Sandra‘s Closet

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

While being at the Baume et Mercier global press launch in the Hamptons, I met Jodi Belden who is the Associate Accessories Editor for Elle US. One thing is for sure, sophistication is in her DNA. Working for an American fashion magazine, it is no wonder that the beautiful blonde has created her own authentic, alluring personal style. She loves mostly pencil skirts and classy looks.

One evening, we went on a cruise together and Jodi mixed perfectly High Street fashion (lace dress by Topshop) with designer pieces (shoes by Prada and „Ipanema“ straw clutch by Anya Hindmarch), all from previous seasons. She especially paid attention to her accessories, kept her make-up simple and wore her hair in an effortless bun. I re-styled the look for you to shop. Just click on the little pictures.

Haven’t you always dreamt of looking like an editor? Here is your chance…

LoL, Sandra

Paige Reddinger (Forbes Life) and Jodi Belden (Elle US) with me in the middle.
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, during another Baume et Mercier workshop at the Montauk lighthouse, I met Kelly Killoren Bensimon, the ex-wife of French fashion photographer Gilles Bensimon. The beautiful brunette is a multitalent: A mother of two, an author, jewelry designer, former model, and former editor of Elle Accessories. She currently appears on Bravo The Real Housewives of New York City and is the editor at large for Hamptons Magazine, a free weekly with circulation of 40,000 to 50,000.

Kelly, who now resides in New York City and East Hampton, published the book „In the Spirit if The Hamptons“. As a connoisseur of Long Island’s East End, she gave us a wonderful insight of the lifestyle.

„The Hamptons are understated, a nice spoil to New York. Nouveau Riche is here definitely the wrong word. It is more of a relaxed and easy going beach community. It is a no hair and no make-up mentality. You can see many celebrities enjoying themselves, like Paul McCartney going sailing or Stella McCartney on the bike. Ralph Lauren drives his extensive vintage car collection around the area while Donna Karan raised her family here and brought a shop and a restaurant to Sag Harbour.

Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller even spent their honeymoon in the Hamptons. When it comes to partying, Puff Daddy’s legendary White Party is a must. A little revolution as Americans are not supposed to wear white before Memorial Day. The Hamptons are a magical place all through the year. In the winter months it is beautiful to bundle up and walk your dog on the beach. You can go horseback riding, enjoy indoor tennis and many more activities.

By the way, we call the Hamptons the Beach!“

– Kelly Killoren Bensimon

Kelly looked so pretty and sported the relaxed and casual Hampton style perfectly with her white cropped pants, the little tunic, the ballet flats and her beautiful new Baume et Mercier watch.
Like always, if you like the look, you can start shopping below.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Recently, one of my friends approached me with –what I realized while working on it- a tricky question. She is a very successful business woman and told me that it is really hard to find clothes that are appropriate for work but still have a feminine touch. This is true.

Your goal to getting dressed for work is to project a competent, professional image. Especially being a woman in an executive position, you don’t want to look sexy fashion victim. It is hard enough to stand up to the stronger sex.

Depending on where you work, those dress codes can vary. As for me, being in fashion, there are no rules. Believe me, I have always enjoyed that part.

But for bankers, lawyers or any other more conservative jobs, it is very important that you send the right message. Your fashion choices will speak volumes about your commitment to do your job.

Here are some rules that might help to find the right formal business attire:

• Business suits (a matched skirt and jacket), pantsuits (matched pants and blazer) and pumps of good quality are on your must-haves list together with crisp shirts, shift dresses (can be a great alternative especially in the summer) and a classy coat.
• Don’t opt for too bold or fancy colours and stay away from wild prints! Traditional shades are navy, grey, black, white and beige. You can mix those trustworthy hues with soft feminine pastel colours.
• Keep the length of your skirt at or below the knee. A pencil skirt should be loose enough to sit down comfortably. And please no gaps between the buttonholes of your blouse.
• If you want to send a fashion statement and work on your career image, put the emphasis more on the cut. A sharp tailored  jacket can do wonders.
• Invest in your accessories. Choose classy jewelry like stud earrings, a nice ring without overdoing it. Your handbag should project an organized image therefore I recommend to choose structured styles, like frame bags.
• Needless to say, work on your polished appearance. Manicured nails, neat hair, clean, scuff-free shoes and run-free hose are obligatory.

I put together some looks that fulfill the business dress codes but still have a certain fashionable twist.

Start shopping and enjoy looking profashional!

LoL, Sandra

While I think that mothers should be celebrated every day, it’s nice to have a day to be showered with love, affection and presents.

To all the fabulous fashionable moms around the globe, Happy Mother’s Day!

Outfit: Floral gown by Ralph Lauren Collection, embellished pumps by Valentino and embossed leather handbag by Chloé.

LoL, Sandra

With a whip-thin blue leather belt, Miu Miu‘s pleated black, off-white and neon-yellow satin dress is a fabulous way to work colour-blocking cool. Take inspiration from the runway by teaming it with fluorescent heels and a bright clutch. Or wear it like the modell in the editorial with a wide belt by Ellery.

A sensational way to wear colour for cocktails. I couldn’t resist, can you?

LoL, Sandra

Ralph Lauren’s Collection runway S/S 2011 line is all about the Wild West! Fringes, bull’s heads, suede leather, everything you need to have to become lumberjack’s best friend or the fashionista of the prairie.

There is especially one look that I love. This plaid shirt combined with the ultra luxurious skirt. The unusual combination makes so special. It has this certain twist I am always recommending.The accessories work the same way. A casual crossbody bag worn with delicate silver sandals.

As the original embellished Ralph Lauren Collection Theresa skirt from the runway is a gem and has its price (Its beading is done in Lyon.), I suggest this gorgeous fringed Matthew Williamson skirt.

Anyway, this is an inspiration that you will certainly find in your own closet. Have fun exploring!
Just skip the spores!

LoL, Sandra

This morning, I went on a little Mediterranean shopping spree. I already got those fabulous Pucci boots and cannot wait to wear them with this stunning blue bead embellished tunic.
The Emilio Pucci S/S 2011 collection is so divine and should be on your shopping list.
In Zurich it is available at Bloom’s.

Doesn’t it remind you of a beautiful Greek island? Ready to make an entrance at cocktail hour?
This is `70s boho  glamour at its best!

LoL, Sandra

Spring is here and it feels so good. This week, I wore this colourful outfit to a business meeting.

My look: Fringed skirt by Matthew Williamson, silk top by Alexander McQueen, stingray sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, floral coat by Stella McCartney and Birkin bag bei Hermès.

Enjoy your weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht