Sandra‘s Closet

First of all, I would love to thank everyone who sent me a message wondering why I have been absent from blogging. The reason was I truly needed some digital detox.

Those who are following me on Instagram might have seen that I had been traveling extensively over the last two and a half weeks. I flew directly from the shopping spree in Abu Dhabi to New York City, stayed there one night and left via St. Marteen to St. Barths for the Bucket Regatta. After that I went to St. Kitts to explore the newly opened Kittitian Hill resort that focuses immensely on sustainable vacations, followed by a stopover in Miami and a few days in Bermuda.

Now I am back filled with great memories and adventures that I am happy to share with you over the next weeks! Below are some little previews…

It takes only 15 minutes to fly from St. Marteen to…

…St. Barths. The landing is definitely spectacular due to the view and its famous short runway.

Enjoying the Bucket Regatta and the ASW boat party at the same time…

…with the world’s best mojitos by…

…by Mojitoman Ibiza and Mojitowoman. They will be in Ibiza this summer, don’t miss them!

Next stop: St. Kitts

Belle Mont Farm is Kittitian Hill’s first luxury five star hotel. Situated in 400 acres of tropical farmland, you enjoy spectular views, great service and the most amazing food which is prepared only with locally foraged ingredients. Did you know that as a ASW members, you are granted a complimentary 7-night stay in one of the charming guest cottages?!

If you are in St. Kitts, don’t miss one of the island’s hot spots: Salt Plage. The perfect place for a sundowner.

A stopover for a night in Miami.

I stayed at the newly opened Villa Bagatelle, which is the first hotel in the wildly successful family of Bagatelle bistros. A great place to party in the heart of South Beach.

My last destination of my trip was Bermuda which unfortunately was slightly chilly. The water is insane due to an incredible clarity and color.

Now, you might understand why I had been offline. Sometimes, you have to sit back, relax and just enjoy with your eyes…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here are the details of the outfit that I wore for the amazing shopping spree in Abu Dhabi.
I added some elements from the Middle East such as harem pants and the Chanel necklace from the Dubai collection.

My look: Black cardigan by Miu Miu, white T-shirt by R13, harem pants by Balmain, Alice leather sandals with pearls by Saint Laurent, Falabella faux brushed-leather shoulder bag by Stella McCartney, long metal necklace embellished with crescent moons and glass pearls and sunglasses by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, I flew to Abu Dhabi to greet the winner of the amazing contest with Etihad Airways, L’Officiel Switzerland and Sandra’s Closet. Nadya Toncheva from Hamburg won a shopping spree at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island and we truly had a great time.

Abu Dhabi’s premier lifestyle destination offers a world-class shopping experience while absorbing panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Enjoy some impressions of our shopping spree in the Middle East below.

Having fun at Dior

Nadya looking all fabulous in this Ralph Lauren look.

A happy Sandra in shopping heaven who just adores her job!

A must-have for a well equipped closet: a cotton-gabardine trench coat by Burberry London. Nadya fell immediately in love with it!

While shopping at Burberry, I spotted myself on the big screen front row at the S/S 2015 runway show in London.

We browsed almost every store in The Galleria and put many things aside. Then we had a drink and decided which pieces would be the best. Needless to say we had to get the fabulous cotton-gabardine trench coat by Burberry London first.

Nadya was looking for great pieces she could wear during the day for work that would translate easily into evening wear. This tunic blouse by Tory Burch offered both in perfection.

Mission accomplished!

Filming a little behind the scenes video for The Galleria with lovely Maria Bosenko.

Thank you Journey Feng and Maria Bosenko of the hospitality team at The Galleria for accompanying us and taking all the pictures. We had a lot of fun with you, guys!

Our lovely day ended with a yummy dinner at Cipriani and another round of drinks at Iris. Nadya, it was lovely meeting you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – thank you Maria Bosenko for taking them!

On Monday morning, I boarded Etihad Airways flight EY47 to Abu Dhabi. When I left, I enjoyed a spectacular view over Zurich. The time flew, due to strong winds, we arrived one hour ahead of time. The service on board was great and I can absolutely recommend this luxurious airline.

As my avid readers know, the reason why I am here is the amazing contest that all of you were able to enter in the beginning of February (for the previous post click here please).

I would like to thank everyone who participated. It was really tough for the Etihad team to choose the winner.

Here she is, congrats to Nadya Toncheva from Hamburg, who posted this beautiful entry. I am looking forward to meeting you today and to taking you for a serious shopping spree!

We are staying at the Yas Viceroy hotel that I can absolutely recommend. The rooms are big, the interior of the hotel is stylish and its seven restaurants offer everything a gourmet’s heart would ask for.

Yesterday, I met my friend Catherine Sarr who lives between London and Abu Dhabi. She has just launched her jewelry collection Almasika Fine Jewellery (the golden bangles at my wrist) that can be found already at Colette and soon in Zurich at Meister.

Catherine took me to the Saddiyat Beach Club, a great place to chill when you are in the area.

I am wishing you a lovely day! I am off shopping at the Galleria at Mariyah Island in Abu Dhabi… Nadya, get ready to get a new closet with Sandra’s Closet! It will also be featured in L’Officiel Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Etihad Airways, Nadya Toncheva

For all fragrance addicts, this is great news: AJ ARABIA is a new perfumery house founded by Ali Aljaberi in Abu Dhabi. Original fragrances that combine the best of French perfumery with the treasures of the Arabian Desert, in a breathtaking packaging inspired by the beautiful Arabian architecture.

The fragrances will be numbered rather than named, and are designed to be worn by both men and women.

AJ ARABIA BLACK COLLECTION I
«Arabian hospitality in a bottle»

Top Notes: Cinnamon, Cardamom
Heart Notes: Incense, Cypress
Base Notes: Sandal Wood, Musk, Cedar Wood

AJ ARABIA BLACK COLLECTION II
«Sweet Arabian seduction»

Top Notes: Plum, Mandarin
Heart Notes: Rose, Sandalwood
Base Notes: Musk, Vanilla, Moss

I personally love the second oriental fragrance, Black Collection II, that features fruity top notes, a woody-floral heart and a classic dry-down. This delicate and fragrant perfume with its enticing aromas takes you on a journey to the marvelous heritage of the Middle East.

Both fragrances (50ml) are available exclusively in Zurich at Perfumery Osswald for CHF 396.- each.

Speaking of Abu Dhabi, don’t forget to enter the amazing contest with Etihad HERE. For more information about the ultimate shopping experience that you can win with me in Abu Dhabi, click here for the previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of AJ ARABIA

My dear readers, this is by far the coolest contest I have published so far! You can win an amazing trip to Abu Dhabi with Etihad, the ultimate shopping experience with me: “Get a new closet with Sandra’s Closet“! And moreover you will be featured in L’OFFICIEL Switzerland…

What is your #EtihadEssential travel item?

Being also the editor-in-chief of L’OFFICIEL Switzerland, I promise you that you’ll be treated to a luxurious experience including:

• A Business Class return ticket from Switzerland to Abu Dhabi* and limousine transfers
• Two nights at Yas Viceroy Hotel in Abu Dhabi
• Shopping vouchers to create your new wardrobe
• Exclusive tips and style advice from Sandra Bauknecht
• Dinner at Cipriani
• 1-year subscription to L’OFFICIEL magazine

All you have to do is share a photo of you and your most indispensable travel item – so get creative!

How To Enter

1. Take a picture of you with your favorite travel item
2. Upload it to Instagram or Twitter with #EtihadEssential and…
3. Submit your photo HERE, along with a short caption explaining your choice
4. The best picture wins the shopping trip of a lifetime to Abu Dhabi. Simple!

*The winner will be required to travel between 15 March 2015 and 20 March 2015, traveling together with Sandra Bauknecht.

Good luck!

LoL, Sandra