Sandra‘s Closet

Not sure what to do over the weekend. Here is an idea. Start watching the new Netflix series «EMILY IN PARIS» that launched last Friday. I swear, you will be daydreaming about living in France, eating chocolate croissants, and falling in love. I have become immediately addicted. Thank God, my fiancé is half Parisian, haha. I know the reviews are not the best, ranking from «too cliche» to «embarrassing series, completely wrong image of Paris», but honestly I am absolutely loving it!

Left: Lily Collins Emily in Paris – Right: Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City

No other than Darren Star, who was also in charge of our favorites such as «Beverly Hills, 90210» (1990–2000), «Melrose Place» (1992–1999), and «Sex and the City» (1998–2004) created this American comedy-drama web television series. It stars Lily Collins as the titular character, Emily, an American woman moving to Paris for a job opportunity and better life. There she struggles to succeed in the workplace while searching for love and experiencing culture clash wth her «boring» Midwestern upbringing.

«You look American. Are you from Indiana?» asks Mindy (Ashley Park, right), when she first meets Emily, who has lunch alone in the park, wearing a fabulous Ganni silk top and dress, a Rag & Bone belt , combined with a Patricia Field Canary Bag.

Personally speaking, I have so many reminiscences with Emily. I used lived in Chicago, where she is from, and my first job experience was also in Paris. I worked at Sonia Rykiel at their ready-to-wear design department where I also experienced some funny moments and cultural clashes.

On her first day at the office in Paris, Emily wears an Alice + Olivia Eiffel Tower shirt, a Re/Done crop top,  snakeskin-print Ronny Kobo miniskirt, an Aldo bag and Christian Louboutin Gorgona booties, emblazoned with «Paris» and airmail stickers.

Emily in a green CHANEL (her favorite French brand) jacket from the Cruise 2020 collection combined with a checked Kangol hat.

The best about «EMILY IN PARIS» are the costumes. Behind them is my favorite stylist, Patricia Field, who became famous for her work at the set of «Sex and the City». We owe all those iconic Carrie Bradshaw fashion moments to her. Emily is like the Carrie Bradshaw for the next generation, with a wardrobe you wish you had yourself, and a growing Insta account you’d love to emulate.

An homage to Audrey Hepburn: Emily in a Christian Siriano dress, vintage fur and purse, La Compagnie du Costume jewellery and Cosmoparis shoes.

Don’t blame me, if you won’t leave your apartment this weekend and will be binge-watching all 10 episodes. And here are some Instagram accounts, you might one to follow after to get the details of the looks: @emilyinparis, and @emilyinparisfashion.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Netflix

The famous ASW Winter Weekend in Gstaad is approaching fast and Friday’s dress code «Je ne regrette rien» might leave some with questions. Therefore I put together a little guide with lots of inspiration for you to get ahead of the fashion game. For those not coming, take this post as an idea for your next holiday festivities. You might outshine even the Christmas tree…

As many designers are looking into their archives for inspiration, time-traveling on our part is absolutely trending. From sixties retro to nineties nostalgia, the only mission is to stand out of the crowd. And there is truth in the fact that French women seem to always get it right! It is the widely adored allure of «je ne sais quoi» attitude. Their ability to assemble an outfit in the most put together way without looking too made up.

When it comes to partying, the capital of France has enthralled party planners and party goers for centuries. This December, ASW will bring the opulent glamour and intrigue of Paris nights to their members. Think of red plush, sparkling lights, think of the time when Edith Piaf first sang her iconic song «Je ne regrette rien» in 1960 or seek inspiration from the late 1970s through the 1990s, when «Les Bains Douches» was the nightclub to go in Paris. Imagine Jean-Paul Belmondo, Alain Delon, and Brigitte Bardot, dancing at «Chez Régine» or transform yourself into a burlesque dancer that could have popped out of the famous «Moulin Rouge» or «Crazy Horse» with feathers, sequins and showing off lots of skin. For the gentlemen the motto is to become the most handsome dandy or French lover. It is the allure that counts. Don’t forget a touch of sleaziness is always welcome during Parisian nights… here you can can…. here life is a cabaret.

Below are some outfit inspirations, to shop just click on the highlighted text:

LIFE IS A CABARET
Crystal-embellished feather and felt hat by Gucci, feather-trim velvet bustier dress and tasseled sequined chiffon pouch, both by Attico, Salsa feather-embellished suede sandals by Charlotte Olympia, long feather scarf by Yves Salomon and smoking silver-tone, enamel and crystal clip earrings by Saint Laurent.

BURLESQUE EXTRAVAGANZA
Cold-shoulder lace-up stretch-tulle midi dress by Dolce & Gabbana, sequined long dress by Temperley London, lace ribbon garter by Folies by Renard, Talitha feather-trimmed glossed-leather sandals by Saint Laurent, and ruffle-trimmed woven clutch by The Vampire’s Wife.

YES WE CAN CAN
Bow-detailed glittered stretch-velvet mini dress by Balmain, Pandor ruched printed silk-blend lamé mini dress by Isabel Marant, Vivienne glittered velvet clutch by Jimmy Choo, Marguerite 100 velvet and leather-trimmed mesh mules and Daisy 100 leather-trimmed velvet ankle boots, both by Malone Souliers by Roy Luwolt.

BELLE DE NUIT 
Fringed embellished tulle jacket and crystal-embellished tulle jumpsuit, both by Naeem Khan, leopard-print turban headband by Gucci, Cleo crystal-embellished satin platform sandals by René Caovilla, Disco Pandora embellished glittered perspex clutch by Charlotte Olympia and gold-tone earring by Balenciaga.

FRENCH LOVER
Gold-fit satin-striped wool-blend suit, metallic jacquard suit, and lace-up leather derby shoes, both by Dolce & Gabbana, embroidered collar shirt, feather print scarf and dancing skeleton loafers, all by Alexander McQueen, and sequin blazer by Saint Laurent.

FOREVER CRAZY
Taking the theme to the next level and wearing the motto on your skin… those temporary transfer tattoo stickers are available here.

Looking forward to a great party ahead! Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands – Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht

Attico is a rising brand from Italian street style stars and designers Giorgia Tordini and Gilda Ambrosio. «We wanted to make thrown-together appear dressed up, dressed-up feel everyday, and every entrance feel like the entrance,» they say of the brand’s aesthetic, which is inspired by classic peignoirs robes – expect embroidered silks, sparkling sequins and rainbow colors. One of their hottest accessories are the ankle cuffs that are available in several colors. Here you see Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in one of their stunning looks with the designer duo itself.

Get her look: Sequined tulle wrap mini dress, Baby patent-leather slingback sandals, and buckle fasten anklet, all by Attico.

By the way, I am proud of myself. This is the first collage I created with Photoshop and Indesign!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s Instagram @rosiehw
Stills: Courtesy of Attico

Easter is in two weeks which is right around the corner. Get ready for the holiday in style with these adorable outfit and gift ideas for any Easter activity you have planned! Whether you are hosting a brunch with friends and family, an egg hunt with the kids, or just chill at home for the holiday with your loved one, I have your wardrobe options covered. Thankfully, this season’s trends complement the Easter spirit perfectly, so no need to feel shy wearing your bunny all year long!

THE FASHIONABLE EASTER BUNNY

1 Embellished intarsia sweater by Gucci
2 Polka dot rabbit T-shirt by Peter Jensen
3 Rabbit intarsia jumper by Prada
4 Rabbit tote by Comme des Garçons Girl
5 Intarsia wool sweater by Gucci
6 Rabbit zip around wallet by MCM
7 Rabbit print wallet by Prada

THE GUCCI EASTER BUNNY

1 Embroidered wool cardigan by Gucci
2 Embroidered denim skirt by Gucci
3 Appliquéd cotton T-shirt by Gucci
4 Appliquéd cotton hoodie by Gucci
5 Embroidered denim jacket by Gucci

THE NAUGHTY EASTER BUNNY

1 Playboy bunny logo sweater by Moschino
2 Bunny gingham leather cross-body bag by Loewe
3 Bunny cap by Bernstock Speirs
4 Embellished swimsuit by Moschino
5 Heidi lace bunny ear headband by Maison Michel
6 Embellished Bugs Bunny sweater by Gucci

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

«You can’t let someone else lower your self-esteem, because that’s what it is – self-esteem. You need to first love yourself before you have anybody else love you.»
– Winnie Harlow

Today is International Women’s Day (IWD) and we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of inspirational women such as Winnie Harlow. I admire the Canadian fashion model, spokesperson, and activist who shows us to love ourselves with all our little imperfections.

Role model Winnie Harlow posing naked on her Instagram @winnieharlow

She was diagnosed with vitiligo, the chronic skin condition, characterized by depigmentation of portions of the skin, at the age of four. Harlow was a victim of bullying by other children and was reportedly called a «cow, zebra, and all manner of other disparaging slurs» throughout her childhood. The verbal harassment led to her changing schools numerous times and dropping out of high school, after which she contemplated committing suicide.

Her life changed when Tyra Banks discovered her for the twenty-first cycle of the U.S. television series America’s Next Top Model. Winnie gained easily prominence as a contestant despite her skin condition and finished sixth place. From then, she has worked as a successful model and was the face for several campaigns.

Get her look she wore on the streets of New York City recently: Custom Crystal fox fur coat by M.A Skinz, feather-trimmed embellished printed crepe blouse and cropped chain-trimmed printed crepe straight-leg pants, both from Prada‘s Resort 2018 collection and D’orsay Marlene heels in petal by Roger Vivier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roger Vivier (Photo by Gotham/GC Images), via Winnie Harlow and stills courtesy of the brands

If there’s one night to go all out and turn on the flash, it’s undoubtedly New Year’s Eve. But some of us are challenged throughout the whole festive season with specific dress code for special parties. Personally speaking, I will attend the 8th annual ASW Winter Weekend Mid December at the fabulous Gstaad Palace in Switzerland and for Friday night’s dinner «La Vie en Or» the dress code says asks for «glamorous, with a touch of gold». This is great! I love any reason to wear sparkle, but such an occasion is the perfect time to shine. And gentlemen, you are in this, too!

«Golden Girl» or just a little golden accessory – you decide how much you would like to shine.

From full-on sequin dresses to just the right gold accessory, there isn’t one right way to fulfill the dress code. The golden rule is you have to feel comfortable, in every tailored sense of men’s style, is purchase clothing that fits you properly. Nothing destroys an outfit – whatever the dress code and no matter how expensive the clothes are – like an ill-fitting jacket, shirt or trousers.

In general, gold is the perfect color to lift an all-black or an all-white outfit to something glamorous and fun. Perfect for all festive occasions!

To make your life a little easier, I put together a fun guide for all budgets so that you don’t need to worry about anything and can focus entirely on celebrating the start of the winter season in style!

HIGH END BUGDET – Full Looks

Get his look: Metallic jacquard dinner jacket by Dolce & Gabbana, shirt gold detail shirt by Comme des Garçons, turn-up hem wool-blend tailored trousers by Prada, ruler cufflinks by Paul Smith, skull and polka dot tie by Alexander McQueen and leather embroidered loafers by Gucci.

Get her look: Racko open-back sequined cady mini dress by Rachel Zoe or wondering lace-paneled fil coupé georgette blouse by Temperley London and sequined wool mini skirt by Marc Jacobs, Anya d’Orsay metallic patent-leather pumps by Saint Laurent, Celeste sequined canvas clutch by Jimmy Choo and Roma gold-tone earrings by Annie Costello Brown.

HIGH END BUDGET – Great Accessories

Stand out with a statement headpiece with a touch of gold and be the queen of the night: embellished satin headband by Dolce & Gabbana.

Lifting every basic look to new heights: Candy box by Jimmy Choo.

LOW BUDGET – A touch of Gold

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your outfit, I recommend getting some fabric with golden sequins. Those accessories will have a great effect on your outfit and can be combined with all sorts of colors. Moreover they are less expected than some golden shoes or a handbag. I still love the mixture between gold and black the best.

You don’t need to be an expert in tailoring to do some cuffs or a belt. If you get a stretchy material, you can even glue it together instead of sewing it. In case you are to lazy for some DIY, you can order them directly here:

Cuffs with gold sequins

Sequined belt

The perfect touch of gold for a man: the right colored pocket square.

LOW BUDGET – Taking the Dress Code Literally up a Notch

Zara has some cool pieces in gold. Minimal investment for a maximum effect.

Be the star of the night: golden bomber jacket for men by Zara.

The perfect touch of gold for women and great for dancing: shorts in gold combined with a black top by Zara.

And don’t forget… you want to start the New Year with something new for good luck, it’s a great excuse to add a new piece to your wardrobe.

Happy Shopping! And I am looking forward to seeing some of you in Gstaad…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Gstaad Palace and © Sandra Bauknecht

Why not making every day a Halloween Party?! I hate spending too much money on costumes but I love having pieces in my closet that combined easily transform in a fun outfit matching the theme.

Get the look: Intarsia wool sweater by Gucci, laser-cut leather mini skirt by Alaïa, Day of the Dead gold-plated earrings by I+I, satin pumps by Vetements + Manolo Blahnik, Cat oriental-jacquard clutch by Loewe, and leather-trimmed printed silk-twill scarf by Alexander McQueen.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

While you are reading this, I am on my way to the Oktoberfest in Munich with HUBLOT for an exclusive «Wies’n Gaudi» at the one & only Käfer’s-Wies’n-Schänke. The dress code? Of course «Traditional Bavarian»!

Is any other traditional dress as feminine, elegant and downright sexy as a «Dirndl»?
Any man or woman alive who has visited the Munich Oktoberfest would have to answer with a resounding no! As many other Germans, I am always looking forward to the festival season rolling around, to wear my «Trachten» and «Lederhosen» to celebrate in style.

From left to right top: Breakfast at Tiffany’s –  Dirndl Time – Oh Deer!
From left to right bottom: Pucci Goes Wies’n – Tyrolean Love

From time to time, I like to play around with the outfits and don’t opt for the traditional «Dirndl» but look for designer pieces in my closet that are inspired from Tyrolean or Bavarian styles.

Finding the right Dirndl can be quite expensive and choices are versatile. You can certainly look for less expensive ones at regular department stores, but then you’re quite likely to run into other women wearing the same style around town. In case it bothers you spending so much money on this occasion, I would like to inspire you with these designer pieces that you can wear all year long.

DAYTIME TRACHT: Misha embroidered velvet-paneled gabardine jacket by Vilshenko, crochet-trimmed lace-up broderie anglaise cotton blouse by SEA, velvet shorts by Pierre Balmain, appliquéd leather Chelsea boots by Charlotte Olympia, embellished wool-blend socks, Lucia watersnake-trimmed embellished brocade shoulder bag, crystal-embellished round-frame gold-tone sunglasses and gold-tone crystal clip earrings, all by Dolce & Gabbana.

DIRNDL CHIC: Lace and velvet-paneled pleated crepe mini dress by Elie Saab, faux pearl-embellished velvet headband and velvet shoulder bag, both by Miu Miu, velvet and gold-tone multi-stone choker by Etro, Elliot floral-print matelassé over-the-knee boots by Altuzarra.

BAVARIAN QUEEN: Embroidered cotton-velvet tuxedo jacket by ALEXACHUNG, Adriana lace-up velvet-trimmed crepe dress by Altuzarra, Klara lace-up suede ankle boots by Tabitha Simmons, Padlock small appliquéd studded leather shoulder bag, metallic crochet-trimmed embroidered cotton-blend socks and frayed grosgrain, bead and faux pearl brooch, all by Gucci.

O’zapft is! Happy Wies’n Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

«Clouds come floating in my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.»

Fluffy clouds to wear this S/S 2017 season … fashion can put you in a state of blissful happiness. Time to get on cloud nine! Happy Sunday!

Get the look: Happy Clouds top by Rosie Assoulin, Puzzle printed leather shoulder bag by Loewe, Cloud iPhone 6/6s case by Stella McCartney, Dionysus embellished suede pumps by Gucci and Panama Every Cloud textured-leather notebook by Smythson.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

The 12th of April marks the International Day of Pink this year, it is always held on the second Wednesday of April. Take a stand against discrimination and bullying with the season’s hottest shade. Seen all the runways (in a myriad of shades) for both, spring and fall you’ve no good reason not to get on board.

Get the look (in the collage): Off-the-shoulder Chantilly lace gown by Giambattista Valli, Word Image appliquéd cotton-faille clutch by Olympia Le-Tan and bow-embellished satin wedge sandals by Prada.

SHOP ALSO A GREAT SELECTION OF PINK ITEMS AT MODA OPERANDI HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands