Sandra‘s Closet

So long, miniskirts! Say hello to longer hemlines as they swing their way back into our closets this fall.

Interesting to know is the hemline theory which says that when hemlines go up, it is a sign that stock prices rise. When the knees are seen, it is a bull market. When the skirts get longer, it is a bear market, and prices will fall. Is the longer hemline an indicator for a global recession? Can fashion explain today’s erratic swings in the stock market? Will see…
Probably the reason is that during bad economy, ladies do not want to spend their money on cellulite cream and hair removal. The longer hemline works then to their advantage and so the theory would be correct.

During F/W 2010 fashion weeks last spring, editors were almost tripping on their skirts, taking boho to the max and they were absolutey right.

Inside on the runways, the long skirts made their comeback to daily life, from floor-sweeping to still showing a bit of leg, but most importantly keeping it well below the knee.

Above, you will see my pre-selection of gorgeous long skirts that are all available at the moment.

Love this look: Skirt and scarf by LOUIS VUITTON, worn with a coat by CELINE, a belt by HERMES and boots by FENDI. Photo by Phil Poynter for German Vogue September 2010.

If you go for the trend, I will recommend pairing it with a cropped jacket, tucked in blouse or a belted-top for a nice silhouette. Especially if you are small-framed, you have to make sure that you are not swallowed by the floor grazing skirt. If you like you can also opt for the “Olsen Twins look” with a long knitted cardigan on top, but still try to get the proportions right.

I hope that you have enjoyed seeing the economy through the eyes of a fashionista!

LoL, Sandra

For all my male readers who have been asking for this frequently, here is my Menswear Trend Report for F/W 2010.
And Ladies, please stay tuned as you never know when this will come in handy. Your hubbies, daddies and boyfriends will love you even a little more for your fashion knowledge. Moreover the menswear trends are very similiar to the female ones. Have fun and get inspired! Even the classic pieces are definitely not boring this season…but see for yourself:

The end `50s and early `60s inspired many designers for their F/W 2010 collections. The well-tailored suit makes its return into the gentleman’s closet. Imagine Don Draper, the main character of Mad Men, shopping on Savile Row and there you go! Back to the basics, black, all shades of grey and camel welcome elegance as the new dress code.

Also back is the 3-piece suit. I like Costume National’s modern interpretation in grey worn with a turtleneck.

Anyway, turtlenecks were seen everywhere on the runways and seemed to have replaced the shirts. Those cozy pieces worn with a suit have this wonderful `70s vibe that is so up-to-date.

Camel is the new black! The camel coat has been a wardrobe staple of almost every fashionable era. This season, there are many different updated models in well-designed silhouettes, dynamic volumes and distinct cuts. A great investment for many years to come!

A vest or a jacket in velvet is a must this season. Beautiful shades make those It-pieces even more desirable.

Added to these revisited classics making them part of the modern times, were narrow tight leather or cropped pants.

The new hemline goes hand in hand with another rising trend for men. Pants were tucked into boots and it looked so hot! So guys, be brave and try it out!

If you like it more bright, you could add just a hint of colour, preferably in royal blue or a berry tone.  A little sweater like the Prada one will be a perfect eyecatcher.

Or you could opt for the total look. Tone on tone, from head to toe, dressed in the same colour family or matching fabrics give this creative concept a new take on the masculine dress code.

If it gets really cold, men will have a lot of stylish options this season. Fur was seen along with must-have shearling jackets. I adore the Burberry Prorsum ones very much.
Rustic sweaters evoking a winter sports atmosphere let us dream of after ski and evenings in the chalet.

So Gentlemen, I never want to hear again that you are indifferent to fashion! Enjoy your new look and the world will be your oyster!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Last year at the first Fashion’s Night Out, the launch of Chanel’s mint green nail polish “Jade” went done in nail polish history. Peter Philips, global creative director of Chanel make-up, started a hype that has not come to an end yet. Fashionistas all over the world have craved for the limited vernis colours since then.

This fall at the second Fashion’s Night Out hosted by Vogue , that will take place in 16 cities around the globe (like New York, Paris, London, Berlin and Tokyo) it won`t be any different.  
The world’s biggest shopping event stands for a fab night with late store opening hours, fashion shows, pop-ups and exclusive offers.

Chanel will launch the very limited Les Khakis de Chanel, a collection of 3 Le Vernis Nail Colours that can be worn alone or combined for a camouflage effect. With the ongoing military trend, the shades in so-called Khaki Rose, Khaki Brun and Khaki Vert are a must!

Get ready for Sept 9th (like Berlin) or Sept 10th (like New York )! Book your flights, call your girlfriends in one of those 16 metropoles and  pray for the grace of the Beauty Gods!
Nothing else will help…

I will be on the field in London that night!

LoL, Sandra

This year, Wolford celebrates its 60th anniversary. To honour the event, the Austrian hosiery and lingerie brand is launching a gorgeous special edition set that is limited to only 350 worldwide with each individually numbered.
The collectable item, comprising of an all-in-one panty body combined with matching stockings (which can be worn separately), is made out of fine flower lace with embroidered blossoms and glittering Swarovski crystals. The exclusive anniversary pack has a great  `60s vibe to it, and remember lace is a must for F/W 2010.

Beyoncé is wearing it already in her video for her new dance track „Why Don`t You Love Me?“ that shows the rising vintage trend par excellence.

Available for CHF 1590.- (£ 825.-) in Wolford boutiques in the beginning of October.

LoL, Sandra

Get the look of sweet Kristen Bell. Last Sunday at the Teen Choice Awards the blonde 30-year-old actress looked so pretty on the red carpet in her breathtaking organza dress by Stella McCartney. This scintillating bright dress cannot fail to impress with its captivating sheer and embroidered detailing.

Kristen kept her outfit simple and just added a pair of nude heels by Brian Atwood and a cocktail ring. This is elegant sophisticated style par excellence!

Kristen and me last week in Los Angeles

Her newest movie “Burlesque” will be out in November in which she stars along with Cher and Christina Aguilera. Can’t wait for that!

LoL, Sandra

Today, I will be heading back to Zurich after two amazing months in Los Angeles. For the flight, I spoiled myself with this super-luxe travel kit from Lanvin comprising of silk-satin slippers and an eyemask in a cute little pouch. I chose the leopard-print version but it also comes in nude and black.
A perfect vacation essential and a great gift for a fellow fashionista who loves to travel in style.

LoL, Sandra

Do you want your children to be colouring in style? Thanks to Hermès, they will be able to scribble fashionably in the brand-new most exclusive colouring book ever.
Hermès Les 4 Mondes is available for $130.- which sounds kind of expensive for twelve pages and 24 designs (markers sold seperately) but it is a real steal compared to the French house`s bestselling toys like the pull-along wooden horse for $600.- or the cute plush animal for $520.-. I am sure that all fashionable Mums will love it and that children could not care less.

To the cream of the crop, better start them young!

LoL, Sandra