Sandra‘s Closet

What an exciting collaboration.
Melissa Odabash‘s signature flattering cuts combined with a touch of Julien Macdonald‘s high-octane glamour, what else could we have asked for?! In search of the perfect bikini, former model Melissa Odabash decided to launch her own line. Her exotic swimsuits, and embellished kaftans are a hit with the A-list, and as fit is just as important as design, the beautiful blonde teamed up with her friend Julien Macdonald to ensure all her creations look and feel fabulous.

My favorite piece is this Hilary embellished silk-georgette kaftan.
Beautiful getaways in mind, you can shop this amazing collection exclusively HERE.

Yesterday I flew to Dubai and today, I will be off to Oman. The sun is shining and I wished, those amazing pieces would be in my little suitcase…

LoL, Sandra

Me with Julien and Melissa at the Rodial Beautiful Awards 2013.
Photos: Courtesy of Melissa Odabash, © Sandra Bauknecht

Shoes speak louder than words, especially those to die for ones by Saint Laurent. An exacting standard of attitude, these black pumps will become your first port of call when it comes to downtown dressing. The vertiginous heel is supported with a generous platform, while gently swaying silver-toned chains add edgy appeal. My object of desire that has deserved its own post!

SHOP THE JANIS LEATHER PLATFORM PUMPS WITH CHAINS BY SAINT LAURENT HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Style note: a different stripe changes everything and Clare Waight Keller created an amazing neo nautical look for CHLOÉ Resort 2014. Get inspired and sail away to a new style horizon. This is your invitation to Mytheresa‘s exclusive pre-shopping event (3 days before it will be available to all costumers).

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SHOP THOSE AMAZING PIECES NOW.

LoL, Sandra

Merry X-mas to all of you. Christmas Eve was absolutely fantastic being surrounded by my loved ones in the comfort of my own home. In the morning after my last minute shopping tour, my daughter and I decorated our Christmas tree that turned out to be very girly in pink, white and silver with a touch of black. A few years ago, I decided to get an artificial tree. I always felt bad to cut one for only those few days and hated the cleaning up after the season was over. With the fake snow, I really love its look and to achieve this iconic pine smell, I use a little trick (Please click here for last year’s post). Each season, I also opt for another color scheme.

In the evening, we ate great food and dressed up just enough to feel special, but still be comfy. We always end up playing fun games and talk until late. After dinner, we exchanged gifts – the little extra magic and sparkle of a Christmas Eve. Being a mum, I felt like Sandra Claus seeing my daughter’s eyes filled with joy and happiness. It is one of those magical moments you treasure forever. My hubby really surprised me in a fun way. He had “bribed” my personal shopper at net-à-porter and got me some of my favorite items from my wish list. My personal shopper told me she had to take them out of my basket as they were defect and I had been so disappointed… great idea, I have to say! I cannot wait to show you my new pieces.

My look for Christmas Eve matching my tree: Pink cowl-back silk-sateen dress (from the new Resort 2014 collection, also available in black) and pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps, both by Saint Laurent, art deco earrings by Prada, cuff by Chanel, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget, Twenties stay-up by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

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

Miu Miu launches its latest range of bags for Resort 2014 inspired by the iconic biker jacket, playing with zips and color contrasts. The epitome of this season’s punk trend, those new must-haves come in classic black but also in bold multicolour combinations, equipped with functional details such as the removable shoulder strap and golden-coloured exposed zips.

Available in all the brand’s stores.
TO SHOP THE BIKER BAGS ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

From now until to February 28, 2014, the Mandarin Oriental Munich invites guests to indulge in little fashion fantasy of their own with the Mandarin Bar’s Jimmy Choo Fashion Afternoon Tea.

One of my favorite heels by Jimmy Choo for the new season is the neon elaphe pump.

The tea set takes inspiration from Jimmy Choo’s Cruise 2014 collection and highlights the popular clutch Charlize and the stiletto Sunday. The iconic hotel’s pastry chefs have specially created a range of dainty culinary treats, such aschocolate raspberry macaroons, Jimmy Choo handbags filled with chocolate, cucumber and cream cheese and grapefruit lemon and caviar shooters which are sure to win the hearts of every fashionista.

Whether as a gift for a best friend or as a treat after a shopping tour, this special Afternoon Tea at the Mandarin Bar is a must for those with a passion for fashion who want to enjoy the sweet temptations of life.

How gorgeous is Jimmy Choo’s Cruise 2014 Candy glitter-finished acrylic clutch?!

It is priced at €39.00 per person and €55.00 per person with a glass of champagne. All guests who book the tea will a special complimentary gift set: Jimmy Choo FLASH fragrant surprise. Available from Mondays to Fridays from 3.00pm to 6.00pm. Reservations can be made through: +49 (0)89 290 98 1929.

See you there! In case that you won’t make it to Munich, check out the Prêt-à-PorTea at the Berkeley Hotel in London.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Munich and Jimmy Choo

Inspired by the innovation and seductive glamour of 1940s haute jewelry, PRADA presents a collection of cuffs, bangles, bracelets and earrings with a contemporary point of view. Each piece is finely crafted using artisanal haute jewelry techniques and exquisite detailing but is made with unexpected materials in daring colours and forms. The collection brings together PRADA’s signature Saffiano textured leather in rich shades of orange, emerald green and turquoise with bold formations of geometric crystals, inspired by the art deco era and the natural world.

A hibiscus flower motif taken from the S/S 2014 men’s and women’s collections appears in Saffiano leather on bracelets and in crystal on drop earrings. Exotic crocodile skin appears in different colours: jade green and ruby red amongst the others. Luxurious plated gold or palladium finishes the pieces, each a unique interpretation of a new modern decadence.

I love those pieces!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

It is fall, the weather has been dreadful but in terms of fashion we are already entering a new season. The first Cruise 2014 pieces have hit the shelves and I couldn’t be more excited about those pastel shades and mood-boosting colors.

Get the look: Mahima crepe blazer and Firoza stretch-crepe wide-leg pants, both By Malene Birger, printed jersey T-shirt by RED Valentino, PS11 Classic textured-leather shoulder bag by Proenza Schouler and stripe leather, suede and canvas sandals by Sophia Webster.

LoL, Sandra

CHANEL is a trendsetter, especially in terms of makeup. Whenever a new runway show takes place, we are eagerly waiting for the backstage pictures to arrive to see the look up close, Peter Philips, Creative Director for Chanel Makeup, has created.
Something we will wear 6 months later…

The focus for Cruise 2014, that was presented yesterday in Singapore, is on a graphic eye in turquoise and black, created with Chanel’s Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in True Blue and Noir Intense.

Complexions were kept matte, dusted liberally with the Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Loose Finish Powder.

And the very important question: How will our nails look next spring? Rather than wearing a newly-created colour, models sported Le Vernis Nail Colour in Black Satin from the permanent collection. So ladies, you can get ahead of the game right now… and don’t forget to add punk-style bangs. Stay tuned for an upcoming post on this hair style.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel