Sandra‘s Closet

During my trip to Cuba with CHANEL, I went on a Hemingway tour, following the footsteps of one of the worlds greatest writers.

My look: Denim top and matching culottes, both by Stella McCartney, Tian slip-on sneakers and Soho mini textured-leather shoulder bag, both by Gucci, sunglasses by Chanel, Portofino Midsize Automatic watch with diamonds and grey alligator bracelet by IWC Schaffhausen and Double C diamond black lacquer white gold ring by Cartier.

First stop was Finca Vigía, the only «real home» the author had in his lifetime. The house is located in a small, modest suburb of Havana named San Francisco de Paula, not too far from the capital city. Today it is a museum. You can only see the rooms from the outside looking inside the windows. It is very impressive to see the place where many masterpieces were written. In the garden there is even a small cemetery where Hemingway had buried his favorite dogs.

Second stop was the charming fishing village Cojímar that was the background for one of Hemingway’s most important works «The Old Man and the Sea» that is based on a real character living in town. The writer came here often by boat and had drinks at the local bar La Terraza. Today, one table with a stunning view from the seaside dining room is still reserved honoring Hemingway. For true literature aficionados, it’s a must see visit.

«But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.»
– Ernest Hemingway

Last stop of my Hemingway Cuba tour was El Floridita, a lovely bar in the center of Havana where the writer enjoyed many of the world’s famous daiquiris. Right to the left when you enter, you will find a life-sized bronze statue of Hemingway leaning his elbow on the mahogany countertop remembering their well-known guest.

On my Hemingway tour Cuba I have learned al lot about the writer’s past and his relationship with the Caribbean country and I can only recommend it! I feel blessed to have experienced the country before it will loose its old-world charm.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While you are reading this post, I am on my way to Cuba as guest of CHANEL. I am totally excited about this trip as the Maison’s highly-anticipated Cruise 2017 collection will be presented in Havana on El Paseo del Prado upcoming Tuesday,  May 3rd, 2016.

As part of the month of the French culture in Cuba, the House of CHANEL is also presenting the exhibition “Obra en Proceso / Work in Progress” by Karl Lagerfeld at the Factoría Habana in Cuba, from April 28th to May 12th 2016. The opening reception will take place this Sunday.

This exhibition, divided into three sections representing the designer’s main interests – fashion, architecture and landscapes – brings together more than 200 of Karl Lagerfeld’s photographs. It explores the great diversity of subjects, approaches and techniques that define the very personal and subtle interpretation that makes his photography. For him, a photo is not just an image but also a unique visual object.

It’s no secret that the travel media and fashion houses are thrilled about the loosening of restrictions between Cuba and the United States. Dubbed a “trend” for Resort and S/S 2016, Cuba was the theme of other collections as well: Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler and Temperley London among others.

Stella McCartney for example transformed her Resort 2016 presentation in NYC into a Havana-inspired scene, complete with chocolate cigars, cocktails, street performers, a live band and caricatures of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.

Cassie tiered silk gown by Stella McCartney
(inspired by the Bata Cubana or traditional rumba dress)

The clothes were of course also inspired by the Cuban theme: models donned citrus-hued gowns, wildflower prints, ruffled hemlines, and even an updated version of the Bata Cubana or traditional rumba dress.

Proenza Schouler’s Resort 2016 collection also referenced the culture of the Caribbean nation, an homage that came from a recent trip to the country that designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez did. The latter is of Cuban-American origin and saw his relatives for the first time.

Drop-waist printed silk-crepe mini dress by Proenza Schouler

The collection was subtle with its references to Cuba. Ruffles and floral prints were reminiscent of the native costumes.

The vivacious spirit of Havana, Cuba underpinned also Temperley London‘s S/S16 runway collection which is filled with an exuberant sense of colour, pattern and rhythm. The mood reflects Cuba and the forbidden yet tempting fantasy of island life – its decadent cultural heritage and the nonchalant and mysterious attitude of its capital city Havana.

Arabelle wrap-effect embroidered cotton dress by Temperley London

This is a collection that encompasses day to evening in a vivacious and animated manner whilst being confident, joyful, and ultra feminine.

As internet is said to be very slow in Cuba, I hope that I will be able to post live on here on my blog and on instagram (@sandrascloset) but it is not sure. Those are the two hashtags to follow: #ChanelCruiseCuba, #FactoriaHabana.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: J Grassi/PatrickMcMullan via AP Images, Courtesy of the Brands, © Chanel

Two weeks ago, I flew to New York for the 110th anniversary celebration of Montblanc. It was freezing cold when I landed. I stayed at the PIERRE hotel on the Upper East Side, a perfect location, very close to the Central Park, where those photos were taken.

My look: Wool toggle coat by Gucci, key embroidered cardigan, matching sweater and scarf, all by Dolce & Gabbana, Maria high-rise skinny jeans by J Brand, biker boots by Miu Miu, The Falabella medium faux brushed-leather shoulder bag by Stella McCartney and sunglasses by Chanel.

Now, two weeks later I am back in the Big Apple for the opening party of Hublot‘s gigantic Fifth Avenue store. The sun is shining and it feels like summer. I am staying again at the PIERRE hotel and enjoy a spectacular view over the city.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Many of my readers have been asking me about a business look with a certain twist. As one of the big summer trends is incorporating lingerie in your daily wardrobe, I exchanged the stereotype white shirt into a feminine lace top which looks sophisticated and elegant under a blazer. A great selection of such camisoles can be found at ZIMMERLI. The one I am wearing in this post has some small pieces of art hidden within the airy embellished ribs. The light and breathable fabric is soft as silk and pliant as cashmere.

My look: Tuxedo jacket by Stella McCartney, lace top by Zimmerli, cropped wool-crepe pants by Alexander McQueen, Croco Tail sunglasses by Fendi, Christy leather point-toe flats by Aquazzura, tote bag by Karl Lagerfeld, pearl earrings by Chanel, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery and Tonda 1950 Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Dive into blue! Just in time for spring, many designers looked to the water and sky for inspiration. Especially royal blue with its refined elegance translates easy into the new season. I am in love with jumpsuits that are absolutely trending at the moment. Head to toe in this sophisticated shade is truly an eye-catcher.

Get the look: Carrie cape-effect silk-chiffon and stretch-crepe jumpsuit by Haney, Vivi embellished lizard-effect leather shoulder bag by Sophia Webster, Wild Thing fringed suede sandals by Aquazzura and pompom-embellished woven straw sunhat by Yosuzi.

Below you can find some more inspirations of the S/S 2016 runways …
… enjoy the rest of your week! Kisses from NYC!

LoL, Sandra

Lanvin S/S 2016

Hermès S/S 2016

Stella McCartney S/S 2016

Akris S/S 2016

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

This summer, nobody can say they couldn’t find a cool «Fourth of July» outfit to show their patriotism. All the facets of American stars-and-stripes flags and their iconic colors were seen on the S/S 2016 runways. Finally we can show our love for the US with style in cashmere and not in a cheap polyester costume. I am totally hooked.

From left to right: Red and white star intarsia cotton-blend tank by Max Mara, grey and blue fringed cotton top by Stella McCartney, leather-trimmed appliquéd mesh top by Ronald Van Der Kemp, embellished denim mini skirt and snapshot color-block textured-leather camera bag, both by Marc Jacobs and Race Runner suede and fabric sneakers by Balenciaga.

Marc Jacobs S/S 2016

Intarsia cashmere and silk-blend sweater by Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs S/S 2016

J.M Guys patchwork low-rise boyfriend jeans by Ronald Van Der Kemp

Lacoste S/S 2016

P.Y.T. embellished leather backpack by Marc Jacobs

Max Mara S/S 2016

Which ones are your favorite stars and stripes?

LoL, Sandra

Photos and Stills: Courtesy of the Brands and via Vogue.com

This February 14th, surprise your better half with one of these creative Valentine’s Day gift ideas.
Rosebud set of 12 stretch-lace thongs by Hanky Panky
MY FAVORITE!!! How cool is this? Presented in a long white box with a red bow, twelve of the brand’s signature claret thongs are wrapped onto stems to resemble a bouquet of a dozen red roses.

Rosaviola scented oval, 35g by Diptyque + Olympia Le-Tan
Diptyque and French fashion designer Olympia Le-Tan team up to create the playful ‘Rosaviola‘ collection. With its soft notes of rose, traces of lipstick and rich leather, this unique fragrance captures the allure of the inside of a woman’s purse. It’s encased in a small oval with a printed hanging cord, letting you fill small spaces or even your closet with the warm, powdery scent.

Love gold-tone Swarovski crystal necklace by Lanvin
There is nothing more powerful than love and it is nice to carry the statement around your neck. Lanvin’s necklace is cast from gold-tone brass and is embellished with a sizable Swarovski crystal that’s faceted to catch the light.

Maharani stretch tulle-trimmed embroidered Leavers lace chemise by La Perla
La Perla’s describes the Leavers lace from its ‘Maharani‘ collection as, “an enchanted garden of thread where large flowers blossom across the body.” Trimmed with stretch-tulle, this embroidered claret chemise is characterized by its glamorous V-back and scalloped neckline.
Doracora 100 neon-trimmed patent-leather pumps by Christian Louboutin
Christian Louboutin says these eye-catching ‘Doracora’ pumps “steal glances wherever you wear them.” They’re crafted from super glossy blush patent-leather decorated with a cute neon-pink heart at the toe.

Liz Taylor embellished guipure lace-trimmed stretch-crepe dress by Christopher Kane
I LOVE!!! This off-the-shoulder dress is inspired by an amazing love story and named after Hollywood screen siren Elizabeth Taylor – the decorative crystal embellishments are inspired by the Taj Mahal diamond gifted to her by Richard Burton. This elegant piece is cut from stretch-crepe and trimmed with pretty guipure lace, playfully patterned with love hearts.

Heart Falabella embellished cross-body bag by Stella McCartney
An array of sparkling white crystals brings glamour to Stella McCartney’s black heart-shaped Falabella bag. It’s crafted from glossy faux-suede in Italy and features a recycled bottle-lined interior and a cross-body ruthenium-chain strap.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

One of my New Year’s resolutions has been to do everything with good vibes only, which means also things that I hate such as grocery shopping. Never forget… good vibes attract good lives! With this in mind have a wonderful day!

My look: Brown leopard print duffle coat by Saint Laurent, black dress by Prada, black cardigan and crystal embellished biker boots, both by Miu Miu, Dionysus Blooms print shoulder bag by Gucci, green wool hat by Stella McCartney and necklace by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Give your wardrobe a new season update with a denim bag. An array of different choices is waiting for you. I am in love with those classics that are re-interpreted with embroidered butterflies or flowers. For a night out, denim clutches are perfect when you only want to carry your essentials.

1 Natalia medium leather-trimmed denim shoulder bag by Tom Ford
2 Monogramme medium denim shoulder bag by Saint Laurent
3 The Falabella mini embroidered denim shoulder bag by Stella McCartney
4 My Rockstud embroidered denim and textured-leather tote by Valentino (my favourite!)
5 The Pashli mini denim and textured-leather trapeze bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim
6 Milla denim clutch by Jimmy Choo

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

It’s Dior, Darling, when you get a very special invitation to join famous chef Andreas Caminanda at his restaurant Schloss Schauenstein for a feast for the senses. All details of the lunch will be coming up shortly. In the meantime enjoy this outfit post. You will see that I felt very happy that day…

My look: Melissa satin-trimmed wool tuxedo jacket by Stella McCartney (one of my favorite jackets since many years, already a classic that works with everything), polka-dot silk dress by Saint Laurent, bag with camouflage-print by Anselm Reyle, matching scarf and «So Real» sunglasses, all by Dior, Elizabeth high heel leather riding boots by Gucci and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht