «Tiki»

Gaston Louis Vuitton, the grandson of the House’s founder, was renowned for creating his own parlour games and for his collection of beautiful wooden toys. To this day, a playful spirit influences House creations, such as the «Louis», a patchwork teddy bear, or the build-it-yourself «Titi» truck in Monogram canvas and leather. Travel-friendly objects bring an air of playfulness wherever they alight, from playing cards and signed sets of dice to glasses cases in Monogram canvas and cowhide leather brightened with a touch of bright red or navy blue.

Jumping ropes and ping-pong set

Sports accessories likewise get into the spirit of the season: with a skipping rope in Monogram Eclipse canvas and a matching ping-pong set, the art of movement takes a cue from the Art of Travel.

Objects from the «Gifting» collection will be available starting in November 2017 in Louis Vuitton stores worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

If you’re like me, you always get excited when you see an announcement of a new MAC collaboration. Today, it won’t be different as the most recent collection will definitely not disappoint.

German-born jewelry designer and sculptor Robert Lee Morris is teaming up with MAC for a collection that is inspired by his unique jewelry pieces. Attributing much of his inspiration to forms he admires in nature, his imaginative yet architectural designs are exploring the boundaries between fashion and sculpture. With that in mind, MAC created 16 new, brass-packaged products that belong in an artist’s collection and that will bring out your fancy side.

As we head into the season of gift-giving, you might want to take note of all those must-haves included:

Pro Longwear Pressed Powder – CHF 55.00
Light Plus, Medium Plus, Dark

Powder Blush – CHF 49.00
Peach, Linda, Rhubarb

Matte Lipstick – CHF 32.00
Lychee, Persimmon, Pumpink, Concourd Grape, Fig, Pomegranate

Brush Roll – CHF 145.00
Large Flat Powder Brush 135 – CHF 87.00
Large Angled Contour Brush 168 – CHF 68.00
Small Mirror Compact – CHF 25.00

The collection is in stores from now for a limited time only.
In Switzerland exclusively available at Jelmoli Zurich, and at MAC stores Zurich Bellevue and Lucerne as well as online at www.maccosmetics.ch.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics and Robert Lee Morris

Something for my Swiss based readers today, especially for those who are looking for some cute Christmas gifts that you cannot find anywhere else. Let me introduce you to one of my dear friends Nina who started her business «Nina and the City» formerly known as «Kids and the City» 10 years ago as she was giving birth to her second child and the series «Sex and the City» was at its peak popularity. At the time, the focus was on personalized accessories for urban babies as the original name of the company indicated. My avid readers might still remember, for all others have a look at previous posts from 2010 and 2013.

Nina is a great business woman combining motherhood and her pop-up store in an amazing way. Her concept grew quickly and over the years the scope of the business broadened by including accessories for urban mothers being it textile or jewelry.

Today, «Nina and the City» distributes over 80 brands from all over the world. The differentiation lies in the uniqueness and the smaller scale productions of the products that range from fully affordable to more exclusive. The secret is in the discovery of unknown brands around the world in which Nina – the «truffle dog» as her friends call her – excels.

As every year, Nina and the City will soon open its doors again for a traditional
Private Christmas Sale.

Dates
Oct 31 – Nov 3 : 9 am – 7 pm
Nov 4: 9 am – 2 pm
Nov 6-7 : 9 am – 7 pm

Address
Binderstrasse 61, 8702 Zollikon, Switzerland

For us, she gave us a sneak preview about what to expect and told us about her favorites that will be available for sale next week:

These rings look so adorable stacked! Wear the initials of your family…

Rings – diamond rings with initials that are made out of 18 kt solid yellow, white or rose gold. The diameter of the circle is 8mm and the initial is surrounded by 0,17-0,21 kt (depends on which initial) white (F-VS), brown or black diamonds. This gives an amazing sparkle. To top it off a black rhodium can be added. The rings are stackable for those who have more loved ones to honour with initials. The rings are fully tailored for a very affordable price.

A beautiful look from Manidou

Fashion – cashmere from la Capra, women fashion from Ann&Line, scarves from Manidou (all Swiss brands!) and capes from the Capemädchen.

A personalized bangle

Personalized jewelry – broad variety of personalized jewelry from bangles to bracelets or necklaces in different gold tones, plated or solid, with diamonds or without and for every budget.

With plenty of unique gift ideas and Christmas around the corner, it’s definitely an event not to be missed! See you there!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands via Nina and the City

Brett Heyman’s line of clutches and bags EDIE PARKER is inspired by the mid-century styles favored by showgirls and socialites of the ’50s and ’60s. The brand’s glitter-finish and acrylic designs are all-American – each one sketched in New York and handmade by skilled craftsmen in Chicago using New Jersey-sourced materials.

A piece from the F/W 2017 collection: Macy Kiss marbled acrylic box clutch

Such a sweet way to propose: Jean embossed acrylic box clutch

Bespoke Flavia Clutch

But what I absolutely adore is that EDIE PARKER offers you a bespoke service. You can choose the colors, the text, the shadow, the hardware and the font. This is such a beautiful gift idea that I had to share with you! For more information, click here please. It is so much fun to play around with this tool… you will see!

LoL, Sandra

Double-sided bespoke Flavia CutchPhotos: Courtesy of Edie Parker

Washing has never been more stylish! Finally after touring around the globe, the HERMÈS Laundromat pop-up store is coming to Jelmoli Zurich from October 25 till November 4, 2017.

What is the Hermèsmatic exactly? In celebration of the French brand’s silk squares 80th anniversary, it will offer complimentary dip-dye services on the famous scarves. Giving an artistic upgrade to the traditional laundromat with orange laundry baskets and Hermès logos plastered all over the walls, the shop also features washing machines in the House’s signature shade that perform the transformation.

Shoppers can bring their own Hermès scarves for a fresh dip-dye makeover. There are three different color options, fuchsia, emerald green, or denim blue, available. After the washing machine, it will be put in a dryer and will come out super soft again. Ironing and folding will complete your transformation. After 48 hours your foulard is ready for collection. All for free!

What a great way to have a new scarf…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès – © Alain Benoît and © Martial Schmeltz

Cabinet of Wonders
The Gaston-Louis Vuitton Collection

Edited by Patrick Mauriès With texts by John Banville, Stephen Bayley, Alberto Manguel, Delphine Saurat, Pierre Senges

Such a wonderful coffee table book – a perfect gift for somebody who likes traveling and vintage collector’s items. Over his lifetime, Gaston-Louis Vuitton, grandson of the founder of the House, collected trunks and every kind of article related to travel, invention, craftsmanship and bibliophilia. With more than one thousand objects and documents, this volume pays homage to an ‘unrepentant collector’, his wide interests and voracious curiosity.

In Louis Vuitton stores worldwide July 2017
In bookstores September 2017

Below you can enjoy some of the different sections of the new tome to get an idea of what the book is about. Enjoy and happy weekend! I am off to London…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

It is Sunday, time to play with your loved ones. Personally speaking, I love card and board games and this is one of my favorite things to do with my family on a lazy weekend. A feast for the eyes are the backgammon boards and custom-made games tables designed by Alexandra Llewellyn which I found over the EDEN BEING website.

The London based British designer stocks a collection of in-house designs, all made in the UK, that can be available immediately or personalised with engraved or painted messages, initials, and dates. They can also be commissioned with exquisite semi-precious stone and brass playing pieces.

Alexandra also takes one-off commissions for games tables and games boards, creating a truly original way to commemorate memories and life achievements. Every detail is created in close conversation with the client. What a lovely gift for a loved one!

Alexandra Llewellyn

Since her childhood, which she spent in Cairo, Alexandra has played backgammon. The rattle of dice on large wooden crate-boards signaled the game in play, as she strolled through the streets with her Egyptian step-grandfather. As she travelled more her interest in backgammon evolved, over countless games. She became enthralled by the idea that board games operate as an independent vocabulary requiring neither common language nor culture, and the idea that games bring people together.

Alexandra collaborated with legendary photographer Terry O’Neill, whose images defined the Swinging Sixties and the Seventies.

Launched in December 2010, Alexandra Llewellyn Designs embody an exquisitely unique vision of the oldest recorded board game in the world. Alexandra’s designs are owned by client’s such as Sir Richard Branson, Elle Macpherson, Jacquetta Wheeler, Sony Music, Eden Rock, Mark Ronson and Paloma Faith. I love!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Alexandra Llewellyn Design Ltd. 2016, some taken at Chilham Castle, Kent

This spring, Aerin Lauder takes her favorite three fragrances to new heights with the launch of the AERIN d’Or collection. All three existing scents are newly interpreted with the addition of very luxurious ingredients such as fine woods, like oud and patchouli, along with musk and amber.

The golden packaging is beautiful and will look gorgeous on your bathroom shelf. What a great gift for Mother’s Day!

TANGIER VANILLE D’OR
Oriental

Tangier Vanille turns to gold, taking you more deeply into the mystery and splendor of Morocco, leaving a trail of scent that is shimmering like gold in the air.

Top notes: Bergamot, plum and Bulgarian rose
Middle notes: Madagascar vanilla, saffron and myrhh
Base notes: Cashmere wood, crystallized amber, tonka bean and sandalwood

CHF 240.00 (100ml)

EVENING ROSE D’OR
Oriental Floral

The allure of night in the city that is what Evening Rose is about when it turns to gold.

Top notes: Blackberry, litchi and pink pepper
Middle notes: May rose, Bulgarian rose and honey
Base notes: Incense, patchouli, amber and leather

CHF 240.00 (100ml)

AMBER MUSK D’OR
Oriental Floral

Amber Musk turns to gold, enveloping your senses in its soft, inviting world.

Top notes: Magnolia and coconut water
Middle notes: Lily-of-the-valley and May rose
Base notes: Oud accord, ambroxan, amber, praline, musk, benzoin and incense.

CHF 240.00 (100ml)

In Switzerland available from Mid March 2017 exclusively at Globus or in the Swiss webshop.
TO SHOP AERIN BEAUTY ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of Estée Lauder
Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Attention lovers! Also in 2017, MIU MIU introduces a capsule collection especially for Valentine’s Day. Pink and red, sparkling details, the offering draws on the playful juxtaposition of different elements. This quintessentially feminine collection will make the perfect gift!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu