Sandra‘s Closet

«I like any material that is natural, but in particular pearls.» – Michela Panero

Michela Panero of Rosantica

Fusing traditional Roman-inspired designs with directional shapes and rare gems, Michela Panero creates individual and timelessly elegant pieces, from the iconic multi-layered necklaces to charm bracelets and ethereal headbands for her beautiful jewelry brand ROSANTICA. Not only the chicest choice for bohemian brides but also a great gift idea for a loved one, those accessories elevate each outfit to a new level of style. Have a look at those boudoir-inspired favorites:

Bianca feather and pearl hair tie

Seta palladium-tone, pearl and silk anklet

Eleonora convertible gold-tone pearl necklace

Giovanna palladium-tone, pearl and feather glove 

Palladium-tone, pearl and silk headband

Svevo gold-tone mother-of-pearl body chain

Aurora pearl, feather and gold-tone bracelet

Enjoy your Sunday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Rosantica

When I spotted René’s jacket that he wore for the launch event of Kenzo x H&M in NYC, I was immediately drawn to it. The collar was divine and it drove me nuts that I didn’t get which designer it was. It looked a little Gucci… when I asked, he revealed the secret: those embellishments were earrings by H&M that he had just sewn on to it. What a great idea! The same goes for his ribbon tie. It is a silk band with one sparkling H&M earring attached to it.

This is what I call creativity! Bravo, René! Follow him on instagram @monsieurené or @rené_zibold.

TO SHOP THE LATEST H&M EARRINGS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Bally has teamed up with French NGO, Soieries du Mékong, in a collaboration which calls upon the expertise of Cambodian silk weavers, to create 500 special edition silk scarves.

Soieries du Mékong, empowers women from some of the poorest rural areas of Cambodia by offering them sustainable employment and developing their hand-weaving knowledge and skill. Each silk scarf is individually handmade in Cambodia taking up to 40 hours to craft, with each strand individually measured and dyed before the weaving process, and then finished by hand.

The scarves will be available globally online from the beginning of November as well as in Bally retail stores within the US, UK, Switzerland, Germany, Milan, France, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Australia and Singapore.

Shopping for a great cause, we love!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bally

Guitar straps for handbags are the new It-charm according to Fendi and Valentino. Personally speaking, I find it a great way to customize and to add a rock ‘n’ roll edge to any bag for a personalized look.

Left: ‘Enchanted Wonderland’ embroidered guitar strap and right: ‘Animalia’ embroidered guitar strap, both by Valentino

‘Strap You’ shearling stripe shoulder strap by Fendi

There are many different patterns to choose from, but they are selling out fast. So hurry and secure yours!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Bagbliss

Here’s a trend that has been taking flight for some time now: butterflies! Embroidered onto outerwear at  Valentino and stitched on a Gucci sweater, the butterfly is about everywhere this fall.

1 Butterfly embellished wool sweater by Gucci for Net-à-Porter
2 Butterfly-embroidered canvas guitar strap for handbag by Valentino
3 Fil coupé silk-blend scarf by Alexander McQueen
4 Butterfly crocodile small clutch bag by Nancy Gonzalez
5 Appliquéd stretch-suede over-the-knee boots by Valentino
6 3D Glitter Butterfly Sunglasses by Anna-Karin Karlsson
7 Chiara metallic patent-leather platform sandals by Sophia Webster

A piece of art: the embroidered cotton coat by Valentino.

I am literally dying for those appliquéd stretch-suede over-the-knee boots by Valentino, aren’t they to die for?

Many designers have seeked inspiration from the beautiful world of the butterflies for pre-fall 2016, from left to right: Gucci, Giamba, Valentino and Philipp Plein.

Are you having butterflies in your tummy now like me?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Last night, I arrived in Cuba and was greeted by CHANEL in my hotel room with a lovely surprise: a very cute straw hat created in collaboration with Maison Michel, the famous hat-maker and milliner that was acquired by the House of CHANEL as one of its specialty ateliers.

The first thing popping up in my mind was, how is this shape called? Is it a Panama or a Havana hat, a feodora or a trilby…? Here is a little guide for you so that you will become a real insider.

The easiest thing to remember is that the rim of a fedora curls up while the rim of a panama hat is straight. A trilby is a narrow-brimmed type of hat which in shape resembles the Tyrolean hat.

Straight rim: straw Panama hat by Rag & Bone.

The rim curls up: grosgrain-trimmed woven paper fedora by Melissa Odabash.

Narrow-brimmed: gradient trilby hat by Diesel.

Trendy, the floppy brim: sunny sequined straw sunhat by Eugenia Kim.

Straw hats in all shapes have already become a must-have accessory for fashionistas everywhere as they are the perfect addition to a summery look. So ladies, hold on to your hats, many exciting things are waiting for you during the next days!

Ernest Hemingway wears the look of the successful novelist in Paris, in 1927, just after his book, “The Sun Also Rises,” hit the bestseller list. (AP Photo/Charles Scribner Sons)

I am leaving now an a Hemingway tour which will take me on a journey, following the footsteps of one of the worlds greatest writers here in Cuba. In 1940 Hemingway, with his new wife Martha, purchased a home outside Havana where he would live for the next twenty years. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

Louis Vuitton looked also to Hawaii for inspiration (see yesterday’s post here about this summer’s trend ). The «Tropical Journey» capsule collection takes a trip to paradise and comes back with lush nature-inspired prints that are available across the Houses’s iconic models such as Speedy or Neverfull but also on accessories or shoes. Have fun exploring them all below.

Aloha!

LoL, Sandra

Handbag in printed Monogram Vernis leather, Neverfull and Palm Springs backpack in printed Monogram canvas, square in silk twill

Go-14 bag in printed Malletage Monogram

Sunglasses in acetate and metal

Toilet bag in printed Monogram Canvas, Zippy wallet in printed Monogram Vernis leather, sneaker in printed Monogram Canvas, pareo in cotton

Handbag in printed Monogram vernis leather

Speedy, Keepall and Pegase suitcase in printed Monogram Canvas

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Attention lovers! MIU MIU introduces a capsule collection especially for Valentine’s Day. The offering draws on the playful juxtaposition of different worlds.

Cherries are the recurrent sweetly romantic motif of this quintessentially feminine collection, always coming, like lovers, in sparkling pairs and nestling on vivid green crystal leaves.

Jewelled hearts also make an appearance and an exclusive logo – MIU MIU Loves – is applied to the madras leather styles.

Purses suspended from palladium hardware, wallets, card holders, key chains and bag trinkets all feature in the colors of passion – black, ruby red and sugar pink – often with contrasting linings. Materials include madras and nappa leather with signature “cloqué” workmanship. Characteristically irreverent details finish each piece, among them more cherries, hearts and lettering in polished silver or brightest red enamel.

Anybody looking for a Valentine’s Day surprise? This collection is so beautiful!
If you need more shopping ideas, click HERE for a previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

Yesterday was Chinese New Year and from now we are in the Year of the Monkey, which will be ending on January 27, 2017 (Chinese New Year’s Eve).

What is the Year of the Monkey? The monkey is ninth of the 12 animals in the recurring 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle that means every 12 years there is a Monkey year.

2016 is a Fire Monkey Year — What does ”Fire Monkey” means? In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with a Chinese zodiac animal sign and one the five elements: gold (metal), water, wood, fire, or earth. Both the sign and element of your birth year are said to affect your personality and destiny. Element-sign combinations recur every 60 years:

Fire Monkey … 2016, 1956, … Ambitious and adventurous, but irritable
Wood Monkey … 2004, 1944, … Always ready to help others; compassionate, with strong self-esteem, but stubborn
Water Monkey … 1992, 1932, … Smart, quick-witted, fond of being in the limelight, but haughty
Gold Monkey … 1980, 1920, … Smart, quick-witted, and confident, but also irritable and stubborn
Earth Monkey … 1968, 1908, … Frank, optimistic, and fearless.

As China is still an important market for the luxury goods industry, many designers have come up with some special editions dedicated to the Year of the Monkey.

Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani is joining the celebrations, launching an exclusive and limited-edition Year of Monkey Face Palette for 2016.

To celebrate Chinese New Year, Gucci presents a monkey key chain with glass pearls.

Prada launches a capsule collection of accessories for a prosperous Lunar New Year with a primate key rings, luggage tags, gold trinkets, and furry charms.

Givenchy makes a bold statement with this monkey print sweatshirt.

Lucky charm at your finger: Amedeo‘s three monkey ring.

Bring the good vibes of 2016’s Monkey Year to your house with Seletti‘s monkey lamp shade.

To a prosperous and wonderful Chinese Year! If you like to find out more about your own Chinese sign,  click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

I love those new ABCharms by FENDI, that are ready to become the “must-have” gift of the holiday season. Thanks to their practical keychain, those colourful and fun accessories made in fox fur can be easily attached to every bag… or wherever you want!

This Peekaboo large leather-trimmed shearling tote can be easily personalized with ABCharms.

Add a touch of color by choosing your letter or pair the charms to compose your initials… either way the ABCharms will make everything more fun and personal!

Available to buy as a preview on fendi.com starting from now and available in boutiques worldwide from November 2015.

YOU CAN ALSO SHOP THE ABCHARMS NOW ONLINE HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Fendi