Sandra‘s Closet

Fashionable women in action sports, such as surfing or swimming, need functional and stylish clothing  in one. This post is dedicated to some fun pieces for the water as well as some beauty products that especially protect your hair. Be sure to pack those must-haves on your next vacation!

Citrus Sunshine Swimcap Cream, 75ml by Philip Kingsley
This product is absolutely amazing.  It was originally developed for the first US Olympic synchronized swimming team to protect their hair from dehydrating chlorine and salt water. This intensely hydrating formula is for use on wet hair and suitable for sensitive scalps, overly processed and damaged hair.

Vanishing Point Yosemite swim cap by Eres
Another way to protect your hair in the water, is a traditional swim cap. This Italian-made piece is crafted from the label’s signature shape-retaining peau douce fabric – it won’t move or slip when wet. Moreover it won’t pull your hair like many swim caps do.

Surf Infusion, 100ml by Bumble and Bumble
I adore creates soft beach waves. Enriched with sea salt and nourishing oils, this formula instantly adds texture, body and shine. UV inhibitors ensure tresses are protected from the drying effects of the sun.

Printed cotton-jersey T-shirt by Mikoh
The brand’s founding duo – Californian sisters and designers Oleema and Kalani Miller – are keen surfers who grew up on the sun-kissed beaches of Orange County. This classic crew-neck T-shirt is cut for a relaxed fit from soft cotton-jersey. Slip on this piece at the beach or team it with summery pants when you’re in the city.

Printed neoprene rashsuit by Perfect Moment
This rashsuit is cut from insulating 1.8mm neoprene that’s UV-protective and stretch-resistant so it holds its shape in water. This streamlined style has flatlocked seams to reduce irritation and feels super lightweight and flexible. The striped monochrome panels contour and flatter your figure.

St Tropez striped perforated neoprene backpack by Duskii
Store your beach essentials or a change of clothes in the roomy interior, adjusting the rope straps for comfort.

Saint Tropez striped neoprene swimsuit by Duskii
Matching your beach backpack, this swimsuit is crafted from sculpting neoprene, this comfortable style molds to the body for a flexible fit.

Surfboard by Chanel
And last but not least, you need a stylish surfboard and why not opt for one by Chanel. In 2010, the fashion house created luxury surfboards in the original Chanel classic aesthetic. I am sure you can still find them somewhere or ask for a special order in stores.

Who said surfing wasn’t chic?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

BOBBI BROWN‘s Malibu Nudes Collection is inspired of those carefree days at the beach in California. Easy-to-apply products that give you an instant healthy look. Actress Kate Upton is once more the face of the campaign.

NUDE ON NUDE EYE PALETTE – CHF 74.00
Colours: Nude – Cement – Wheat – Espresso – Malted

Bobbi’s iconic, all matte Nude on Nude Eye Palette is back for a limited time. Featuring four skin tone inspired shadows and a dark liner shade, this palette flatters all complexions and pairs perfectly with nude-to-bright lips. Includes a large mirror and a Dual-Ended Angle Eye Shadow/ Eye Liner Brush.

Nobody does nude makeup like Bobbi, and this palette is no exception. Based on shades she sees in women’s faces every day, this eye shadow palette takes the guesswork out of the perfect nude eye. Every shade is instantly flattering–no blending required.

BLUSH DUO – CHF 62.00
Available in:
Pastel Pink / Powder Pink (light skin tones) (pictured)
Sand Pink / Pale Pink (medium skin tones)
Tawny / Peony (golden skin tones)
Plum / French Pink (dark skin tones)

Inspired by Bobbi’s signature blush technique, this duo lets you give cheeks the ultimate natural-looking flush. Includes complementary neutral and pop shades designed to be layered. The sleek, black case includes a mirrored lid for easy application wherever you are.

Bobbi’s secret to achieving the perfect cheek. This duo features neutral and pop blush shades that are designed to be layered for a fresh, healthy glow. The silky matte formula glides smoothly onto cheeks and lasts all day.

ART STICKS – CHF 41.00
Available in: Hot Berry, Electric Coral, Punch, Brown Berry, Rich Nude, Bare

Bold color that packs a one-two punch. This chunky pencil gives you lipstick and liner in one, comfortable wear and a creamy matte finish.

Formulated with Shea Butter and emollients, Art Stick has a creamy texture and a featherweight feel—for comfortable wear that lasts hours.

In stores in Switzerland from March 2, 2016.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Hawaii Collection by OPI brings the fresh, bright colors of its namesake islands to nails and toes this summer. This new collection features a palette ranging from muted tones of mint, peach, pink and nude to bolder hues of coral, green, purple and gold to deep tones of mauve, violet, brick red and shimmery blue.

When I spotted the press release, I reminded myself that I still had this draft about a tour around Maui from 2012 that I haven’t published yet. Who has ever been there knows about its magic. The beautiful beaches, surfing, the weather, the islands’ lush greenery, colorful flowers, and yummy fish, the landscape that ranges from Scottish Highlands to a tropical rainforest, all together inspired those 12 fresh new nail shades.

“Printed, flowing fabrics dominated spring runways, with patterns and graphics in both bold and muted hues. Warm, ethereal neutrals in shades of rose, peach and mint added a soft, feminine note,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. “That’s Hula-rious!, a pastel mint green from the Hawaii Collection, was seen at Charlotte Ronson’s S/S 2015 NYFW show; this shade was used to create a cutout half moon manicure that complemented the designer’s youthful presentation.”

Hawaii Collection by OPI includes the following shades in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas:

That’s Hula-rious!
This pastel mint green makes me dance with joy!

My Gecko Does Tricks
Being bright and pearly green is just one of its talents.

Do You Take Lei Away?
On second thought, I can’t wait – I need this creamy nude now!

Is Mai Tai Crooked?
Get it straight – this fruity orange crème is fabulous!

Go with the Lava
Flow You can feel the heat shimmering off this golden red.

Aloha from OPI
Let’s give a warm island hello to this bright creamy coral!

Suzi Shops & Island Hops
A light and happy pink that’s the perfect traveling companion.

Just Lanai-ing
Around This dark, creamy mauve says “hang loose!” in style.

Hello Hawaii Ya?
In this gorgeous, dusky purple, I’m doing just fine.

This Color’s Making Waves
This shimmery, lagoon blue has got heads turning.

Lost My Bikini In Molokini
With this reef-inspired purple, what’s one bikini more or less?

Pineapples Have Peelings Too!
The heart of the matter lies in this gold shimmer with colorful sparkle.

Hawaii nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. The new shades will be available in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas from 15th February, 2015.

If you are interested in some previous posts from Maui, click on the highlighted links below:

Aloha from Maui

On Top of the Volcano – Maui Sunset Dinner

Last Night in Maui – Four Seasons Maui at Wailea

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of OPI, Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This summer, you should take inspiration from sportswear for your beach attire and spice it up with some tribal details. Just make sure that your approach is completely luxurious. I recommend straps wrapped around your waist and vibrant prints. Accessories such as sunglasses, hats or embellished hair slides take your day in the sand to the next level of style. Use some bronzer for a sun kissed glow and add texture to your beach waves. Below is your shopping list:

1 Wings printed jersey maxi dress by Matthew Williamson
2 Leopard-print bandeau bikini by Matthew Williamson
3 Cat eye filigree gold-tone sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana
4 Surf Bomb sea salt spray by Original & Mineral
5 Printed flip flops by Givenchy
6 Mesh bra top by Gucci
7 Gold-tone and tortoiseshell-effect hair slide by Dolce & Gabbana
8 Shell Shocked gold-tone clutch by Charlotte Olympia
9 Mesh-trimmed silk crepe de chine dress by Gucci 
10 Spotlight Groupie macramé-trimmed swimsuit by Eres
11 Number 7 cotton-terry beach towel by Karl Lagerfeld
12 Straw hat by Mulberry
13 Matte Radiance Baked Powder by Laura Mercier

LoL, Sandra

“Spring 2014 combines East Coast prep with West Coast ease. It’s Melrose to Malibu. The West Coast represents a golden era of surf, sport, and optimism.” – Tommy Hilfiger

Vibrant, beautiful colours appeared on the Tommy Hilfiger S/S 2014 runway, that was created like a beach scenery with sand dunes, surfboards and lifeguard chairs. When the cheerful music started, the audience was moving on their seats to the beats of Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ song “Californication” and “California Girls” by the Beach Boys. The outfits were stunning, perfect for all surfer girls among you.

Personally speaking, the wetsuit was a great inspiration. Cool, modern, with a certain twist. As the American designer describes his collection: “I revisited iconic elements of California style – the polo, barracuda jacket, sports jersey, and bowling shirt – and reinvented them with the relaxed spirit of the West Coast in mind. From softly tailored denim and chambray to our signature Hawaiian prints to innovative neoprene-bonded leather, the season captures the ease and youthful attitude of Cali style.”

Having seen this amazing collection, I actually never want summer to end… It is surely going to be a huge hit among the cool kids!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht

Two years ago I wrote about Lounge Lover for the first time (for the previous post, please click here). Today, I would like to show you their newly launched website. The London based brand was created by Sylvie Gabriel in 2005 as a response to the growing need of sophisticated women for clothing in which they could feel comfortable and look beautiful while taking back those precious moments of relaxation, without giving in on style.

Lounge Lover is an affordable luxury collection of wearable classics and minimalist styles which transport the wearer from their busy lives, allowing them to embrace life in a more relaxed way. Not just an easy chic lifestyle label, more a relaxed state of mind, Lounge Lover creates urban and luxury clothing with a subtle fashion content and an emphasis on softness. Everything you need for the beach, travelling, your yoga practise or for just being comfy at home.

Below you can find some of my favourites. To shop, click here or on the banner at the end of this post and enjoy global free shipping until June 6, 2012.

LoL, Sandra

This year Escada celebrates 20 years of their iconic limited edition fragrances, and for this special occasion the company are relaunching three of the most popular: Sexy Graffiti (originally from 2002), Island Kiss (from 2004) and Rockin’ Rio (from 2005).
All three are fruity floral fragrances.

Available now
Eau de Toilette 30ml (CHF 64.-), 50ml (CHF 86.-), 100ml (CHF 114.-)
Body Lotion 150ml (CHF 38.-)

Below you can find more information on the cherry picked three favourite editions that evoke the ultimate exciting moments of summer and some inspirations for a new look:

SEXY GRAFFITI

Sexy Graffiti by Escada is inspired by that magical summer moment when the late New York afternoon sun gives way to a fun party atmosphere where cocktails flow, music plays and the beautiful people make their way to the club bar.

Top notes: Wild strawberry, raspberry, grapefruit and mint
Heart notes: Lily of the Valley, red peony and violets
Base notes: Vanilla and musk

Margot lantern-sleeve wool-crepe dress by Rosanda Illincic, Yolanda pink patent-leather pumps and Mini Loubi Lula satin frame clutch, both by Christian Louboutin and plexiglass and crystal cuff by Emilio Pucci.

ISLAND KISS

Island Kiss by Escada is inspired by the heady days of beach lounging in the Caribbean sea – the water lapping the shore in subtle ripples and the bright sunshine forming dimples of light on the ocean.

Top notes: Tropical red fruit, orange, passion flower and mango
Heart notes: Magnolia and peach
Base notes: Red fruits, wood and musk

Joan blue silk crepe-de-chine and lace dress by Stella McCartney, Lulu triangle bikini by Shimmi, Opyum suede pointed pumps by Yves Saint Laurent, Intrecciato silk-moire knot clutch by Bottega Veneta and turquoise cube ring by Kelly Wearstler.

ROCKIN’ RIO

Rock’in Rio by Escada is inspired by the ultimate holiday cocktail. Imagine the setting of a vibrant and glamorous bar along a Rio promenade – the beautiful and sun-kissed admire each other with their flowing hair and colourful flamboyancy.

Top notes: Coconut, pineapple, tangerine and papaya
Heart notes:  Sugar Cane and peach
Base notes: Sandalwood and musk

Flame lemon-yellow stretch-crepe dress by Preen, canary Honolulu printed silk-chiffon scarf by Swash, yellow patent-leather wedges by Jimmy Choo, Single quilted leather shoulder bag by Marc Jacobs, Katie enameled brass bracelet and stud earrings, both by Marc by Marc Jacobs.

I am so in the mood for summer and you?

LoL, Sandra

Destination: Summer. Blazing sun, cloudless skies, infinite possibilities. A dip in the sea? A pause by the pool? A spot of shopping or sightseeing? Take a sunbath. Pull up a deckchair. Roll out a beach towel. Take your place in the sun with Louis Vuitton’s new summer 2012 collection.
London’s It-girl Poppy Develingne is heating up the cold temperatures outside in these sunny photos shot by David Roemer in Playa Del Carmen.

Poppy is a regular fixture on the fashion circuit. No wonder, with her mother Pandora being the head of personal shopping at Selfridges, Poppy’s keen fashion sense has always been pumping through her veins.

Capturing the relaxed spirit of summer to perfection, the season’s must-have cotton canvas totes come in chic neutral shades of beige and indigo or else in fruittee red or yellow stripes, always printed with a bold vintage-style label vaunting Louis Vuitton’s articles de voyage.

Coordinating with the travel-print totes, chunky wedges in navy, beige or red suede calf leather with natural leather trim exude relaxed sophistication, while flat sandals lend themselves to sightseeing.

Alternatively, stylish cork wedges or laid-back thongs in new summer shades of Monogram Vernis dazzle in combination with matching cross-body bags or the diminutive Alma BB.

Launch date in Louis Vuitton stores on April, 15th 2012.

I am so much looking forward to those glorious golden days in the company of the summer collection by Louis Vuitton and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Yesterday, I flew to London to attend two amazing parties. The first event was a tropical summer night hosted by Matthew Williamson and Chantal Kerzner.

Chantal Kerzner, Matthew Williamson and me

Matthew with me

My outfit: Sequined peacock feather skirt, clutch and necklace by Matthew Williamson, blouse by Alexander McQueen, shoes by Gucci, bracelet by Louis Vuitton.

Matthew’s Mayfair store was the perfect location with all its rainforest-like decoration and beautiful wall coverings to celebrate his Escape collection which is also available at One&Only high-end resort shops.

Chantal’s dad, Sol Kerzner, a hotel magnate, launched One&Only in 2002 with seven properties in The Bahamas, Mexico, Mauritius, The Maledives, South Africa and Dubai. Chantal, head fashion buyer for the boutiques, brings an eclectic mix of high fashion and cutting-edge labels to the holiday destinations.

Enjoy Matthew’s beautiful vacation must-haves, available also through matthewwilliamson.com.

Stay tuned for the next amazing party…
Bon Voyage!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht