Sandra‘s Closet

The evolution of the Rockstud collection continues with new explosive bags from the Va Va Voom series to must-have shoes, like the new pony hair iconic sling-backs below. Be the first to add an elegant edge toy our style this fall.

For the next three days you have the priviledge to shop these items before they are available to all customers. Just click on the highlighted text below to be transfered directly.

The booties shown on the photo above will be on every fashionista’s shopping list, so stay tuned as I will keep you posted once they hit the stores. In the meantime, enjoy these must-haves:

Rockstud kitten heels by Valentino

Already a fashion classic since this must-have kitten heel was first spotted on all editor’s feet in the front row. Click here for some photos.

Animal printed Rockstud kitten heels by Valentino

This newly introduced version will surely make your heart leap with joy.

Va Va Voom leather satchel in a rich shade of bordeaux by Valentino

I could not think of a better name for this lady-chic bag.

Textured leather mini shoulder bag by Valentino

Forest green is the It-shade for the F/W 2012 season. So you better get started now…

Rockstud patent loafers by Valentino

Such an amazing silhouette, stylish and comfortable in one.

Rockstud small leather tote by Valentino

Structured, sleek and with a cool-girl edge, Valentino’s Rockstud tote has been the editors’ bag of choice since its launch. What a stud. My must-have for F/W 2012.

LoL, Sandra

“The last bastion of hospitality left in the world” – Roja Dove
This is what the famous perfumer said about the beautiful Lausanne Palace & Spa hotel and I could do nothing else but agree with him.

Located in the heart of the Olympic capital, with a magnificent view over the Lake Geneva and the Alps, this charming five-star luxury hotel is only a throw stone from the most elegant shopping streets and the picturesque old city. The entire property has been renovated over the past years, thus creating a unique environment, combining luxury and refinement, well-being and savoir-vivre. Its blend of the traditional with modernity is lending the hotel its unique character. The Lausanne Palace & Spa, an unforgettable experience.

Me in front of the Lausanne Palace & Spa, wearing a flared barnacle-intarsia dress by Alexander McQueen, a light blue leather jacket by Gucci and a black bag with golden zippers by Tom Ford and studded leather ankle boots by Valentino.

View from…

…my beautiful renovated room.

My favourite flowers, peonies, were waiting for me.

The Lausanne Palace Signature Scent
“The scent is soft and elegant recreating the impression the hotel itslef conveys. As you enter you are greeted at once by a marriage of elegant understatement, tradition, and refinement.
To recreate the atmosphere I have created a bespoke scent which blends soft balsamic, amber-like elements with a very precious and rare rose, rose de Mai, which pays homage to the hotel’s famous guests and my origin” – Roja Dove

Top notes: Bergamot
Middle notes: Rose
Base notes: Cedar, patchouli and leather

Some parts of the hotel are still reminiscent of its Belle Epoque soul.

Coco Chanel Suite – A fashionista’s dream
A privileged client of the Lausanne Palace & Spa for many years herself, the famous fashion designer Coco Chanel greatly inspired this suite in blue sky and cream tones. Located on the 5th floor of the Palace, the 170m² of space includes everything you can dream of.
The best feature: A vast dressing room of 24m² embellished with an English shower judiciously completes this apartment. Princess Grace of Monaco, wrapped in her mink stole, and Prince Albert visited as well.

Dining at Lausanne Palace & Spa is a true experience, thanks to four restaurants and a variety of culinary options. Le Côté Jardin offers healthy, creative Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The Michelin-starred and the newly appointed 17/20 points Gaultmillau, La Table d’Edgard serves French-inspired gastronomic cuisine. Italian restaurant La Grappa is just a few minutes by feet away from the hotel.

In the center of the lobby, the new 1915 Bar (the year of the hotel’s inauguration) welcomes the guests throughout the day.

The LP’s Bar (above) and the Habana Bar (below) serve refreshing cocktails and cigars.

At the Parisian-style la Brasserie du Grand-Chêne, guests like the Rolling Stones, enjoy typical brasserie dishes, such as entrecôte with French fries. Opened from 6:30 am to 1:00 am, hot dishes served until midnight.

The Palace Sushi Zen, where 3 specialists from the Land of the Rising Sun will prepare dishes in front of guests.

The Cellier invites you to taste carefully selected wines in an unforgettable setting.

The 2100 square metres CBE Concept Spa of the Lausanne Palace offers a wide range of treatments, therapies and contemporary or traditional rituals: sports rooms, indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, solarium and relaxation rooms.
I had an Ayurvedic massage which was absolutely wonderful.

The Yogi Booster, a relaxing bar and lounge, to enjoy healthy drinks and treats in the spa.

My stay at the Lausanne Palace & Spa was truly unforgettable and I can absolutely recommend this hotel and its boutique to you.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lausanne Palace & Spa and © Sandra Bauknecht

Get ready to fall in love with the new season’s It-bags!

The pre-fall 2012 must-have bags are here, including Mulberry’s much sought-after Del Rey. Take advantage of this exclusive pre-shopping invitation to get your hands on this piece along with the other It-bags of the new season like YSL’s Chyc clutch in dark cherry. Be the first to indulge in pre-fall’s new arm candies. For the next three days, you have the privilege to shop those items before they are available to all customers.

To shop, just click on the highlighted text below.

LoL, Sandra

Del Rey leather tote by Mulberry

Chyc clutch with logo closure by Yves Saint Laurent

Chameleon leather tote by Fendi

Silvana bag with snakeskin insert by Fendi

Rockstud leather shopper by Valentino

Safari large single shoulder bag by Marc Jacobs

At the moment I am in London where I met the lovely dynamic designer duo Kaufmanfranco at the net-à-porter offices yesterday. The New York label’s signature is dazzling evening wear that’s delicately embellished, plus modern day wear with an urban twist.

Isaac Franco to the left and Ken Kaufman to the right with me

Their sleek American style have landed them a stockpile of fans in every age group, spanning Taylor Swift to Jennifer Aniston. Calling themselves “the New Sensualists”, their designs are pure sophistication.

Taylor Swift and Jennifer Aniston in Kaufmanfranco (Photos: Getty Images)

It was lovely talking to the charismatic designer duo who answered openly my questions.

Ken Kaufman and Isaac Franco met over 25 years ago. FIT-alumni Ken offered Isaac his first job who at that time had just finished his studies at Parsons School of Design. Since then, the two have been working constantly together for the likes of Valentino or Emanuel Ungaro, just to name a few. In 2004, they decided to launch their own label.

You two seem like yin and yang, same vision, different approach but complementing each other perfectly. Who designs which part of the collection?

Me, Isaac, I take care in general of the day wear styles and Ken is more into eveningwear.

How can I imagine your creative process?

Each of us designs and does sketches that we present each other. We then sometimes change what the other came up with which makes our designs better and special.

Whom would you like to dress? This could be also a person in history.

I think Madonna. But I have recently been asked whom I would like to invite for dinner and I thought Moses and Madonna would make a great combination at the dinner table.

Why don’t you do a runway show?

We are still a small label and prefer putting all the money into the clothes.

Last night, I got a wonderful preview of the Kaufmanfranco F/W 2012 collection that is full of sophisticated cocktail looks and all the fall coats and dresses you need. The colours are dark, from black to silver and rust. The materials are luxurious with lots of embellished pieces, Kaufmanfranco’s signature style. Enjoy the photos that I took for you:

If I have whetted your appetite for some Kaufmanfranco shopping, I would like to invite you to explore their S/S 2012 collection which is in stores now by clicking here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Kaufmanfranco and © Sandra Bauknecht

The name Nina Ricci is famous, especially the house’s most famous perfume, “L’Air du Temps” (created in 1949), but the brand has dropped off the fashion radar for quite some years. The French fashion house was founded by Maria “Nina” Ricci and her son Robert in Paris in 1932, and has been owned by the Spanish beauty and fashion group Puig since 1998.

After Maria Ricci’s death in 1970, the label went through a difficult phase, with different owners and designers. In 2009, designer Peter Copping, who had worked for Louis Vuitton, took over and since then Nina Ricci has been on the rise again. I absolutely adore Peter’s designs.

When designing the F/W 2012 collection which will be presented this Thursday during Paris Fashion Week, Peter Copping, Creative Director of Nina Ricci, asked himself what the Nina Ricci uniform would be. First and foremost among the house codes is the little black dress.

Here you can see me in Paris, posing in front of the Nina Ricci store window on Avenue Montaigne in the same dress that was on display:
Ruched taffeta and lace dress by Nina Ricci, tweed and leather jacket by Antonio Berardi, Black Mamba gold-plated snakeskin-effect cuff by Yves Saint Laurent, studded leather ankle boots by Valentino and Constance leather clutch by Jason Wu.

Tweed materials are another house signature; here Copping whipped them up in a feminine and soft style. Combined with a floral skirt, it takes your summer wardrobe to the next level.

Tweed coat, open-knit crew-neck sweater, mini pansy-print skirt, ruched linen wedges and Liane top handle bag, all by Nina Ricci.

For all perfume lovers, I recommend Nina Fantasy, a gorgeous Limited Edition version of her classic Nina fragrance, which will be availbale in Switzerland in April, just in time for spring.

Slightly sweeter smelling than the original, the scent combines top notes of bergamot, mandarin and pear with the delicate, powdery heart notes of cherry blossom, rose and heliotropes. Base notes are mate and brown sugar.

The white procelain bottle in the shape of a flamboyant apple is very fairytale-like. It draws inspiration from spring and magical moments. It is finished with a golden stem and leaves, engraved with the Nina Ricci signature, and has some sweet illustrations in golden pink.

Eau de Toilette, Limited Edition, 50ml, CHF 77.-

LoL, Sandra

Last night, the 84th Academy Awards 2012 were held in Los Angeles. Question is who won but even more important who wore what! Here is your fashion recap from the Oscars 2012:

White ruled on the red carpet! The sparkling hue of winter worn by Rooney Mara, Milla Jovovich and Cameron Diaz, among others, emerged as one of the evening’s top trends like a fashion blizzard.

My favourite of last night was stunning Gwyneth Paltrow, who totally nailed it in a striking white cape dress by Tom Ford. The “Contagion” actress kept the rest as sleek and elegant as her gown, a sparkly cuff bracelet and her hair held back in a low ponytail. She definitely deserves the Fashion Oscar of last night!

H.S.H Princess Charlène, wife of H.S.H Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco,was dressed in an Akris couture gown created by Swiss designer Albert Kriemler and carried a matching Mini Allegra bag. Her appearance marked the first time a member of Monaco’s royal family is in attendance since Grace Kelly won the Oscar in 1955 as best actress.

Needless to say, red is always a great choice for the red carpet. Best seen on Michelle Williams, Natalie Portman and Emma Stone.

Whatever happened, those ladies came already like the Oscars and one took it even home! Stacy Keibler, love of George Clooney, is quite literally a trophy girlfriend in her golden Marchesa gown, don’t you think?

Dressed in matching black outfit, the Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt stood out on the red carpet. The couple knows how to draw attention and that does not only mean showing your leg!

The Academy Awards winner of last night were:

Best Picture: The Artist (Thomas Langmann, Producer)

Actor in a Leading Role: Jean Dujardin (The Artist)

Actress in a Leading Role: Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady)

Directing: The Artist (Michel Hazanavicius)

LoL, Sandra

Keep it simple and chic with a black and white two-tone dress or a sophisticated overall. Master the ladylike mood of the moment with clean-cut silhouettes and invest in one of those statement pieces that you will enjoy for many seasons.

1 Color-block stretch-jersey shift dress by Gucci
2 Two-tone crepe dress by Stella McCartney
3 Two-tone cashmere dress by Gucci
4 Ester crepe jumpsuit by IRO
5 Two-tone crepe dress with bow details by Valentino
6 Two-tone jersey and silk dress by Jay Ahr
7 Two-tone silk and metallic leather dress by Gucci
8 Walky two-tone textured-leather tote by Yves Saint Laurent

Metallic leather or golden accessories will complement your look perfectly.

LoL, Sandra

Last week, I went to the presentation of the 15th annabelle Prix de Beauté which was held at the Dolder Grand in Zurich. The presentation could be best described as the “Swiss Beauty Oscars”. I felt very honoured because I was asked to be in the jury.

The highly coveted “Anna” trophy.

My task? Test 100 beauty products in the category facial care. No problem at all!

For my Swiss based readers: All the winners of the different categories will be published in the annabelle 04-2012 magazine which will be available starting February 22, 2012. From March 2-17, 2012 all the awarded products will be displayed at Manor in Zurich.

Some of the winners were already featured on Sandra’s Closet such as the Diorskin Forever Foundation or the Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator by Estée Lauder.

Below you can see what I wore to the event. I hope that you will like it.

LoL, Sandra

My look: Bouclé-tweed mini dress by Alexander McQueen (40% off on sale), lace-appliquéd mesh knee boots by Valentino (70% off on sale), pearl necklace by Lanvin, lace-print bag by Prada (from a previous season) and Lady Exalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

Photos: ©Sandra Bauknecht

Red is a must next summer and in combination with nude and beige just irresistible. 
Clare Waight Keller, who has replaced Chloé‘s Hannah MacGibbon, shows for her debut collection this colour combination in perfection.

If you are in the mood for shopping, have a look at this stunning outfit below, perfect for the cold temperatures now.

I personally absolutely adore the colour combination of red and nude, so French and so chic!

This rosette-embellished silk top by Lanvin will be a great addition to your wardrobe. It works best partnered with a simple pencil skirt or this trendy pleated leather skirt by Marc Jacobs. Stay warm during winter time with a cozy cardigan by Missoni and the gorgeous red flared wool princess coat by Issa. Add a classic bag such as the nude vitello bow-embellished leather tote by Miu Miu and some killer heels like thestudded open toe sandals by Valentino and you will me make heads turn.

LoL, Sandra

On Friday, I went for lunch with the lovely Carolina from the Swedish fashion blog Fashionsquad. Later, she took those photos of me in Florence.

My look: Printed dress by Balenciaga, suede-paneled embroidered wool coat
by Emilio Pucci, lace boots by Valentino, tricolour Trapeze bag by Céline, pocket watch necklace by Dolce & Gabbana and Twenties fishnet stay-ups by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Carolina Engmann, © Sandra Bauknecht