Sandra‘s Closet

Bags that add extra sparkle – a dream for thieving magpies. High octane glamour is 100% in and this party season crystals are absolutely trending. From subtle jewel-embellished accents, architectural pieces, to fully crystallised mini shoppers, designers have been experimenting with sparkle and it couldn’t have dropped in a better season.

For the day, combine your crystal dream on the more androgynous side – think jeans with an oversized roll neck and a crystal shopper, or masculine tailoring with a sparkly architectural piece. Opposites can attract, you know.

LoL, Sandra

Callie crystal-embellished suede shoulder bag by Jimmy Choo

Crystal-embellished metallic satin clutch by Versace

Cher fringed metallic beaded shoulder bag by Loeffler Randall

Spider faux pearl and crystal-embellished satin clutch by Alexander McQueen

Postal medium embellished leather tote by Loewe

Wangloc Fortune Cookie crystal-embellished leather tote by Alexander Wang

Zeenat embellished velvet clutch by Mae Cassidy

Cielo crystal-embellished silver-tone tote by Rosantica

Sweetie glittered acrylic clutch by Jimmy Choo

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

This week, I spent an amazing four days with Net-à-Porter at the romantic 5-star luxury resort Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscan countryside. Situated near Siena, the hotel offers an incredible experience with a holistic spa, cooking school, Michelin-starred restaurant, 270-acre organic farm, vineyards and 13-acre beautifully manicured gardens where we shot the photos in this comfortable yet stylish crochet look. More coming up soon from Borgo Santo Pietro …

My look: Open-back paneled crocheted cotton-blend midi dress by Alexander McQueen, Tess small embossed two-tone leather shoulder bag by Chloé, beaded leather sandals by Saint Laurent, embellished square butterfly sunglasses by Celine, and letter gold-plated crystal necklace by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Andrea Sampoli @andrea_sampoli_fotografo

Animal prints have been trending since a long time, but this F/W 2019 season, it’s time for the zebras to cross. The black and white stripes were spotted on many runways, including 3.1 Phillip Lim, Saint Laurent and Paco Rabanne.

 Get ahead of the fashion tribe and indulge in the new zebra-print pieces that are all the rage these days. I put the best ones together for you! And don’t forget to scroll to the end for an amazing surprise…

Zebra-print silk kaftan by Oscar de la Renta

Tori zebra-print silk-satin headband by Jennifer Behr

Zebra-print mid-rise skinny jeans by Saint Laurent

Dumont zebra-print toquilla straw Panama hat by Sensi Studio

My favorite: Pussy-bow lace-trimmed zebra-print crepe de chine blouse and asymmetric zebra-print crepe de chine midi skirt, both by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Luna zebra-print calf hair shoulder bag by Wandler

Left: Embellished zebra-print satin maxi skirt by Versace,
Right: Zebra-intarsia knitted midi skirt by Hervé Léger

For the smart shoppers among you, here is the surprise. Some amazing zebra-print pieces are extremely marked down and perfect investments for the F/W 2019 season:

1 Lace-trimmed zebra-print satin top by Chloé (50% off and extra 20% at checkout)
2 Alma 85 zebra-print calf hair ankle boots by Aquazzura (60% off)
3 Shiva 105 cutout zebra-print calf hair pumps by Aquazzura (60% off)
4 Stafford belted zebra-print calf hair coat by Joseph (80% off)
5 Blossom tiger-print sequined chiffon wrap top by Rixo (70% off)
6 Leather-trimmed zebra-jacquard coat by Alexander McQueen (70% off)

Happy weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I celebrated the Swiss National Day among dear friends at Seerose, beautifully located at the coast of Lake Zurich. I chose my outfit in the colors of the flag, red and white and hope, that you will like it!

My look: Off-the-shoulder cropped lace and open-knit top and paneled lace and open-knit midi skirt, both by Alexander McQueen, platform leather pumps by Gucci, white Duffle 6 bag by Saint Laurent, white camelia sunglasses and long pearl earrings, both by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This is my outfit I wore for my speech at the Creative Women Conference. Taking photos outside the newly opened Parklane Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Limasso was really hard as the wind was blowing in full force. I wanted to show you how beautiful this floral dress looks in the back as it has draping inside that lifts the fabric like a curtain.

My look: Cropped knitted cardigan by Alaïa, gathered floral-print cotton-poplin gown by Alexander McQueen, red suede belt by Yves Saint Laurent, platform leather pumps by Gucci, magazine-print leather pouch by Balenciaga, and white camelia sunglasses by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Wether there is snow or not, it doesn’t matter… Gstaad has this special energy. You come up and slow down. Here you see me in a comfy outfit strolling through the picturesque village.

My look: White snow jacket with fur gilet by Ralph Lauren Blue Label, longsleeved camouflage hoodie and matching sweat pants, both by Natasha Zinko, skull print scarf by Alexander McQueen, vintage aviator sunglasses by Balenciaga, Flashtrek logo-appliquéd suede, leather and canvas ankle boots by Gucci and shearling bag by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 

Last night, the 76th annual Golden Globes took place in Los Angeles. Many winners in different categories but what truly interests us fashion lovers is who won on the red carpet as here the drama takes it all.

Lady Gaga, who unfortunately didn’t win «Best Actress in a Drama» for her role in «A Star Is Born», was definitely the winner in terms of fashion in this lavender Valentino Haute Couture gown with a colour matching hairstyle.

Channeling a bit of Old Hollywood glamour, the dress evoked a look Judy Garland wore as the star in the 1954 version of the movie. But one award went to Lady Gaga, the 32-year-old accepted «Best Original Song» for her work on the movie’s hit «Shallow».

Valentino F/W 2018 Haute Couture Look 60

The style was first shown on the Maison’s F/W 2018 Couture runway. Pierpaolo Piccioli adapted the look to Lady Gaga.

Around her neck, a blinding $5 million diamond necklace by Tiffany & Co. shined.

Here are my personal other winners on the red carpet:

Gemma Chan in Valentino Haute Couture

Lupita Nyong’o in Calvin Klein by Appointment and Bulgari jewelry

Kiki Layne in Dior Haute Couture and Bulgari jewels.

Constance Wu in Vera Wang

Sofia Carson in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture

Rosamunde Pike in Givenchy Haute Couture

Emily Blunt in custom Alexander McQueen

Janelle Monáe in Chanel

Nicole Kidman in Michael Kors Collection

Have a great start into the week!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Greetings from Madrid where I spent the most amazing weekend one week ago! On Saturday the sun was shining and we went on an interesting sightseeing tour through the city visiting the Royal Palace, the Museo del Prado and all the must-see places of the Spanish capital.

My look: Shearling and leather coat by Balmain, kickback trousers by Alexander McQueen, cream white wool sweater by Givenchy, Susanna leather ankle boots by Chloé, fringed checked cashmere scarf by Burberry Prorsum, Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford, necklaces and quilted lambskin mini 2.55 vintage classic flap bag, both by Chanel.

You have heard it a gazillion times from me, but I would like to emphasize it again. If you have enough space to store your pieces, keep them, there will always be a time again. Speaking about my mini 2.55 vintage flap bag by Chanel for example, this size was discontinued. I got mine from my parents when I turned 18 (Thank you for always spoiling me!). The bag is still sold on the internet in pre-owned conditions and in very high demand. Some consignment stores will even put you on a long waiting list.

The name of the 2.55 classic flap bag refers to February 1955; the month and year in which the style was introduced. This mini one is made from lambskin and has a single flap with a double C turnstile lock. A single chain strap can be worn either on your shoulder or in cross body. Talking about vintage… it looks like it just has hit the shelves.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

When it comes to your waist, the golden rule is to keep it cinched. Belts have been making their presence felt on F/W 2018 runways — from Versace, to Elie Saab and Gucci. This little add-on packs a big punch when it comes to elevating your style while also slimming your silhouette into a flattering hourglass. When it comes to evening wear, the easiest way to change the look of a gown you sported before is to wear a belt. It is also the best alternative to altering.

Suffice it to say, the styling possibilities are infinite, as is the internet’s statement belt selection. Here, I’ve narrowed it down for you.

Le Fleur flower-embellished crepe belt by Adriana Degreas

Leather corset belt by Alexander McQueen

Velvet waist belt by Attico

Embellished silk waist belt by Saint Laurent

High waist leather belt by Alberta Ferretti

Amore bow belt by Dolce & Gabbana

Studded leather waist belt by Alaïa

Bejeweled belt by N°21

Elore crystal-embellished velvet belt by Isabel Marant

Heart embellished bicolour rope belt with tassels by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Studded leather belt by Elie Saab

My personal favorites are the ones by Dolce & Gabbana and Alaïa. They work for nearly everything.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Don’t want to go the whole Halloween costume hog? To be honest, I hate real costumes, it is a waste of money for me. I am not in the mood of applying fake blood and spending five hours getting all costume-ready. I always try to create something out of my closet. Pieces that are fun, honor the ocassion and can be worn all year around. So if you are like me, don’t panic about Halloween, these pieces are all you need… perfect for the lazy girl in all of us!

To shop, just click on the highlighted text. And don’t forget to scroll until the end of this post. The probably most expensive designer look inspired by Halloween is waiting for you…

Halloween-print silk scarf by Vetements

Caterina embellished wool-felt hat by Eugenia Kim

Cashmere skeleton gloves by Saint Laurent

Jacquard knit skeleton sweater by Saint Laurent

GucciGhost G-Timeless watch by Gucci

Montana Pony clutch by Mara & Mine

Lou crystal-embellished velvet mask by Maison Michel

Kitty leather-trimmed velvet slippers by Charlotte Olympia

Night Fairy embroidered wool-blend scarf by Alexander McQueen

Queen and King skeleton earrings by Alexander McQueen

Fringed printed silk-blend jacquard scarf by Alexander McQueen

Reverse opening cardigan jacket in crystal skeleton embroidery by Thom Browne

Trouser length cardigan skirt in crystal skeleton embroidery by Thom Browne

Perspex and crystal clip earrings by Miu Miu

Happy Halloween 2018!

LoL, Sandra

Photos/Stills: Courtesy of the Brands