Sandra‘s Closet

True luxury should last forever … Personally speaking, being able to show your true authentic self is the highest form of luxury for me. Since an early age, I have followed that motto and I have always believed in investing into things to treasure for decades to come. Quality over quantity is the key. Luxury, like happiness, is the blurry notion of something good that happens. Everything you see on SANDRA’S CLOSET is part of this journey.

When it comes to perfumery, I am a huge fan of KILIAN PARIS. Twisting traditional French luxury with his own audacious take, Kilian Hennessy has created his contemporary vision of perfumery. With long-lasting accords that recall luxury fragrances of former eras, the House is uncompromising when it comes to the quality of the ingredients.

On top, Kilian Hennessy established a practice in tune with our times: a favorite perfume is bought only once and refilled for life.

With sustainability in mind, insisting on well-crafted design with timeless style, a KILIAN Paris flacon is perpetually refillable, making it an everlasting collector’s piece. Styled after elegant, sophisticated barware, they are beautiful scented objects of desire to last a lifetime. To the brand’s Founder, the words ‘disposable’ and ‘luxury’ are incommensurable. Luxury should live with us and go beyond us, like an object our great-grandchildren might find and cherish as part of their heritage.

«To me, a true luxury product must have in its DNA the capacity to be passed on from generation to generation. True luxury should last forever!» – Kilian Hennessy

HOW TO REFILL YOUR FLACON

1. Unscrew the cap and carefully remove the atomizer from the original Kilian Paris perfume bottle.

2. Turn upside down the refill and insert its end into the cavity of the original perfume bottle.

3. Rotate the refill bottle clockwise until the liquid starts fillin up the original perfume bottle.

4. Rotate the refill bottle counterclockwise to extract it from the perfume bottle cavity.

5. Tighten the original perfume bottle with the original cap.

While less waste and a lighter carbon imprint are the result of doing things a little bit differently from the start, KILIAN Paris understands that the gesture is small relative to what remains to be done and the future evolutions of the beauty industry in view. Sustainability, especially in the context of KILIAN Paris’s unique approach to packaging already in place, is an area where the brand seeks constant self-revision and improvement.

A KILIAN Paris perfume addiction is declared once and refillable always, making the brand an «eco-luxury» native, a small but significant gesture in leading luxury back to its lasting nature.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Sanjeev Velmurugan
The photos were taken at the KILIAN PARIS counter at Jelmoli Zurich.
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

In 1921, Gabrielle Chanel smashed the codes of perfumery with the creation of CHANEL N°5. She introduced an olfactory revolution – with a radical, sleek laboratory bottle and a lucky number – into women’s daily lives.

A century later, N°5 is the most famous fragrance in the world.

To celebrate this very special year, CHANEL has created the Factory 5 collection: limited editions inspired by quotidian objects as a reminder that N°5 transforms everyday life.

«By taking popular consumer items out of their context and dressing them up in the aesthetics of N°5, we return to CHANEL’s first creative gesture: that of transforming a functional object into a desirable luxury item. That’s what CHANEL FACTORY 5 is all about: offering the experience of luxury in everyday life.»

This month, CHANEL deploys this industrial scenography across the world’s largest cities. These pop-ups, imagined as theme parks dedicated to N°5, immerse people in a world which mixes the black and white identity of N°5 and the bright colors of pop culture. The experience is intended to be entertaining and offers a journey around the 17 products in this limited edition collection.

In a factory setting, the public follows the product through the various production line workstations and ends its journey with a visit to the factory store where they can watch playful, offbeat demonstrations. In Zurich, you can explore it at Jelmoli until July 18, 2021.

Other pop-ups in Switzerland are:
Boutique CHANEL PARFUMS & BEAUTÉ in Geneva from now until August 15, 2021
Boutique CHANEL MODE Geneva from now until July 31, 2021
Marionnaud Bern from now until July 18, 2021
Manor Lugano from august 2 – 15, 2021
Manor Vevey from July 19 – August 1, 2021
Globus Zurich from July 19 – August 1, 2021

There is also a digital version for those who wish to see the CHANEL FACTORY 5 without going to the pop up.

FACTORY 5 COLLECTION
N°5 LA CRÈME CORPS 150 ML CHF 85.-
N°5 LE GEL DOUCHE 20 X 6 ML CHF 75.-
N°5 L’HUILE CORPS 250 ML CHF 85.-
N°5 LES GALETS DE BAIN 10 X 17 G CHF 75.-
N°5 L’EMULSION CORPS 200 ML CHF 65.-
N° LA POCHETTE SURPRISE CHF 75.-
N°5 LE GEL DOUCHE 500 ML CHF 75.-
N°5 L’ÉMULSION CORPS 5 X 20 ML CHF 65.-
N°5 LE SAVON 90 G CHF 55.-
N°5 LE GEL PAILLETÉ 200 ML CHF 85.-
N°5 LE GEL DOUCHE 5 X 20 ML CHF 55.-
N°5 EAU DE PARFUM VAPORISATEUR 100 ML CHF 183.-
N°5 L’EAU VAPORISATEUR 100 ML CHF 183.-
N°5 L’EAU VAPORISATEUR DE SAC 7 ML CHF 55.-
N°5 L’EAU RECHARGES VAPORISATEUR SAC 3 X 7 ML CHF 75.-
Two products are exclusively available only at Boutique CHANEL PARFUMS & BEAUTE in Geneva (Bongénie, first floor, 34 rue du Marché, 1204 Geneva)
GOURDE CHF 75.-
5 RUBANS AUTOCOLLANTS CHF 60.-

Stay tuned as I will show you my personal experience soon!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL

Jo Malone London presents a rip-roaring Christmas. It is time to enter the season of extravagance. Fizz flows frequently, and fragrant gifts fill every space. By the glow of candlelight, Bright Young Things kick up their heels, carrying the revelry long into the night. Discover indulgent presents for him and for her. From coveted Colognes to Bath & Body delights and luxurious gifts for the home.

I have a special surprise for my Swiss readers or everybody from abroad visiting Zurich. From today until November 30, 2020, you can pick up a small gift at the Jo Malone counter at Jelmoli Zurich when you present this post, my Instagram post or a screen shot of my story (1 x per person, while stocks last). No purchase needed.

Although if you buy something, when you visit the counter and show the post, photo or screenshot, you will receive an additional special gift with a purchase of CHF 100 or more (1 x per person, while stocks last). I hope that you will enjoy my little treat for you!

Here are some of my personal favorites:

ADVENT CALENDAR, CHF 490. – *
A magnificent countdown to Christmas, filled with 24 fragrant treats including
signature scents, travel-size Bath & Body treats and miniature Candles.

SCENTED BODY POWDER, CHF 86. – *
A pearlescent powder to scent your skin, infused with English Pear & Freesia. Perfect for party season, it’s encased in a sleek mirrored compact and presented in a pouch with a kabuki brush for touch-ups on-the-go.

COLOGNE COLLECTION, CHF 110. – *
Spoil them with five fragrant miniatures: Dewy Wild Bluebell. Mellow English Pear & Freesia. Spirited Wood Sage & Sea Salt. Happy Honeysuckle & Davana. Daring Pomegranate Noir.

MIDNIGHT MUSK & AMBER COLOGNE 100ML, CHF 142 . – *
A charismatic Bright Young Thing and my favorite. Revelling in the season of extravagance, sensual midnight musk dances with the glowing warmth of amber. This alluring scent leads the decadent celebrations through till dawn with its entrancing spirit.

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT, CHF 35.-*
Dress the tree with a decorative ornament, filled with a duo of treats:
a Wild Bluebell Cologne (9ml) and an English Pear & Freesia Body Crème (15ml).

CHRISTMAS CRACKER, CHF 42 . – *
Pull to reveal a fragrant trio of treats: a Peony & Blush Suede Cologne (9ml), Wood Sage & Sea Salt Body & Hand Wash (15ml) and a Wild Bluebell Body Crème (15ml).

The collection is available now. Don’t forget to pick up your gift at the Jo Malone Counter at Jelmoli.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jo Malone London and David Biedert Photography
*Suggested Retail Price
@jomalonelondon, #SeasonOfScent

Thursday one week ago, I had the privilege to be celebrating my 10th blog anniversary with LA MER at Jelmoli in Zurich among dear friends and most amazing Sandra’s Closet readers. With all my heart, I would like to thank everyone who came and made this evening so special, also for the many beautiful and thoughtful gifts I got. A big and heartfelt «thank you» goes also to the very professional LA MER team, that surprised me with the best cake ever and to PERRIER-JOUËT for the lovely champagne.

The evening was dedicated to the most luxurious products by LA MER, the Genaissance de La Mer collection. The brand’s best anti-aging skincare products offer accelerated renewal and visibly erase signs of time with the help of potent crystals. Inspired by the latter, guests were invited to enjoy a personalized crystal reading by Alexandra Kruse.

I have been blogging for one decade now and so much happened over these past 10 years. I have always believed in being authentic and that staying true to myself would gain success in the long run. Nobody knows what the future holds. So let’s enjoy life to the fullest, be kind and inspire each other every day. Thank you to everyone for the journey.

Happy 1st Advent!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sanjeev Velmurugan – © Sandra Bauknecht and via my lovely guests

Last week was crazy. Monday Dubai, Tuesday Abu Dhabi, Wednesday London and Thursday back in Zurich for one night to celebrate my 10 year blog anniversary with LA MER at Jelmoli before leaving again for Frankfurt. The evening was fantastic and I cannot wait to show you everything!

In honor of LA MER, my outfit was inspired by the sea and I went for this wave-printed top and a seashell clutch in shades of the ocean.

My look: Grosgrain-trimmed printed stretch-jersey turtleneck top by Kenzo, embellished leather-trimmed pleated cady maxi skirt by Christopher Kane, Donna crystal-embellished leather sandals by Prada, faux pearl and satin clutch by Balenciaga, silver-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Miu Miu and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sanjeev Velmurugan

10 years – as crazy as it sounds but I have been blogging now for 120 months, which is around 3650 days, and this is my 4193rd post which means I wrote more than one per day. I am thankful, Sandra’s Closet has taken me on the craziest, busiest but most amazing ride in my life.

On Thursday, I pre-celebrated my blog anniversary with LA MER at Jelmoli, I was so proud to welcome some of my Swiss readers, confident, beautiful and smart women, who came from all over the country. I cannot wait to show you the photos. A huge thank you to everyone for coming and all the surprises, I truly felt loved.

Me in the senior yearbook in 1994.

After a crazy week, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and London, I am at the airport again, ready to leave for Frankfurt in Germany as I have my 25-year class reunion today. I am so happy to be reunited with all my girls.

Thank you all for the journey! More to come…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Next week my blog is turning 10! Time flies… I still remember my first post on November 23, 2009 and all of a sudden this is the 4182nd time I have pushed the «publish immediately» button. Since many years not one day has passed without spotting something new in the world of fashion and beauty. I enjoy so much what I am doing and would love to celebrate this special occasion with you like we did last year, just a little bigger and better …

Meet me in one week on Thursday, November 21st, 2019 between 6pm – 9pm at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI in Zurich!

For all my Swiss readers and of course also for those who want to come to Switzerland, meet me Thursday, November 21, 2019 between 6pm – 9pm at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI in Zurich for an evening filled with bubbly champagne by Perrier-Jouët, beauty and great company.

That night, the shops in Zurich will be open until 10pm and the city’s «Lucy» lights for Christmas will be illuminate the Bahnhofstrasse in a switch-on ceremony at 6pm.

To celebrate the occasion, LA MER and I would love to spoil you to the fullest.
WHAT TO EXPECT:

The Genaissance line and a little preview of my LA MER inspired outfit next week…

Discover the most luxurious line of LA MER skincare that is known for harnessing the renewing energies and healing powers of the sea: GENAISSANCE, designed to help improve signs of aging with the brand’s legendary Crystal Miracle Broth™ – a naturally potent bio-fermented formula that reawakens the skin’s radiance and reduces the appearance of lines and imperfections.

One lucky lady can WIN A GENAISSANCE TREATMENT at Jelmoli worth CHF 500.00.

As the Genaissance line was inspired when a scientist at the Max Huber Research Labs discovered crystals forming in a beaker of Miracle Broth™, we will have Alex Kruse (@_alexandrakruse_) with us, who will give each guest – if they like – a CRYSTAL READING, to give you some amazing and fun insights into your past, present and future.

Your goodie bag!

On top, each guest will RECEIVE A GOODIE BAG with an original size LA MER Loose Powder Skincolor worth CHF 95.00 that will be engraved with a special birthday message as well as the LA MER 15ml Soft Cream worth CHF 110.00 and a mini bottle of Perrier-Jouët.

With all these goodies, isn’t it crystal clear that you have to join me that night!

As space is limited and to coordinate your personalized gift, I would kindly ask you to sign up latest on Monday, 18th of November. First come, first serve. Please send me an e-mail with the header «10 Years», and your full name to . I will send you a confirmation e-mail to confirm your presence.

I am so much looking forward to seeing, meeting and spending the evening with you…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography © Sandra Bauknecht
© André Hengst – www.on-eyes-photography.ch
Instagram @_alexandrakruse_ #LoveLaMer www.lamer.ch 

Spring is already in full bloom. Are you ready to be fully repowered? Experience François Nars’ revolution in skin – radiance from every angle. Recharge your complexion with a radiance-boosting lineup designed to reveal your skin at its absolute best with an eye make-up in nude shades that will make others green with envy, especially if they are wearing the wrong foundation :-).

Featuring the new, limited-edition SUPER RADIANCE BOOSTER – available in one universal rose gold shade that flatters all skin tones – that amplifies skin’s illumination with a pearlescent glow and lightweight, layerable texture. You can layer it underneath or mix a drop with foundation to customize an all over, radiant glow. For a subtle highlight, blend onto high points of cheekbones, bridge of nose, cupid’s bow and décolleté.

What I truly like is that you can use it to intensify the radiant effect of NARS’ cult-classic complexion essentials:

– the high coverage, longwearing NATURAL RADIANT LONGWEAR FOUNDATION. NARS’ first 16-hour non-comedogenic liquid foundation that stays turned on by the power of radiance. Now available in 34 shades.

– fan-favourite SHEER GLOW FOUNDATION. The glowing, natural radiant finish foundation provides sheer, buildable coverage and evens skin tone. Now available in 34 shades for more luminosity.

– and the bestselling, multi-purpose RADIANT CREAMY CONCEALER. The award-winning multi-action concealer, contours, highlights, corrects, and perfects with medium-to-buildable coverage and a natural radiant finish. Now available in 30 shades.

To finish off your perfect complexion, I recommend the beautiful new, limited edition SKIN DEEP EYE PALETTE – the ultimate palette of nude shadows created for all skin tones. Go from subtle to smoky with rich mattes, lustrous shimmers, and smoldering metallic shadows, infused with NARS’ Pigment Power Suspension for a high-impact, silky effect. Each shadow can be used in a multitude of ways for a variety of François Nars’ signature looks. Wear it. Bare it. Make it yours.

TO SHOP NARS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE, or above on the respective highlighted text to be transferred directly to the product you like.

Tested and approved by me!

If you are living in the Zurich area, you can benefit from a free professional make-up consultation at Jelmoli. Just call +41 44 220 43 58 and meet Sophie Thibout, NARS make-up artist, who comes to the NARS Counter exclusively for 3 days: Tuesday 5th, Thursday 7th and Saturday 9th of March, 2019.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © NARS and © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is my mandatory outfit post from the LA MER event at Jelmoli last week. I went through my closet to find something that would perfectly match the occasion and I am convinced there couldn’t have been a better choice than my Fishtank Dress from Mary Katrantzou’s S/S 2012 season. Funnily enough, some thought this is the new LA MER uniform. Would be pretty cool, don’t you think?

My look: Fishtank silk-blend jacquard mini dress by Mary Katrantzou, ribbed wool turtleneck sweater by T by Alexander Wang, GG Marmont leather belt bag and Angel platform boots in turquoise, both by Gucci, and Impatiens clip-on earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

Celebrating my 9th blog anniversary with LA MER at Jelmoli in Zurich last week was absolutely amazing and I truly would like to thank everyone who came and made it so special, also for the many amazing gifts I got. A big and heartfelt «thank you» goes also to the very professional LA MER team, that is so much fun to work with and to PERRIER-JOUËT for the lovely champagne.

I have been blogging for a long time now, and that evening made me acknowledge just how much happened all these years, and the fact that it all happened because I created a space online to share my love for fashion and beauty, my ideas, inspiration and advice with others. I always believed in being authentic and that staying true to myself would gain success in the long run.

Some of you have been reading Sandra’s Closet since I pressed publish on my very first blog post. I hate the word following. Why? If you see my readers you know they are not followers, they are leading ladies! This was such a rewarding feeling. Seeing all these beautiful, smart women who came from all over Switzerland, from Geneva, Chur, or Basel to Zurich to join me on this occasion. Together we indulged into the luxury world of LA MER and each guest could take home her personally engraved lip gloss.

There were friends who became blog readers and blog readers that became friends. Everyone had a big smile on their face and I was the happiest girl that night! Thank you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht