Sandra‘s Closet

I love seashell jewelry for the ultimate warm weather vacation style. Since last summer, the iconic puka shell necklace has made its way back into our closets (see previous post here), but in more elaborate and sophisticated versions. Follow the call of the sea with these coastal-inspired gems below. My absolute favorites are by Etro and Isabel Marant. Stay tuned for the whole look coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Layered silk and multi-stone necklace by Etro

Gold-tone and shell necklace by Isabel Marant

Gold-tone and shell choker by Isabel Marant

Set of three gold-tone, shell and bead bracelets by Isabel Marant

Gold-tone necklace by Isabel Marant

Shell, crystal and faux-pearl choker by Etro

Gold-tone, shell, faux pearl and crystal clip earrings by Etro

Gold-plated, shell and multi-stone anklet by Chan Luu

Merco gold-plated shell earrings by Aurélie Bidermann

Large Puka gold-plated necklace by Tohum

Photo of me: © David Biedert Photography
Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Great news, it is this time of the year: NET-A-PORTER.COM start their big sale today. Now, you have the chance to get the most amazing pieces marked down up to 50%.

Especially for you, I put together this outfit that would be perfect for a night out. To shop, just click on the highlighted text.

Get the look: Godet Dance embellished stretch-tulle mini dress by Topshop Unique (50% off), Lelie snake-effect leather sandals by Isabel Marant (40% off), Valorie glitter-finished canvas clutch by Anya Hindmarch (50% off) and Soho gold-plated snake earrings by Aurélie Bidermann (30% off).

TO ENJOY THE FULL SALE SELECTION CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

It is just so extremely saddening what  is currently happening in Japan. In this difficult situation, there are many possibilties to help the victims of the catastrophe.

French concept store Colette for example says: „We love Japan“ and helps to raise funds for the country’s disaster relief.
Several designers have contributed: Kuntzel+Deygas buttons, an original drawing by Fafi, bracelets by Aurélie Biderman, Cool Cats T-shirts , a “Rescue Jacket” by Kitsuné, teddy bears by Vika Gazinskaya, Case Scenario x Keith Haring iphone cases, Olympia Le Tan brooches, Eiko Maekawa rabbits and many more to come.
100 percent of the proceeds of the sales of these products will be directly donated to the JAPANESE RED CROSS SOCIETY.

I am working since many years with the SWISS RED CROSS and this amazing organisation is always one of the first ones to help. Your contribution will truly make a difference.

That is us: The ladies of the Swiss Red Cross ball committee.

For other organisations that are collecting funds, please click here.
My heart is with Japan and the Japanese people.

LoL, Sandra

Searching for a gorgeous gown to attend a black tie gala this summer? Consider fashion’s recent colour vibe, characterized by vibrant eye-popping shades, edgy neons and Crayola brights from head to toe.

Stripping away all darkness might be your ticket to brighten up your mood. Play with the hues and combine them, colour-blocking is a must. This is your chance to enlighten every party.

LoL, Sandra

Feathers are a trend that seems to be always there. For F/W 2010 designers showed that fine feathers make fine birds. From beautiful marabou plumes to ostrich feathers, the creations were versatile. Being dressed in full feathers stands for a certain glamourous allure.
So Ladies, start looking for your feathers of prey:

A marabou jacket or cape is a piece for eternity. It adds the right amount of sophistication to every evening outfit or ball gown. I especially adore the ones from Balmain this season and would opt for a colourful piece.

The Gucci dress from the F/W 2010 runway collection is a smart choice as it comes with a removable feather-trimmed bolero.

In case you do not like to ruffle your feathers, I recommend a feather print or just a little detail like the ostrich-trimmed satin bag by Lanvin.

For F/W 2010, the possibilities are numerous. If you turn up your glam factor, you will surely not be shedding feathers.

And good news is, the feather trend is going to stay for S/S 2011. So those pieces are definitely great investments.

Ladies, it is time to adorn yourselves with borrowed plumes!

LoL, Sandra

Thanks to the remaining lingerie trend, lace is the connecting thread from boudoir to the office to the dance floor. The most oustanding lace designs were seen on the F/W 2010 runways with black being the dominant colour. The return of womanhood is one of the biggest themes this season and the delicate, sensual fabric is the perfect addition. It makes women feel and look very ladylike and sexy.

No worries, it does not mean that you need to go half-naked. Inject new season`s attitude into your wardrobe with just one ultra-feminine piece. A lace blazer like the D&G one for example makes a fabulous addition to your basics collection. Combine it with a pair of jeans for instant cool chic.

Those lace dresses are cut to create a defined silhouette and will make heads turn after you. These elegant cocktail and black tie pieces are an investment in timeless style. Wear one thing lace and accessorize minimally.

Accessories are always a great way to make a fashion statement. But just one or two at a time, do not overdo the lace addition. Too much is too much!
Stockings, leggings or gloves in the trend material are super hot. I am crazy for the handmade cuffs by Aurélie Biderman. They are made of vintage lace dipped in blackened silver or gold. So beautiful!

LoL, Sandra

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

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Statement necklaces have been seen in abundance on the F/W 2010 runways and believe me those pieces make a great addition to your wardrobe as they can definitely turn on the wow factor. Wear a simple outfit and let your statement necklace do its job. It is supposed to make a statement! Do not be afraid to push fashion boundaries, there are so many different options to choose from. From ethnic inspired to boho chic, from chunky and bright to multi-strand pieces, all of them have serious longevity.

Stephanie Thonet

To find one that suits you should not be difficult, especially if you have a look at www.thonetjewelry.com.
Stephanie Thonet creates amazing statement necklaces that will put you immediately in the style spotlight. She achieves unusual designs and colour combinations by artfully mixing a large variety of beads and stones as nature provides; such as coral, wood, shells and freshwater pearls with semi-precious stones.
I am totally in love with her works that are still budget-friendly. Which of those stunning statement necklaces that will not diminsh your bank statement will be dangling down your sternum?

Have a look below at my favourites from her collection that also includes earrings, bracelets and elegant objects d`art. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact Stephanie Thonet.

LoL, Sandra

Necklaces between € 215.- and € 325.-

Red and white necklaces between € 75.- and € 165.-, coral necklace € 245.-

Moonstone necklace € 235.-

Faux-pearls necklace with brooch € 235.-

Mother of pearl, shells and flowers € 255.-

Necklace € 155.-

Remember that I told you last year to get some cuffs and wide bracelets for this summer. If you followed my advice, it was definitely a good investment. The hype is not over yet and those pieces are going to remain absolute must-haves for the next season.