Sandra‘s Closet

This Sunday is Mother’s Day and it is still not too late to find the perfect gift for your beloved mum. Instead of giving a bouquet of roses have you ever thought of giving roses in a tube?

Here are some gift ideas for you:
(For my Zurich based readers, most products are available at Osswald and Jelmoli).

Rose Hair & Scalp Moisturising Masque by AESOP
CHF 38.- (120ml)

This rich conditioning treatment restores vitality and shine to all hair types with active ingredients of rose petals and lavender stems. It is to be used on the hair and scalp once a week for half an hour. Should hair be extremely dehydrated, it can be left on overnight. This masque is suited to all types of hair but ideal for dry, brittle or coloured hair.

The deep conditioning leaves hair soft, lustrous and moisturised; dry and flaky scalps will be soothed and hydrated.

Crème de Rose by DIOR
$26.50 / €24.50 / CHF 41.-

Crème de Rose is an essential nourishing and smoothing lip balm with a delicate rose fragrance that is simply addictive! It is enriched with a rare and precious Damask Rose essential oil extract, an anti-aging complex, energizing vitamins A and E, and shea butter for a long-lasting regenerating and smoothing anti-wrinkle effect. It leaves the lips optimally soothed, moisturized and nourished. Soft and beautifully plump, the lips are more radiant than ever!

Baume de Rose (Rose Balm Gloss) by BY TERRY
$55.- / €39.-

By Terry has created a chic and practical crystal case for their must-have Rose Balm which hydrates and nourishes the lips. It features an extremely high concentration of lipid-building substances and essential rose wax. The formula is a rejuvenating, reparative, strengthening, nourishing and anti-ageing treatment that enhances the voluptuousness of the lips and leaves them radiant with the glow of health!

Red Roses Bath Oil by JO MALONE
£38.- (250ml) – also availabe in a beautiful glass decanter (200ml)

Composed of seven types of roses from around the world, Red Roses is a surprisingly clean, voluptuous scent. With a heart of crushed violet leaves and hints of lemon and spearmint, it unfolds like a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers. Red Roses Bath Oil gently fragrances and moisturises the skin. Lush and softly foaming, it’s pure relaxation.

Crème Splendide Corps by ANNICK GOUTAL
€100.- (60ml)

Nutrition and firmness for all skin types. Highly concentrated in phyto-energizing active ingredients, caffeine and Active Rose Serum, Crème Splendide Corps nourishes, tones, firms and leaves skin satin-soft. Its luxurious, sumptuous texture and its fresh rose-like fragrance of morning dew win is seductive and irresistible. Rich in precious oils such as the oil of macadamia, and jojoba, this cream nourishes the skin in leaving it toned and soft like satin. It is a genuine, youth-promoting curative treatment which stimulates cellular renewal. I am completely addicted to the body cream.

Sa Majesté La Rose by SERGE LUTENS
CHF 119.- / €79.- (50ml)

A wonderful, intensive, floral bouquet with rose as the leading role in the center. For this fragrance, Serge Lutens combined Her Highness, the Rose, with fresh, green, opening notes, spices and woody notes in the base. For a previous interview with the famous perfumer, please click here.

Roses Scented Candle by DIPTYQUE
$60 (standard size) and $28 (mini size)

This beautiful scented candle recalls an armful of tender, changing roses that lightly evoke the world’s most universally loved flowers.

I would like to end this post with a huge thank you to all mums in the world:

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.”

– Washington Irving

LoL, Sandra

All good things come in threes. Here is the final “Bestsmellers” post for Mother’s Day. I hope that you will find some inspiration for a little odorous surprise. Those four flankers below are lighter versions for summer, mostly related to the original fragrances.
A great gift for the warm season.

LoL, Sandra

SWAROVSKI – AURA EAU DE TOILETTE
Eau de Toilette, CHF  49.- (30ml), CHF 73.- (50ml) and CHF 97.- (75ml) – all refillable

Oriental Floral
A lovely interpretation for the warm season of last year’s luxurious fragrance composition.

Top notes: Litchi and rose
Heart notes: Tuberose
Base notes: Pink pepper, benzoin, amber and musk

THIERRY MUGLER – ALIEN AQUA CHIC
Eau de Toilette Légère, CHF 74.- (60ml)

Oriental Floral
For all women who love transparent, aquatic fragrances.

Top notes: Lemon verbena and ginger
Heart notes: Freesia
Base notes: Amber and woodsy notes

BULGARI – MON JASMIN NOIR L’EAU EXQUISE
Eau  de Toilette, CHF 99.- (50ml) and CHF 116.- (75ml)

Floral
Fresh, airy and ultrafeminine – reminiscent of a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Top notes: Pomelo, almond and grapefruit
Heart notes: White tea and jasmine
Base notes: Musk and cedar

YVES SAINT LAURENT  – PARISIENNE L’EAU
Eau de Toilette CHF 111.- (50ml) and CHF 143.- (90ml)

Floral Fruity
A juicy, floral fruity summer version of the original scent that was launched in 2009.

Top notes: Vinyl accord, green notes, violet leaf and rose
Heart notes: Cranberries, red fruit and black currant
Base notes: Patchouli, cedar and white musk

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht and Stills: Courtesy of the brands

Don’t forget, on Sunday we are having a (MOM)ent. Here are some more ideas for a lovely gift for Mother’s Day.

Your mother is your first (and best) friend. Make her day all over again with something she adores like one of those recently launched fragrances.

LoL, Sandra

JOHN RICHMOND – VIVA ROCK
Eau de Toilette, CHF 46.- (30ml), CHF 84.- (50ml) and CHF 112.-(100ml)

Floral Aldehydic
Sophisticated and young, the perfect scent for a woman who loves life.

Top notes: Sicilian mandarin, carambola and cactus
Heart notes: Damascena rose, jasmine and cherry blossom
Base notes: Musk, iris and amber

KENZO FLOWERTAG
Eau de Parfum, CHF 81.- (30ml) and CHF 110.70 (50ml)

Floral Fruity Gourmand
Inspired by the urban art of graffiti, this intense version is all about sensuality.

Top notes: Grapefruit, black currant and rhubarb
Heart notes: Gardenia, jasmine and peony
Base notes: Praline, vanilla, patchouli and musk

NARCISO RODRIGUEZ – FOR HER EAU DE PARFUM DELICATE
Eau de Parfum, CHF 147.- (125ml)

Oriental Woody
A limited edition fragrance – an expression of femininity and gracefulness.

Top notes: Rose and peach
Heart notes: Musk and amber
Base notes: Oud, patchouli and sandalwood

HERMES – VOYAGE D’HERMES PARFUM
Perfume, CHF 105.- (35ml), CHF 151.- (100ml) and CHF 146.- (125ml Refill Bottle)

Woody Floral Musk
Classy, stylish and  rich – for the independent woman.

Top notes: Cardamom, lemon and spices
Heart notes: Hedione, floral notes with accentuated rose, green and tea notes
Base notes: Amber and musk

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the brands

Mother’s Day is around the corner and you might want to think of a little surprise. There are many new fragrances on the market. Here are some of the bestsmelling scents available now.

LoL, Sandra

GUERLAIN AQUA ALLEGORIA – LYS SOLEIA
Eau de Toilette, CHF 109.- (125ml)

Floral Fruity
Elegant and light, perfect for an airy summer night.

Top notes: Bergamot, lemon and palm leaves
Heart notes: Lily, ylang-ylang and tropical fruits
Base notes: Tuberose, vanilla and white musk

ISSEY MIYAKE  – L’EAU D’ISSEY SUMMER 2012
Eau de Toilette, CHF 86.- (100ml)

Floral Aquatic
Dynamic and refreshing but full of exotics and warmth.

Top notes: Rose, pear and water notes
Heart notes: Carnation and peony
Base notes: Osmanthus and woodsy notes

PRADA INFUSION D’IRIS EAU DE PARFUM ABSOLUE
Eau de Parfum Absolue CHF 118.- (50ml) und CHF 150.- (100ml)

Oriental Floral
Intense, rich – full of seduction, my favourite.

Top notes: African orange flower and neroli
Heart notes: Italian iris
Base notes: White musk, benzoin from Laos, Madagascar vanilla and tonka bean from Venezuela

BIOTHERM EAU OCEANE
Eau de Toilette, CHF 70.- (100ml)

Floral Aquatic
Revitalising, hydrating and refreshing – the power of the ocean in a scent.

Top notes: Bergamot, lemon and fruity notes
Heart notes: Jasmine and water notes (through Firmenich molecules)
Base notes: Musk, cedar, algae, moss and sand flowers

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the brands

Any room, any occasion, transforms when it’s styled with scent. A way to personalise your home and shape the mood. To uplift, to wind down… or simply to add an air of luxury. Because the ambience of your home should be as inviting as the fragrance on your skin.

I am so excited for Jo Malone‘s new introductions to their iconic Home Collection, that are available now. In Switzerland at Jelmoli Zurich and Globus Geneva.

Scent Surround™ Diffusers

Understated. Sleek. Effortlessly and continually add an enveloping scent to any space.
Available in Lime Basil & Mandarin, Pomegranate Noir and Red Roses.

165ml £45 / €60 / CHF86

Scent Surround™ Room Sprays

Instantly create an impression with a burst of enticing scent.
Available in Lime Basil & Mandarin, Pomegranate Noir and Red Roses.

175ml £34 / €45 / CHF62

Limited Edition Scent Surround™ Drawer Liners and Sachets

Infuse clothes and linens with the signature scent of Lime Basil & Mandarin.

Sachets 3 pieces £20 / €25 and Drawer Liners 5 pieces £30 / €40
(Limited edition, not available in Switzerland)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone

Welcome to Pet Kingdom at Harrods – the world’s premier shopping destination for canine chic and feline trends.

11,000 square feet of emporium dedicated to your furry, feathered and fishy friends. There is a large section with designer dog clothes and accessories to pamper your puppy prince or princess. Moreover you can shop for dog apparel, collars, toys, beds, Halloween costumes, trendy cushions for cats and much more. See for yourself:

If your four legged friend is as fashionable as you, you might want to dress him in the newest Mulberry for Dogs collection!

For a seriously pampered pet, book them an appointment at the Pet Spa which promises a whole menu of animal friendly services including behavioural counselling, full body massages and animal reiki as well as nutritional advice, personal training sessions and grooming. Owners can also choose from signature treatments including thalassotherapy mud baths, blueberry and vanilla facials, deluxe pedicures and even book their pets onto a full Spa Day Experience.

The Pet Spa is located on Harrods Fourth Floor. Treatments start from £59.95. To book please email or call 020 3036 6222.

Isn’t that hilarious?!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Checkmate! For the gentleman who has everything, Hermès has created a luxurious chess set as part of their S/S 2012 collection. For the ultimate board game experience, buy this leather chess board featuring competing armies in rosewood and mahogany for CHF 19850.-.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Hermès

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and I have put together a Valentine’s gift guide for you with small tokens, grand gestures and everything in-between. Gentlemen, have a closer look and delight your loved one! Wrap up something special and wow your Valentine.

And Ladies, I recommend sending a not-so-subtle hint! In case you are single, why not treating yourself to a fabulous gift?!

Swatch‘s numbered limited edition Valentine’s Day collection:
CATCH MY HEART GZ264S and LOVELY MINE GZ265S, each CHF 60.- (in Swatch stores only)

You can’t go wrong with Ladurée‘s special edition macarons for Valentine’s Day. Starting February 10th, you’ll be able to buy the grapefruit-flavored treats in a special pink-and-blue box.

What about this cute little bag by s.Oliver? €15.95

Sigg‘s famous drinking bottles come in a Valentine’s Limited Edition. A great surprise for your little girl.
Valentines Special / Art. Nr. 8341.70 / 1.0 L / CHF 27.-
Dear Deer / Art. 8322.40 / 0.6 L / CHF 25.-

Alternatively you can surprise your boyfriend in a cool shirt by New Yorker, CHF 16.95.

What about a little game on Valentine’s Day? Agent Provocateur‘s Charades is just perfect for the occasion, CHF 60.-.

Write a love letter with Montblanc‘s Bohème white gold fountain pen with a red heart-shaped ruby (CHF 23.100.-)…

…preferably with Montblanc‘s Love Ink in red (CHF 13.40).

Needless to say, famous fashion houses have jumped on the Valentine’s trend and have come up with many gift ideas, such as Gucci that offers a whole collection of little goodies.

I love this Miu Miu handbag (CHF 990.-) and the matching bracelets (CHF 290.- each).

How cute is this pocket mirror by Louis Vuitton?
Available now for €240.-.

Prada‘s adorable key chain with the little Kara bear trick will surely break some hearts (CHF 190.-).

Give a little love… your iPad will thank you for such a sweet cover (CHF 290.- each)! And spending money might be even more fun with Prada’s heart-print wallet (CHF 450.-).

Chanel offers a more subtle colour palette for their Valentine’s collection.
I am so in love with this cuff, please be mine!

LoL, Sandra

Gentlemen, stores are still open today. This is your last chance to get a wonderful surprise for your beloved one. You cannot go wrong with a wonderful piece of jewelry.

For the generous budget, Bucherer has created the Haute Joaillerie collection which consists of four amazing one-of-a-kind necklaces. At least, it is a feast for the eyes! One can always dream…

Pendant with necklace in 18k white gold with 6 fantasy-cut tanzanites (total 129.91 ct) and 179 brilliants (total 4.52 ct),
CHF 148.000.- / € 135.000.-

Pendant with necklace in 18k white gold with 8 fantasy-cut Paraiba- tourmalines (total 127.11 ct), 234 brilliants (total 2.15 ct) and 35 rose-cut diamonds (total 4.17 ct)
CHF 218.000.- / € 195.000.-

Pendant with necklace in 18k white gold with 6 fantasy-cut tsavoliths (total 1o9.76 ct) and 174 brilliants (total 4.39 ct),
CHF 144.000.- / € 110.000.-

Pendant with necklace in 18k rose gold with 10 fantasy-cut rubellites (total 135.34 ct) and 241 brilliants (total 7.11 ct),
CHF 68.000.- / € 62.000.-

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bucherer

Are you looking for a last minute gift? Have a look at Louis Vuitton‘s Christmas 2011 collection. You will find plenty of possibilities in different price ranges, from traditional leather goods to high end jewelry pieces.

Welcome to the Louis Vuitton Circus!

My personal favourite is Louis Vuitton’s new release of small leather goods decorated with authentic vintage advertising illustrations from Louis Vuitton’s archives, so-called “Les Illustrés” collection.

The new limited edition collection is available on Monogram, Damier, Damier Graphite and Damier Azur canvas. The lining comes in beautiful sorbet colours, such as lilac, rose and mint green.

Mini Pochette Les Illustrés
£190 / € 210

Les Illustrés Key Holders
£140 / €155

Les Illustrés Key Holders
£140 / €155

Small Ring Agenda Cover Les Illustrés
£ 225 / €245

Small Ring Agenda Cover Les Illustrés
£ 225 / €245

Zippy Wallet Les Illustrés
£460 / €500

Zippy Wallet Les Illustrés
£460 / €500

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton