Painted Ladies

PaintedLadies

San Fran

Me in the Haight area wearing black leggings by BLUMARINE, military shirt by BALMAIN, top and pink-khaki scarf by LOUIS VUITTON and suede clogs by MIU MIU

Last week, I spent a few days in San Francisco. Haight Ashbury is the famous intersection in the area that gets its notoriety from the “psychedelic” culture and the 1968 “Summer of Love”. Today, you can still feel the hippie vibe with its fragments of flower-power.

When I was walking around the district, I got so inspired by the gorgeous bright coloured houses, so-called Painted Ladies. The term refers to Victorian and Edwardian buildings painted in three or more colours that embellish their architectural features.

Adopting that idea and transferring it to fashion, I styled some beautiful outfits in different colour combinations. You will see how stunning some shades can look together. Most people tend to wear a more neutral palette along with black. There is nothing against this. But today, I want to challenge you a bit and demonstrate how wonderful a little mix with some bolder tones can appear without looking like a clown.

It is again all about that special twist. Carrie in Sex and the City might be the perfect example: Patricia Field, the show`s stylist, opts very often for something that looks kind of strange in the beginning, but then so surprising and interesting that you cannot take your eyes of it.

Experiment with your own style! That is the thing that is so hard to copy and will earn you lots of admiring glances.

Spare for a little hug?

LoL, Sandra

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Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

2010 CFDA Fashion Awards

The 2010 CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) paid tribute to its winners and honorees last night in New York at the Lincoln Center. The award could be compared to the Oscars in fashion. Many celebrities, designers, models and stylists attented the event, dressed up beautifully. A real fashionable crowd.

The most important prize was won by Marc Jacobs, named to be the Womenswear Designer of the Year. Menswear went to Rag & Bone designers David Neville and Marcus Wainwright and the Accessory section was covered by Alexis Bittar.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Alexander McQueen honoured the late designer for his indelible contribution to international fashion. Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief of US Vogue, handed the Geoffrey Been Lifetime Achievement Award to Michael Kors who showed up with Gwyneth Paltrow in one of his designs. Christopher Bailey for Burberry was recognized with this year`s International Award.

The three Swarovski Awards for emerging talents were given to Jason Wu, Richard Chai and Alexander Wang. This is not only a trophy. The recipients will receive generous financial support from the company. Let`s keep an eye on those rising stars!

LoL, Sandra