Sandra‘s Closet

Leather culottes have been all the rage this S/S 2020 season. Cut from butter-smooth leather, these shorts are preferably shirred at the waist and kick out to wide cuffs. They hit just above the knee, so you can wear them with mules or boots alike. Thanks to Bottega Veneta‘s Daniel Lee who says he only wants to create clothes that will last a lifetime, we will surely enjoy those pieces for many years to come. Those shorts will age beautifully with you.

Amata leather culottes by RtA

Leather culottes by Brunello Cucinello

Leather culottes by Joseph

also available in yellow.

Shirred leather culottes by Bottega Veneta

also available in beige (my choice)and in a beautiful light blue.

Leather culottes by Tom Ford

Stay tuned! I will show you how I style them very soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Here is my recent interview for GLOBUS Magazine about my beauty favorites, available in German and French. Click here to read it online. My avid readers will know them already… below you find the six products that I cannot live without and why is that…

1 The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask x 6 by La Mer
My secret for an immediate glow, especially after a long distance flight.
2 The Moisturizing Soft Cream, 60ml by La Mer
My everyday must for the prefect hydrated skin.
3 Lavender Extrême Eau de Parfum, 50ml by Tom Ford
I have fallen in love with this very special scent as it reminds me of my beautiful trip to the lavender fields in Gordes.
4 So Intense Mascara – 1 Deep Black by Sisley Paris
My favorite mascara of all.
5 Tinted Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base – Medium by NARS
The best base to make your eyeshadows last forever.
6 Lip Glow – 006 Berry by Dior
An amazing lip product to look fresh in one second.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Globus and © Sandra Bauknecht, © Virgile Guinard for Tom Ford
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

The American fashion house has dropped their new cheekily-named fragrance, just in time for Valentine’s Day and it is very Tom Ford.

«The prick of a rose. The slight pain that yields such sensual pleasure. Inspired by my own rose garden, Rose Prick is a wild bouquet of intoxicating and rare hybrids.
 A trilogy of Rose de Mai, Turkish and Bulgarian roses. Sharp and pristine. Warm and sensual. A heady bouquet of blooms in pink perfection. The danger of being so close to beauty heightens the seductive power of Rose Prick.» – Tom Ford

F*cking Fabulous. Lost Cherry. And now Rose Prick. The latest cheeky offering is certainly no exception and a rose by any other name wouldn’t be Tom Ford… Strong, unexpected, seductive, with an amazing staying power, the new fragrance smells just as delectable as it looks.

It isn’t overly rosey, inspite of its name, but it imparts a full-bodied rose scent, accented by spicy Sichuan pepper and warm notes of turmeric and patchouli. Personally speaking, after a few seconds I smelled some chocolaty gourmand notes on me, before the deliciously heady trilogy of Rose de Mai, Turkish rose and Bulgarian rose, which  is one of the rarest varieties of rose in the world, takes over. The base is sweet and sexy with patchouli and tonka bean, finished with caramel, vanilla, and musk.

 You’ve already made space on your shelf haven’t you? I felt the same way when I read the press release. I am so happy to have added the brand new Eau de Parfum to my fragrance collection because it ticks so many boxes for me, not only in terms of the scent itself but also because this matte baby pink bottle with its sophisticated signature black label looks so pretty in my bathroom.

Top notes: Sichuan pepper, turmeric
Heart notes: May rose, Turkish rose, Bulgarian rose
Base notes: Patchouli, tonka bean, caramel, vanilla, musk

TOM FORD Rose Prick Private Blend 50ml is now available for CHF 340.00 and as 250ml for CHF 890.00. TO SHOP TOM FORD ROSE PRICK ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Who would have ever thought that we will be wearing cycling shorts and chunky headbands again? But let’s be frank, in their modernized way, they look absolutely stunning, don’t you agree?!

My look: Melissa satin-trimmed wool tuxedo jacket by Stella McCartney, bow-strap crepe blouse, appliquéd jacquard-knit shorts, embellished satin pumps, frame comic-print leather bag, and bow-detailed embellished satin headband, all by Prada, Grace cat-eye 60’s style sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Possession 18-karat rose gold diamond ring by Piaget, Happy Hearts 18-karat white gold diamond ring by Chopard, 18-karat yellow gold earrings with diamonds and yellow gold diamond ring, Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds all by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For my shoot with TOM FORD in Gordes, I did my make-up with those beautiful products from the LAVENDER EXTRÊME collection that the team had placed in my hotel room. As I am having green eyes, everything purple works very well for me because it makes my eye color pop.

The lipstick is a deeper, lavender purple with pink undertones and iridescent violet pearl throughout. I love it as the color makes your teeth seem a lot whiter. It doesn’t look like in the advertising when you apply it, as it has more of a glossy, metallic finish with a few sparkles. You can easily build up the coverage but it will never be fully opaque like in the ad picture. It wears well for many hours and is very hydrating at the same time.

Left: Tom Ford Extrême Badass Mascara
Right: Tom Ford Lip Color in Lavender Extrême

The SHADOW EXTRÊME shades are my favorites, formulated with long-wearing polymers and also water-resistant, so they’ll glide on smoothly using your fingertips or a brush without settling between creases. I love this extra sparkle for my eyes.

From left to right: Tom Ford Shadow Extrême in TFX10 Black, TFX7 Deep Purple, TFX13 Pink, and TFX12 Dusty Rose.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tom Ford Beauty and © Sandra Bauknecht

In July, I travelled with TOM FORD to Gordes in France for the launch of the brand’s newest unisex fragrance, LAVENDER EXTRÊME. An extremely beautiful scent that I fell in love with from the first encounter, different from everything I had smelled before. The iconic lilac flower is upended, translated from its storied origin in Provence and into a fresh subversion of itself. Different types of lavender are mixed together, developing diverse facets, from an adrenaline-pumping freshness to an amber-like facets and layered with Italian bergamot and citrus. For the base note, the relaxing scent of lavender gets a shot of electricity with a spicy, warm oriental tonka, and benzoin drydown. Extremely sexy, seductive and long-lasting – exactly what TOM FORD stands for.

For the social media campaign, I was honored to be part of this amazing shoot in the lavender fields close to Gordes, wearing this stunning outfit by TOM FORD.

My look: Light jersey mock neck cape dress, leather pumps with padlocks, vintage purple «punk»-style fur bag, silk-chiffon headscarf, and Linda sunglasses, all by Tom Ford, leather and suede waist belt by Balmain.

Housed in an all-silver, sleek bottle, LAVENDER EXTRÊME is the epitome of understated glamour. In Switzerland available now at Jelmoli, Globus Zurich and Globus Geneva for CHF 340.00 (50 ml).

Enjoy more photos below and stay tuned for the make-up look coming up soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Virgile Guinard for Tom Ford / © Sandra Bauknecht

You snooze, you lose… I don’t let my readers miss out on hundreds of items by Tom Ford, Givenchy, Jimmy Choo and more – all now in final sale.

Shop up to 80% off at NET-A-PORTER – plus enjoy 20% off all ‘Sale Must-Haves’! Here are the 10 pieces on sale you shouldn’t miss:

Silk-chiffon headscarf by Tom Ford
A piece that will elevate every look to new heights and will be your friend on a bad hair day!

Asymmetric gathered stretch-crepe gown by Givenchy
A runway piece that moved like a flowing waterfall as it made its way down the S/S 2019 runway. An investment piece for a great piece that works for all seasons.

Dolce Box crystal-embellished acrylic clutch by Dolce & Gabbana
A clutch decorated with glistening crystals in a striking leopard pattern will never come out of fashion.

Maureen 85 leather-trimmed zebra-print satin mules by Malone Souliers
Zebra print is THE trend among animal prints for the F/W 2019 season. This is your chance to get ahead of the fashion tribe!

Love 100 glittered checked leather pumps by Jimmy Choo
Another great transition piece. A must for winter!

Belted marbled intarsia-knit jacket by Balmain
A wonderful cardigan for cold summer nights and a daily companion for winter.

Gold-tone clip earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane
Would you have guessed that those earrings are now Marked down to less than €30?

Fringed jacquard-knit wrap by Etro
This wool-blend jacquard wrap is exactly what you want to reach for on chilly days.

Loulou medium leather and jute-trimmed quilted printed cotton shoulder bag by Saint Laurent
A seasonal but fun piece you shouldn’t miss! Bohemian luxe at its best.

Printed silk-twill scarf by Versace
A classic that makes a great gift as well.

Happy Weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

From bright sparkling eyes to bronzers, here are the key must-haves for summer 2019 to get on your radar. My beauty mantra for the hot season is simple: the less work I have to do, the better. As it turns out, we should all be embracing the fact that wearing a ridiculous amount of makeup in sweltering temperatures is never a good look. I recommend some sparkle for your eyes and the right amount of bronzer for a sun-kissed complexion. Enjoy!

NARS Exposed Cheek Palette (top left)
Cheeks are up front and versatile with a limited edition palette of six universally flattering shades in a breakthrough formula that delivers unparalleled color. LOVE! CHF 66.60

CHANEL Bronzer and Highlighter Duo in 317 Medium (top right)
Part of the Maison’s Cruise 2019 collection, this two face powders palette, consisting of a matte bronzer and a pearlescent highlighter, fits in every bag for immediate touch-ups. CHF 78.00

TOM FORD Soleil Contouring Compact in Bask (center left)
Blush, highlighter and bronzer in one for the perfect complexion. CHF 100.00

NUXE Multi-Usage Compact Bronzing Powder (center right)
Beautifying and long-lasting, this multi-usage powder with its yummy Huile Prodigieuse® fragrance (orange blossom, magnolia and vanilla) provides an immediate «healthy glow». CHF 35.00

ESTÉE LAUDER Desert Heat Eyeshadow Palette (bottom)
Turn up the heat with 9 silky shadows to emphasize, customize and dramatize your eyes. Matte and shimmer finishes, limited edition. CHF 72.00

BOBBI BROWN Molton Drama Eye Shadow Palette
Brighten your eyes with these ten highly pigmented colors in four different finishes, including 5 Chrome Metal Eye Shadows for a hypnotic glow. My favorite this summer! CHF 84.00

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, my all-time favorite red carpet event took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York: the Met Gala 2019. Personally speaking, this year’s exhibition theme: «Camp: Notes on Fashion», based on an essay from 1964 by the late Susan Sonntag, delivered a bout of wild, over-the-top fashion moments. It was like a playground to dress up for all fashion aficionados.

Even the hostess went gaga: Anna Wintour in an embroidered Chanel gown with feathery cape.

If you seem confused… in this case, camp is not to be mistaken as in sleeping bags and tents, but camp as in exaggerated fashion. Sonntag’s essay, that provides the framework for the exhibition, defines camp as «love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration» and examines how the elements of irony, humor, parody, pastiche, artifice, theatricality, and exaggeration are expressed in fashion. The exhibition will be open to the public from May 9 – September 8, 2019.

This was her theme! Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell changed her outfit four times!

Co-hosted by two fashion-loving celebrities: Lady Gaga and Harry Styles and sponsored by Gucci. What do you want more?

The exhibition itself is featuring both men’s and womenswear, over 200 pieces of fashion, along with sculptures, paintings, and drawings from the 17th century through today. The works of versatile designers from Alexander McQueen to John Galliano, Rei Kawakubo to Mugler, Mary Katrantzou to Jeremy Scott, and more are featured. What I have seen so far, among the exhibited items are many pieces that also hang in my closet. I couldn’t be more proud of my collection…

Before the Hollywood royalty and fashionistas presented themselves on the red carpet in front of the Metropolitan Museum, they met in the nearby «The Mark». The hotel is the venue for Anna Wintour‘s «pre-party» of the glamorous event every year. Definitely the place to stay!

Below are my favorite looks of the night… enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

My favorite outfit! My favorite reveal! Thierry Mugler himself is back, now called Manfred, and envisioned Kim Kardashian as a California girl stepping out of the ocean, wet, dripping. This latex dress took 8 months to make and is for me a true innovation on the runway!

Reminiscent of the Gucci runway: Jared Leto with his beheaded doppelganger

OMG! To die for! Cardi B in Thom Browne

Looking sensational: Saoirse Ronan in Gucci

She looked like a young Linda Evangelista in the ’90s: Bella Hadid in Moschino.

Harry Styles in Gucci

In keeping with the evening’s theme of camp, Ezra Miller turned up with the most outstanding optical illusion. His attire? Custom Burberry by Riccardo Tisci.

All about hats: Janelle Monáe in Christian Siriano.

I love pink, I love Barbie and I love this: Multi Grammy Award-winner Kacey Musgraves channeled a true fashion icon, Barbie, in Moschino.

Colorful: Lupita Nyong’o in custom Versace and Bulgari jewelry.

Stunning Gemma Chan in and with Tom Ford. Best accessory: having the designer at your side.

Katy Perry in a chandelier dress by Moschino.

Céline Dion in Oscar de la Renta

What an entrance! Billy Porter wore a custom-made sun god outfit by New York City-based designer duo The Blonds.

Blue hair, don’t care: Lucy Boynton in Prada.

I loved this. What a Cinderella moment for Zendaya. Sporting a glowing, Disney-esque gown designed by Tommy Hilfiger, and accompanied by her stylist Law Roach who transformed with the wave of a wand Zendaya’s dress into a glowing ensemble. She even left a glass slipper.

Lily Collins opted for an ivory ruffled gown which featured a flowing train by Salvatore Ferragamo. Very ’60s – very sweetheart.

Fresh off the Couture Week runways, Hailee Steinfeld sparked in Viktor & Rolf slogan couture gown. It was a perfect match as Anna Wintour had forbidden cameras, iPhones inside the event…

This was by far my favorite Met Gala of all and I cannot wait to see the exhibition!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vogue, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Getty Images

In yesterday’s post I showed you a head to toe red leopard print look. Today I would like to show you even more options. Keep it going bold with these red animal print dresses – perfect for the effortless seasonal chic and a modern way to uplift your festive appearance.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Button-embellished leopard-print velvet mini dress by Balmain

Pussy-bow pleated printed silk crepe de chine dress by Givenchy

Lace-trimmed leopard-print satin dress by Koché

Open-back leopard-print jersey mini dress by Tom Ford

Leopard and tiger-print wool-blend skater dress by Valentino

Leopard-print silk-jacquard maxi dress by Alessandra Rich

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands