Summer is on its way and it’s set to be the most sensational yet. Today, I would like to spotlight the definitive trends, hot new designers and must-have pieces for your new season wardrobe.
Kick-start with a high-voltage dress by Diane von Furstenberg. Maxi lengths are a laid-back way to work shimmering sequins for day – finish with Musa‘s decorative sandals. After dark, look to master craftsman Vineet Bahl, the upcoming Indian designer. His beautifully embellished gowns are perfect for sultry nights.
Diane von Furstenberg
Next up, Diane von Furstenberg‘s 
graphic summer collection ticks two trends in one – power prints and ladylike cuts. Whether you go for a demure knee-length dress or pair up your prints in a contrasting top and skirt, channel the runway girls and keep hair and makeup fuss free.
Christian Louboutin
When it comes to accessories, have fun and experiment. Do the bold shoulder with Christian Louboutin’s Artemis bag – the editors’ favorite and this year’s must-have.
Victoria Beckham
And don’t forget to update your sunglasses. Victoria Beckham‘s oversized frames will lend a fashion-forward edge to any outfit.
This season’s style rule for jewelry? More is more. Hervé van der Straeten is the new need-to-know name. The Parisian jeweler’s sculptural gold cuffs are the perfect partner to neutral tailoring. Semi-precious stones also take a starring role: Rosantica’s lapis lazuli collar necklace or Erickson Beamon’s colour-pop pieces will instantly dress up a simple tee and blazer.
Dive into swimwear in the latest ready-to-wear one-piece – it’s not just for the beach! Be inspired by the Peter Pilotto runway and choose a sporty style for day, finished with a dramatic full skirt 
and 
heels.
Zimmermann
Or perfect your poolside pose in bloom-adorned swimsuit by Australian label Zimmermann.
Tara Matthews
As the sun sets, switch effortlessly from pool to bar in Tara Matthews’ stylish cover-up, exclusive to NET-A-PORTER.
Paloma Barcelò
Complete the look with candy-striped wedges by Spanish shoe label Paloma Barcelò.
Happy Shopping!
LoL, Sandra
This morning, H&M has announced a special collaboration with fashion icon and legendary Fashion Director Anna Dello Russo. An idol of the blogosphere whose flamboyant outfits are endlessly documented by style photographers and broadcasted globally through the web, Anna Dello Russo proved her unique sense of style creating a special collection of accessories for H&M. Available from October 4, 2012, at the peak of the global fashion weeks tour, in around 140 stores worldwide and online. The collection features jewelry, sunglasses, shoes, bags and a trolley allowing H&M customers uniqueness at an affordable price.
“I am excited by this collaboration: this is the first time H&M involves a Fashion Director in a special project. This is the sign of an important evolution in fashion, and I am both thrilled and humbled to be the one chosen to lead it. I wanted to create precious accessories that are impossible to find. As a stylist I know accessorization is essential: it is the personal touch to any outfit. With these pieces everybody can have fun, turning an ordinary day into a fantastic fashion day”, says Anna Dello Russo.
Famously described by photographer Helmut Newton as a “fashion maniac” and currently holding the role of Fashion Director at Large and creative consultant at Vogue Japan, Dello Russo is a darling of the fashion bloggers, whom she likes to please with extravagant get-ups, and countless changes of outfits, during the world’s fashion weeks.
The sneak preview looks very promising, cannot wait!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of H&M
Yesterday’s post about the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee inspired me to take out my “Union Jack” bags. The use of the Union Jack in fashion is obviously nothing new and I have always been a huge fan of the British flag. As for me, it has already become a fashion classic.
My Union Jack classics from left to right: Bag by Chanel and clutch by Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen is probably one of the main perpetrators of this trend. The brand’s veritable explosion of Union Jack patterns on clothes and accessories make fashionistas drool with desire. Seriously, it’s like the flag just takes every outfit to a complete new level of style.
To shop those fashion classics, click on the highlighted text.
LoL, Sandra
Red, blue and white crystal box clutch “Union Jack” by Alexander McQueen
Beige crystal box clutch “Union Jack” by Alexander McQueen
God Save McQueen printed modal-blend scarf by Alexander McQueen
Distressed Union Jack wool and silk-blend scarf by Vivienne Westwood
Vintage Union Jack-print Wellington boots by Hunter
Photos: Vogue Italia and © Sandra Bauknecht
The windows of the Louis Vuitton store on New Bond Street in London looked so beautiful this week that I had to photograph them for you. Filled with the most beautiful objects of desire for the summer season, it was a true pleasure looking at them. I am in love with pastels and the feminine eyelet lace.
My absolute must-have is the tiara that will be in stores this month…
… along with the bi-colour pointed-toe mules (see photos below).
Happy window shopping!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
When my eyes spotted the net-trimmed ribbed knitted beanie designed by Stephen Jones on the Jil Sander S/S 2012 runway last fall, I was asking myself why had nobody before come up with the idea to combine a casual beanie with the glamourous feel of a veil. The outcome is so outstanding. Needless to say, this veiled hat has been on every fashion lover’s shopping list and it made its way into my closet, too. As the Jil Sander version (available in blue and white) is pretty expensive, you might want to try doing it yourself.
What do you need?
A sloughy knitted beanie, French veil netting (Available at fabric stores. To order, please click here), sewing thread of a similiar colour, a sewing needle and a pair of scissors.
How to do it?
This is pretty easy and doesn’t require advanced sewing skills. Just attach the French veil netting inside of the turn-up of the beanie. Turn the it over and sew the bottom edge of the netting to the beanie with a single stitch to the middle point.
I attached the photos of my beanie below for you to see it more in detail!
Have fun sewing!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
In Paris, I went to the Longchamp showroom to explore the house’s newest creations for F/W 2012. In keeping with the motto “More is More”, Sophie Delafontaine indulged in luxurious fabrics, lots of fur and extravagant colours. This is a collection where more is definitely more. Please see my favourites below.
If you are interested, check out Longchamp’s recent collaboration with Mary Katrantzou which is in stores now.
LoL, Sandra
Sophie Delafontaine, Artistic Director of the Longchamp House, with me.
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Here they are the best sunnies available at the moment, the Audrey sunglasses…
…and my newest Spring crush, the floral shopping tote, both by Céline and in stores now.
Céline used this amazing floral print also for their Resort 2012 ready-to-wear collection. The leather biker jacket is so divine that I am dying to get my hands on it!
LoL, Sandra
This month, Prada launches its new Foulards S/S 2012 Capsule Collection. The printed silk scarfs come in sizes 60 x 60 cm or 90 x 90 cm and prices start from €290.
Spring, here we come!
LoL, Sandra
Are you looking for a last minute gift? Have a look at Louis Vuitton‘s Christmas 2011 collection. You will find plenty of possibilities in different price ranges, from traditional leather goods to high end jewelry pieces.
Welcome to the Louis Vuitton Circus!
My personal favourite is Louis Vuitton’s new release of small leather goods decorated with authentic vintage advertising illustrations from Louis Vuitton’s archives, so-called “Les Illustrés” collection.
The new limited edition collection is available on Monogram, Damier, Damier Graphite and Damier Azur canvas. The lining comes in beautiful sorbet colours, such as lilac, rose and mint green.
Mini Pochette Les Illustrés
£190 / € 210
Les Illustrés Key Holders
£140 / €155
Les Illustrés Key Holders
£140 / €155
Small Ring Agenda Cover Les Illustrés
£ 225 / €245
Small Ring Agenda Cover Les Illustrés
£ 225 / €245
Zippy Wallet Les Illustrés
£460 / €500
Zippy Wallet Les Illustrés
£460 / €500
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Those mini micro bags are cuteness on a whole new level and a perfect way for every girl to own a Miu Miu. It’s easily attachable to your regular sized handbag. Enjoy the attention!
Available in Miu Miu stores now or online.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu
