Sandra‘s Closet

Hello fellow nail polish lovers! Here is OPI‘s newest collection – a tribute to New Orleans. Beautiful hues that work perfect for summer. Featuring 12 new nail lacquers in light pastel shades but also a couple of brights, the new OPI New Orleans 2016 Collection will easily satisfy any preferences. I have my eyes on the purplish shades featured in the ad campaign but I’m also not turning away from that gorgeous metallic pewter. I invite you to discover them all below.

There are 12 shades in the OPI New Orleans 2016 Collection (available as nail polishes as well as gelcolor shades) from left to right:

Let Me Bayou a Drink – This refreshing blush is my treat.
Humidi-Tea – Beat the heat in this nude shimmer.
Show Us Your Tips! – Let’s see how this periwinkle shimmer looks on you.
Rich Girls & Po-Boys – Make a date with this china blue crème.
I’m Sooo Swamped! – This verdant, creamy green is drenched in style.
Take a Right on Bourbon – An intoxicatingly warm, metallic pewter.
Crawfishin’ for a Compliment! – This light, creamy orange is perfect on me, isn’t it?
Got Myself into a Jam-balaya – A yummy mélange of spice and creamy peach.
She’s a Bad Muffuletta! – Don’t mess with this hot red crème.
Spare Me a French Quarter? – Say oui-oui to this mellowed raspberry crème.
I Manicure for Beads – Throw me nothing but this luscious purple crème.
Suzi Nails New Orleans – This light, bright pink hits the spot for chic.

In stores now until end of August 2016. Each bottle CHF 19.90 (15ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

She’s a global symbol of friendship and fun. She made cuteness a culture in Japan and a fashion imperative everywhere. Hello Kitty® is a pop icon with fans ranging from four to forever, and she is OPI’s newest muse.

The collaboration celebrates all things happy, cute, colorful and sweet with 12 limited-edition nail lacquers and matching GelColor shades. One thing is for sure, Hello Kitty enthusiasts will face a candy store dilemma – which to choose from among sweet and glittering pinks, bright reds, shimmering white shades, and more, for a limited time only.

The collection «Hello Kitty by OPI» will be available from January 6, 2016 for at least three months. One bottle is CHF 19.90.

Gosh, I love Hello Kitty!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

OPI introduces its new F/W 2015 nail polish collection that is taking inspiration from one of the oldest cities in Europe: Venice. 15 new shades (available also as GelColors) that celebrate the beauty of this magic place with the Adriatic Sea surrounding it.

All those shades will be available for at least 6 months.

The three limited edition hues will only be for sale for around 3 months. So hurry up to conquer your favorites when the collection will hit the shelves. In Switzerland from August 15, 2015 for CHF 19.90 each nail polish.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

“Shine that lasts until removed!” – OPI launches a revolution in nail color with NEW Infinite Shine Gel Effects Lacquer System, that is offering the rich color, intense shine and lasting wear of gels – without the need for LED-light curing or soak-off removal. Available in 30 new shades (plus Primer base coat and Gloss top coat), Infinite Shine utilizes a three-step system to deliver a high-shine classic crème finish for nails that lasts up to 10 days.

“Infinite Shine was developed to meet consumer demand for a nail lacquer with a gel-like finish that also boasts the exceptional formula, on-trend colors and iconic names for which OPI is best known,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Brand Ambassador. “Infinite Shine shades are applied and removed like traditional lacquer, but they provide the high-shine and long-wear typically reserved for gel formulas, for shine that lasts until you take it off!”

Infinite Shine includes a full range of fashion-forward shades ranging from neutrals to bright reds, oranges and pinks to dark gray, blue and black hues. It is applied via a three-step system; first, apply Infinite Shine Primer (Step 1) to prevent staining and increase lacquer durability. Next, select one of 30 shades (Step 2) and paint two thin, even coats for richly-pigmented, vivid color. Finally, finish with Infinite Shine Gloss (Step 3), which features a state-of-the-art gel polymer formula that cures in natural light. Product can be removed easily with Expert Touch Nail Lacquer Remover; no soaking is required.

Infinite Shine products feature a proprietary formula and each bottle includes OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. In Switzerland available from April 10 for CHF 24.90 each shade, PRIMER, LACQUER und GLOSS.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

Hawaii Collection by OPI brings the fresh, bright colors of its namesake islands to nails and toes this summer. This new collection features a palette ranging from muted tones of mint, peach, pink and nude to bolder hues of coral, green, purple and gold to deep tones of mauve, violet, brick red and shimmery blue.

When I spotted the press release, I reminded myself that I still had this draft about a tour around Maui from 2012 that I haven’t published yet. Who has ever been there knows about its magic. The beautiful beaches, surfing, the weather, the islands’ lush greenery, colorful flowers, and yummy fish, the landscape that ranges from Scottish Highlands to a tropical rainforest, all together inspired those 12 fresh new nail shades.

“Printed, flowing fabrics dominated spring runways, with patterns and graphics in both bold and muted hues. Warm, ethereal neutrals in shades of rose, peach and mint added a soft, feminine note,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. “That’s Hula-rious!, a pastel mint green from the Hawaii Collection, was seen at Charlotte Ronson’s S/S 2015 NYFW show; this shade was used to create a cutout half moon manicure that complemented the designer’s youthful presentation.”

Hawaii Collection by OPI includes the following shades in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas:

That’s Hula-rious!
This pastel mint green makes me dance with joy!

My Gecko Does Tricks
Being bright and pearly green is just one of its talents.

Do You Take Lei Away?
On second thought, I can’t wait – I need this creamy nude now!

Is Mai Tai Crooked?
Get it straight – this fruity orange crème is fabulous!

Go with the Lava
Flow You can feel the heat shimmering off this golden red.

Aloha from OPI
Let’s give a warm island hello to this bright creamy coral!

Suzi Shops & Island Hops
A light and happy pink that’s the perfect traveling companion.

Just Lanai-ing
Around This dark, creamy mauve says “hang loose!” in style.

Hello Hawaii Ya?
In this gorgeous, dusky purple, I’m doing just fine.

This Color’s Making Waves
This shimmery, lagoon blue has got heads turning.

Lost My Bikini In Molokini
With this reef-inspired purple, what’s one bikini more or less?

Pineapples Have Peelings Too!
The heart of the matter lies in this gold shimmer with colorful sparkle.

Hawaii nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. The new shades will be available in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas from 15th February, 2015.

If you are interested in some previous posts from Maui, click on the highlighted links below:

Aloha from Maui

On Top of the Volcano – Maui Sunset Dinner

Last Night in Maui – Four Seasons Maui at Wailea

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of OPI, Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This announcement seems just natural: OPI is launching six new limited-edition nail lacquers inspired by Universal Pictures and Focus Features’ Fifty Shades of Grey, the hotly anticipated film adaptation of the worldwide bestselling book by E L James. Available in January 2015, the collection includes five grey nail lacquers in varying shades and textures, along with one rich red hue. Fifty Shades of Grey arrives in theaters on Valentine’s Day weekend of 2015. As you know, I binge-read the trilogy (click here for my book review) and cannot wait to see the movie.

The OPI collection includes the following shades:

My Silk Tie
This silky, gleaming silver has got me all tied up.

Romantically Involved
I’m in a deep relationship with this luscious crème red.

Dark Side of the Mood
This brooding, stormy charcoal is dangerously gorgeous.

Shine for Me
This shimmering silver with subtle blue sparkle really turns me on!

Cement the Deal
I’d sign anything to get my hands on this stony, cool gray.

Embrace the Gray
Let this chic, moody gray crème become one with you.

Each nail lacquer shade features OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. The collection will be available from 19th January 2015 for a limited time only.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

It might sounds crazy as it is the second day of October, but the new holiday collections are starting to arrive at my doorstep, so I can’t help sharing with you the first releases. Let me get started with the fabulous OPI Gwen Stefani Holiday 2014 nail lacquers.

If you were into the previous release of OPI Spring 2014 Gwen Stefani Collection, then you will surely adore the new one which includes 18 nail polishes (CHF23.90 each) and the “Don’t Speak” Pure 18K Gold Top Coat (CHF 49.90).

Here are the swatches, I personally adore the glitter shades that can be mixed and matched with the other colors for the right Christmas sparkle.

The collection will hit the stores in Switzerland in the end of October 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

Last night, a true football thriller took place in Brazil. I watched the game at a friend’s house and couldn’t be more proud of the outcome. A beautifully taken extra-time goal by Mario Götze helped my home country win the 2014 World Cup final 1-0 against Argentina at the Maracanã. With the win, Germany became the first European side to win the World Cup in the Americas and pulled even with Italy for the second-most titles all-time, one behind Brazil’s record five. The team had not lifted the trophy since 1990, when West Germany defeated Argentina in the final.

I flew in from Berlin yesterday afternoon where I got myself the perfect outfit. Check out Wear Your Flag, a fun website with all sorts of items to show your national pride!

My look: Strapless dress by Wear Your Flag, jeggings by Donna Karan, jelewed nappa leather box bag by Saint Laurent and biker boots by Chanel.

On my nails: I created the flag design with “Need Sunglasses” by OPI, “Valentine Red” and “Tuxedo Black“, both by Bobbi Brown. Start with a layer of yellow and then work your way up with red and black as the last step.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Inspired by the great northern lights in Finland, deep blue fjords in Norway, and colorful houses in Copenhagen, Nordic Collection by OPI brings the diverse colors of its namesake region to nails and toes for F/W 2014. This new collection of 12 lacquers features a palette ranging from spicy browns in shades of bronze, cinnamon and caramel to rich purples in wine, black cherry and blue-violet hues, with accents of creamy coral, pink and sea green.

Nordic Collection by OPI includes the following shades in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas:

Going My Way or Norway?
No two ways about it… this caramel is delicious!

Ice-Bergers & Fries
“Wood” you like a chocolate shake with that?

OPI with a Nice Finn-ish
This light, mellowed bronze completes me. The end.

My Voice is a Little Norse
This prismatic super-shimmer is worth shouting about.

Can’t aFjörd Not To
Whatever it takes, get your hands on this extravagantly creamy coral!

How Great is Your Dane?
Pass up this cinnamon coffee? You’re barking up the wrong tree!

My Dogsled is a Hybrid
Enliven your environment by wearing this creamy sea green.

Suzi Has a Swede Tooth
That’s why I always have this strawberry candy pink on hand!

Do You Have this Color in Stock-holm?
Stock up! This icy blue-violet is in hot demand!

Thank Glogg It’s Friday!
The start of the weekend is nothing to “wine” about!

Viking in a Vinter Vonderland
You can conquer anything in this powerful, deep purple.

Skating on Thin Ice-Land Watch out!
This black cherry is dangerously close to gorgeous!

Nordic Collection nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Nordic Collection by OPI will be available in both nail lacquer and GelColor from August 13, 2014 for CHF 23.90 per bottle.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI

The fast fashion trend has arrived on our nails. OPI partners with The Coca-Cola Company to release nine new limited edition nail lacquers inspired by some of the most recognized drinks. Coca-Cola by OPI offers a range of colors and hues representing everything from classic red for Coca-Cola to metallic silver for Coke Light, dark red and black for Coke Zero, black cherry for Cherry Coke, cream and warm pink for Vanilla Coke, shimmering citrus green for Sprite and bright orange and deep purple for Fanta Orange and Fanta Grape.

Coca-Cola by OPI will be available in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas mid June 2014. Nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI