Following the dress code for the Decadent Dinner Party that said «all black with a touch of decadence», I went for a Saint Laurent jumpsuit under a black blazer and combined it with different accessories from the French Maison. I hope that you will like it as much as I do!

My look: Strapless cutout embellished ruched stretch-satin jumpsuit, black double-breasted blazer, Tribute woven leather platform sandals, Monogram fringe crossbody bag in gold, gold-tone necklace, and gold-tone, enamel and faux pearl clip earrings, all by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography #indulgeingold #yslbeauty
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Prada is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special selection of gold and white gold fine jewellery for both men and women.
In an exquisite, highly original style, precious materials are handcrafted in sophisticated designs that reinvent Prada iconic symbols and the themes of the new collections.

Vibrant hearts, baroque pearls, rock guitars, romantic roses, playful robots but also keys, rabbits, bananas, and the brand’s triangular logo – in gold and diamonds – relive Prada’s history through
contemporary and timeless earrings, bracelets, pendants and necklaces with an unmistakable hint of irony.

Prada’s fine jewellery is made using 18-carat gold and diamonds from suppliers with Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) certification.
The RJC is a non-profit organisation, founded in 2015 to promote responsible practices from an ethical, social and environmental point of view and respect for human rights in the handling of metals and precious stones, from their extraction right through to their sale.

Now on sale at selected Prada boutiques worldwide as well as on prada.com, exclusively for USA, Japan and UAE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada

If there’s one night to go all out and turn on the flash, it’s undoubtedly New Year’s Eve. But some of us are challenged throughout the whole festive season with specific dress code for special parties. Personally speaking, I will attend the 8th annual ASW Winter Weekend Mid December at the fabulous Gstaad Palace in Switzerland and for Friday night’s dinner «La Vie en Or» the dress code says asks for «glamorous, with a touch of gold». This is great! I love any reason to wear sparkle, but such an occasion is the perfect time to shine. And gentlemen, you are in this, too!

«Golden Girl» or just a little golden accessory – you decide how much you would like to shine.

From full-on sequin dresses to just the right gold accessory, there isn’t one right way to fulfill the dress code. The golden rule is you have to feel comfortable, in every tailored sense of men’s style, is purchase clothing that fits you properly. Nothing destroys an outfit – whatever the dress code and no matter how expensive the clothes are – like an ill-fitting jacket, shirt or trousers.

In general, gold is the perfect color to lift an all-black or an all-white outfit to something glamorous and fun. Perfect for all festive occasions!

To make your life a little easier, I put together a fun guide for all budgets so that you don’t need to worry about anything and can focus entirely on celebrating the start of the winter season in style!

HIGH END BUGDET – Full Looks

Get his look: Metallic jacquard dinner jacket by Dolce & Gabbana, shirt gold detail shirt by Comme des Garçons, turn-up hem wool-blend tailored trousers by Prada, ruler cufflinks by Paul Smith, skull and polka dot tie by Alexander McQueen and leather embroidered loafers by Gucci.

Get her look: Racko open-back sequined cady mini dress by Rachel Zoe or wondering lace-paneled fil coupé georgette blouse by Temperley London and sequined wool mini skirt by Marc Jacobs, Anya d’Orsay metallic patent-leather pumps by Saint Laurent, Celeste sequined canvas clutch by Jimmy Choo and Roma gold-tone earrings by Annie Costello Brown.

HIGH END BUDGET – Great Accessories

Stand out with a statement headpiece with a touch of gold and be the queen of the night: embellished satin headband by Dolce & Gabbana.

Lifting every basic look to new heights: Candy box by Jimmy Choo.

LOW BUDGET – A touch of Gold

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your outfit, I recommend getting some fabric with golden sequins. Those accessories will have a great effect on your outfit and can be combined with all sorts of colors. Moreover they are less expected than some golden shoes or a handbag. I still love the mixture between gold and black the best.

You don’t need to be an expert in tailoring to do some cuffs or a belt. If you get a stretchy material, you can even glue it together instead of sewing it. In case you are to lazy for some DIY, you can order them directly here:

Cuffs with gold sequins

Sequined belt

The perfect touch of gold for a man: the right colored pocket square.

LOW BUDGET – Taking the Dress Code Literally up a Notch

Zara has some cool pieces in gold. Minimal investment for a maximum effect.

Be the star of the night: golden bomber jacket for men by Zara.

The perfect touch of gold for women and great for dancing: shorts in gold combined with a black top by Zara.

And don’t forget… you want to start the New Year with something new for good luck, it’s a great excuse to add a new piece to your wardrobe.

Happy Shopping! And I am looking forward to seeing some of you in Gstaad…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Gstaad Palace and © Sandra Bauknecht

Every second year, the Biennale des Antiquaires takes place in Paris in the gorgeous halls of the Grand Palais. Whenever I look at its sinuous, cast-iron Art Nouveau balconies and curlicue stairways, I feel like being in another century. Personally speaking, it is one of the most fascinating places in the French capital and I couldn’t imagine a better backdrop for the most important event in the jewelry calendar. I was invited by Piaget as in 2012 (for the previous post, please click here) and was able to discover the house’s amazingly beautiful EXTREMELY PIAGET collection firsthand.

For the 27th edition of the Biennale des Antiquaires, interior designer Jacques Grange paid homage to Versailles and its French gardens with flowerbeds and foliage. The most stunning part was the scented indoor fountain in the center under the gigantic glass dome that master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian had transformed into an olfactory experience.

At the Piaget booth, I indulged in the most stunning High Jewellery pieces you can imagine. This year, Piaget is celebrating its 140th anniversary and to celebrate this occasion, the company seeked inspiration for its EXTREMELY PIAGET collection from its stellar period in its creative history from the 1960s and 70s. The pieces are enhanced by the most precious materials: diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, hard stones and gold.

The collection is also characterized by great freedom of movement and multiple ways of beings worn. Personally speaking, it was the youngest and most modern collection at the Biennale des Antiquaires this year. You could easily imagine to wear it to a black tie gala or with jeans and a white tee like for example this beautiful bracelet with turquoises from Arizona above.

Let me show you my favorite pieces of the 125 that were presented:

Necklace in 18k white gold set with 46 turquoise beads (approx. 301cts), 48 chrysoprase beads (approx. 42cts), 1 emerald-cut cabochon (approx. 23.14cts), per-shaped chrysoprases, pear-shaped turquoises and brilliant-cut diamonds.

Sautoir exceptional High Jewellery watch in platinum set with 195 marquise-cut diamonds (approx. 66.20 cts), 282 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 33.20 cts), 35 cushion-cut diamonds (approx. 16.30 cts) and 16 pear-cut diamonds (approx. 7.60 cts).  Piaget 56P quartz movement.

Necklace in 18K white gold set with 84 blue sapphire beads from Sri Lanka(approx. 127.40 cts), 490 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 41.69 cts) and 1 cushion-cut emerald from Columbia(approx. 19.39 cts).

Sautoir watch fishnet mesh in 18K white gold set with 404 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 31.30 cts).  Piaget 56P quartz movement.

Bracelet in 18K pink gold set with 8 pink opal plates (approx. 23.25 cts), 18 turquoise beads (approx. 5.31 cts) and 220 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.81 cts).

Cuff watch in 18K white gold set with 1’699 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 20.50 cts) (snow-setting). Natural opal dial. Piaget 56P quartz movement.

Ear cuffs in 18K white gold set with 28 marquise-cut diamonds (approx. 11.59 cts) and 20 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 4.48 cts).

Ring with a sapphire (approx. 7 cts) and 10 diamonds in pear cut and 2 marquise diamonds (approx. 7.5 cts together).

I fell not only in love with this piece… The EXTREMELY PIAGET collection marks the continuity of the brand’s presence in the world of High Jewellery. The 1960s and 70s were some of their most innovative years – and the same is true of 2014. Congratulations, Piaget, for this amazing collection!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As we all know, fashion trends can be difficult to keep up with. In an industry where one color, fabric or print can be crazily hot one season and totally out the next, there’s no doubt that following is no easy task. Not to worry, I am here to help you looking chic all year long! Scroll through my forecast for what styles will be on everyone’s shopping list this F/W 2014 season.

Capes, ponchos, fur, feathers and shearling, the collections are all about wrapping up against the cold. Get ready to ward off Winter’s grip in khaki hues, Sixties prints and flashes of shining gold. Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2014 TREND 1: SWEET SIXTIES
Miu Miu – Gucci – Dsquared²

F/W 2014 TREND 2: SUITS
Hermès – Christian Dior – Ralph Lauren Collection

F/W 2014 TREND 3: MILITARY KHAKI
Calvin Klein Collection – Isabel Marant – Balmain

F/W 2014 TREND 4: HEAD TO TOE KNITS
Stella McCartney – Céline – Marc Jacobs

F/W 2014 TREND 5: ARGYLE SWEATERS
Louis Vuitton – Maison Martin Margiela – Tommy Hilfiger

F/W 2014 TREND 6: FELINE
Carven – Givenchy – Sportmax

F/W 2014 TREND 7: OPTICAL ILLUSIONS
Matthew Williamson – Bottega Veneta – Dries Van Noten

F/W 2014 TREND 8: TEAM PLAYERS
Tom Ford – DKNY – Jeremy Scott

F/W 2014 TREND 9: SHEARLING
Anthony Vaccarello – Prada – Christopher Kane

F/W 2014 TREND 10: FANCY FURS
Versace – Emilio Pucci – Chloé

F/W 2014 TREND 11: PONCHOS
Roberto Cavalli – Burberry Prorsum – Etro

F/W 2014 TREND 12: CAPES
Dolce & Gabbana – Elie Saab – Valentino

F/W 2014 TREND 13: GOLDEN GIRLS
Just Cavalli – Saint Laurent – Moschino

F/W 2014 TREND 14: BIRDS
Emanuel Ungaro – Marni – Alberta Ferretti

F/W 2014 TREND 15: BLACK VELVET
Emporio Armani – Chanel – Nina Ricci

Photos: Via Style.com

Half an hour before the Patrizia Pepe Goldenized event in Zurich, I had a quick photo shoot for my portrait in Sonntagszeitung in the store. Of course, I wore one of the must-have pieces of the Goldenized collection we were presenting that night.

My look: Short striped lurex jersey dress and black wool hat with studded leather band, both by Patrizia Pepe, statement necklace by Lanvin, rose diamond ring by Piaget, studded bag by Miu Miu and Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Esther Michel

Recently, I hosted an event with Patrizia Pepe in Zurich to celebrate the brand’s new amazing capsule collection GOLDENIZED for the festive season. In line with the name, all the looks are dedicated to golden hues and fabrics, teamed with black for a nice contrast.

The day before, I had styled the looks the models were presenting on the runway in the store, combining the must-haves from the GOLDENIZED collection along with some of the iconic pieces the Italian brand is known for. The makeup was all about smokey eyes created with products by Lancôme. During the evening, I explained my ideas behind each outfit and revealed some of my personal styling tips. While enjoying the yummy Lillet cocktails, the fashionable crowd indulged in late night shopping after the show. Enjoy the photos of the night!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of tillate.ch, © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I would love to share Bobbi Brown‘s beautiful Hollywood Glam Collection that is mainly dominated by the festive colors of gold, red and black. Perfect to get the right Christmassy sparkle. Doesn’t Katie Holmes looks absolutely gorgeous wearing the new must-have shades of the holiday season?

OLD HOLLYWOOD EYE PALETTE

What to pair with a leading lady-worthy lip? This palette plays the perfect supporting role to any look, from the season’s rich reds to alluring nudes. Featuring a mix of cool and warm colors for eyes with glitter and flat finishes, it includes a dual ended mini Eye Shadow Brush too.

CHF 125.00 (Limited Edition)

OLD HOLLYWOOD LIP COLOR

Red lips really never go out of style and this “Old Hollywood” shade is the perfect shade to sport red pouty lips.

CHF 40.00 (Limited Edition)

NAIL POLISH

A great complement to a dramatic Hollywood red lip or a sultry smokey eye, Bobbi’s nail lacquers polish off your look, making you glam from head to toe. Fun and festive, these two glitter polishes (Chrome and Solid Gold) add texture and a pretty touch of color, and can be layered over Siren Red or Tuxedo Black for added drama.

CHF 27.00 (Limited Edition)

INK LINER

With an improved formula and felt tip, this easy to use pen-style liner delivers the blackest black line. Inspired by the crisp cat-eye looks of the silver screen, this eyeliner is destined to be your go-to trick for standout eyes every time.

CHF 38.00

LIP GLOSS and HIGH SHIMMER LIP GLOSS

Bobbi’s limited edition shade of red (Siren Red) lets your smile take center stage. This Lip Gloss gives lips a brilliant, high-shine look and contains soothing botanical extracts to keep lips supple and soft. The other three sparkling High Shimmer Lip Glosses (Candlelight, Rosé and Pure Gold) provide a light-catching glimmer on bare lips (or added dimension over your favorite lipstick).

CHF 35.00 (Limited Edition)

LONG-WEAR CREAM SHADOW STICK

Effortless and high impact-that’s the essence of Bobbi’s Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick. This do-it-all formula glides on tug-free and can be used to shade, define, smoke up and highlight eyes. Available in three shades Tuxedo Black (New), 24 Karat (New) and Bronze (Limited Edition).

CHF 38.00

In stores November 2013.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown

“I have always loved the heritage and romance of England. My collection for Fall 2012 is about a modern glamour inspired by the timeless character and refined elegance of an authentic way of living.” –Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren‘s inspiration were obviously the Roaring Twenties. The first part of his show was devoted to boy-for-girl suits, followed by flapper-like dresses in gold and platinum Art Deco embroideries. So beautiful!

I especially love the Ralph Lauren Collection shoe collection for F/W 2012. Riding boots have been seen on many runways and the American designer’s take on them is just perfect. Click HERE to shop.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren

Dior‘s fall 2012 makeup collection GOLDEN JUNGLE could not be more perfect. A mix of gold, khaki, and light earth tones – beautifully combined – comes with some amazing surprises. Have a look below and explore the gorgeous crocodile leather effect on the nails along with the fierce animal pattern on the star product. For the feline goddess in you!

STAR PRODUCT (One shot)
Golden Jungle Palette Fall Look 2012 – CHF 110.-
Available in Golden Khakis and Golden Browns

5 Couleurs Eyes in Khaki Design – CHF 90.-

Perfect for fall: Glowing skin is combined with a light shimmer right up to the brow-bone, punctuated with a bold, thickly drawn cat’s eye and finished off with lots of mascara.

3 Couleurs Eyes – CHF 68.-
Available in Ivory Glow and Nude Glow

Dior Blush – CHF 69.-
Available in Sugar & Spice and Sunkissed Cinnamon

Dior Addict Lipstick (One Shots) – CHF 46.- each
Available in Wild, Instinct, Fatale and Daring

Dangerous right down to your nails, the must-have nail polish is the new Duo Vernis, combining a gold base with a matte olive topcoat. The crackled effect is stunningly reptilian, like the scales of a crocodile.

Dior Golden Jungle Nail Art Duo (One Shot) – CHF 54.-
Dior Vernis (One Shot) – CHF 37.- each in Amazonia and Bengale

This gorgeous collection will be available in Switzerland from August 15, 2012. I think with your summer tan, these shades will look absolutely divine.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht