Sandra‘s Closet

Some of my readers might recognize this dress and the clutch as well as the coat, but you have never seen me wearing it together. I love when I spot great new combinations in my closet. Sometimes we think we desperately need something new and forget about all the treasures hidden in our wardrobes. Happy searching!

My look during Haute Couture Week in Paris in the end of January: Soft pink mink coat with flower intarsia and red leather boots, both by Prada, Aubine embellished satin-twill dress and Falabella crystal-embellished faux leather clutch, both by Stella McCartney, heart earrings by Chanel, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Would be a lovely Valentine’s Day outfit as well…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Sporting this Dolce & Gabbana top on a  snowy day in the mountains, I felt like Little Red Riding Hood in a Gstaad Fairytale. Called “Once upon a time… in Sicily” designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana created a whimsical F/W 2014 collection with a very fashionable flair. Who doesn’t like to feel like a fairy once in a while?

My look: Black mink coat by Prada, appliquéd tweed top by Dolce & Gabbana (mine is the runway version with the red fur hood), ribbed cashmere turtleneck by Gucci, leather and jersey leggings by Givenchy, Tribale small fringed python shoulder bag by Lanvin (40% off), fur boots by Prada Sport, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As with any royal occasion, I am always curious about the outfits. Today, Dutch King Willem-Alexander took the oath next to his wife Queen Máxima during a religious ceremony at the Nieuwe Kerk church in Amsterdam, marking the abdication of Queen Beatrix and the investiture of her eldest son. He became the first king of the Netherlands since 1890.

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands wore for the inauguration of her husband, a custom royal-blue gown by Dutch designer Jan Taminiau. Her floor-sweeping lace embellished dress was combined with a matching floor-sweeping cape, which reminded me a lot of Gwyneth Paltrow’s 2012 Tom Ford Oscar gown appearance.

But I couldn’t take my eyes of Willem-Alexander’s royal mantle, decorated with silver lions and ermine fur, it is a piece of art. The original dates to 1815, but it has been repaired and altered over the past century, and had been also worn for the investitures of his mother and grandmother.

I would love to have such an outerwear and thought immediately of Valentino‘s beautiful F/W 2013 collection where I spotted something similar on the runway, like a modernized version of the royal coat, made of red mink with an ermine collar.

I am sure that I would feel like a real princess in it. More of Valentino will be coming up soon, so please stay tuned. It has been one of my favourite collections for the next season and I took some great pictures in the showroom in Paris as you can see in this little preview below.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: REUTERS/Lex Van Lieshout/Pool, Valentino and © Sandra Bauknecht

This was my outfit that I wore to the Pre-Oscar Charity Brunch hosted by Montblanc and UNICEF to celebrate the launch of their new ‘Signature For Good 2013‘ initiative with special guest Hilary Swank at Hotel Bel-Air Saturday morning.

Of course, the sun was shining in Los Angeles but temperatures were quite chilly so that I was very thankful to have brought something warm.

My look: Pale pink mink fur coat with flower intarsia, black satin bag with floral embellishments, both by Prada,dress with leather and lace appliqué, bow-embellished patent-leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent, 4810 hoop earrings in pink gold with diamonds, Princess Grace de Monaco limited edition (8 pieces) watch, both by Montblanc.

Stay tuned for the upcoming post of the brunch…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht,
Photos of me (collage): © Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Montblanc

The Dior event in Paris last week was truly amazing. The Dior team spoilt me constantly during my stay with wonderful birthday surprises. How creative they are was clear when we went for dinner Thursday night. Held at the ice rink of the Plaza Athénée which is located at the inner courtyard of the famous Parisian hotel, we were welcomed by a Swiss chalet atmosphere and a cute Saint Bernard dog.

View of the ice rink from the top

As I have done many dinners on the ice in St. Moritz before, I knew exactly what to wear in order not to get cold.
My look: Mink coat by Prada, fur boots by Prada Sport, scarf, bag and bracelet, all by Anselm Reyle for Dior, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and fur hat by Marc Jacobs.

Lovely Montasar Dumas (Dior Paris) and Huda Heidi Kattan with me.

From left to right: Me, Sofie Valkiers and Gala Gonzalez

Raclette prepared by three Michelin star chef Alain Ducasse was a big surprise. Who would have expected having a Swiss traditional dish in Paris?! Very funny, the two Swiss ladies, Manuela and my humble self, were shoveling the yummy cheese in our mouth, whereas most of the other bloggers were a little overwhelmed by the heavy food.

Manuela Pastore (Dior Switzerland) explained enthusiastically how to eat raclette.

Pumpkin soup as a starter

Spotted – the cutest iPhone cover ever, available here.

A surprise birthday dessert. Thank you, Dior, for this wonderful experience!
Stay tuned for all the photos taken during the day for the house’s new beauty launches.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Happy New Year 2012 to all of you!
May it  be filled with love, peace and joy… and lots of shopping sprees!

I started the New Year 2012 very relaxed in St. Moritz. If you stay away from the hustle and bustle, you can allow yourself to enjoy quiet and relaxation! I have recharged my batteries and I am full of energy for many exciting things to come. Stay tuned as I will be leaving very soon to Italy again!

My look for a walk around the lake of St. Moritz: Black mink coat with grey fur collar by Prada, 912 low-rise skinny jeans by J Brand, black cashmere sweater by Chinti and Parker, Sam fine-knit scarf by Isabel Marant, Intrecciato leather gloves by Bottega Veneta, sunglasses by Tom Ford and snow boots by Prada Sport.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht