Sandra‘s Closet

Last night, I arrived in Cuba and was greeted by CHANEL in my hotel room with a lovely surprise: a very cute straw hat created in collaboration with Maison Michel, the famous hat-maker and milliner that was acquired by the House of CHANEL as one of its specialty ateliers.

The first thing popping up in my mind was, how is this shape called? Is it a Panama or a Havana hat, a feodora or a trilby…? Here is a little guide for you so that you will become a real insider.

The easiest thing to remember is that the rim of a fedora curls up while the rim of a panama hat is straight. A trilby is a narrow-brimmed type of hat which in shape resembles the Tyrolean hat.

Straight rim: straw Panama hat by Rag & Bone.

The rim curls up: grosgrain-trimmed woven paper fedora by Melissa Odabash.

Narrow-brimmed: gradient trilby hat by Diesel.

Trendy, the floppy brim: sunny sequined straw sunhat by Eugenia Kim.

Straw hats in all shapes have already become a must-have accessory for fashionistas everywhere as they are the perfect addition to a summery look. So ladies, hold on to your hats, many exciting things are waiting for you during the next days!

Ernest Hemingway wears the look of the successful novelist in Paris, in 1927, just after his book, “The Sun Also Rises,” hit the bestseller list. (AP Photo/Charles Scribner Sons)

I am leaving now an a Hemingway tour which will take me on a journey, following the footsteps of one of the worlds greatest writers here in Cuba. In 1940 Hemingway, with his new wife Martha, purchased a home outside Havana where he would live for the next twenty years. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

Are you looking for a last minute F/W 2014 spooky makeover? One thing is for sure, stylish wicked witches and storybook princesses are hitting the streets in Lanvin, Jimmy Choo and Olympia Le Tan. Channel your favorite alter-ego in this selection of must-have pieces!

First I recommend getting an orange colored gown like this asymmetric silk-crepe dress by Haney (1) as a base. Then look for some fun accessories to spice up your look:

2 Devil patent-leather and point d’esprit headband by Eugenia Kim
3 Feather-trimmed rabbit-felt hat by Lanvin
4 Swarovski crystal-embellished mask by Jennifer Behr
5 Leather book clutch by Olympia Le Tan
6 Glitter suede sandals by Jimmy Choo
7 Latex lace mask by Atsuko Kudo

LoL, Sandra

The Munich Oktoberfest is one of the most famous events and the world’s largest fair. This year’s edition (September 20 – October 5, 2014) will be no exception. With some six million people attending every year, it is an important part of Bavarian culture.
Think Disneyland for adults. Think must do!

It’s very important to accessorize your look (great dirndls are available at Lola Paltinger). Here are some fun pieces, such as small purses, charms and sweet headbands:

1) iPhone 5 Cover Wiesn Edition by Iphoria
2) Wiesn stay-up by Falke
3) Printed scarf by Comma
4) Dirndl Charm by Thomas Sabo
5) Mia floral-embellished headband by Eugenia Kim
6) Agata ayers-trimmed appliquéd felted-twill clutch by Dolce & Gabbana
7) Wiesn Charm by Tiffany & Co.
8) Flower-embellished straw headpiece by Piers Atkinson
9) Kamaris suede and lace ankle boots by Jimmy Choo
10) Lavelle stretch-silk satin push-up bra by Agent Provocateur
11) Salty Pretzel rose gold-tone cubic zirconia earrings by Marc by Marc Jacobs
12) Spatzl Tambourine Bag by MCM
Available from September 20, 2014 at the MCM Munich Flagship Store on Brienner Str. 1.
Limited to 50 pieces.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

You are surely aware of the risks that you face by exposing your skin to the sun. How about protecting also your hair from sun damage? Of course, cancer isn’t a concern for it, but prolonged sun exposure and many hours in the pool or in the sea can damage the hair from the cuticle to its inner structure. The result is mostly faded colour, split ends, dryness, weakened and thinning hair. Therefore I recommend using products with formulas that contain UV absorbers in them. Above you can see my favourites that I have packed for my vacation.

Here are the details:

Paul Mitchell‘s newly launched first sun collection is amazing. Created for all hair types and especially colour-treated, dry or damaged hair, all three products feature the SolarVeil™ Complex, a powerful blend of sunflower extract and highly active UV absorbers, shields fragile strands from damaging UVA and UVB rays. The Island Passion Flower scent is inspired by the tropics and smells absolutely divine.

The limited edition range consists of:
Sun Recovery Hydrating Shampoo™ (CHF 29.- / 250ml) which nourishes hair and helps lock in colour – sulfate-free.
After-Sun Replenishing Masque™ (CHF 33.- / 250ml) aiming to hydrate and guard hair from UV rays and prevent colour fade.
Sun Shield Conditioning Spray™ (CHF 29.- / 125ml) to help maintain shiny hair colour and provide UV protection.

This after-sun nourishing milky serum (CHF 26.- / 50ml) from L’Oréal Professionnel‘s Solar Sublime Series Expert is a must. With the help of ceramide and vitamin E, it is instantly absorbed and conditions the hair fibre immediately to replenish it with suppleness and softness after exposure to the sun. Best applied on towel-dried hair. Available in salons exclusively.

Personally speaking, I like to change my shampoo once in a while and therefore always pack two different products. Redken‘s New Color Extend Sun protects highlights, safeguards color and replenishes sun-stressed strands. The advanced Hydra-Shield Complex with Mexoryl S.O, a patented UV filter, provides powerful protection while restoring lost moisture and luminous shine.

Color Extend Sun After-Sun Shampoo (CHF32.- / 300ml) continues to protect the hair even after the product is rinsed out, so using the shampoo prior to sun exposure will also help prevent UV damage.
Color Extend Sun Take Cover SPF25 (CHF 42.- / 154,1g) is an innovative hair treatment to protect the hair and scalp from UV damage. This lightweight mousse contains no alcohol, best to be used 30 minutes before sun exposure.

Kérastase‘s Huile Lactée (CHF 38.- / 125ml) is a great product with Vitamin E and UV absorbers to smooth sun-exposed hair. Its biphasic solution has two effects: The milky texture enriched with Ylang Ylang helps to avoid the unwanted frizz effect, while the luxurious oily phase protects the hair from moisture loss.

With those products, your hair will be safe. I also like to wear a big sun hat that is stylish and protective in one.

Bunny embellished straw sunhat by Eugenia Kim

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the Brands