Sandra‘s Closet

These photos were taken on my way to the Akris S/S 2013 show at the famous Place du Trocadéro, site of the Palais de Chaillot in the 16th arrondissement, where you are having a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower.

My look: Suzu wool-blend crepe dress by Roksanda Ilincic (for a previous post on this beautiful collection, please click here), lace sleeves by Chanel, cadillac sunglasses by Prada, Muse Two bag by Yves Saint Laurent, cutout patent-leather ankle boots and Swarovski crystal necklace, both by Lanvin.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This was my look that I wore to the Valentino S/S 2013 show:

Silk shirt and cadillac sunglasses, both by Prada, floral-print stretch-crepe skirt by Dolce & Gabbana, PS11 Mini Classic textured-leather shoulder bag by Proenza Schouler, earrings by Chanel and Red on Red Rockstud kitten heels by Valentino.

Outside I ran into Holli Rogers, Net-à-Porter’s Buying Director, who looked absolutely stunning in her leather and brocade dress by Christopher Kane along with the patent-leather pumps by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This weekend, I was invited by Dior to the Zurich Film Festival that is celebrating the art of film in all its facets this year for the 8th time. In a very short amount of time, it has established itself upon the national and international festival landscape.

We started in the afternoon with the vernissage “Stars in Dior”, a beautiful exhibition of photographs featuring celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren and Sharon Stone, who have often worn creations by the house of Dior, whether they were designed by its founder or his successors, on the set, at cinema-related events or simply in their everyday life.

At the vernissage framed by Manuela Pastore (Sales Manager Parfums Christian Dior) to the left and Sonya Burch-Baumann (PR Manager Parfums Christian Dior) to the right.

Later, we went to the screening of “Love is all you need” (Den skaldede frisor), a film directed by Academy Award Winner Susanne Bier and starring Pierce Brosnan plus a famous Danish cast, among them Trine Dyrholm and Kim Bodnia.

The heartwarming story is very moving but at the same incredibly funny with a hint of absurdity. A hairdresser (Trine Dyrholm) who has lost her hair to cancer finds out her husband (Kim Bodnia) is having an affair, travels to Italy for her daughter’s wedding and meets a widower (Pierce Brosnan) who still blames the world for the loss of his wife.
Of course, nothing goes according to plan and yet everything works out in the end. The film was shown in Danish/English with German subtitles and I have to admit that the original soundtrack added even more charm to it.

The Dior after party took place at the Frauenbadi that was beautifully decorated.
What a great night!

My look: Black belted gown by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, cropped fur jacket by Prada, feather stole, handbag and pearl multi-strand necklace by Dior, pumps by Yves Saint Laurent.

In the end, Dior spoilt us even more with the wonderful coffee-table book “Stars in Dior” (Available in stores for around €45.-) and a bottle of the house’s recently launched fragrance: MISS DIOR – Le Parfum.

The scent is announced as elegant, sensual and intoxicating nocturnal perfume extract. The nose behind this fragrance is François Demachy who said he “wanted to bring something precious and luminous to the composition of Miss Dior Le Parfum, like an oriental jewellery set or the reflections of shimmering fabric.” Yet again, beautiful Natalie Portman is the face for the campaign, formerly she presented Miss Dior Cherie.

MISS DIOR – Le Parfum
Oriental – Chypre

Top notes: Mandarin
Middle notes: Bulgarian rose absolute and Turkish rose absolute
Base notes: Patchouli, amber and vanilla.

Available now for CHF 129.50 (40ml) and CHF 179.50 (75ml).
My new favorite, such a warm, beautiful and very feminine perfume. A must for all lovers of oriental fragrances.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior, IMDB and © Sandra Bauknecht

Tuesday afternoon, I arrived in Paris for the city’s famous and oldest antiques fair, the Biennale des Antiquaires, at the Grand Palais which takes places from September 14 to 23, 2012. I am invited by Piaget and totally excited to be here.

For the 26th edition of the Biennale, designer Karl Lagerfeld has been decorating and creating the visuals for the event, plus a contemporary world within the Grand Palais. The exhibition will take place at the main part as well as in “Le Salon d’Honneur”.

This was my look on the arrival day:
Silk blouse and cardigan by Prada, wide wool pants by Stella McCartney, ankle boots by Fendi, Monogram Aviator bag from Louis Vuitton‘s Pre-fall 2010 collection, statement necklace by Roberto Cavalli and Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.
On my nails: Dominatrix by Tom Ford.

On the first evening, we had dinner at Hotel Costes. Stay tuned for many beautiful photos coming up from my stay in Paris.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, when the temperatures were so high and I was literally melting away, I wore this outfit. Bare midriff – the ’90s trend has been back this summer and I have been loving it (Click here for another look that I wore sporting a cropped top by Dolce & Gabbana).

But be careful! Time has changed, it is just the new craze of fashion. As you still want to create an elegant ensemble, you shouldn’t show too much of your body. This matching pencil skirt has the perfect length, Mrs Prada knows her business. I also took a colourful shirt with me in order to be prepared for a chilly evening.

My look: Floral embellished top and skirt by Prada (from the S/S 2012 runway), statement necklace by Dior, colourful shirt by DKNY, Charlie Dark Tortoise sunglasses (Z0472W) by Louis Vuitton (Those sunglasses are amazing. They can be folded and transformed into a necklace.). Rose embellished sandals and clutch by Prada (from a previous season).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Welcome to Fort Worth in Texas, that is the sixteenth most populous city in the United States of America and a cultural gateway into the American West. The city was established in 1849 and today still embraces its Western heritage and traditional architecture and design. A must see are the Fort Worth Stockyards.

My look: Twill cargo shorts by Alexander McQueen, olive green top by Prada, cuff by Stella McCartney, Pandora bag by Givenchy and Monogram ballet flats by Louis Vuitton.
The stetson is a souvenir from Mesquite.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

One year after the arrival of Prada Candy Eau de Parfum a highly exclusive Deluxe Edition is unveiled along with a Collector Edition.

Impossible to ignore, Prada Candy’s visual world is bold, unconventional and fresh, yet quality materials make it sophisticated and timeless.
Prada Candy’s novel olfactory balance combines exceptionally high-quality ingredients in excessive proportions: magnified by white musks, noble benzoin joins with a modern caramel accord to give the fragrance a truly unique signature.

Prada Candy Deluxe Edition transposes these codes on a scale that is truly opulent. The exaggerated proportions of the flacon are both extreme and elegant, a statement of luxury and lavish indulgence rarely seen in modern perfumery. Inside the statement is carried through in the parfum itself. The parfum, the fullest expression of the perfumer’s art: the ingredients are magnified to their maximum concentration bringing an intense new richness and warmth.

Prada Candy Deluxe Edition Parfum will be distributed  at highly select points of sale, for a limited time only. Available in 900ml for CHF 3000.-.

The Prada Candy Collector Edition comes with a very special treat: A genuine signature saffiano leather bracelet in hot pink hugs the top of the bottle. Embossed in golden letters “Give Me Candy”, it will be a stylish addition to your wardrobe.

Prada Candy Collector Edition Eau de Parfum is available in 80ml for CHF 141.-.
Available in September 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada Fragrances

Energy is the essence of life. Every day you decide how you’re going to use it by knowing what you want and what it takes to reach that goal, and by maintaining focus. – Oprah Winfrey

This look is inspired by the More Than a Feeling with Swarovski contest, an outfit that bursts with floral energy finished off with Prada’s super-hot summer accessories.

Floral-print devoré stretch-jersey top and matching ruched silk skirt, both by Nina Ricci, cadillac clutch, sandals with flame detail and jewel detail, earrings, bracelet, hair pin and statement necklace, all by Prada.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On my last evening in Maui, I went for a lovely dinner at Spago restaurant, located in my hotel Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, which was definitely the perfect way to end my trip to the beautiful island. I still have so much to show you but I am already off to new adventures.
Texas, here I come!

My look, of course with more Hawaiian prints:
Floral blouse (30% off on sale), navy blue stretch pants (50% off on sale), red Antigona envelope clutch, all by Givenchy, green leather pumps by Prada and bowtie pasta and cameo clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Next stop on my road trip: Yosemite National Park.

I drove all the way from Salt Lake City, Utah through the state of Nevada to California to visit the Yosemite National Park which is absolutely breathtaking. The abundance of wildlife and scenic views made my stay unforgettable.
A delightful and special spot of land that I would like to share with you:

I started my tour at Glacier Point where I had to catch my breath at one of the most exhilarating overlooks that I have seen in my life. The big granite monument in the photo is Half Dome, one of Yosemite’s most famous features.

My outdoorsy look: Pink jacket and floral print blouse, both by Coje (a brand that I absolutely adore, check out their cute website by clicking here), drawstring twill pants by Paul & Joe, Tokyo glitter and metallic sneakers by Jimmy Choo, pink scarf by Splendid, nylon backpack by Prada and sunglasses by Marc Jacobs.

This massive, granite monument is El Capitan. Climbers from all over the globe come to scale it.

Tunnel View: Just outside of Yosemite Valley, you can enjoy this spectacular view.

Another natural spectacle is the Bridalveil Fall. The Ahwahneechee called this place Pohono, “Spirit of the Puffing Wind.” The wind swirls about the cliff, often lifting the falling water and blowing it from side-to-side in a delicate free-fall. Even though, it looks small, it actually has the height of a 62-story building.

I hiked a very fun trail all the way up to the Vernal Falls.

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a must-see. You can marvel at one of the world’s largest trees, the Grizzly Giant and enjoy the beauty of those creatures of which some date back well over 1500 years.

The cones of the giant sequoias are extremely small and are the landmark for park rangers all over the world.

Wild iris

Coming to the park, I was pretty worried to encounter an American black bear because about 300 to 500 of them live in the park. I learnt that you stay safe if you remove food from your car and always keep it within arms reach as they might be more frightened of you than you are of them. I know that this is hard to believe…

I didn’t see a black bear but lots of very cute squirrels.

The Steller’s jay bird has a bright-blue colour.

During my visit at the Yosemite National Park, I stayed at the Tenaya Lodge that I can only recommend. Great food and beautiful new rooms (mine was a spa suite with a whirlpool tub in the bathroom, awesome!).

Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht