Sandra‘s Closet

In case that you have forgotten that it’s Mother’s Day today, I have a last minute gift idea for you. Check out Paperless Post‘s latest collaboration with Carolina Herrrera, that is available for free, just in time to celebrate the woman, that brought you into the world. Surprise her with a personal message sent to her inbox directly and put a smile on her face.

Wes Gordon with me in Dubai last fall at an event with Net-à-Porter 

«I can’t think of a better way to reach out to your loved ones – especially mothers or maternal figures – than with beauty, optimism, and color.» – Wes Gordon, Creative Director Carolina Herrera

CLICK HERE TO BROWSE THE CAROLINA HERRERA MOTHER’S DAY SECTION.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of Paperless Post

For over three and a half decades, Carolina Herrera has proved with each new season that bold elegance and modern refinement are always in style. Recently, I had the privilege to meet the newly appointed Creative Director Wes Gordon with Net-à-Porter in Dubai (stay tuned for the upcoming post). The extremely talented designer reinforces a commitment to the strong codes established by the founder, blending traditions of couture craftsmanship with the wearability and pragmatism of American Fashion.

My look: Satin-trimmed cady mini dress by Carolina Herrera (exclusive to Net-à-Porter), pussy-bow silk satin blouse by Dolce & Gabbana, pochette with chain by CHANEL, Zoe cutout two-tone leather pumps by Saint Laurent, and «Vicky» hat in black by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Location: Park Hyatt Zurich
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Holiday season is over but we all want the party never to stop. Depending on your budget, here are really amazing pieces to include some iconic classics as well as some new trends into your wardrobe. Decide for yourself if you want to go splurge or steal.

LoL, Sandra

Inject your wardrobe with this season’s must-have hue and shop one these cocktail dresses, both with a deep V-neck, front closure and in a deep emerald hue.

Splurge (left): Iconic Karolina crystal velvet mini dress by The Attico (my favorite! – the cut and the embellishments are divine, good news is that it is marked 40% off)
Steal (right): Isabella floral-jacquard mini dress by Rat & Boa

The perfect artsy dress for your next art gallery opening or museum reception, sophisticated and stylish in one.

Splurge (left): Lovers-print silk-georgette dress by Valentino (marked off 40%)
Steal (right): Statue-print dress by Zara (marked off 65%)

Polka-dot prints were making waves on the S/S 2020 runways. Get ahead of the style game and order your gown for your next black tie gala.

Splurge (left): Tiered polka-dot organza gown by Carolina Herrera
Steal (right): Antonia polka-dot off-the-shoulder dress by Rat & Boa

Animal prints have become a fix wardrobe staple with leopard leading the way. Go for the iconic Dolce print if your budget allows it.

Splurge (left): Leopard-print silk-blend midi dress by Dolce & Gabbana (the original one is now marked down 40%)
Steal (right): Ruched leopard-print stretch-mesh mini dress by Ganni

The LBD is always a great alternative for party dressing. Trending now are cuts that play off the traditional elements of a tailored blazer such as pockets and embellished buttons.

Splurge (left): Double-breasted wool blazer dress by Balmain
Steal (right): Dress with jewel buttons by Zara (marked off 40%)

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands, Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Last Sunday evening, the 2014 Golden Globe Awards were held in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton. American Hustle was responsible for the most wins (three, including best movie in the comedy/musical category); other multiple-category winners were Dallas Buyers Club, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Breaking Bad and Behind the Candelabra. But of course, we all might be even more interested in the gowns spotted on the red carpet.

One of my favorite looks was worn by Sandra Bullock. The brunette actress went for a bright gown, sporting a striking pink, black and blue Prabal Gurung dress teamed with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry with her hair pulled into a side ponytail.

YOU CAN ORDER SANDRA BULLOCK’S COLOURFUL DOUBLEFACE SATIN V-NECK GOWN HERE.

Fellow nominee Cate Blanchett took home the award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for her role in Blue Jasmine and striked a pose in amazing lace backless Armani Privé couture gown. Personally speaking, this is how a winner should look like!

Her makeup was done by Jeanine Lobell who used NARS Love Blush from the Final Cut Collection along with Eyebrow Perfector and Brow Gel.

NARS Final Cut Collection for Spring 2014 (coming out in February).

Bringing world class sustainable luxury centre stage, the blonde actress paired her couture gown with a pair of earrings from Chopard’s Green Carpet Collection, featuring marquise-cut white diamonds (11 carats) set in a laurel design, crafted in 18-carat Fairmined white gold. She also selected a white diamond line bracelet (35 carats) set in platinum, and a white diamond ring featuring three stacked rows of brilliant-cut diamonds (6 carats) set in 18-carat white gold.

Founder of the Green Carpet Challenge (GCC), Livia Firth says, ‘Cate Blanchet is both a fashion icon and a woman with an intuitive grasp of the issues that matter. By choosing to wear Chopard jewels for the Golden Globes, she is supporting a profound and dynamic shift toward sustainable luxury that affects change right at the beginning of the supply chain among artisanal miners.’ If you like to find out more about the dynamic project, please click here for a previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Steve Granitz/WireImage – © Jason Merritt/Getty Images – © Getty – Courtesy of Nars

“On her wedding day a woman should be certain that she has found a dress that makes her feel confident and above all else, beautiful.” – Carolina Herrera

This is something for all future brides among you, the new Spring 2013 Bridal Collection by Carolina Herrera that caters to various aesthetics and tastes – from a detachable ball skirt that transitions into a short cocktail style for the reception to strapless gowns and playful separates.

Embodying the notions of borrowed, blue, old and new, Herrera accessorized many of the looks with jewelry from her personal collection. “It has to be personal. Without a touch of personality, it’s just a dress.” As always the petticoat of each gown is embroidered with the bride’s initials in blue matching the grosgrain bow stitched into every waist. “I love the hidden details.” We do, too!

LoL, Sandra

Ivory cotton and silk mikado blazer with duchess satin detail, ivory silk crepe pant, ivory lace and organza blouse with bow detail

Ivory guipure lace column gown with ivory faille overskirt and hand painted veil

Off white silk mikado one shoulder bow gown with silk flower detail
Photos: Courtesy of Carolina Herrera

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I would like to show you the best new scents for men. Don’t undervalue the way you smell! Gentlemen, whether you are on a date, a business meeting, a party or just doing your daily chores, the first impression is the most important. The best men deserve the best men’s fragrance. Here we go! The new spring scents are vibrant, energetic and mostly fresh.

LoL, Sandra

CAROLINA HERRERA 212 GLAM MEN

Inspired by NYC, the city that never sleeps.
212 Glam Men is a limited edition summer fragrance that is vibrant and energetic.

Top notes: Chocolate and cocoa beans
Middle notes: Tobacco leaves and tonka beans 
Base notes: Musk and woods

Limited edition 212 MEN GLAM Eau de Toilette is available for CHF 102.00 (100ml),
in Switzerland exclusively at Import Parfumerie.

DOLCE & GABBANA – THE ONE SPORT

An homage to sports
After the original The One for Men from 2008 and The One Gentlemen from 2010, Dolce Gabbana launches the third fragrance from The One masculine line, lighter and fresher The One Sport. As it should, the campaign is represented by a man symbol, Adam Senn who is showing off his worked-out body.

Top notes: Aquatic notes and rosemary
Heart notes: Cardamom and sequoia
Base notes: Patchouli and musk

The One Sport EdT is available now for CHF 76,00 (30ml), CHF 98,00 (50ml) and CHF 135,00 (100ml). After Shave Lotion CHF 97,00 (100ml), After Shave Balm CHF 71,00 (75ml), Shower Gel CHF 45,00 (200ml), Deodorant Spray CHF 45,00 (150ml) and Deodorant Stick CHF 45,00 (75gr).

DIESEL – ONLY THE BRAVE TATTOO

I like the idea of “signing“ one’s body … – Renzo Rosso
The designer had his motto, “Only The Brave”, tattooed just above his ankle. The phrase is synonymous with success and, above all, evokes the boundless conviction of a fulfilled, self-made man. “The phrase is part of me. It stands for what I am and have always wanted to be.” Fragrance and tattoo are both “a trace” left on the skin… This is a new, fresh, mysterious sensuality around a water-pipe tobacco accord.

Top notes: Granny Smith Apple
Middle notes: Sage and Bourbon pepper
Base notes: Amber wood, benzoin, tobacco and patchouli

Diesel Only The Brave Tattoo EdT is available now for CHF 79.90 (50ml).

CHRISTIAN DIOR – EAU SAUVAGE PARFUM (my favourite)

Variations of a legend
Christian Dior’s Eau Sauvage, introduced in 1966, revolutionized men’s perfumes of that era. In May 2012, Dior will relaunch its famous scent, which was created by Edmond Roudnitska.

Top notes: Bergamot
Middle notes: Vetiver 
Base notes: Myrrh

Eau Sauvage Parfum EdP will be available from May 16, 2012 for CHF 98.50 (50ml) and CHF 134.50 (100 ml).

GANT

Water and sky have a fragrance.
Throughout the years, the New England coast has been a constant source of inspiration for GANT. The new scent captures the very essence of the relaxed lifestyle lived on and around the water in this area.

Top notes: Calabria lemon, coriander, Madagascan cinnamon bark
Middle notes: Provence lavender, White Virginian cedar, marine accord
Base notes: Suede accord, Australian sandalwood, North African cypress, black amber

Sold exclusively at GANT stores worldwide for CHF 59.50 (50ml) and CHF 89.50 (100 ml).

A*MEN PURE SHOT

Pure Shot – a fresh, aromatic, spicy, woody scent.
In time for the Olympics later this year, Thierry Mugler is launching a new limited edition flanker scent to its A*Men men’s fragrance, called A*Men Pure Shot. It’s is inspired by Oscar Pistorius, the 25-year-old South African 400-metre runner who has been called “the fastest man on no legs.“ Pistorius was born without a fibula in either leg; his lower legs were amputated when he was 11 months old and he’s been using prostheses since his childhood. Pistorius’ carbon-fiber prostheses look very futuristic, and they play a big part in the A*Men advertising campaign.

Top notes: Icy mint and juniper berries
Heart notes: Cardamom and white pepper
Base notes: Sequoia and patchouli.

Limited edition, available end of March 2012, Eau de Toilette CHF 87.- (100ml).