I love going to press previews for beauty products as it is always fun to explore the newest innovations before their official launch date. Here you see me in December at the Shiseido press day hosted at Zurich’s Sihlcity in a loft dominated by urban concrete walls, which was allowing the colorful product packaging to take center stage. If you are wondering, Nars, Azzedine Alaïa, Issey Miyake, Narciso Rodriguez, all belong to the Shiseido Group and I am looking forward to sharing those new must-haves with you during the coming weeks.
Just as much as I enjoy discovering new beauty products, I adore spotting new fashion designers. One that I truly enjoy wearing is London-based designer Mira Mikati who began her fashion career as co-founder of concept store Plum. Her eponymous collection was born of a collaboration with Parisian brand Façonnable and a desire to create «something fun that was also beautifully tailored». Her jackets, pants and sweatshirts are emblazoned with emojis, cartoons and playful graphics. I absolutely love her frenzied innocence that shows in a melange of smile-inducing detailing. You have no idea how many compliments I got that day for my outfit!
My look: Rainbow Wave striped faux fur coat
, lace-up grosgrain-trimmed merino wool sweater and sequined silk pants, all by Mira Mikati, Kan I Mini studded leather chain shoulder bag, striped silk-twill and leather bag strap, rainbow colored bag bug pompom and bag bug «Karlito», all by Fendi, embroidered «Fusion» sneakers by Dior.
Saving the best for last: what a surprise for me to be reunited with my beloved Montasar Dumas who works for Shiseido in Paris (my avid readers might recognize him from his days at Dior when we always had a lot of fun together).
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
«Christmas trees are the strongest ‘souvenir’ of my happy childhood.» – Karl Lagerfeld
I love Christmas trees and my favorite one (besides my own) can be found at London’s Claridge’s Hotel where in the eighth consecutive year a creative visionary has been invited to reinterpret the tree in their own distinctive style. This December, it is Karl Lagerfeld, one of the fashion world’s most influential creative forces, who created the stunning festive installation, a sixteen foot high inverted tree with silver gilded roots topped with a multi-faceted mirrored star which reflects rays of magical light across the art deco lobby. Reminiscent of a silver stalactite, the tree is hung with traditional silver lametta decorations, silver butter leather feathers and snowflakes handmade by craftsmen in Germany with tree candles giving a warm, inviting glow. Under the centerpiece sit hand sewn white Icelandic sheepskin rugs to reflect a recent snowfall.The famous designer was inspired by his own childhood memories of Christmas.
The Claridge’s Christmas Tree has long been a festive Mayfair landmark, drawing visitors and Londoners alike to marvel at its magnificent and ever-changing design. Scroll down to explore Claridge’s Christmas Tree designs through the years.
2016: SIR JONY IVE AND MARC NEWSON
2015: CHRISTOPHER BAILEY FOR BURBERRY
2014: DOLCE & GABBANA
2013: DOLCE & GABBANA
2012: KALLY ELLIS OF MCQUEENS
2011: ALBER ELBAZ FOR LANVIN
2010: JOHN GALLIANO FOR DIOR
2009: JOHN GALLIANO FOR DIOR
Merry Christmas to all of you – may you all sparkle as these beautiful trees with joy, love and laughter.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Claridge’s
Zurich is my happy place. I truly enjoy living in the Swiss city that offers so much quality of life. The lake is beautiful and I love those fall days when you can still sit outside and enjoy a moment of silence in the middle of the city.
My look: Manray leather-trimmed shearling jacket by Altuzarra, cream white cashmere sweater with bee embroidery and «Tribale» earrings, both by Dior, printed denim shirt by Saint Laurent, printed low-rise skinny jeans by Givenchy, rose diamond ring by Piaget,
quilted single flap bag «Stars and Stripes» in blue by Chanel (Paris – Dallas collection), boots with GG print and cream white leather by Gucci.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
What do you wear on a cruise? Comfy swimwear and nice tunics are all you need. Enjoying the wind, the sun, the sea and visiting different spots each day. A great place to see is the Amalfi Coast in Italy with its picturesque towns like Positano and Sorrento as well as the beautiful islands of Capri and Ischia.
My look: Embellished printed cotton-voile kaftan by Tory Burch, cutout bandage bikini by Hervé Léger, crochet-knit and printed silk-chiffon headband by Missoni, embroidered brocade drawstring backpack by Gucci, beaded necklace by Etro, and DiorOrigins1 round sunglasses by Dior.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
This fall, open frames are set to become this season’s must-have style when it comes to sunglasses, creating the illusion of more defined cheekbones.
1 New Wave 197 LouLou heart-shaped silver-tone mirrored sunglasses by Saint Laurent
2 Poppy octagon-frame acetate and gold-tone sunglasses by Chloé
3 Love Punch aviator-style gold-tone sunglasses by Gentle Monster
4 Poppy cat-eye acetate and gold-tone sunglasses by Chloé
5 DiorOrigins1 round sunglasses by Dior
6 So Real sunglasses by Dior
7 Believer round sunglasses by Dita Eyewear
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
If you spent your childhood in a pair of Converse or even Nikes, you already know, the right sneakers can make a statement. If you pay attention to the proportions, dresses work well when paired with just the right comfy footwear. And not only will you earn major style points for thinking outside the box, but your feet will surely thank you. Here you see me wearing this kind of look on my way to the Maison Sisley in Paris.
My look: Olwen cutout printed cotton-jersey dress and Falabella faux brushed-leather shoulder bag, both by Stella McCartney, embellished metallic sneakers and aviator-style metal sunglasses, both by Gucci, earrings by Dior.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Thank you to my daughter for taking them!
On the streets of Paris in one of my favorite outfits of the season. I am so in love with Dior’s must-have pieces combined with a silk robe. Such a cool trend!
My Look: Contrast piping silk robe 
by Balenciaga, slogan tee «We Should All Be Feminists» and J’adior patent leather pumps, both by Dior, heart-appliquéd jeans by Stella McCartney, pearl embellished sunglasses and classic bag in white with black piping, both by Chanel.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
As you already know, I flew to Paris last week with Sisley and stayed at the wonderful Hotel Bristol. Those three days were incredibly busy and unfortunately the weather was not the best so I preferred staying comfortable in my rainbow stripes.
My look: Striped cotton-jersey top by Chloé, cropped high-rise wide-leg jeans and Falabella faux brushed-leather shoulder bag, both by Stella McCartney, embellished leather mid-heel loafers, and aviator-style metal sunglasses, both by Gucci, earrings by Dior.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Today I am on my way to Paris with Sisley and I couldn’t be happier to be back in one of my favorite cities in the world. Here everything feels much more chic than anywhere else.
My look: Gaby belted fil coupé dress by Erdem (40% off on sale – here even 50% off), Falabella faux brushed-leather shoulder bag by Stella McCartney, Dioressence pumps by Dior, cuff by Chanel, rose diamond necklace by Piaget and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring
by Gucci Fine Jewellery.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
