Sandra‘s Closet

Today I would like to show you the most exceptional jewelry boxes for the connoisseur in your life this Christmas. If you like to collect jewelry, it is also important where you keep it. Security aside, beloved treasures deserve a home as beautiful as they are… and below are some very sophisticated choices to choose from!

LoL, Sandra

Facettes Jewelry Box by Hermès

Beauvais velvet jewellery box by Aerin

Grosvenor leather jewelry box by Smythson

Flora print jewelry box by Gucci

Studded leather-trimmed striped jacquard jewelry box by Fendi

Monogram Canvas Jewelry Box by Louis Vuitton

Mara printed croc-effect leather jewelry box by Smythson

Botanical Heirloom Jewelry Box by Jenny McCormack (comes with the jewelry)

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Breeze through check-in with this line-up of chic travel wallets, luxe luggage and more.
First priority is to stay organized with the help of those items:

Panama Marshall textured-leather travel wallet by Smythson

Printed textured-leather passport cover by Dolce & Gabbana

In-flight travel bag by Anya Hindmarch

Get your favorite beauty products in travel sizes and only take hand luggage (so no worries about lost baggage):

Beauty travel kit by Net-à-Porter Beauty

On board, get comfy, remove your make-up, relax and finally get some sleep:

In Transit No Traces – 60 pads by This Works

Ribbed-cotton travel set by Skin

Lace-trimmed printed silk eye mask by Dolce & Gabbana

All doesn’t work if you don’t have the right luggage (and don’t forget the luggage tag!). I always recommend a great bag that is easy to carry and that you can put on top of a trolley:
Falabella GO travel bag by Stella McCartney

Panama leather luggage tag by Smythson

Grained-leather suitcase by Mark Cross

Safe travels!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

«Clouds come floating in my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.»

Fluffy clouds to wear this S/S 2017 season … fashion can put you in a state of blissful happiness. Time to get on cloud nine! Happy Sunday!

Get the look: Happy Clouds top by Rosie Assoulin, Puzzle printed leather shoulder bag by Loewe, Cloud iPhone 6/6s case by Stella McCartney, Dionysus embellished suede pumps by Gucci and Panama Every Cloud textured-leather notebook by Smythson.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Great news! The NET-A-PORTER SALE has officially started and the website is full of amazing pieces waiting for you. Here are some of my favorites:

Navette silver-plated crystal clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta (40% off)
These beauties vamp every look.

Portobello 2016 textured-leather diary by Smythson (40% off)
Keep your things organized next year. It also makes a great gift.

Lady and the Tramp embroidered cotton-canvas clutch by Olympia Le-Tan (30% off)
Never wanted to invest in a fun accessory. Now is the time!

Leather-trimmed wool and cashmere-blend jacket by Balmain (50% off)
Look for classics on sale that work for many seasons to come.

Patent-leather T-bar pumps by Gianvito Rossi (40% 0ff)
I can never resist shoes on sale.

I hope that I could inspire you a little.
Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of net-à-porter

Every year, I am curious which shade will be announced by global color authority Pantone as the official color of the year. For 2015, it is a soothing and comforting tone, which could be an inspiration for a balanced and more fulfilling life: MARSALA. Much like the fortified wine that gives it its name, this tasteful hue with its grounding red-brown roots embodies a satisfying richness and a sophisticated, natural earthiness.

A hearty yet stylish tone, the impactful, full-bodied qualities of Marsala make for an elegant, grounded statement color when used on its own or as a strong accent to many other colors. I like it extremely in combination with mint green. It’s time to fill your wardrobe with the new It-shade!

Leather bustier by Kiki de Montparnasse

Fringed suede trench coat by Valentino

Textured-leather travel wallet by Smythson

Marsala, a slightly muted wine shade. It’s much deeper and more winter-friendly than last year’s bright, showy purple, Radiant Orchid, which means it’s kind of perfect to start wearing right now. If you’re into it, here are a some great beauty products in the hue:

Marsala for Nails: Chanel‘s Le Vernis in “639 Exception“, CHF 35.00

Baume De Rose Nutri-Couleur – Bloom Berry by By Terry

Baby Doll Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks in 11 Prune Impertinente by Yves Saint Laurent

5-Colour Eyeshadow in 876 Trafalgar by Christian Dior

This post is available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog. Check it out – there are more interesting products available.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Pantone, Etsy, Valspar Reserve, pica4u.ru – Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I have specially selected some of my favorite goodies to treat a loved one or maybe yourself. Enjoy those thoughtful Valentine’s Day keepsakes such as this cute mini leather shoulder bag by Christian Louboutin. To shop just click on the highlighted text.

Cora Heart 100 patent leather pumps by Christian Louboutin

Love U 14-karat gold, diamond and enamel earrings by Alison Lou

The Valentine’s Box

Charlotte Tilbury ‘s rich Mini Magic Cream (15ml/ 0.5fl.oz.)
Bamford‘s Geranium Hand & Body Wash (50ml/ 1.7fl.oz.)
LAFCO‘s Chamomile Lavender Soap (130ml/ 4.5oz.)
Radical Skincare Revitalizing Mask (30ml/ 1.0fl.oz.)
Jurlique‘s Nutri-Define Retexturizing Serum (15ml/ 0.5fl.oz.)
Hourglass‘ silky, pore-minimizing Veil Mineral Primer (5ml/ 0.16fl.oz.)
Eyeko‘s Mini Black Magic Mascara (4ml/ 0.13fl.oz.)
Anastasia‘s Mini Clear Brow Gel (2.5ml/ 0.08fl.oz.)
Serge Normant‘s Meta Sheer Dry Finish Oil (50ml/ 1.7fl.oz.)

The Love Box

Bamford‘s geranium pebble soap (250g/ 8.8oz)
Susanne Kaufmann‘s rose oil (100ml/ 3.4fl.oz.)
LAFCO House & Home‘s Champagne scented candle
Stella McCartney‘s ‘Lips‘ iPhone 5 case
Assouline‘s The Big Book of Chic by Miles Redd hardcover book
Smythson‘s ‘Inspiration and Ideas‘ textured-leather notebook
Lipstick Queen‘s ‘Velvet Rope‘ lipstick in ‘Brat Pack’
Anya Hindmarch‘s Phwoar!!! textured-leather adhesive sticker

The Pamper Box

Bamford‘s rose, geranium and jasmine pebble soap set (three x 75g/ 2.6oz.)
Monica Vinader‘s rose gold-plated ‘Fiji‘ bracelet
Stella McCartney‘s ‘Clara Whispering‘ lace-trimmed silk robe
Neom Organics + Jenny Packham ‘Happiness‘ white neroli, mimosa and lemon scented candle
Aromatherapy Associates‘ ‘Ultimate Bath Jewels‘ set (10 x 7.5ml/ 0.2fl.oz.)

The Box of Jewels

Anita Ko’s ‘Wave’ 18-karat rose gold diamond necklace
Anita Ko’s ‘Thorn’ 14-karat rose gold earrings
Anita Ko’s ‘Spike‘ 14-karat rose gold diamond bracelet
Smythson’s ‘Panama’ mini textured-leather jewelry box

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Today, I am off to London. In my suitcase are the most quintessential travel accessories you can imagine for fashion week. A few weeks ago, NET-A-PORTER‘s iconic black box arrived on my doorstep personalized with my initials.

Inside, a luxurious edit of everything needed for the shows, a bespoke fashion week survival gift sent by the famous online shopping destination to influential bloggers and friends of the brand.

The specially curated set of objects was wrapped in NET-A-PORTER‘s instantly recognisable packaging whilst Paris-based illustrator, Damien Florebert Cuypers came on board to pen with pastel the most famous faces of fashion week.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Coco Chanel once said: “Luxury must ne comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury…”. Wishful thinking and not always true – unfortunately.

Fashion weeks are approaching and I start slowly getting myself organized for some stylish but comfortable outfits in which I can run around the whole day and look good at the same time.

Here you see today’s shopping obsession: Tiger-intarsia knitted sweater by Kenzo, stretch-leather skinny pants by The Row, Emile textured-leather tote by Alexander Wang (love its rose gold-finished design) and black leather ankle boot with metal chain by Givenchy (one of the hottest shoes of the season).

My notes and my iPhone should look stylish as well with the runway textured-leather notebook by Smythson and the chain-embellished cover by Moschino.

I will finish off the look with some statement nails and vibrant lips: Giddy Kipper nail polish by Butter London and Persistence matte lip color by Kevin Aucoin.

LoL, Sandra

Jo Malone, the famous fragrance designer and founder of JO LOVES, is based in London. Being inspired by her hopes and creative thoughts, the ingredients in life that she loves, it is pretty much obvious that her favorite place is the Big Apple.

Your favourite city?
Without a doubt my favourite city is NEW YORK CITY. I lived there for a year and it still feels like my second home. Whenever I’m there I feel totally relaxed and so inspired. I love every second of being in such a fun city.

Your favourite hotel?
I always stay in the same room at THE FOUR SEASONS. The service is outstanding and the staff are simply incredible. I also adore the white décor in the rooms because it reminds me of my home in London. I’ve got many happy memories attached to the hotel.
The Four Seasons, 99 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022. +1 212-754-9494

Your favourite restaurant?
Whenever I arrive, I head straight to SERAFINA on Madison Avenue. It serves the best pizza made in huge wood fired ovens. Their SEARED SALMON OVER LENTILS is absolutely delicious and just thinking about it makes my toes curl!
Serafina, 1022 Madison Ave, Manhattan, +1 212-734-2676

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
I have two favourite bars. One is the BEMELMANS BAR AT THE CARLYLE which feels like a part of history gone by. It’s so glamorous and reminds me of that Gatsby Art Deco era. I love to come here with my husband, order a glass of chilled white wine, and listen to the jazz pianist.
The Carlyle, 35 East 76th St, New York, New York 10021 +1 212.744.1600

My other favourite spot is the COCKTAIL BAR within THE FOUR SEASONS. It’s such a great place to meet friends or sit alone and people watch. It was the inspiration for my Mango fragrance collection.
The Four Seasons, 99 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022. +1 212-754-9494

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
Even though I’ve been there countless times, ELLIS ISLAND is still such a special place for me. I love the stories of the immigrants who came over in their millions and the strong sense of beginning and hope in the air. It was the start of so many peoples freedom and really represents the American dream.

Your favourite park?
I love the boating lake within CENTRAL PARK; simply beautiful. It’s such a great space that embraces you during every season and at each part of the day. In the summer I love to go for brunch at the LOEB BOATHOUSE and in the winter we’ve spent the day as a family sledging and drinking hot chocolates.
The Loeb Boathouse, E 72nd New York, NY 10028. +1 212-517-2233

Your favourite shop?
I’m a huge fan of J.CREW and never leave empty handed. I’m love the boutique store down on Madison and buy almost anything that sparkles!
J.Crew Collection, 769 Madison Ave New York NY 10065. +1 212 824 2500

I can’t ever leave the city without a visit to CRATE & BARREL which has every single kitchen gadget you could dream of from cherry pipers and sweet corn strippers to maples syrup pourers. You name it they have it. I always spend hours in this store and have bought countless storm lanterns which are all over my house.
Crate & Barrel, 650 Madison Avenue, New York +1 212 308 001 1650

Your must-have accessory?
I don’t go anywhere without fragrance and spritz my JO LOVES Pomelo at least three or four times throughout the day. I also love my SMYTHSON notepad and MUJI pen for jotting down my thought and inspirations as I wander around the city.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
ELTON JOHN “I’m Still Standing”. I cried so many tears in this city whilst fighting breast cancer but have had many more times of fun and laughter here. This song completely describes how I feel about this great place.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
This has to be ‘The Hundred Foot Journey” by RICHARD C. MORAIS. It’s the story of a man who needs to return to his to his roots to find true fulfilment in his talent of cooking. It’s where I am in life and in business right now, returning back to my roots and rediscovering my passion for fragrance again.

Thank you, Jo, for sharing your insider scoop on New York City with us!

LoL, Sandra

Have you been looking for the perfect bag to carry to work that fits all your personal belongings, keeps your laptop safe, looks stylish and is made out of great leather for an amazing price? Sounds be too good to be true? Actually not, you might have just found it…

Let me introduce to the new addition to my closet: The Loretta Bag by Rodtnes, made of soft, thick calfskin leather of the highest quality that will only become more beautiful with time. The leather is very similar to the Togo leather from Hermès.

The bag has the perfect size that fits everything you need for work.
Let me show you what is in my bag:

Monogrammed patent-leather iPad sleeve by Gucci holding my iPad, pink textured-leather notebook by Smythson, Culte sunglasses by Miu Miu, smartphone holder by Montblanc, my MacBook that is stored perfectly in a special compartment of the Loretta bag, Monogram card holder and wallet, both by Louis Vuitton, a magazine and a statement necklace by Gabriele Frantzen (that can transform your business look in one step to a glamorous outfit for night, always be prepared…).

Below you can find the photos and more facts on the fabulous Loretta bag.

About Rodtnes

In early 2011 Mette Rodtnes, a designing architect, was looking for a beautiful and functional workbag. When she realized that what she was looking for did not exist, she started to to develop the Loretta – the very first Rodtnes bag.

External features:

– Adjustable handles
– Security straps (the handles are kept safely in place by two straps on each attachment location)

–  Long detachable shoulder strap

– Two side pockets with magnetic closing (one side pocket holds a compartment for a mobile phone)

Internal features:

– Compartment to fit a 13 or 15-inch laptop computer. 
(15 inch = appr. 36 – 38 cm on the longest side)
– Compartment to fit A4 documents, iPad etc.
– Smaller zipped compartment.
– Large compartment

Loretta Bag by Rodtnes
Height: 31 cm. Length: 39 cm. Width at botton: 16 cm
Available in black, caramel and grey.

€ 374.- (Readers of Sandra’s Closet will get a special 20% discount by using the promotion code sandrascloset at checkout until the end of August 2012).

Prices for Swiss orders include VAT.
Prices for EU and international orders exclude VAT.

To shop, please click here. Rodtnes is only available online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht