Sandra‘s Closet

Last week, the Bucherer Flagship Store in Zurich opened its doors after an intense refurbishment in new splendor at Bahnhofstr. 50. Inside, five floors of around 800 square meters await you to explore the most beautiful jewelry pieces as well as creations from several renowned watch brands, among them Piaget, Chopard and Roger Dubuis just to name a few. On the ground floor, a unique Rolex boutique, welcomes customers at the entrance.

Modern architecture meets spectacular design. The facade shines in Cristallina
Marble, the only one mined in Switzerland, generating a fascinating effect depending on how the sunlight reflects on it.

The renovation is another milestone in the over 130-year history of Bucherer. What many do not know: Although the family business’ roots are in Lucerne, Bucherer has been represented at the Bahnhofstrasse since the early ’40s.

To celebrate the occasion, I was invited to explore the fascinating collections of Bucherer Fine Jewellery that you see me wearing in the pictures, all created with passion and expertise for high jewelry.

Speaking of passion: if you visit the store, have a look at the Romance Lounge, that invite customers to take their time to indulge in the beautiful pieces as if they were sitting in a café.

My personal favorites are the new limited edition Clover rings that have been launched as a highlight for the re-opening. Bucherer’s VIP customers were of course able to explore the models beforehand and reserve their must-have. 18 unique pieces, each of them exclusive, valuable and rare – the number an homage to the founding year of Bucherer 1888. Prices range depending on the precious stones from CHF 22,000 to CHF 420,000.

To surprise their distinguished clientele in different ways, Bucherer plans to host exclusive events throughout the year on their event floor with roof terrace, that offers breathtaking views over the city. Outstanding service and strong customer relation – two main values the family business has been standing for since 1888.

Stay tuned for my next post from the opening party last Tuesday coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bucherer
Photos of me: © Dominik Orth –  Instagram @orthart

My avid readers know that I am a big pilates fan. Therefore I was eager to try the new PILATES WALL class at Studio PILATESwiss by Karolina Schmid in Zurich.

I have been training with Karolina for many years. Her studio is the oldest personal training pilates and yoga studio in Zurich. There are 20 people working with her to make it the success it is today and she is supported by an international advisory board of medical and specific experts. I even do my physiotherapy there and love the touch of Simone’s magic hands after an intense training session.

Karolina’s brand PILATESwiss of pilates and yoga is based on the visceral approach, created by her. Furthermore she teaches teachers to teach. Her intense PILATESwiss teacher training programs are completely bilingual in language course notes and exams. Personally speaking, I enjoy training with teachers as the classes are much more intense as you can imagine.

«Studio PILATESwiss is where your pilates teachers come to do PILATES.»

Being Canadian, service and access to your trainer, is Karolina’s unique selling point. In her 15 year of business her studio has never closed for a single day. You can train 365 day at any time of day or night, and she accompanies you to your holiday home, on your business trip, or on your family vacation.

Although Karolina does personal training only, she has developed a new so-called luxury light service in the way of wall classes, a novel blend of pilates, yoga and function fitness. The reason why I am also showing you this is that it is a perfect way to get into the pilates training, in terms of cost and convenience of bookings.

Key points:
Booking online only here.
Single entry CHF 42 / Pass of 10 classes CHF 400

In small groups of maximum 8 people, you climb the PILATES WALL in a 60 min session. An absolute sensation of price to service.

The PILATES WALL classes offer:
– PILATES REFORMER work on wheel carriages
– PILATES CADILLAC work in the way of wall springs
– You work with special apparatus like gynmastic rings, weight balls and the ballet barre.
– You climb the wall on yoga inversion straps and add asanas to flowing funcitonal sequences.
– You do inversions, central to the visceral approach to core muscle recruitment.

I usually train in a quartet session with three other participants on the reformer or cadillac. Therefore I asked Karolina, what is different from those quartets to the wall classes offered at PILATESwiss Studio?

«Aside from privates and duettes the beloved quartetts remain popular because a client enjoys the «right of way» onto to their reserved machine and time slot each week with their friends and never have to cue up on a waiting list. Business people or busy mums find this fabulous. In addition clients can use their quartett pass on any other quartett in our schedule as well space permitting on the classical studio machines topics like chair, cadillac, swing silks, or reformers.»

I think that the wall classes are a great way to get access to Karolina’s gorgeous top quality studio for a fraction of the cost of her personal training services.

If you are interested, check out her website PILATESwiss or give her a call under +41 78 891 03 17. The studio is located at Seefeldstrasse 225 in Zurich .

See you hopefully there. Summer is here and it is time to get back in shape…
My clothes in the photos are all by CASALL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Before flying to Brazil, I filmed with SISLEY Paris a TV-spot at Jelmoli about the most important S/S 2019 beauty trends that will air for the first time on May 31, 2019 at 6.30pm during «Lifestyle» on Tele Züri. SISLEY National Make-up Artist David Hahmeyer created three different looks on me that reflect what is in vogue now and explained which star products he used. The spot will be constantly repeated in case that you are missing out…

A big thank you to the Sisley team and the Tele Züri crew!

Every season poses an opportunity for the biggest names in makeup to decide how they would like to see the beauty world. For the S/S 2019 makeup trends, their focus was on clean, glowing skin, to create a no-make-up look. Effects were punctuated by just a single messy or unusual element, in this case preferably a wild graphic eyeliner to watercolor-esque eyeshadow in an eye-catching hue. For the evening, old-school glamour played an important role, with the focus on strong red lips combined with soft smokey eyes. This is a season of «everything is possible», and the S/S 2019 beauty trends certainly reflect that.

SISLEY Paris star products for the «No Make-up» look:
Phyto-Teint Expert Flawless Skincare Foundation and Instant Eclat (a great product that you can also mix with your blush to create a highlighting effect).

SISLEY Paris star products for the «Statement Eyes» look:
Phyto-Eye Twist Long-Lasting Eyeshadow – 5 Lagoon and Highlighter Blush – L’Orchidée Corail No.3.

SISLEY Paris star products for the «French Red Lips» look:
Blur Expert and Le Phyto Rouge Lipstick – 42 Rouge Rio.

Now that the sun is finally coming out, you also may feel liberated to have more fun with your makeup, because the next few months are the perfect time to press restart and try new things.

LoL, Sandra

So happy with the results – thank you, David!

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, I was invited by Veuve Cliquot to kick off the summer season with the launch of the new Veuve Clicquot Petit Rich! Those small 20cl bottles are currently available exclusively at Samigo Amusement in Zurich. For more information on the champagne, click here for a previous post.

Black lace is such a hot trend right now and will even be bigger for F/W 2019. Snap up a piece and make the right fashion statement.

My look: Pussy-bow lace blouse, and pleated lace midi skirt, both by Christopher Kane, wool twill jacket, red Janis pumps, and Monogram fringed shoulder bag, all by Saint Laurent, red suede belt by Yves Saint Laurent, gold-tone Swarovski crystal brooch by Gucci, and Mitza ring by Dior Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Event photos and photos of me at the event: © David Biedert Photography
Photos in garden: © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, I was invited for Breakfast at Tiffany’s in Zurich to view their amazingly stunning travelling collection that will be here until the end of May 2019. Because it’s not every day you get to appreciate high jewellery pieces in person, I was extremely happy to explore those exquisite creations from the House of Tiffany. Needless to say, if they get sold, the travel will come to an end in Switzerland.

Have a look at this rare and refined jewelry that brilliantly blends beautiful gems and unparalleled craftsmanship. And as rare as they are, Tiffany & Co. invites you to discover those masterpieces.

Tiffany & Co. Traveling Collection – Green Tourmaline Handcuff
45,44 carat for the green tourmaline

Tiffany & Co. Traveling Collection – Necklace in Platinum with Emerald-Cut, Pear Shaped and Round Brilliant Diamonds of over 100 Carats
Each of the diamond strands varies in length and ends in pear-shaped diamonds to emulate the force of water rushing over the rim of the pavé diamond necklace.

Tiffany & Co. Travelling Collection – Round Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Central diamond of 5,05 carats, platinum ring

Tiffany & Co. Travelling Collection – Octopus Brooch in Platinum with a Baroque Pearl and Round Blue Sapphires and Diamonds
A beautifully formed and unusually large baroque pearl is masterfully transformed into an octopus. Set amid jeweled tentacles swirling with hand cut diamonds and sapphires, this lustrous gift of the sea takes on a powerful presence and playful spirit. The diamond tentacles are finished with bands of blue sapphires. Each stone is hand set along the curved surface, demonstrating the artisans’ skill in crafting this intricate design.

The best thing? Besides being able to ogle to your hearts’ content, mostly everything in the store sparkles beautifully, especially apt with Mother’s Day just around the corner, no? Treat the woman who does it all to a gift wrapped in the famous Blue Box. There are so many options in all price ranges…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Andrea Monica Hug (Instagram @andreamonicahug)
Stills: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co. – Photo of the Ring: © Sandra Bauknecht

Ladies, it is time for a lipstick upgrade as I have an amazing surprise for you! Mother’s Day is coming up and you might be looking for a great surprise for your mum. Now, it is the moment to gift her and yourself! If you shop at BOBBI BROWN one lipstick (Crushed Lipstick, Lip Color, Luxe Lipstick or Extra Lip Tint) or one mascara and use the code SANDRABB, you will receive a free lipstick as a gift as well as skincare starter set.

My favorites are:

• Lip Color in Pale Pink
• Lip Liner in Pale Pink
• High Shimmer Lip Gloss in Bare Sparkle
• Smokey Eyes Mascara

TO SHOP WITH THE PROMO CODE SANDRABB, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
Valid until May 26, 2019 (only in Switzerland).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

«We want to make simulation racing accessible to everyone, everywhere.»
– Francisco Fernandez

Friday night, I was invited to the Formula V launch event at the Dolder Grand in Zurich. My avid readers know that besides fashion, I really love cars and driving fast (must be my German side). Therefore I was curious about this new project where you can live the same sporting experience of top race drivers with their original training simulator. You can choose a track as well as a car and race straight away without the risk of injuring yourself. While exercising a fantastic driving experience, you will definitely be challenged mentally and physically.

With Francisco Fernandez, founder and chairman Formula V, and his wife Natalie Gromova Fernandez.

Furthermore, Formula V wants to focus on finding new talents and giving them the opportunity to train. Regular race car driving is very expensive and it is hard to find sponsors when you get started. The gaming factor also plays and important role. Via the Formula V app, spectators can bet on their favorite driver or even interact with the race themselves by adding rain or letting a cat cross the virtual track. The first competition, a historical date for Swiss e-sport, will be held on May 25, 2019, for more information click here.

Matching the motto of the night, I went for this Moschino race dress from the S/S 2016 collection. Finally, I had a great opportunity to literally sport it.

My look: Sleeveless leather biker jacket by Saint Laurent, racing-style dress by Moschino, cadillac clutch and red leather boots, both by Prada. Diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery, rose diamond necklace by Piaget.

German actress and model Sophia Thomalla is Formula V’s celebrity ambassador.

If I vetted your appetite for virtual car racing, I invite you to experience the Formula V world class racing simulation in the comfort of the first lounge that opened last weekend in Cham. The Formula V instructors will prepare everything for your perfect race. Alone, with friends, for entertainment or to compete and train, just use the Formula V app to book a time, duration, car and racetrack and you will be welcomed with everything ready to go!

Zurich, Madrid and many more locations will open soon. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Andrea Monica Hug (Instagram @andreamonicahug)

It is official! I am a Swiss Girl. I couldn’t be happier to finally have received my Swiss passport and to be a double citizen of Germany, my birth place, and Switzerland, my home base.

Today marks Sechseläuten which I will be celebrating among dear friends for the first time as a citizen of Zurich. Following the parade of the “Zünfte” (guilds), the culmination of this popular tradition is the burning of winter in effigy, in the form of the “Böögg” (cognate to bogey), a figure of a snowman prepared with explosives.

My look: Oversized tuxedo blazer and green cloche hat, both by Stella McCartney, Windward logo-intarsia merino sweater and printed cotton and linen-blend mini skirt, both by Burberry, T printed textured-leather pouch by Loewe, red leather Rockstud boots by Valentino, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget.
Twenties fishnet tights by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

«Grüezi» from Lake Zurich – meet the brand-new hotel Alex Lake Zürich, opening summer 2019! Gordon Campbell Gray, founder of the privately held luxury hotel group, is currently running five unique hotels located in international top destinations. And for the first time in his long career within the hospitality industry, he has launched an extraordinary hotel in the German-speaking market.

Its stunning waterfront location makes this member of «Small Luxury Hotels of the World» a special place to stay: All of the 44 studios and penthouses have spacious balconies and terraces overlooking the lake. Guests can also enjoy the perfect view from the hotel’s Boat House Restaurant and its lakeside terrace, which might become a new hot spot in summer, the world-class wine cellar and from the elegant bar, while the exclusive spa area with own lake access raises the bar in discreet luxury. Stone and glass are the materials that make up the distinct design of Alex Lake Zürich, naturally nestled within the beautiful surroundings.

Located in Thalwil where the former Hotel Alexander am See was, it is only 8 kilometers to the city of Zurich. The private hotel boat offers an extraordinary way of traveling there! Sportive activities range from stand-up-paddling and water-skiing to bike rides along the lake shore to be started directly from the hotel site. A special highlight is the private access to the lake, which hotel guests can use for a swim in the refreshing Zürisee.

Personally speaking, it is a great addition to Zurich’s hospitality offer and I am very much looking forward to the official opening.

Alex Lake Zürich
Seestrasse 182, 8800 Thalwil, Lake Zurich, Switzerland

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Alex Lake Zürich

Recently, I was invited by GARNIER to explore the brand’s new Organic skincare range. 11 products the company has been working on for 10 years. Sustainable sourcing, respect for the environment, vegan formulas and new organic certifications, all come together to write this new chapter.

But do organic products really work? The idea that a high-performance product can be made from ingredients drawn from nature, rather than the laboratory, might seem too good to be true. Still, skincare that’s kind to your skin and the environment is real. Here’s why..

The effectiveness of an organic product depends on how the ingredients are processed and how the overall product is formulated. Finding the correct balance of ingredients in a formula takes intensive research. This is especially true when working with natural extracts, which are inherently complex and diverse.

GARNIER has spent over 10 years sourcing and developing the right combination of natural and organic ingredients for the new Garnier Organic product line. The products are certified organic by the Soil Association according to rigorous international standards. Formulated with a minimum of 95% natural ingredients, each product harnesses a star natural ingredient, carefully blended in a formula to benefit a specific skin type.

The lemongrass is harvested in Sri Lanka, thyme and lavender, both come from France, and the precious argan oil derives from Morocco.

Swiss food blogger and author of «Eat Better, Not Less» Nadia Damaso treated us to some amazing vegan culinary dessert treats. Her cookbook, which has immediately become a bestseller in Switzerland, offers healthy yet super delicious mostly plant-based recipes that are completely free from refined sugar and lactose.

You are what you eat. Great skin is a combination of nutrition and the right skincare. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your GARNIER Organic Konjac Botanical Cleansing Sponge and gently buff your way to clearer, softer skin while you are preparing your vegan dinner.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: David Biedert Photography