Sandra‘s Closet

 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

«Humpty Dumpty», a nursery rhyme, that is part of our childhood. It is full of innocence and naivety. It is popular. It can be sung, danced or even mimed sometimes. It is accompanied by unforgettable pictures and characters.

Jeremy Scott is evoking this nursery rhyme from on Longchamp’s Le Pliage® bag this season with his quirky sense of humor and colorful pop world. The print is a mix of rabbits, elephants, mushrooms, tortoises and more.

This new «Humpty Dumpty» limited edition with extravagant motifs will be on sale exclusively at Colette, Paris, from May 1, 2015, and available in Longchamp points of sale from June 1, 2015. Don’t miss out on this playtime treat!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Longchamp

Such exciting news I can finally share with you as I had a strict embargo not to post anything before today. Meet THE GIRL CHANEL 2015 – the new bag you didn’t know you needed. Shaking up the codes, transforming or diverting clothes and accessories from their regular usage with daring and humour, has always been a signature of Karl Lagerfeld at CHANEL.

The new design might remind you of my MOSCHINO JACKET BAG, but on the other side the Moschino version looks a lot like a Chanel jacket, so only fair.

Iconoclastic, the Girl CHANEL bag draws on the lines and codes of the legendary CHANEL jacket and all its elements are present: sleeves, cuffs, braiding, collar, buttons, pockets… In smooth or quilted lambskin, in tweed or loden, in felt or ponyskin, in two-tone or two-fabric tweed, it carries with it its creator’s philosophy and spirit of practicality.

“It’s like a jacket, you can knot it and wear it how you want: on the hip, around the neck, on the back, anywhere”, explains Karl Lagerfeld. By making the Girl CHANEL wearable in a multitude of ways, it gives free rein to the needs and desires of every individual, offering ease and freedom of movement.

Crafted according to the traditions of excellence at CHANEL, the Girl CHANEL was born from the symbiosis of two skill sets, that of ready-to-wear and that of leather goods. Inspired by the CHANEL jacket, it effectively uses the same construction techniques: the positioning of buttons – some from the House of Desrues – buttonhole tabs, braiding, the application of pockets, as well as work on the collar and cuffs. Even down to its assembly which, just as with a CHANEL jacket, is done inside out. So many details, all of which make it unique while affirming its status as a truly luxurious accessory.

In two sizes, the Girl CHANEL comes in a variety of winter colour palettes: smooth black or khaki lambskin leather with a black or beige leather braiding, light or dark grey quilted lambskin leather with a green or grey braiding, iridescent gold or copper ponyskin leather with a black braiding, grey loden with a red and green woven braid, or green felt with a brown leather braid and finally leather surrounding four shades of multi-coloured tweed woven by Lesage.

A true reflection of Karl Lagerfeld’s constantly renewed creativity, the Girl CHANEL bag delivers instant recognition of the quintessence of CHANEL: the union of luxury and fashion. “There are some things that will never go out of fashion: a pair of jeans, a white shirt and a Chanel jacket,” declares Karl Lagerfeld. Inspired by this iconic item, the Girl CHANEL is promised the same posterity. Available in CHANEL boutiques from March 2015.

Get yourselves on the wait lists now! This will be Chanel’s new It-bag!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel

Somewhere over the rainbow, there is my Valentine and it’s a Valentino! Just when I thought the Rockstud collection couldn’t get any more fabulous, I spotted those rainbow stripes that are absolutely divine. It’s amazing how even after several years, the Valentino Rockstud is still going strong and gets better and better each season. Here is my wish list on Valentine’s Day (in case anybody wants to gift me, I love number 6)!

1 The Rockstud printed leather clutch
2 The Rockstud printed leather shoulder bag
3 Printed leather and Plexiglas® sandals
4 1973 Rockstud printed leather point-toe flats
5 Nubuck, straw and canvas wedge sandals
6 Va Va Voom printed leather shoulder bag

7 Plexiglas® cuff

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of Valentino

Stella McCartney unveils its’ S/S 2015 ad campaign images for the first time today featuring model Natalia Vodianova photographed in Ibiza by Harley Weir.

A frequent favourite of the designer and styled by herself, this is the 7th time Natalia appears in her campaign. The photos are inspired by the effortless spirit and fluid silhouette of the new collection.

My favorite looks from Stella McCartney’s S/S 2015 collection

The new campaign highlights the iconic Falabella bag in quilted metallic silver faux leather in mini and micro size, as well as in the embroidered denim crossbody.

Embroidered Denim Crossbody Bag

Baby Falabella Quilted Messenger Bag

The micro quilted metallic Falabella will be sold exclusively at Stella McCartney stores worldwide and online starting this March. Get yourselves on the wait lists now!

YOU CAN PRE-ORDER THE STELLA MCCARTNEY S/S 2015 RUNWAY COLLECTION HERE.

TO SHOP THE NEW RESORT 2015 COLLECTION, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Stella McCartney

Capitalising on its position in London’s most fashionable district, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London announces an exclusive partnership with French high end luxury Maison Chloé, as the S/S 2015 collections arrive in stores, commencing Thursday 12th February 2015.

In celebration of London Fashion Week, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is offering guests a special package in luxurious accommodation, with the opportunity to own the Drew ahead of London Fashion Week and experience a limited edition Chloé afternoon tea at The Rosebery with Chloé Fizz champagne cocktails.

Drew medium textured-leather shoulder bag

The Chloé Debuts package starts at GBP 1,722 and includes:
• One night’s accommodation for two in a Knightsbridge Turret Suite with sweeping views of the UK’s fashion capital
• À la carte breakfast for two people over looking Hyde Park
• Personalised service at Chloé on Sloane Street to receive Chloé’s ‘Drew’ bag
• Chloé Love Story perfume
• Chloé-inspired afternoon tea for two people in the enchanting tea room, The Rosebery

The Rosebery

For an aficionado experience in February 2015, guests visiting The Rosebery for a limited edition Chloé-inspired afternoon tea and a Chloé Fizz cocktail will be able to view a mannequin showcasing the fashion collection in the lobby of the hotel and two vetrines displaying the Drew bag in a variety of different colours and patterns.

Drew small python shoulder bag

The Drew bag is a delicate, modern saddlebag with round, sculpted lines, it features an elegant turn lock system, in perfect harmony with its knotted fob chain and horseshoe pivots. Available in three sizes, this cross–body style offers an effortless transition from daytime to evening, with crisp raw edging on sumptuous materials.

Terms and conditions
The package is valid from Thursday 12th February 2015 to Monday 9th March 2015. Reservations are subject to availability, inclusive of VAT at 20% and 5% discretionary service charge, subject to availability. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly on +44 (0) 207 201 3773, or through the direct on-line reservations service, www.mandarinoriental.com/london.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Manadrin Oriental and Chloé

For Cruise 2015, Charlotte Olympia introduces a new theme inspired by the atmosphere, traditions, and spice of Mexico. The colourful and textured styles of Down Mexico Way are a vibrant portal for your winter escape. I just adore every single piece.

1 Piñata raffia and leather shoulder bag

2 Kahlo embellished Perspex clutch
3 It Makes You Happy brass clutch
4 ‘Senorita Magazine’ clutch
5 Taquera suede-trimmed embellished raffia clutch
6 Calavera Swarovski crystal-embellished Perspex clutch

7 Hibiscus embroidered satin sandals
8 Chili Pandora Perspex clutch

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Charlotte Olympia and via Teen Vogue

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

How hard is it to find your perfect black clutch? Depending on your own taste, it has to meet different criteria: from sophisticated, fashionable to functional or timeless. Such a little black bag is essential to complete your closet! Here is my selection of the best ones available right now.

1 PURE LUXURY Patent-crocodile clutch by Bottega Veneta
2 FASHIONISTA’S MUST-HAVE Monogramme leather clutchby Saint Laurent
3 ROCK CHIC Rockstud leather clutch by Valentino
4 INTO THE WILD Embellished suede fold-over clutch by Roberto Cavalli
5  ALREADY A CLASSIC Falabella faux brushed-leather clutch by Stella McCartney
6 LADYLIKE Chandra chain-embellished shimmer-suede clutch by Jimmy Choo
7 FOR EVERYDAY USE Antigona envelope clutch in black grained leather by Givenchy
8 GREAT WITH JEANS Broadway fringed suede clutch by Gucci

UNDERSTATED AND TIMELESS Marche leather and suede clutch by Nina Ricci
My personal favorite is accented with gold hardware and has three internal compartments – perfect for keeping your belongings organized. Carry it cross-body by day, swapping to the hand strap after dark.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

When Tommy Hilfiger approached me to work together on this special project, I was immediately hooked. The American brand’s continued support of Breast Health International for the eight consecutive year marks the launch of a new limited-edition handbag. As my own mum suffered from breast cancer and fortunately fought this horrible disease, I know how hard this phase of life can be for the patient but also for her family. Buying this fantastic bag means: “Building awareness, raising funds and making a positive impact on the lives of women who are affected by breast cancer around the world,” as Tommy Hilfiger states.

The limited-edition handbag will retail for €299, and €100 of each sale will go directly to the Fund for Living. This global BHI initiative assists women with breast cancer by covering costs or addressing unique problems associated with their care that are not commonly covered by health insurance programs, such as transportation to a medical appointment or childcare during treatment.

The 2014 BHI campaign features no other than award-winning actress Naomi Watts photographed by Patrick Demarchelier. The handbag is available exclusively on tommy.com and in select Tommy Hilfiger stores around the world starting today.

For the social media campaign, I was asked to show the content of my bag. I truly love the different very useful features of this versatile fashionable companion such as many pockets, a keychain with red, white and blue tassels, a detachable tan strap that allows for use as a shoulder bag.

Here is what I in general carry around with me on a daily basis: Something to read like L’Officiel Switzerland, my iPad and iPhone (don’t you love my new Vanity mirror iPhone 5 cover by Moschino?!), a notebook by Smythson and my pen by Montblanc, a pair of sunglasses, credit cards and some cash, my make-up pouch filled with lipgloss, blush and a powder for quick retouches and of course my little Leica with which I capture all those moments I share with you on my blog.

I was asked to donate one item from the content of my bag and I would like to give this beautiful necklace with a key charm by Patrizia Pepe as a mojo. In the end of the social media campaign, one breast cancer patient gets the bag filled with little surprises from all around the globe.

Shopping for a good cause. Ladies, I am asking you what can be better?! Please help to support Tommy Hilfiger’s wonderful initiative and let’s all walk around with this must-have bag!
TO SHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger and © Sandra Bauknecht