Sandra‘s Closet

Superga x Mary Katrantzou – this sneaker collaboration is out of this world and holds summer’s favorite sneakers for us. I have been a fan of Mary’s lively creations since the first day she launched her brand and her amazing prints paired with the iconic kicks is absolutely divine.

Parallel to the launch of MARY MARE, the collection taps into picture-perfect vacations. Considering that travelling abroad is far from possible at the moment, the collab is a close second to feeling like you’re enjoying your beauty summer vacation.

You can shop the sneakers here. Below you can see a sneak preview of my Mary Mare look, stay tuned and happy weekend …

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Mary Katrantzou and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Summer is coming up, I hope you’re prepared, especially after quarantine. If you are not, I have something for you from the House of Dior: the DIORAURA collection which is part of the Dioriviera capsule. Inspired by the creative community, Monte Verità, located close to Ascona, Switzerland, the beautiful pieces all feature multicolor Tie & Dior stripes reminiscent of the sunset, reflecting the themes of aura and energy. I have fallen in love immediately and went for the beautiful Dioraura long dress in silk with an open back. Light as air, it can be enhanced by a raffia waistband, as in the fashion show.

The Dioraura Dior Book Tote complements this stunning piece perfectly. Take a closer look at the design, the colors resembles pure happiness, like a rainbow of shades that transit from red, yellow to bright blue and green.

In stores now – hurry up, those pieces are selling out fast.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior

Doting love is when you are extremely and uncritically fond of someone, something a mother feels for her child. In German, we call this behavior «Affenliebe» which translates into monkey love. According to some scientists, these intense, special exchanges that human mothers share with their offspring might have deep roots all the way back in monkeys. Both species use the same gestures and affectionate behaviors towards their children. When I was a little girl, I learnt a lot about primates as my mother, who is the biggest animal rights activist you can imagine, is totally fond of those animals.

As Mother’s Day is coming up and the tropical trend is huge this summer, I would like to dedicate today’s post to all those amazing fashionable pieces featuring those cute little monkeys. I am sure that not only my mum will go bananas seeing them.

And in case you are wondering why I didn’t call the post «monkey love», here is the answer. In the urban dictionary this expression stands for crazy animalistic sex requiring acrobatic poise. It can also be termed «monkey lovin‘». Isn’t it funny how you can go wrong just translating a word correctly?

LoL, Sandra

Monkey-print halterneck silk top by Bottega Veneta

Monkey crystal-embellished brooch by Erdem

Sequinned monkey-appliqué wool-blend dress by Valentino

Monkey diamond, opal, silver & 18kt gold earrings by Bibi van der Velden

Jungle-appliqué embroidered knit sweater by Valentino

Monkeys Forest print poplin dress by Valentino
Monkey-appliquéd T-shirt by Valentino

Monkey print twill cape by Burberry

Scarf tie point-toe mules by Burberry

Monkey print chain-strap cardholder by Burberry

Killer monkey print swimsuit by Dsquared2

Medium monkey jacquard TB shoulder bag by Burberry

Drawstring monkey print jacket by Burberry

Soleia printed cotton-voile pajama set by Desmond & Dempsey

Scimmie Thyme, Lavender and Cedarwood scented candle by Fornasetti

Avantgardening satin bedding by Christian Fischbacher

Equateur wallpaper by Hermès

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

For some of us, lilac has been associated with many things, but not for long a time has it been rendered chic. Probably you are reminded of the colour of your first eye shadow once applied liberally at school or it’s the colour of your grandmother’s favorite dress. It’s the shade that brides sometimes dress their bridesmaids in if they don’t really like them.

Zara shelves before the lockdown last week – lilac allover.

However, last winter it has already been seen all over the runways in head-to-toe looks and this S/S 2020 season it has become the must-have colour (forget classic blue) – I swear. Pastel or neon hues are all enjoying a newfound popularity, but none are more pervasive than lilac. An evolved, more adult take on millennial pink, the trick to making it looking modern rather than old-fashioned and saccharine is all in the shape and colour combinations. Tomorrow, I will show you my favorite combo – so make sure to check back!

LoL, Sandra

Sabina ruffled crinkled silk-georgette maxi dress by Ulla Johnson

Crystal-embellished cotton-twill mini dress by The Attico (15% off)

Feather-trimmed cotton-jersey mini dress by The Attico

Metallic wool-blend jacquard track pants by Gucci

Sequin-embellished mohair-blend cardigan by Alessandra Rich

Big Sisea cotton-poplin shirt by The Row

Tena woven flared pants by Joseph

Novia strapless jacquard midi dress by Emilia Wickstead

Mel open-back ribbed wool-blend turtleneck sweater by Alice + Olivia (15% off)

Buckle-detailed draped stretch-jersey mini dress by Moschino

Venus satin pumps by The Attico

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Vogue and Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Leather culottes have been all the rage this S/S 2020 season. Cut from butter-smooth leather, these shorts are preferably shirred at the waist and kick out to wide cuffs. They hit just above the knee, so you can wear them with mules or boots alike. Thanks to Bottega Veneta‘s Daniel Lee who says he only wants to create clothes that will last a lifetime, we will surely enjoy those pieces for many years to come. Those shorts will age beautifully with you.

Amata leather culottes by RtA

Leather culottes by Brunello Cucinello

Leather culottes by Joseph

also available in yellow.

Shirred leather culottes by Bottega Veneta

also available in beige (my choice)and in a beautiful light blue.

Leather culottes by Tom Ford

Stay tuned! I will show you how I style them very soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

This S/S 2020 season, designers have revisited the denim skirt. A tribute to the ’70s and ’80s – think asymmetric hem that’s frayed for a distressed look. Wear those long versions with a chunky knit and some cool ankle boots.

LoL, Sandra

Frayed denim midi skirt by Givenchy

Asymmetric denim skirt by Alexander Wang

Asymmetric frayed denim skirt by Loewe

Asymmetric frayed denim skirt by Michael Kors Collection

Asymmetric frayed denim skirt by Marques’ Almeida

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands / Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

I truly adore the Miu Miu S/S 2020 collection, one of my favorites this season. Therefore I couldn’t resist this beautiful shearling-lined appliquéd suede vest below.

The ad campaign captures the sophisticated and playful mood of the runway perfectly. Imagine an artists’ colony. The colony is all female. The claustrophobic dramas of this colony take place within a sprawling, labyrinthine property; part stage set, part installation, part gallery, part home. Here, the events are hinted at, intimated and obliquely observed in the S/S 2020 Miu Miu campaign.

The house of Xavier Corberó: Casa Corberó

The mythology of the artists’ colony and its place within the past, present and future, is conjured at the Casa Corberó. Built by the Catalan artist Xavier Corberó, situated in Esplugues, close to the outskirts of Barcelona, his ‘casa sublim’ is characterised by elaborate, playful forms that still adhere to a certain strictness, discipline and utility.

These notions are reflected in the S/S 2020 Miu Miu collection itself, where creative freedom and expression – at times spattered and hand-painted, with mismatched buttons, ‘collaged’ ruffles, done and yet undone – is contrasted with the discipline of form, silhouette and utility found in the examples of workwear and the uniform, motifs Miuccia Prada turns to once again. Here it is ‘woman’s work’ that is reflected, both domestic and artistic, in the shape of pinafores, aprons and overalls.

TO SHOP MIU MIU ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
I hope you like it as much as I do…

LoL, Sandra

CREDITS: Photos by Call This Number, Liz Collins, Lynette Garland
Creative Direction and Styling by Katie Grand
Models: Tomiwa Adeshina, Pia Ekman, Bo Gebruers, Bella Hadid, Tang He, Lea Julian, Jordan Leftwich, Lila Moss, Patrycja Piekarska, Alexis Sundman, Xiao Wen Ju, Kaila Wyatt
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Just as you were all getting comfortable with your winter wardrobes and discovering the art of dressing sustainably, the close of 2019 has got some of us thinking about our 2020 wardrobe. Shopping needs to be more about investment pieces. From bermuda shorts with blazers to head-to-toe white and tropical prints, scroll through for the biggest trends from the S/S 2020 season here.

LoL, Sandra

There is a reason why Pantone announced it the Color of the Year 2020.

Denim borrows from all manner of eras, from the ’70s to the ’90s, more sophisticated than ever and perfect for everyday.

Putting a twist on the classic suit, designers embraced the Bermuda short suit for spring.

Welcome to the resurrection of the waistcoat. Wear the vest alone to a formal event or get dapper with a tailored three-piece.

This season, designers are encouraging us to get colorful, when it comes to buttery leather.

Extra volume and statement shoulders go well together.

This season, your adventurous spirit is to be celebrated and you are heading to the jungle in these tropical prints.

Subtle may not be their specialty, but these vibrant highlighter-inspired shades know how to make an entrance.

Crochet is getting a cool update come spring, modern with a special touch of Grandma’s handmade technique.

Seventies-style, bohemian rock accents, hippie silhouettes set a modern Woodstock tone.

Your grandparents’ old wallpaper, but make it fashion in the form of a swinging ’60s motif.

The look is most impactful in jacket form – extra style points if it has a contrasting collar.

Those slouchy white suits transition the monochrome set into daily wear. Alternatively, you can opt for upscale in an elegant lace.

There is a new kid in town. A hybrid between long pants and shorts. Too cool!

Thanks to the Khaite hype, crop tops are no longer cutting it – the bra top has officially entered the party, preferably with a pair of tailored pants.

Set your expectations high and keep your inseams higher with the newest versions of hot pants that are so tiny, they might technically be hot (under)pants?

The all-time favorite dot – simply put, the trend shows no sign of slowing, this summer, opt for colourful pieces.

What will 2020 entail? Feathers, feathers, and more feathers, and it won’t be long before they fly into your closets.

It wouldn’t be a spring trend report without some sort of floral reference. This season, designers are honing in on the queen of flowers, the rose.

Tiered dresses and skirts offer volume, high drama, and maximum twirl-ability, perfect for your next black tie gala.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

PANTONE has declared its Color of the Year for 2020 to be Classic Blue, or Pantone 19-4052. So it’s time to blue something as we’re all about to be incredibly blue. The high court of color has chosen a shade which is probably the truest of blue. The closest description might be cobalt or royal blue, but it’s a little calmer than that, not as bold. Yves Klein Blue or Yves Saint Laurent would have surely loved this anti-anxiety hue.

Dry pigment and synthetic resin on paper mounted on canvas 62 x 111 1/2 inch
Centre Georges Pompidou – Musée national d’art moderne, Paris, France
© The Estate of Yves Klein c/o ADAGP, Paris

«Blue has no dimensions, it is beyond dimensions, whereas the other colors are not. They are psychological spaces; red, for example, presupposing a hearth releasing heat. All colors bring forth specific associative ideas, tangible or psychological, while blue suggests, at most, the sea and sky, and they, after all, are in actual nature what is most abstract.» – Yves Klein, Lecture at la Sorbonne, June 3rd 1959, Paris

This artwork is showcasing the «true blue» pigment in perfection: the 17th-century painting The Virgin in Prayer by Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato.

Another great example in the art world is by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. His famous work from 1665, Girl with a Pearl Earring,  shows classic blue as the only bold burst of colour – in the form of a headscarf – among beiges, browns and a dark background.

You might be asking yourself, how did PANTONE land on this color? The color authority looks at trend forecasts, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, political views, media, street art, travel destinations, new technologies, and new textures — to name just a few of the categories they consider. Then it’s time to narrow it down to a color family, in this case it was a blue mood, «a reassuring presence instilling calm, confidence and connection».

This enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.

Imprinted in our psyches as a restful color, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the human spirit, offering refuge. Aiding concentration and bringing laser like clarity, it re-centers our thoughts. A reflective blue tone, Classic Blue fosters resilience.

As technology continues to race ahead of the human ability to process it all, it is easy to understand why we gravitate to colors that are honest and offer the promise of protection. Non-aggressive and easily relatable, the trusted PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue lends itself to relaxed interaction. Associated with the return of another day, this universal favorite is comfortably embraced.

On the S/S 2020 runways, Classic Blue was omnipresent in all sorts of variations. As we all know, there is not «one» blue. In the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly, gives a detailed speech about the varying shades of the colour blue, after Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs laughably questions how they could be distinguishable.

«… what you don’t know is that that sweater is not just blue, it’s not turquoise, it’s not lapis, it’s actually cerulean.»

This year marks the first time Pantone has introduced a multisensory approach to its Colour of the Year, partnering with several brands to showcase the taste, texture, scent and sound of Classic Blue.

Below you can shop some beautiful pieces in the Color of the Year 2020 –  time to get ahead of the fashion game. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

LoL, Sandra

The Rockstud Spike medium quilted leather shoulder bag in Classic Blue by Valentino

Two-tone patent-leather sandals in Classic Blue by Miu Miu

Viola cropped embellished chiffon jacket by Jenny Packham

Quilted shell down jacket by Moncler

Intarsia wool cardigan by Gucci

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Artists, and via NY Post