Sandra‘s Closet

During the recent fashion weeks, you couldn’t help but notice the common thread literally popping up for F/W 2012: Chunky knit sweaters paired with gorgeous statement necklaces. This combination has the right twist to jazz up the cozy winter staple. Click here to see me wearing it.
Enjoy shopping some of my favourite looks:

1 Chunky-knit wool-blend turtleneck sweater by Chloé and crystal ribbon necklace by Lanvin
2 Blue bobble knit sweater by Carven and crystal and bead necklace by J.Crew
3 Knitted wool and cashmere-blend sweater by Nina Ricci and chain and bead necklace by Assad Mounser
4 Zesty lime cable-knit wool and cashmere-blend sweater by Joseph and Riri painted Swarovski crystal necklace by Tom Binns
5 Multicoloured sweater by Closed and embellished bib necklace by Lanvin
6 Striped chunky-knit sweater by Missoni and chain and bead necklace by Assad Mounser

LoL, Sandra

“Be yourself, everyone else is taken!”

Banjo & Matilda is the label of the moment that specializes in super soft cashmere with a playful twist (a kiss is hand-stitched on the inside of each garment). Designer Belynda Macpherson is inspired by her Bondi Beach surroundings to create clothing focused on comfort and longevity. Counting the founder’s supermodel sister-in-law, Elle, amongst its fans, the brand now boasts a luxurious selection of cashmere sweaters, coverups and pants.

“I design for real life and a love of absolute comfort and longevity. Simplicity with a generous serve of discreet luxury makes me happy, and I am guessing/hoping/knowing you’ll love it too”. – Belynda Macpherson

Find out how to style the new line and how Belynda’s sister-in-law and unofficial muse, Elle Macpherson inspired the label’s name below:

Peace-intarsia cashmere sweater

Where does the name Banjo & Matilda come from?

“I was pregnant with my son when I started the label and my sister-in-law, Elle, was adamant I call him Banjo but I compromised and used it for the label. I wanted an Aussie mate for Banjo, so I took the rest of the name from our unofficial national anthem, Waltzing Matilda.”

Star-intarsia cashmere sweater

Why a knitwear label?

“My mother used to hand knit cashmere legwarmers for ballet because I had sensitive skin, so I have an emotional attachment to it. I also noticed on the beach that everyone was wearing bikinis during the day and then putting their cashmere on at night.”

Ultimate Vee cashmere sweater

Describe the brand philosophy in 3 words?

“Sand, surf and sky – it’s very Australian, very free.”

Croquet long cashmere cardigan

How to wear your pieces?

“Either with a pair of jeans, ballet flats and a tee underneath or a nice crisp white shirt, pencil skirt and skinny belt for work.”

Oversized cashmere sweater

Who would you love to see wearing your designs?

“Elle is our unofficial muse but I also love Kate Moss and the way she puts hi-lo looks together.”

Cashmere track pants

I am in love with Belynda’s super-comfy and stylish creations and you?
To shop, click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Banjo & Matilda and net-à-porter.com

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

Looking outside, it is truly sweater weather! And this season, it is official, the cheesy holiday jumper got a style upgrade. Suddenly, all that we want are reindeers, snowflakes and jacquards. My favourite are Moschino’s penguins.

1 Penguin intarsia wool sweater by Moschino
2 Cropped wool-blend jacquard sweater by Alexander Wang
3 Fair Isle neon wool-blend sweater by Juicy Couture
4 Fair Isle knitted cotton sweater by Jonathan Saunders
5 Snowman intarsia wool sweater by Moschino
6 Snowflake sequined merino wool sweater by Markus Lupfer
7 Firgrove intarsia wool and alpaca-blend sweater by Aubin & Wills
8 Chunky-knit Fair Isle sweater by J.Crew
9 Polar bear intarsia wool and alpaca-blend sweater by Stella McCartney

Stylist Carolin Sieber rocks this trend by combining her Topshop sweater with a leather mini and Chanel booties. Get cozy for Christmas!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Mr Newton for Harper’s Bazaar

Get in the festive spirit with those irresistible patterned knitwear panties by Abercrombie & Fitch. Slip them on with a cute top for instant Yuletide glamour at home.

My husband surprised me with them… very sweet!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Newly launched for F/W2011, Claudia Schiffer’s luxurious cashmere line perfectly encapsulates the legendary supermodel’s insouciant style. Schiffer sourced the finest fabrics for this collection of model must-haves – you’ll find everything from cozy cardigans in rich earth tones to slinky color-pop tube dresses.

The range will be manufactured, produced and distributed in partnership with luxury German 
cashmere label Iris von Arnim.

Available from today at www.net-à-porter.com.

LoL, Sandra