Today is Independence Day, commonly known as Fourth of July that honours the birthday of the United States of America and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is definitely the most American of holidays, celebrated all over the country and marked by patriotic displays coloured in red, white and blue like the US-flag.
Above there is my “American Dream” consisting of a white gold case with 76 set diamonds, a rotabable bezel with 23 diamonds, 18 rubies and 18 sapphires framing a black dial: The Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II. The list price of this beautiful watch is definitely not a steal: €53.920.- / $70.600.- but colourwise a solid salute to the 234th anniversary of the USA. What a lovely reason….
There are plenty of stylish ways to wear your pride for America. Stars and stripes work the year around and are always a cool addition to your look, but please just one at a time! For today`s celebration, you can go overboard. The Converse shoes and the snakeskin lips clutch by Lulu Guinness, both with the US-flag, are absolute eyecatchers. Thanks to the big nautical trend this summer showing your sartorial spirit for the USA is very easy and there is a large variety to choose from. I love this Alice by Temperley striped jersey dress and the maritime sunglasses by D&G.
Have a great 4th of July!
LoL, Sandra
Today, we move a little further ahead to Resort 2011 season that will hit the stores in the end of the year. I am completely taken by the beautiful presentation of the Prada collection and wanted to share those amazing photos with you.
The common theme of the collection was a combination of preppy gypsy and the groomed eras of the `30s and `40s.
You can choose from the polished lady in a floral printed tea dress to the tomboy in baggy denim pants to the military styled adventuress.
The breadth of Miuccia Prada`s designs was unbelievable, such an outstanding abundance of options has rarely been seen at the Italian fashion house.
Especially the accessories showed a large versatility, the oversized hoop earrings in bright colours along with the ballerina ribbons are among my favourites.
Add a little perversion with a fox stole thrown over a bathing suit and off you go.
Photos: Courtesy of Prada
By the way, the new shape of bags that was introduced on the F/W 2010 runways is going to stay for Resort 2011 (see photo to the right). So a really good investment!
LoL, Sandra
Prada Bags from F/W 2010
Coccinelle is involved in an interesting new collaboration with Berlin based designer Kostas Murkudis, who is interpreting the brand anew with his uncompromising urban style.
Jawa
Norton
In three themes that evolved Murkudis, who had worked with Helmut Lang for seven years, thoroughly explores the full potential of leather. He drew inspiration from wrapped Japanese boxes, motorcycling clothing and by riveting the material with studs, he refers to aviation. Of all ten creations that are in the price range between €200– €600, my absolute favourites are the clutches:
Heathrow in green
Heathrow in brown
Kyoto in black
Kyoto in gold
Osaka
The bags will be in stores end of July and can be ordered online at www.coccinelle.com and at www.andreasmurkudis.net, the amazing concept store of the designer`s brother. I truly recommend having a look at it.
LoL, Sandra
During the Paris Fashion week last March, they were already dangling from the editor`s shoulders: The small frame bags. This is quality in a square! Those simple and cute accessories have mostly a long strap with a 70s feel to them. Called box bags, the elegant and chic models are on the rise to become true classics if they are not already like the Constance by Hermès. Here are my favourites for F/W 2010:
A small frame bag is very comfortable and stylish to wear. If you do not want to spend too much or try it out first (believe me after years of gigantic models you have to get used to it…), H&M offers a pretty nice one.
Your back will love the new It-pieces…!
LoL, Sandra
As promised here are the best crochet and knit looks from the F/W 2010 runways. The designs were versatile, catering for all tastes.
From bohemian 60`s and 70`s inspired looks like the Versace or Missoni ones to crocheted knits combined with romantic details like bows and ribbons, spotted at Dior. If you like it more gothic or clean, Pringle of Scotland will be your choice this winter.
As I already told you, the “Miss Sicily” bag by Dolce & Gabbana is coming back in knitted versions and has been seen on Victoria Beckham already. So keep an eye on the upcoming sale, probably you can find one from the summer for a great price. I will keep my fingers crossed!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
The Louis Vuitton pre-fall 2010 collection will be in stores in the end of next week, around June 5th. The inspiration behind the mid-season designs was the idea to find a cowweb-covered heritage trunk filled with grandma`s goodies and to play dress-up with everything you find.
I love that mixture of attic chic and luxe collegiate. The tweed skirtsuits with a 60`s silhouette worn with cashmere lace socks are to-die-for.
I am also crazy for the fox fur vest, my personal object of desire!
It would not be Louis Vuitton, if there was not a must-have bag topping the collection off. This time it is the Monogram Aviator bag that will come in three different colours navy, bordeaux and khaki, all with a bright fluorescent orange lining. Like always the bags will be very limited, at approximately CHF 3400.-.
I wished my Granny had a similiar treasure chest hidden somewhere and I would find it before the moths! As this is very unlikely, probably better to go the Vuitton way…
LoL, Sandra
If you think of crochet and knitting as stereotypical hobbies of grannies, you are completely mistaken this summer. Trendsetters for the retro chic handicrafts were especially Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel showing beautiful head-to-toe crocheted looks on the S/S 2010 runway.
But the accessories were the most outstanding. A crochet or knit bag is no doubt something special that you do not see very often unless you are living in Ibiza. The process of making it might be time-consuming. If it justifies the price, you will have to decide for yourself.
The Chanel bag for example is around CHF 4520.- and in stores now.
Craftmanship went into many different designer bags like the Chloé Iris strass crochet clutch for around $2360.- or the multiple models by Dolce & Gabbana. Those ones might be a good investment, particularly the “Miss Sicily” will return for winter again in knitted versions. As soon as the sale starts, keep an eye on these treasures….
And stay tuned as I will keep you posted about the remaining crochet trend for F/W 2010 in the next days.
In case you fell in love with those retro-crafts, but you do not want to spend a fortune or your time knitting, I spotted something wonderful for you.
The best is that you can shop and support a good cause in one!
Those pretty knit bags are all in the price range of CHF 160.- – CHF 180.-. They are made in Ecuador by underprivileged women in difficult living conditions. The Fundacion Avanzar offers training courses for mothers in need and helps them sell their products afterwards.
Each bag is made to order to the shape and colour of your choice. Get inspired and have a look at the complete product catalogue. If you are interested, please contact Margarita Heredia Forster who is coordinating the projects from Switzerland (Phone: +41 44 912 16 56 or ). Atelier Avanzar ships worldwide.
I have the purple one to the right and it is perfect for daily use. Spacious, cute and no need to worry about showing wear.
Fashion and charity. What a lovely combination!
LoL, Sandra
Some of the most memorable looks on the runways for F/W 2010 impressed with the comeback of the season: Fur in all variations. From Karl Lagerfeld`s take on the full faux fur polar bear look to Versace`s colourful interpretations to shearling lamb footwear.
The emphasis was one the most luxurious finishing details you can imagine. The designers were using more fur than ever. I am wondering why PETA was so absent during the fashion weeks. They could have totally made an example.
Herewith you will find a gallery of the most desirable shoes and bags for the upcoming season. I am crazy for Chanel `s Nanook of the North fake fur boots with the icicle heels and the matching chain strap bag. Totally stylish are also the fur-trimmed boots like the ones by Hermès or YSL.
Another must-have for winter is a thick fur-covered tote, for example by Dolce & Gabbana or Christian Dior to name a few.
Love it or hate it, fur is one of the biggest trends.
LoL, Sandra
As Chanel`s Cruise 2011 will take a while to arrive in stores, I have some yummy news to brighten up your day: The new Chanel Cocoon handbag line. The padded bowling and shopping bags are perfect for daily use.
The advertising campaign stars Vanessa Paradis and is shot by the master himself, Karl Lagerfeld. Available from May 15th, 2010.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Chanel
The recent edition of German Vogue is dedicated to womanhood. A good reason to show topmodel Claudia Schiffer during her last days of her third pregnancy. The beautiful blonde was photographed by Karl Lagerfeld and nine other famous photographers.
Moreover she is talking about her style favourites and beauty secrets. That she is a real “profashional” prove the paparazzi photos of her in London during her pregnancy. Always trendy and never without her Balenciaga patchwork bag.
Claudia- a complete artwork made in Germany.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Via Vogue
