Sandra‘s Closet

This week, I was in Munich for work. I absolutely love the Bavarian city in which I had lived for 8 years. The most important events of my life took place there: My studies, my engagement and wedding, the birth of my daughter, my first job as an editor for Marie Claire magazine and so on. Therefore great memories are around every corner.

As I haven’t been very active on instagram so far, I thought it would be a great way to get started by sharing some of my favourite places with you.

Follow me on instagram: @sandrascloset

Rhubarb tart at my favourite place for lunch: Schumann’s Tagesbar

Lodenfrey is prepared for the upcoming Oktoberfest season with beautifully decorated windows and the new Wiesndirndl 2012.

Spotted at Theresa: My beloved Irma (Do you remember my fabulous T-shirt? )
You can shop all of the shop’s treasures online at mytheresa.com.

Residenzstreet

Marion Heinrich‘s new shopping temple carrying Tom Ford, Chloé and Céline among others.

Munich Opera

Can you guess what I was wearing? 
Dress and jacket by Stella McCartney (I sported that look for the event with Kaufmanfranco in London. Click here for the outfit post.), python Boston bag by Céline (Close-ups here) and my new Rockstud ankle boots by Valentino (Fall’s It-booties).

My Diorette ring by Dior Joaillerie. On my nails: 563 Vertigo by Chanel.

Kusama windows at Louis Vuitton

In stores now: Louis Vuitton‘s amazing F/W 2012 runway bags. My personal must-have: The sequined North South bag in Monogram Sunshine Express (see photo).

Very funny, this is how Munich policemen are giving parking tickets. Real horse power!

The Michael Jackson Memorial is still in front of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof, where the famous scene took place when the King of Pop held his son out of the window.

I hope that you have enjoyed those little moments via instagram.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While being in Texas, I went to a rodeo event in Mesquite, the so-called rodeo capital of Texas. At the beginning, I was excited to see this Southern tradition and loved watching everybody dressed up in Western style. Inspired by all the stetsons around me, I bought myself another cowboy hat at one of the booths in front of the arena. Unfortunately, during the event, I started to realize that this sort of entertainment is not very kind to the animals. It is an icon of Texas but I wouldn’t go there again.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Welcome to Fort Worth in Texas, that is the sixteenth most populous city in the United States of America and a cultural gateway into the American West. The city was established in 1849 and today still embraces its Western heritage and traditional architecture and design. A must see are the Fort Worth Stockyards.

My look: Twill cargo shorts by Alexander McQueen, olive green top by Prada, cuff by Stella McCartney, Pandora bag by Givenchy and Monogram ballet flats by Louis Vuitton.
The stetson is a souvenir from Mesquite.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While being in Texas, I had to see the famous Southfork Ranch, renowned as the filming location for the “Dallas” television series and went directly after my shopping spree at the Highland Park Village (click here to see also the details of my look).
My most embarrassing moment: Thanks to my coral shape heels, I fell down the grand staircase in the entry hall of the Ewing Mansion and of course, being in the United States, there was a lot of excitement and I had to fill out the “Southfork Ranch Injury Damage Report”.
My answer: “Relax and blame it on Chanel!”

Exciting news for all fans: Dallas has returned to television after two decades away.

In this Dallas, J.R.(Larry Hagman) and Bobby (Patrick Duffy) continue on in Southfork, but now the focus has shifted to their sons, John Ross (Josh Henderson) and Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe). Of course, the boys stake out their claim on the Ewing name – albeit in disparate ways. John Ross, being the son of the more ruthless J.R., is interested solely in continuing to drill for oil, while Christopher, whose father is the kindhearted Bobby, sees his focus shifting toward alternative fuel sources and green energy.

I have started to watch it and truly enjoy seeing all the well-known faces together with the new young actors.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of TNT

I still owe you my photos from Texas, which was the last stop of my road trip through the US. The first day in Dallas, I went shopping at the Highland Park Village, which is an upscale shopping mall and the home of brands like Chanel, Stella McCartney, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin among others. It was the first self-contained shopping center in America and therefore declared a National Historic Landmark in 2000.

My look: Two-tone stretch-jersey contour dress and cuff by Stella McCartney, bowtie pasta and cameo clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, coral shape heels by Chanel, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline and Pandora bag by Givenchy.
On my nails: “Today Was A Fairytale” with Virgin Diamond Powder by Deborah Lippmann.

It was very funny to see my new two-tone dress in Stella McCartney‘s window and later inside.

Stay tuned for more photos of this outfit as I went after my shopping spree to the famous Southfork Ranch.

By the way, if you like Mexican food, you have to eat at Mi Cocina, located in the Highland Park Village. So yummy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

From Chicago I flew to Denver where I didn’t stay very long as I had to drive all the way up to Wyoming and South Dakota. Knowing that I would be sitting quite a while, I decided to be dressed as simple and casual as possible.

My look: Printed-back velour hooded top and matching track pants, both by Juicy Couture, original seamless tank top by Sugarlips, brown Pandora bag by Givenchy, Pegase 55 cabin case by Louis Vuitton, cat eye glitter acetate and metal sunglasses by Miu Miu and brushed leather trainers by Maison Martin Margiela.
On my nails: Beach Cruiser (neon pink) by Orly.

LoL, Sandra

At Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Those seamless Sugarlips tops are available in many different colours and so comfy to wear.

A photo from the air.

Safely arrived at Denver International Airport.

Denver skyline

Me in front of the Colorado State Capitol Building

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I started my crazy road trip through the US in the city in which I had lived for 2 years: Beautiful CHICAGO. It always feels so great to be back, seeing your friends, wallowing in memories and going to your favourite restaurants (Gibsons, Le Colonial, NoMI at the Park Hyatt and RL Restaurant at the gigantic Ralph Lauren store). The weather was amazing and I enjoyed going for a stroll through downtown.

My look: Mint green collarless jacket (50% off on sale), floral printed dress (50% off on sale), both by Marni, leather and chain bracelet, “Lucky Clover” earrings and necklace, mint green ballet flats, sky-blue Marcie hobo bag, all by Chloé and glitter sunglasses by Miu Miu.

By the way, the crowds weren’t waiting for me. The presidential family had lunch at Gibsons at the same time we had. Enjoy some shots of this wonderful city.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Personally speaking my favourite Hawaiian resort to stay at is the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, located at the Wailea Beach.

The beach in front of the hotel is wider than most of the others on the island with wonderful golden sand. This is where I started each morning with a yoga session. Listening to the sound of the waves, embraced by the softness of the sand was just amazing. Of course, this hotel is the perfect place to get married and during my stay, I witnessed many wedding celebrations.

The five-star hotel is home to four restaurants and bars, including an outpost of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s famous Spago. During your stay, you can treat yourself to some fine food. And of course, upon your arrival at the resort, you will be presented with the obligatory lei greeting.

The pool area is great but if you travel with kids not comparable to the Grand Wailea Resort which is next door, reminiscent of an amusement park, with fountains, tarzan’s swing, slides, caves, a bar in the pool and many other attractions. One of them while I was there: Britney Spears with her sons.
But be careful, all Grand Wailea Resort guests have to wear silver bracelets in the pool because it seems that Four Seasons guests tend to go over there from time to time.

If you travel without kids, you will have the best experience at the Four Seasons with a special pool area for adults only. Fashionistas will love the Missoni cabanas, furnished with the Italian brands fabrics and towels, but they cost an additional $495.- a day which I find absolutely crazy. I would prefer spending that money in the hotel’s boutique Knots 22 that carry the latest fashion from top designers, such as Missoni, Stella McCartney, Lanvin and many more.

As you see in the collage above, I love to pack Missoni when travelling. Those amazing knitwear pieces don’t wrinkle and are airy to wear in warm weather. To shop Missoni, please click here.

You can explore Missoni Home by clicking here for a great selection of cushions, towels and throws. Have fun decorating your world with the iconic zigzag pattern.

There are many sport activities offered at the resort, from yoga to hula dancing, from surfing to probably the most exciting one scuba diving. The hotel has also a well-equipped gym. If you like, you can book private lessons in tennis, pilates and gyrotronics® among others to keep yourself fit and busy.

I had a wonderful time at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea. Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much) and a hui hou (Goodbye)!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

During my stay in Maui, I watched many beautiful sunsets. The light is so amazing – colouring the sky in shades of yellow, orange, blue and purple. I captured some of those moments for you with my camera.

One of my favourite places on the island to have dinner and watch the sundown is the Italian restaurant Sarento’s On the Beach in Kihei, Maui. Great food, great service and great location.

My look: White ruffled dress by Tibi, coral shape heels by Chanel, glitter sunglasses by Miu Miu and necklace Pearl Drape with horse clasp by Gabriele Frantzen.
On my nails: Believe created with Cher by Deborah Lippmann
(a shimmering metallic gold beige).
Curls all natural!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

British new It-label Teatum Jones has been asked by London’s famous hotel The Dorchester to create an exclusive printed scarf of the same name, that will be officially launched this September during London Fashion Week for S/S 2013, alongside a special Teatum Jones fashion tea. This is truly great news for a label only into its third official season and for all fashionistas among you.

‘The Dorchester’ scarf designed by Teatum Jones, measures 136cm by 136cm, is made of 100% pure silk double georgette and will be sold exclusively at Liberty, from Tuesday 18 September 2012, priced at £245.- and at shop.thedorchester.com.

The ‘Teatum Jones Fashion Tea’ will be held on The Promenade at The Dorchester bringing fashion week to everyday London fashionistas showcasing Teatum Jones F/W 2012 collection, and of course the  ‘The Dorchester’ scarf.

Afternoon tea sittings for this special event on Tuesday 18 September take place at 2.15pm and at 4.45pm, and are priced at £52 per adult including a glass of champagne. (Prices are inclusive of VAT and exclusive of service charge at 12.5%). For reservations or further information, please telephone The Dorchester on +44 (0)20 7629 8888 or email restaurants..

About Teatum Jones

Catherine Teatum and Rob Jones studied at Ravensbourne College of Design and Central Saint Martins respectively. They worked with Luella Bartley, Warren Noronha and John Richmond before setting up Teatum Jones, and were picked up by Liberty in their second season for S/S 2012. This year has seen the launch of the Teatum Jones’ S/S 2012 collection in Canada, adding to existing retail territories in the UK, US and the Middle East. Teatum Jones have also been name-checked on 2012 Hot Lists in UK magazines Vogue, Elle, Stella and The Observer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Teatum Jones, Timeout and The Dorchester