The past twelve months have been challenging, forcing most people to adapt to new realities. However, when you start progressing it’s all worth it. Do not bury your head in the sand – especially despite COVID 19. Instead find joy in the little things. It is also the time to find great opportunities but you may have to leave where you are comfortable.
I am very grateful for my life, for everything I have been blessed with, and all those beautiful moments and encounters I experienced in the past months. Everything has its advantages and disadvantages, you just have to make the best out of your very own situation. I was lucky to spend the past three months at the beautiful Gstaad Palace hotel, where life felt kind of normal.
Sometimes, I would sit in the lobby and indulge in a glass of champagne, cherishing the moment and thanking the universe for this privilege. Having a glass of bubbly has always been my treat, a moment for myself. One of my favorite champagnes is Veuve Cliquot‘s La Grande Dame, that has been created in homage to Madame Clicquot (1777 – 1866), one of the world’s first international businesswomen. Known in her time as «la Grande Dame de la Champagne», she took on her husband’s wine business when widowed at 27. Despite the challenging circumstances, the young lady didn’t bury her head in the sand. Under her ownership, she created the famous brand that still bears her name, «Veuve Cliquot» (veuve means widow in French). Thanks to her skill with wine, she invented the riddling process, which involves bottles being placed upside down on a riddling rack. Everyday the bottles are gently shaken and turned. This method is still used by modern champagne makers.
In the glass, La Grande Dame 2008 has a light golden hue. After opening up, the nose reveals notes of dried fruit – almonds, figs, apricot – ripe white fruit (pear) and subtle toasted notes of hazelnut and praline. In the mouth the attack is powerful and sharp. The Pinot Noir stands out with its freshness, mineral notes and power. With 92%, it is the highest percentage of the grape ever used since the founding of the Maison.
It is also the Year of the Ox. What will it bring? Will things improve, or are we in for another rough ride? Zodiac experts believe the Year of the Ox is a period when hard work will be rewarded even more than usual. This has been interpreted by many as a great opportunity. They say knowledge is power, and it’s true. You won’t find opportunity without knowledge. Spending the extra time you might have due to the current deceleration with reading and learning something new, might be rewarded in the end.
Being open to new things is the key to staying young in my opinion. In terms of fashion – this is still an outfit post – I tried for the first time wearing something in latex. Skin-tight with a wet look shine, latex leggings are a unique eye-catcher. Although is quite an hassle to put the them on on, they are the most comfortable thing in the world and feel like a second skin. Great side effect – your skin is so soft after taking them off. The combination with the checked blazer and blouse balances out the sexiness and adds a ladylike appeal. I am absolutely in love with this look – feeling like a grande dame!
To shop, click on the highlighted product descriptions:
My look: Double-breasted velvet-trimmed checked wool blazer, pussy-bow checked silk-chiffon blouse
, checked silk scarf
, black latex legging
, gold-tone, enamel and faux pearl clip earrings, croc-effect leather belt, and Diane embellished two-tone leather pumps
, all by Saint Laurent
, and Chinese New Year Ox-embroidered clutch
by Olympia Le-Tan.
Drink and shop responsibly!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post is a collaboration with Veuve Cliquot. Drink responsibly!
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