Sandra‘s Closet

On Monday evening, I was invited to a unique sensory experience by two famous Maisons, Christian Dior and Moët & Chandon. Both have united to create a new temporary concept, dedicated to the perfect olfactory pleasure at the ONYX Bar of Senses at Park Hyatt Zurich. Imagine, perfume that you can drink. Combining the savoir-faire of the perfumers and the cellar masters, cocktail lovers can enjoy an exclusive and individually prepared selection created by Hercules Tsibis, Bar Manager and Master Mixologist at the ONYX Bar.

Practicing social distancing: Hercules Tsibis with me

He developed six signature cocktails inspired by six exclusive fragrances of Maison Christian Dior, that harmonize perfectly with the aromas of the Moët & Chandon champagne Impérial Brut and Rosé. With the creative freedom of both houses, Hercules and his team created also six «essences», which enable a more intense version of the cocktails based on the principle of culinary reduction. Mixed with Moët & Chandon champagne, these «essences» offer a journey of taste.

Named after six beautiful scents by Maison Christian Dior that were chosen for their olfactory diversity, you can enjoy «La Colle Noire», «Rouge Trafalgar», «Bois d’Argent», «Gris Dior», «Spice Blend» and «Rose Kabuki». The menu offers two separate variations for each signature cocktail: a cocktail and an «essence».

«Essences» with miniature fragrances

Cocktail, accompanied by amuse-bouche and miniature of the fragrance CHF 28.50
«Essence», accompanied by an amuse bouche and miniature of the fragrance CHF 19.50

With beautiful Christa Rigozzi at the event last Monday.

Let yourself be enchanted by this experience, which consists of the play of colors, a bouquet of aromas and the extraordinary variety of perfumes. For this sensual sensory journey, head chef Tarik Lange created an amuse bouche that perfectly complements and completes your selection.

Filming the live talk between…

… Kiki Mäder, Tarik Lange and Stephen Ansell, GM Park Hyatt Hotel Zurich (from left to right).

You can enjoy it only for a limited amount of time, starting today until November 28, 2020 at the ONYX Bar of Senses at Park Hyatt Zurich.

LoL, Sandra

My favorite cocktail: Rose Kabuki

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

A common refrain during the COVID-19 pandemic: Life is a blur. The days all seem to blend together — is it Tuesday or Friday? It’s Thursday! Before the lockdown, my week consisted of a handful of recurring activities, obligations and other plans. I knew it is Thursday because I am my having my yoga class. Being stuck at home has completely distorted my sense of time. I have to remind myself which day of the week it actually is. Therefore, I decided to make life feel a little more normal by adding a routine to my week and by dressing up in a very comfy way when working at my desk. Today’s look has become actually my favorite quarantine outfit!

However, I am spending even more time looking at my screen with multiple Zoom Meetings, so many posts to be written and changes to adapt. Therefore a ritual that has become pretty additive for me is the application of my LA MER EYE CONCENTRATE. It adds some structure to my life in quarantine, helps me to focus when my thoughts are drifting away at home.

My look: GG logo jersey jacket, matching GG logo jersey sweat pants, red T-shirt with tennis embroidery, Rajah large embellished leather-trimmed tweed tote, Dionysus leather-trimmed bouclé-tweed shoulder bag, Angelina crystal-embellished tweed sandals, all by Gucci, bow-detailed embellished satin headband by Prada, and hoop earrings by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Location: Presidential Suite / Park Hyatt Zurich
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Everything around you might seem very dark at the moment … I feel you! But one thing is for sure… storms don’t last forever and everything black can be very beautiful, too!

My look: Wool and cashmere-blend cape, and embellished leather-trimmed straw fedora, both by Valentino, black dress with zipper, and Multi Pochette Accessories in monogram canvas, both by Louis Vuitton, Cardinale stretch-suede knee boots by Dolce & Gabbana, textured-leather belt by Fendi, and hoop earrings by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Location: Park Hyatt Zurich
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Let’s stay home – staying home is an act of care for our neighbours, friends, family and all the public health workers who work so tirelessly to keep us safe. However, I am of the opinion that dreams and inspiration must keep a place in our daily life, especially in such difficult times. Over the past few days, I have received some disturbing and aggressive messages from people who think I should abstain from posting «normally». Respecting other opinions is a virtue I hold dear to my heart. I would appreciate the right tone, «c’est le ton qui fait la musique».

Personally, I have a different view on it. Firstly, posting is my passion and makes me truly happy. Over the last ten years it has become my profession and pursuing it during quarantine gives me comfort, a sense of normality. My mission is to share a daily dose of fashion and lifestyle with my readers and I shall continue as long as I can. Online shopping is becoming a welcome alternative to strolling down Avenue Montaigne and frankly is a way to support our economy. If you like my outfit, just click on the highlighted descriptions to be transferred directly for more information.

Being at home gives me finally the time to write about many things I never had time for. Furthermore, I have a lot of pre-shot footage like today’s post that I am so happy to be able to post now. Why spread bad vibes if we have the chance to send each other good energy… and personally speaking, I still like to dress up as it makes me feel good. And that is the most important!

My look: Striped cotton-jersey cardigan, and matching striped cotton-jersey track pants, cotton-poplin shirt, all by Thom Browne, The Pouch small gathered leather clutch by Bottega Veneta, embroidered Ace sneakers by Gucci, and stole 140 «Cosmographia Universalis» in blue/rose/vivid yellow by Hermès (design by Jan Bajtlik).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Location: Park Hyatt Zurich
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Happy Weekend and Happy International Women’s Day to you all! I hope that you get to spend it the way you have pictured it. Personally speaking, I love a combination of pure relaxation and a bit of yoga. Something, I adore when I am alone in a hotel room all by myself. Here you see me practicing in my new cool sportswear in the Presidential Suite of the Park Hyatt Zurich.

My look: Contrast-panel checked cotton-blend shirt in white/green/lilac by Natasha Zinko, cropped stretch-cotton top, and stretch-cotton leggings, both by Balmain, Sorrento high-top sneakers by Dolce & Gabbana, baseball cap with NY Yankees™ patch and embroidered brocade drawstring backpack, both by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Location: Park Hyatt Zurich
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

For over three and a half decades, Carolina Herrera has proved with each new season that bold elegance and modern refinement are always in style. Recently, I had the privilege to meet the newly appointed Creative Director Wes Gordon with Net-à-Porter in Dubai (stay tuned for the upcoming post). The extremely talented designer reinforces a commitment to the strong codes established by the founder, blending traditions of couture craftsmanship with the wearability and pragmatism of American Fashion.

My look: Satin-trimmed cady mini dress by Carolina Herrera (exclusive to Net-à-Porter), pussy-bow silk satin blouse by Dolce & Gabbana, pochette with chain by CHANEL, Zoe cutout two-tone leather pumps by Saint Laurent, and «Vicky» hat in black by Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Location: Park Hyatt Zurich
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Are you one of my beauty-obsessed readers who’s quick to notice even the most minor cosmetic tweak? Then this post is for you. Today, I would like to share my time-tested recommendation for the perfect concealer, foundation and powder trio.

One lovely morning in Zurich‘s Park Hyatt Hotel, I had the pleasure to try the three products by one of my favorite brands LA MER. All enriched with the brand’s coveted, ultra hydrating Miracle Broth™, the nourishing formulas blend seamlessly into the skin to conceal pores and even out texture. Forget the drying, cake-y powders of your makeup bag’s past, this is the answer to nailing the flawless complexion of everyone’s dreams. It is make-up that looks like no make-up.

Dream trio: Concealer, Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation, Powder and don’t forget to use the right Powder Brush.

New to the family: Sheer Pressed Powder (to the left) is the ideal compact companion to create a healthy matte finish – wherever you go.

In the beautiful ambiance of one of the suites at Park Hyatt Zurich, we were able to explore the products and enjoy some yummy food. What a great idea to serve desert in your used cream pots (see photo below) … ladies, keep collecting!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Mer and © Sandra Bauknecht

«A mother is the one who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take.»

Are you still looking for the right gift for your mum this Mother’s Day? I have a great idea and an amazing contest for you today (how to win, see below please)! Create unforgettable memories for a very special person with moments of pure well-being.

Say thank you to your mother and spoil her with a delicious mother’s day brunch at Park Hyatt Zurich in the elegant Lobby Lounge or treat yourself.

If you have small children, no worries. In addition, plenty of chocolate cockchafer will be ready to be painted by the little ones.

Sunday, 14 March 2017 from 11 am to 3pm
CHF 80 per person, children 14 years old and younger can enjoy 50% off
Reserve a table by e-mailing masters. or by calling +41 43 883 1042.

This is your chance to win an invite for four people to the Mother’s Day Brunch at Park Hyatt Zurich this Sunday!

The lovely menu that is waiting for you on Sunday!

To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Mother’s Day” to . All entries must be received until tomorrow Friday, May 12, 2017 at 3pm CEST.

No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Park Hyatt Zurich

Last month, I was invited to a very special seated dinner by LA PRAIRIE to celebrate the launch of the brand’s newest product CELLULAR RADIANCE PERFECTING FLUIDE PURE GOLD from the Cellular Radiance Collection at a private home in Zurich.

The exquisite 3-course menu prepared by Frank Widmer, Park Hyatt Zurich’s renowned chef,  let us indulge in the essence of golden opulence.

With Frank Widmer at the dinner. The dress code was a touch of gold.

Gold-infused main course.

Werner Dirks, General Manager La Prairie Switzerland.

CELLULAR RADIANCE PERFECTING FLUIDE PURE GOLD

The Swiss beauty brand’s latest advancement in radiance is a gold-infused serum that fills wrinkles within one hour using potent age-defying technology to revitalize and perfect the skin. Bathed in golden light, your skin is visibly perfected in an instant. Over time, this liquid gold deeply revitalizes and enhances your complexion. You will look sublime, irresistible, as if lit from within.

The scientists at La Prairie have harnessed the power of pure gold and combined it with an exclusive Golden Lotus Blend made with Lotus Japonicas, an extraordinary flower long-revered for its luminous and brightening abilities.

Apply the new fluide in the morning and evening after cleansing, toning and the serum application. Allow it to absorb completely. If you need additional moisture, it can also be applied over your favourite moisturizer.

2016 starts with probably the most luxurious skincare release of the year. CELLULAR RADIANCE PERFECTING FLUIDE PURE GOLD will be available for CHF 620.- (40ml) from January 25, 2016.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Prairie and © Sandra Bauknecht 

My avid readers might have wondered about my lack of posting. Usually, I blog on a daily base but I have been offline for five days. The reason was my birthday, I turned 40 last week. Friends have asked me why I share this number and my answer is that there is nothing to be ashamed or afraid of. I have been on this planet for over 40 years. I am happier than ever and achieved all the milestones in my life that I had set for myself. I have travelled the world and enjoyed life most of the time to the fullest. Now I am ready for the real fun…

40 has a lot of beauty and I will explain you why. In comparison to a younger age, I  am no longer taking decisions based on what I am supposed to do. I am making them based on what is right for me which is so liberating. I know that all social media channels don’t show the real world. If you still think that people are all so confident living their perfect lives, you might be mistaken. Most of them are just as screwed up as everyone else.

My longtime friends who visited me from all over told me this weekend that they admire my consistency through all these years they have known me. True, I have never lost the my zest for life, I always stayed true to myself. In my high school book, I found a quote of mine: “Be yourself, no matter what they say.” This has been a common thread. If it made me happy, I would never cared about other people’s opinion, which goes most importantly for my way of dressing.

I still like getting silly and I have always loved dancing like no one is watching or like everyone is watching. I like the attention. One thing that has definitely changed is that I never feel guilty again, more like a teenager, but less loud. You I know that there is always a plan B and that is is indispensable to get rid of the toxic people in your life.

I am thankful for the amazing people that surround me and I never forget to tell them how much I love them. I had an unforgettable birthday and I would like to thank everyone who made it so special.

Below you will find my different stages in life. Why? Because they are fun to look at!

1981: Being in first grade… a happy 6 year old Sandra.

1994: Having my own band and being on tour with the Backstreet Boys. I was 19 and had just finished school.

1997: My first trip to Hong Kong. Blond and ready to see life at the age of 22.

2004: Before my 30th birthday and before moving from Chicago to Zurich I did this cover shoot.

2013: Finally back to my natural hair color that you appreciate at the age of 38.

2015: And that is me one week ago, a selfie in bed. 40 and I personally think that I look better than I did at 20.

To life and its beauty!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Christian Dietrich (2013)
And a huge thank you to the Park Hyatt Zurich team for the amazing picture to my birthday! I love u guys!