Sandra‘s Closet

Gosh, it feels so good to be back in Zurich and to dress up again. One week in Iceland with no makeup and fancy clothes has been enough for me. Now, I am ready to bring back some glamour into my life! For a start, I had a fabulous girls’ lunch yesterday in the city…

My look: Striped stretch-silk chiffon top, printed cotton-blend brocade skirt, filigrane embellished gold-plated necklace, bucket bag featuring a floral and face print and matching heels, all by Dolce & Gabbana, ring “Mitzah” by Dior Haute Joaillerie and bangles by Chanel and Rasoir sunglasses by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While you are reading this, I am on my way to Guilin. After those amazing days of relaxation in sweats and sneakers, it was time to put my heels back on. At least for a few hours…

My look: Pedal Star skinny jeans with Asia print (also available in a cropped version), linen knit cardigan and matching top, all three by Closed, ultraviolet Serpenti shoulder bag by Bvlgari (also available in beige), Melt black powder pumps by Minna Parikka, sunglasses by Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN and bangles by Sal y Limon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

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

True beauty comes from within (and make-up, of course). Without joking, beauty is a funny thing… and most of us might be most of the time focused on our own appearance, pursuing the goal of looking “the best” – at least externally.

Personally speaking, I think what really makes you beautiful is the right attitude. Being happy with yourself might give you this certain charisma and glow no beauty product can achieve. Live life to the fullest, don’t criticize yourself all the time. We spend too much time living in the ‘what if’ and ‘if I had‘. As Robert Brault puts it briefly: “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”

As I don’t want to start the week too seriously, let’s get inspired by Bo Derek who said once: “Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping.” My new Bvlgari bag definitely put a big smile on my face. And doesn’t a smile always make us more beautiful in the end… with this is mind, let’s jump on the latest trend.

My look: Safari dress by Pascal Millet (from his extremely beautiful S/S 2013 collection), ultraviolet Serpenti shoulder bag by Bvlgari (also availble in beige), pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps and crinkled print scarf, both by Saint Laurent, Happy Diamonds ring by Chopard, Tank Americaine watch in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier, 4810 hoop earrings in pink gold with diamonds by Montblanc, bangles by Sal y Limon, floral sunglasses by Prada and Pearls stay-up by Wolford.

Have a great week!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Due to another amazing project that will be revealed soon, I had to cancel a very interesting trip to Grande Champagne with LOUIS XIII for the launch of their highly exclusive Rare Cask 42,6 cognac (one bottle is €18.000). Sometimes, I would love to clone myself…

For the first time in weeks, I had an afternoon free that I spent with a good book at my pool. It feels so great that we finally have summer in Zurich and being outside in your own garden is for me one of the most luxurious things on earth. It was a great opportunity to try my new retro-style bathing suit. In general, I like to wear bikinis as you saw me last year in Maui or in 2011, but this one-piece looks great and is perfect during those cooler days.

My look: Embellished bathing suit and sarong, both by Wolford, Bowletto bag by Karl Lagerfeld, Tribute Two textured-leather pumps by Saint Laurent, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, earrings by H&M and bangles by Sal y Limon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I love what I do and that makes me happy. If you find the thing you really enjoy doing, work will not be work anymore, it will become pleasure. Sandra’s Closet is my passion, my addiction and my daily dose of fulfillment. I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy posting it.

Here you see me on my way to one of my favourite sushi places in Zurich: GINGER. I included some photos of my beloved dishes below.

My look: Trompe l’oeil dress with oversized sweater top and leather skirt by Closed, blue long sleeve top by H&M, H Hobo Grande soft off-white nubuck leather bag by Hogan, silk scarf and cross necklace, both by Gabriele Frantzen, bangles by Sal y Limon, Kate ankle boots by De Siena, Tank Americaine watch by Cartier and Mat Opaque 80 tights in black by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Beef filet with ponzu sauce

Salmon carpaccio with egg

Salmon aburi

Kingfish carpaccio

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This Easter weekend has been absolutely perfect so far, of course excluding the weather. Here in Zurich, it has been snowing today. Totally crazy. In the morning, I went to a friend’s house for a lovely Easter brunch. It was so great to be with the people I haven’t seen in a long time.

My look: Double breasted jacket by Saint Laurent, black Féline tee with gold foil by Brian Lichtenberg, Kate ankle boots by De Siena, Zurich bag by Milli Millu, fox snake and statement necklace, both by Gabriele Frantzen, ring by Roberto Cavalli, bangles by Sal y Limon and python print stretch-leather skirt by Utzon (The Danish brand makes amazing leather pieces of great quality, click here to visit their homepage).

I hope that your Easter egg hunt was successful!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Crystals, the new sparkling bangles collection by Sal y Limon, is just perfect for Christmas. Those handmade fun jewelry pieces will make you shine like a star or be the perfect surprise for a beloved friend. Available in many colours for CHF 54.- each, in Switzerland at Globus, Companys, Feldpausch, Schild and Loeb.

One lucky reader has the chance to win a set of three bangles (orange, pink, fuchsia). Send me an e-mail with your address and the header “Christmas Bangles” to .

All entries must be received until December 16st, 2012. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Sal y Limon and © Sandra Bauknecht

Girls have more fun – finally young ladies can also wear the gorgeous colourful, hand-painted bangles by Sal y Limon.

The first Miss SYL collection for girls is now available in six colours, seven designs and two sizes: Miss SYL small for CHF 24.90; Miss SYL medium for CHF 31.90 each. In Switzerland at Globus and Loeb.

My daughter wears them with great pleasure at her arm…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Sal y Limon and © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday was just the perfect day. It was Swiss National Day, which is a public holiday and my parents were visiting from Germany. We were all enjoying the beauty of the garden and of course, I blogged a little in my beloved corner protected by the shade of a magnolia tree before dancing around the pool in my new clogs. Personally speaking, it doesn’t get much better than being in your own little paradise, nothing is so peaceful and relaxing.

My look: Tiered printed silk maxi dress from D&G‘s final collection, Stetson straw hat by Peter Grimm (Souvenir from Club 55 in St. Tropez), bangles by Sal y Limon, silver earrings by Gucci and my new Candy Block clogs by Lulu Vibes (If you would like to find out more about the cute brand, visit the homepage or have a look at this previous post.)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht