Sandra‘s Closet

Beijing, the heart of China, is definitely worth a visit. After having been the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games and compared to 1994 when I had been here the last time, it has completely changed. But some things always remain the same and today’s sightseeing tour around the metropole’s most traditional must-sees was proof of that.

My look: We T by Boss Orange (Such a fun initiative, join to find your T-shirts Buddy here), printed pants with side stripe (very similar to Louis Vuitton’s Stephen Sprouse print) by Zara, flats by H&M, bangles by Sal y Limon and sunglasses by Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN. The cap is a souvenir from Beijing.

I started my tour with a visit to the famous Temple of Heaven, where the Emperors paid homage to the glory of heaven, is the largest group of structures in the country dedicated to rituals. Therefore its name is a little misleading because it is definitely more than just a temple, it is a huge park as well. Many local people have yearly tickets to access the area and they enjoy outdoor activities such as dancing or playing games, especially like today on a Sunday morning.

This sign freaked me out a little. Do you remember exactly when I survived the hail storm in Wyoming exactly one year ago? I am still a little traumatized…

A Chinese lunch with an interesting view…

The very impressive and respectful Tiananmen Square is the largest central city square in the world. This immense courtyard is surrounded by a variety of significant edifices such as the Tiananmen Tower, Great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, Monument to the People’s Heroes and National Museum. For security reason, Tiananmen Square is fenced and you have to pass a security check before entering.

The magnificent Forbidden City is the largest and the best-preserved imperial palace complex in the world. For five centuries, this palace functioned as the administrative center of the country. Such an impressive treasure to visit.

I had a day filled with amazing impressions. As you see in the pictures, the smog is pretty bad but it also keeps the sun away which might not be the worst. The humidity is high and you really have to get used to the oppressive weather. Next stop, the Great Wall!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Early morning, I arrived in Beijing. A city that I had last seen in 1994 and that has completely changed. Being the capital of China, it is one of the largest cities in the world with over 20 million habitants. Today, it is very modern and offers everything you can imagine. I was extremely tired and to keep myself awake, I went for a little shopping tour close to the Peninsula Beijing, where all luxury boutiques are located.

Today, I am off to see again the Forbidden City, the Tiananmen Square and more. For live updates, you can follow me on instagram (@sandrascloset). In the meantime, please enjoy some of my first impressions.

LoL, Sandra

After I had arrived in my hotel room, I put on my new ultra-comfy GOrun ride 2 running shoes by Skechers with an integrated cushion to explore the city.

Tradition and modernity, Beijing offers both, gigantic shopping malls and little stores.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This spring, you could enjoy a special Jimmy Choo themed afternoon tea at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong. This fashion afternoon tea featured tempting items such as edible miniature high heels and sandwiches made to resemble the design of the CAYLA clutch.

Cayla studded snake clutch by Jimmy Choo

Who could resist those mouth-watering savoury bites such as Foie Gras High Heels on Crispy Brioche Bread or sweet temptations like Milk Chocolate High Heels filled with Lemon and Chocolate Biscuits. For more information, please call MO Bar at +852 2132 0077.

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

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong and Jimmy Choo

“And then I want everything to be included, such as brooms, dust brushes and suchlike, because one day, when everything is being done by electricity, these will be the most remarkable thing of all.” –  From Wilhelmina von Hallwyl‘s annual notes, 1844-1930

Entering the Hallwyl Palace in Stockholm is like stepping a hundred years back in time. Everyday household objects, as well as collections of art, jewelry and fashion, have been left untouched so as to bear witness to a past age. I had the honour to get a private tour of this Swedish national museum which is in a historical building just around the corner of the Nobis hotel. The Hallwyl collection encompasses some 50,000 objects and I absolutely loved the extraordinary jewelry pieces as well as the beautiful presentation of the clothing of that time, such as an embroidered dress by Paul Poiret.

As I have been dreaming of opening a fashion museum one day myself, I was impressed to hear that Wilhelmina von Hallwyl had started to catalogue everything in the palace during her lifetime with the purpose of creating something of enduring historical interest.

A must-see when you are in Stockholm!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, I spent some amazing days with Louis Vuitton in Munich for the opening of the gigantic new Maison that I will show you during the next days. Many celebrities from all over the world had flown in to attend the fun event. But there was a project I was even more excited about… Louis Vuitton asked me to be in a photo shoot for the ART OF PACKING.

In my beautiful hotel room at the Charles Hotel, Ward, the in-house packing expert, explained me enthusiastically how packing efficiently could well be considered an art and gave me some tips which were funnily enough very similiar to my ‘method’. As I am very particular about my clothes and accessories, I have realized that I already master the art of packing pretty well given also the amount of travel I’ve been going through since I have started my blog.

So enjoy this step-by-step guide to filling a suitcase or travel bag. In my case, it is the Pégase 45 by Louis Vuitton, the best companion for a 24-hours trip that has the perfect size to take it on board of an aircraft.

In order to maximize space in your luggage and to minimize creasing of your clothes, preparation is the key. It is very important to keep the global picture and that starts already with the right type of suitcase or travel bag for your occasion.

1. Lay out all the items you would like to pack. Like this, you  will see what works well together and won’t take too much. Here you see all my looks. Isn’t it hard to believe that all of those will fit in my little Pégase?!

2. Optimize weight. Instead of taking heavy shoe trees, stuff your heels with wrapping tissue.

3. To protect your pieces, use separate felt bags for your shoes and accessories.

4. Don’t forget to do the same with your jewelry in order to protect it from scratching.

5. A smart way of packing is to use the empty space inside your bags or shoes for example and fill it with your small items. You could also roll up your belts to fit them in.

6. To avoid creasing, it is indispensable to understand the nature of the fabrics of your clothes. For example, roll the uncomplicated materials such as denim or cashmere scarfs into tight, compact spirals to maximize suitcase space.

7. Fold the clothes carefully and use wrapping paper for items that are delicate such as this embroidered top.

8. Once you have all your items rolled or wrapped, you can get started to put them in your luggage. It is very important to put all the heavy ones in first.

9. Another great way to minimize creasing of your delicate pieces is to stuff them with other clothes as I did here.

10. The Pégase has two flaps to secure your clothes from moving up and down which is great. Can you imagine that everything that was laying on the bed fit in?!

And there was still space to put the leopard print trenchcoat with its collar raised on top as the sun was shining.

Without having to push or squeeze it, I closed my Pégase 45.

And I have to admit that after having finished packing, I am usually pretty happy. Now, off to the airport! The next adventure is waiting…

My look: Cashmere top with Stephen Sprouse leopard print, dark blue leather pants, Noé BB bag in citron, bi-colour pumps, necklace and ring, all by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jamie McGregor Smith for Louis Vuitton

Wedding gown by Matthew Williamson, bridal veil by Lanvin and rings by Bvlgari

It’s that time of year… after those horrible rainy and grey days, we are thinking of our summer holidays and some of us might even plan something bigger, a wedding. Are you looking for the perfect paradise that will leave you speechless with magnificent, sun-filled memories?

I have something for you: Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, Bali, offers the special setting for your exclusive ceremony. You have four different wedding experiences and of course a large selection of rings to choose from the house of Bvlgari:

The Water Wedding

The altar is set upon a transparent carpet gently floating on the surface of the Water Pond. A truly unique experience, for a wedding ceremony held in front of the infinity of the Indian Ocean.

The Beach Wedding

An exclusive experience for those who choose to celebrate their ceremony on a secluded, white sand beach in front of a brilliant blue lagoon with wild Indian Ocean crashing on the reef.

The Pavilion Wedding

A romantic wedding experience for unions held in the formal surroundings of this intimate space decorated with garlands of fragrant flowers. A solemn ceremony starting with the bride-to-be moving towards the altar along an aisle deeply carpeted with blossoms.

The Bale Wedding

A romantic venue modelled on the traditional Bale Bengong pavilion and sited more than 160 metres above the beach below, with breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean. This exclusive setting is decorated with 5,000 blossoms.

Each Bvlgari wedding proposal includes flowers and decorations by a world-renowned floral designer, traditional Balinese performance, champagne for the toast and an exclusive Bvlgari wedding certificate holder. A wedding planner takes care of any special request in order to create a unique and unforgettable experience.

The legal validity of religious and civil ceremonies varies from country to country. To confirm the validity of the ceremony guests are planning in Bali, guests must consult all authorities (local and country of origin) involved. To help with all plans the staff at the Bvlgari Resort is pleased to provide all necessary information for definitive clarification of all issues beyond our area of expertise. Please contact Bulgari Hotels & Resorts Bali, Jalan Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia, Phone: +62.361.847.1000.

I can only recommend Bali as I went there for my honeymoon, such a beautiful island.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bvlgari

Last Saturday, I spent a beautiful day in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. The sun was shining and I enjoyed exploring the city very much. Below you can enjoy some of my impressions.

My look: Bouclé tweed jacket and matching Lily bouclé tweed shoulder bag, both by Mulberry, stretch-leather skinny pants by Gucci, suede boots by Balmain, Sandra two-tone stretch-cady top and printed scarf, both by Stella McCartney and Portrait sunglasses by Prada.

I stayed at the NOBIS HOTEL, a luxury design hotel, located in two historic late 19th-century buildings on Norrmalmstorg square in the city centre of Stockholm. I have liked its contemporary design very much. Here you see me sitting in the so-called lounge, a quite spectacular room with a ceiling height of 28 meters.

When staying at Nobis Hotel, you have to try their house cocktail, so delicious.

In the bathroom of my hotel room, I was overly happy to find the complete body range of one of my favourite scents: BLANCHE by Byredo.

As I was at the very center of what’s going on in Stockholm in every sense, I had everything I wanted to explore within walking distance. Above you see the Royal Opera House.

Lunch at T-Bar that belongs to the Diplomat Hotel, an iconic Art Nouveau palace by the shore of Strandvägen, another great place to stay at.

My favourite Swedish dish: Löjrom (Bleak Roe or Kalix Caviar), such a delicacy.

A little shopping tour around the famous department store NK.

I had such a wonderful time in Stockholm and will surely be back. Stay tuned for one more sightseeing post coming up soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Greetings from Sigtuna where I am at the moment. It is the oldest city in Sweden, having been founded in 980. The tiny town has such a picturesque beautiful medieval centre with restaurants, cafes and small shops that I felt like being at a movie set. The old church ruins, runic stones and “Stora Gatan” (Main Street) are must-sees, along with the city hall, Sigtuna Rådhus, and of course the shore of Lake Mälarena.

My look: Royal blue velvet coat and stretch-leather skinny pants both by Gucci, cashmere and silk-blend sweater by Miu Miu, leopard-print scarf by Louis Vuitton, ankle boots by Prada and Mini Boston bag by Céline.

For dinner, I went to the lovely 1909 Sigtuna Stadshotell which I can only recommend.

Today, I am off to Stockholm… totally excited! Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I have spent a great day in Vienna. Shopping, sightseeing and a surprise, the only thing missing was the sun.

First, I went to Liska, a fabulous high fashion store, located in the heart of the Austrian city. Established in 2002, the shop carries brands such as Saint Laurent, Dior, Fendi and Valentino, as well as their own label, Liska by Thomas Kirchgrabner, the boutique’s USP is its range of furs. Your premier destination if you are on the hunt for that perfect mink coat or sable stole.
TO SHOP LISKA ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Then, I did some sightseeing and visited the famous Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule)…

… and Vienna’s landmark, the St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom).

The best moment of today was when I saw Dave Gahan again. I have always been a huge fan of Depeche Mode and had met him in Frankfurt a few years ago. If you are interested in seeing the previous post, please click here.

My look: Coat with fur details by Blumarine, cashmere sweater by J.Crew, scarf and stretch-leather skinny pants, both by Gucci, ankle boots by Prada and leather tote by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This morning, I attended the Omega press conference in the presence of Nicole Kidman that I will show you very soon. It was freezing cold today in Vienna so that I didn’t feel like being outside for too long. In the afternoon, I took a “Fiaker”, a horse carriage, to the city’s iconic Sacher hotel to treat myself to the probably most famous chocolate cake in the world: Original Sacher-Torte.

Its story began in 1832, when it was created by a 16 year old apprentice in his second year, Franz Sacher, for Wenzel Clemens Prince Metternich, the chancellor of Austria. The head chef was ill and not able to fulfill the important order so that the teenaged Franz Sacher had to invent something on the spot. That was the day when the victorious career of the renowned Austrian dessert composition began…

The basis is a chocolate cake, thinly coated by hand with best-quality apricot jam. The chocolate icing on top of it is the crowning glory. You can order it online here.

My look: Python-print down jacket by Roberto Cavalli, red knit dress with chiffon ruffles and black scarf with gold threads, both by Gucci, boots by Balmain and my beloved leather tote by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht