Last week, I went to the presentation of the 15th annabelle Prix de Beauté which was held at the Dolder Grand in Zurich. The presentation could be best described as the “Swiss Beauty Oscars”. I felt very honoured because I was asked to be in the jury.
The highly coveted “Anna” trophy.
My task? Test 100 beauty products in the category facial care. No problem at all!
For my Swiss based readers: All the winners of the different categories will be published in the annabelle 04-2012 magazine which will be available starting February 22, 2012. From March 2-17, 2012 all the awarded products will be displayed at Manor in Zurich.
Some of the winners were already featured on Sandra’s Closet such as the Diorskin Forever Foundation or the Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator by Estée Lauder.
Below you can see what I wore to the event. I hope that you will like it.
LoL, Sandra
My look: Bouclé-tweed mini dress 
by Alexander McQueen (40% off on sale), lace-appliquéd mesh knee boots by Valentino (70% off on sale), pearl necklace by Lanvin, lace-print bag by Prada (from a previous season) and Lady Exalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.
Photos: ©Sandra Bauknecht
Today, net-à-porter has released a gown almost identical to Pippa Middleton’s bridesmaid dress that she wore to her sister Kate’s royal wedding to Prince William on April 29 this year.
The cowl-neck dream designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, is not exactly the same and comes with minor differences to the original gown. It has for example a covered zip at the back instead of fabric buttons and the sleeves and neck seams have been alternated. Pippa’s version was made of heavy ivory silk and a customized order.
In the mood for pulling a Pippa? I just couldn’t resist…
LoL, Sandra
Going to dinner at Le Caprice, I was wearing this outfit. Due to the ongoing star print trend, I reminded myself of the Viktor & Rolf dress in my closet. Like I always say, don’t throw out too much. There will always be a time again…
Dress by Viktor & Rolf, cropped leather jacket and appliquéd metallic leather clutch by Miu Miu, cage sandals by Alexander McQueen and ring by Roberto Cavalli. On my nails: Graphite by Chanel.
And as I love my job and my Mac very much, I would like to end with a quote of the late Steve Jobs, a true visionary and a creative genius:
”Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to…love what you do. – Your time is limited. Don’t waste it living someone else’s life”.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
If you were wondering what I was wearing for Fashion’s Night Out in New York, this was my look.
Blouse and Skirt by Alexander McQueen, Python Belt by Gucci, Studded Heels by Valentino, Small Boston Bag by Céline, Ring by Roberto Cavalli and Watch by Roger Dubuis.
This military inspired outfit was also seen on Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge recently in Birmingham.
Catherine had shortened her skirt whereas I left it at the medium length. Midi skirts are a must for F/W 2011. I was not a big fan of Catherine’s classic suede pumps as the outfit itself is already pretty conservative. That was the reason I went for my studded Valentino kitten heels and added the wide eyecatching golden python belt for a bit of colour.
On my nails I am wearing a metallic colour, so-called “Graphite” by Chanel.
What is he looking at?
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Yesterday, I came across those photos from my trip to Istanbul that I had taken with my new small Leica camera and completely forgotten about. The purple light of the night had been so beautiful and my outfit had just blended in.
My look: Pink and black striped dress by Alexander McQueen, clutch and sandals by Prada, necklace by Etro, ring by Roberto Cavalli and watch by Roger Dubuis.
On my finger nails: Ballerina Pink by Estée Lauder
On my toe nails: Purple Passion by Estée Lauder
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Yesterday, I came for one night to Zurich to attend the opening of the new Navyboot flagship store on Bahnhofstrasse. The brand’s ambassador Top Formula 1 racing driver Michael Schumacher attended the party as well.
My outfit: Backless waistcoat and culottes by Stella McCartney, lace top by Prada, hand-painted cage sandals by Alexander McQueen, earrings and clutch by Chanel, ring by Dior and watch by Roger Dubuis.
LoL, Sandra
The new store on Bahnhofstrasse
Michael Schumacher with me
Impression of the after party at Kaufleuten
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Photopress
Bye-bye Turkey! I truly enjoyed my last night at the beautiful Çırağan Palace Kempinski İstanbul. The hotel was outstanding in everything and I would absolutely recommend staying here. Here are some photos of the restored historical Sultan’s Palace which is part of the hotel and where the 11 VIP suites are located with a private entrance.
My outfit: Blue Sweater and Dress by Alexander McQueen
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
The Sultan suite one of the biggest in Europe with over 376 square meters is located on the second floor of the magnificent historical Palace overlooking the Bosphorus. It has hosted many royals and precious guests since its opening such as King of Spain – H. E. Juan Carlos II and the Queen; King of Jordan – H. E. Hussein and the Queen; the US former President Mr. Bill Clinton; Luciano Pavarotti and Liza Minelli, Oprah Winfrey and many more.
Staying in the Sultan Suite is a luxurious privilege with two master bedrooms and an astonishing marble bathroom with gold plated taps, guests enjoy 24 hour private butler service and absolute privacy. Rack rate: 30.000 Euro per night + VAT % 8
By the way, during my stay I spotted Zaha Hadid…
LoL, Sandra
Sultan Suite Master Bedroom
Sultan Suite Master Bathroom
Sultan Suite Second Bedroom
Sultan Suite Second Bathroom
Sultan Suite Living Room
Photos: Courtesy of Çırağan Palace Kempinski İstanbul
I am a huge fan of the Alexander McQueen F/W 2011 collection. As for me, Sarah Burton has outdone herself once more. The fetish elements, the beautiful fur edges, the frayed organza, just amazing. Needless to say, those dramatic pieces are not for everyday use but for making a showstopping entrance, they are perfect. And just one item at a time works lovely, see here.
When I stumbled upon the advertising campaign photos, I was blown away. Such a beauty and drama: Raquel Zimmermann photographed by David Sims.
LoL, Sandra
My dear readers, I still owe you all those photos from the LuisaViaRoma Firenze4Ever 3rd Edition Total Styling Lab with all the fab pieces from the upcoming F/W 2011 season.
Here is my first look I called „Feather Girl“ because of those amazing shoes, aren’t they divine? It is always a great investment to get a pair of statement shoes as they will make every outfit something special. The Bayswater Mulberry bag has also a beautiful feather print on the leather.
If you don’t have a vest yet, I truly recommend getting one, preferably with some fur embellishments. It is a must this winter!
And last but not least the jumpsuit is definitely back! I know that it can be quite unpractical, you know what I mean… but nevertheless it is such a stylish piece of clothes that you should absolutely consider.
For shopping, just click on the highlighted description below:
Jumpsuit: DSQUARED2
– Shoes: DIEGO DOLCINI – Bag: MULBERRY
– Necklace: ISAJON – Vest: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN – Watch: ROGER DUBUIS
By the way, isn’t the location on the terrasse overlooking Florence and the Duomo just wonderful? Makes me dream of those wonderful days…
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Ilaria Gambi
The closing dinner party of Firenze4Ever 3rd Edition took place in the beautiful gardens of La Specola museum. The theme of the party was „Animalier“.
I dressed up as a mixture between a mouse and a cheetah, a „cheetouse“.
Leggings and Top by Givenchy – Blouse and Cage Sandals by Alexander McQueen, Belt – Yves Saint Laurent, Headband with Mouse Ears by Louis Vuitton and Mini Boston Bag by Céline – Watch by Roger Dubuis.
Me with Dan Hasby-Oliver from Laststylelofdefense.com
Sebastiano and La Carmina were showing us the Japanese animalier trend: Pokemons, rabbit bags and plush dogs on the head.
It wouldn’t be LuisaViaRoma if they didn’t have some surprises for us that night. A beautiful ballet performance waited for us in the gardens. The dancers were dressed up as animal creatures. Kind of spooky but really beautiful.
The DJs of the night were pretty famous: Daniele Cavalli (Roberto’s son), whom I had met already at the last Firenze4Ever event in January, and Henry Holland, the designer of House of Holland were rocking the crowd.
Daniele
Henry
The last days were just so amazing, filled with many exciting moments. I have so much more to show you!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
