Sandra‘s Closet

Feathers are a trend that seems to be always there. For F/W 2010 designers showed that fine feathers make fine birds. From beautiful marabou plumes to ostrich feathers, the creations were versatile. Being dressed in full feathers stands for a certain glamourous allure.
So Ladies, start looking for your feathers of prey:

A marabou jacket or cape is a piece for eternity. It adds the right amount of sophistication to every evening outfit or ball gown. I especially adore the ones from Balmain this season and would opt for a colourful piece.

The Gucci dress from the F/W 2010 runway collection is a smart choice as it comes with a removable feather-trimmed bolero.

In case you do not like to ruffle your feathers, I recommend a feather print or just a little detail like the ostrich-trimmed satin bag by Lanvin.

For F/W 2010, the possibilities are numerous. If you turn up your glam factor, you will surely not be shedding feathers.

And good news is, the feather trend is going to stay for S/S 2011. So those pieces are definitely great investments.

Ladies, it is time to adorn yourselves with borrowed plumes!

LoL, Sandra

Some of you wanted to get more information about the bi-colour fur vest I was wearing recently. This divine piece is from Louis Vuitton’s Pre-fall 2010 collection. In Paris, it was like a secret code among fashion editors, spotted quite often. Carolin Sieber, well-known London stylist, whispered in my ear with a wink at the Africa party: „I have the same!“

The lining is made of beautiful heart-printed silk. I especially love the white-grey fox fur combined with the beige colour where the inside pockets are located.

If you are interested, contact the Louis Vuitton store near you. It is definitely a piece that you buy now and will love forever!

LoL, Sandra

Battle fall`s chill in the must-have fabric of the season: shearling. The natural sheepskin has been highly popular on the F/W 2010 runways and designers have come up with some pretty amazing warm and stylish fashion items from trapper hats to cozy coats. And even Hermès’s famous Kelly bag won`t be freezing this season…. love that fur version!

The It-piece of the season is definitely the cropped shearling jacket. Burberry Prorsum did best with the combination of leather and shearling for their aviator versions. These pieces with oversized collars make fashionistas drool all over the continents for their Top Gun moment.
And ladies, you will get a workout in those. They are very cozy and warm, but also sooo heavy which is actually kind of great, lifting weights and being fashionable in one! Believe me, I tried them on!

There are many models to select from this season, but not all are spectacular. The colour, the trim and the style make a world of a difference so take a peek at my pre-selection above. Those cropped shearling jackets work great with this season`s maxi skirts.

If you are petite shaped, you could get swallowed up, so toughen up the look with some tight pants and stiletto boots.

Especially luxe is shearling when fused with shoes. Ohmygod, finally I will have warm feet during winter and high heels on! Yippie!
I am so longing for those Marni clogs….

Give shearling a warm welcome!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

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

Sweater dressing has been trendy since quite awhile but this winter you can indulge in reminiscences of all those gorgeous and easy looks from the `70s and `80s. Preferably loose-knit and tone on tone, we will enjoy the new comfortable freedom. Wear  your sweater dresses with opaque tights, ankle boots and the must-have accessory: a thin belt around the waist!

Extra long boyish cardigans can also do a similiar job. Stella McCartney has some seriously sexy ones. If you like you can combine them with a wide belt like Sonia Rykiel showed on the runway which will give your outfit more shape and spice it up.

You will be surprised how another oldie out of your closet can look brand new this season if you play a litttle with it. The Chanel way looks so sexy. A belted sweater worn as an ultra-mini dress combined with fur overknee boots.

In case that you just cannot wait for all these gorgeous runway looks to arrive, I have provided a fabulous pre-fall 2010 look for you that is already available:

Wrap up the new season with a leather self-tie belt by Vionnet worn over a loose cashmere knitted dress like the one by Chloé. The goat hair trench coat by Burberry Prorsum would finish off your look with style along with the suede knee-high wedge boots by Guiseppe Zanotti and the sloughy bag by See by Chloé.

Comfortable and übercool in one!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

This winter sleeves will be the centre of attention as they are worn is so many different ways. Slashed versions, cape-like openings, little cut-out details, trompe l`oeil effects or zip up arms, the designers let their imagination run free.