Sandra‘s Closet

For the past 150 years the House of Roger&Gallet has been celebrating the magic of Christmas and has shared the joy of giving with fragrance connoisseurs from all over the world.

To celebrate its anniversary year, Roger&Gallet is introducing a collection of colourful and festive Christmas box sets. And I have some very good news for my Swiss based readers, 15 OF YOU CAN WIN ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL GIFT BOXES EACH. All you have to do is send me an e-mail to with the header “Roger&Gallet Christmas” and your postal address.

Contestants MUST live in Switzerland. All entries must be received until November 30, 2012. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules.

GIFT SET FLEUR D`OSMANTHUS
For her. A cascade of appetising floral notes, with citrus fruit and wood transport you into a Chinese Garden of Eden, in quest of the rare and mysterious flower of happiness. The bunch contains a heart of mandarin, grapefruit and benzoin essential oils.

GIFT SET ROSE
For her. Nepalese roses, sparkling mandarin and peonies combined with the mysteries of amber and the velvet of almond milk lead you to a magical walk through the splendour of the palaces of Bengal and their delectable gardens.

GIFT SET BOIS D‘ORANGE
For both him and her. The essence of mandarin meets the soft, green accents of basil-verbena: an original blend with an orange theme and a base of musky notes of clear amber and woody depths of palissander and Atlas cedar take you to an olfactive journey into the Andalucian gardens of the Alhambra in Grenada under the orange trees of the Generalife Palace.

This year, Roger&Gallet’s eaux parfumées (100ml) are accompanied by a delightful duo: a shower gel (50ml) and body milk (50ml), to add extra magic to your gifts. Also available in the following scents: CÉDRAT, THÉ VERT, GINGEMBRE.

PRICE: CHF 59.60 each

GIFT SET 4 SAVON
The four soaps in this box set are delicately wrapped in “sun-shaped” pleated silk paper, in colours reflecting their fragrances: Jean Marie Farina Eau de Cologne, Bois d’Orange, Citron and Rose. Roger&Gallet soaps are produced using the traditional “cauldron” method and perfumed to the heart.

PRICE: CHF 27.40

All gift sets are available in pharmacies now.
Don’t forget to enter the contest! Good luck!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roger&Gallet

In celebration of the holiday season, I recommend buying some festive knits. Combine a stylish holiday sweater with a sexy pencil skirt and some high heels to take the look to new heights.

Appliquéd wool turtleneck sweater by Moschino, bonded PVC pencil skirt by Tibi and red patent-leather pumps by Dolce & Gabbana.

Rossella Jardini, Moschino Creative Director, gives the following style advice: “When designing our sweater, I played with the classic Christmas elements and added a Moschino touch! I would suggest wearing them with a simple pair of skinny jeans.”

To shop those preppy little sweaters, click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

1 Santa Claus sequined merino wool sweater by Markus Lupfer
2 Reindeer intarsia wool-blend sweater by Stella McCartney
3 Reindeer appliquéd knitted wool sweater by Moschino
4 Ho! Ho! Ho! knitted sweater by Lot78
5 Reindeer-intarsia wool and cashmere-blend sweater by Mason by Michelle Mason
6 Maria metallic-embroidered knitted sweater by Meadham Kirchhoff

Meadham Kirchhoff about their inspiration: “Christmas is the best time of the year, the decorations, the tree, the food….. We love everything about it. The inspiration for the embroidery came from original 1960’s gift paper I wrapped Edward’s presents in last Christmas.”

I adore those sweaters and couldn’t resist the one by Stella McCartney. Which one is your favourite?

LoL, Sandra

Chopard has created a very special new collection of Haute Joaillerie inspired by the iconic Disney Princesses in partnership with Harrods and the internationally renowned department store’s Disney themed Christmas celebration. For a previous post, please click here.

Last week, I visited Chopard’s headquarters in Meyrin/Geneva and saw those amazing pieces with my own eyes. Their beauty and craftsmanship are truly overwhelming. Stay tuned for a detailed post of my visit to be posted soon.

Caroline Scheufele has interpreted the key characteristics of Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Tiana by designing ten unique and exceptional Haute Joaillerie pieces unveiled at the Chopard boutique at Harrods.

The Disney Princess Collection by Chopard will be shown exclusively at Harrods until January with all of these one-off pieces available for sale.

Enjoy the photos below!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chopard, Harrods and © Sandra Bauknecht

Guerlain’s Christmas 2012 makeup collection was inspired by the brand’s fragrance Liu. It is Olivier Echaudemaison’s interpretation of the scent which was created in 1929 by Jacques Guerlain. Liu is a hymn to femininity and true love, which was inspired by the heroine of Turandot, Puccini’s opera. The story is about the young slave who chooses to commit suicide rather than reveal the name of her master with whom she is in love. The scent symbolized the power of secrets.

From scent to make-up, this bewitching journey transports us to the threshold of a fantastical and incredibly refined Asia. Golden mists, tapered eyes, a blood-red mouth… Beautifully enhanced by the opulence of the Orient, Guerlain’s modern heroine is Natalia Vodianova who stars once more in the house’s ad campaign.

LIU – Perfumed Shimmer Powder Face, Body and Hair

The magical light-as-air loose powder swathes the skin and hair in a silky halo with iridescent golden glints. The sensual universal shade softly illuminates the face, hair and exposed parts of the body from the curve of the shoulder to the top of the décolleté. A scintillating breath exudes luminous aldehydes, a sensual armful of roses and a caressing base of vanilla, iris and woody notes. CHF 112.-

LIU – Eye and Lip Calligraphy Palette

Another icon, the collector’s palette draws its inspiration from the art of calligraphy and Asian beauty rituals. Two fatal shades for the lips, carmine and blue-toned red, and three eyeshadows with an iridescent powder texture that plays on every tone of gold – bronze, copper and white. A matte black powder line that can be used wet or dry is the ultimate accessory for an unforgettable gaze. CHF 105.-

The Complexion Divas
Météorites Perles du Dragon (illuminating powder) and Météorites Wulong (pressed powder)

The legendary Météorites have been reinvented in two luxurious limited-edition versions. In the year of the dragon, they have been christened Perles du Dragon and Wulong – meaning “black dragon”. They pay tribute to this mythical animal, a symbol of the emperor of China, whose primary source of power lay in pearl, synonymous with happiness, wisdom and abundance. Perles du Dragon CHF  76.- and Wulong CHF 220.-

Écrin 4 Couleurs – Long-lasting Eyeshadows

This precious quartet, 500 Les Ombres Turandot, showcases a subtle monochrome palette for vibrnat and refined eye make-up. CHF 80.-

The Heroines’ Lipsticks: Shine Automatique – Hydrating Lip Shine

Available this fall in two colours: 700 Altoum, a gold adorned with tone-on-tone sparkle that is worn on bare lips or alternatively as a top coat and 760 Lou-Ling, an enchanting beautiful plum with a golden sparkle for an even more fiery effect. CHF 54.- each

Nail Lacquers

Dare to display ultimate sophistication down to your fingertips with limited-edition nail polishes in the same jewel tones 03 Altoum, a gleaming gold for a precious glow, 04 Lou-Ling, a stunning plum for spellbinding nails. CHF 36.- each

Personally speaking, I adore this festive make-up collection very much. The packaging itself is so luxurious and beautiful that you will enjoy the products whenever you hold them in your hands as much as putting them on your face. In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Guerlain and © Sandra Bauknecht

“Now that cinderella’s fairy godmother no longer exists, the couturier must be the magician,” said Christian Dior.

In a swirl of shadows and light, the Dior heroine leads the ball dance. She wears her glamour like a second skin. For the Christmas 2012 makeup collection, Tyen reinterprets the spirit of Dior grand balls with a contemporary elegance and a cheeky twist.

They were a constant theme beating at the heart of Monsieur Dior’s fashion and life. From the extravagant parties in Granville, his childhood home, which gave him a glimpse of his destiny in couture, to the follies of the Parisian balls in the roaring 20s, the couturier was profoundly fascinated by transformation. From the catwalk to the red carpet, his ball gowns have become every woman’s desire. A 18th-century look, revived and modernised. Fleeting and flamboyant, the Grand Bal embraces the fantasy of Christmas.

Palette Grand Bal Carnet de Maquillage (CHF 119.00) – Christmas Look 2012 Star Product – (Limited Edition)

Inspired by the dance cards held by young women in the 18th-century to remember their dance partners, this essential beauty kit is bound to be a must-have for the modern day party girl. The glamorous gold clutch features a pearl eyeshadow duo of platinum and gold, two shades of gloss, a mirror, and deep black eyeliner for quick touch-ups.

Poudre Or – (CHF 68.25 – Limited Edition)

Delicate skin dares to adopt subtle golden tints beneath the Diorskin powder puff, a loose powder to be dusted onto the cheekbones, shoulders and neckline… The sensuality of elegant evenings with a stylish scent of seduction.

Diorskin Poudre Libre in 431 Gold Dust

Palette 5 Couleurs (CHF 90.00 – Limited Edition)

Through the darkness, the eyes dazzle with light. A dramatic halo, a mirrored texture, shifting reflections that flutter like butterfly wings… The 5 Couleurs unfurls its multiple shades. The Dior Grand Bal heroine wears her masquerade right on her skin.

524 Fairy Golds
764 Night Golds

Grand Bal False Lashes (CHF 32.00 – Limited Edition)

For the first time Dior has created a collection of false eyelashes. Adorned with delicate silver drops or soft gold sophisticated Swarovski crystals, the gaze is shaded in mystery and sparkles with glamour, to defy the imagination. A fatal attraction.

001 Pearl Drops
002 Gold Crystals

Diorshow Liner Waterproof “Or” (CHF 34.00 – Limited Edition)

Like a gold thread etched beneath the lashes, the new Diorshow Liner Waterproof underscores the eyelid. Applied in generous flat tints or as a drop of light at the corner of the eye, it leaves its lustrous bronze imprint.

Diorific Lipstick (CHF 49.00)

A voluptuous texture, a glossy shine… The Diorific Grand Bal collection reveals a waltz of glowing couture shades in their precious jewel-case: festive red, brown with a sophisticated gold sheen, nude beige or falsely demure rosewood. Smoothed, shaped and sheened, the smile is perfectly designed. Captivating.

340 Diorling
520 Diva
653 Marilyn
677 Lady

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss (CHF 44.00 – Limited Edition)

It seeks to unsettle and distils its sensuality. Alone or as a topcoat, tinted in gold lamé or ceremonial red, Dior Addict Ultra Gloss lacquers the smile, transforming the sweep of a ball gown or boosting a super-slim silhouette. A little shot of glamour.

424 Lamé Gold
774 Ceremony Red

Diorific Vernis ($40 – Limited Edition)

More than an it-colour, Diorific Vernis is an it-accessory; an object of desire and a collector nail lacquer. In an exceptional collector’s edition that bridges fashion and finery, Dior relaunches this gem of a varnish. In a range of ultra-luxurious colours, Diorific Vernis is a jewel on the skin that the heroine of the Dior Grand Bal mixes or matches with her lipstick, to suit her outfit or mood. Red for the lips, sparkly black for the fingers; pearl-white on the fingertips and pink on the lips; glossy golden varnish with brown lip shade. She is ready to go to the ball. Never has her extravagance been more desirable.

011 Lady
751 Marilyn
207 Diorling
901 Diva

Golden Tattoos ($120.00) (Limited Edition – not available in Switzerland)

From the early years of his career, Christian Dior was fascinated by gold and its mysterious powers. It wasn’t long before gold became a refined signature of the house and Dior’s most magnificent couture outfits were adorned with gold accessories. Now, Camille Miceli, Dior’s Creative Director of costume jewelry, has created a limited edition set of Golden Tattoos, comprised of 24-karat gold micro particles that melt onto the skin. The set includes seven exclusive designs: two wrist chains, a Dior Dollisimio charm, pearl drop charm with the Christian Dior logo, three rings, and a Line A interlaced bangles.

Personally speaking, the Dior Grand Bal makeup collection is my favourite for Christmas 2012.
All products, except the Golden Tattoos, will be available in Switzerland from November 7th, 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

For the Christmas 2012 Makeup collection “Éclat du Soir de Chanel”, Peter Philips, Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, borrows the vintage luster of bronze-tinged gold and lends its modernity to evening makeup.
Here is your preview of the beautiful pieces that will be launched in the end of this month:

Regard Signé de CHANEL CHF 77.-
Harmonie du Soir

Ombres Contraste Duo CHF 60.-
47 Nuit-Claire

Illusion d’Ombre CHF 47.-
817 Apparence

Joues Contraste CHF 60.-
73 Star Dust

Poudre Universelle Libre CHF 67.-
57 Rêverie

Rouge Allure Velvet CHF 48.-
307 L’Impatiente

Le Vernis CHF 35.-
637 Malice

Available end of October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel

During the last weeks, I have been receiving the upcoming Christmas collections and from now on, I will start showing them to you. Personally speaking, I love this time of the year in terms of beauty products. Sparkling shades, glittering powders, rich shades of red and gold make my heart leap for joy.

Clarins Odyssey Limited Edition Christmas Makeup Collection comprises two limited edition compacts inspired by the magnificence of Ancient Greece.

Clarins Odyssey Face Palette – Limited Edition – CHF 78.-

Like an elegant and sumptuous odyssey, this silky-smooth compact powder enhances the complexion for a beautiful, more even skin tone.

Clarins Odyssey Eye Quartet Mineral Palette – Limited Edition – CHF 62.-

A collection of four long-wearing golden-brown shades. It also includes two applicator brushes with pointed and round ends which can be used to blend the colour or to create a smoky eye makeup.

Skin Illusion Loose Powder Foundation – Available in 11 shades – CHF 53.-

Your skin – Only better. Skin Illusion Loose Powder Foundation is a loose powder foundation with an ultra-fine, silky texture that contains highly effective mineral and plant-based ingredients that work in harmony with the skin to illuminate the complexion’s appearance.

The result: a beautifully radiant, perfectly even, matte complexion and skin that feels incredibly soft and comfortable. Matte finish – light to medium coverage – suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

In stores Mid October 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Clarins

May your world be filled with warmth and good cheer this Holy season, and throughout the
 year. Hopefully Santa will be
 extra good to you! Merry Christmas to all of you who celebrate that holiday!

In case that you are in the mood for a treat for yourself, have a look at this stunning look, perfect for the festive season:

Nico cocktail dress by Rachel Zoe (€255) – a great price for an amazing dress

Tribtoo cap toe pumps by Yves Saint Laurent (€505) – just one word: divine

Valorie glitter-finish leather clutch by Anya Hindmarch (€410) – adds glamour to every outfit

LoL, Sandra

Learn your fashion math: Dieu + Or = Dior!
‎”This agile genius of our times whose magical name contains Dieu (God) and or (gold)”.
– Jean Cocteau.

Get inspired by Dior’s golden Christmas 2011 and enter the enchanting world of sparkling nail polishes and matching lipsticks. A wonderful gift and a treat for yourself!

These are my two favourites below:
Le Vernis Gold 221 Or Divin, CHF 37 (photo left)
Le Rouge Or 217 Or Etoilé, CHF 48 (photo right)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Christian Dior

Lindsay Lohan‘s highly classified Playboy photo shoot leaked to the internet, one week before the issue was set to hit newsstands. The famous magazine is said to have paid $1 million for this Marilyn Monroe-inspired spread.

Her feet instantly caught my eye because I spotted a fabulous pair of tan Tribtoo suede leather pumps by Yves Saint Laurent.

A great investment and a wonderful gift for yourself. And if you put them on and nothing else, you might have found the perfect X-mas surprise for your partner as well.
To the art of seduction! It is never too late to be nice, isn’t it?

LoL, Sandra