Sandra‘s Closet

«Love is when the other person’s happiness is more important than your own.»
– H. Jackson Brown Jr.

On February 14, we celebrate the life of Saint Valentine of Rome, who was actually incredibly unlucky and ended up being beheaded. Today it is a celebration of all things romantic, mostly for lovers. But why not thank a dear friend for their friendship or their trust in you. Actions speak louder than words. Personally speaking, I love the written word and the act of taking a beautiful pen to actually write a heartfelt message, is a meaningful sign, something that stays. If you add a spritz of fragrance, it will evoke all senses.

This amazing fragrance by SHALINI «Amorem Rose» is guaranteed to add a serious dose of sex appeal to your Valentine’s Day. Inspired by love, it is the most opulent rose perfume, although different by adding an element of smoke. Besides, it centers around Bulgarian Damask rose, Saffron flowers, Baltic amber and Mahogany wood.

Created by Maurice Roucel, who designed one of my favorite scents Musk Ravageur, SHALINI says in her own words, «it’s a perfumed poem dedicated to the greatest love stories. The Rose has the highest love energy of all the flowers, often referred to as the Queen of Flowers, the symbol of the divine feminine love. The smoke brings a sense of mystery and intrigue reminiscent of a great love… the love that touches your soul deeply and alters your very being.»

Amorem Rose by SHALINI is available at Spitzenhaus in Zurich.

My personal note to SHALINI KUMAR, a former Indian actress, was written with CARAN D’ACHE‘s Ecridor Doré Rose ballpoint pen that is adorned with a new brilliant rose-gilded finish.

Happy Galentine’s Day – to all my girlfriends around the world!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

If you are in NYC or planning a spontaneous trip, I absolutely recommend to surprise your loved one with a stay at The Mark Hotel and indulge at their special Valentine’s Day Menu.

The boutique hotel located in New York’s Upper East Side at the corner of Madison Avenue and 77th Street spreads «Love» with a Sensuous Special Room Service Menu not only for Valentine’s Day but the whole upcoming weekend! Romance is in the air…. and in your suite.

The offering includes  love potion cocktails paired with natural aphrodisiac bites prepared by Michelin-star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Optional add-ons include a Sexual Satisfaction Grade Card, a pair of Agent Provocateur Panties, and The Mark Eye Mask.

Moreover, you can enjoy 24/7 shopping at Bergdorf Goodman and have access to The Mark Sailboat, a 70-foot vessel available to guests to sail around the New York Harbor. I also recommend getting a special treatment by hairstylist Frederic Fekkai and perfumer Frederic Malle.

Warning: This menu may cause too much passion and lust.
Pure luxury, pure satisfaction, this is what #LifeAtTheMark is all about!
There is a reason it is New York’s most boldly lavish hotel…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Mark Hotel

This week, I seem to have a red thread as I realized that I posted so many things in this festive hue. Today is no different as I would like to show you the world’s most eternal fragrance in Gabrielle Chanel’s favorite colour. For the first time ever and for a limited time only, N°5 dresses in red.

N°5 EAU DE PARFUM
An abstract floral bouquet composed around may rose and jasmine, brightened with citrusy top notes.  Aldehydes create a unique presence, while the smooth touch of bourbon vanilla leaves an incredibly sensual trail.

N°5 L’EAU
Fresh and sophisticated, complex yet easy to wear, N°5 L’EAU offers a new definition of femininity.

The unique limited editions are available as N°5 L’EAU Eau de Toilette and N°5 Eau de Parfum (both as 100 ml for CHF 202) in mass-dyed red glass and as 55 numbered red Baccarat crystal bottles for a collector’s edition of the N°5 Parfum (900 ml, price on demand).

Personally speaking, I am a big fan of this classic. This limited edition bottle makes a great gift for every CHANEL-loving fashionista  and it is already under my Christmas tree. If you get a chance, try the body products as well. They have an amazing quality and the scent is true to the EdP and very long-lasting.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of CHANEL and © Sandra Bauknecht

Exciting news – flash sale at NET-A-PORTER: I don’t want you to miss out on the top designers, now for less!

Up to 50% Off, plus enjoy 15% off last minute gifts. Valid on all ‘Sale Must-Haves‘ – enter code LASTMINUTE15 at checkout. This promotion will be live for 24 hours only – it will launch on Monday 17th December 12.00am GMT, and will end on Monday 17th December 11.59pm GMT.

TO SHOP THE FLASH SALE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Net-à-Porter

To mark its 10th anniversary, Moritz Grossmann are launching their most ambitious project to date: the release of an interactive, online advent calendar of 24 unique watch pieces which are exclusively available at a global online auction with Christie’s. This is the first time ever that the auction house has offered such a large capsule collection of new and unique pieces.

About Moritz Grossmann
On November 11, 2008, Christine Hutter founded Grossmann Uhren using the distinguished name of the co-founder of the Glashütte watch industry and initiator of the German School of watchmaking in Glashütte, Moritz Grossmann. In doing so, she ensured that the legacy of the highly respected watch pioneer was revived after around 130 years. Since 2008, the company has been manufacturing watches to the highest standards in a classic yet contemporary design.

The common denominator of this collection is that every watch is unique, deriving from the most beautiful German craftsmanship.

The online auction runs until the 10th of December 2018 (Sale no. 16375).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Moritz Grossmann

Louis Vuitton extends its New Wave collection in February. Whether tender, passionate or more classic, three shades champion the colours of love. Perfect gifts for Valentine’s Day!

The Heart bag embraces the universal heart shape as a versatile symbol to make your own. A removable shoulder strap, leather handle and a loop on the back allow it to be carried in three different ways: over the shoulder, clutch-style in the hand, or on a belt.

The LV Love locks accent the quilted leather of the Louis Vuitton New Wave line. A host of fun symbols – metallic padlocks, keys and locks – punctuate the small and large – Chain bag, the Heart bag and even the wallets.

The Heart bag comes in blush pink and scarlet with the LV Love locks, while its black version simply sports the LV signature. The blush pink Heart bag with the LV signature is exclusively available online.

Enlivened with LV Love locks, the small Chain bag in scarlet and the large Chain bags in blush pink and black bring their colourful energy to this festival of love.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Christmas might be months away but that doesn’t mean we can’t get excited about the advent calendars set to be released in the coming weeks. I’ve had a peek at most of them already and can confirm that 2018 is looking gorgeous. These three luxurious calendars are a fabulous way to count down to Christmas. Best of all, the beautifying treats inside won’t take a toll on your waist line.

The CLARINS Advent Calendar 2018 is available now as limited edition for CHF 99.00.

The 25 Days of Beauty – NET-A-PORTER Advent Calendar offers one door more…

The JO MALONE Advent Calendar 2018 will be available from October 30, 2018 for CHF 490.00.

If you like to travel mostly with hand luggage like me, you will totally enjoy all these travel size products included for face, body and hair.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

I have always been a big fan of M∙A∙C’s beauty kits as they offer a great choice of colors or brushes and make the perfect gift. Here are new launches that hit the shelves this week:

M∙A∙C Artist Edit Brush Kit
Basic – 89.00 CHF

M∙A∙C Artist Edit Brush Kit
Eye – 79.00 CHF

M∙A∙C Artist Edit Mini Lipstick Kit
M∙A∙C Idols – 63.00 CHF

M∙A∙C Artist Edit Lip Trio
Red – Nude – Pink – 63.00 CHF each

M∙A∙C Artist Edit Little MAC
Pink – Nude – 22.00 CHF each

M∙A∙C Artist Edit Total Babe – matte
79.00 CHF

M∙A∙C Artist Edit Metalista – metallic
79.00 CHF

Limited editions, available now, exclusively at M∙A∙C STORE ZURICH (BELLEVUE), M∙A∙C STORE LUCERNE (TRAIN STATION), M∙A∙C JELMOLI ZURICH and online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of M∙A∙C Cosmetics

Playful in polka dots – JO MALONE launches colourful colognes, stripy candles and brilliant bubbles. Bath time has never been this fun- enjoy this limited edition collection «QUEEN OF POP!», curated by Poppy Delevingne.

Shh… Busy Bathing!

Enjoy a long, uninterrupted soak with the new luxurious Bubble Bath, available in three different scents. It nourishes skin with wonderfully fragrant bubbles. A relaxing bath time indulgence, its formula is enriched with a blend of sumptuous, skin-conditioning ingredients to cleanse and soften. All dressed up in a decorative bottle from Queen of Pop.

Black Cedarwood & Juniper and Nectarine Blossom & Honey Bubble Bath 500ml – CHF 95.00
Velvet Rose & Oud Bubble Bath 500ml – CHF 100.00

«The design of the collection was inspired by my love of stripes, polka dots and all things pink…I wanted every product to be eye-catching and above all, fun. The Colognes, Candles and Bubble Bath will look amazing in any bathroom…»
– Poppy Delevingne

Blackberry & Bay, Grapefruit and Basil & Neroli Home Candle 200g – CHF 86.00

Amber & Lavender, Red Roses, Peony & Blush Suede Cologne 30ml, CHF 72.00

In stores now. In Switzerland available at Jelmoli in Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

Lovely gift and a not from Poppy – thank you!

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone
#FromPoppyWithLove

Still haven’t been to the Polo Bar, RALPH LAUREN‘s first restaurant in New York City? The designer’s Kipton Mixologist Box lets you bring the designer’s signature cocktail style with you wherever you go. The travel set includes a hand-cut crystal decanter, four matching glasses, a leather-bound book full of cocktail recipes, a bottle opener, six cocktail picks, four coasters, and a silver-plated brass jigger and nut bowl. The elegant saddle leather carrying case is lined with our signature Wexford plaid wool, which is featured in the dining room’s décor.
Such a great gift for cocktail cognoscenti…

TO SHOP THE KIPTON MIXOLOGY BOX ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

The famous Polo Bar
1 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022, USA – Phone: +1 212-207-8562

Photos: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren