Sandra‘s Closet

Fashionable women in action sports, such as surfing or swimming, need functional and stylish clothing  in one. This post is dedicated to some fun pieces for the water as well as some beauty products that especially protect your hair. Be sure to pack those must-haves on your next vacation!

Citrus Sunshine Swimcap Cream, 75ml by Philip Kingsley
This product is absolutely amazing.  It was originally developed for the first US Olympic synchronized swimming team to protect their hair from dehydrating chlorine and salt water. This intensely hydrating formula is for use on wet hair and suitable for sensitive scalps, overly processed and damaged hair.

Vanishing Point Yosemite swim cap by Eres
Another way to protect your hair in the water, is a traditional swim cap. This Italian-made piece is crafted from the label’s signature shape-retaining peau douce fabric – it won’t move or slip when wet. Moreover it won’t pull your hair like many swim caps do.

Surf Infusion, 100ml by Bumble and Bumble
I adore creates soft beach waves. Enriched with sea salt and nourishing oils, this formula instantly adds texture, body and shine. UV inhibitors ensure tresses are protected from the drying effects of the sun.

Printed cotton-jersey T-shirt by Mikoh
The brand’s founding duo – Californian sisters and designers Oleema and Kalani Miller – are keen surfers who grew up on the sun-kissed beaches of Orange County. This classic crew-neck T-shirt is cut for a relaxed fit from soft cotton-jersey. Slip on this piece at the beach or team it with summery pants when you’re in the city.

Printed neoprene rashsuit by Perfect Moment
This rashsuit is cut from insulating 1.8mm neoprene that’s UV-protective and stretch-resistant so it holds its shape in water. This streamlined style has flatlocked seams to reduce irritation and feels super lightweight and flexible. The striped monochrome panels contour and flatter your figure.

St Tropez striped perforated neoprene backpack by Duskii
Store your beach essentials or a change of clothes in the roomy interior, adjusting the rope straps for comfort.

Saint Tropez striped neoprene swimsuit by Duskii
Matching your beach backpack, this swimsuit is crafted from sculpting neoprene, this comfortable style molds to the body for a flexible fit.

Surfboard by Chanel
And last but not least, you need a stylish surfboard and why not opt for one by Chanel. In 2010, the fashion house created luxury surfboards in the original Chanel classic aesthetic. I am sure you can still find them somewhere or ask for a special order in stores.

Who said surfing wasn’t chic?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Coachella might be over, but festival fashion fever lives on! Natural leather sandals covered in pompoms, beads and charms chime perfectly with this season’s artisan shoe trend. The straps add to the bohemian feel. Here are some of my favorite models:

Pompom-embellished leather flat sandals by Dolce & Gabbana

Embellished leather sandals by Mabu by Maria BK

Penny Lane embellished leather flat sandals by Elina Linardaki

Embellished leather sandals by Mabu by Maria BK

Happy shoe shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

While you are reading this post, I am on my way to Cuba as guest of CHANEL. I am totally excited about this trip as the Maison’s highly-anticipated Cruise 2017 collection will be presented in Havana on El Paseo del Prado upcoming Tuesday,  May 3rd, 2016.

As part of the month of the French culture in Cuba, the House of CHANEL is also presenting the exhibition “Obra en Proceso / Work in Progress” by Karl Lagerfeld at the Factoría Habana in Cuba, from April 28th to May 12th 2016. The opening reception will take place this Sunday.

This exhibition, divided into three sections representing the designer’s main interests – fashion, architecture and landscapes – brings together more than 200 of Karl Lagerfeld’s photographs. It explores the great diversity of subjects, approaches and techniques that define the very personal and subtle interpretation that makes his photography. For him, a photo is not just an image but also a unique visual object.

It’s no secret that the travel media and fashion houses are thrilled about the loosening of restrictions between Cuba and the United States. Dubbed a “trend” for Resort and S/S 2016, Cuba was the theme of other collections as well: Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler and Temperley London among others.

Stella McCartney for example transformed her Resort 2016 presentation in NYC into a Havana-inspired scene, complete with chocolate cigars, cocktails, street performers, a live band and caricatures of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.

Cassie tiered silk gown by Stella McCartney
(inspired by the Bata Cubana or traditional rumba dress)

The clothes were of course also inspired by the Cuban theme: models donned citrus-hued gowns, wildflower prints, ruffled hemlines, and even an updated version of the Bata Cubana or traditional rumba dress.

Proenza Schouler’s Resort 2016 collection also referenced the culture of the Caribbean nation, an homage that came from a recent trip to the country that designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez did. The latter is of Cuban-American origin and saw his relatives for the first time.

Drop-waist printed silk-crepe mini dress by Proenza Schouler

The collection was subtle with its references to Cuba. Ruffles and floral prints were reminiscent of the native costumes.

The vivacious spirit of Havana, Cuba underpinned also Temperley London‘s S/S16 runway collection which is filled with an exuberant sense of colour, pattern and rhythm. The mood reflects Cuba and the forbidden yet tempting fantasy of island life – its decadent cultural heritage and the nonchalant and mysterious attitude of its capital city Havana.

Arabelle wrap-effect embroidered cotton dress by Temperley London

This is a collection that encompasses day to evening in a vivacious and animated manner whilst being confident, joyful, and ultra feminine.

As internet is said to be very slow in Cuba, I hope that I will be able to post live on here on my blog and on instagram (@sandrascloset) but it is not sure. Those are the two hashtags to follow: #ChanelCruiseCuba, #FactoriaHabana.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: J Grassi/PatrickMcMullan via AP Images, Courtesy of the Brands, © Chanel

Sonia Rykiel – Proenza Schouler – Edun

Do you have OTS? No worries, it’s not a disease, OTS stands for off-the-shoulder. Those necklines are a must this S/S 2016 season and one of my favorite silhouettes. OTS tops with exaggerated sleeves amplify simple outfits while giving unique looks to them. This summer, they can be found everywhere, here are some of the best ones available now:

1 Maylin crinkled silk-georgette top by Elizabeth and James
2 Cutout silk-satin top by Tibi
3 Off-the-shoulder printed fil coupé top by See by Chloé
4 Off-the-shoulder striped cotton-poplin top by J.W.Anderson
5 Cropped velvet-trimmed crepe and basketweave top by Proenza Schouler

A great piece to create a different evening look: off-the-shoulder cropped silk-moire top by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Fashionistas head to the tropics this summer with the latest Hawaiian trend. Inspired by the island’s lush landscape, the must-have pieces are decorated with palm trees and floral prints perfect for the S/S 2016 season.

1 Silk bomber jacket by Valentino
2 Monogramme fringed leather and jacquard clutch by Saint Laurent
3 Printed cotton-jersey T-shirt by Mikoh
4 Printed satin bomber jacket by Saint Laurent
5 Printed backpack by Valentino
6 Pineapple box clutch by Valentino
7 Lock Small embellished shoulder bag by Valentino
8 Palm tree earrings by Saint Laurent

At Mytheresa.com, Valentino‘s amazing Hawaiian capsule collection is exclusively available online.
It is time to get an Hawaiian shirt in style!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mytheresa.com, Valentino, Saint Laurent and Mikoh

Dive into blue! Just in time for spring, many designers looked to the water and sky for inspiration. Especially royal blue with its refined elegance translates easy into the new season. I am in love with jumpsuits that are absolutely trending at the moment. Head to toe in this sophisticated shade is truly an eye-catcher.

Get the look: Carrie cape-effect silk-chiffon and stretch-crepe jumpsuit by Haney, Vivi embellished lizard-effect leather shoulder bag by Sophia Webster, Wild Thing fringed suede sandals by Aquazzura and pompom-embellished woven straw sunhat by Yosuzi.

Below you can find some more inspirations of the S/S 2016 runways …
… enjoy the rest of your week! Kisses from NYC!

LoL, Sandra

Lanvin S/S 2016

Hermès S/S 2016

Stella McCartney S/S 2016

Akris S/S 2016

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

This summer, nobody can say they couldn’t find a cool «Fourth of July» outfit to show their patriotism. All the facets of American stars-and-stripes flags and their iconic colors were seen on the S/S 2016 runways. Finally we can show our love for the US with style in cashmere and not in a cheap polyester costume. I am totally hooked.

From left to right: Red and white star intarsia cotton-blend tank by Max Mara, grey and blue fringed cotton top by Stella McCartney, leather-trimmed appliquéd mesh top by Ronald Van Der Kemp, embellished denim mini skirt and snapshot color-block textured-leather camera bag, both by Marc Jacobs and Race Runner suede and fabric sneakers by Balenciaga.

Marc Jacobs S/S 2016

Intarsia cashmere and silk-blend sweater by Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs S/S 2016

J.M Guys patchwork low-rise boyfriend jeans by Ronald Van Der Kemp

Lacoste S/S 2016

P.Y.T. embellished leather backpack by Marc Jacobs

Max Mara S/S 2016

Which ones are your favorite stars and stripes?

LoL, Sandra

Photos and Stills: Courtesy of the Brands and via Vogue.com

Karl Lagerfeld has chosen Cara Delevingne as the face of the S/S 2016 CHANEL eyewear campaign. Since 2012, the young actress has been a close friend of the House and of Karl Lagerfeld. She has walked the runway several times and appeared in different campaigns.

For the S/S 2016 eyewear campaign, she sports a very urban and contemporary look wearing pieces from the CHANEL AIRLINES ready-to-wear collection. The new must-have shades have been presented on the catwalk last October during the S/S 2016 show: an ultra-graphic, mirrored mask with a quilting effect engraved by laser.

Other eyewear models for this summer are:

The Plein Soleil 2016 collection revisits the two-tone – an emblematic House signature – and is inspired by tie-dye motifs. The colours subtly melt into the acetate, sliding progressively from black into blue on the cat-eye sunglasses, and from black into white on an oval optical.

The Bijou 2016 eyewear collection draws inspiration from another CHANEL code: the camellia. The temples of the butterfly shaped sunglasses and a cat-eye optical are adorned with an abundance of camellias in metal and enamel.

The campaign has been shot by Karl Lagerfeld and is expected to be released in April 2016.

#ChanelSunglasses
#ChanelSpringSummer2016

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

A new trend, yet so old. The traditional Moroccan slippers has taken the runways. So it’s without a doubt that the pointed-toe babouche is the new It-shoe of 2016. Shown in Céline’s Resort 2016 and already in many other Pre-fall 2016 collections, the style comes with an elongated toe and easily slips on.

Worn by the French nobility in the 16th century, as well as by bedouins, this traditional footwear can still be found today in many North African markets in bright colors with ornaments and embellishments. So it might be worth investing in a quick trip to Morocco.

The must-have version is Céline‘s babouche slipper with a single buckled strap across the neck of the foot. In stores now for CHF 660.00.

Or choose from this amazing selection below:

1 Jacno leather slippers by Pierre Hardy
2 Sabine suede and leather slippers by Rag & Bone
3 Lynda embellished slippers by Oscar de la Renta
4 Embellished raffia-trimmed leather slippers by Toga
5 Louie leather slippers by 3.1 Phillip Lim
6 Horsebit-detailed goat hair slippers by Gucci
7 Tian Princetown horsebit-detailed printed coated canvas slippers by Gucci
8 Embellished velvet slippers by Dolce & Gabbana
9 Chips embellished satin slippers by Roger Vivier

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Get the look: Ruffled off-the-shoulder dress by Alexander McQueen, Colorado suede sandals by Aquazzura and Rockstud leather pouch by Valentino.

A softer take on color for 2016: For the first time, the blending of two shades – Rose Quartz and Serenity are chosen as the PANTONE Color of the Year.
As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.

Nail Polish – Bloomsbury Way Blossom by Nails Inc

The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of color association. In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer’s increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage.

LoL, Sandra

Ermanno Scervino S/S 2016

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via Pantone