Sandra‘s Closet

Thank you to all of you who were sending me such sweet e-mails regarding my outfit that I wore to the Chanel show in Paris last month (see photo in the middle below). Some of you were curious about the colourful fur stole, so let me tell you more about it.

The fashion world has declared Prada’s hot accessory from the S/S 2011 runway show as the must-have item. Just look at who’s already been spotted with it.

First on the scene with the stole was no other than ueber-stylish editorilista herself, Anna Dello Russo.

Marc Jacobs wore it casually draped around his neck to party with Kanye West while Mary-Kate Olsen was trying to hide from the paparazzi with it. It has appeared in many editorials and Rihanna sported the stole in her latest music video for her single “S&M”.

It comes in an array of vibrant colours and is perfect to work this season’s colour block trend.

As it is mostly sold out worldwide, I have some exciting news for you. There are three pieces left in Switzerland. For further enquiries and the colour combinations available, please contact this number: +41 43 2110943.

Below you can enjoy some close-up shots of my “baby”. Aren’t those colours divine?!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The new S/S 2011 Prada bags are just pretty. Uma Thurman was recently spotted sporting her favourite woven model while leaving a restaurant in Los Angeles.

If you can’t decide which one is your prefered one, you might consider getting two. If you do, I have a great idea for you. Switch the straps to get a version that no one has. Here is what I did with my new bags:

Original bags

...and after...

...swapping.

Like this, you create a unique piece which will be hard to copy and you don’t need to buy anything new to do that. Look into your closet and start swapping! You will have a new bag in seconds!

If you are in the mood for shopping, visit the Prada store nearest to you.

LoL, Sandra

Chunky heels and wedges, this is what the summer 2011 is all about . Being more comfortable than high heels (especially if you live like me in a city plastered with cobblestones) and giving you a more casual and effortless look, those shoes will be surely bestsellers.

Enjoy those creations for this summer that are bold, daring and definitely different.

The footwear innovation for S/S 2011 is the flatform – a ballet flat elevated on a high platform heel, that gives you extra hight. Kind of reminiscent of summer espandrilles, but only higher. Designers are loving them at the moment.
And what about you? Are you a brick-like shoe lover?

LoL, Sandra

The catwalks were a riot of dazzling brights this season, worn in boldly clashing combinations. Colour blocking is ultrahip! It means combining two, three or more bold colours together to create a graphic look through the different shades.

The trend has started already a few seasons ago but has definetely reached its peak this summer. Raf Simons is among the forerunners with his beautiful S/S 2011 collection for Jil Sander.

Loud and proud colour combinations make for a dynamic, confident look. Start infusing your wardrobe with a colourful vibrancy for the ultimate warm weather feeling.

Some rules that might help you:

1. Three is the magic number. More colours together could make you look like a Rubic cube.

2. Don’t be afraid to combine colours you usually wouldn’t wear together like red and pink for example.

3. Opt for the bold bright colours, this trend works best with the most vivid shades.

4. Keep the rest simple. Never attempt to introduce prints or patterns.

Get your colour splash!

LoL, Sandra

Searching for a gorgeous gown to attend a black tie gala this summer? Consider fashion’s recent colour vibe, characterized by vibrant eye-popping shades, edgy neons and Crayola brights from head to toe.

Stripping away all darkness might be your ticket to brighten up your mood. Play with the hues and combine them, colour-blocking is a must. This is your chance to enlighten every party.

LoL, Sandra

A Moroccan spirit influenced many designers for their S/S 2011 collections which inevitably meant that Yves Saint Laurent, who had spent many years there, was in the air as well.

As the models stepped out onto the runway, you were immediately jetted off to North Africa with all those crochets, tassels, feathers, beads, fringes and Moroccan mirror details. The Sahara subtext was explicit in the colour palette, the Tuareg head wraps and tribal jewelry seen at Giorgio Armani and Salvatore Ferragamo for example.
Drop-crotch harem pants should be on your must-have list for summer.

LoL, Sandra

I am almost dying looking at those photos. As if the see-through Kelly bag Jean-Paul Gaultier created for his final Hermès S/S 2011 show wasn’t enough to drool over, there is also the wicker Kelly bag to be lusted after and the cute miniature Birkin bag dangling from the model’s wrist. Can you believe that the see-through material is actually very thin crocodile leather, ohmygod?!
Those bags will be very limited and they kind of make your everyday Kelly look plain boring. Being highly collectables, they are guaranteed to become instant classics.
Get on the wait list now ladies!

LoL, Sandra

If you want to make an easy fashion statement, I suggest that you dress all in white.
No matter if it is off-white, pure white, a greyish white or with a pale pink undertone, the non-colour from head to toe looks impressive. The innocent shade itself brings elegance, sophistication and a certain nonchalance to your outfit.
Being an ultra chic alternative to all black, white for summer is always a must, having this crisp natural freshness to it. Above you will find the most beautiful runway looks for S/S 2011.

Bags, shoes and accessories in white are warm weather essentials and infuse every look with new season lightness.

If you don’t want to wait, white can also be a sensational winter choice. Match your clothes with similarly hued accessories to channel the directional runway styling.
Discover your inner snow bunny for the ultra A-list appeal.

All items are available now, just click on the designer name to start shopping:
3.1 Phillip Lim, silk flower and pleat-embellished dress, $875
3.1 Phillip Lim, belted cotton cardigan, $225
3.1 Phillip Lim, boxy coat, $895, on sale $626,50
Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte, platform patchwork sandals, $1645
Vera Wang, pearl medallion necklace, $795
Montse Esteve, rose ring, $2050
Chloé, Marcie large shoulder bag, $1320

To make sure that you have the perfect glowing eyes and skin, I recommend a killer new product line: White Caviar Illuminating Système by La Prairie.
The innovative three-part system works to reveal a brighter, clearer complexion, free of future age spots and pigmentation patches. A must for women of all ages who are looking to fight aging and skin discoloration.

La Prairie’s latest addition includes three products and truly works its magic:
White Caviar Illuminating Cream, 50ml, CHF 558.-
White Caviar Illuminating Serum, 30ml, CHF 558.-
White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum, 15ml, CHF 310.-

I am using the eye serum at the moment. It is a great way to boost and re-energise tired looking skin, especially now during the cold season. As I am a very visual person, I also adore the beautiful packaging, white pearlescent jars with La Prairie’s signature silver caviar beads around the cap.
One drop of bitterness comes with this feast for your skin: The price! La Prairie is one of the most expensive collections on the market at present, well-known for using high-quality ingredients like the famous caviar extracts which might justify the exorbitant costs. To Swiss quality!

LoL, Sandra