Sandra‘s Closet

Today, I have some breaking fashion news for you: H&M‘s newest collaboration has been revealed. It is no other than ISABEL MARANT who will bring her French touch to the Swedish brand. With her effortless style, the French designer has created a widely influential and successful take on Paris chic. Mixing urban attitude, boho elegance and rock ‘n’ roll spirit, she delivers a genuine French allure. For H&M, Isabel Marant will create a wardrobe of must-have pieces inspired by her signature style. Available from November 14, 2013, in around 250 stores worldwide and online, the collection features clothing and accessories for women and teenagers. Isabel will also, for the first time, create a collection for men.

“I am flattered by this collaboration: H&M works with the best designers and this invitation is an exciting honour. I aim at creating something real, that women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain carelessness, which I think is very Parisian: you dress up, but do not pay too much attention and still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude. Everything can be mixed following one’s own instincts: my take on fashion is all about personality” says Isabel Marant.

ABOUT ISABEL MARANT

Born and raised in Paris, she started customising her own clothes while still at high school. A graduate of the famed Studio Berçot, Marant worked her way up the fashion system starting with a jewelry line, then adding knitwear, finally launching her eponymous collection in 1994. Today she runs an internationally successful fashion powerhouse with a string of boutiques worldwide. Her Parisian chic style, a mix of bohemia and masculine tailoring, grows in popularity season after season.

I am truly excited for this collaboration!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M and Isabel Marant

Hey lovely ladies! Just a quick note to let you know that NET-A-PORTER‘s semi-annual US sale has gone live! Save up to 50% on designers like Valentino, Jimmy Choo, Carven, Chloé, Lanvin and many more! Great news is that the US site also ships to Europe and Asia, just change your country preference to United States.

Check out a few of my favorite sale picks in the list below:

1 Falabella convertible faux brushed-leather shoulder bag by Stella McCartney (40% off)
2 Jovanna faded stretch-denim biker jacket by Karl Lagerfeld (50% off)
3 Studded leather and elaphe flats by Valentino (30 % off)
4 Rose gold-plated tiered clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta (50% off)
5 Tasseled leather belt by Saint Laurent (30% off)
6 Cosmic leather pumps by Jimmy Choo (30% off)
7 Two-tone silk collar by Carven (50% off)
8 Polka-dot tulle and woven silk top by Valentino (30% off) 
9 The Happy grosgrain shoulder bag by Lanvin (40% off)

I always recommend looking for basic pieces on sale. Have fun shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Pin down your perfect wardrobe essentials with my list of cute tees for less money. Spell it out in slogan t-shirts or give it the cold shoulder with cut-away designs. Prints go big and bold, take it up a notch with cool cuts and a ’90s allure.

1 Vest with peeking kitten by ASOS
2 Top with zip cold shoulder by ASOS
3 Running Sucks T-shirt by Nike
4 Universal Heart T-shirt by Wildfox
5 Shopping Is My Cardio T-shirt by Wildfox
6 Born Original T-shirt by Wrangler
7 Star Lovers T-shirt by Wildfox
8 Barbie T-shirt by Voodoo Girl
9 1980 wide neck T-shirt by Stussy

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via asos.com

Do you want to dress like a celebrity for under €120.-?
Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who is a huge fan of Asos as I am, was spotted recently in this stunning outfit in London. Her blazer and her dress are both on sale now. Get Nicole’s complete look for less than €120.-:

Cropped statement blazer, Skater dress with cobweb lace, both by Asos and Cotty platform boots by New Look.

LoL, Sandra

It is always great to find an amazing bag on sale, especially as many models are reinvented every season just in a different material or color. I put together some of the best ones available at the moment. Shopping with good conscience, have fun:

My absolute favourite: Lily bouclé tweed shoulder bag by Mulberry (30% off)

A great shopper: T leather tote by Chloé (40% off)

Already a classic: Falabella big tote by Stella McCartney (30% off)

A super chic evening choice: Opera satin clutch by Yves Saint Laurent (30% off)

For many seasons to come: Tri-colour Union Jack clutch by Alexander McQueen (40% off)

LoL, Sandra

The sale is on and I have spotted some amazing Gucci pieces marked off up to 50% for you. Keepers for many seasons to come!

Floral-print silk-crepe shirt (Gucci’s floral prints are iconic and never go out of style).

Studded suede and leather sandals (The perfect sandal for the next summer).

Studded suede mini box clutch (A chic way to carry your belongings on New Year’s Eve).

Patent-leather pumps (I am in love with these shoes, they look stunning with boyfriend jeans or a sexy pencil skirt).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

Yippie, another sale has started today and this is actually my favourite one: The NET-À-PORTER INTERNATIONAL SALE with amazing markdowns up to 50% off. As I told you in my previous post, it is much better to look for basics or pieces that will work for the next season.

Some of the big trends for S/S 2013 (as you can see in the pictures to the left) are the combination of black and white and ruffled details.

Here is a look that would be the perfect stylish addition to your summer wardrobe:

Crepe tuxedo blazer by Alexander McQueen, wool-blend and silk-chiffon dress by Giambattista Valli, large Cabas Chyc leather tote by Yves Saint Laurent, ruffle-trimmed suede pumps by Nicholas Kirkwood and splashout painted Swarovski crystal earrings by Tom Binns.

Happy Shopping by clicking HERE!

LoL, Sandra

The Mytheresa Sale has officially started today, good news is that you can enjoy up to 50% off. But be careful! Markdowns can be a tricky seduction. Opt for something basic that you can wear for many seasons to come and don’t go for the overall print everybody has already seen a zillion times and that is so last season.

Here are some great investment pieces (see collage above):

Bouclé blazer by Mulberry (a classic)
Ribbed sweater with crystal bead embellished collar by Miu Miu (very versatile)
Leather jean-style leggings by Acne (a must)
Falabella hobo bag by Stella McCartney (always stylish)
Leather ankle boots by Gianvito Rossi (an everyday essential)
Metallic scarf by Marc Jacobs (metallics will be huge for S/S 2013)

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

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How cute is this outfit for little princesses?! When I saw the photo, I had to share it with you. I am sure all mums among you will also love it.

The pieces are in stores now: Gold lace dress (CHF 14.90), fake fur muff (CHF 12.90) and black shoes with bows (CHF 19.90), all by H&M.

LoL, Sandra

Photo and stills: Courtesy of H&M

Don’t forget to shop the unique collaboration Maison Martin Margiela with H&M that hits selected stores worldwide officially today! This year, the French fashion house is sharing their unconventional fashion framework with H&M and their re-editions are to-die-for (Have a look at this previous post where you can see them in detail)! In case that you have missed the party pics of the amazing launch party in NYC, click here.

If you cannot get enough of Maison Martin Margiela, I recommend a visit to one of my favourite hotels in Paris: La Maison Champs-Elysées. The design hotel was the first to be decorated by Martin Margiela and voted among the best hotels in the world by Condé Nast Traveller.

Its location between the Grand Palais and the Avenue Montaigne is perfect, especially during Paris Fashion Week.

I stayed in one of three “Lost Moulding” suites: N° 112 Paul Bodin, designed by Martin Margiela. The wooden mouldings in the rooms start and finish at random, like a work in progress, offering various shades of white. A large central space with sliding side doors separates the lounge from the bedroom, enhancing the feeling of privacy. The luxurious, modern bathroom is extremely spacious and beautiful.

And here is more for all Margiela-fans among you: Replica Fragrances by Maison Martin Margiela, a reproduction of familiar scents and moments of varying locations and periods that embodies the interest of Maison Martin Margiela for vintage clothing and accessories.

All three recently launched feminine fragrances “Flower Market”, “Beach Walk”, “Funfair Evening” are divine and instantly evoke images, impressions, positive emotions that reflect our collective subconscious. Composed by the master perfumer Jacques Cavallier, along with Marie Salamagne, each ‘Replica’ fragrance captures a specific olfactory moment, recalling memories that we all share. 100ml (CHF 109.-)

“Flower Market”
Paris, 2011

Freshly cut flowers, wet petals, buckets and vases brimming with water, leaves crushed on the floor, a multitude of floral compositions… Maison Martin Margiela captures the delicate fragrance of the flower market.
The green freshness of just-cut stems echoes the sensuality of the floral accord. Transparent notes of freesia and Grasse rose petals dotted with water, are enveloped by creamier notes of Sambac jasmine and tuberose.

“Beach Walk”
Calvi, 1972

A stroll along the ocean. Feet sink into the sand. Waves brush the skin. The sun at its zenith radiates the beach. “Beach Walk” evokes the memory of a summer day.
Fresh as the spray of the ocean, bergamot, lemon and pink pepper are instantly fused. Radiant and sensual ylang ylang follows, illuminating the addictive scents of coconut milk, musk and heliotrope.

“Funfair Evening”
Santa Monica, 1994

In the warm night air, the sound of laughter and playful melodies. The obscurity is broken by splashes of multicoloured neon. Colour reigns vibrant and explosive. An odour of candy fills the air.
From the first breath, the ambiance of the funfair comes to mind. The soft and enveloping fragrance of sweets… Notes of apple and star anise join to reveal a marshmallow accord created with caramel and orange blossom.

Enjoy indulging in your very own Margielamania and see you at H&M!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M, La Maison des Champs-Elysées, Maison Martin Margiela, © Sandra Bauknecht