Sandra‘s Closet

A dear subscriber of Sandra`s Closet asked for help. She is going to a wedding which will take place in a beautiful garden of a winery in Napa, California and wants to look stunning. Her request was that the outfit should be around $1000.- max.

I put some gorgeous styles together in different colour combinations. Let’s start with something classy in beige and gold for approximately $800.-. Contrast the polished look with a pair of cut-out booties and a hat for an über-stylish statement. (Dress by Karen Millen).

Soft pink is an exquisite colour to wear for a wedding party. The shift dress by D&G Dolce & Gabbana is a fabulously feminine choice. Complement the delicate pastel tone with suede pumps and a golden clutch.
The pochette by Anya Hindmarch is a little pricey at 525.- but an investment piece for many occassions to come.
I totally adore the hat clip for only $10.-. This modern and stylish take on the traditional wedding accessory will make you stand out of the crowd.

A contemporary choice for day and night is this purple halterneck dress for $355.- by Halston Heritage. The brand carries a lot of gorgeous dresses for less money.
Cinch this sculpted style at the waist with the self-tie belt and wear it with understated jewelry and strappy sandals for first class cocktail chic. A feather hair clip for only $27.- could give you that Blair Waldorf attitude. The whole outfit is $745.-. You can add a stylish leopard cardigan for $350.- if it gets chilly.

I love this vibrant asymmetric dress by Halston Heritage. The bright hue will look awesome on brunettes and dark haired ladies. Sharpen the playful rose detail with stunning lace booties and a beaded clutch. Bangles are always a fabulous finish. The complete look is without the jewelry around $850.-.

But careful, it is hard not to steal the show in those gorgeous outfits.
To a great wedding party!

LoL, Sandra

Thanks to the remaining lingerie trend, lace is the connecting thread from boudoir to the office to the dance floor. The most oustanding lace designs were seen on the F/W 2010 runways with black being the dominant colour. The return of womanhood is one of the biggest themes this season and the delicate, sensual fabric is the perfect addition. It makes women feel and look very ladylike and sexy.

No worries, it does not mean that you need to go half-naked. Inject new season`s attitude into your wardrobe with just one ultra-feminine piece. A lace blazer like the D&G one for example makes a fabulous addition to your basics collection. Combine it with a pair of jeans for instant cool chic.

Those lace dresses are cut to create a defined silhouette and will make heads turn after you. These elegant cocktail and black tie pieces are an investment in timeless style. Wear one thing lace and accessorize minimally.

Accessories are always a great way to make a fashion statement. But just one or two at a time, do not overdo the lace addition. Too much is too much!
Stockings, leggings or gloves in the trend material are super hot. I am crazy for the handmade cuffs by Aurélie Biderman. They are made of vintage lace dipped in blackened silver or gold. So beautiful!

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

During the next week, we will do some time-travelling through different decades and their impacts on the F/W 2010 collections. One of the most important ones to influence your fall wardrobe, is the era of the late fifties. It is a celebration of women with the return of the curvy silhouette. Forerunner of the mid-century modern look is Miuccia Prada that surprised once more with her first time focus on the breasts with ruffled  pointy-bra tops. But there is nothing vulgar about her designs. When nostalgia catches up, Marc Jacobs cannot be far away. In the same vein as Prada this season, his collection for Louis Vuitton accented the womanly figure via corsets, belted wasp waists, petticoated skirts, fitted tops and deep cuts.

The looks could have come straight out of the most popular American TV show of the moment, Mad Men. The Emmy and Golden Globe winning series is set in the late fifties/ beginning of the sixties in the world of New York advertising. Its visual style is highly acclaimed and has inspired many designers for fall.

The mood is very fresh feminine with an uptight but sexy secretary note. The full skirt that had reigned until the early 1960s as the emblem of the 1950s woman celebrates its comeback with a charming Frenchified accent.

The hair is scraped back into high, bouncy sort of Brigitte Bardot ponytails or preferably worn in high chignons, held by tight headbands. The make-up is very Dita Von Teese, sort of clean and all about eyeliner. If you like, you can add a red pout. This look will stay for Resort 2011 as seen beautifully at Dior.

To accessorize your Stepford Wives look, here is what you need:

First a pair of spiked little kitten heels, Those very pointed shoes are comfy and because of their short height, you can still look up to the stronger sex.

Secondly, a top handle bag that shows discreet elegance.

And last but not least, a pair of cat-eye sunglasses. You can choose from sharply exaggerated to sweetly retro, just unleash your feline side.

Can you write in shorthand “chic”? I am convinced that now you can…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Today is Independence Day, commonly known as Fourth of July that honours the birthday of the United States of America and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is definitely the most American of holidays, celebrated all over the country and marked by patriotic displays coloured in red, white and blue like the US-flag.

Above there is my “American Dream” consisting of a white gold case with 76 set diamonds, a rotabable bezel with 23 diamonds, 18 rubies and 18 sapphires framing a black dial: The Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II. The list price of this beautiful watch is definitely not a steal: €53.920.- / $70.600.- but colourwise a solid salute to the 234th anniversary of the USA. What a lovely reason….

There are plenty of stylish ways to wear your pride for America. Stars and stripes work the year around and are always a cool addition to your look, but please just one at a time! For today`s celebration, you can go overboard. The Converse shoes and the snakeskin lips clutch by Lulu Guinness, both with the US-flag, are absolute eyecatchers. Thanks to the big nautical trend this summer showing your sartorial spirit for the USA  is very easy and there is a large variety to choose from. I love this Alice by Temperley striped jersey dress and the maritime sunglasses by D&G.

Have a great 4th of July!

LoL, Sandra

Have a look at www.prettyballerinas.com, a shop that sells a huge variety of the beloved flats and ships worldwide. You can find your home country flag (probably a nice way to dress up for the World Cup), little embellishments, python leather, leopard print – just everything the heart desires. Some models are inspired by the ones seen at Chanel (the classic bi-colour), Salvatore Ferragamo (with the bow) and Prada (with the flower) for example but cost much less.
I love the Fashion Emergency Pack that says „open only when heels are killing you”. What a lovely gift! Happy Browsing!

LoL, Sandra

Camilla Skovgaard F/W 2010

High heeled, stilettoed, up to the thigh, those boots are insane and definitely to become the hits of the season. Just imagine your legs in them! Those jaw-dropping models from the F/W 2010 collections will make you speechless and others green with envy.

The overknee is going to stay for another season, love the Burberry ones. You could feel a saloon-girl approach in detail and line at Balmain or Givenchy, lace-up and mid-calf, you are ready to dance the Can-Can. But no worries, it is a very modern look, not at all disguised.

Architecturally amazing are the soles of Viktor & Rolf, even if they seem to be a copy of Camilla Skovgaard`s signature style (see left).

Buckled, fringed – there are certainly no rules, experiment with such a variety of shapes and models. I am sure that there is already one that has conquered your heart! To be in stores soon…

LoL, Sandra

These boots are made for walking… and admiration. There is always a time and always a place to put on a pair of flat boots. From patent to suede, from colourful to neutral, there is a pair for everyone. The flat It-boot next season would be the riding boot – totally love the Manolos.  The range is wide, the pirate style ones by Michael Kors would also be a great purchase just like the studded ones by Christian Louboutin. If you are worried about them looking too casual, these stunning versions are refined and polished, and dressy enough to wear to a variety of occassions and events.

Chloé wool-lined leather boots, approximately €850.-

Already available at NET-À-PORTER and selling out fast is the Chloé pre-fall 2010 strappy model to the left.

LoL, Sandra

Those killer heels are by far some of the most colourful and extraordinary shoes for F/W 2010. The breathtaking models are true works of art and should definitely remain the centre of attention. So keep the rest of your outfit subtle and make sure you know how to walk in them. And if you think there are too much, then just enjoy looking at them.
One thing is certain: This footwear provokes and can cause justifiable credit card debt.
As to me, so worth it…

LoL, Sandra