Sandra‘s Closet

Yesterday, I celebrated the Swiss National Day among dear friends at Seerose, beautifully located at the coast of Lake Zurich. I chose my outfit in the colors of the flag, red and white and hope, that you will like it!

My look: Off-the-shoulder cropped lace and open-knit top and paneled lace and open-knit midi skirt, both by Alexander McQueen, platform leather pumps by Gucci, white Duffle 6 bag by Saint Laurent, white camelia sunglasses and long pearl earrings, both by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

«Your first impression is always a lasting impression.»

As you already know, I tend to keep all my clothes and never clean out my closet. I love to wear most of them after many years again, combine them with something new and feel the excitement of the first time. What I absolutely recommend is to invest your money in a great suit! That is something that lasts longer and will be timeless. Can you imagine that I bought this beautiful pantsuit by Alberta Ferretti in 2002?! An absolute keeper… and a great ensemble for a business meeting at the lake last week… when the weather was much nicer than today.

My look: Pantsuit by Alberta Ferretti, printed silk crepe de chine shirt and Monogramme lipstick printed textured-leather clutch, tulle mini petticoat skirt, Janis pumps with studs, all by Saint Laurent, Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Saturday one week ago, before I left for Cannes, we had finally one beautiful radiant day in Zurich. No need to tell you how frustrated I am regarding the weather as most of you feel the same way. I have so many gorgeous summer outfits and never the chance to wear them. Enjoying the sunshine outside at Seerose restaurant followed by a casual dinner at a friend’s house, I went for an all white look with some colourful accessories.

My look: Embroidered ‘Sicilia’ tank top, white skinny jeans, Ruota Carretto gold-plated tasseled clip earrings, sunglasses and bucket bag, all by Dolce & Gabbana, Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier, bangles and ring by Chanel, green suede sandals by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As you might have realized already, some of this week’s posts have been dedicated to sustainable luxury. But what does this new fashionable expression actually mean?
Sustainability poses an opportunity to explore alternatives to the norm, to propose innovations and ideas for a closer connection of technology and nature, to develop and experiment with recycled and natural materials.

In our daily life, we are not willing to compromise very much in order to live and consume responsible-minded. Today, there are many brands who try new ways to combine both lifestyles. One of them is the Volvo Car Corporation.

Yesterday, we shot a short movie for the launch of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid in Switzerland.

Their new Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid, and the economy benefits are just incredible. At the touch of a button, you can choose which of the three driving modes you want to drive at any given moment: Pure, Hybrid or Power – meaning you have „three cars in one“. The V60 Plug-in Hybrid can be recharged from a regular power outlet (230V/6A, 10A or 16A) at home or in a car park.

Yesterday, I had the car for the day and drove around the city of Zurich sometimes on pure electricity which was totally amazing. It is pretty impressive that it is not only totally silent, but you can accelerate reasonably hard in electric mode without the diesel motor kicking in. As you sink in the black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching and inlays of blue-grey wood, you are definitely not thinking of going green.

Let me take you on a ride to some of my favourite spots in my recent hometown.

First stop: HOTEL BAUR AU LAC

I love this beautiful hotel set in its own park, with a stunning view overlooking the lake and the Alps. The terrace is one of my favourite places to lunch in the summer.

This weekend, the famous hotel park will host the opening event of Zurich’s ninth “Art in the Park”. The exhibition shows sculptures in the garden of the legendary 5 star hotel until August, 6th 2012. It is created and curated by Gigi Kracht, the wife of Andrea Kracht, the hotel’s sixth-generation owner, in collaboration with Gallery Gmurzynska.

A warm welcome upon my arrival.
My look: Orange-fuchsia bi-colour silk shirt and “Audrey” wayfarer sunglasses, both by Céline, stretch-leather leggings and green python “1970” bag, both by Gucci and booties by Chanel.

On my way, I received many compliments from people who loved my car.

Second stop: SHOPPING AT GUCCI

As you know, I love Gucci and I am a huge fan of their new sustainable collections. The trunk of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid has enough space for many shopping bags. Awesome!

It is always too much fun shopping with Stefano Polli, Gucci’s store manager in Zurich.

Third Stop: SUSANNE WISMER BLUMEN

I love my green oasis at home to relax and I always have flowers on display. Yesterday, I got my favourite ones: a huge bunch of pale pink peonies.

Fourth stop: RESTAURANT SEEROSE

Personally speaking, whenever I am there, I feel like being on vacation. Surrounded by the mountains and the lake, nature is embracing you in the city. Where else in the world can you find this?

By the way, when you switch to the “pure” almost silent mode, you have a similar effect while driving. You can hear the wheels on the asphalt and the wind around you. Such a beautiful and relaxing feeling.

I hope that you have enjoyed my little ride through Zurich!

The indicative price of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid luxurious “Pure Limited Edition” is starting at CHF 78.600,- in Switzerland.

After the initial batch of 1,000 cars for model year 2013 (of which 79 will go to Switzerland) this upcoming December, production of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will increase to 5,000 cars as of model year 2014.

Stay tuned for more… and a huge thank you to all who liked my facebook page. It has reached today over 30.000 likes!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Lace dress with matching shoes and bag by Prada.

Time flies. Yesterday, I celebrated my tenth civil wedding anniversary (I got married in Munich, Germany). Looking at the old photos, I was laughing out loud and had to share one with you. Gosh, I was so unhappy with my hair. Gerhard Meir, (my German readers will know him), had in the last minute one of his teasing attacks like he used to have with Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis in the 80s and this is how my hair turned out.

Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis 1986 (Photo: © dpa)

Nevertheless, it was a lovely day that I truly enjoyed every single minute. To put my hubby in a nostalgic mood, I wore the same dress like ten years ago which by coincidence I had bought in Zurich without knowing that I will end up one day here.

The religious wedding took place one week later in Marbella, Spain at the Marbella Club and so we will even have a bigger reason to celebrate next Thursday. Love you, hubby!

LoL, Sandra

A close-up from the lace shoes and miniature bag.

A pittoresque view from the Seerose restaurant last night.
When the sun is shining, Zurich feels like being on vacation.

Photos:  © Sandra Bauknecht