Sandra‘s Closet

It is December 1st, are you getting antsy for Christmas? Like last year, I have created a little online Advent calendar to make the wait a bit easier. Every day I will surprise you with one or two deliciously fashionable must-haves, or an inspiration for a lovely gift, even for yourself.

Get caught up in some fabulous offerings and don’t forget to shop them fast. Some things will sell out so quickly that even Santa can’t bring them. Hello, wait list!

To celebrate the Advent season in style, Monnier Frères offers to Sandra’s Closet readers a special 10% discount from today until December 15, 2012. Enter promo code XMAS10SCL at checkout. Delivery before Christmas is guaranteed for any order placed before noon on the 20th of December, 2012.

I am not dreaming of a white Christmas but of a…
1 20 Year silk twill square by Christian Lacroix
2 Maraini Faith leather bag by Jil Sander
3 Red hat by Borsalino
4 Tuyet embroidered clutch by Balmain

Have fun shopping and enjoy your 10% discount!

LoL, Sandra

For S/S 2013, Mulberry‘s original Del Rey inspired by singer Lana Del Rey comes in new finishes, including Milk Chocolate Heavy Suede and Nude Silky Snake Print Leather, as well as two luxurious statement options: Slate Blue Ostrich and textured Giraffe Haircalf.

But the most exciting news is that the iconic bag gets a little sister.
Meet the newest Mulberry miniature – the SMALL DEL REY.

The Del Rey is a modern Mulberry classic that combines retro American glamour with common-sense English practicality to create a bag with understated elegance and timeless appeal. For S/S 2013 a Small Del Rey is introduced, shrinking the proportions of the original and adding a versatile cross-body strap for multi-wear options.

Have a look at those new must-haves bag to hit the shelves very soon:

Small Del Rey in Black Grainy Print Leather

Small Del Rey in Deer Brown Grainy Print Leather

Small Del Rey in Milk Chocolate Heavy Suede

Small Del Rey in Slate Blue Grainy Print Leather

British actress Helena Bonham Carter carried the Small Del Rey to the Mulberry-sponsored launch of Tim Walker’s new exhibition at Somerset House last month.

YOU CAN SHOP A GREAT SELECTION OF MULBERRY BAGS AT HARRODS, LUISAVIAROMA, MATCHES and NET-À-PORTER.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mulberry

Cordwainers graduate Charlotte Dellal launched her footwear label Charlotte Olympia, in 2006. Since then the quirky-cool collections have proved to be a must-have for style-setters worldwide. Look for high-voltage hues, texture-rich finishes and towering platforms. I just want to walk in her shoes and carry her bags! Personally speaking, there is nothing more beautiful on the market at the moment for me. If you are interested to get to know Charlotte more, click here for a previous interview I did with her.

SHOP CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA AT NET-À-PORTER, MYTHERESA AND MATCHES.

My favorites are those Dolly platform pumps with detachable ruffled anklets…

and those Luna suede and metallic trimmed pumps.

And these Bruce crepe-covered leather sandals are definitely on my wish list, too!

LoL, Sandra

This winter, you will also need a doctor’s bag. The classic frame bag gets a contemporary update in bright shades and exotic leather.

Here are some of the most stylish ones available:

1 Jourdan textured-leather tote by Jason Wu
2 Littleton textured-leather tote by Michael Kors
3 Heroine Small leather tote by Alexander McQueen
4 Priscilla leather tote by Tory Burch
5 Blake paneled leather tote by Michael Kors
6 Victoria leather tote by Victoria Beckham
7 Cabas Chyc Large leather tote by Yves Saint Laurent
8 Lady Stirrup studded leather doctor bag by Gucci

LoL, Sandra

One year ago, 3.1 Phillip Lim launched the PASHLI bag which has become one of the most desirable objects for fashionistas around the globe. This sleek leather satchel is big enough to fit all of your everyday essentials, much like the Céline Boston or Trapeze bag that has become a staple in editors’ wardrobes—but with a slightly more feasible price tag.

I love the functional zip pockets and the under the radar branding – just the perfect balance between classic and contemporary.

For this fall, rich spice tones make up the prevailing colour palette for fall, so upgrade your current carryall to 3.1 Phillip Lim’s burgundy ‘Pashli’ tote. Slide the top handles into the crook of your arm and let this piece complement hushed prints and muted shades. Or opt for a vibrant colour such as pink or fuchsia. The black version will keep your look fashion-forward no matter how busy the day is. 3.1 Phillip Lim bags are available at Net-à-porter, Monnier Frères, Matches and Farfetch among others.

At Saks Fifth Avenue, you can pre-order the upcoming Resort 2013 Pashli totes now.

“The Pashli is cool, easy and chic,” Phillip Lim told Vogue. “The perfect bag for the Phillip Lim girl.” Why is it that as soon as something sells out it becomes even more desirable?

LoL, Sandra

Nancy Gonzalez understands the importance of the relationship between a woman and her handbag. “I incorporate elements to each piece that make us smile: a colour, a texture, a detail, a surprise,” the Colombian-born handbag designer said about her creations.

Gonzalez sets out to establish an emotional connection between her clients and their bags by adhering to the highest level of quality, exclusivity, authenticity, and timelessness when designing her collections. Her unique combinations of rare exotic materials and bold colours make her a leader in the accessories world.

During Paris Fashion Week, I had the honour to meet her son Santiago Barberi Gonzalez, President of Nancy Gonzalez. I was able to browse through the new S/S 2013 collection in the showroom located at the famous Plaza Athénée on Avenue Montaigne and was truly impressed by the love for detail and the outstanding craftsmanship and quality of the products.

By artfully combining eclecticism and exoticism, Nancy Gonzalez revolutionizes the luxury handbag. From electrically hued crocodile to three-dimensional ostrich flowers, this S/S 2013 collection proves that timelessness is not without whimsy.

SHOP THE NANCY GONZALEZ S/S 2013 COLLECTION NOW BY CLICKING HERE. The trunkshow ends on Thursday, October, 25, 2012 at 11pm EDT.

Finally, let me introduce you to an amazing art and charity project for which matte white crocodile leather was used as the “canvas” for each bag: THE ARTIST TOTES.

Will Cotton/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining and acrylic polymer. Will Cotton used the tools and vocabulary of cake decoration to re-imagine the bag as a frosted confection.

Nancy Gonzalez and her son share a passion for art. Therefore they have collaborated with TWO x TWO to create ten “priceless” artist totes. Those extraordinary collector’s items will be auctioned off tonight, Saturday, October 20, 2012, at the TWO x TWO for Aids and Art gala at Howard and Cindy Rachofsky’s Richard Meier designed home in Dallas, TX. 100% of the proceeds will be benefitting TWO x TWO for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art.

If you are interested in placing an absentee bid, send an e-mail to . For the full catalogue, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Jim Hodges/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, silver, japanese silver, charcoal, and 24k gold on paper. Jim Hodges created a separate artwork apart from the bag, boxed and wrapped inside the bag, packaged so that only the winning bidder will unveil his artwork.

Raqib Shaw/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, enamel, glitter, and rhinestones. Intricate designs adorn both sides of the handbag, while a crowned alligator, Santiago’s logo, reigns on the bottom of the bag.

Josephine Meckseper/ Nancy Gonzalez 2012 crocodile with suede lining, fur tails and metal fixture, acrylic, fabric, and paper on canvas with metal chain. Josephine Meckseper built upon the handbag to create a wearable sculpture.

Photos: Courtesy of Nancy Gonzalez, Moda Operandi and © Sandra Bauknecht

I always love spotting the newest cruise collections because in general, those include the most wearable pieces of the season. In the case of Louis Vuitton Cruise 2013, the colours are absolutely striking. My favourite piece: The fur vest in purple and brown, this combination is to die for! Following the F/W 2012 trend, overlays are kept, like putting on pants, blouses or dresses. See for yourself! The collection will be in stores in December 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

The second half of the Louis Vuitton – Yayoi Kusama collaboration (Please click here for the photos of the first arrival in July) will hit the shelves tomorrow, September 8, 2012 – much earlier than expected. Here is your sneak preview of the upcoming pumpkin-inspired products.
Aren’t they just polka-dot enthusiastic fantastic?!

LoL, Sandra

Papillon Monogram Pumpkin Dots white

Neverfull MM Monogram Waves red

Papillon Monogram Pumpkin Dots red

Speedy Monogram Town blue

Keepall 55 Bandouliere Monogram Pumpkin Dots red

Speedy Monogram Town red

Keepall 55 Bandouliere Monogram Pumpkin Dots green
Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

The hype started two years ago, when Valentino designers, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, presented their first Rockstud heels. For the designer duo, contrast is the essence of contemporary life. Their stylistic approach, however, aims at blending antithetical elements – for example, Valentino’s proverbial grace and bold metal studs – in a distinct, timeless image. This season, the fashion house celebrates the new classic with the Noir capsule collection of Rockstud shoes, bags and accessories in edgy black with ruthenium studs. Rock on with this clean yet strongly evocative design.

I am convinced that the streets during Fashion Week will be filled with those new icons. Fashionistas everywhere, better start hoarding these limited edition pieces and see the dark side of the stud!

To shop, click on the highlighted product descriptions below.

LoL, Sandra

Rockstud leather tote

So Noir studded leather tote

65mm Rockstud patent So Noir pumps

Studded cuff

Studded So Noir ballet flats

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino

“She has an attitude like a princess.” – Karl Lagerfeld
And Kaiser Karl treats her like a princess!

Meet Choupette, his beloved kitten and fashion’s favourite feline. In a video promoting the second arrival of Karl by Karl Lagerfeld on Net-à-Porter in which the famous beauty finally speaks, is a must-see. In the end, the designer shows emotions when he kisses his princess with a purring sound.

For Chanel’s Haute Couture F/W 2012 Show “New Vintage”, Karl Lagerfeld presented the Choupette bag that does not have an official name but its soft material reminds Karl Lagerfeld of the texture of the coat of his cat, Choupette. Unfortunately, this bag will not be available in the Chanel boutiques but exclusively made to order, as it is the case for all the Haute Couture collections.
(And ladies, if you like the two-tone nail design, click here to get the instructions.)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Karl Lagerfeld, © Chanel and Video: © net-à-porter