Sandra‘s Closet

Finally, I went through over 800 photos that I took during my trip with Gucci in Italy last week. During the next days, I will share all those amazing experiences with you. So please stay tuned for my visit to the manufacture in Casellina and much more.

After the Gucci F/W 2012 show in Milan, we went straight to Florence. Those of you, who have been following me for  some time now, know, that my favourite hotel in Florence is the J.K.Place. So you might imagine how happy I was to be back so soon for the Gucci experience.

We had a lovely dinner at the hotel, very “La Dolce Gucci” and went all to bed quite early as the next day promised to be full of adventure.

This was my look, needless to say, head to toe Gucci: Emerald-coloured velvet jacket, velvet pants, silk shirt with ruffles, fur stole, gold horsebit necklace, python pumps and Gucci’s “cult” 1973 bag ( see detailed photos below).

The next day, when I saw with my own eyes at the manufacture how such a luxurious piece is made, “what makes a Gucci bag a Gucci bag”, I was very impressed.

We had so much fun together: Misha from Tokyo (Tokyo Fashion Diaries), Emily (Fashion Foie Gras) and Ella (La Petite Anglaise), both from London with me.

Yummy food, Italian wine, good conversation, what a great night!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, the 84th Academy Awards 2012 were held in Los Angeles. Question is who won but even more important who wore what! Here is your fashion recap from the Oscars 2012:

White ruled on the red carpet! The sparkling hue of winter worn by Rooney Mara, Milla Jovovich and Cameron Diaz, among others, emerged as one of the evening’s top trends like a fashion blizzard.

My favourite of last night was stunning Gwyneth Paltrow, who totally nailed it in a striking white cape dress by Tom Ford. The “Contagion” actress kept the rest as sleek and elegant as her gown, a sparkly cuff bracelet and her hair held back in a low ponytail. She definitely deserves the Fashion Oscar of last night!

H.S.H Princess Charlène, wife of H.S.H Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco,was dressed in an Akris couture gown created by Swiss designer Albert Kriemler and carried a matching Mini Allegra bag. Her appearance marked the first time a member of Monaco’s royal family is in attendance since Grace Kelly won the Oscar in 1955 as best actress.

Needless to say, red is always a great choice for the red carpet. Best seen on Michelle Williams, Natalie Portman and Emma Stone.

Whatever happened, those ladies came already like the Oscars and one took it even home! Stacy Keibler, love of George Clooney, is quite literally a trophy girlfriend in her golden Marchesa gown, don’t you think?

Dressed in matching black outfit, the Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt stood out on the red carpet. The couple knows how to draw attention and that does not only mean showing your leg!

The Academy Awards winner of last night were:

Best Picture: The Artist (Thomas Langmann, Producer)

Actor in a Leading Role: Jean Dujardin (The Artist)

Actress in a Leading Role: Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady)

Directing: The Artist (Michel Hazanavicius)

LoL, Sandra

The last days that I spent with the Gucci crowd were amazing. I have so much to show you and I am still far behind with my New York adventures…

This was my outfit that I wore to the Gucci F/W 2012 show. It was quite difficult to pick something as we had to go straight after to the train station leaving for Florence. I am completely in love with the colour combination of emerald, blue and red. Isn’t it so chic?!

Midnight blue long military-style coat, red belted dress, emerald fur stole and shoes, all by Gucci, ring Diorette by Dior Haute Joiallerie and blue Boston python bag by Céline.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Snappylifestyle
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My Gucci adventure started on Wednesday with the F/W 2012 show in Milan. Just one word. Amazing! Frida Giannini created a dark glamour, opulent looks that were sensual and sophisticated at once, recalling the Victorian era mixed with a certain vampire allure. She even used masculine accents such as oversized shoulders and military-style coats and capes. Her very dark vision might be a welcome change after all the vibrant colour-blocking of the last seasons.

„This is modern-day romanticism. A dramatic sensuality, a dark glamour. With subtle tones of provocative intellect.“

– Frida Giannini

The materials were rich. Opulent brocade, devoré velvet and floral prints on jacquard fabrics plus beautiful 3-D embroideries on the long flowing evening gowns. Exotic animal prints on silk looked great on the runway. My favourite were the pieces that were made completely out of beautiful shimmering dark green feathers.

Colours are dark, black paired with green in different shades, plum tones and burgundy.

The accessories had a lot of equestrian references. The new Stirrup bag, roomy as well as classy, has a revisited metallic spur closure (mark it on your F/W 2012 wish list, a season’s must).

Footwear is either flat (those crocodile boots, OMG!) and masculine or slipper-like with a sharp high heel.

I am a big Gucci fan and this collection has just made me love it even a little bit more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

Today, I flew to Milan for an exciting Gucci experience. I am overwhelmed being one of the 16 handpicked bloggers from across the globe to be invited.

Some very sweet surprises waited for me in my hotel room…

We had a lovely welcome dinner at the very trendy Giacomo restaurant close to the Duomo.

Having fun: Tina from Dallas (Bagsnob) whom I had dinner with last week in NYC, Emily from London (Fashion Foie Gras) and me in Gucci Cruise 2012.

Next stop: 2pm Gucci F/W 2012 show! Cannot wait…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday was a pretty busy day and I have so much to show and tell you. So let me get you started with my outfit:

Belted shearling coat and colour block dress, both by Gucci, Laurent studded bag by Yves Saint Laurent, resin bead necklace by Marni, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and ankle boots by Stella McCartney.

It seems to be my “lucky outfit”…

At the Tommy Hilfiger Men F/W 2012 show…

…spotted: Bradley Cooper.

Later on my way to the Charlotte Ronson F/W 2012 show, spotted: Nicky Hilton.

Then I went to the Soho House for the reward Style™ party.

Spotted: Connor Cruise, son of Tom Cruise and ex-wife Nicole Kidman, was the DJ at the party.

What night! Off to more exciting things today!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Sandra Bauknecht

With those freezing temperatures outside, I love to dream of warm weather, the sun, the sea and my new bikini outfit!

Metallic triangle bikini by Gucci, crystal-embellished leather sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti, canvas bag with Hawaiian print by Stella McCartney, round-frame acetate sunglasses by Yves Saint Laurent, gold-plated plexiglass cuff and multi-stone brass ring, both by Emilio Pucci.

It is the time of the year when it is best to get organized for your next trip to a tropical destination. As the lights of fitting rooms are in general not so pleasant for pale skin, I prefer ordering swimwear online.

For the perfect sunkissed make-up look, I recommend those products below:

For radiant skin:
1 – PURE RADIANT TINTED MOISTURIZER SPF30/PA+++ by Nars
Infused with naturally derived ingredients from French Polynesia where François Nars loves to spend a lot of time, this new tinted moisturizer instantly hydrates and evens out the skin tone. It has also been shown that it can reduce the appearance of discoloration and dark spots with regular use. The luxurious, oil-free formula obscures the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores and other imperfections while providing a translucent veil of broadspectrum sun protection.
Available in 9 shades with beautiful names: 1 Finland, 2 Alaska, 3 St. Moritz, 4 Annapurna, 5 Cuba, 6 Malaga, 7 Seychelles, 8 Martinique and 9 Polynesia.
In Switzerland in stores Mid March, CHF 72.-.

For sun-kissed cheeks and a glowing face:
2 – PURE COLOR ILLUMINATING POWDER GELEE TOPAZ CHAMELEON by Estée Lauder
High polish for your skin: 

This innovative tri-blend liquid, powder, gel formula goes beyond face powder to give you a sexy, sophisticated glow. 

It comes with a perfect mix of pigment and pearls for a multi-reflective finish. 

Smooth it on as an all-over soft sheen or sweep it on the cheeks for a luminous pearl highlighting effect. The perfect companion for the beach.
Available now for CHF 58.-.

For beautiful eyes in the shades of the ocean:
3 – OMBRE MINERALE 4 COLEURS in 08 Blue Sky by Clarins
This eye quartet palette has four long-lasting shades in the hues of the ocean. They can be applied dry or damp for a natural or sophisticated look. 
Available now for CHF 62.-.

4 – PURE COLOR INTENSE KAJAL EYE CRAYON in Dramatic Black by Estée Lauder
Reminiscent of Indian kajal eye crayons, those must-have pencils provide you with intense, smouldering colour in one single stroke. 

It glides on velvety smooth and blends easily.

 Use as a liner along lashline and softly smudge over lids to intensify the smoky look.
Available now for CHF 30.-.

5 – DIORSHOW NEW LOOK in Noir New Look by Christian Dior
A new amazing mascara that delivers infinite volume and an unparalleled lash-multiplying effect. 

Diorshow New Look features an exclusive breakthrough nana-brush to catch and coat every last lash with the precision of a couturier’s hand. The extraordinary formula with a Lash Amplifier™ ingredient provides an instant lash-multiplying action.
Available in Switzerland starting February 8, 2012 for CHF 48.-.

On the lips:
6 – LARGER THAN LIFE® LIP GLOSS in Gold Digger by Nars
The new Larger Than Life® Lip Gloss provides lustrous shine that stays in place for hours, while lips feel protected and moisturized. Natural lip enhancers provide volume while a new, shorter bristle brush delivers a precise application to define and shape lips. 
Available for CHF 35.-.

For eyecatching nails:
7 – PURE COLOR NAIL LACQUER in Topaz Teal by Estée Lauder
Colourful nails are a must and this turquoise shade is the perfect hue for the beach.
Available now for CHF 34.-.

To make sure that your body looks great in the sun, have a look at those upcoming new products that I can highly recommend:

For a healthy-looking tanned body:
DIOR BRONZE AUTO-BRONZANT Self Tanning Oil Natural Glow by Christian Dior

AMAZING MOOD-LIFTING PRODUCT!

Dior Bronze is the perfect replica of all pleasures of the sun to enhance the skin and lift the mood! On the application, the skin is satiny, luminious, perfectly moisturized and progressively recreates a radiant tan.
On the mood, you will feel the perceived pleasure of a unique uplifting action. A plant-based active ingredient helps stimulate the natural production of ß-endorphins, the so-called “pleasure molecules”, for an immediate mood-lifting sensation, as if you just spent time sunbathing!
Available in Switzerland beginning of March for CHF 58.- (100ml).

For a well-toned body:
DIOR SVELTE  BODY DESIRE Integral Perfection Care by Christian Dior

Anybody among you who is not wishing for the perfect well-toned body?! Here is a product that will help you to achieve it in one single step (But you still need to work on your daily sports routine and calories intake, sorry!).

This body care product acts on all of the key characteristics of a desirable body: slimming, firming, moisturrizing, toning and smoothing. How is that possible?
At the “heart” of the skin, adiponectin – a protein with a sensational spectrum of action discovered by Dior science – affects all those features. Stress and the excesses of modern life tend to inhibit the influence of this unique protein. Dior Svelte reactivates the natural synthesis of adiponectin for a visibly enhanced body in 4 weeks.
Available in Switzerland beginning of March for CHF 96.- (200ml).

You have still lots of time left to get in shape for summer! But better get started early…  this is all you need!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and I have put together a Valentine’s gift guide for you with small tokens, grand gestures and everything in-between. Gentlemen, have a closer look and delight your loved one! Wrap up something special and wow your Valentine.

And Ladies, I recommend sending a not-so-subtle hint! In case you are single, why not treating yourself to a fabulous gift?!

Swatch‘s numbered limited edition Valentine’s Day collection:
CATCH MY HEART GZ264S and LOVELY MINE GZ265S, each CHF 60.- (in Swatch stores only)

You can’t go wrong with Ladurée‘s special edition macarons for Valentine’s Day. Starting February 10th, you’ll be able to buy the grapefruit-flavored treats in a special pink-and-blue box.

What about this cute little bag by s.Oliver? €15.95

Sigg‘s famous drinking bottles come in a Valentine’s Limited Edition. A great surprise for your little girl.
Valentines Special / Art. Nr. 8341.70 / 1.0 L / CHF 27.-
Dear Deer / Art. 8322.40 / 0.6 L / CHF 25.-

Alternatively you can surprise your boyfriend in a cool shirt by New Yorker, CHF 16.95.

What about a little game on Valentine’s Day? Agent Provocateur‘s Charades is just perfect for the occasion, CHF 60.-.

Write a love letter with Montblanc‘s Bohème white gold fountain pen with a red heart-shaped ruby (CHF 23.100.-)…

…preferably with Montblanc‘s Love Ink in red (CHF 13.40).

Needless to say, famous fashion houses have jumped on the Valentine’s trend and have come up with many gift ideas, such as Gucci that offers a whole collection of little goodies.

I love this Miu Miu handbag (CHF 990.-) and the matching bracelets (CHF 290.- each).

How cute is this pocket mirror by Louis Vuitton?
Available now for €240.-.

Prada‘s adorable key chain with the little Kara bear trick will surely break some hearts (CHF 190.-).

Give a little love… your iPad will thank you for such a sweet cover (CHF 290.- each)! And spending money might be even more fun with Prada’s heart-print wallet (CHF 450.-).

Chanel offers a more subtle colour palette for their Valentine’s collection.
I am so in love with this cuff, please be mine!

LoL, Sandra

Keep it simple and chic with a black and white two-tone dress or a sophisticated overall. Master the ladylike mood of the moment with clean-cut silhouettes and invest in one of those statement pieces that you will enjoy for many seasons.

1 Color-block stretch-jersey shift dress by Gucci
2 Two-tone crepe dress by Stella McCartney
3 Two-tone cashmere dress by Gucci
4 Ester crepe jumpsuit by IRO
5 Two-tone crepe dress with bow details by Valentino
6 Two-tone jersey and silk dress by Jay Ahr
7 Two-tone silk and metallic leather dress by Gucci
8 Walky two-tone textured-leather tote by Yves Saint Laurent

Metallic leather or golden accessories will complement your look perfectly.

LoL, Sandra

This was my look last week for a lunch meeting in Zurich. I love the colour combination of pink, brown and light grey – always preppy.

You might remember the dress because I wore it to the Gucci S/S 2012 show last September in Milan. For the previous, more colourful look, please click here. Good news is that this pink dress is on sale 50% off now and with its vibrant colour a great investment piece for the next season.

My look: Two-tone silk crepe de chine dress, alpaca and wool gilet, grey python bag, brown leather boots, all by Gucci, pink bleached denim scarf by Louis Vuitton, ring Diorette by Dior Haute Joaillerie and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

On my lips: Rouge Allure Velvet 37 L’Exubérante by Chanel, a wonderful matte pink tone.

LoL, Sandra

I love this bleached denim scarf from Louis Vuitton’s S/S 2010 collection.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht