Sandra‘s Closet

This week, I did «Lion’s Run», a fun car rally that took us through Germany, Austria, Italy, and France in only five days. Here you see me on the third day when I left Milan with a private police escort in the morning and drove to San Vincenzo in the Italian Aosta Valley.

My long bomber jacket is embellished with «Mickey, the Rat», created by the cartoonist Robert Armstrong, who is known for popularizing the term «couch potato».

My look: Long bomber jacket «Mickey Rat Chinese New Year» by Moschino, «All Is Love» virgin wool sweater by Stella McCartney, paneled leather and jersey leggings by Givenchy, fringed intarsia wool-blend fingerless gloves by Etro, printed wool-blend felt headband, and T-Rex shearling-lined logo-print coated canvas and leather ankle boots, both by Fendi, Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford, black and white cashmere logo scarf and black and white grained leather bag with gold-tone metal details by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Call me a true fashion lover. This look has become one of my favorites of the season, exaggerated houndstooth pattern, combined with a logo print cape and my new Hermès Himalaya Birking bag which is considered the holy grail in a handbag collection. It is crafted from Nile crocodile hide. The name «Himalaya» is inspired by the delicate gradation of the colour that is resembling the majestic, snow-capped mountains. The process of dyeing the leather is exponentially more difficult as the shades lighten. It takes a lot of time and craftsmanship. I feel blessed to call one my own.

My look: Wool-jacquard cape by Gucci, bow-detailed houndstooth wool-blend sweater and houndstooth jacquard-knit shorts, both by Alexander McQueen, T-Rex shearling-lined logo-print coated canvas and leather ankle boots by Fendi, set of two silver-tone and crystal hair slides by Saint Laurent, sunglasses by CHANEL, rose diamond ring by Piaget and Himalaya Niloticus crocodile Birkin bag by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken at The Dolder Grand on the terrasse of the Maestro Suite.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

You might spend a significant portion of your day at your desk. So it’s probably a good idea to make it a place that looks as fashionable as you. Let me promise you one thing, having a nice desk is extremely powerful and it will make you feel more positive and creative about your work.

Pencil case and measuring tape set by FENDI
Fendi’s pink stationery set will make a feminine and preppy addition to your day-to-day routine. Crafted in Italy from butter-soft leather, it consists a compact pencil case with a zipped top and black canvas lining and is hallmarked with a polished gold-toned F logo plaque that echoes the measuring tape – note the push button and soft retractable tape.

Cork and stainless steel globe by BRUNELLO CUCINELLO
Keep track of your world travels with this khaki-brown globe from Brunello Cucinelli’s classic homeware collection. It’s crafted by artisans in Italy from a combination of natural cork and stainless steel, then lasered to depict a map of the world, which can be marked with the provided pins. Perfect for your desk for textural appeal.

Cobra brass bookends by HOUSE OF HACKNEY
Depicting the label’s eclectic sensibilities, these brass cobra bookends reference the serpent as the guardian of sacred spaces. They’re hand-painted in gold, green and black tones to accentuate the sculptural shape and realistic texture of the engraved scales. 

Intrecciato-leather letter holder by BOTTEGA VENETA
Look to Bottega Veneta’s brown letter holder for a refined homeware piece for your desk. It’s woven with the label’s signature Intrecciato technique, and crafted with two sections defined with sculptural separators that increase in height.

Gekko gold-plated magnifying glass by L’OBJET
This 24kt gold-plated gekko magnifying glass is crafted with red Swarovski-crystal set into the eyes, and set with a rounded magnifying lens. Keep it on a desk next to other equally statement-making pieces.

Deco pen-shell paperweight by BLUE CARREON
This black and gold paperweight features elongated stripes across the curved body that take inspiration from the simplicity of Art Deco interiors. It’s crafted by hand with inlays of natural cracked pen shell to offset the polished gold-tone metal hardware. Use it to bring a decorative, vintage accent to your desk.

Eye-print porcelain tray by GUCCI
Gucci’s exquisitely crafted white tray takes the shape of a pair of hands held closely together to create a cupped silhouette. It’s made from Richard Ginori porcelain, adorned with pink tassels and decorated with an alluring eye print framed by red lightning bolts and yellow stars. Place it on your desk to hold trinkets.

Brass letter opener by CARL AUBÖCK
Handmade from polished brass, the sophisticated piece has a flat edge on one side and features a looping grip on the other to double up as a bookmark.

Valentina large velvet photo frame by AERIN
Aerin’s green Valentina photo frame is from the label’s romantic velvet collection. It’s crafted with a wide border and gold-plated brass edges for an elegant mood. Choose it to display your most cherished memories.

Popotin ceramic vase by ANISSA KERMICHE
This grey speckled ceramic Popotin vase will bring a joyful note to minimalist or maximalist interiors alike. It takes the shape of a woman’s derrière with a tactile uneven surface and is finished with a printed logo on the base. Place it on your desk as an artistic flourish.

Milan cube box by BLUE CARREON
This cube box is crafted using stone inlays by artisan craftsmen in the Philippines, showcasing the eponymous designer’s love for naturally occurring materials. Spruce up your desk by using it as an aesthetically pleasing organiser.

Intrecciato leather paper basket by BOTTEGA VENETA
Crafted from the house’s hallmark Intrecciato handwoven leather, this brown paper basket imparts Bottega Veneta’s discerning and contemporary aesthetic. Let it bring an artisanal riff to a simple desk setting.

Rossetti Flora-scented porcelain diffusing sphere by FORNASETTI
This diffusing sphere offers floral notes of ivy, lily of the valley iris and sandalwood and is housed in an elegant porcelain vase, printed with a Pop Art rendition of Lina Cavalieri’s lips – opera singer and the house’s enduring muse. Place it as focal point of your work space and let it fill your desk with the welcoming scent.

I hope that you have enjoyed my ideas for your desk …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Today I would like to show you the most exceptional jewelry boxes for the connoisseur in your life this Christmas. If you like to collect jewelry, it is also important where you keep it. Security aside, beloved treasures deserve a home as beautiful as they are… and below are some very sophisticated choices to choose from!

LoL, Sandra

Facettes Jewelry Box by Hermès

Beauvais velvet jewellery box by Aerin

Grosvenor leather jewelry box by Smythson

Flora print jewelry box by Gucci

Studded leather-trimmed striped jacquard jewelry box by Fendi

Monogram Canvas Jewelry Box by Louis Vuitton

Mara printed croc-effect leather jewelry box by Smythson

Botanical Heirloom Jewelry Box by Jenny McCormack (comes with the jewelry)

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Queen of Rap and style icon, Nicki Minaj collaborates with Fendi to create the coolest capsule collection. «Bentley tints on/ Fendi prints on» the singer rapped in her buoyant single «Chun Li.» And with that, a fashion collaboration was born. Eagerly awaited by the rapper’s fans, known as the Barbz, Minaj’s Fendi Prints On, a 127-piece collection that fuses Fendi’s playful character with Minaj’s bold sense of style, is available now on fendi.com and in selected stores.

The collection features house staples like the Baguette, Peekaboo, and Kan U bag, and more in a range of textures—among them, space-like metallics, shearling and lots of pink Lycra. Even though the designs were overseen by Fendi creative director Silvia Venturini Fendi, it seems as though Nicki had free reign throughout the entire process, whether it was choosing the body-skimming silhouettes and 90s-inspired jewelry or the Pinkprint-inspired hues.

On her latest single, «Fendi», that launched last month, the rapper shouts out the Italian fashion house by declaring «it’s Fendi, it’s poppin’, and we on and poppin’». The song comes just in time to celebrate the launch of this fabulous capsule collection for women and men. Even if you are not a Barbz, there will be something for you, promised!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Fendi, Steven Meisel for Fendi

In the end of last month, when I attended the opening of the BOSS flagship outlet (for the previous post, please click here), I told you already a little bit about the OUTLETCITY METZINGEN in Germany, located close to the city of Stuttgart. High end brands such as Breitling, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Valentino, Missoni and soon also Moschino and Alberta Ferretti can be found here alongside many others for a great price. Personally speaking, some of the stores look better and are bigger than in Zurich…

Just opened on September 26, 2019: Fendi at OULETCITY METZINGEN.

Superlative is the magic word when you want to talk about this shopping village that stands for one thing above all else: the exciting combination of supposed contrasts. If you appreciate unusual and exclusive shopping experiences for a great budget, this will be your new shopping destination. At OUTLETCITY METZINGEN, you can immerse yourself in a world of exclusive brands in an authentic inner-city atmosphere within award-winning architecture and take advantage of discounts of up to 70% all year round. Whether you want high fashion or outdoor clothing, exclusive It-pieces or just the thing for the whole family, the outlet’s wide range of premium and luxury brands makes it easy for you to find exactly what you need.

Award-winning architecture at OULETCITY METZINGEN makes you feel visiting an amazing US mall.

This weekend would be a great opportunity to visit one of Europe’s most popular outlets as OUTLETCITY METZINGEN is celebrating in a big way on October 11 and 12, 2019. The so-called FASHION CITY EVENT offers special highlights, great promotions, shopping on Friday until midnight and the start of the outlet’s own club for customers. The different celebrations seek inspiration from shopping metropoles such New York, Paris, Milan or Shanghai. Sightseeing from a new perspective – all dedicated to fashion – and for a great budget! Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Inside the Gucci outlet store.

Inside the new Valentino outlet store.

Don’t miss the gigantic Prada outlet store on two levels.

Welcome to Jimmy Choo at OULETCITY METZINGEN.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Modern princesses love this rock ‘n’ roll-meets-romance feel. Deconstructed silhouettes balanced by frilly details make heads turn. Just add a tiara and the throne is all yours!

My look: Crystal-embellished stretch-scuba bodysuit by Alessandra Rich, paneled denim and tulle maxi skirt by Junya Watanabe, Vicky quilted patent leather wallet on a chain by Saint Laurent, Freedom leather ankle boots by Fendi, tiara headband and silver-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl clip earrings, both by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Any pet lover will say that life just seems better with a dog. The furry friends keep us company, entertain us, comfort us, protect us, and seem to make life fuller and more complete. I grew up with a dog and I still remember those beautiful years at his side. Today, I cannot pass a dog without a little cuddle. Henry kept me company while taking the photos of this floral-print linen outfit that is one of my favorites at the moment.

My look: Goldie cropped ruffled floral-print linen top, Goldie floral-print kick-flare linen trousers, and floral-print cotton visor, all by Zimmermann, Marmont fringed logo-embellished metallic cracked-leather pumps by Gucci, logo earrings, side packs in yellow, and  yellow logo cuffs, all by Chanel, «Mitza» ring by Dior Fine Jewellery and cat eye metal mirrored sunglasses by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 

Speaking of shoe fall trends, there is no way not to be mentioning Prada. The heavy-duty combat boots we saw on the Italian fashion label’s F/W 2019 runway above are already poised for huge success, and they’re joined by similarly utilitarian styles from Fendi and Balmain, which I predict fashionistas will wear with floaty dresses or tuck their trousers into.

If you’re wise enough to make an investment now, shop the boots that speak to you the most (before everyone else does)… don’t say I didn’t warn you!

LoL, Sandra

Laser-cut leather and suede ankle boots by Alaïa

Ranger logo-debossed leather ankle boots by Balmain

Ceonene 40 leather ankle boots by Gianvito Rossi

Cruz studded textured-leather ankle boots by Jimmy Choo

Army lace-up leather ankle boots by Saint Laurent

Lace-up leather ankle boots by Prada

Freedom leather ankle boots by Fendi

Leather boots by Miu Miu

Rope-trimmed lace-up leather ankle boots by Balenciaga (50% off)

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

If you’ve been to Verona and you’ve fallen in love with the city like me, you will like today’s outfit post. Besides the famous Arena di Verona Opera Festival, the picturesque Italian town has a lot to offer, from beautiful restaurants, little piazzas and many historic monuments to visit. Furthermore, Verona still feels like its Shakespearean legacy, and it is possible to recall the main moments of the timeless love story of Romeo and Juliet. When you overlook the city, you realise that there really could have been no other place more perfect than Verona to have set the story.

My look: Appliquéd denim jacket, Ace embroidered low-top leather trainers, and square-frame glitter sunglasses, all by Gucci, Allure ruffled silk-chiffon blouse by Temperley London, printed stretch-cotton wrap skirt by Mira Mikati, Kan I leather shoulder bag, flower fur key fob, ABClick letter key charm and embellished leather bag strap, all by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht