Sandra‘s Closet

Have you always dreamt of having a cup of tea with your favourite designer? Now your dream becomes true, you can have a tête-à-tète with Karl Lagerfeld, Jean Paul Gaultier and Donatella Versace. The Prêt-à-PorTea set characters recline in your cup.
What a lovely way to enjoy your afternoon tea. To the Haute Brew!

Karl Lagerfeld will be more accessible from next year anyway. Groundbreaking news this week was also that the genius has cancelled his show, which was scheduled to take place in Paris on October 3rd, to focus more on his new vision: The launch of his “Masstige” line next year. The term is coming from the combination of “mass market” and “prestige”. The Kaiser seems to be a true visionary by exploring his notion of “mass elitism” using his own name.
The collection, which will be of good quality but more more affordable than designer clothes, will only be sold online. By saving the inherent costs of opening a boutique and investing more in the product itself, Karl Lagerfeld is anchoring himself in modernity and will make his company highly profitable again.

I like his vision of everybody in the streets well dressed! Go for it, Karl!

LoL, Sandra

Ladies, mark your calendars. On November 23rd fashionistas around the globe will line up in front of H&M shops to participate in one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year: Lanvin’s exclusive collection for H&M that will include womenswear as well as menswear.

It will definitely be a very interesting collabration given Lanvin’s artistic director Alber Elbaz’s quote: “H&M approached us to collaborate, and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less. I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public.”

Alber Elbaz, Photo: Paolo Roversi

Above you can see some stunning pieces of Lanvin’s F/W 2010 collection as well as in my last post about the gorgeous leopard print pieces.

I totally love the French house and cannot wait for those covetable pieces for H&M to be revealed in the beginning of November. Stay tuned as I will keep you posted immediately.

LoL, Sandra

A dear subscriber of Sandra`s Closet asked for help. She is going to a wedding which will take place in a beautiful garden of a winery in Napa, California and wants to look stunning. Her request was that the outfit should be around $1000.- max.

I put some gorgeous styles together in different colour combinations. Let’s start with something classy in beige and gold for approximately $800.-. Contrast the polished look with a pair of cut-out booties and a hat for an über-stylish statement. (Dress by Karen Millen).

Soft pink is an exquisite colour to wear for a wedding party. The shift dress by D&G Dolce & Gabbana is a fabulously feminine choice. Complement the delicate pastel tone with suede pumps and a golden clutch.
The pochette by Anya Hindmarch is a little pricey at 525.- but an investment piece for many occassions to come.
I totally adore the hat clip for only $10.-. This modern and stylish take on the traditional wedding accessory will make you stand out of the crowd.

A contemporary choice for day and night is this purple halterneck dress for $355.- by Halston Heritage. The brand carries a lot of gorgeous dresses for less money.
Cinch this sculpted style at the waist with the self-tie belt and wear it with understated jewelry and strappy sandals for first class cocktail chic. A feather hair clip for only $27.- could give you that Blair Waldorf attitude. The whole outfit is $745.-. You can add a stylish leopard cardigan for $350.- if it gets chilly.

I love this vibrant asymmetric dress by Halston Heritage. The bright hue will look awesome on brunettes and dark haired ladies. Sharpen the playful rose detail with stunning lace booties and a beaded clutch. Bangles are always a fabulous finish. The complete look is without the jewelry around $850.-.

But careful, it is hard not to steal the show in those gorgeous outfits.
To a great wedding party!

LoL, Sandra

Let`s travel further in time. A breeze from the `70s floated over the F/W 2010 runways when the designers brought the more sophisticated aspects of this decade`s fashion into the now. Indulging in reminiscences of young Jane Birkin, Bianca Jagger and Veruschka, nonchalance, luxe and subtlety are the catchwords fall embraces.

Camel is the colour of the season followed by a palette of browns, nudes, and greys.

The ever-stylish shade makes a great fashion statement in combination with the must-have outerwear this season, the cape.

I love the cape by H&M to the right.

Cut more generously than a coat, the dashing alternative allows more freedom of movement and works much better over shoulder embellishments and mutton sleeves.
It was a veritable explosion of fur on the runways so there is no need to shy away from those ueberluxe pieces. The soft cocoon embrace of a voluminous real or faux fur jacket (or vest) will be irresistible this winter.

As the mood is casual luxe for daywear, redefine power-dressing in buttery silk blouses with tie collars.

When it comes to trousers, opt for sleek or wide leg ones with a minimalist edge. Razor-sharp slimline Gucci pants or immaculately tailored like the ones by YSL are among my favourites. Naturally worn with a cashmere turtleneck, they are the most figure flattering throwback to `70s style.

Booties by H&M

To complement the look, you will have to tie the knot with a pair of lace up booties. They are must-haves for every shoeaholic.

Synonymous with luxe seventies style are the long-handled drawstring bucket bags. So no wonder they have made a much-welcome appearance.

Another bestseller will be the remake of Gucci`s 1973 line. Available in nappa, suede and exotic leathers like crocodile and ostrich, those bags are classic and beautiful enough to be safe investment pieces.

Hat by H&M, Stills: Courtesy of H&M

If you really want to get a head start on the boho wardrobe, look for a floppy hat or a knitted beanie.

You do not need to go overboard. Enjoy your fashion moments in traditional, timeless essentials and the overall effect will be more post seventies luxe than vintage hippie.

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

It is the meterological beginning of summer today. Let`s leave it like that. Probably we can convince the sun to come out with this stunning look for less money. It is an exciting mix of plaid and print having that certain something.

The modern bustier dress emphasises the feminine figure and is marked down already at $35.50. You can keep the picture sweet with a heart printed boyfriend jacket, available at Topshop for £55.-. Another shot of colour like the red hot bag for approximately $65.- adds lightness and joie de vivre. The mint green shoes by Charlotte Olympia are a real splurge but so worth it, my advice wait for the sale that will start very soon.

OPI`s glitter nail polish with little hearts would match the look perfectly “Heart to Resist”

Do not forget it is all about that special twist. Sometimes the oddest ideas boast the best combinations.
Be brave and punch the air!

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