Sandra‘s Closet

Adored by the literary-loving fashion elite, French brand Olympia Le-Tan re-imagines classic book covers and transforms them into artisanal clutches and accessories. It can take skilled artisans up to 300 hours to embroider and appliqué one of those numbered limited edition styles. From the painstaking hand embroidery to the Liberty-print lining, every detail is carefully considered. For Resort 2020, Olympia Le-Tan seeked inspiration from glamorous holiday destinations.

Where are you off to this winter?

LoL, Sandra

St. Barths Voyage appliquéd embroidered canvas clutch

St. Moritz Voyage appliquéd embroidered canvas clutch

Hamptons felt-appliquéd canvas clutch

Gstaad appliquéd embroidered canvas clutch

Côte D’ Azur appliquéd embroidered canvas clutch

Photos: Courtesy of Olympia Le-Tan

Fashion – this is my love. Classically inspired – masterfully staged – just like the beautiful Maestro Suite at The Dolder Grand hotel in Zurich that is an homage to music and Herbert von Karajan housed in the tower of the Main Building over two floors. My favorite part during my stay was playing the Steinway grand piano – the second of only three ever made jubilee replicas based on the first Steinway B211 grand built in 1836.

I hope you like my outfit that would be perfect for a New Year’s Eve party, don’t you think?

My look: Crystal-embellished printed velvet maxi dress by Paco Rabanne, New Year’s Party 2 appliquéd embroidered canvas clutch by Olympia Le-Tan, Silver-tone, crystal and satin choker by Miu Miu, and Edwige embellished satin sandals by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: David Biedert Photography

Olympia Le-Tan

Olympia Le-Tan‘s novel-themed felt clutch bags managed to make book lovers out of even non-literary types. Now the Paris-based designer returns with a new series of classics for Pre-fall 2018 to covet: the Monopoly collection.

In collaboration with the iconic board game, everything from the luxe «blue» properties to the «Go to Jail» square (and the requisite «Get out of Jail Free» card) have been transformed into chic, limited edition handbags (each is numbered). Note the update to her 7” square top handle, now with suede edging.

I am in love…

TO PRE-ORDER THE MONOPOLY COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Get Out Of Jail Dizzie Bag

Paris Game Board Box Bag

Train Box Bag

Fanfare Book Clutch With Strap

Photos: Courtesy of Olympia Le-Tan

Greetings from Ibiza! I was so happy to sport my new book clutch I got at the Eden Being Cabana Pop-up Boutique for the first time on the Spanish island. Wearing new pieces always feels great, doesn’t it? Time to shop, ladies!

My look: Polka-dot cotton dress by Dolce & Gabbana, Betty bow-embellished suede platform sandals by Saint Laurent, embroidered book clutch by Olympia Le Tan for Cabana x Eden Being, pearl embellished sunglasses and earrings, both by Chanel and golden cuff by Stella McCartney.

The straw hat «Be Bagatelle» is a gift from Bistro Bagatelle, one of my favorite places around the world when it comes to partying, great food and fun with family and friends. They have just opened their spot in Ibiza and it is absolutely worth going there!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As you already know I am very happy to be an Eden Being ambassadrice, the online shopping destination of the Oetker Collection. Embodying the finest of traditional hospitality, these elite luxury hotels are all very individual yet unified by a desire to deliver their guests the best of life. Eden Being stands for this sophisticated philosophy as well. Throughout the website you can discover a passion for living, an appreciation for culture, gastronomy and the pleasures of nature. The idea behind this website is to bring you memories of your travels to your doorstep, to find exclusive treasures and to get one of a kind pieces.

When I was in Paris last week with Sisley, I stayed at the beautiful Le Bristol, the iconic five star hotel located at 112, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. A beautiful place to spend time in the French capital that I can only recommend.

This historic palace hotel, where the elegant 18th century interiors are maintained to the highest levels of contemporary luxury, offers you this unique Parisian style, that «je ne sais quoi» attitude that we all admire in French ladies, surrounded by haute couture.

If you are there, have a Bellini at the Le Bar du Bristol. It is absolutely fabulous and enjoy some delicious gold-encrusted crêpes for the most stylish breakfast you have ever imagined.

While I was there, Eden Being had opened its doors to the Barefoot Playground Pop-up Boutique in the hotel’s lobby dedicated to the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and the relaxed glamour of the Côte d’Azur. Thinking of palm-fringes pools, sun-dappled lunches and insouciant glamour, I got inspired for everything I need for this perfect Riviera style.

From now, the motto has changed and Eden Being welcomes the Cabana Pop-up Boutique to Le Bristol which will be there until July 13th.

Different and desirable rare objets make up this cabinet of curiosities by Milanese collector Martina Mondadori. The designer and Cabana Magazine publisher defines her personal collection as extravagant bohemian chic, crazy elegance and eclectic charm.

Everything is timeless and yet beautifully in tune with the times. So browse away through glassworks from Venice, hand painted ceramics, gold-plated pendants, Afghani cuffs and abstract sculptures. A boutique of beautiful rarities.

I couldn’t resist this stunning embroidered book clutch below that Olympia Le Tan (for a previous post on her upcoming collection with Lancôme, click here please) created in collaboration with Cabana Magazine for Eden Being.

It is constructed from cotton-canvas with a gold-tone brass frame and features a beautiful hand embroidered cover. It is a limited and numbered edition (I own number 4 of 16). This week, I wore it in Ibiza and will soon show you the outfit post.

Needless to say, I brought home some amazing memories. So please stay tuned and in the meantime happy shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Eden Being and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Friday afternoon, I was at the Lancôme press conference to learn more about the most beautiful upcoming collaboration hitting the shelves end of August 2017. Parisian fashion designer Olympia Le-Tan is joining forces with Lancôme to create a makeup collection that is full of vintage glam and sexiness.

STAR PRODUCT
Olympia’s Wonderland Palette – CHF 109.00

TEINT
Cushion Highlighter – CHF 62.00

EYES
Monsieur Big – CHF 35.00
Artliner – CHF 47.00
1967 Moderato
1975 Bleu
1976 Insoupçonnable

LIPS
Matte Shaker – CHF 30.00
1976 Insoupçonnable
1980 Olympia
1988 Rouge Profond

L’Absolu Rouge Le Bisou
1955 Rouge de Rose
1980 Olympia
1988 Rouge Profond

NAILS
Le Vernis – CHF 32.00
1967 Moderato
1969 Cardinal
1975 Bleu
1976 Insoupçonnable
Top Coat Amour (see below)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Lancôme and © Sandra Bauknecht

In fact, Olympia Le-Tan‘s F/W 2017 collection is a lot of Hitchcock things. All of it is delightfully twisted and retro, those functional versions of vintage styles inspired by Hitchcock leading ladies are absolutely too die for, especially the beautiful iconic book clutches.

The designer was inspired by the director’s work while watching Vertigo on a plane. Her F/W 2017 mood board has been pinned with images of Alfred Hitchcock’s heroines – “his beautiful, powerful, strict and cold yet touching women were my starting point for this collection,” she explains.

Below you can see some of my favorite accessories of this collection – Happy Sunday!
And stay tuned – tomorrow I will show you another amazing collection by Olympia Le-Tan for the House of Lancôme…

LoL, Sandra

Psycho appliquéd cotton-faille clutch

To Catch A Thief appliquéd cotton-faille clutch

Meine Lieblingsmorde appliquéd cotton-faille clutch

Hitchcock’s Frenzy book clutch

Rebecca book clutch

Photos: Courtesy of Olympia Le-Tan

The 12th of April marks the International Day of Pink this year, it is always held on the second Wednesday of April. Take a stand against discrimination and bullying with the season’s hottest shade. Seen all the runways (in a myriad of shades) for both, spring and fall you’ve no good reason not to get on board.

Get the look (in the collage): Off-the-shoulder Chantilly lace gown by Giambattista Valli, Word Image appliquéd cotton-faille clutch by Olympia Le-Tan and bow-embellished satin wedge sandals by Prada.

SHOP ALSO A GREAT SELECTION OF PINK ITEMS AT MODA OPERANDI HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Clutches are small, fine and compliment every feminine outfit just perfectly. This season, a statement bag gets a whole new meaning and can be taken literally. Only your personal taste and your style decide, which one will be your favourite. With these quotes, the stage is all yours and you set a point right from the start.

LoL, Sandra

Dolce embellished printed leather shoulder bag by Dolce & Gabbana (my favorite)

Speech Bubble embroidered leather clutch by Sophia Webster

Iconic Print leather clutch by Givenchy

Love Pill confetti Perspex clutch by Sarah’s Bag

Superstar Vanity croc-effect leather clutch by Charlotte Olympia

Flavia Gangster glittered acrylic box clutch by Edie Parker

Leather and fabric embellished pouch by Gucci

Wifey For Lifey beaded cotton clutch by Sophia Webster

Candy printed acrylic clutch by Jimmy Choo

Everything I Do Makes Me book clutch by Olympia Le-Tan

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Today is International Women’s Day! It’s time to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of us women. Yet let’s also be aware that this tremendous progress has slowed in many places across the world, so urgent action is needed to accelerate gender parity.

«Here is to good women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.»

In honor of International Women’s Day, LUISAVIAROMA provides you with this special promotion code: MDLSUK. Spend more and save more: 10% OFF $500, or 15% OFF $1000.
Applies to select full price products only. Excludes fine jewelry and items tagged ‘permanent‘ and ‘essential‘. This code is valid from now until March 16, 2016 (23:59 CET).

Get the look with 15% off: Pink dress with ruffles by Gucci, book clutch by Olympia Le Tan, pumps by Gianvito Rossi and leather bracelet by Salvatore Ferragamo.

Keep your dreams big and your aspirations high… Happy International Women’s Day!

LoL, Sandra