Sandra‘s Closet

Finally I can reveal the exciting news: I am flying to New York tomorrow morning to walk the runway myself during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

Polyvore and Covergirl have teamed up for an amazing fashion show to present the collections of four up and coming FIT graduates. “Prominent fashion bloggers” will walk the catwalk and I am so excited to be among them. The Polyvore Live runway show also will stream live on Polyvore.com, offering virtual access to more than 13 million people across the globe.

Here are the four FIT alumni designers that were selected by Polyvore and FIT’s Alumni Affairs:

1 – Lauren Bagliore received a BS in Fashion Merchandising Management in 2005, after which she worked at Vivienne Westwood, Zac Posen, Libertine, Tod’s, and Paul Hardy. Bagliore recently established her own clothing line, Lauren Bagliore Design House. Her designs are noted for their draping and unique combination of edgy yet wearable sensibilities.

2 – Vengsarkar Budhu received a BFA in Fashion Design in 2006. Specializing in eveningwear, he was selected by Reem Acra as the critic award winner for special occasion wear in FIT’s annual BFA Fashion Show. Budhu has started his own eveningwear label, GAVASKAR.

3 – Sergio Guadarrama received a BFA in Fashion Design in 2008. While still a student, he launched his label, Celestino. In 2008, he won “The Best in Class – Execution” in the FIT Supima Design Competition. In 2010, he served as a critic for the annual FIT BFA Fashion Show, along with a group of designers that included Calvin Klein and Carolina Herrera.
Sergio is known for his uncanny ability to create season-less eveningwear and has crafted gowns for the Metropolitan Opera.

4 –Dana-Maxx Pomerantz received a BFA in Fashion Design in 2005. After working for Betsey Johnson and Marc Jacobs, she established her eponymous clothing line, Dana-Maxx. She was selected as one of Women’s Wear Daily’s “Hot New Designers” and was featured on ELLE Magazine Creative Director Joe Zee’s hit television show, All on the Line.

Stay tuned for many exciting posts from New York Fashion Week!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Polyvore

Yesterday, a box from net-à-porter arrived, filled with some amazing goodies. Those pieces were sold out in one day! Can you imagine how happy I am that they have arrived at my doorstep?! Please stay tuned as more stock will be arriving soon.

In the meantime let’s have a closer look:

Layered tulle midi skirt by D&G Dolce & Gabbana.
Pastel colours are such a huge trend for S/S 2012. I love the feminine tulle layers. The skirt reminds me of the ballet tutus I had when I was a child. The mint hue is so pretty.

Studded leather ankle boots by Chloé.
Those shoes just took my breath away, they were definitely worth investing. One thing is for sure, they will adorn many front row feet. Zara carries a similiar version at the moment, check it out by clicking here.

Resin bead necklace by Marni
So versatile, this necklace is a great way to work the neon trend. One piece like this can take your look from simple to standout.

An outfit post will follow soon! I am packing for New York Fashion Week today as I will be leaving tomorrow. I am having some very exciting news, so please stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and I have put together a Valentine’s gift guide for you with small tokens, grand gestures and everything in-between. Gentlemen, have a closer look and delight your loved one! Wrap up something special and wow your Valentine.

And Ladies, I recommend sending a not-so-subtle hint! In case you are single, why not treating yourself to a fabulous gift?!

Swatch‘s numbered limited edition Valentine’s Day collection:
CATCH MY HEART GZ264S and LOVELY MINE GZ265S, each CHF 60.- (in Swatch stores only)

You can’t go wrong with Ladurée‘s special edition macarons for Valentine’s Day. Starting February 10th, you’ll be able to buy the grapefruit-flavored treats in a special pink-and-blue box.

What about this cute little bag by s.Oliver? €15.95

Sigg‘s famous drinking bottles come in a Valentine’s Limited Edition. A great surprise for your little girl.
Valentines Special / Art. Nr. 8341.70 / 1.0 L / CHF 27.-
Dear Deer / Art. 8322.40 / 0.6 L / CHF 25.-

Alternatively you can surprise your boyfriend in a cool shirt by New Yorker, CHF 16.95.

What about a little game on Valentine’s Day? Agent Provocateur‘s Charades is just perfect for the occasion, CHF 60.-.

Write a love letter with Montblanc‘s Bohème white gold fountain pen with a red heart-shaped ruby (CHF 23.100.-)…

…preferably with Montblanc‘s Love Ink in red (CHF 13.40).

Needless to say, famous fashion houses have jumped on the Valentine’s trend and have come up with many gift ideas, such as Gucci that offers a whole collection of little goodies.

I love this Miu Miu handbag (CHF 990.-) and the matching bracelets (CHF 290.- each).

How cute is this pocket mirror by Louis Vuitton?
Available now for €240.-.

Prada‘s adorable key chain with the little Kara bear trick will surely break some hearts (CHF 190.-).

Give a little love… your iPad will thank you for such a sweet cover (CHF 290.- each)! And spending money might be even more fun with Prada’s heart-print wallet (CHF 450.-).

Chanel offers a more subtle colour palette for their Valentine’s collection.
I am so in love with this cuff, please be mine!

LoL, Sandra