Have a look at www.prettyballerinas.com, a shop that sells a huge variety of the beloved flats and ships worldwide. You can find your home country flag (probably a nice way to dress up for the World Cup), little embellishments, python leather, leopard print – just everything the heart desires. Some models are inspired by the ones seen at Chanel (the classic bi-colour), Salvatore Ferragamo (with the bow) and Prada (with the flower) for example but cost much less.
I love the Fashion Emergency Pack that says „open only when heels are killing you”. What a lovely gift! Happy Browsing!
LoL, Sandra
During the Paris Fashion week last March, they were already dangling from the editor`s shoulders: The small frame bags. This is quality in a square! Those simple and cute accessories have mostly a long strap with a 70s feel to them. Called box bags, the elegant and chic models are on the rise to become true classics if they are not already like the Constance by Hermès. Here are my favourites for F/W 2010:
A small frame bag is very comfortable and stylish to wear. If you do not want to spend too much or try it out first (believe me after years of gigantic models you have to get used to it…), H&M offers a pretty nice one.
Your back will love the new It-pieces…!
LoL, Sandra
Matthew Williamson has just got in some new gorgeous kaftans and jumpsuits for your holiday season. They are stylish cover-ups for your swimwear, moreover very comfortable and work also very well in the evening. The colours are amazing and blend in perfectly. If you are interested, please contact the London store by phone +44 20 7629 6200.
LoL, Sandra
Beaded Kaftan £695.-
Jumpsuit £ 995.-
Beaded kaftan £695.-, belt £160.-
Short kaftan with brooch £ 650.-
Long kaftan with brooch £895.-
Long kaftan with brooch £895.-
The cult of Louis Vuitton`s Stephen Sprouse leo scarf is a worldwide phenomena. It started in 2006 when Marc Jacobs made his first tribute to the artist, who had died at the age of 50 in 2004, by using the leo print the two had created together. An It-stole was born.
The first colour marron has become an integral part of every year`s collection, followed by other seasonal versions. Wrapped around many celeb necks, the scarf is bound to go down in history as one of the most famous of its kind.
Another historical moment took place last month in London when Louis Vuitton celebrated their new store on New Bond Street with the launch of 4 limited editions of their iconic Leo scarves. Only available in the British capital, they were sold out immediately on the opening day.
I know so many who were diappointed the last years because they missed the new colours. We do not want this to happen again! Here is the preview of the two latest designs for F/W 2010, said to be in stores around August. The statement piece was seen already on Margherita Missoni in Monte Carlo (see above). Always good to be friends with a designer.
So girls, who are not on good terms with Marc, get yourselves on the wait lists now and claws out for the new leo!
LoL, Sandra
Paris Hilton at Madame Tussauds
It is Sunday and I feel totally cozy. When I am at home, I usually wear all sorts of track suits, mostly by Juicy Couture. By transforming the sloppy sweat suit into a sexy uniform, the brand has been on everyone`s lips since quite a while. Spotted on many celebrities, it seems to be perfect for everyday life. Paris Hilton, a big fan of the label, is even displayed at Madame Tussauds wax museum in London in Juicy Couture.
In the US it is quite usual to wear the comfortable clothes to all sorts of different occassions from grocery shopping to lunch. In Europe, the trainer look is becoming more and more part of a fashionable wardrobe during the day. I could live in those, sooooo comfy and still body-consciously sexy, also great for yoga and pilates. By the way, the quality is amazing, you can wash them a zillion times.
Apart from the tracksuits, Juicy Couture offers a lot more, from cute underwear to kids clothing, dog couture, jewelry and a lot of fun stuff.
I am totally in love with those cute pieces above. The colour combo of mint green and soft pink is enchanting. Who could resist a girl in such a cute bathrobe at the breakfast table sipping her coffee?
Pam Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor
Juicy Couture changed the flavour of casual dress and style. The company was founded by two smart Californian women Pam Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor in 1994 and belongs since 2003 to the Liz Claiborne group. The brand extended their product range to include ready-to-wear, denim and more. The sister line Bird by Juicy Couture was introduced last year, a more serious fashion that offers a great value for money. I recommend it warmly to you.
Usher in an era of relaxed luxe that will sooner or later take over the world!
LoL, Sandra
Camilla Skovgaard F/W 2010
High heeled, stilettoed, up to the thigh, those boots are insane and definitely to become the hits of the season. Just imagine your legs in them! Those jaw-dropping models from the F/W 2010 collections will make you speechless and others green with envy.
The overknee is going to stay for another season, love the Burberry ones. You could feel a saloon-girl approach in detail and line at Balmain or Givenchy, lace-up and mid-calf, you are ready to dance the Can-Can. But no worries, it is a very modern look, not at all disguised.
Architecturally amazing are the soles of Viktor & Rolf, even if they seem to be a copy of Camilla Skovgaard`s signature style (see left).
Buckled, fringed – there are certainly no rules, experiment with such a variety of shapes and models. I am sure that there is already one that has conquered your heart! To be in stores soon…
LoL, Sandra
One of my favourite online stores Net-à-Porter has started to receive the new pre-fall 2010 collections and I do not want you to miss this. The beginning of the season offers always so many stunning pieces. Here are some of them, already put together in complete outfits. The Burberry Prorsum jackets are divine just as the python prints by Stella McCartney. A belted cardigan is a must-have for next season, why not go for this Fendi one and think leather, leather, leather! The Burberry Prorsum pencil skirt below would be the perfect opportunity. Do you feel the same urge to push the “add to shopping bag” button like I do?!
Natalie Massenet
As it has been a week of announcements, I have another one, this time for my male readers who probably feel a little left behind. Ten years to the day Net-à-Porter was founded and right after its acquisition by Richemont earlier this spring, the online shop`s founder Natalie Massenet and the Net-à-Porter family announced that they are adding a stand-alone menswear luxury retail site to the company, called Mr Porter. It will launch in January 2011 for next spring and will offer the most exclusive service along with style advice. Brands like Balmain, Burberry, Lanvin, YSL and John Lobb, just to name a few, will make the stressed business man happy shopping from his desk. Or we could order for our men a little pre-selection to enjoy at home. I like it!
LoL, Sandra
The 2010 CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) paid tribute to its winners and honorees last night in New York at the Lincoln Center. The award could be compared to the Oscars in fashion. Many celebrities, designers, models and stylists attented the event, dressed up beautifully. A real fashionable crowd.
The most important prize was won by Marc Jacobs, named to be the Womenswear Designer of the Year. Menswear went to Rag & Bone designers David Neville and Marcus Wainwright and the Accessory section was covered by Alexis Bittar.
Sarah Jessica Parker in Alexander McQueen honoured the late designer for his indelible contribution to international fashion. Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief of US Vogue, handed the Geoffrey Been Lifetime Achievement Award to Michael Kors who showed up with Gwyneth Paltrow in one of his designs. Christopher Bailey for Burberry was recognized with this year`s International Award.
The three Swarovski Awards for emerging talents were given to Jason Wu, Richard Chai and Alexander Wang. This is not only a trophy. The recipients will receive generous financial support from the company. Let`s keep an eye on those rising stars!
LoL, Sandra
It would not be Chanel if there was not a nail polish hype for Pre-Fall 2010. So here are the stunning Paris – Shanghai beauty products. The very limited-edition collection Noir et Or is exclusive to Chanel boutiques.
Very beautiful for the eyes is the duo Ligne et Ombre Jet Gold, a sparkling gold eyeshadow combined with a matte black eyeliner.
There are 3 different nail colours that can be layered or worn alone. I tried myself the new style French/Chinese manicure with Gold Lamé 440 (a satiny gold) andBlack Velvet 430 (a matte black). ). I applied a shiny topcoat therefore you do not see the matte effect. You could also layer Illusion d`Or 450 (a transparent sparkling gold) to achieve a more glittery shine. I got a lot of compliments on my art-déco inspired nails. Try it for yourself.
If you are not able to grab the Chanel bottles, a good match would also be OPI`s Dynasty Bling (gold) and Lady in Black (black).
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Chanel and © Sandra Bauknecht