Sandra‘s Closet

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

Eres will dip into the nail polish market for the first time this March. The trendy lingerie and swimwear brand will launch worldwide in its own stores and franchises a limited-edition line of three nail varnishes — in colours that are inspired by its S/S 2012 swimwear collection, yellow, pink and brown. Each polish will be around € 16.

Matching your outfit to your nail polish or vice versa is quite the thing at the moment  and honestly it is a clever strategy of Eres. I like it!

LoL, Sandra

The pink of “Bengale” is as deep as a Byzantine gladiolus.

The brown of “Damas” is gloriously reminiscent of melted chocolate.

You can almost taste cardamom in the yellow of “Soufi”.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Eres

With the ongoing neon trend, Bobbi Brown’s spring 2012 collection Neons & Nudes is the perfect make-up look to complement your new bright outfits. This season, Bobbi’s mixing easy-to-wear neutrals with bright jolts of colour.

„I love the juxtaposition of subtle with not-so-subtle colours – it’s about highlighting one feature at a time.“

–Bobbi Brown

I recommend getting a bright orange lipstick and wearing it for example with a neon pink sweater. Keep the rest of your make-up simple and neutral.

NEW! Limited Edition
Lip Gloss
Citrus, Cosmic Pink and Ultra Violet, each CHF 35.-

NEW! Limited Edition
Lip Colour
Atomic Orange, Neon Pink and Ueber Beige
each CHF 35.-

NEW! Blush 
Nude Peach and Nude Pink, each CHF 41.-

NEW! Limited Edition
Ultra Nudes Eyeshadow Palette

Including 6 classic shades: Stone Eye Shadow, Chino Eye Shadow, Pink Chandelier Metallic Eye Shadow, Praline Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Champagne Truffle Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow and Cocoa Berry Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow.
CHF 88.-

Cosmetic Bag, CHF 48.-

As for me, I like to emphasize my eyes and therefore love Bobbi’s new two bright eyeshadows:
Bluebell Eyeshadow and Ultra Violet Shimmer Eye Shadow, each CHF 37.-

I freshen the look then with a nude blush and neutral lips. My favourites: Blush in Nude Pink, Lip Colour in Ueber Beige and Lip Gloss in Ultra Violet.

All products are in stores now!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Today has been an exciting day. Karl Lagerfeld has officially launched his new highly anticipated clothing line KARL for S/S 2012 all over the world with a personal appearance in Paris.

Karl Lagerfeld and Natalie Massenet today at the launch event in Paris (Photo: net-à-porter)

“I have been dreaming of mass elitism for a long time. I think it was almost my duty to make it possible under my name. This is the road of modernity.”

A visionary, with a unique instinct that allows Lagerfeld to anticipate trends and desires, he wanted to offer a luxurious yet affordable collection, retaining his core values of sharp styling and high quality. It is his first “masstige” collection – a combination of the words ‘mass market’ and ‘prestige’.

I was lucky to have a sneak preview in the morning at the newly opened showroom located in the 7th arrondissement. The collection offers lots of great basic staples as well as gorgeous accessories such as collars and gloves, iconic Karl pieces.

Lots of leather such as this gorgeous Ossie two-tone leather biker vest .

I am completely in love with this white Oralee layered leather biker jacket.

Close to couture: Each of the 5 dresses comes in a limited edition of only 50 pieces.

What do you think of this large printed canvas tote ?

One of the iconic leather collars.

A little gift from KARL: Cutaway leather gloves and the stunning sequined poplin collar .

In the showroom, I also explored the upcoming F/W 2012 Karl Lagerfeld collection which will be available for men and women. The prices will be a little higher than the younger more basic KARL line. The collection includes great accessories such as sunglasses and also some pieces for home. I will keep you posted on that.

While being at the showroom, RTL filmed me for an upcoming TV-documentation on the new line while exploring the pieces.

To shop KARL, just click on the banner below to be transfered directly. But before that please enjoy the awesome video collaboration between Karl Lagerfeld and video artist Barnaby Roper. Have fun!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

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A city arises from the middle of nowhere in a feverish vision, like a mirage. Under the azure blue of a cloudless sky, Las Vegas keeps the desert dust at bay in the hypnotic ballet of neon lights. Along the Strip, the luxury hotels and casinos set the scene for a modern fairytale in which all dreams are possible. Amongst them stands the Bellagio Hotel. Its sumptuous gallery will welcome an entirely remodeled CHANEL boutique in end of this month.

Peter Philips, Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, creates a gold-plated collection and strews stardust over polyester dreams.

The iconic gold of CHANEL elegance slips into every texture. A silky powder on the skin, sunny lacquer on the nails or a sheer whisper on the lips, it highlights a radiant face that’s on a lucky streak.

LUCKY STRIPES

The Exclusive Creation of the collection concentrates the entire spirit of Las Vegas in its traditional square case. Lined up in rows, four shades of sand and bronze sweep through every variation of a fabulous desert in which gold embraces the sun and shines. On the surface of the colours, an embossed star design seems to extend a warmwelcome to the city of dreams. For an illuminating makeover, a beveled brush is ideal for choosing and blending shades, sweeping lightly over the cheekbones, face or eyelids.

CHF 85.-

ROUGE COCO SHINE BRILLANT

The extremely melt-away texture and playful spirit of the most mischievous CHANEL lipstick get into the game with a total golden look. BRILLANT: faithful to the style of Coco Chanel, its sheer golden shade gives a fun twist to the traditional codes ofelegance.

CHF 46.-

LE CRAYON LÈVRES VEGAS GOLD

It accentuates the centre of the upper lip with a golden line. A makeup tip that adds a touch of light and emphasizes the fullness of a sparkling smile.

CHF 34.-

LE VERNIS GOLD FINGERS

A semi-sheer golden lacquer glides over nails like a talisman for a Midas touch.

In Switzerland available starting February 20, 2012 in CHANEL stores only.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Let me introduce you to LUISAVIAROMA.COM‘s charity project “PUG DOGS FOR HAPPY KIDS” an exclusive one of a kind edition of 20 pug dogs, produced by Steiff, the German leader in the production of handmade plush toys & collectables.
Each piece is customized by a selection of the most prominent international fashion designers.

All proceeds generated from the sales will be donated to UNICEF to support disadvantaged children.

For the 4th Edition of Firenze4Ever Luisa Via Roma has asked each fashion blogger to “Adopt a Pug” for UNICEF. It was pretty tough to decide which one to take as designers such as Balmain, Emilio Pucci, Giambattista Valli, Mary Katrantzou & many more have come up with some pretty amazing pieces.

Curious which one I have chosen? Let me tell you that much: I was fighting with Bryan Boy over the Mary Katrantzou one and he was winning, haha. So I went for another one that I have truly fallen in love with. Stay tuned for the upcoming unique photo shoot with my little puppy.

The toys will be on display in store throughout the following Pitti week and will subsequently be available online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“After women, flowers are the most heavenly creation.” — Christian Dior

Here is your perfect make-up look to complement your new floral outfit. The huge S/S 2012 fashion trend has also come across the world of beauty. Dior‘s “Garden Party” collection is amazing and will be available in Switzerland starting on the 18th of January, 2012.

First of all, let me tell you a little story:

“Christian Dior grew up in Granville, on the cliffs of Normandy, in a house buffeted by strong winds, and seemingly unsuited to the creation of a garden. However, the young man’s creative strength and relentless hard work defied nature, and today one can still admire the garden in bloom and in particular, the fantastic rose garden planted with his own hands.

Christian Dior also loved the excitement of parties, and often hosted the aptly named “Grand Balls of the Century” with enchanted beauties from the Normandy coast and Paris alike. The theme of the festive garden is still alive today throughout many Dior creations. The Dior spring colour collection is inspired by Dior’s fantastic garden.”

NAIL POLISHES

Let me get you started with the stars of the collection and my absolute favourites: The two SCENTED nail polishes in 694 Forget-me-not (light mauve) and 504 Waterlily (soft green) which you can see on my nails below.

DIOR VERNIS “Garden Party” (one-shot): CHF 38 each

The nail polishes come with a rose scent that is only discernible when you hold your nails close to your nose (which started to look weird as I couldn’t stop myself from smelling my yummy finger nails). The scent only starts to appear when the polish dries on your nails. It is amazing, love, love, love it!

EYESHADOW PALETTES

The 5-Couleurs “Garden Edition” Couture Eyeshadows Palette (one-shot): CHF 92 each

841 Garden Roses Soft pinks, Parma violet, silver and purple (see photo above left)
441 Garden Pastels Pale pink, buttercup yellow and luminous greens (see photo below left)

The 3-Couleurs Smoky Palette: CHF 68 each

461 Smoky Garden (one-shot) (see photo below right)
961 Smoky Violet (see photo top right)

STAR PRODUCT

The “Garden Party” star product is a piece of art, a clutch that was designed with the floral spirit in mind. Featuring a glossy leather-like shell, adorned with a woven pattern and sealed by a beautiful rose clasp, this limited-edition makeup must-have for eyes and lips should be on your shopping list! Inside is a trio of delicate rose-embossed eye shadows, one shade of Dior Ultra-Gloss and one Lip Maximizer. Available in two colour harmonies:

Star Product (one-shot) “Garden Clutch Make-up Palette”, CHF 115 each

001 Milly Garden (see my photos below)
002 Granville Garden (see photo above)

BLUSH

This is an amazing product! This blush enhances your unique cheek colour for an ultra-natural and customized healthy glow effect. Your face looks after the application as if revitalized with a breath of fresh air.

DIORSKIN Rosy Glow Blush 001 Pétale: CHF 69

LIP COLOURS

Rouge Dior, CHF 48 each

363 Rose Corolle/ Corolle Pink
448 Rose Tulipe/ Tulip Pink

Rouge Sérum, CHF 52 each

255 Rosée Sérum
355 Pétale Sérum

DIOR Addict Ultra Gloss, CHF 44 each

152 Rose Mondain/ Socialite Pink
396 Party Lilac
452 Rose Pretty/ Pretty Rose

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

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

This year, Pomellato‘s Nudo Ring celebrates its 10th anniversary. For the ad campaign, the Italian jeweler is again teaming with Tilda Swinton.

I have been loving the sleek jewels from the beginning. You can wear only one or stack them up to two or three, playing with the colours.
For its anniversary, Pomellato presents a bigger, stronger version of its iconic piece, featuring gems in bold tones, including London blue topaz, Madera quartz, amethyst, lemon quartz, along with a limited edition in olivine and mandarin garnet.

Rings in rose gold and white gold with blue London topaz, Madeira quartz, amethyst, prasiolite and lemon quartz, £ 2.020

Nudo in amethyst.

Nudo in blue topaz. New Nudo in madeira quartz.

Nudo in madeira quartz, blue London topaz. New Nudo in amethyst.

New Nudo in lemon quartz, peridot. Nudo in lemon quartz.

Nudo in madeira quartz. New Nudo in tangerine garnet, madeira quartz.

Rings in rose gold and white gold with peridot and tangerine garnet, price on request

Good news for my Zurich based readers, we have our own Pomellato store since last week at Weinplatz 10.

Dear Santa, please bring me one or two or three… such a wonderful gift!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Pomellato

Are you looking for the perfect little gift for your mum, your grandma or even your mother-in-law? Have a look at Estée Lauder‘s limited edition solid perfume and powder compacts that come each year in different designs.

Here in Switzerland the complete new collection will be available.

1 Powder Compact LOVE, CHF 95
2 Powder Compact JEWELED PINK RIBBON, CHF 95
3 Powder Compact PROSPERITY, CHF 95
4 Solid Perfume Compact YOUTH-DEW PROSPERITY, CHF 160
5 Powder Compact PEACE, CHF 180
6 Solid Perfume Compact PLEASURES HAPPINESS BY JAY STRONGWATER, CHF 480
7 Compact Powder YEAR OF THE DRAGON, CHF 105
8 Compact Powder LUCK, CHF 150
9 Solid Perfume Compact BEAUTIFUL LOVE, CHF 160
10 Solid Perfume Compact BEAUTIFUL LUCK BY JAY STRONGWATER, CHF 515

Around the world, collectors crave for the new miniature must-haves. 1981’s “Cinnebar Imperial Princess” has today a collector’s value of $8000!

“Cinnebar Imperial Princess”, 1981, Photo:©Swisslady

If you are interested, please have a look at solidperfume.com, a collector’s website completely dedicated to Estée Lauder’s solid perfume compacts.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Estée Lauder