Sandra‘s Closet

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

 You might wonder why I post wishes for Mother’s Day two days after the actual celebration. The reason is that I would like to remind everyone that we should worship our mums every single day. I read this amazing quote recently: “Call your mother. Tell her you love her. Remember you’re the only person who knows what her heart sounds like from the inside.” It’s so true!

Surprise her! Personally speaking, I was over the moon when those CHANEL must-haves found their way into my closet this weekend.

Protest-inspired, with slogans like ‘Make Fashion Not War‘ and ‘Feministe Mais Feminine,’ the S/S 2015 bags and accessories make a huge statement and every women’s heart leap with joy.
In CHANEL stores now.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Ups, I did it again… I just cannot resist Chanel accessories and the ones from the Dubai Cruise 2015 collection are to die for. You will never regret to invest in a piece of Chanel fashion jewelry as those objects of desire never go out of style, they are seasonless.

“Fashion changes, but style endures.”  ― Coco Chanel

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Aren’t those 3M Scotch tape dispensers the cutest addition to your desk?! I mean you never know, how many sticky situations you might get into. For all shoe lovers among you or for those who like to add some fun to their daily office life, this is that one accessory to get.

This tape dispenser comes packaged with a roll of its 3M Scotch Magic Tape. I couldn’t resist the pink one and bought mine in Gstaad at a stationery shop for CHF 14.50.

LoL, Sandra

Scotch Shoe Tape Dispenser in Honeysuckle

Scotch Shoe Tape Dispenser in Aqua

Scotch Shoe Tape Dispenser, 2 Tone Red and Black

Photos: Courtesy of Scotch

Fall into the holidays with the 2014 Gucci Gift Guide, inspired by a whimsical story about finding the perfect gift, even in the most unexpected moment. From contemporary trends and iconic accessories in their Wish List Section (with picks for him and for her) to elegant looks for the season’s chicest invitations to the ultimate in no-holds-barred holiday opulence, as seen in Handle with Care, the curated selection has something for everyone on your list. With pint-sized picks from Gucci Kids, chic designs for sunny escapes, and small luxuries designed to delight, a sensational season is guaranteed. Explore all this and more on GUCCI.COM.

A piece of art: Gucci‘s Floral Knight Bamboo Shopper is definitely on my wish list. As I am already a huge fan of this line (check out this previous post here), I couldn’t have been more excited about this new printed version. Perfect for the next season.

Overly cute: these Mini Bamboo Shoppers are made from supple textured-leather and finished with a detachable strap. It’s the perfect size for your cell, makeup essentials and wallet. 
Did you know that Gucci’s iconic bamboo handles were originally created in 1947 using a patented method to heat and bend them into shape. (If you are interested, I would like to invite you to have a look at a previous post about my visit to the Gucci manufacture in Casellina, Italy).

Love at first sight: sophisticated style with a retro edge, the Bamboo Sac Backpack
makes a defiant comeback. Available in many different colors, its spacious drawstring style has plenty of room for your essentials. Really one is spoilt for choice, which color is your favorite?

Ultimate luxury: a wallet in crocodile leather. The perfect gift for the distinguished connoisseur.

Those studded heels make every fashion lover’s heart leap with joy. Play with colors to elevate your outfit to the next level.

Dear Santa, please be good to me, all I want for Christmas is Gucci…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci

Ensure Santa gets a stylish welcome this year with Charlotte Olympia’s playful Christmas stocking. Finished with a soft red faux suede and gold patent-leather version of the designer’s signature pump, this lace and satin design offers plenty of space to stash small gifts.

Don’t you love the attention to detail, from the crystal-embellished spider right down to the iconic web plaque at the sole?! TO SHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Charlotte Olympia

Are you looking for a last minute F/W 2014 spooky makeover? One thing is for sure, stylish wicked witches and storybook princesses are hitting the streets in Lanvin, Jimmy Choo and Olympia Le Tan. Channel your favorite alter-ego in this selection of must-have pieces!

First I recommend getting an orange colored gown like this asymmetric silk-crepe dress by Haney (1) as a base. Then look for some fun accessories to spice up your look:

2 Devil patent-leather and point d’esprit headband by Eugenia Kim
3 Feather-trimmed rabbit-felt hat by Lanvin
4 Swarovski crystal-embellished mask by Jennifer Behr
5 Leather book clutch by Olympia Le Tan
6 Glitter suede sandals by Jimmy Choo
7 Latex lace mask by Atsuko Kudo

LoL, Sandra

Life tells us to find the big moments. But real life happens in the smaller moments. These are the moments that feel like nothing else. Everyone has a moment, a gem in the everyday. And you know which one is mine? When I come home, slip on my comfy clothes and my UGGs® to make blogging on the couch the best thing in the world and all-nighters all the rage…

Here are my new F/W 2014 favorites:

This flirtatious new season update to one of the brand’s most beloved silhouettes is crafted from water-resistant Silkee suede, embellished at the back with a twinset of beguiling Swarovski® crystal bows.

There are also lots of winter accessories to choose from, like knitted hats, scarfs and gloves (as you can see me wearing in the cover collage) plus the must-have sequined ear muffs.

A perfect merger of comfy and trendy, this scaled-up revamp to the original slinks confidently in its feminine silhouette, boasting a python animal print.

This fall, you can bring the luxury and comfort of UGG® Australia into the home with a range of hooded tops, pajama sets, dressing gowns and fluffy thongs.

Click HERE ON THE HOMEPAGE to browse through the new loungewear.
YOU CAN SHOP UGG® AUSTRALIA ALSO ONLINE HERE AT FARFETCH AND MYTHERESA.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of UGG® Australia and © Sandra Bauknecht

Today, I am off to London. In my suitcase are the most quintessential travel accessories you can imagine for fashion week. A few weeks ago, NET-A-PORTER‘s iconic black box arrived on my doorstep personalized with my initials.

Inside, a luxurious edit of everything needed for the shows, a bespoke fashion week survival gift sent by the famous online shopping destination to influential bloggers and friends of the brand.

The specially curated set of objects was wrapped in NET-A-PORTER‘s instantly recognisable packaging whilst Paris-based illustrator, Damien Florebert Cuypers came on board to pen with pastel the most famous faces of fashion week.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht