Sandra‘s Closet

Blake Lively was spotted at the set of Gossip Girl sporting the gorgeous Fendi Chameleon bag that should definitely be on your radar. Available in many different versions and colour combinations, it has already become a fashion classic.

Get Blake’s look:

Textured black trench coat by Yves Saint Laurent (30% off), Wisteria printed silk-satin and silk-twill dress by Preen, fine-knit cashmere cardigan by Gucci, gems studded leather gloves by Mulberry, sky-blue cashmere scarf by Burberry, black leather knee boots by Christian Louboutin and Chameleon bag by Fendi (see my favourites versions below):

Perforated Chameleon leather tote by Fendi

Tri-colour Chameleon bag by Fendi

Chameleon textured cotton tote by Fendi

Classic black Chameleon leather tote by Fendi

Really one is spoilt for choice!

LoL, Sandra

Today, I would like to introduce you to Yves Saint Laurent’s newest nail polishes duos Les Manucure Couture Les Fauves that are available now in four different combinations, only in selected department stores for CHF49 each.

Duo N° 1 – Griffe Dorée – Gold and Black Shatter

Duo N° 2 – Griffe d’Argent – Silver and Black Shatter (on my nails below)

Duo N° 3 – Griffe de Sable –  Beige and Black Shatter

Duo N° 4 – Griffe de Jade – Khaki and Black Shatter

What looks like you just stepped out of a nail salon is actually quite easy to apply yourself and it is a lot a fun watching the effect happen. So how does it work exactly? Shatter polish is a special top coat applied over your regular nail colour that gives a “crackled” effect on the finish. As the shatter coat is matte, you can apply a topcoat for a high gloss finish if desired.

OPI was among the first ones to introduce the shatter polishes. Below you can see some of my favourite combinations.

LoL, Sandra

OPI Spark de Triomphe (gold) with OPI White Shatter on top

NARS Ecume (white) with OPI Blue Shatter on top

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

Here are more interesting fashion news!
Yves Saint Laurent‘s press office announced earlier: “Today we announce the departure of Creative Director Stefano Pilati, who since 2004 has stood at the creative helm of the house. Please join us in saluting him for his extraordinary work and his determination in forwarding the awe-inspiring heritage of Monsieur Saint Laurent.
Stefano’s final fashion show – F/W 2012 womenswear – will take place next Monday, March 5, 2012 in Paris.”

Raf Simons, who showed his final collection for Jil Sander in Milan, was rumored to have been Pilati’s replacement. While French newswire AFP and French magazine L’Express both had reported Hedi Slimane, who designed menswear at YSL in the late 1990s before taking over Dior Homme, will replace Pilati. Let’s see you will make it!

The fashion carrousel is turning fast at the moment…

LoL, Sandra

Something for my Swiss readers: The annabelle magazine features in their recent issue the newest fashion trends presented by “creative people of Zurich”. If you are curious who was photographed for this project, have a look at annabelle’s backstage report by clicking here.

Needless to say, I was very honoured to be part of this wonderful shoot which they named “We are trend!”. The two ladies in charge, Daniella Gurtner and Monica Pozzi along with photographer Gregory Derkenne did an amazing job. The only downer is that they have retouched my beauty mark, which is my signature feature!

My look: Studded leather jacket, skirt and top, all by Versace and my own studded suede platform sandals by Yves Saint Laurent.

Below are some of the behind the scenes shots. Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of annabelle and © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday was a pretty busy day and I have so much to show and tell you. So let me get you started with my outfit:

Belted shearling coat and colour block dress, both by Gucci, Laurent studded bag by Yves Saint Laurent, resin bead necklace by Marni, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and ankle boots by Stella McCartney.

It seems to be my “lucky outfit”…

At the Tommy Hilfiger Men F/W 2012 show…

…spotted: Bradley Cooper.

Later on my way to the Charlotte Ronson F/W 2012 show, spotted: Nicky Hilton.

Then I went to the Soho House for the reward Style™ party.

Spotted: Connor Cruise, son of Tom Cruise and ex-wife Nicole Kidman, was the DJ at the party.

What night! Off to more exciting things today!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, after having arrived in New York City, I went straight to the IFB conference and later on to the 3rd annual Fashion 2.0 Awards that took place at the SVA Theatre. It was an amazing night where I ran into many familiar faces.

The Fashion 2.0 Awards, launched in 2010 by Style Coalition, are designed to recognize and honor the most innovative fashion brands in the online community. (The Europeans can learn a lot here!)

DKNY took the top honours at the Fashion 2.0 Awards.
Please see below the list of last night’s winners:

Best Twitter: @DKNY

Best Facebook: Bergdorf Goodman

Best Blog by a Fashion Brand: DKNY PR Girl

Best Website: Marc Jacobs

Best Mobile App: Tiffany & Co. Engagement Ring Finder

Best Online Video: Prada S/S 2011 Video Campaign

Next Big Thing in Tech: Instagram

Top Innovator: Kate Spade

Online media expert and entrepreneur Yuli Ziv who founded Style Coalition in 2008 with me.

The lovely Oscar de la Renta PR-Girls, Erika (@OscarPRGIRL) and Martha, with me.

My look last night: Fuchsia wool coat by Balenciaga (50% off now), lurex-weave silk crepe vest by Balmain (70% off now), cropped crepe pants by Vanessa Bruno, Laurent studded bag by Yves Saint Laurent, resin bead necklace by Marni, silk crepe de chine blouse and studded leather ankle boots, both by Chloé.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sian Oflaherty, © Sandra Bauknecht

This morning when I woke up in New York City after a good night’s sleep (I had been awake for 24hours!), I looked outside and the view from my hotel window was breathtaking. It was 6am and the sun was rising. The light was reflected in the skyscrapers’s facades and the colours inspired me to today’s outfit post.

Embellished-collar printed crepe dress by Miu Miu, leather-trimmed cotton-gabardine trench coat by Burberry Prorsum, orange envelope clutch by Tory Burch, handmade acetate D-frame sunglasses by Finest Seven, Tribtoo suede pumps and enameled gold-plated cuff, both by Yves Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

6:00am

10:00 am

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

With those freezing temperatures outside, I love to dream of warm weather, the sun, the sea and my new bikini outfit!

Metallic triangle bikini by Gucci, crystal-embellished leather sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti, canvas bag with Hawaiian print by Stella McCartney, round-frame acetate sunglasses by Yves Saint Laurent, gold-plated plexiglass cuff and multi-stone brass ring, both by Emilio Pucci.

It is the time of the year when it is best to get organized for your next trip to a tropical destination. As the lights of fitting rooms are in general not so pleasant for pale skin, I prefer ordering swimwear online.

For the perfect sunkissed make-up look, I recommend those products below:

For radiant skin:
1 – PURE RADIANT TINTED MOISTURIZER SPF30/PA+++ by Nars
Infused with naturally derived ingredients from French Polynesia where François Nars loves to spend a lot of time, this new tinted moisturizer instantly hydrates and evens out the skin tone. It has also been shown that it can reduce the appearance of discoloration and dark spots with regular use. The luxurious, oil-free formula obscures the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores and other imperfections while providing a translucent veil of broadspectrum sun protection.
Available in 9 shades with beautiful names: 1 Finland, 2 Alaska, 3 St. Moritz, 4 Annapurna, 5 Cuba, 6 Malaga, 7 Seychelles, 8 Martinique and 9 Polynesia.
In Switzerland in stores Mid March, CHF 72.-.

For sun-kissed cheeks and a glowing face:
2 – PURE COLOR ILLUMINATING POWDER GELEE TOPAZ CHAMELEON by Estée Lauder
High polish for your skin: 

This innovative tri-blend liquid, powder, gel formula goes beyond face powder to give you a sexy, sophisticated glow. 

It comes with a perfect mix of pigment and pearls for a multi-reflective finish. 

Smooth it on as an all-over soft sheen or sweep it on the cheeks for a luminous pearl highlighting effect. The perfect companion for the beach.
Available now for CHF 58.-.

For beautiful eyes in the shades of the ocean:
3 – OMBRE MINERALE 4 COLEURS in 08 Blue Sky by Clarins
This eye quartet palette has four long-lasting shades in the hues of the ocean. They can be applied dry or damp for a natural or sophisticated look. 
Available now for CHF 62.-.

4 – PURE COLOR INTENSE KAJAL EYE CRAYON in Dramatic Black by Estée Lauder
Reminiscent of Indian kajal eye crayons, those must-have pencils provide you with intense, smouldering colour in one single stroke. 

It glides on velvety smooth and blends easily.

 Use as a liner along lashline and softly smudge over lids to intensify the smoky look.
Available now for CHF 30.-.

5 – DIORSHOW NEW LOOK in Noir New Look by Christian Dior
A new amazing mascara that delivers infinite volume and an unparalleled lash-multiplying effect. 

Diorshow New Look features an exclusive breakthrough nana-brush to catch and coat every last lash with the precision of a couturier’s hand. The extraordinary formula with a Lash Amplifier™ ingredient provides an instant lash-multiplying action.
Available in Switzerland starting February 8, 2012 for CHF 48.-.

On the lips:
6 – LARGER THAN LIFE® LIP GLOSS in Gold Digger by Nars
The new Larger Than Life® Lip Gloss provides lustrous shine that stays in place for hours, while lips feel protected and moisturized. Natural lip enhancers provide volume while a new, shorter bristle brush delivers a precise application to define and shape lips. 
Available for CHF 35.-.

For eyecatching nails:
7 – PURE COLOR NAIL LACQUER in Topaz Teal by Estée Lauder
Colourful nails are a must and this turquoise shade is the perfect hue for the beach.
Available now for CHF 34.-.

To make sure that your body looks great in the sun, have a look at those upcoming new products that I can highly recommend:

For a healthy-looking tanned body:
DIOR BRONZE AUTO-BRONZANT Self Tanning Oil Natural Glow by Christian Dior

AMAZING MOOD-LIFTING PRODUCT!

Dior Bronze is the perfect replica of all pleasures of the sun to enhance the skin and lift the mood! On the application, the skin is satiny, luminious, perfectly moisturized and progressively recreates a radiant tan.
On the mood, you will feel the perceived pleasure of a unique uplifting action. A plant-based active ingredient helps stimulate the natural production of ß-endorphins, the so-called “pleasure molecules”, for an immediate mood-lifting sensation, as if you just spent time sunbathing!
Available in Switzerland beginning of March for CHF 58.- (100ml).

For a well-toned body:
DIOR SVELTE  BODY DESIRE Integral Perfection Care by Christian Dior

Anybody among you who is not wishing for the perfect well-toned body?! Here is a product that will help you to achieve it in one single step (But you still need to work on your daily sports routine and calories intake, sorry!).

This body care product acts on all of the key characteristics of a desirable body: slimming, firming, moisturrizing, toning and smoothing. How is that possible?
At the “heart” of the skin, adiponectin – a protein with a sensational spectrum of action discovered by Dior science – affects all those features. Stress and the excesses of modern life tend to inhibit the influence of this unique protein. Dior Svelte reactivates the natural synthesis of adiponectin for a visibly enhanced body in 4 weeks.
Available in Switzerland beginning of March for CHF 96.- (200ml).

You have still lots of time left to get in shape for summer! But better get started early…  this is all you need!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring 2012 make-up collection, created by Lloyd Simmonds, is called “Candy Face”. Those shades are so fresh and beautiful with melting textures and transparent effects that they seem sweet enough to eat! I am talking about sparkling sugar eyes, delicious cheeks and a gleaming smile.

I took a photo of my favourites:

VOILE DE BLUSH – Feathery light blush  in 04 Mauve Veil (to the right)

The gel texture is in osmosis with the skin. Impalpable, it forms a satiny veil, soft to the touch. Ultra melting, it “plumps” the cheekbones with a sublime effect, CHF 43.-.

MANUCURE COUTURE – Edition N°8 Nail Colour (to the left)

A nail polish duo that can be worn alone or together as a colourful French manicure. The small bottles are great to travel with, CHF 49.-.

Here is another new highlight from Yves Saint Laurent:

ROUGE PUR COUTURE – Vernis à Lèvres in 15 Rose Vinyl and 17 Encre Rose

A new revolutionary lip make-up. It is not really a lipstick, not really a lipgloss – and much more than a lip stain. Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres is a glossy stain. It comes with an applicator that is different than others providing you with a modern technology to keep your lips soft, coloured and sheer. The texture is new and not as you would expect it. Very light, not sticky, it just tints your lips with a coloured veil.
Available starting this month in 19 shades, CHF 48.- each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Yves Saint Laurent and © Sandra Bauknecht