Sandra‘s Closet

This year, Brazil will be in the global spotlight hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup from June 12 to July 13, 2014. With the South American country being the place to be this year, OPI’s right on the spot with the S/S 2014 collection inspired by the tropical rainforests and warm sandy beaches of one of the most vibrant and colourful countries on our planet!

Brazil by OPI features a palette ranging from bright hues of red, pink, coral, orange and yellow to earthy tones of taupe, sienna, mocha and jungle green.

In addition to 12 nail lacquers, the Brazil launch includes a set of four limited edition Beach Sandies Liquid Sand™ mini neon nail lacquers in bold purple, pink, turquoise and yellow shades with a textured, matte finish.

In stores in Switzerland from February 24, 2014 for CHF 23.90 (15ml).

Matching your new manicure, Sal y Limon launches the Rio Special Edition bangles in two designs in four different color combinations.
Available from May 2014 for €30.00 (small) and  €40.00 (large).

Now, it is up to you to feel the Brazilian vibe!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and Sal y Limon

Just in time for the new year, have a look at Sal y Limon‘s sizzling hot Rose Gold Special Edition! Enchanting a woman’s arm with those feminine hues that flatter every skin tone, the new bracelets are available in five color sets – Grey, White Swirley, Crystal Blue, Powder Rose and Beige. Which one is your favorite?

LoL, Sandra

Grey

White Swirley

Crystal Blue (The set I am wearing in the first photo and in this post.)

Powder Rose

Beige

Photos: Courtesy of Sal y Limon and © Sandra Bauknecht

“One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster. The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free. I can feel the Devil walking next to me…” – Murray Head

I spent one night in Bangkok that would put the most amazing nights in the shade. It just had everything you can imagine. I started with drinks at Sirocco Sky Bar, located on the 64th floor of the Lebua State Tower, which is the second tallest building in Thailand. You might recognize the building as it was prominently featured in the 2011 American film Hangover Part 2. This is where the helicopter scene was filmed. I had barely seen a location that breathtaking in my life before. Named “the most stunning rooftop bar you’ll ever see” by the New York Times, you can enjoy stunning views of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river. Just be prepared that a glass of champagne will cost you around CHF 70.00 (… and it is not a Dom Pérignon).

My look: Cashmere and silk-blend cardigan by Miu Miu, crochet knit dress by Azzedine Alaïa, Pas platform sandals by De Siena, Veronika Isis studded shoulder bag by MCM, necklace by Carmen Cita Jones Jewelry and rose gold bangles by Sal y Limon.

After Sky Bar, I went to Mezzaluna restaurant, which is located at the 65th floor inside the dome. German chefs who happen to be identical twins, Thomas and Mathias Suhring, bring their years at the Michelin-starred restaurants of Europe to prepare masterfully the finest menus that are rivaled only by the breathtaking 180-degree city and river views before you.

Later, I went to Patpong, one of the world’s most famous red-light districts. As I am a very curious little human being, I wanted to see some of the iconic shows… and had a very entertaining night. To be continued…

LoL, Sandra

All photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Movie photos in first collage: IMDb

While you are reading this, I am on my way to Guilin. After those amazing days of relaxation in sweats and sneakers, it was time to put my heels back on. At least for a few hours…

My look: Pedal Star skinny jeans with Asia print (also available in a cropped version), linen knit cardigan and matching top, all three by Closed, ultraviolet Serpenti shoulder bag by Bvlgari (also available in beige), Melt black powder pumps by Minna Parikka, sunglasses by Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN and bangles by Sal y Limon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Great Wall and the Imperial Tombs of the Ming Dynasty are both considered as having outstanding universal value by UNESCO and are therefore on the World Heritage List. I visited them today and truly enjoyed this sightseeing. The only negative aspect was the weather. However, after a bit of pouring rain and dense fog in the beginning of my tour that made it difficult to see anything at all, I was lucky that the sky opened up a little bit so that I could snap some photos of the beautiful scenery. But it felt like being in a steam bath…

My look: Homiés cotton T-shirt by Brian Lichtenberg, black stretch pants by Tommy Hilfiger, bangles by Sal y Limon and GOrun ride 2 running shoes by Skechers.

The impressive Great Wall is the world’s largest military structure and stretches to over 6,700 km (4,160 miles) in total.

After my visit to the Great Wall, I went to see the Ming Tombs in Changling and the Shendao (God Street) of 13 mausoleums. The architectures are absolutely magnificent. My favourite were the stone statue groups delicately carved and beautifully shaped that looked in the dence fog absolutely mystically.

Today, I am off to Shanghai… more coming up soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Beijing, the heart of China, is definitely worth a visit. After having been the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games and compared to 1994 when I had been here the last time, it has completely changed. But some things always remain the same and today’s sightseeing tour around the metropole’s most traditional must-sees was proof of that.

My look: We T by Boss Orange (Such a fun initiative, join to find your T-shirts Buddy here), printed pants with side stripe (very similar to Louis Vuitton’s Stephen Sprouse print) by Zara, flats by H&M, bangles by Sal y Limon and sunglasses by Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN. The cap is a souvenir from Beijing.

I started my tour with a visit to the famous Temple of Heaven, where the Emperors paid homage to the glory of heaven, is the largest group of structures in the country dedicated to rituals. Therefore its name is a little misleading because it is definitely more than just a temple, it is a huge park as well. Many local people have yearly tickets to access the area and they enjoy outdoor activities such as dancing or playing games, especially like today on a Sunday morning.

This sign freaked me out a little. Do you remember exactly when I survived the hail storm in Wyoming exactly one year ago? I am still a little traumatized…

A Chinese lunch with an interesting view…

The very impressive and respectful Tiananmen Square is the largest central city square in the world. This immense courtyard is surrounded by a variety of significant edifices such as the Tiananmen Tower, Great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, Monument to the People’s Heroes and National Museum. For security reason, Tiananmen Square is fenced and you have to pass a security check before entering.

The magnificent Forbidden City is the largest and the best-preserved imperial palace complex in the world. For five centuries, this palace functioned as the administrative center of the country. Such an impressive treasure to visit.

I had a day filled with amazing impressions. As you see in the pictures, the smog is pretty bad but it also keeps the sun away which might not be the worst. The humidity is high and you really have to get used to the oppressive weather. Next stop, the Great Wall!

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 love what I do and that makes me happy. If you find the thing you really enjoy doing, work will not be work anymore, it will become pleasure. Sandra’s Closet is my passion, my addiction and my daily dose of fulfillment. I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy posting it.

Here you see me on my way to one of my favourite sushi places in Zurich: GINGER. I included some photos of my beloved dishes below.

My look: Trompe l’oeil dress with oversized sweater top and leather skirt by Closed, blue long sleeve top by H&M, H Hobo Grande soft off-white nubuck leather bag by Hogan, silk scarf and cross necklace, both by Gabriele Frantzen, bangles by Sal y Limon, Kate ankle boots by De Siena, Tank Americaine watch by Cartier and Mat Opaque 80 tights in black by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Beef filet with ponzu sauce

Salmon carpaccio with egg

Salmon aburi

Kingfish carpaccio

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This Easter weekend has been absolutely perfect so far, of course excluding the weather. Here in Zurich, it has been snowing today. Totally crazy. In the morning, I went to a friend’s house for a lovely Easter brunch. It was so great to be with the people I haven’t seen in a long time.

My look: Double breasted jacket by Saint Laurent, black Féline tee with gold foil by Brian Lichtenberg, Kate ankle boots by De Siena, Zurich bag by Milli Millu, fox snake and statement necklace, both by Gabriele Frantzen, ring by Roberto Cavalli, bangles by Sal y Limon and python print stretch-leather skirt by Utzon (The Danish brand makes amazing leather pieces of great quality, click here to visit their homepage).

I hope that your Easter egg hunt was successful!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht