Sandra‘s Closet

In collage: Printed satin-jacquard midi dress by Marni, velvet platform ankle boots by Prada and swimsuit by Eres.

«The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today.» – Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.

Each year PANTONE, the global color authority, chooses one Color of the Year, like a snapshot of what we see taking place in our global culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude. For 2018, it is a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade: PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.

Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now. The vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own.

Purple Rain: Prince performing in 1985

Enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance. Musical icons Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix brought shades of Ultra Violet to the forefront of western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality. Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.

Ultra violet on the S/S 2018 runways: Gucci – Balenciaga – Moschino

Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet. The color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.

To shop ULTRA VIOLET, have a look at those fantastic pieces and get ahead of the fashion trend:

Belted asymmetric silk-mousseline blouse by Balenciaga

Spandex pumps by Balenciaga

Nail Polish in Ultra Violet (Pantone Collection) by Butter London

Embellished-leaf satin pouch by Attico

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Pantone

Fashionable women in action sports, such as surfing or swimming, need functional and stylish clothing  in one. This post is dedicated to some fun pieces for the water as well as some beauty products that especially protect your hair. Be sure to pack those must-haves on your next vacation!

Citrus Sunshine Swimcap Cream, 75ml by Philip Kingsley
This product is absolutely amazing.  It was originally developed for the first US Olympic synchronized swimming team to protect their hair from dehydrating chlorine and salt water. This intensely hydrating formula is for use on wet hair and suitable for sensitive scalps, overly processed and damaged hair.

Vanishing Point Yosemite swim cap by Eres
Another way to protect your hair in the water, is a traditional swim cap. This Italian-made piece is crafted from the label’s signature shape-retaining peau douce fabric – it won’t move or slip when wet. Moreover it won’t pull your hair like many swim caps do.

Surf Infusion, 100ml by Bumble and Bumble
I adore creates soft beach waves. Enriched with sea salt and nourishing oils, this formula instantly adds texture, body and shine. UV inhibitors ensure tresses are protected from the drying effects of the sun.

Printed cotton-jersey T-shirt by Mikoh
The brand’s founding duo – Californian sisters and designers Oleema and Kalani Miller – are keen surfers who grew up on the sun-kissed beaches of Orange County. This classic crew-neck T-shirt is cut for a relaxed fit from soft cotton-jersey. Slip on this piece at the beach or team it with summery pants when you’re in the city.

Printed neoprene rashsuit by Perfect Moment
This rashsuit is cut from insulating 1.8mm neoprene that’s UV-protective and stretch-resistant so it holds its shape in water. This streamlined style has flatlocked seams to reduce irritation and feels super lightweight and flexible. The striped monochrome panels contour and flatter your figure.

St Tropez striped perforated neoprene backpack by Duskii
Store your beach essentials or a change of clothes in the roomy interior, adjusting the rope straps for comfort.

Saint Tropez striped neoprene swimsuit by Duskii
Matching your beach backpack, this swimsuit is crafted from sculpting neoprene, this comfortable style molds to the body for a flexible fit.

Surfboard by Chanel
And last but not least, you need a stylish surfboard and why not opt for one by Chanel. In 2010, the fashion house created luxury surfboards in the original Chanel classic aesthetic. I am sure you can still find them somewhere or ask for a special order in stores.

Who said surfing wasn’t chic?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

This fall, Karl Lagerfeld gives the adorable little furball the monster treatment and launches Monster Choupette, a line of bags, accessories and more dedicated to his famous pet. So, this holiday season, everyone can have their own little piece of Choupette. Meaow!
In stores now, in Zurich at Jelmoli.

My look: Leopard print marmot fur coat by Saint Laurent, cashmere sweater by Canessa Cashmere, black skinny jeans by Dolce & Gabbana, Greta zip ankle boots by De Siena, Lumière Anissa underwired bra by Eres, Monster Choupette clutch by Karl Lagerfeld, suede hat by Balenciaga, Chain on Chain rose gold bracelet by Bex Rox, earrings by Miu Miu, Rome Sports chronograph in black and rose gold by Jacques Lemans and skull ring by Roberto Cavalli.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Dressing in black and white is something that can make you look effortlessly chic in a second if you bear in mind to avoid the obvious. A white top with a black skirt or trousers can be easily reminiscent of a work uniform. Get a little creative and go for a bold pattern as I did for this outfit or much easier simply turn the colour combination upside down.

My look: Sheer star print blouse, asymmetric leather pencil skirt and pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps, all by Saint Laurent. Limelight Gala watch and Rose diamond ring, both by Piaget. Lumière Anissa underwired bra by Eres and Pure Matt 50 denier tights by Falke.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Loox Photo Studio by Adriana Tripa

This summer, you should take inspiration from sportswear for your beach attire and spice it up with some tribal details. Just make sure that your approach is completely luxurious. I recommend straps wrapped around your waist and vibrant prints. Accessories such as sunglasses, hats or embellished hair slides take your day in the sand to the next level of style. Use some bronzer for a sun kissed glow and add texture to your beach waves. Below is your shopping list:

1 Wings printed jersey maxi dress by Matthew Williamson
2 Leopard-print bandeau bikini by Matthew Williamson
3 Cat eye filigree gold-tone sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana
4 Surf Bomb sea salt spray by Original & Mineral
5 Printed flip flops by Givenchy
6 Mesh bra top by Gucci
7 Gold-tone and tortoiseshell-effect hair slide by Dolce & Gabbana
8 Shell Shocked gold-tone clutch by Charlotte Olympia
9 Mesh-trimmed silk crepe de chine dress by Gucci 
10 Spotlight Groupie macramé-trimmed swimsuit by Eres
11 Number 7 cotton-terry beach towel by Karl Lagerfeld
12 Straw hat by Mulberry
13 Matte Radiance Baked Powder by Laura Mercier

LoL, Sandra

Eres will dip into the nail polish market for the first time this March. The trendy lingerie and swimwear brand will launch worldwide in its own stores and franchises a limited-edition line of three nail varnishes — in colours that are inspired by its S/S 2012 swimwear collection, yellow, pink and brown. Each polish will be around € 16.

Matching your outfit to your nail polish or vice versa is quite the thing at the moment  and honestly it is a clever strategy of Eres. I like it!

LoL, Sandra

The pink of “Bengale” is as deep as a Byzantine gladiolus.

The brown of “Damas” is gloriously reminiscent of melted chocolate.

You can almost taste cardamom in the yellow of “Soufi”.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Eres