Sandra‘s Closet

From Pucci-wrapped fashionistas to bronzed Tropeziennes, all love the French Riviera for renewal, and amusement at once. An amazing tide of sophisticated influences has defined beach culture in St. Tropez for many years. Transcending time and place, an afternoon spent at Bagatelle Beach Ramatuelle is an afternoon well spent in the South of France. I cannot wait to finally be back for great food, great party and the perfect beach. My favorite swimwear? I love to wear Emilio Pucci‘s polychromatic styles influenced by the Sixties and Seventies. So chic!

My look: Parasol-printed top, matching pareo-style skirt and bikini, all by Emilio Pucci, Rockstud jelly flip flops by Valentino, Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier, necklace by Roberto Cavalli, sunglasses by Tom Ford, and bum bag from Louis Vuitton‘s S/S 2009 collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

It’s all over town. I have enough of winter and cannot wait for the warm season to come… just a few more month to go during which I have to indulge in memories of days spent in the South of France. Here you see me on the rooftop bar of the Hotel de Paris in St. Tropez during the Asmallworld weekend … heaven on earth.

My look: Rinnaa pointelle trim bandage dress by Hervé Léger, Kan I Mini studded leather chain shoulder bag by Fendi, leather platform pumps by Gucci, long pearl earrings and sunglasses by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

While you are reading this I am on my way to St. Tropez for the ASW Summer Weekend, followed by the Cannes Film Festival. I am truly looking forward to some fun times ahead.

My look: Tweed blazer by Balmain, white lace dress by Azzedine Alaïa, Cassandre light blue clutch with tassel by Saint Laurent, leather platform pumps by Gucci and pearl earrings by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I would love to get you holiday-ready with my favorite five sun products that I have tested intensively during the last two weeks during my stay in St. Tropez. Sun cream is the biggest summer essential in our beauty bags, and you can be expecting no less than the best protection for your skin with these must-haves.

FOR THE FACE

DIOR BRONZE Beautifying Protective Creme Sublime Glow SPF 50
CHF 49.50 (50ml)

Boasting a divine melt-in texture and an incredible scent, this facial sun cream has a finish that reveals its pearlescent highlights and that is extremely light for its high sun protection factor. It does not whiten the skin that is instantly wrapped in a satiny light. Designed for the fine and fragile skin of the face, it protects it from free radicals and prevents the appearance of photo-induced dark spots. For me a daily must!

SISLEY Tinted Sun Care Youth Protector SPF 30
CHF 150.00 (40ml)
Available in 01 Natural – 02 Golden (this is the shade I am wearing)- 03 Amber

If I am looking for more coverage at the beach or at dinner, I go for this amazing product with its ideal luminous make-up finish. Besides, it helps to protect the skin from the effects of photo-aging, such as wrinkles, brown spots, dehydration and loss of firmness. Its optimal sun protection filters and active ingredients protect the DNA and have anti-free radical properties. Moreover the moisture level of your skin is maintained.

FOR THE BODY

BIOTHERM Fluide Solaire Wet or Dry Skin SPF 30
CHF 41.00 (200ml)

I love this sun cream! And do you want to know why? Wet or dry, there is no need to choose anymore! Get the same sun protection even when skin is wet. New water-chasing technology prevents the formula from being diluted by water to protect wet skin so you can top up faster. With its so-called «Sun Sea Wind Repair Technology» it defends your skin from the combined effect of sea, wind and salt which make it more vulnerable to UV damage.

LA MER The After Sun Enhancer
CHF 150.00 (200ml)

Get your post-sun glow with this luxurious, lightweight gelée that instantly cools and quenches parched skin. Over time, it softens and recharges skin from the look of damage for an even, radiant and ageless tan. Massage onto body in circular motions for soothing post-sun pampering and to help enhance skin’s luminous glow.

LANCASTER – Le Parfum Solaire EdT
CHF 60.00 (100ml)

The House is known for breakthrough innovations in UV expertise. Never wear perfume and expose your skin to the sun as it can cause serious irritations. But here is an exception that is specially developed for the sun: Lancaster’s newest fragrance Le Parfum Solaire which gives you a flowery-musky relaxing cloud and will keep your memories of the holidays all year around.

Top notes: Aldehydes, petitgrain, lily of the valley, ylang-ylang
Middle notes: Cinnamon, rose petals, jasmine, hyacinth
Base notes: White musk, vanilla, violet, cabreuva wood

This post is also available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

Transparent trends took the runway for a whirlwind this summer season. While this might not be one of those looks you can easily adapt for, I took the challenge and sported this see-through dress in St. Tropez for a great night out.

My look: Lace and silk-blend chiffon midi dress (40% off on sale) by Dolce & Gabbana, laser-cut leather and suede platform sandals by Alaïa, high waisted shorts and  patchwork clutch, both by Prada, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, Tiffany T bracelet in rose gold by Tiffany & Co., necklace and earrings, both from the Paris-Dubai collection by Chanel, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I spent last weekend in beautiful Saint Tropez. Here you see me in one of my favorite outfits for summer at the pool of the Sezz hotel before leaving for dinner. I just adore everything bohemian this season.

My look: Guipure lace and linen-blend mini dress by Chloé, Aphrodite leather sandals by Valentino, fringed macrame bag, earrings and necklace, all by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While being in Florence, I was able to explore the new Pop Up Greenhouse by RED Valentino which will officially opens its doors today at Piazza Strozzi.

The temporary space will stay until the 17th of June.

It is a beautiful botanical scenario, where you unexpectedly find yourself in a luxuriant, verdant place like Alice in Wonderland.

In this imaginary greenhouse the young protagonist of the RED Valentino story light-heartedly continues her journey.

Her romantic fantasy and vivid imagination are her means of expression.

A cloud of delicate fluttering white butterflies comes to life, seemingly lifting this airy, magical world and carrying it to a fairytale setting. The decoration is divine.

Gardening elements become objects for displaying exclusive garments. Scarves are enclosed in transparent glass bulb boxes. Galoshes hang in wood crates while colourful costume jewellery is “planted” in small white flower pots.

If you are a romantic woman, you will fall in love with the magical surrounding. The collection was created solely for this fairytale space: each garment and accessory was especially designed and presented in this dreamy, light-hearted setting. Flirty garments and accessories are playfully paired up with garden elements. Work aprons and rubber galoshes becomes whimsical accessories for overalls, while flowers and butterflies embellish the fabrics of dresses, skirts, and accessories, all in a burst of colourful prints.

Even the colours are inspired by nature: rose, hyacinth, and thyme are used on natural materials that are traditional elements of the RED Valentino world.

This new chapter in the marvellous RED Valentino fairytale, signed by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, will visit next St. Tropez, France from 11-18 July, 2011 at Place Celli. After that, Knokke, Belgium is the following stop from 4-7 August, 2011 at Place Van Brunnen Plein.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht