Sandra‘s Closet

Firenze4Ever is always an amazing experience. LUISAVIAROMA invites us to spaces that you usually don’t get to see like that. On Sunday night, we went to the beautiful Museo del Costume at Palazzo Pitti. The walk up the hill to the entrance offered some stunning views on Florence with the Duomo within one’s reach.

My look: Chunky-knit cotton-blend cropped sweater by Chloé, appliquéd leather and lace skirt by Jason Wu, white ‘Duffle 6’ bag and Janis leather pumps, both by Saint Laurent and cuff by Stella McCartney.

Robert Cavalli, the youngest son of Roberto, framed by Tina (Bagsnob), Hilary (Lyst) and me.

Inside the museum, we had a fabulous dinner.

Thank you, LUISAVIAROMA , for another amazing event!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My dear readers, I just wanted to give you a quick notice that NET-A-PORTER’S INTERNATIONAL SALE is launching this morning. There are some great products marked down up to 50% off. Have fun!

TO SHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Below are some of my favourites that would be perfect for the new season.

LoL, Sandra

Crystal-studded suede pumps by Valentino (30% off)

Silk-georgette and cotton top by Giambattista Valli (30% off)

Wool mini skirt by Saint Laurent (50% off)

Two-tone silk sweater by Jil Sander (50% off)

Photos: Courtesy of net-à-porter.com

Last night was probably the best one I have ever had in Tuscany. I was absolutely determined to go to bed early but that didn’t happen. It was so much fun being re-united with my favourite blogger colleagues and of course the LUISAVIAROMA team. The first Firenze4Ever evening started off with cocktails at the store.

Our host, Andrea Panconesi, owner of LUISAVIAROMA, with my beloved Hilary from Lyst and my humble self.

Bryanboy and gorgeous Tina from Bagsnob.

In the car with Hilary on our way to the next stop: La Fattoria Delle Corti, a gorgeous location 20 minutes outside of Florence, in the Tuscany wine region.

Hilary and me with Tiani from Belmodo

My look: Printed jumpsuit with studs, matching chiffon poncho, both by Givenchy, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps and Betty chain red leather shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent.

Tiani, Tina and lovely Camilla with me.

Having fun at dinner with Bryan and Tina.

After we left the Fattoria, we went to the pool party at Roberto Cavalli’s mansion which was absolutely amazing. The ambiance, the house, the enormous gardens, every little detail was just beautiful. The music was outstanding and I danced until dawn. Before leaving, I even spoke to Roberto’s parrot as you can see in the last picture.

The decor reminded me a lot of the one that Roberto Cavalli created for the amfAR gala.

I am sure that you are curious how Roberto Cavalli’s palace looks like. It is amazing as you can imagine. I would like to respect his privacy but of course I have some photos for you. Enjoy!

I am off to more adventures today! Firenze4Ever is the best…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I flew to Florence for the 7th edition of Firenze4Ever with LUISAVIAROMA. I love travelling in comfortable clothes that still look stylish. Here you can see me at the Zurich airport before heading off to Bella Italia.

My look: Black leather biker jacket by Saint Laurent, floral ptint top, oversized silk tapered pants and matching clutch bag, all by 3.1 Phillip Lim, flats with pale pink bow by Prada, ring by Roberto Cavalli and necklace with movable teddy bear by Dior.

If you are interested in live updates from Firenze4Ever, follow me on twitter or instagram (@sandrascloset).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

True beauty comes from within (and make-up, of course). Without joking, beauty is a funny thing… and most of us might be most of the time focused on our own appearance, pursuing the goal of looking “the best” – at least externally.

Personally speaking, I think what really makes you beautiful is the right attitude. Being happy with yourself might give you this certain charisma and glow no beauty product can achieve. Live life to the fullest, don’t criticize yourself all the time. We spend too much time living in the ‘what if’ and ‘if I had‘. As Robert Brault puts it briefly: “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”

As I don’t want to start the week too seriously, let’s get inspired by Bo Derek who said once: “Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping.” My new Bvlgari bag definitely put a big smile on my face. And doesn’t a smile always make us more beautiful in the end… with this is mind, let’s jump on the latest trend.

My look: Safari dress by Pascal Millet (from his extremely beautiful S/S 2013 collection), ultraviolet Serpenti shoulder bag by Bvlgari (also availble in beige), pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps and crinkled print scarf, both by Saint Laurent, Happy Diamonds ring by Chopard, Tank Americaine watch in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier, 4810 hoop earrings in pink gold with diamonds by Montblanc, bangles by Sal y Limon, floral sunglasses by Prada and Pearls stay-up by Wolford.

Have a great week!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Due to another amazing project that will be revealed soon, I had to cancel a very interesting trip to Grande Champagne with LOUIS XIII for the launch of their highly exclusive Rare Cask 42,6 cognac (one bottle is €18.000). Sometimes, I would love to clone myself…

For the first time in weeks, I had an afternoon free that I spent with a good book at my pool. It feels so great that we finally have summer in Zurich and being outside in your own garden is for me one of the most luxurious things on earth. It was a great opportunity to try my new retro-style bathing suit. In general, I like to wear bikinis as you saw me last year in Maui or in 2011, but this one-piece looks great and is perfect during those cooler days.

My look: Embellished bathing suit and sarong, both by Wolford, Bowletto bag by Karl Lagerfeld, Tribute Two textured-leather pumps by Saint Laurent, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, earrings by H&M and bangles by Sal y Limon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I am completely in love with my new red Sac Du Jour leather tote by Saint Laurent, a gorgeous and “less expensive” alternative to an Hermès Birkin bag. In combination with the matching red ankle boots, it adds style and colour to every monochrome outfit.

My look: Black oversized jacket by Stella McCartney, embellished cotton-jersey sweatshirt by Matthew Williamson, leather skinny pants, Sac Du Jour leather tote and red ankle boots, all three by Saint Laurent, Pound printed modal and cashmere-blend scarf by Mary Katrantzou, cherry earrings by Dolce & Gabbana, ring by Chanel and cuff by Céline.

On my nails: 657 Azuré by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Hey lovely ladies! Just a quick note to let you know that NET-A-PORTER‘s semi-annual US sale has gone live! Save up to 50% on designers like Valentino, Jimmy Choo, Carven, Chloé, Lanvin and many more! Great news is that the US site also ships to Europe and Asia, just change your country preference to United States.

Check out a few of my favorite sale picks in the list below:

1 Falabella convertible faux brushed-leather shoulder bag by Stella McCartney (40% off)
2 Jovanna faded stretch-denim biker jacket by Karl Lagerfeld (50% off)
3 Studded leather and elaphe flats by Valentino (30 % off)
4 Rose gold-plated tiered clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta (50% off)
5 Tasseled leather belt by Saint Laurent (30% off)
6 Cosmic leather pumps by Jimmy Choo (30% off)
7 Two-tone silk collar by Carven (50% off)
8 Polka-dot tulle and woven silk top by Valentino (30% off) 
9 The Happy grosgrain shoulder bag by Lanvin (40% off)

I always recommend looking for basic pieces on sale. Have fun shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday, I attended the Dior Pre-fall 2013 trunk show in Zurich and had a lot of fun with my girlfriends. We were trying on many different outfits while chatting with each other.

I am crazy for this orange silk ball skirt, the bi-colour gloves and fur stole. The wool waist belt with train that you see on the picture to the right had made its way already into my closet, along with the gorgeous Lady Dior bag in shades of grey, pale pink and baby blue.

If you like to find out more about this beautiful collection, have a look at this previous post.

Those houndstooth pieces are divine, add a splash of colour and off you go…

My look: Collar detail shirt and suede ankle boots, both by Saint Laurent, stretch-leather skinny pants by Gucci, grey wool belt with train, tricoloured Lady Dior bag and Diorette Marguerite ring, all by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Tuesday, I was invited by Chopard to see the screening of “Behind the Candelabra” with Matt Damon and Michael Douglas who were both present. The “Montée des Marches” at the Palais des Festivals, the legendary black tie event, is something I will never forget. Being on the red carpet in Cannes feels very special. I was able to experience it already last year and if you are interested, have a look at the previous post by clicking here.

Since 1998, my host Chopard has been enjoying a true romance with the Cannes International Film Festival. To mark the 15th anniversary of this partnership, the watchmaker-jeweller organised several high profile events during the festival fortnight including a photo exhibition of the most beautiful onscreen kisses and the presentation of its new Haute Joaillerie Red Carpet collection that I will show you very soon on the blog. Chopard also crafted the Festival’s supreme award, the legendary Palme d’Or.

I hope you will like my little photo diary of the night including the most unforgettable moments like walking on the red carpet.

My look: Alias dress with Swarovski crystals and pound printed leather pouch, both by Mary Katrantzou, Janis leather pumps by Saint Laurent.

Model and actress Adriana Karembeu arrived at the same time like me.

Of course, the two leading actors of the movie “Behind the Candelabra”, Matt Damon and Michael Douglas, came last.

The American drama directed by Steven Soderbergh is about the life of pianist Liberace (Michael Douglas in his best role ever) and the secret affair he had with young Scott Thorson (Matt Damon). The movie is based on a true story, Thorson’s memoir, and unveils the excessive lifestyle of the performer and his intimate circle of friends, lovers, and businessmen. I have absolutely loved the film. Matt Damon and Michael Douglas perform amazingly. You experience the different stages of the gay couple’s relationship that they always kept behind closed doors as Liberace was not open about his homosexuality.

Standing ovations and a good laugh when Matt Damon hugged Michael Douglas intimately.

Later, the “Behind the Candelabra” after party took place at the Chopard Terrace at the famous Hotel Martinez in the presence of the movie cast and many other celebrities.

Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Art Director of Chopard

What an honour to have a little chat with the famous Michael Douglas!

Exceptional soprano Anna Netrebko

Model and ex-girlfriend of Leonardo di Caprio Erin Heatherton is the new face of Chopard.

Rosario Dawson recognized me from the Montblanc Pre-Oscar Charity Brunch in Los Angeles last February. How sweet!

I had so much fun that night, thank you, Chopard, for that unforgettable experience and Valeria for taking all those photos of me!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Photo Palme d’Or: Courtesy of Chopard