Sandra‘s Closet

Fall into the holidays with the 2014 Gucci Gift Guide, inspired by a whimsical story about finding the perfect gift, even in the most unexpected moment. From contemporary trends and iconic accessories in their Wish List Section (with picks for him and for her) to elegant looks for the season’s chicest invitations to the ultimate in no-holds-barred holiday opulence, as seen in Handle with Care, the curated selection has something for everyone on your list. With pint-sized picks from Gucci Kids, chic designs for sunny escapes, and small luxuries designed to delight, a sensational season is guaranteed. Explore all this and more on GUCCI.COM.

A piece of art: Gucci‘s Floral Knight Bamboo Shopper is definitely on my wish list. As I am already a huge fan of this line (check out this previous post here), I couldn’t have been more excited about this new printed version. Perfect for the next season.

Overly cute: these Mini Bamboo Shoppers are made from supple textured-leather and finished with a detachable strap. It’s the perfect size for your cell, makeup essentials and wallet. 
Did you know that Gucci’s iconic bamboo handles were originally created in 1947 using a patented method to heat and bend them into shape. (If you are interested, I would like to invite you to have a look at a previous post about my visit to the Gucci manufacture in Casellina, Italy).

Love at first sight: sophisticated style with a retro edge, the Bamboo Sac Backpack
makes a defiant comeback. Available in many different colors, its spacious drawstring style has plenty of room for your essentials. Really one is spoilt for choice, which color is your favorite?

Ultimate luxury: a wallet in crocodile leather. The perfect gift for the distinguished connoisseur.

Those studded heels make every fashion lover’s heart leap with joy. Play with colors to elevate your outfit to the next level.

Dear Santa, please be good to me, all I want for Christmas is Gucci…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci

When I spotted these limited edition vanity cases filled with the most amazing products, I knew I had arrived in beauty heaven. The only problem is that those Selfridges exclusives are only available for UK shipping only or in store which means I have to find an angel who will bring me one of those boxes to Switzerland.

The Tom Ford Beauty Trousseau showcases a collection of transforming tools and products from sumptuous colours for lips, eyes and cheeks to complexion perfecting makeup, plus the essential makeup brushes to create a captivating, sensuous Tom Ford look. Discover the ultimate indulgence this Christmas and personalize your own makeup vault.

In honour of the brand’s 20 year anniversary, The Vault from NARS includes a stunning collection of lip and nail colours personally chosen by François Nars. A unique gift; each of the colours in this special edit were specifically chosen for their strength, character and timeless appeal. In Switzerland available at Jelmoli for CHF 590.00.

Yves Saint Laurent Beauté is bringing a couture touch to your fingertips this Christmas season with the lavish limited edition La Laque Couture Colour Collection. Comprising the entire collection of La Laque Couture nail polish in one luxurious black acrylic box, it features 24 iconic YSL shades. One for each mood and outfit, now you can change your enamel as often as you change your handbag or shoes.

Welcome to the Ciaté Nail Lab, the ultimate at home nail studio. Create your own glitter combination and mix with clear Suspension Top coat for classic glitter polish finish or roll your wet nail into the glitter blend for a textured look. Also included are six of Ciaté London’s iconic highly pigmented professional crème shades with a super-blendable formula, allowing you to direct your own nail look by mixing custom-made nail colour. You’ll find the essential elements to help you create and master pro nail looks, including dotting tool, ombré sponge and striping brush. Crown your creation by giving it its own name using the enclosed nametags, perfect for creating a special gift.

Step into the splendour of the holiday season with a colour-filled countdown. Be swept away with this extravagant 24 piece mini nail collection, hidden behind each window of this fairy-tale worthy gift set. The perfect slice of nostalgia this holiday time! Ciaté’s Mini Mani Manor advent calendar includes 17 of Ciaté’s most popular shades including Mistress, Amazing Gracie and Cupcake Queen, five exclusive textured polishes, one exclusive full size Paint Pot and one set of festive nail transfers. Mini Mani Manor comes in three different variations; which one will you discover? Step inside the wonderful Mini Mani Manor and start your Christmas with Ciaté!

If you cannot make it to London on time, I recommend this exclusive Net-à-Porter holiday kit including 14 of the online giant’s favorite must-have skincare, makeup and hair products that can be shipped internationally to your doorstep. This luxurious set makes the perfect gift for beauty enthusiasts or the friend who has everything.

Aren’t all those sets to die for? Which one is your favorite?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands, © Selfridges and © Net-à-porter

Dear Santa, please have a look! My lovely friend Soraya put together a blogger wish list and asked me to be part of it. Here are the items I truly wish for.

1 Appliquéd cotton-jersey and silk sweatshirt by Emma Cook
No designer approaches print and color quite like her.

2 Classic Plonge leather shorts by Saint Laurent
A must for the new season.

3 Stripe leather, suede and canvas sandals by Sophia Webster
Those fabulous heels are perfect for my upcoming trip to a warm weather destination.

4 Cassandre leather shoulder bag by Saint Laurent
No doubt, this summer I will need something yellow in my closet.

5 Multi-coloured backpack by Chanel
The must-have piece of the new season. A wait list voucher is enough for Christmas.

6 Set of two gold-tone arm cuffs by Maison Martin Margiela
Those jewelry pieces vamp up every outfit.

7 Miss Lanvin snow globe by Lanvin
The perfect decoration for my new desk at L’Officiel Switzerland.

8 Story Teller hardcover book by Tim Walker
Coming from my favorite photographer, I couldn’t wish for another coffee table book.

Santa, hurry up, I have just pushed the “add to basket” button… as I cannot wait for those pieces to arrive at my doorstep. I hope that I could inspire you a little.

LoL, Sandra

Since the 1st of December, ORLEBAR BROWN has been travelling around the world with 24 bloggers counting down the holiday season. I was also invited to create my own gift guide choosing 3 items from the new Cruise 2014 collection dedicated to different recipients: 
‘For him, for her and for you’.

GIFT FOR HIM – BULLDOG for my husband
The print is absolutely divine and I am sure that he will love those shorts. Personally speaking, I am having an agenda – I would like to borrow them from time to time.

GIFT FOR HER – HAMPTON for my sister
She is leaving to the Maledives with her boyfriend. I am sure after seeing her in this gorgeous red bikini, he will finally propose to her.

GIFT FOR ME – SANREMO for me
This is the perfect stylish cover-up for the beach that you can also wear with high heels at night.

ABOUT ORLEBAR BROWN
Founded by photographer Adam Brown in 2007, London-based label Orlebar Brown has become the go-to brand for smart tailored shorts in a variety of bold colours and graphic patterns for men and the welcome addition to the female swimwear closet.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SHOP ORLEBAR BROWN FOR WOMEN and MEN.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Orlebar Brown

To celebrate the Christmas season, Swatch has created “Red Knit”. The strap is decorated with classic winter images; snowmen, snowflakes, a white rocking horse and snow-covered pines. The hand-knitted silhouette evokes the warmth and pleasures of winter nights by a crackling fire, with the fragrance of pine trees and woodsmoke.

The limited edition watch comes in a beautiful gift box and for those extra-cold nights, there’s a little something extra inside: an overly cute mini hot water bottle!

Limited to 14.999 numbered pieces, available now for CHF 120.00. What a lovely gift idea!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swatch

Forget dress to impress, it is time to dress to cook with this capsule collection of aprons created by major designers and artists for yoox.com. With €88.00 per piece, it is the perfect gift idea for your someone who likes to prepare dinner in style. Great news is that part of the proceeds will go to the Slow Food Foundation.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of yoox.com

Recently I was invited to explore PANDORA‘s new Essence Collection during an extremely yummy lunch at the Park Hyatt in Zurich.

The contemporary concept is featuring a slender sterling silver bracelet with an accompanying assortment of 24 sterling silver charms, hand-finished from precious metals and symbolic stones, each representing an inner value. It taps into current trends for personal and emotional connection, presenting different women that are each expressing their inner values such as joy, trust, passion, confidence, love, courage, faith and wisdom.

The new Pandora Essence Collection is in stores now around the world and a wonderful gift idea for a dear friend, a beloved sibling or your dear mother for Christmas. It is also the perfect way to express the essence of you, something meaningful around your wrist that reminds you every day of the values you care about.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Pandora and © Sandra Bauknecht

Your iPhone is something that you might have in your hands extremely often during the day. It’s time to dress it up in a cute way! I couldn’t resist Moschino‘s playful animal-themed cell cases that have a cult fashion following. Molded from soft silicone, those 3D iPhone 5 covers will keep your technology safe from bumps and make also a great gift.

LoL, Sandra

The latest star: Agostino panda iPhone 5 cover

This little cutie even comes with whiskers: Violetta rabbit iPhone 5 cover

My favourite: Gennarino bear iPhone 5 cover

Why not team your iPhone with the matching Gennarino bear ear buds?

Marking their 15th year, Louis Vuitton unveils a new look for its City Guides, now covering 15 of the world’s most exciting cities. New cities, new features, new format —the Louis Vuitton City Guides get 
a complete make-over, emerging entirely refreshed and revitalized.

Since 1998, Louis Vuitton has been sharing its insatiable urban wanderlust through its City Guides. Eagerly awaited every year 
and heralded even by the world’s most sophisticated travelers, 
they truly capture the heart and spirit of each city explored, offering a hand-picked selection of exceptional places, delivered with flair and conviction.
A great Christmas gift for a beloved friend.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Swatch has created a beautiful Mother’s Day gift set that consists of five Matryoshka dolls and three Swatch watches hidden within. These famous Russian dolls tell the story of three generations; mother, daughter & grand-daughter. Look inside to find three brightly coloured, floral watch designs (New Gent, Gent and Lady) wrapped around the ladies waists.
The set is available for CHF 200.00.

Happy Mother’s Day means more than flowers and gifts. It means saying thank you. But in case you are in need of a last minute surprise, CLICK HERE TO SHOP A NET-A-PORTER VIRTUAL GIFT CARD that will be delivered directly one second later to your mom’s inbox.

Happy Mother’s Day to my fabulous Mom. I love you very much!!!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Swatch