Sandra‘s Closet

One of the best ways to have some fun in Amsterdam is to get on a bike or vespa as I did and see the city on a set of wheels. I had heard about the city’s famous Red Light District well before my trip. In Amsterdam, both marihuana and prostitution are legal. Leaving nothing to the imagination, some stereotypes about this area are true, there are plenty of sex shops, peep shows, brothels and prostitutes in red-lit windows. The area is bustling with visitors and groups of tourists.

My look to explore the town: Black cotton parka by Balmain, dress with leather and lace appliqué by Saint Laurent, biker boots by Miu Miu, Boy bag with chains by Chanel, diamond bracelet by Vainard Fine Jewellery, rose diamond ring and Limelight Gala watch, both by Piaget and sunglasses by Marni.

Tulips are also an integral part of the Dutch city’s life and you see them everywhere.
Stay tuned as I will show you more from Amsterdam soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week when it was still so hot in the city, I wore this very light white dress to the office. It was a very productive day as we got the October issue of L’Officiel Switzerland almost on its way… and how happy we were about it can you see at the end of this post.

My look: Sachi voile maxi dress by Isabel Marant, Annoushka lace underwired bra and Annoushka lace briefs, both Agent Provocateur, lace print bag and embellished wedge sandals, both by Prada, Printed iPhone 6 case by Moschino, necklace and set of bangles, both by Chanel, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, ring «Mitza» by Dior Haute Joaillerie and sunglasses «Reflected» by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My favorite hotel in Paris? Clearly the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme. Its excellent service, great location and beautiful rooms provide everything you can wish for. Here you see me outside the hotel leaving for Lancôme’s Wôw-Party.

My look: Stretch-silk and lace gown by Alessandra Rich, cutout leather platform pumps and Sac De Jour Nano leather shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent, necklace, cuff and earrings, all by Chanel, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos : © Sandra Bauknecht

The last days I travelled quite a lot through Switzerland, from Zurich to Zuoz, from St. Moritz to Gstaad, always amazed by the beauty of the country I am living in.

Today is Swiss National Day and I am so happy to celebrate this holiday with friends and fireworks. August 1st is to the Swiss what July 4th is to Americans, or July 14th to the French. This day was chosen because August 1st 1291 was the date on which three Alpine cantons swore the oath of confederation, an act which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland.

Here you see me in the picturesque town of Zuoz in the upper Engadin last Saturday.
My look: Tweed jacket and shoulder bag, both from the Paris – Dallas collection, sneakers and «Blow in Case of Fashion Emergency» necklace, all by Chanel, distressed grey jeans by Dolce & Gabbana, cotton-jersey T-shirt by Saint Laurent and aviator-style metal sunglasses by Gucci.

To all my Swiss readers wishing you a Happy Swiss National Day and a great weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today’s post is dedicated to one of my favorite Caribbean islands: St. Barths. It offers everything, from peaceful moments to glamorous times,from fantastic restaurants to great beaches and amazing water. Not to forget the landing. Arriving on the island in one of those small planes is truly legendary as Gustaf III airport on St. Barths is one of the most dangerous airports in the world.

Here you see me leaving from my boutique hotel, the Manapany (Uma Thurman stayed there at the same time), to the Cheval Blanc (which is owned by the LVMH group) for lunch.

My look: Colourful bikini, matching pareo and clutch, all by Emilio Pucci, suede and wooden clogs by Miu Miu, cuff by Stella McCartney, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery, pearl embellished sunglasses, necklace and earrings, both by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The first evening in Capri was a «White Night», guests were asked to dress head to toe in white. Before leaving to dinner, I took these photos on the terrace of the Caesare Augustus Hotel in Anacapri with spectacular views over the Mediterranean Sea.

My look: White lace dress by Azzedine Alaïa, white «Duffle 6» bag, Alice T-strap studded sandals, both by Saint Laurent, «So Real» sunglasses by Dior, white cuff and earrings, both by Chanel, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

If you are interested in some travel tips for Capri, click here for Tommy Hilfiger‘s insider scoop.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This week, I flew to Paris for a great evening with Lancôme to celebrate their 80th anniversary and to interview Viktor & Rolf who were proud of the festivities for Flowerbomb, their iconic fragrance, that turned 10 this year.

I met the designer duo at the beautiful Peninsula Hotel Paris, that had opened its doors last year. The interview was absolutely amazing and I was so happy when I left to the airport that I sat down at the piano in the lobby. Playing my favorite instrument is something that gives me lots of relaxation and energy at once.

My look: Silk embellished top and black silk skirt, both by Viktor & Rolf (from a previous season), cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, Bamboo leather tote by Gucci, necklace and cuff, both by Chanel, ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

My piano dream life feels more like a fortissimo life but I adore my job and this gets me going! Next stop NYC and Florence, stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Recently on my way to St. Tropez, I spent one night at the beautiful Hotel Giardino in Ascona. The sun was shining and I truly enjoyed this short stay while sporting my new Chanel Girl bag for the first time.

My look: Smocked cotton-poplin dress by Givenchy, printed leather, raffia and canvas wedge sandals by Valentino, Girl bag in multicolored tweed and necklace «Blow in case of fashion emergency», both by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I spent last weekend in beautiful Saint Tropez. Here you see me in one of my favorite outfits for summer at the pool of the Sezz hotel before leaving for dinner. I just adore everything bohemian this season.

My look: Guipure lace and linen-blend mini dress by Chloé, Aphrodite leather sandals by Valentino, fringed macrame bag, earrings and necklace, all by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For the fourth consecutive yearn CHANEL takes part in the “Only Watch” charity auction in favor of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. On November 7th, 2015 in Geneva, this unique piece will be up for auction. Before that, it will travel around the world, debuting during the Monaco Yacht Show, from September 23 – 26, 2015, followed by stops in Hong Kong (2-5/10), Beijing (9-12/10), New York (17-20/10) and London (24-27/10).

Why is this watch unique?

Since the birth of the House, exceptional savoir-faire has always been at the heart of CHANEL creations. MADEMOISELLE PRIVE collection pays tribute to watchmaking arts and skills such as enamelling, engraving, setting and marquetry, but also to the artistic crafts of couture.

To enhance these exceptional timepieces, CHANEL has called on the services of Maison Lesage, the guardians of a rare and precious expertise of embroideries. Mademoiselle Chanel loved the delicate elegance and subtle milky colour of the camellia, making it her favourite flower. This symbolic flower is gracefully reinterpreted in this unique model.

Fruit of an exquisite collaboration with Maison Lesage, the camellias are embroidered here with silk and metallic threads and natural pearls. This exceptional piece is hand-stitched in a highly delicate display of precision and refinement.

Technical description

CHANEL, Mademoiselle Privé for Only Watch
Unique piece manufactured in Switzerland.
« Mademoiselle Privé » watch in 18-carat white gold set with 140 brilliant-cut diamonds (~ 1.49 carat).

18-carat white gold case (37.5 mm) set with 60 brilliant-cut diamonds (~ 1 carat). Beige silk dial hand-embroidered with camellias made with 3 natural pearls, silk and metallic threads. 18-carat white gold hands. 18-carat white gold case-back. White satin strap. 18-carat white gold ardillon buckle set with 80 brilliant-cut diamonds (~ 0.49 carat). High precision quartz movement off centered at 5 o’clock. Water resistance: 30 meters. Wished Price: 40 000€

A true object of desire!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel