Yesterday, I left for an amazing press trip I had been really looking forward to since weeks. Being invited by Gucci for the launch of their limited edition fragrance GUCCI GUILTY STUD 
to Nevada is pretty cool, isn’t it?
The trip was long, I flew from Zurich via San Francisco to Las Vegas. During the flight, I watched (couldn’t have been a better attunement…) Last Vegas, a comedy about a wild bachelor party thrown by group of old friends (Michael Douglas, Kevin Kline, Morgan Freeman and Robert de Niro). It is such a funny movie, imagine The Hangover as a geriatric edition.
Avid readers of my blog might recognize part of my look. It is one of my favorite outfits to wear on long-distance flights as I really like to be comfy.
My look: Spencer leather lapel jacket 
by Saint Laurent, leopard print jacket and matching track pants, both by Dolce & Gabbana, fine-knit cashmere top by Joseph, silk stole and textured-leather Bamboo tote, both by Gucci, suede boots by Balmain, rose diamond ring by Piaget and Spectra trolley by Victorinox.
Stay tuned for more coming up from Sin City. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas… this does not apply to Sandra’s Closet! Promised, you will know everything. As a little teaser, I will enjoy a private concert by Bruno Mars tonight. Excited!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Happy New Year from Bangkok where I am at the moment. I hope that you started 2014 in a very fun way. Today is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one!
On the first day of the year, I am exploring the Thai city a little more with all its shrines and spirit houses. Something that you can see here on every corner. It is a truly amazing place to visit.
My look: Zebra print top by Saint Laurent, grey mid-rise skinny leg distressed jean by J Brand, studded leather loafers 
by Miu Miu, Donna hobo bag in vine green by Alexander Wang and floral sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.
The Erawan Shrine (officially named Thao Maha Brahma) in Bangkok is not old, but it is an interesting testament of the role of religion in modern Thai society. In 1955, the founder of the Erawan hotel was told by an astrologist, that the time for laying the foundation stone was not really right. It could only be corrected by building a shrine in the area. Following this advice, the Thao Maha Brahma was enshrined one year later.
The Erawan Shrine is located on the northwest corner of the Grand Hyatt Erawan property, near the Chit Lom stop on the skytrain. It consists of a golden statue, the Thao Mana Brahma, that sits beneath a glittering canopy, surrounded by offerings of flowers, incese and candles. The area is crowded with worshippers day and night and always wafting with incense smoke. A very magical place to visit and a great spot to wish for a Happy New Year.
Enjoy some of my impressions and of course stay tuned for more…
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Are you wondering why I named this post Million Dollar Baby? Have a look at my neck… this amazing white gold and diamond choker necklace “EIFFEL MIDNIGHT” is worth CHF 1’190’000 and I had the great honour to wear it recently to a very exclusive event “La Soirée de la Couture Précieuse” hosted by Piaget and my humble self at their store in Zurich on Bahnhofstrasse (photos coming up soon). Believe me, it was hard to take it off…
My look: Houndstooth pencil dress by Alexander McQueen, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps and Sac du Jour leather tote in emerald green, both by Saint Laurent, Limelight Gala watch, necklace and rose diamond ring, all by Piaget and Twenties stay-up by Wolford.
On my nails: Toasted Sugar by Tom Ford.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Pascal Pazanda and © Sandra Bauknecht
This fall, I hosted a very special event at my place: The PIAGET Rose Garden Party. Being an ambassador for the brand, I was very excited to invite my friends to explore the PIAGET ROSE collection and the amazing COCKTAIL inspired statement rings during a beautiful late summer night. My garden was filled with lots of Yves Piaget roses that have the most exquisite scent one can imagine and we all enjoyed this night surrounded by precious jewelry pieces, good friends and delicious food. Enjoy some impressions below!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Eddymotion and © Sandra Bauknecht
This winter, it is all about the plaid factor. The pattern that somehow manages to straddle the not-so-fine-line between preppy and punk has suddenly proven itself as this season’s principle print. Check your boyfriend’s closet for an oversized version or shop Saint Laurent‘s iconic piece offering the perfect avante-garde grunge aesthetic.
My look: Plaid shirt, leather shift dress and studded leather boots, all by Saint Laurent, Bamboo leather tote by Gucci, Stephanie gold-tone necklace by Lanvin, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Aren’t we all driven by something? For the opening night of the Zurich Film Festival, I was driven by this Saint Laurent S/S 2013 runway look. I love the sweeping asymmetric hem of this stretch-crepe gown that is balanced by padded shoulders and a voluminous pussy-bow tie.
My look: Sequin-embellished stretch-crepe gown, wide-brimmed rabbit and cotton-blend felt fedora, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps, all by Saint Laurent, ‘My Own Code’ clutch by Valentino, Limelight Gala watch and diamond rose ring by Piaget.
By the way, I can only recommend the movie RUSH, that was shown at the opening night of the Zurich Film Festival. Directed by Academy Award winning Ron Howard, the film is set in the epic 1976 racing season and narrating the legendary rivalry between Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) and James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth).
The movie offers a lot emotional scenes and ladies, believe me, you will die watching Chris Hemsworth. He is so good-looking and captivating with those divine eyes.
Massimiliano Giornetti, Creative Director of Salvatore Ferragamo, designed the costumes worn by Daniel Brühl and Alexandra Maria Lara, who is playing on-screen the champion’s wife, Marlene. Gucci‘s Creative Director Frida Giannini has dipped into the archives to dress the opponents Chris Hemsworth and Olivia Wilde. Another good reason to watch the movie…
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Zuza Speckert and courtesy of Ferragamo and Gucci.
Inspired by the paintings of Flemish Old Masters (Vermeer in particular), Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli’s F/W 2013 collection for Valentino is absolutely gorgeous and has been top of my wish list for the winter season.
My look: Intarsia stretch-knit dress and ‘My Own Code’ clutch, both by Valentino, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps by Saint Laurent and diamond rose ring by Piaget.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
I spent the last days in London – a city that I love very much. The double decker buses, the black cabs, and the red telephone boxes, some of the iconic sights on the streets of the British metropole, symbolise gorgeous design while fulfilling their purpose with efficiency. The same goes for my Givenchy sweater – it’s comfy and stylish in one. You need one of those printed must-haves in your closet this season!
My look: Black double-breasted wool coat with gold bars and printed cotton sweatshirt, both by Givenchy, black pants by Alexander McQueen, textured-leather tote by Gucci, Susanna studded leather ankle boots by Chloé and rose ring by Piaget.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Tartan is one of the biggest trends for F/W 2013. From red checks, to blue or green and even black plaid, many looks, traditional and modern appeared printed with the iconic Scottish pattern on the fall runways. Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent gave it a grunge twist and I couldn’t resist this amazing cardigan that I wore during Paris Fashion Week.
My look: Plaid mohair-blend jacket, black leather dress, Sac du Jour leather tote, studded boots, all by Saint Laurent, Love gold-tone necklace by Lanvin, rose ring by Piaget, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, leather bracelets by Miu Miu and Hermès.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Sunday, I flew to Paris for Fashion Week and went straight to the Akris S/S 2014 show. A huge highlight of the evening was the cocktail reception at the Swiss brand’s beautiful showrooms in the presence of H.S.H. Princess Charlène of Monaco, who was extremely lovely and charming to talk to. A truly amazing woman!
My look: White sculptural fitted crepe blouse, black waistcoat and buttoned skirt, all by Balenciaga (I am in love with Alexander Wang‘s designs and think that he is a great choice for the French brand), lace sleeves by Chanel, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps by Saint Laurent, Pashli mini satchel 
by 3.1 Phillip Lim and rose ring by Piaget.
Below are some impressions of the night! Enjoy and stay tuned for many updates from PFW!
LoL, Sandra
Me with my beloved hair stylist Charles Aellen who creates Charlène’s look.
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht (Thank you, Mischa, for taking them!)
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
