Sandra‘s Closet

No time to dress in the morning? Some essentials are a great way to save time as they mix and match easily with other pieces from your closet. This season, I recommend a leather biker jacket and a black slim cardigan. They work with everything. Finish off the look with a statement bag and some fun jewelry and you will be ready in a sec!

My look: Leather biker jacket and leopard print scarf, both by Saint Laurent, appliquéd leather and lace skirt by Jason Wu, cashmere and silk-blend cardigan by Miu Miu, white lace bralette by Abercrombie & Fitch, large Pashli satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim, shoes by Gucci, rose diamond necklace by Piaget and pearl necklace by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Feminine, sophisticated and reminiscent of 1950s elegance, for the new season polka dots returned to the S/S 2014 runway. At Burberry Prorsum they came in a modernized and bold way, while at Dolce & Gabbana and Moschino they appeared smaller in black and white or red – all aptly retro-inspired, especially given Moschino’s special anniversary show.

So cute, a real must-have! Polka dot ‘Pashli’ satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim

Shop the trendy look and get one of those amazing pieces:

1 Polka-dot cotton and lace shirt by No. 21
2 Febe stretch-mesh balconette bra by L’Agent by Agent Provocateur
3 Polka dot-print stretch-silk dress by Dolce & Gabbana
4 Leather-trimmed polka-dot canvas slip-on sneakers by Katie Grand Loves Hogan
5 Polka-dot linen shirt by Burberry Prorsum
6 Polka-dot cotton dress by Marni
7 Polka-dot silk bow tie by Saint Laurent
8 Chuck Taylor All Star polka-dot suede sneakers by Converse
9  Polka-dot cashmere and silk-blend scarf by Burberry Prorsum
10 Lilico flower-embellished leather sandals by Sophia Webster

There is also a scent dressed in dots living up to the trend. Insolence, one of Guerlain’s iconic fragrances, is adopting a whirlwind of neon pink polka dots. A true collector’s item for lovers of the fruity floral scent or a great way to rediscover it.

Top notes: Raspberry, red berries, lemon and bergamot
Middle notes: Violet, orange blossom and rose
Base notes: Orris, sandalwood, tonka bean and musk

Insolence – Limited Edition Crazy Touch – Eau de Toilette 50ml bottle, CHF 110.00.
Available from March 1, 2014 on all Guerlain’s authorized points of sale.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands

Many great pieces have found their way into my closet this Christmas! Dear Santa, a huge thank you! Here is a sneak preview of what I will be wearing soon. Some of my gorgeous new clothes might be a little to wintery for my next destination. While you are reading this, I am on my way to Bangkok. Stay tuned for my new adventure and in the meantime enjoy some shopping!

1 Studded leather shift dress by Saint Laurent
2 Ruffled-collar top by Alexander McQueen
3 Gloria resin, Swarovski Pearl and crystal necklace by Lanvin
4 Wild Flower gunmetal-tone Swarovski crystal ear cuffs by Roberto Cavalli
5 Miranda wool and lace dress by Stella McCartney
6 Cool gold-tone ring by Lanvin
7 Ruffled leopard-print silk-chiffon blouse by Saint Laurent
8 Classic Plonge leather shorts by Saint Laurent
9 Black chiffon skirt by Saint Laurent
10 Patch-appliquéd skinny jeans by 3.1 Phillip Lim
11 Leather bra top by Saint Laurent
12 Zebra print top by Saint Laurent

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

It is not Christmas yet but today it feels already like it… NET-A-PORTER‘s semi-annual international sale has gone live! Save up to 50% on designers like Gucci, Stella McCartney, Chloé and many more! I always recommend to get some basic pieces as you don’t want to invest at the end of the season into something too trendy and fancy.

I put together a wish list of basic items, classics that should be in your wardrobe and that could be mixed and matched:

1 Leather over-the-knee boots by 3.1 Phillip Lim
2 Ester cutout suede ankle boots by Giuseppe Zanotti
3 Wool-felt wide-brimmed hat by Gucci
4 Wool-blend blazer by Gucci
5 Wool and cashmere-blend sweater by Chloé
6 Silk and lace dress by Nina Ricci
7 Motocross-style low-rise skinny jeans by Balmain
8 Silk-blend chiffon pussy-bow blouse by Dolce & Gabbana
9 The Falabella crystal-embellished faux leather clutch by Stella McCartney
10 The Pashli medium two-tone shark-effect leather trapeze bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim
11 Geometrie hammered gold-plated cuff by Hervé Van der Straeten

Have fun shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Sunday, I flew to Paris for Fashion Week and went straight to the Akris S/S 2014 show. A huge highlight of the evening was the cocktail reception at the Swiss brand’s beautiful showrooms in the presence of H.S.H. Princess Charlène of Monaco, who was extremely lovely and charming to talk to. A truly amazing woman!

My look: White sculptural fitted crepe blouse, black waistcoat and buttoned skirt, all by Balenciaga (I am in love with Alexander Wang‘s designs and think that he is a great choice for the French brand), lace sleeves by Chanel, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps by Saint Laurent, Pashli mini satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim and rose ring by Piaget.

Below are some impressions of the night! Enjoy and stay tuned for many updates from PFW!

LoL, Sandra

Me with my beloved hair stylist Charles Aellen who creates Charlène’s look.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht (Thank you, Mischa, for taking them!)

Yesterday morning, I left my hotel very early to go backstage before the Michael Kors S/S 2014 show and I was in the mood to show my love for NYC!

My look: Dirty ’50s stretch-denim jacket by Saint Laurent, I Heart Nueva York cotton-jersey tank, printed silk skirt with trompe d’oeil shirt sleeves tied around the waist, both by 3.1 Phillip Lim, Susanna studded leather ankle boots by Chloé, Bamboo leather shopper tote by Gucci, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Moto Jacket (aka fall’s must-have item) should be in your closet right now.

Just when I thought it had gone to biker heaven, this topper pops up on most of the major F/W 2013 runways in every way possible, floral at Givenchy, classic at Saint Laurent and sexy at Jason Wu. The biker jacket is a super-easy way to work this season’s grunge trend and to add some edge to any outfit. Try one of these amazing ones below:

1 Leather biker jacket by Balmain
2 Cracked-leather biker jacket by Proenza Schouler
3 Two-tone textured-leather biker jacket by Faith Connexion
4 Hyde paneled leather biker jacket by IRO
5 Jovanna neon stretch-denim biker jacket by Karl Lagerfeld
6 Herringbone wool-blend biker jacket by Junya Watanabe
7 Karle leather biker jacket by J Brand
8 Leopard-print ribbed leather jacket by 3.1 Phillip Lim
9 Trompe l’oeil leather biker jacket by Alexander Wang

Classic leather biker jacket by Saint Laurent (my favourite one as you can see above)

Royal blue nubuck biker jacket by Alexander McQueen (now on my wish list)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via style.com, © Sandra Bauknecht

If you think, isn’t she a little too old for being a Directioner?! Point taken! Yes, I am but my daughter is one and this is how I learnt about the boys of One Direction: Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson. In May, I even went to their concert in Zurich.

My look at the concert: Denim and wool jacket by Givenchy, leather and cotton-jersey sweater and chain-trimmed leather mini skirt, both by Saint Laurent, boots by Chanel and Pashli two-tone mini shark embossed leather satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Here are the breaking news for all Directioners: The boys created a line of beauty products with London-based makeup company MUA Cosmetics. They may sing about natural beauty in the song “What Makes You Beautiful,” but that’s not holding them back to come up with this very smart marketing strategy. So girls, forget the natural look because it’s the LITTLE THINGS, which is the name of their 15-piece lip, nail and cheek colour collection that make all the difference now.

Each band member has chosen their favourite color and signed their own ‘Kiss You’ lip shade: Harry loves Strawberry, Zayn loves Watermelon, Louis loves Vanilla, Niall loves Cherry, Liam loves Blueberry – which one will you choose?!

Available on www.muastore.co.uk, www.superdrug.com and in select Superdrug stores starting from July 29, 2013.

This is their moment. One Direction are about to take over the fragrance world, too. The new very sweet OUR MOMENT fragrance will go on sale in Harrods on August 25, nationwide in the UK from September 9, 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mua Cosmetics and Harrods

The last stop of my trip through China was one of my favourite cities in the world: HONG KONG. This cultural melting pot offers a little of everything, from beaches to the best restaurants and nightlife, from culture to art and entertainment. As I know the metropole very well, I refrained from sightseeing and went on a shopping spree.

My look: Printed tee and sunglasses, both by Dolce & Gabbana, mid-rise cut-off denim shorts by Saint Laurent,coral Pashli medium leather bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim, criss-cross ankle strap sandals by Miu Miu and earrings by Gucci.

I stayed at the iconic Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Built in 1963, as the famous chain’s first opening, this is one of the few hotels in this futuristic city with a history. Located in the heart of Central’s most fashionable shopping district, The Landmark, Harvey Nichols and many other luxury brands are just within walking distance. An absolute prime location with great service!

In the afternoon, I took the ferry to Kowloon, which is also quite the place for shopping lovers. Next to the Star Ferry pier is Harbour City, a gigantic mall in Tsim Sha Tsui. In the tiny side roads, you can also experience fascinating local shops and markets, such as the Ladies’ Market.

In the evening, I partied at the highest bar in the world – Ozone at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The stunning rooftop location provides a stylish venue for a glass of bubbly complimented by a picturesque bird’s eye view of Hong Kong. My absolute favourite spot!

My trip to China has come to an end. I arrived back in Zurich yesterday morning, filled with amazing memories. It was such a great experience but also quite exhausting. But I never stop… next week, I will be off to Iceland. Might not be the place to wear my shorts again though…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I had a day filled with interesting meetings. In between, I found the time to visit the iconic Bund, one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai. The waterfront area, which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River, refers to the buildings and wharves on this section of the road, as well as some adjacent areas. Facing Pudong, I was overwhelmed by the stunning views of the skyline. The Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, the city’s distinctive landmark, is just breathtaking.

My look: Eyespy cut out printed dress by Tibi,coral Pashli medium leather bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim, criss-cross ankle strap sandals by Miu Miu, Apophis cuff by Saint Laurent and floral sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

Happy 4th of July to my American readers. I still remember how much fun I had last year in Maui celebrating that special day…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht