Notecards by Lanvin
My dear readers, Happy Holidays, everyone! May all the sweet magic of Christmas conspire to gladden your heart and fill every desire. As you relish the goodies, decorate every nook and corner of your home and enjoy the get-togethers… may the good times and treasures of the present become the golden memories of tomorrow.
LoL, Sandra
Ensure Santa gets a stylish welcome this year with Charlotte Olympia’s playful Christmas stocking. Finished with a soft red faux suede and gold patent-leather version of the designer’s signature pump, this lace and satin design offers plenty of space to stash small gifts.
Don’t you love the attention to detail, from the crystal-embellished spider right down to the iconic web plaque at the sole?! TO SHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
LoL, Sandra
Photo: Courtesy of Charlotte Olympia
Though we may spend quite some time devising our Halloween decorations, the holiday is gone in a flash and we are left with the next one to come. Each year, I love to dress my Christmas tree in a different color theme. Therefore I am always looking for some new inspirations.
Net-à-porter offers for the first time limited edition glass bauble sets by Bombki. Michael Peterson, the English brand’s head designer, has been commissioned by everyone from Sir Paul Smith to London’s Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Since 2001, he has been creating the most stunning Christmas decorations you can imagine. See for yourself:
Little Paris set of five glass baubles by Bombki
Little London set of five glass baubles by Bombki
Little Russia set of five glass baubles by Bombki
Little New York set of five glass baubles by Bombki
Also amazing are Lanvin’s baubles. Imagine a tree filled with these ones topped with a red grosgrain bow and printed with unique and colorful sketches by Alber Elbaz. They also make a great and stylish gift.
LoL, Sandra
Printed porcelain bauble by Lanvin
Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
Many great pieces have found their way into my closet this Christmas! Dear Santa, a huge thank you! Here is a sneak preview of what I will be wearing soon. Some of my gorgeous new clothes might be a little to wintery for my next destination. While you are reading this, I am on my way to Bangkok. Stay tuned for my new adventure and in the meantime enjoy some shopping!
1 Studded leather shift dress by Saint Laurent
2 Ruffled-collar top by Alexander McQueen
3 Gloria resin, Swarovski Pearl and crystal necklace by Lanvin
4 Wild Flower gunmetal-tone Swarovski crystal ear cuffs by Roberto Cavalli
5 Miranda wool and lace dress by Stella McCartney
6 Cool gold-tone ring by Lanvin
7 Ruffled leopard-print silk-chiffon blouse by Saint Laurent
8 Classic Plonge leather shorts by Saint Laurent
9 Black chiffon skirt by Saint Laurent
10 Patch-appliquéd skinny jeans by 3.1 Phillip Lim
11 Leather bra top by Saint Laurent
12 Zebra print top by Saint Laurent
LoL, Sandra
Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht
Merry X-mas to all of you. Christmas Eve was absolutely fantastic being surrounded by my loved ones in the comfort of my own home. In the morning after my last minute shopping tour, my daughter and I decorated our Christmas tree that turned out to be very girly in pink, white and silver with a touch of black. A few years ago, I decided to get an artificial tree. I always felt bad to cut one for only those few days and hated the cleaning up after the season was over. With the fake snow, I really love its look and to achieve this iconic pine smell, I use a little trick (Please click here for last year’s post). Each season, I also opt for another color scheme.
In the evening, we ate great food and dressed up just enough to feel special, but still be comfy. We always end up playing fun games and talk until late. After dinner, we exchanged gifts – the little extra magic and sparkle of a Christmas Eve. Being a mum, I felt like Sandra Claus seeing my daughter’s eyes filled with joy and happiness. It is one of those magical moments you treasure forever. My hubby really surprised me in a fun way. He had “bribed” my personal shopper at net-à-porter and got me some of my favorite items from my wish list. My personal shopper told me she had to take them out of my basket as they were defect and I had been so disappointed… great idea, I have to say! I cannot wait to show you my new pieces.
My look for Christmas Eve matching my tree: Pink cowl-back silk-sateen dress (from the new Resort 2014 collection, also available in black) and pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps, both by Saint Laurent, art deco earrings by Prada, cuff by Chanel, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget, Twenties stay-up by Wolford.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Today, I would like to wish you with all my heart a wonderful Christmas Eve. Despite all different traditions, some of you might not be celebrating this Christian celebration, others might unwrap their gifts tomorrow, some of us, like me, tonight. Nevertheless, what we all have in common is love and this is what I am wishing you, a night surrounded by the ones you love.
As I adore the magic of this time of the year, I attached some photos of different designer installations to get you in the right mood. Enjoy!
London’s famous hotel Claridge’s annual Christmas tree has been designed by long time guests and friends, designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.
(Do you remember the trees in 2009 and 2010 by John Galliano?!)
This amazing installation depicts iconic elements from a traditional Christmas tree reinterpreted with Sicilian elements that draw on the Italian heritage of the designers: hand-crafted Sicilian puppets known as ‘pupi’, hand-painted Italian festive glass baubles and a bespoke multi-coloured ‘luminarie’ framework created in southern Italy.
This Christmas in London, on the streets of Old Bond Street and Sloane Square, Tiffany & Co. has been going back in time with horse-drawn carriages, loaded with small blue Tiffany boxes, which reiterates its message that “The Perfect Christmas Comes Wrapped in Blue.”
And of course, this message is spread around the world with the house’s global shopping window displays.
In Paris, Prada gave French department store Printemps holiday windows with a high-fashion touch. The display, entitled “A Joyful Obsession,” is a colorful creation that is classically Christmas with visual elements inspired by the Italian brand. As part of the collaboration, Prada designed an exclusive collection with apparel, handbags, accessories and footwear.
Here comes my favorite tree installation that can be found in front of the Palace of Arts in Budapest. Made out of 365 wooden sleighs, the 11-meter-tall tree is a sustainable design endeavor which channels the true spirit of Christmas.
After the end of the holiday season, it will be dismantled and the sleighs will be donated to kids living in the SOS Children’s Village homes in Hungary.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Claridge’s, Inhabitant
You know what I will be doing today… I will be buying all my Christmas presents as for the first time ever, I have not bought one single one. The last weeks were so busy with work that time flew without me realizing it. Yes, I would love to put my bag over my head and just pretend I can do some magic. So if you see me today in the city, say hi and cheer me up.
My look to go shopping: Grey travel poncho by Poncho Company Switzerland, fine-knit wool turtleneck sweater by Lanvin, Photo Ready mid-rise skinny jeans
by J Brand, plaid bag
and scarf, both by Karl Lagerfeld, green suede tote bag
by Hogan, Simona ankle boots by De Siena, earrings by Dior, frog ring by Roberto Cavalli and Pasha C watch by Cartier.
Believe in the magic of Christmas and enjoy the special moments among the ones you love most!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Time is flying and you might want to get in the Christmas mood just looking at your nails. OPI‘s new 2013 holiday nail polish collection in collaboration with no other than Mariah Carey contains 18 different limited edition nail polishes which are of course heavy on red and glitter. No doubt, those must-have shades are for Christmas.
CHF 23.90 (15ml) each
The 18 colors come in three textures: cream, glitter and the famous liquid sand. The names are all dedicated to the famous singer.
“Mariah Carey is truly synonomous with the holiday season,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “People around the world listen to her festive, iconic songs – ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ is a personal favourite – and these 18 lacquers evoke the warmth, beauty, energy and positive spirit that’s present in Mariah’s music.”
My favourite that I am wearing today is: “Underneath the Mistletoe” – a dark red with just enough glitter to give it a nice little twist.
In addition to this beautiful winter collection, a limited edition “Pure 18K White Gold & Silver Leaf Top Coat” (similiar to last year’s “The Man with the Golden Gun”) adds precious metal texture over any OPI shade or can be worn alone for a subtle but luxurious look. This genuine18 karat white gold & silver leaf top coat comes packaged in a special limited edition collectable box.
CHF 49.90 (15ml)
All colours will be in stores in Switzerland starting October 28, 2013.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht
Behind the eight door of our Advent calendar, I have some pieces that would all work as the perfect conversation starter at a festive drinks party or dinner. Charlotte Olympia‘s playful aesthetic has won the hearts of the style set, and her fabulous ‘Holiday’ collection is no exception. Whimsically finished with red resin holly berries and green leaves or a stylish snowman, it’s a fabulous choice if you like to take the season literally fashionable.
1 Christmas Pudding suede and patent-leather clutch
2 Surprise Pandora Perspex clutch
3 Holly suede and patent-leather flats
4 Frostie embroidered leather clutch
My favourites:
Charlotte Olympia’s signature ‘Dolly’ pumps get a fabulously festive makeover in plush red velvet – Jingle Bell Dolly platform pumps.
LoL, Sandra
Louis Vuitton is always good for beautiful Christmas gift inspirations. The French house’s holiday brochure is full of perfect surprises for the festive season. The bags are guaranteed winners, and the accessories are everything a LV fan could want. Dear Santa, below is my wish list…
LoL, Sandra
Tote MM Majestueux bordeaux, in Monogram, leather, lizard and ostrich
Lockit Monogram Transparent noir (Collection Cruise 2013)
Bag Charm Carrousel marron.
Suitcase 35 Christmas Baubles in Monogram (How amazing are Louis Vuitton ornaments for your tree?!)
Charm Car, white and yellow gold, diamonds
Vuitton City Guides 2013 suitcases in Monogram Macassar
Calypso MM in Damier Inifini onyx for MEN
Montre Tambour Voyagez II, rose gold
Sequined Shoes for MEN
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton