Sandra‘s Closet

Today’s post is for a good cause, tonight taking place exclusively on Instagram (@thedigitalcarpet), I will wear one of my favorite gowns ever. The Digital Carpet is a live event and everyone can join. No matter where you are, it starts at 7pm sharp and will be a moment of virtual escapism and fashion fairytale mirroring iconic red-carpet moments. Choose a dress code, get ready, send your look and donate to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

For my dear readers, here is my look beforehand. A red stunning gown created by LA-based fashion designer Monique Lhuillier. The daughter of a French diplomat always admired the lavish gowns her mother and other stylish guests would wear to high-profile events, moving her to create her eponymous eveningwear label. Michelle Obama, Taylor Swift and Emma Watson are all fans of the intricately detailed and expertly crafted silhouettes.

My look: Embellished one-sleeve tulle gown by Monique Lhuillier, gold bar clutch bag by CHANEL, gold red crystal scared heart earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, and leather platform pumps by Gucci.

I hope that I will get to wear this gown soon on a real red carpet though and don’t need to wait for Christmas …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Location: The Dolder Grand #thedigitalredcarpet #stylesolidarity
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Let us dream a little of careless summer days with this new make-up collection by CHANEL. It’s the promise of an airy and dazzling warm season. The delicious caress of sunlight on skin beaded with seawater. A feeling of freedom, instilled by a sailboat gliding along the coast against the Mediterranean. Inspired by the relaxed lifestyle of the French Riviera, LES BEIGES sets sail this season with an exclusive collection: SUMMER OF GLOW.

LES BEIGES SUMMER OF GLOW shakes up summer with a powerful breeze of freedom. Luminous, it is an infusion of beloved summer light. Delectable warmth on the skin. Lightweight, inspired by the aura and free spirit of Mademoiselle Chanel, this new collection has only one goal in mind: a sun kissed healthy glow that seems revived by the great outdoors.

Lips and eyes are illuminated by warm shades with coral shimmers and energy that shines down to the fingernails in summery colors.

LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW ILLUMINATING POWDER
EXCLUSIVE CREATION – LIMITED EDITION
CHF 75.00

LES BEIGES began with foundation. This season, LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW ILLUMINATING POWDER comes in two shades. Playing with shadows and light, the powder subtly intensifies the features and enhances natural beauty. Lightweight and airy, it gives the complexion a discreet glimmer, accentuated by luminous pigments with golden shimmers. To preserve this instant healthy glow, the formula is completed with hydrating and antioxidant kalanchoe extract.

It can be applied spontaneously in one stroke, at any time of day, with the help of its large mirror and half-moon brush.
Available in 2 shades: Sand – medium light or Sunset – intense

LES BEIGES SHEER HEALTHY GLOW HIGHLIGHTING FLUID
CHF 63.00

A delicately iridescent complexion enhancer, LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW HIGHLIGHTING FLUID lights up face and body with a ray of sunshine. Instantly, its formula embellishes the complexion with a subtle luminous veil for an immediate healthy glow highlighting effect. Skin radiates with vibrant freshness and sunny luminosity.

What could be more delicious than the sensation of bare skin? Like the entire LES BEIGES line, this fluid feels imperceptible. Featherweight, it instantly blends into the skin to reveal its natural radiance. For an instant retouching effect, this embellishing filter enriched with pearly particles enhances skin texture on application.

Radiant skin is also, and above all, pampered skin. This is why this embellishing highlighter
contains 69% water and a marine-origin emollient. The complexion seems lit up from within. In parallel, kalanchoe extract protects skin’s natural beauty.

Ultra-sensorial, it is applied with fingertips, dabbed on to structure the face (the top of the cheekbones, on the cheeks, the bridge of the nose and the Cupid’s bow), or as a makeup base for a natural glow. It can also be used on the décolleté and body to intensify the skin’s radiance.

Available in 2 shades: Pearly Glow – pearly ivory or Sunkissed – pearly bronze

LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW BRONZING CREAM
CHF 63.00

The effects of a golden tan without the risks of prolonged sun exposure… Who could ask for more? SOLEIL TAN puts this sunbathed finish within hand’s reach. This cult product joins the LES BEIGES line and is now called HEALTHY GLOW BRONZING CREAM. Lightweight and extremely soft, this gel-cream becomes one with the skin to reveal its natural beauty. Tanned as if you spent a day in the great outdoors, the complexion dresses up in sunny radiance. Skin is delicately velvety and features are smoothed.

Surprisingly lightweight yet dense, and easy to blend, its texture embraces the skin and disappears. It contains just the right balance of natural-origin wax for melt-away application and mineral powders for a healthy glow effect. In parallel, kalanchoe extract preserves the
beauty of the complexion.

Easy to take from its generous jar, it glides on with a KABUKI brush, wherever the sun naturally touches the skin: the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Workable and easy to apply, the cream can be used to structure the facial contours (smoothed under cheekbones with circular movements) or for an allover look (dabbed on and blended in, from the middle of the face outwards).

Available in one shade: Soleil Tan Bronze Universelle – pearly bronze

LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW NATURAL EYESHADOW PALETTE
CHF 78.00

A sunny healthy glow is ensured by a radiant complexion, but also fresh eyes. This is why the LES BEIGES SUMMER OF GLOW collection includes a new HEALTHY GLOW NATURAL EYESHADOW PALETTE harmony. A palette of five colors, as warm as the landscapes of the Mediterranean coast, and easy to wear and combine. With shimmering tones, each eyeshadow recalls a relaxed and radiant summer: a soft cream beige, a soft and satiny peach beige, a coral with golden and pink sparkles, a peach coral, a taupe brown… A color chart of eyeshadows inspired by gleams of sunlight and luminous sunbeams.

Whether darker or lighter, satin or matte, all five eyeshadows of the palette have a creamy, melt-away texture. Comfortable and longwear, they blend seamlessly together, gliding so easily over the skin that they can be applied with fingertips or a brush.

Multipurpose, the palette can be used as a base or eyeshadow. The eyeshadows can be used on their own or combined. It’s foolproof. The palest shade catches the light at the corner of the eyes and beneath the brows. As for the darkest shade, it can be applied as liner along the base of lower lashes or on the brows to densify them.

Available in one shade: Warm – a delicate cream beige, a soft and satiny peach beige, a coral with golden and pink sparkles, a peach coral and a taupe brown.

LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW LIP BALM
CHF 48.00

The sea, the sun, the freedom of the great outdoors, nature, the Mediterranean… All of these elements, dear to Gabrielle Chanel, bring a smile to one’s face. This year, with LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW LIP BALM, lips dress up in a sheer and luminous coral.

With its creamy, melt-away texture, enriched with moringa butter and a Vitamin E derivative, this balm nourishes, protects and envelops lips in delightful comfort. Composed of emollient oils, its extreme hydrating power perfectly cares for the lips and further protects them against dryness. After the first application, lips are smooth, soft and delicately tinted with a fresh and luminous finish.

Available in one shade: Warm – a luminous coral

LES BEIGES LE VERNIS
CHF 33.00

Their colors bring to mind a sun-drenched apricot or a sugary raspberry. The two new vibrant shades of the season are little treats to help you shine down to your fingertips. In this LES BEIGES collection, LE VERNIS de CHANEL offers brilliant color that lasts for days on end. Ultra-resilient, thin and shiny, the coat of color ensures a very long-lasting and even result.

Available in 2 shades: Cruise – vibrant coral and Sailor – pink coral

In stores in the end of June 2020.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

Go Girl! It has been raining now almost over a week and you better be back in boots and shell jackets. This Alexander Wang denim look includes two of the coolest pieces I have in my closet, a very tight denim shirt and those hot pants that are layered to look as though you have a denim jacket tied around your waist.

For my very attentive readers who have been asking me why I am enjoying two different pools. The answer is simple, I am currently in between houses. My fiancé and I are reconstructing our new home and we will be moving in in the end of the year.

Let me know if you would be interested in seeing the interior design process. Dressing myself or a home is something I truly love to do. And our new house will be so amazing.

My look: Belted shell jacket and buckled leather and shell platform boots, both by Prada, textured leather-trimmed denim shirt and tie-front distressed denim shorts, both by Alexander Wang, Boy bag with chains by CHANEL, and plissé sunglasses by Dolce Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

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

Candy colors I love – we look cute together. Madame de Pompadour and Marie Antoinette would surely agree with me as they are best known for favoring hues such as baby blue and pale pink in particular. Those soft and sweet feminine shades represent a dramatic break with the dark and moody colors often favored in wintertime, which has long given pastels a strong affiliation with the spring and summer months. For me at the moment, they represent a new beginning and the association with holidays and escapism after those quarantine days.

My look: Stagno coat in light blue by Max Mara, single-breasted floral-lace jacket, partial-lined flared lace trousers, and crystal-embellished sunglasses, all by Gucci, white knitted polo shirt by CHANEL, Love 100 pumps by Jimmy Choo, crystal-embellished leather phone case by Prada, GG Running 18-karat white gold diamond ring and GG Running 18-karat white gold diamond double ring, both by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

Follow my rule: «Better wear candy than eat it… !»

LoL, Sandra

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

What an extraordinary Easter weekend! The sun shining is from above, nature is blossoming at its best and I am at home with my loved ones. Stay home, stay chic – that’s the spirit and so I have dressed up to play a little Easter princess under my Magnolia tree.

My look: Super Eight ruffled floral-print cotton and silk-blend voile top and Super Eight belted floral-print cotton and silk-blend voile maxi skirt, both by Zimmermann, Knightsbridge oversized satin-cloqué bow and Knightsbridge bow crepe-cloqué hair clip, both by Emilia Wickstead, floral cuff and earrings, both by Dolce & Gabbana, small messenger flap bag in Tiffany blue by CHANEL and platform sandals by Alaïa.

Happy Easter weekend to all of you!

LoL, Sandra

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

«I was looking for something poetic, like a memory – a natural filter that makes everything look dreamier.» Lucia Pica

Today’s post about CHANEL‘s new S/S 2020 make-up collection, called DESERT DREAM, will make you literally dream, something we need in today’s difficult times.

If the eye is a camera with its shutter open – always recording, turning experience into image – it is Lucia Pica’s unerring instinct to train her lens on visions less familiar. Seeking inspiration for her S/S 2020 collection, the CHANEL Global Creative Makeup and Color Designer took a photographic trip to the center of the ancient desert, an expedition that uncovered a completely new perspective on color.

Initially drawn to the desert for its famous orange dunes, sacred cave paintings and lunar plains, Lucia Pica was soon captivated by the uncanny silence of the vast nothingness she found there, its powerful stillness moving her to reappraise the landscape through fresh eyes. Shifting her gaze toward the quieter hues of the quartzes, basalts and shales scattered across the desert floor, and forests bleached by the relentless sun, Lucia Pica unearthed a muted palette that is surprising new territory for her. DESERT DREAM is characterized by peachy rose tones, cool browns and the romantic undercurrents of mauve, whose shimmering, at times metallic textures echo the desert’s hidden treasures.

«It was beautiful in the desert but quite unexpected,» Lucia Pica says. «In the desert, there is almost a universe of one single, dominant color – mauve – which really came to life with the particular photographic process we used.»

Like distant memories, the dreamy Polaroid pictures at the heart of DESERT DREAM lend their sensual soft focus and painterly abstractions to a makeup collection that is perhaps Lucia Pica’s most poetic take on femininity yet. Using the prints’ soft colors to bring subtle emotion to the face – mysterious, mauve intensity to the eyes, planes of warm light on the high cheeks and red-hot desert heat on the lips – Lucia Pica evokes a womanly state of inner calm, self-possession and utter contentment.

DESERT DREAM
SPRING SUMMER 2020 COLLECTION
Le Teint
Eclat du Désert CHF 70.-
Exclusive Creation (Edition Limitée)
Baume Essentiel CHF 55.-
Golden Light (Edition Limitée)

Les Lèvres
Rouge Allure CHF 48.-
191 Rouge Brûlant
Rouge Allure Velvet Extrême CHF 48.-
132 Endless

Les Ongles
Le Vernis CHF 33.-
735 Daydream
739 Mirage

Le Regard
Les 4 Ombres CHF 77.-
352 Elemental
354 Warm Memories
Ombre Première Laque CHF 42.-
22 Rayon
24 Rising Sun (Edition Limitée)
26 Quartz Rose
28 Desert Wind
32 Vastness
Stylo Ombre et Contour CHF 42.-
34 Contour Brun (Edition Limitée)
36 Contour Mauve (Edition Limitée)

YOU CAN SHOP THIS BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION ONLINE AT MARIONNAUD.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © CHANEL

Everything around you might seem very dark at the moment … I feel you! But one thing is for sure… storms don’t last forever and everything black can be very beautiful, too!

My look: Wool and cashmere-blend cape, and embellished leather-trimmed straw fedora, both by Valentino, black dress with zipper, and Multi Pochette Accessories in monogram canvas, both by Louis Vuitton, Cardinale stretch-suede knee boots by Dolce & Gabbana, textured-leather belt by Fendi, and hoop earrings by CHANEL.

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.

When it’s cold outside, your first thought isn’t about looking cool; it’s usually just about how to keep from freezing. However, style and practicability can go together very well. For its second season, the CHANEL Coco Neige F/W 2019 collection has continued to redefine an outdoor winter wardrobe with new techniques, volumes, textures and patterns. The snow shoes for example come with a tool to activate spikes on the bottom to grip the icy roads. Here you see me wearing a full look at Bagatelle Courchevel during «Lion’s Run» in the beginning of February 2020. Who would have thought that the world would be so different only a few weeks later…?!

My look: White and black printed canvas blouson, matching snow pants, pink and white striped cashmere and wool sweater, matching scarf, waist bag, and snow boots with spikes on the bottom, all by CHANEL (Coco Neige Collection F/W 2019), and leopard print lens sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Diane Pinel @diane.pinel and © Sandra Bauknecht #CHANELCocoNeige
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Yesterday, Anna Wintour, who helms the chairmanship at the Costume Institute since the ‘90s, announced via Vogue that the Met Gala 2020 will officially be postponed in light of the coronavirus outbreak. News of the postponement comes after the Met’s decision to close its doors until April 4.

Understandably, as everywhere in the world life is slowing down, taking a step back to fight together against this terrible virus. I am living in Switzerland that closed more businesses yesterday to slow the spread of the coronavirus but stopped short of ordering the country’s 8.6 million citizens to stay home. Under the new rules, restaurants, museums, cinemas, hair salons, and all nonessential commerce had to shut down at midnight until at least April 19. Borders with France, Austria, and Germany are tightened. The move comes just days after the Federal Council reintroduced border controls with Italy, closed schools, and banned gatherings of more than 100 people. As of Monday, Switzerland had 1,680 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 14 of them fatal. The country is only testing those severely stricken by the disease.

Yesterday at CHANEL – empty shelves in preparation for the lockdown.

Yesterday evening, I was the «last customer standing» at CHANEL. I had to pick up something before the store officially closed for many weeks. It was quite scary, seeing the shelves emptied and saying good-bye to everyone not knowing when we well be seeing each other again.

Personally speaking, I am really scared of the economic impact this health crisis will have. This is a particularly challenging time for many of the business, especially the small ones, regardless of their location, as the economic fallout from this situation will likely impact their business in some way. My industry is absolutely affected, the stock market experienced sharp declines, demonstrating the impact of the virus on consumer industries. While the impact on fields including travel, entertainment and technology are widely known, lifestyle industries – including fashion and beauty – have been affected as well. Most companies, especially the huge beauty conglomerates, depend on the Asian market with a strong focus on China as well as travel retail, two strong pillars that have just disappeared. Event cancelations and affected sales due to the closure of many stores also impact the industry tremendously.

Looking to a resolution for the global health crisis, Giorgio Armani has donated 1.25 million euros to hospitals and institutions in Italy. Versace made a contribution of about 144 thousand dollars to the Chinese Red Cross Foundation. LVMH announced on Sunday that it will use its perfume production lines to start making hand sanitizer that will be delivered free of charge to health authorities to protect people against the coronavirus outbreak.

Good news is that online sales are booming and as long as DHL and all the other shipping companies are allowed to deliver to our doorstep, we can still keep up with the fashion trends.

What is going to happen at Sandra’s Closet during the next weeks? I have to admit I am happy as a bug, for the first time I can enjoy being at home, working 24/7 on things and stories I haven’t had the time to write about due to my busy schedule. No travel plans, no FOMO (fear of missing out) as everybody is doing the same. I am not missing anything. Furthermore, I will relax, read a book, exercise and spend time with my daughter with whom I have finally the time to shoot a lot of outfit posts with no rush in between appointments.

Stay tuned, I will entertain you daily and hopefully make you dream of what we will be wearing when we get out of our exile. My dear fashion enthusiasts, enjoy your daily glimpse of fashion and beauty on Sandra’s Closet while staying home and healthy. And please laugh daily… that is the best remedy of all.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography – © Sandra Bauknecht

In 2020, CHANEL brings new olfactory experiences with two fragrance formats available in limited edition: CHANCE Fragrance Pens and CHANCE EAU TENDRE Hair Oil. Practical products you can slip into your bag and carry with you like lucky charms to discreetly refresh the scent of your CHANCE fragrances on the skin and hair.

CHANCE Fragrance Pens
CHANEL proposes the four interpretations of CHANCE in a unique, travel-friendly format: CHANCE Fragrance Pens. Apply the retractable tip directly on the skin to touch up the fragrance of your choice throughout the day to suit your mood. CHANCE offers a dose of optimism, CHANCE EAU FRAÎCHE a fresh and energizing effect, CHANCE EAU TENDRE a moment of tenderness and CHANCE EAU VIVE a vivifying sensation. CHANCE Fragrance Pens, the favorite new way to wear fragrance for a stroke of good luck.
Set of 4 pens: CHANCE, CHANCE EAU FRAÎCHE, CHANCE EAU TENDRE and CHANCE EAU VIVE  –  4 x 1,2g CHF 94.-

CHANCE Eau Tendre HAIR OIL
CHANCE EAU TENDRE, the soft and delicate floral-fruity fragrance, is now available as a hair oil that teams hair care and perfuming in one new, unique product. Its formula enriched with jojoba oil leaves the hair soft, shiny and light. Apply a small amount of CHANCE EAU TENDRE Hair Oil down the lengths to the ends for smooth, delicately scented hair.
CHANCE Eau Tendre Huile Cheveux – 35 ml CHF 70.-

In stores now as well as two new sizes of CHANCE Eau de Tendre:
CHANCE Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum 35ml CHF 95.-
CHANCE Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum 150ml CHF 207.-

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
#TAKEYOURCHANCE #ChanelFragrance