Sandra‘s Closet

The Oktoberfest is not only about drinking specially brewed beer. The biggest folk festival in the world is also a showcase for beautiful dirndls – Southern Germany’s traditional dress. Guaranteed to make every woman beautiful, turn up the wow factor in a LANZ dirndl.

Based in Salzburg, the Austrian brand is synonymous with exquisitely made, traditional and classic dirndls. Founded in 1922 by Josef Lanz and Fritz Mahler, the company has grown into a world-famous brand worn by A-listers like Caroline of Monaco, Queen Elizabeth II of England, Elisabeth Taylor, among others. Long or short, complete with signature blouses and pinafores, a Lanz Dirndl is a timeless investment, destined to become a forever piece in your wardrobe. Personally speaking, I have never seen a woman who doesn’t look absolutely stunning in a dirndl. Such a feminine addition to your wardrobe, refine your Oktoberfest repertoire no matter where you are living.

Choose from among six pieces, four of which have been created exclusively for mytheresa.com.
Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

DIRNDL 1
Exclusive to mytheresa.com

DIRNDL 2
Exclusive to mytheresa.com

DIRNDL 3

DIRNDL 4
Exclusive to mytheresa.com

DIRNDL 5

DIRNDL 6
Exclusive to mytheresa.com

Photos: Courtesy of mytheresa.com and Lanz

Originally established as a creative consultancy, Acne (Ambition to Create Novel Expressions) was born when Jonny Johansson’s jeans designs became a hit with his clients. For a casual-cool update, look out for biker jackets, It-girl boots and signature skinny denim.

For the next three days, you have the privilege to shop these items before they are available to all mytheresa.com customers. Click here to be transferred directly.

The ‘Rita’ jacket has become a firm favorite with the style set, and has been seen on the likes of Alexa Chung and Blake Lively. Updated in shearling, this tobacco and light-gray version is made for fall.

For the uber-hip among you, Acne revamps its cult  jacket for the new season in zesty yellow. Finished with silver zips and a luxuriously soft cream interior, it will seriously amplify your round-the-clock wardrobe. Who said cold-weather dressing can’t be colorful? This vibrant colour is available at net-à-porter.com.

LoL, Sandra

From Monogram to Monogram Empreinte, from canvas to leather…
The journey made by Louis Vuitton’s celebrated Speedy bag is short but significant. The Speedy 25 Bandoulière, the smallest version of the Speedy with its recently added shoulder strap, is now available in Monogram Empreinte – the first icon to join this subtly sophisticated calf leather line, whose embossed Monogram pattern is the symbolic imprint of Louis Vuitton’s heritage and craftsmanship.

The arrival of the Speedy, the original and quintessential city bag, represents the consecration of Monogram Empreinte, a collection at once classic and contemporary, young in spirit yet chic at any age. While retaining its iconic shape, the Speedy 25 Bandoulière has acquired new details that are typically Monogram Empreinte, notably outsize zipper pulls and bold brass rivets.
Diminutive yet deceptively spacious, as versatile as it is stylish, the Speedy 25 Bandoulière can be worn in different ways: casually slung across the body or draped gracefully over the shoulder on its adjustable, detachable shoulder strap, or else carried in the hand or hooked over the arm by its emblematic Toron handles.

To the four existing colours of Monogram Empreinte – Infini, a deep midnight blue; Orient, a burnt orange; Aube, a dark violet; Aurore, a rich raspberry – the Speedy 25 Bandoulière adds a fifth: Terre, a warm chocolate brown that is another discreet yet distinctive reminder of the history of Louis Vuitton.

Impossible though it may be now to imagine, this icon among icons was not always called the Speedy. Born in the 1930s, the little sister of the legendary Keepall was originally christened the “Express”, in reference to that era’s passion for new and faster means of transportation.

It even, for a time, bore the name “Vernet”, after a street near Louis Vuitton’s home in Paris. Neither suited it quite so well as “Speedy”, the name by which it is now affectionately known at the four corners of the globe.

The Speedy 25 has a particularly fascinating history. In 1965, Audrey Hepburn, a loyal Louis Vuitton customer, asked Henri-Louis Vuitton to create a smaller version of the Speedy as a Special Order. The Speedy 25 became a constant companion of this most stylish of stars, as it has for countless women since.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Believe it or not: The good old argyle sweater, loved by golf-playing grandfathers around the globe, has been revisited this fall by many designers. The iconic diamond-pattern has been given a bold update for the new season with side splits as seen at Stella McCartney or by layering this statement style over knee-length shorts and sheath boots for a sleek, contemporary look, as spotted at Givenchy. Whatever your style, this fashion classic is a perfect addition to your closet. Your stylish hole in one!

Shop some of the best ones available here:

1 Argyle-intarsia wool and cashmere-blend sweater by Stella McCartney
2 Diamond-intarsia wool turtleneck sweater by Stella McCartney
3 Blue wool blended V-neck sweater with argyle front by Dsquared2
4 Plum python and suede trim sweater by Salvatore Ferragamo
5 Classic argyle-intarsia wool sweater by United Colors of Benetton
6 Modern argyle knit cashmere-silk cardigan by Pringle of Scotland

LoL, Sandra

A lipstick is never innocent and is much more than just a beauty step. 
Elegant or provocative, lips dress up to reveal their intentions, marking a presence, a difference and an attitude. Intense and radical, each ROUGE ALLURE shade sparks the imagination, expressing the personalities of all women.

Like a prelude to the rush of colour, the object itself is a true statement. A real jewel in its contemporary case with pure lines, it delivers the sensation of authentic luxury. Press once and it reveals itself in just one click, reinventing seduction in an exquisitely feminine step.

In 2012, ROUGE ALLURE explores a new range of colours that are more intense than ever before. To give colour all of its power, the formula evolves, while maintaining com­fort and gentleness. It is designed to enhance colour with the help of highly concentrated extremely fine pig­ments. And because colour dazzles even more on supple, protected lips, the formula is en­riched with moisturising and antioxidant agents, such as sweet almond oil, sappan wood and green tea.

RED IS A STYLE

The style of CHANEL can be traced in black and white. Free and unpredictable, red enriches its palette, setting off elegant ensembles with a note of boldness and imperti­nence.

For Gabrielle Chanel red is more than a colour, it is an attitude and a sign of distinction. Paradoxical and intriguing, but never innocent, red shimmers and makes a statement. On lips, it combines strength, femininity and allure.

The new ROUGE ALLURE collection puts red in the spotlight to match every style.

REDS

97 INCANDESCENTE, a flamboyant red with insolent radiance.
98 COROMANDEL, a luminous and precious orange-red.
99 PIRATE, an ultimate, slightly bluish red (see photo above).
102 PALPITANTE, an exquisite shade of raspberry red.
104 PASSION, a dazzling and absolutely glamorous red.
105 INIMITABLE, an intense, irresistible red with pearly reflections.

BEIGES

88 ÉVANESCENTE, a natural beige for a sophisticated nude effect.
90 PIMPANTE, the subtle seduction of a peach tone.

PINKS

91 SÉDUISANTE, a natural pink, hesitating between candor and spicy charm.
93 EXALTÉE, a true fuschia, deliciously provocative.
94 EXTATIQUE, the freshness and playfulness of an intense bluish pink.

ORANGES

95 ENJOUÉE, a fresh, energising coral pink.
96 EXCENTRIQUE, an absolutely bold and luminous apricot shade.

BROWNS

108 DÉTERMINÉE, a violet-plum brown with a bewitching character.
109 ROUGE NOIR, the revolutionary deep red, now a classic.
110 DÉLURÉE, the brazen originality of a deep brown.

CHF 48.- each

LE CRAYON LÈVRES

New shades of lip liners will be launched to match with the most flamboyant shades of ROUGE ALLURE:

55 FUSCHIA (new)
56 ORANGE INTENSE (new)
57 ROUGE PROFOND (new)
09 ROUGE NOIR

CHF 34.- each

LE VERNIS

For a radical makeover, ROUGE ALLURE is coordinated with iconic CHANEL nailpolishes:

565 BEIGE, a universal and iconic shade (new).
617 HOLIDAY, avant-garde and a future classic, this intense and sophisticated coral becomes part of the legend (new, depending on the market).
473 COROMANDEL, a timeless and extremely feminine orange-red.
08 PIRATE, the must-have flamboyant red (my favourite red).
18 ROUGE NOIR, deep, mysterious and inimitable.

CHF 35.- each

Available in Mid September 2012.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

Serpenti is one of the Bvlgari’s most famous icons. The figure of the reptile, a symbol of eternally youth and immortality in the mythological bestiary, is an integral and long-established part of the aesthetic universe of the Italian jeweler, and consistently appears in the most striking Bulgari creations. In religion, mythology, and literature, serpents and snakes represent fertility or a creative life force. An object of desire for women all around the world since its first introduction.

The initial three coil gold snake wristwatch and bracelet, such as the ones in the collage above, were extremely successful in the 1950s and 1960s. Bulgari has expanded upon the theme by introducing other versions until today.

Recently, I was lucky to see this Bulgari museum piece from around 1965 which is not for sale:

Snake bracelet in gold and polychrome enamel (B616). The flexible bracelet designed as a coiled snake, the scales decorated with white and black enamel, the head with pear-shaped diamonds eyes.

It has already adorned the wrists of many celebrities, as you can see below:

Probably you can imagine how honoured I felt to wear this piece of contemporary history.

Eve was the first woman tempted by a serpent in paradise… and thanks to Bulgari many women have followed. In case you are ready to be tempted by the newest Serpenti 2012 collection, I invite you to click here for a previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bulgari, © Getty Images, © Guindani, © Irving Penn for Vogue and © Sandra Bauknecht

The evolution of the Rockstud collection continues with new explosive bags from the Va Va Voom series to must-have shoes, like the new pony hair iconic sling-backs below. Be the first to add an elegant edge toy our style this fall.

For the next three days you have the priviledge to shop these items before they are available to all customers. Just click on the highlighted text below to be transfered directly.

The booties shown on the photo above will be on every fashionista’s shopping list, so stay tuned as I will keep you posted once they hit the stores. In the meantime, enjoy these must-haves:

Rockstud kitten heels by Valentino

Already a fashion classic since this must-have kitten heel was first spotted on all editor’s feet in the front row. Click here for some photos.

Animal printed Rockstud kitten heels by Valentino

This newly introduced version will surely make your heart leap with joy.

Va Va Voom leather satchel in a rich shade of bordeaux by Valentino

I could not think of a better name for this lady-chic bag.

Textured leather mini shoulder bag by Valentino

Forest green is the It-shade for the F/W 2012 season. So you better get started now…

Rockstud patent loafers by Valentino

Such an amazing silhouette, stylish and comfortable in one.

Rockstud small leather tote by Valentino

Structured, sleek and with a cool-girl edge, Valentino’s Rockstud tote has been the editors’ bag of choice since its launch. What a stud. My must-have for F/W 2012.

LoL, Sandra

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

Spotted on many celebrities, the Balenciaga.Leather biker jacket can be named a true classic. Each season, the French fashion house is launching it in new tempting colours.  The jacket has long sleeves, zip up detail and is made of 100% lamb skin.

While the classic black version never goes out of style, your daydream calls probably for a slightly more whimsical iteration of the biker look.

I am having it in a bright orange and I am loving it! Below I am wearing it with leather pants by Balenciaga, a top by Miu Miu, shoes by YSL and a daisy necklace by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Vintage Versace printed silk shirts are hotter than ever. The colorful and bold Versace staple is being discovered and sought out by a new generation of pops stars, such as Lady Gaga, and style hipsters. The trend was also evoked in many runway collections these past few seasons as seen at Dolce & Gabbana and Céline among others. In celebration of this renewed appreciation, Versace has re-issued a limited number of classic printed silk shirts. No one can do Versace better than Versace.

Versace re-issued three different women’s styles, which are available now in all Versace boutiques worldwide as well as selected department stores and special boutiques/e-commerce sites for CHF 1100 each. You can shop the silk shirts by clicking here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Versace