It is Christmas Eve, and no matter what you celebrate, I’d like to wish everyone around the world a safe and happy holiday season, may it be all you dream them to be. Thank you for visiting Sandra’s Closet and your support throughout this year!

For the festive night, I like to wear something comfortable but still stylish to fit the occasion and of course to leave space for the yummy food.

My look: Rys multi-texture jacket by Hervé Léger, jacquard-knit mini dress by Alexander McQueen (on sale), flower pin in silk and cotton by Gucci, suede over-the-knee boots by Saint Laurent, Falabella embroidered faux brushed-leather shoulder bag by Stella McCartney, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery and «Tribale» earrings by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For the Russian night «La Nuit des Tsars» during the ASW Winter Weekend in Gstaad, I went for white fur and burgundy velvet, taking cues from the 19th century and old-world Russian luxury.

My look: Mink shrug and fur hat, both by Prada, ruffle-trimmed embroidered silk-blend tulle mini dress by Alexander McQueen, Lily velvet knee boots and velvet waist belt, both by Saint Laurent, vintage eagle earrings and matching clutch bag, both by Chanel, Tank Américaine in yellow gold with diamonds by Cartier and «Mitza» ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert

Today’s outfit post comes with hugs and kisses from Gstaad. I wore this gown to the ASW Foundation Gala Dinner last weekend at the Gstaad Palace. It is such a great piece, comfortable and great for dancing, something that can be difficult with a long dress in general.

My look: Ruffled lace-paneled metallic silk-blend gown and Sarabande embellished satin-trimmed lace bra top, both by Alexander McQueen, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, vintage baguette bag by Christian Dior and earrings by Prada.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © David Biedert

I have this desire to explore the world, therefore I love traveling. Last month, one of my favorite trips was my visit to Les Sources de Caudalie in Bordeaux. The whole report will be coming up shortly. Here is a little teaser in form of an outfit post. When we took the photos, it started raining but you still see the beauty of the surrounding.

My look: Cropped houndstooth wool cardigan, matching wool pleated mini skirt, crystal embellished butterfly earrings and crystal embellished biker boots, all by Miu Miu, tiered ruffled crepe top by Alexander McQueen, long bi-colour scarf by Chanel, python print nylon bag with leather bows and wool jacket with ruffles, both by Prada, merino wool-blend tights by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Here is your green card for the next season. Military coats have been trending since quite a while but this winter they are making a full comeback. This time with the ultimate feminine touch.

1 Double-breasted appliquéd wool coat by Gucci
2 Wool-trimmed waxed-cotton coat by Miu Miu
3 Oversized shearling-trimmed cotton parka by Burberry

Opt for a jacket with a tailored waist, a belt or a ruffled peplum. Wear it with cropped pants and high heels to join fashion’s battalion.

Get the look: Wool-felt jacket by Alexander McQueen, one-shoulder cropped stretch-jersey top by Helmut Lang, cropped nubuck-paneled leather tapered pants by Chloé, suede pumps by Tom Ford and Ames leather-paneled suede shoulder bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Finally – here is the bouquet you really wanted from your boyfriend. Dear gentlemen, who hopefully are reading this post, surprise your loved one with one of those floral must-haves and you will make her heart leap with joy. Shop the brand new Karlie embroidered suede pumps by Aquazzura or the stunning floral embellished appliquéd canvas and satin clutch by Alexander McQueen now!

Below you can find some more pieces to choose from – to a blossoming love!

LoL, Sandra

Sicily medium floral-print textured-leather tote by Dolce & Gabbana

Petra floral-print leather pumps by Tabitha Simmons

Leather-trimmed painted wood clutch by Dolce & Gabbana

Embellished printed leather Mary Jane pumps by Dolce & Gabbana

New Ace floral-print canvas sneakers by Gucci

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Recently, I watched the new Mother’s Day movie. It is star-studded ensemble film (Kate Hudson, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Garner, Julia Roberts just to name a few…) that follows three generations in the week leading up to this special celebration with all of them facing the ups and downs of motherhood. It is really an entertaining film that I can recommend.

One scene caught my eye specifically and that means in terms of fashion of course. Without giving away too much, it’s pretty much in the end when Julia Roberts, who plays also a grandma (Can you imagine? Time flies!) shows up in a stunning pink dress. With capes being so fashionable this season, this built-in version is absolutely divine.

Get the look: Cape-back crepe mini dress by Alexander McQueen, Dolce leather-trimmed painted wood clutch by Dolce & Gabbana, So Kate 120 leather pumps by Christian Louboutin and Lady Stardust 18-karat rose gold multi-stone ring by Stephen Webster.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Here they are: the most important trends for the F/W 2016 season. Scroll through my forecast to see which styles will be on everyone’s shopping list next season. From statement furs to velvet everything, from extra long sleeves to oversized down jackets, the choice is yours – enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2016 TREND 1: VELVET
Akris – Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini – Giorgio Armani

F/W 2016 TREND 2: CHECKMATE
Chanel – Vivienne Westwood Red Label- Marni

F/W 2016 TREND 3: ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Alexander McQueen – Moschino – Dolce & Gabbana

F/W 2016 TREND 4: BIKER GIRLS
Courrèges – Chloé – Louis Vuitton

F/W 2016 TREND 5: BEIGEMANIA
Céline – Hermès – Max Mara

F/W 2016 TREND 6: ON DUTY
Prada – Maison Martin Margiela – Miu Miu

F/W 2016 TREND 7: SHINY TRENCH COATS
Proenza Schouler – Tod’s – Burberry

F/W 2016 TREND 8: PUFF DADDY
Sacai – Balenciaga – Stella McCartney

F/W 2016 TREND 9: ’80s POWER ONE-SHOULDER
Lanvin – Saint Laurent – Isabel Marant

F/W 2016 TREND 10: CAPES
Elie Saab – Temperley London – Gucci

F/W 2016 TREND 11: BUBBLEGUM
Kenzo – Simone Rocha – Carven

F/W 2016 TREND 12: EXTRA LONG SLEEVES
Marc Jacobs – Michael Kors Collection – Vetements

F/W 2016 TREND 13: TURTLENECKS WITH ZIPPERS
Versace – Dior – Emilio Pucci

F/W 2016 TREND 14: BONDAGE
Gareth Pugh – Loewe – Alexander Wang

F/W 2016 TREND 15: LONG SCARFS
Etro – Missoni – Roberto Cavalli

F/W 2016 TREND 16: PINSTRIPE SUITING
Calvin Klein Collection – Tibi – Trussardi

F/W 2016 TREND 17: TINSEL
Marco di Vicenzo – Jeremy Scott – Emporio Armani

F/W 2016 TREND 18: FUR STOLES
Dries Van Noten – Vionnet – Givenchy

F/W 2016 TREND 19: STATEMENT FURS
Fendi – Salvatore Ferragamo – Mary Katrantzou

F/W 2016 TREND 20: MODERN NYMPHS
Alberta Ferretti – Valentino – Rodarte

Forget about your own initials, if you want to be in style, you will carry the ones of your favorite designers. Punctuated with a gleaming logo plaque, those bags look best in black. But take note please that most of them are available in many different colors.

1 Textured-leather shoulder bag by J.W.Anderson
2 Insignia textured-leather satchel by Alexander McQueen
3 GG Marmont leather cross-body bag by Gucci
4 Dylan leather cross-body bag by Saint Laurent

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Sometimes I receive a press release that truly makes me happy and excited. Today, I got one of those. Great news! The ALEXANDER MCQUEEN brand launches its first women’s fragrance under the creative direction of Sarah Burton after signing a deal with P&G Prestige.

Do note that there were already two scents on the market, Kingdom, in 2003, and My Queen, in 2005, that were developed by YSL Beauté. Both were disappearing very quickly from the shelves after being discontinued in 2008.

Although Alexander McQueen passed away six years ago, his legacy lives on in his label’s stunning designs by Sarah Burton, who was also in charge for the amazing juice that is the base for those two new scents, McQueen Parfum and McQueen Eau de Parfum.

Inspired by the craftsmanship of haute parfumerie, McQueen has created a unique scent made from the precious essence of three night-blooming flowers: Sambac jasmine, tuberose and ylang ylang. There are also topnotes of clove, pink and black pepper, as well as vetiver. Solid, sensual, with the artisan’s love of form, the parfum bottle is a small work of art. Gold feathers crown the perfume bottle, reflecting bespoke craftsmanship that is pure McQueen.

ORIENTAL FLORAL

Top notes: Clove, pink and black pepper
Middle notes: Sambac jasmine, tuberose and ylang ylang
Base note: Vetiver

The association with these nighttime flowers launched the social media hashtag #BloomAtNight, a tag that can easily be tied to more than a few of the pieces in the new F/W 2016 collection.

McQueen Parfum
50ml – CHF 450.00

McQueen Eau de Parfum
30ml – CHF 90.00, 50ml – CHF 119.00, 75ml – CHF 149.00

Available in Switzerland from September 5, 2016.

TO SHOP THE NEW ALEXANDER MCQUEEN FALL COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Alexander McQueen