Sandra‘s Closet

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

Yes Girl Yes! Turquoise, light blue and red make a great colour combination. It’s almost spring and those vibrant shades announce the arrival of my favorite season. Some colours and a positive attitude will help us go through these troubled times. The coronavirus has resulted in countless changes to daily life – bars, restaurants are empty and the calls for «social distancing» to slow the spread of the virus is pretty tough on everyone. Therefore I am convinced that it is even more important to find joy in the little things and this can be a great outfit in eclectic hues. Online shopping is a safe way to get your new season pieces …

My look: Ruffle silk jumpsuit by Rodarte, small flap bag with top handle by CHANEL, Impatiens clip-on earrings by Oscar de la Renta, and leather platform pumps by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

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

Let’s go and have some fun. Life is too short to wear boring clothes… give me colors, give me style, give me sparkles and I smile…

My look: Asymmetric leather cape by Saint Laurent, Caldes sequined-embellished chiffon and cotton mini dress, Lecce leather belt, and Lakfee studded leather ankle boots, all by Isabel Marant, crystal-embellished leather clutch by Prada, and chain necklace with heart and logo charm 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.

This spring, all eyes are on CHANEL! The new mascara LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL is definitely something you shouldn’t miss. Why is that?

Two years ago, CHANEL shook up the beauty world with LE VOLUME RÉVOLUTION DE CHANEL mascara, equipped with the first 3D-printed brush marketed on an industrial scale – a first in the mascara world. It was an immediate hit with women worldwide and hasn’t dropped out of the Top 5 bestsellers in Europe since its launch (Presence in the Top 5 in Europe only, in the Top 20 in the UK and the US).

Launched in 2018: LE VOLUME RÉVOLUTION DE CHANEL

Today, CHANEL uses innovation to enhance beauty once again with LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL. It reveals a new brush that visibly extends lash length while offering perfectly controlled volume. With 3D printing by ERPRO 3D Factory, a start-up specialized in this technology, the frontiers of product design are pushed even further. By precisely crafting a unique, tailor-made brush, this was the only approach that could technically translate the creative concept defined by CHANEL in order to respond to new awaited makeup benefits. The mascara brush of LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL is protected by four patent applications.

Launched in 2020: the new LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL

Resulting from a close collaboration between the Packaging Innovation and Research teams, the Makeup Creation Studio and CHANEL Research, the new LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL mascara brush unveils an elegant, streamlined and curved shape that is extremely precise: five branches of two rows of bristles arranged in an elliptical shape with a micro-cavity at the center. This feat was only possible with 3D technology. A simplified approach was taken for a lighter and more flexible brush. With its elastic shape memory, it bends and stretches in all directions before returning to its original form. Ergonomic, it fills with mascara in an instant and delivers it just as intuitively. This brush is as easy to use as it was complex to design. With its perfectly crafted structure, it features an organization of bristles arranged precisely down to the last millimeter. The size of the bristles adapts to the elliptical shape for application in two steps: the longest bristles, at the center, grip and brush each lash by stretching them over their entire length, while the shortest bristles at the tips coat them evenly with the black formula, stroke by stroke. In other words, the work of two brushes in a single tool. This brush was created by printing successive layers of a polyamide powder derived from castor seeds (a bio-sourced material of vegetal origin) and then polymerized with a laser beam.

A mascara with a brush from another world…

The numerous trials carried out to finalize the brush also made it possible to adjust the most important factor: the affinity between the mascara formula and the tool. Thanks to this perfect balance, ensuring an ultra-effective tailor-made result, LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL unites volume and length without compromise. The formula is based on a perfect balance between natural-origin waxes for impeccable glide, stunning curve and a stretch effect. Candelilla wax coats lashes, while carnauba wax ensures magnetic shine. Jojoba esters guarantee the suppleness of the stretch-effect formula and beeswax promises perfect adhesion all day long. Like a latex film, the polymers spread out the lashes in a fan shape. Finally, cellulose coated with ultra-dark «carbon black» pigments envelops lashes and improves their density. Perfectly shaped and covered in black, lashes are extended to the max for eyes that look more wideopen than ever before.
LE VOLUME STRETCH DE CHANEL – CHF 48.00

A perfectly controlled line
New to the eye makeup family, LE LINER DE CHANEL comes in seven shades, including four limited-edition colors. In a simple and understated black tube, this liquid eyeliner hides a soft, extra-thin felt tip. With this flexible tip, this precision advantage helps stylize eyes in a single step with no risk of smudges. It’s never been so simple to show off eyes that look bigger and more wide-open than ever!
Its formula contains a polymer, inspired and derived from latex technology, that sets in the blink of an eye. It guarantees impeccable smudgeproof hold and a waterproof effect that lasts until evening.

Classic shades
512 Noir Profond: a deep black
514 Ultra Brun: a rich brown
516 Rouge Noir: a rich plum

Temporary shades
518 Mauve Métal: a metallic lilac
522 Bronze Doré: an intense caramel bronze
524 Gris Argent: a metallic silver gray
526 Bleu Cobalt: a navy blue
LE LINER DE CHANEL – CHF 48.00

Enhanced structure
It is often said that eyebrows structure the eyes. A good reason to define their shape with LA PALETTE SOURCILS, which unites two textures and four accessories to precisely groom each hair. On the left, a matte wax sculpts and colors the brow line. On the right, a powder softens this result for a more natural finish. Two brushes are included, as well as a spiral brush for more definition and mini tweezers to adjust brow shape hair by hair. It comes in three harmonies for all women, offering a natural makeup result that surpasses perfection.

Shades
01 Light
02 Medium
03 Dark
LA PALETTE SOURCILS – CHF 64.00

In stores in the beginning of March 2020.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL