Sandra‘s Closet

Hawaii Collection by OPI brings the fresh, bright colors of its namesake islands to nails and toes this summer. This new collection features a palette ranging from muted tones of mint, peach, pink and nude to bolder hues of coral, green, purple and gold to deep tones of mauve, violet, brick red and shimmery blue.

When I spotted the press release, I reminded myself that I still had this draft about a tour around Maui from 2012 that I haven’t published yet. Who has ever been there knows about its magic. The beautiful beaches, surfing, the weather, the islands’ lush greenery, colorful flowers, and yummy fish, the landscape that ranges from Scottish Highlands to a tropical rainforest, all together inspired those 12 fresh new nail shades.

“Printed, flowing fabrics dominated spring runways, with patterns and graphics in both bold and muted hues. Warm, ethereal neutrals in shades of rose, peach and mint added a soft, feminine note,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. “That’s Hula-rious!, a pastel mint green from the Hawaii Collection, was seen at Charlotte Ronson’s S/S 2015 NYFW show; this shade was used to create a cutout half moon manicure that complemented the designer’s youthful presentation.”

Hawaii Collection by OPI includes the following shades in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas:

That’s Hula-rious!
This pastel mint green makes me dance with joy!

My Gecko Does Tricks
Being bright and pearly green is just one of its talents.

Do You Take Lei Away?
On second thought, I can’t wait – I need this creamy nude now!

Is Mai Tai Crooked?
Get it straight – this fruity orange crème is fabulous!

Go with the Lava
Flow You can feel the heat shimmering off this golden red.

Aloha from OPI
Let’s give a warm island hello to this bright creamy coral!

Suzi Shops & Island Hops
A light and happy pink that’s the perfect traveling companion.

Just Lanai-ing
Around This dark, creamy mauve says “hang loose!” in style.

Hello Hawaii Ya?
In this gorgeous, dusky purple, I’m doing just fine.

This Color’s Making Waves
This shimmery, lagoon blue has got heads turning.

Lost My Bikini In Molokini
With this reef-inspired purple, what’s one bikini more or less?

Pineapples Have Peelings Too!
The heart of the matter lies in this gold shimmer with colorful sparkle.

Hawaii nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. The new shades will be available in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas from 15th February, 2015.

If you are interested in some previous posts from Maui, click on the highlighted links below:

Aloha from Maui

On Top of the Volcano – Maui Sunset Dinner

Last Night in Maui – Four Seasons Maui at Wailea

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of OPI, Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

During London Fashion Week, I attended the Peter Pilotto S/S 2015 show which was one of my favorites. A colorful, fun collection for all rainbow warriors among us.

Me at the show

Technicolor tones and psychedelic cyber florals, the ’70s-tinged presentation ventured beyond prints with paisley macramé straps, black dresses decorated in neon jacquards, and handkerchief silhouettes rippling with iridescent organza.

Great news is that you can pre-order this amazing collection until October 9, 2014 at 10am EDT. In this post, I pre-selected the best pieces for you. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

(In the cover collage: Embellished Black Denim Hendrix Mini Dress )

Pink Astro Crop Top and Pink Astro Skirt

Embellished Acid Pink Paisley Dress

Embellished White Phoenicia Dress

Embellished Hologram Tessera Dress

Embellished Multi Denim Hendrix Coat and Embellished Black Denim Rope Skirt

For my Swiss readers, check out Trois Pommes – The Store, they sell a great variety of Peter Pilotto (below you can see the designer duo at the show finale).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Moda Operandi

“Spring 2014 combines East Coast prep with West Coast ease. It’s Melrose to Malibu. The West Coast represents a golden era of surf, sport, and optimism.” – Tommy Hilfiger

Vibrant, beautiful colours appeared on the Tommy Hilfiger S/S 2014 runway, that was created like a beach scenery with sand dunes, surfboards and lifeguard chairs. When the cheerful music started, the audience was moving on their seats to the beats of Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ song “Californication” and “California Girls” by the Beach Boys. The outfits were stunning, perfect for all surfer girls among you.

Personally speaking, the wetsuit was a great inspiration. Cool, modern, with a certain twist. As the American designer describes his collection: “I revisited iconic elements of California style – the polo, barracuda jacket, sports jersey, and bowling shirt – and reinvented them with the relaxed spirit of the West Coast in mind. From softly tailored denim and chambray to our signature Hawaiian prints to innovative neoprene-bonded leather, the season captures the ease and youthful attitude of Cali style.”

Having seen this amazing collection, I actually never want summer to end… It is surely going to be a huge hit among the cool kids!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht

Unfortunately, MAC‘s Tropical Taboo hasn’t arrived on time before my departure to China. It would have been the perfect look for Sanya. But no need to complain. Zurich feels very tropical at the moment as well, with temperatures rising every day.

The extremely colourful Tropical Taboo collection includes many of the brand’s iconic mineralize products, plus amazing new lipsticks and some beloved repromotes.
Here are my favorites:

LIPS
RICH LIPSTICK in Divine Choice (mid-tone cool pink cream) – CHF 36.00
CREMESHEEN GLASS in Fever Isle (bright red coral) – CHF 32.00
LIP PENCIL in Ablaze (bright apricot) – CHF 22.00

EYES
MINERALIZE EYE SHADOW in Time to Tango (lavender with silver pearl / frost) – CHF 33.00

CHEEKS
MINERALIZE BLUSH in Exotic Amber (orange with bronze pearl / frost) – CHF 35.00

This beautiful limited edition collection is in stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MAC and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Wednesday, I attended the opening night of the new solo exhibition at the Gucci Museo in Florence. The museum presents four significant works from the Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos (open to the public until December 15, 2103). Red Independent Heart #1 and Psycho, both from the Pinault Collection, plus Lavoisier and the video work Hand-made will be exhibited in Italy for the first time.

My look, a mix of coral and fuchsia: Ruffled printed silk-gazar mini dress, pink patent-leather ankle-cuff sandals, coral patent-leather envelope clutch, necklace with coral flowers motif and earrings with fuchsia pendants, all by Gucci.

For more information on the Gucci museo, I invite you to have a look at this previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Red Independent Heart #1

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Crystals, the new sparkling bangles collection by Sal y Limon, is just perfect for Christmas. Those handmade fun jewelry pieces will make you shine like a star or be the perfect surprise for a beloved friend. Available in many colours for CHF 54.- each, in Switzerland at Globus, Companys, Feldpausch, Schild and Loeb.

One lucky reader has the chance to win a set of three bangles (orange, pink, fuchsia). Send me an e-mail with your address and the header “Christmas Bangles” to .

All entries must be received until December 16st, 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.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Sal y Limon and © Sandra Bauknecht

This winter, Ladies, we wear the pants! And to be precise, the cropped ones which draw attention to our ankles. Therefore, it is time to get a gorgeous pair of ankle boots.

Here are some of the most outstanding ones available at the moment:

1 Marychal 100 calf hair ankle boots by Christian Louboutin
2 Suede brogue ankle boots by YSL
3 Suede and snake-effect leather ankle boots by Miu Miu
4 Bi-colour ankle boots by Balenciaga
5 Gisèle suede ankle boots by YSL
6 Palma fuchsia ankle boots by Acne
7 Suede peep-toe platform ankle boots by Giuseppe Zanotti
8 Geometric-heel printed silk-covered leather ankle boots by Nicholas Kirkwood for Erdem
9 Elsa boots by Sam Edelman

I couldn’t resist those beautiful suede and snake-effect leather ankle boots by Miu Miu.
Which ones are your favourites? Happy Saturday Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday was just the perfect day. It was Swiss National Day, which is a public holiday and my parents were visiting from Germany. We were all enjoying the beauty of the garden and of course, I blogged a little in my beloved corner protected by the shade of a magnolia tree before dancing around the pool in my new clogs. Personally speaking, it doesn’t get much better than being in your own little paradise, nothing is so peaceful and relaxing.

My look: Tiered printed silk maxi dress from D&G‘s final collection, Stetson straw hat by Peter Grimm (Souvenir from Club 55 in St. Tropez), bangles by Sal y Limon, silver earrings by Gucci and my new Candy Block clogs by Lulu Vibes (If you would like to find out more about the cute brand, visit the homepage or have a look at this previous post.)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As promised, this look is not for the colour-shy. Roksanda Ilincic‘s pink Margot dress from her S/S 2012 runway in combination with some bright camouflage-print pieces, the result of a collaboration between the Berlin-based artist Anselm Reyle and the house of Dior, looks playful and innocent, just the thing for an instant wardrobe update.

Margot lantern-sleeve wool-crepe dress by Roksanda Ilincic, camouflage-print bag, matching scarf and bracelet, all by Anselm Reyle for Dior and lace pumps by Christian Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I have shown you already the upcoming limited edition Guerlain Terra Azzura by Emilio Pucci make-up collection. Here you can see those beautiful sunny shades on me that are complementing one my favourite Emilio Pucci looks for this summer perfectly:

Printed silk-charmeuse handkerchief top, printed silk-charmeuse maxi skirt and printed scarf belt, all from Emilio Pucci’s S/S 2012 collection, platform sandals by Yves Saint Laurent, bangles by Sal Y Limon, earrings and ring by H&M.

Hope that you like it as much as I do! To shop the look, just click on the highlighted text.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht