Sandra‘s Closet

“Be yourself, everyone else is taken!”

Banjo & Matilda is the label of the moment that specializes in super soft cashmere with a playful twist (a kiss is hand-stitched on the inside of each garment). Designer Belynda Macpherson is inspired by her Bondi Beach surroundings to create clothing focused on comfort and longevity. Counting the founder’s supermodel sister-in-law, Elle, amongst its fans, the brand now boasts a luxurious selection of cashmere sweaters, coverups and pants.

“I design for real life and a love of absolute comfort and longevity. Simplicity with a generous serve of discreet luxury makes me happy, and I am guessing/hoping/knowing you’ll love it too”. – Belynda Macpherson

Find out how to style the new line and how Belynda’s sister-in-law and unofficial muse, Elle Macpherson inspired the label’s name below:

Peace-intarsia cashmere sweater

Where does the name Banjo & Matilda come from?

“I was pregnant with my son when I started the label and my sister-in-law, Elle, was adamant I call him Banjo but I compromised and used it for the label. I wanted an Aussie mate for Banjo, so I took the rest of the name from our unofficial national anthem, Waltzing Matilda.”

Star-intarsia cashmere sweater

Why a knitwear label?

“My mother used to hand knit cashmere legwarmers for ballet because I had sensitive skin, so I have an emotional attachment to it. I also noticed on the beach that everyone was wearing bikinis during the day and then putting their cashmere on at night.”

Ultimate Vee cashmere sweater

Describe the brand philosophy in 3 words?

“Sand, surf and sky – it’s very Australian, very free.”

Croquet long cashmere cardigan

How to wear your pieces?

“Either with a pair of jeans, ballet flats and a tee underneath or a nice crisp white shirt, pencil skirt and skinny belt for work.”

Oversized cashmere sweater

Who would you love to see wearing your designs?

“Elle is our unofficial muse but I also love Kate Moss and the way she puts hi-lo looks together.”

Cashmere track pants

I am in love with Belynda’s super-comfy and stylish creations and you?
To shop, click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Banjo & Matilda and net-à-porter.com

Believe it or not: The good old argyle sweater, loved by golf-playing grandfathers around the globe, has been revisited this fall by many designers. The iconic diamond-pattern has been given a bold update for the new season with side splits as seen at Stella McCartney or by layering this statement style over knee-length shorts and sheath boots for a sleek, contemporary look, as spotted at Givenchy. Whatever your style, this fashion classic is a perfect addition to your closet. Your stylish hole in one!

Shop some of the best ones available here:

1 Argyle-intarsia wool and cashmere-blend sweater by Stella McCartney
2 Diamond-intarsia wool turtleneck sweater by Stella McCartney
3 Blue wool blended V-neck sweater with argyle front by Dsquared2
4 Plum python and suede trim sweater by Salvatore Ferragamo
5 Classic argyle-intarsia wool sweater by United Colors of Benetton
6 Modern argyle knit cashmere-silk cardigan by Pringle of Scotland

LoL, Sandra

Today is the start of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, United Kingdom, officially the Games of the XXX Olympiad. So time to show your Olympic spirit.

Bally’s men’s West H. sneaker collection makes it easy to show your national pride. Fly the flag for your own nation.

Twelve casual leather sneakers pay homage to twelve different countries. Each West H. sneaker features a national flag screen printed with a cool vintage effect that includes Great Britain, Switzerland, the USA, Germany, Italy, France, Japan and more.

And Bally’s charming Bally-rina is back, this time to captivate us with her sporty London 2012 Olympic spirit in a specially designed women’s sneaker and tote.

The red stitched Athena high-top sneaker features a back zip which cutely reveals the very sweet Bally-rina whimsically waving a gymnastics ribbon in blue, red, green and yellow colours. The same motif can be found on the Hanoe fabric tote.

Both, Bally’s West H. sneaker collection and the Bally-rina collection are available in store and online. Bally offers free shipping at the moment for the sportive collection. Just enter promo code SPORTBALLY at checkout.

For collectors and most loyal fans of the Olympic Games, the Coca-Cola collector’s box Special Olympics five glasses grouping is available exclusively at Colette now. The 5 glasses come with a collector bottle and a tote bag.

Celebrate the 2012 London Olympics with the commemorative Butter London‘s Olympic Heavy Medal Collection. The set includes three beautiful, metallic nail lacquers worthy of standing upon the winners’ podium, all limited editions. 
Colours: The Full Monty, Diamond Geezer and The Old Bill.

Solange Azagury-Partridge has designed the Britannia Hotlips ring to celebrate the games. The renowned iconic Hotlips design featuring the British flag is a fun and original lucky charm- one last good luck kiss for the athletes!

For all winners among you, take sartorial gold in Markus Lupfer‘s playful sequin medal-embellished merino wool sweater. Decorated with signature charm and wit, this piece is sure to turn heads.

Take a playful approach to the sporting season with these ‘2012 Olympics’-inspired briefs by Team Great Britain’s Creative Director Stella McCartney. Cut from a blend of white cotton and silk, this colorfully embroidered pair will make a whimsical addition to your lingerie drawer.

Just click on the highlighted text to shop those must-have pieces.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bally, Colette, Net-à-porter, Solange Azagury-Partridge and via Telegraph

Prada Parallel Universes started out of the drive to experiment with, and to match, new communications media and Prada’s semiotics. To explore new ways for their social media strategy, the Italian fashion house worked together with Armenian-born illustrator Vahram Muratyan to create some mesmerizing gifs. A tiny car racing along a pair of Dixie sunglasses, a man teeing off on the bridge of a pair of Teddy sunnies, studded Rocket shoes becoming the roofs of twinkling skyscrapers.

According to Prada’s microsite, Muratyan’s images create “a virtual road paved with Prada S/S 2012 men’s and women’s accessories, which highlights through rapid and intuitive movements two parallel universes that meet under the auspices of Prada style.”

Now those creations will be immortalized with a T-shirt capsule collection that will hit Prada stores worldwide Mid July. I like and you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Prada

Two years ago I wrote about Lounge Lover for the first time (for the previous post, please click here). Today, I would like to show you their newly launched website. The London based brand was created by Sylvie Gabriel in 2005 as a response to the growing need of sophisticated women for clothing in which they could feel comfortable and look beautiful while taking back those precious moments of relaxation, without giving in on style.

Lounge Lover is an affordable luxury collection of wearable classics and minimalist styles which transport the wearer from their busy lives, allowing them to embrace life in a more relaxed way. Not just an easy chic lifestyle label, more a relaxed state of mind, Lounge Lover creates urban and luxury clothing with a subtle fashion content and an emphasis on softness. Everything you need for the beach, travelling, your yoga practise or for just being comfy at home.

Below you can find some of my favourites. To shop, click here or on the banner at the end of this post and enjoy global free shipping until June 6, 2012.

LoL, Sandra

All eyes are on Britain right now as the nation prepares for Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. To celebrate, I would like to spotlight more of the signature style of the (grand)mother of all fashion icons and the cool Britannia must-have sweaters you need to pledge allegiance and join the party.

1 Tuck Union Jack-print silk-chiffon dress by Vivienne Westwood Gold Label
2 Long Ball Union Jack-print silk-georgette gown by Vivienne Westwood Gold Label
3 Aireshire printed cotton-jersey sweatshirt by Aubin & Wills
4 Union Jack Bag sequined merino wool sweater by Markus Lupfer
5 Crown sequined merino wool sweater by Markus Lupfer

For the previous post on the most stylish Union Jack accessories, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Go bold with Closed‘s bright silk shirt that will make a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Style this strikingly chic piece with contemporary pastel denim pants, adding neutral accessories for a vibrant combination and you will look best in the sunshine.

I love the uncomplicated elegance of this trendy top.
My look: Bright silk shirt by Closed, apricot-coloured denim pants by Zara (They have an amazing fit, in stores now), bag by Givenchy and platform suede sandals by Miu Miu.

To shop the shirt, please click on the highlighted text.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Those intricate eyelet lace dresses seen on the Louis Vuitton S/S 2012 runway (see photo to the left) that are in stores now cost a fortune unfortunately.

In case that you don’t want to miss the trend, I recommend a visit to the Zara store nearest to you where you can find some beautiful and similar pieces at the moment.

From left to right (photo above):
Top CHF 59.-, Sequined Skirt CHF 119.-, Shirt CHF 59.- and Peplum Skirt, CHF 59.-, all by Zara.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

In the mood to shop the floral trend for S/S 2012?
Here are the best pieces available at the moment.
Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly! Happy Shopping!

DRESSES

1 Floral-print silk crepe de chine dress by Dolce & Gabbana
2 Floral-print silk crepe de chine dress by Sonia Rykiel
3 Floral-print silk-chiffon dress by Jason Wu

SKIRTS

1 Floral-print silk-georgette skirt by Proenza Schouler
2 Embroidered tulle skirt by Marc Jacobs (my personal must-have)
3 Floral-print ruched silk-chiffon skirt by Jason Wu

TOPS

1 Floral-print jacquard blazer by Etro
2 Rose-print silk blouse by Prabal Gurung
3 Shay floral-print silk scarf by Jimmy Choo

GOWNS

1 Lucietta floral-print silk crepe de chine gown by Erdem
2 Draped floral-print silk-chiffon gown by Roberto Cavalli

LoL, Sandra

Two tone blouses are very up-to-date, adding a sophisticated touch to a classic look. Look out for contrasting cuffs and collars for an immediate style upgrade.

Favourites of the season:

Cotton-poplin shirt by Bally

Oakdene velvet and silk-crepe blouse by Aubin & Wills
Silk-trimmed cotton shirt by Bottega Veneta
Brett washed-silk shirt by Equipment
Leather-trimmed silk blouse by Tibi
Ciseau two-tone silk blouse by Sandro
Two-tone silk-chiffon top by Haute Hippie

LoL, Sandra