Sandra‘s Closet

A whole summer trip, which begins at the Cannes Film Festival and moves among the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. It’s a new itinerant shop concept designed by Emilio Pucci completely dedicated to summer. It’s the Bikini Bar.

Bikini «Libellula»

In select boutiques, a specially designed colorful cabin will contain limited edition triangular Emilio Pucci bikini sets in 9 iconic prints, including: «Ranunculi», «Lance» and «Labirinto», archival prints; «Gazelle», «Parasol» and «Libellula».

The silhouette of a mermaid, the mythical figure loved by Marchese Emilio Pucci, characterizes the concept of the Bikini Bar.

The special collection of bikinis will be available for a limited time at the Emilio Pucci boutiques listed below, and also at the brand’s online flagship www.emiliopucci.com.

Cannes: May 16th – 28th
Beirut: from June 13th
Capri: July 1st – 15th
Mykonos: July 3rd – 20th
Taormina: July 6th – 20th
Saint Tropez: July 25th – August 4th
Porto Cervo: July 29th – August 13th

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Emilio Pucci
©Daniele Venturelli

When the time comes to free our feet and immerse them in some much-needed sun, women’s flip flops and beach shoes become our very best friends. If you are particular like me with your footwear, you will love those jelly ones by Valentino because they are almost undestroyable and great to be worn in the sand. No need to worry about ruining them.

Rockstud jelly flip flops in beige

Rockstud jelly flip flops in black

Rockstud jelly flip flops in pink

Stay tuned to see which color I got for myself…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino

Are you ready for your next seaside adventure? Life is better at the beach – we all know that. Get ready for your next trip to the sun with a stylish towel and probably a harness to carry it.

Harness leather towel carrier by The Beach People

Secured with silver buckles, it can be worn cross-body – leaving you free to carry beachside essentials. It’s perfect for stowing yoga mats too.

And here are some of my favorite beach towels at the moment:

The Caribbean round cotton-terry towel by The Beach People

Pineapple printed cotton-terry towel by Dolce & Gabbana

Printed floral cotton-terry towel by Dolce & Gabbana

Set of two striped woven cotton towels by Hammamas

The Lorne round cotton-terry towel with cushion by The Beach People

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Fashionable women in action sports, such as surfing or swimming, need functional and stylish clothing  in one. This post is dedicated to some fun pieces for the water as well as some beauty products that especially protect your hair. Be sure to pack those must-haves on your next vacation!

Citrus Sunshine Swimcap Cream, 75ml by Philip Kingsley
This product is absolutely amazing.  It was originally developed for the first US Olympic synchronized swimming team to protect their hair from dehydrating chlorine and salt water. This intensely hydrating formula is for use on wet hair and suitable for sensitive scalps, overly processed and damaged hair.

Vanishing Point Yosemite swim cap by Eres
Another way to protect your hair in the water, is a traditional swim cap. This Italian-made piece is crafted from the label’s signature shape-retaining peau douce fabric – it won’t move or slip when wet. Moreover it won’t pull your hair like many swim caps do.

Surf Infusion, 100ml by Bumble and Bumble
I adore creates soft beach waves. Enriched with sea salt and nourishing oils, this formula instantly adds texture, body and shine. UV inhibitors ensure tresses are protected from the drying effects of the sun.

Printed cotton-jersey T-shirt by Mikoh
The brand’s founding duo – Californian sisters and designers Oleema and Kalani Miller – are keen surfers who grew up on the sun-kissed beaches of Orange County. This classic crew-neck T-shirt is cut for a relaxed fit from soft cotton-jersey. Slip on this piece at the beach or team it with summery pants when you’re in the city.

Printed neoprene rashsuit by Perfect Moment
This rashsuit is cut from insulating 1.8mm neoprene that’s UV-protective and stretch-resistant so it holds its shape in water. This streamlined style has flatlocked seams to reduce irritation and feels super lightweight and flexible. The striped monochrome panels contour and flatter your figure.

St Tropez striped perforated neoprene backpack by Duskii
Store your beach essentials or a change of clothes in the roomy interior, adjusting the rope straps for comfort.

Saint Tropez striped neoprene swimsuit by Duskii
Matching your beach backpack, this swimsuit is crafted from sculpting neoprene, this comfortable style molds to the body for a flexible fit.

Surfboard by Chanel
And last but not least, you need a stylish surfboard and why not opt for one by Chanel. In 2010, the fashion house created luxury surfboards in the original Chanel classic aesthetic. I am sure you can still find them somewhere or ask for a special order in stores.

Who said surfing wasn’t chic?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Crochet bikinis are one of the biggest trends at the beach. Those new summertime must-haves lend a certain boho vibe to your look, they are the new neon and are taking over the beach, especially here in St. Barths.

Get the look: Crocheted cotton dress and crocheted cotton printed triangle bikini, both by Emilio Pucci.

The brand that has caused the hype is KIINI. Designed by Turkish-born Ipek Irgit, the label is loved for its bohemian aesthetic and vibrant, playful pieces. Each bikini is inspired by the designer’s global travels and is hand-crocheted for the most flattering, comfortable fit.

Tuesday crocheted cotton and neoprene triangle bikini

Yaz crocheted cotton and neoprene triangle bikini

Ro crocheted cotton and neoprene triangle bikini

Happy Shopping and greetings from St.Barths!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of KIINI and © Sandra Bauknecht

No, I am definitely not a beach bum. Once my feet touch the sand I feel fully energized. The salty air and the sunny weather seem to produce specific endorphins in my body that make me want to dance, leap and jump in the sea. Ballet, yoga, running, everything I like to do is incorporated in my daily beach routine. Forte Village‘s coast offers the perfect scenery with its crystal clear water.

My look: Colourful tunic and leopard print bikini, both by Lazul, Rome Sports chronograph in lilac by Jacques Lemans, necklace by Rejane Rosenberger and sunglasses by Warby Parker. All other jewelry pieces are souvenirs from Ibiza.

LAZUL is a London based luxury swim and resort wear brand that launched exclusively with Harrods in 2012. I truly love their expressive prints and vibrant colors, perfect for the beach!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

How fun is this Maslin & Co reversible leopard-print brushed-cotton beach towel?!  Cut in the shape of an animal hide and made in Portugal, it’s crafted from brushed-cotton with a soft and absorbent terry reverse. It comes with handy black leather holster, too – perfect for carrying along the beach.

TO SHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

This summer, you should take inspiration from sportswear for your beach attire and spice it up with some tribal details. Just make sure that your approach is completely luxurious. I recommend straps wrapped around your waist and vibrant prints. Accessories such as sunglasses, hats or embellished hair slides take your day in the sand to the next level of style. Use some bronzer for a sun kissed glow and add texture to your beach waves. Below is your shopping list:

1 Wings printed jersey maxi dress by Matthew Williamson
2 Leopard-print bandeau bikini by Matthew Williamson
3 Cat eye filigree gold-tone sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana
4 Surf Bomb sea salt spray by Original & Mineral
5 Printed flip flops by Givenchy
6 Mesh bra top by Gucci
7 Gold-tone and tortoiseshell-effect hair slide by Dolce & Gabbana
8 Shell Shocked gold-tone clutch by Charlotte Olympia
9 Mesh-trimmed silk crepe de chine dress by Gucci 
10 Spotlight Groupie macramé-trimmed swimsuit by Eres
11 Number 7 cotton-terry beach towel by Karl Lagerfeld
12 Straw hat by Mulberry
13 Matte Radiance Baked Powder by Laura Mercier

LoL, Sandra

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

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