Sandra‘s Closet

Personally speaking, I might reach for my mobile phone more often during the day than I reach for a glass of water. So I literally died when I came across those iPhone cases that look identical to a bottle of Chanel nail polish. Available in the season’s new shades from the Collection Printemps Précieux de Chanel, Empire, Fracas and Accessoire, as well as long-time classics such as Dragon and Blue Satin – it’s even coated with a crystal clear enamel layer, made by Hong Kong-based Etsy vendor The Custom Art.

Ladies, it is time to outfit your iPhone with seasonal trends in mind.

LoL, Sandra

Important note! The logo or picture is trademark of the respective company. These products are not licensed, defined, sponsored, endorsed or manufactured by Chanel.

Photos: Via Etsy.com

Thank you, Santa, for all the fantastic presents I got this Christmas. I am truly feeling blessed. Some of the gifts were so gorgeous and fashionable that I have to share them with you.

Of course, you will see me wearing them during the next weeks and the Valentino chain link clutch just screams “Sandra”…

1 Patchwork leather envelope clutch by Chloé
2 Fabric zip laptop bag by Chanel
3 H Hobo Grande soft off-white nubuck leather bag by Hogan,
4 Wheel black pony skin loafers by Jimmy Choo

5 Limited edition clutch by Meredith Wendell for Polyvore
6 Leather pouch by Fendi
7 Horseshoe id tag with personalization by Gucci
8 ’60s inspired silk scarf “Intensity” by Dior
9 Chain link clutch by Valentino

My friend Edith has surprised me with this personalized stamp, what an awesome idea!

I just love Christmas, thank you to all for those wonderful gifts!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Finally, Christmas Eve is here and the tree has been revealed. Each season, I love to surprise my family with another colour scheme. This year, I went for white, black, silver and gold with a hint of glittering brown.

I had the idea of a “Christmas tree forest” and pulled up two, one for my daughter with lots of teddybears in gold and silver and a matching taller one for the adults, which obviously is a very girly one, with shoes and bags. (I couldn’t resist the French Christmas at Globus.)
Christmas ornaments are such a sweet surprise for a beloved friend, a lovely gift to be remembered once a year.

As you see, the trees are fake but with the white snow, I think they look pretty. Somehow, I have always felt sad for all those trees being cut down for just a few days… and such a fake one is actually pretty practical as no fir needles are coming down and it looks the same from beginning to end.

A personal tip to take your fake tree to the next level: Spritz it with Jo Malone‘s Pine & Eucalyptus Scent Surround™ Room Spray that instantly fills your home with a breath of fresh air from the woods and feel the tree come alive.

I am wishing you all a Merry X-Mas with lots of laughter, love and of course awesome presents!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I absolutely love scented candles and their calming effect. By creating a cozy atmosphere, just its glow can be comforting.
But mind, they are many differences in terms of quality and it is advisable to buy one made of good ingredients as some candles might produce smoke laced with toxins.

I recently came across CALMING PARK scented candles that are produced in Grasse, France, the world capital of perfume. They are made of organic palm wax and paraffin with a 12% perfume concentration. Their scents are absolutely gorgeous!

The classic range is available in 5 different fragrances:

CACTUS
The calming note of cactus, the pure transparece of water flowers and aloe vera on a background of precious woods.
CASHMERE
The exotic soothing trip to India, the woody notes of patchouli and cedar mingle with precious incense and myrrh balms.
FIG-BAMBOO
The cut grass, the leaves of the green fig tree and the gourmand wood notes accompanying the pure and calming bamboo.
SEQUOIA
The relaxing sandalwood note, , fresh pink berries associated with zesty notes of lime and tangerine spiced with cinnamon bark and clary sage.
SPA DE PROVENCE
The calming scents of the dew from a provencal garden, clarity leaves of green tea and fig, powdery notes of mimosa and heady jasmine on a wooden background of olive and orange leaves.

Today, you have the chance to win the very special candle L’ABSENCE that jazz sensation Melody Gardot has created in collaboration with CALMING PARK.

L’ABSENCE
The relaxing scent of lavander, the sensual notes of the ocean meet the woody notes of cedarwood, cashmere and iris, spiced up by patchouli and white musc.

To win, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Calming Park” to and like Sandra’s Closet on Facebook.

All entries must be received until January 4, 2013. 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.

For those who don’t want to rely on their chance to win, L’ABSENCE is available as limited edition at selected CALMING PARK’s stockists:

– LIMITED STOCK, ZURICH
– HAUTE PARFUMERIE THEODORA, GENEVA
– LISA FEILER, BERN
– EXCELSIOR, MILAN
– FIERTE, SEOUL

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Melody Gardot, © Agi Simoes and © Sandra Bauknecht

Perfume gift sets are always a nice way of surprising your beloved one. Look for her or his favourite scent to enjoy the complimentary items in the box that mostly are packed in little sizes, which is perfect for travelling. Marionnaud offers 20% on those boxes at the moment and check out Harrods by clicking HERE for up to 60% off during the ongoing beauty sale.

Here are some of my favorites:

Already a classic:
Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Toilette 50ml & Purse Spray 10ml
– CHF 108.- 

Love the orange blossom in this very feminine fragrance:
Elie Saab Le Parfum Eau de Toilette 50ml, Scented Body Lotion 75ml & Shower Gel 30ml
– CHF 106.-

A new scent inspired by the magic of the Provençal woods, a flower boquet of roses, peonies and the sparkeling seduction of red berries:
L’ Occitane Fleur Merveilleuses (Limited Edition) Eau de Toilette 75ml, Shower Gel 75 ml & 250ml, Soap 50g & Hand Cream 30ml
– CHF 109.-

Surprise your newly wed or madly-in-love friends with a fragrance duo that will look beautiful on display in their bathroom:
Bogner Heritage Edition for Woman Eau de Toilette 50ml & for Man Eau de Toilette 50ml
– CHF 59.- each

Last but not least, an exclusive limited edition of her favourite scent will make a wonderful present this Christmas. Sisley has been launching since 2002 each year a new version for the festive season of the house’s iconic Eau du Soir.
Sisley Eau du Soir Limited Edition 2012 (Limited to 8000) Eau de Parfum 100ml
– CHF 265.-

Another French house that is known for their beautifully crafted limited edition bottles is Lalique, a brand that has the art of crystal making in their DNA. For this year’s edition, it showcases an extraordinary dragonfly, the label’s lucky charm, cloaked in black.
Inside a great timeless classic, a majestic pure floral:
Lalique de Lalique Libellule Limited Edition 2013 Parfum 100ml
– CHF 1500.-

Thierry Mugler’s new limited edition collection for winter Les Parfums de Cuir (“The Fragrances of Leather”) is celebrating the twentieth birthday of the house’s perfumes. For the occasion, four new interpretations of the famous fragrances enriched with natural extracts of leather have been created, presented in a beautiful leather pouch.
Thierry Mugler Les Parfums de Cuir Angel Eau de Parfum 30ml, Alien Eau de Parfum 30ml, Womanity Eau de Parfum 30ml and A * Men Eau de Toilette 100ml
– CHF 84.- each (non-refillable)

Looking for an even more exquisite collectable? Guerlain might fulfill this wish. Celebrating the 100th birthday of the house’s legendary scent L’Heure Bleue, famous artists and celebrated houses alike have come together to create something truly special.
Guerlain L’Heure Bleue 1912-2012 Limited Edition, 4 Bottles 30ml (The original extract case and three new interpretations, embroidered by Lesage)
– CHF  4000.-
Guerlain L’Heure Bleue 100th Birthday Edition by Baccarat and Gripoix, Extrait 490ml
– Price on request

Those very limited editions are only available in selected stores worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bogner, Elie Saab, Guerlain, Lalique, L’ Occitane, Narciso Rodriguez, Sisley, Thierry Mugler Perfumes

When money’s no object and your other half has everything he can wish for, finding a perfect Christmas present might be quite challenging. Only the most unique or outrageous for your loved one will obviously do, so here’s my pick of the ridiculously extravagant and special, part fantasy and all fun, from a ten thousand dollar backgammon set to a bag filled with garden tools.

Technology and men, you cannot go wrong with that! This limited edition cell phone was designed by Lapo Elkann, heir to Italy’s Fiat Automotive empire, and the creator of one of the most modern labels today, Italia Independent, in collaboration with Vertu. 
The phone boasts with the vibrant blue motif of Italia Independent and offers all the luxury concierge services Vertu is known for.
Constellation Blue by Vertu – CHF 9.700

For the nature lover:
Bag filled with garden tools by Prada, CHF 1990.-

This might be the perfect addition for your gardener to enjoy a snack outside:
3-piece picnic cutlery set by Hermès – CHF 1400.-

Luxury gaming is the perfect gift for the holiday season.
Chess set boxed in the house’s iconic Saffiano leather by Prada – CHF 3240.-

Hermès is also in the game and proposes, of course, something truly luxurious:
Backgammon set by Hermès – CHF 11050.-
The very exclusive piece is competing with …

… Prada’s playful approach at a more accessible price.
Backgammon set and Nine Men’s Morris, both by Prada, each CHF 2490.-

Miuccia’s “It-bag” for all lovers of this sport:
Golf bag – CHF 1240.- and tees – CHF 200.-, both by Prada

A very exclusive scent might always be a good choice. Let me introduce you to the new Essenze by Ermenegildo Zegna collection, comprising of five signature fragrances, each dedicated to one raw material, Italian Bergamot, Sicilian Mandarin, Javanese Patchouli, Indonesian Oud and Florentine Iris.

Available exclusively in Ermenegildo Zegna Boutiques (Switzerland, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Italy, UK, France, Germany, Austria, North America and Mexico).
In Zurich also sold at Jelmoli. Each scent (125ml) – CHF 260.-

For the true connoisseur: Your beloved one will love you for this leather travel case and spray, that will surely become his portable business trip companion. Not only is it the perfect size to slide into his briefcase, but, at 30ml, it’s way beneath the 100ml liquid limit on flights.
Acqua di Parma Essenza Leather Travel Spray – CHF 120.- (30ml)

Or how about this collector’s item designed by Silvia Fendi: A quintessentially case in black crocodile embossed leather for the Italian house’s signature scent, a limited edition object of luxury and desire bearing the emblematic Fendi codes. 
In Switzerland only available at the Fendi Boutique in Geneva.
Fan di FENDI Pour Homme Eau de Toilette, Limited Edition 2012 – CHF 337.-

Your world-travelling husband and boyfriend will thank you forever! Sleepless nights and drowsy mornings have become a common experience in today’s life. This bracelet with it’s Natural Frequency Technology helps wearers with a good and restful sleep and you might want to steal it off his wrist …
Sleep Bracelet with Natural Frequency Technology by Philip Stein, CHF 360.-
Available at Swiss Shop Duty Free, in Zurich at Max Affolter Uhren & Bijouterie, Limmatquai.

Who says I don’t cater to all tastes, here is an offbeat way to spice up your beloved man’s pen collection. You just have to choose if he is more the gun or sword type…
Pens, each CHF 330.- and document cases, each CHF 490.-, both by Prada

I hope that you have found some inspirations!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès, Prada, Vertu, Philip Stein, Ermenegildo Zegna, Acqua di Parma

Have you been looking for the perfect gift for a beloved one?
What about something stylish and special for the home? Below, you will find some oh-so luxe ideas that are tailored for the haute couture inspired taste. If you are interested, just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly to the shop!

LoL, Sandra

Giles illustration Leah plate by Giles

Nador velvet down and feather-filled cushion by Missoni

Nerja floral-print modal and cashmere-blend throw by Missoni

Miss Lanvin 34 porcelain figurine by Lanvin

Set of six Russian dolls by Lanvin

Mirrored stainless steel champagne bucket by Maison Martin Margiela by L’ATELIER d’Exercises

Monogrammed wool-blend blanket by Gucci

Dear Santa, I have been a very good girl, so please bring me the BERLINE MINI BAG by Hermès, it is totally my object of desire! And probably yours now, too!

BERLINE BAG by Hermès

Introduced for F/W 2012, the original Berline Bag is available in the size 28 (28x21x9 cm). While it takes on a new colour for S/S 2013, vermillon red, its features, inspired from the Kelly bag and the automobile universe, pay tribute to the house’s unique saddler-stuffer know-how.

Berline Bag Veau Swift – CHF 6600.-

BERLINE MINI BAG by Hermès

For the S/S 2013 season, it will be available for the first time as a miniature version in the size 21 (21x17x6 cm). This little sister of the Berline bag showcases Hermès’ saddler-padding know-how with its cushioned leather sections. Although its strap is thinner and longer for relaxed crossbody wear, its clasp and snap hooks take a strong stand in retaining their original size. Available in six colours, with matching strap.

Berline Mini Bags in Swift Calfskin – CHF 5650.-

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès

Give joy, be happy! That is Bobbi Brown‘s motto for the holiday season. And looking at all those gorgeous gift sets, we have to admit that wish list really do come true sometimes…

Caviar & Oyster Collection Mini Brush Set (Limited Edition) – CHF 105.-
For flawless makeup application wherever you go, this travel brush set is all you will need.

24 Karat Shimmer Brick (Limited Edition) – CHF 75.00
Five bars of pearlescent shimmer highlight the skin for a lit-from-within glow.

Atomic Pink Lip & Eye Palette (Limited Edition) – CHF 65.00
Looking for a new look? This palm-sized palette takes the guesswork out with a perfectly-edited selection of eye and lip shades that are fresh and fun.

Tube Tint Trio (Limited Edition) – CHF 65.00
Grape Glitter Lip Gloss, Pink Violet Lip Gloss, Pink Mist Shimmer Lip Gloss.

Powder Pearl Eye Trio (Limited Edition) – CHF 80.00
Pearly eye powders in shades of Black Pearl, Moonlight, Pink Pearl.

Extreme Party Eye Palette (Limited Edition) – CHF 120.00
Like a jewel box, this palette contains nine luxe shadows designed to instantly make eyes look party-ready. Four professional-quality brushes make the application easy like a pro.

Black Pearl Eye Shadow Palette (Limited Edition) – CHF 88.00
Six velvety-rich shades were handpicked to help you create dramatically smokey eyes.

All those sets will sell out fast and are highly limited, so better hurry up!
In Zurich available at Jelmoli.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown

As you know besides my family, the love of my life is fashion and the second one is travelling. Personally speaking, exploring new countries and experiencing new cultures are sources of inspiration for me. When I was a little girl, I had a map in my room with pins marking the cities and places I had already seen in my life. The only thing that I dislike about travelling is packing. But with the right luggage, it is much more fun.

Here is the perfect gift for all wanderlusty:

Rely on this lightweight hardside case to accompany you on your longer journeys:  
The Spectra Collection from Victorinox combines lightweight durability with 360 degree weightless movement. Constructed with 100% pure Bayer polycarbonate, these cases offer superior strength for the highest level of performance. As the lightest, pure-polycarbonate hardside collection with eight wheels and a dual-trolley handle system, Spectra offers guaranteed protection and handling ease to meet the demands of the modern traveler. The Swiss Tracker™ Bag Tracking Program will reunite you with your bag anywhere in the world should it ever be lost – for free and the Access™ Lock Combination Recovery Program allows you to register your lock combination on victorinox.com and recover it if it is ever forgotten.

My choice went to the limited edition suitcase Spectra by Victorinox in purple because I love spotting my suitcase from far away among all those black and grey ones. Such a stylish and elegant piece that I am sure every fashionable globetrotter would appreciate for Christmas. And if you add a travel voucher, you will surely make somebody very happy.

Available in four different sizes:
Spectra Global Carry-On (Cabin Size)  CHF 369.00
Spectra Extra-Capacity Carry-On CHF 399.00
Spectra 26 CHF 439.00
Spectra 29 CHF 469.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Victorinox and © Sandra Bauknecht