The press conference for the Alexander Wang x H&M launch event took place on one of the probably rainiest of New York City mornings at the St. Patrick’s Youth Center, located close to Bleecker Street station. My hair was a mess due to the humidity but I was brave to take those pictures of my outfit before we went inside. As Alexander Wang is also at the helmet of Balenciaga, I chose an ensemble from his recent F/W 2014 collection.

Alexander Wang with me at the press conference last Thursday

My look: Tonal blue silk-blend oversized jacket and matching mini skirt with black jacquard pattern, both by Balenciaga, peplum-detail top and padlock mini studded leather shoulder bag, both by Alexander McQueen and crystal embellished biker boots by Miu Miu. Diamond bracelet and ring, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery, rose diamond necklace by Piaget.

The best scent to wear: Bleecker Street by Bond No. 9, a woodsy oriental gourmand that captures the spirit of the West Village with a blend of seductive, indulgently sweet notes.

Stay tuned for the photos from the party in the evening…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This summer, I was invited by Vainard Fine Jewellery, the renowned Zurich-based jeweler, to fly to Idar-Oberstein, Germany’s famous gemstone centre, in a private jet to experience the house’s craftsmanship first hand. It was a very interesting trip and I cannot wait to show you the detailed post to share with you the beauty of diamonds.

My look in which I am conquering the runway literally…: Floral print loose fit T-shirt, embroidered jogging pants, purple, orange and black suede colourblock ‘Liberty’ sandals, all by Gucci, sunglasses by Prada, bar cuff in rose gold by Balenciaga, Kelly bag ‘So Black’ by Hermès, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Axel Krieger (Vainard Fine Jewellery) to the left and Mike Baur (Bainso) to the right with me
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Gosh, this Zurich weather is driving me up the wall. I just got back with a nice tan from Ibiza but cannot show it as it is cold and rainy outside. What a pity!

A few days ago, I wrote a post about those lovely Burberry Prorsum capes and I tell you that this has been one of the best investments recently. You can easily throw it over your shoulder and it gives you just the perfect touch of warmth in the month of August. Later in the season you can add it as another layer to your winter coat. Get one now, you won’t regret it!

My look: Checked wool and cashmere-blend cape by Burberry Prorsum, leather shift dress by Saint Laurent, cut-out ankle boots by Balenciaga, Noé BB Bag in citron by Louis Vuitton, Cool gold-tone ring by Lanvin, ring Mitza by Dior Haute Joaillerie, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and small check-print twill umbrella by Burberry.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This summer, fashion designers all around the globe have been showing off their origami skills, crafting skirts that ripple with razor-sharp pleats. Best played out in shimmering metallics as seen at Proenza Schouler, cut to midi length, this style has felt the freshest to me. Don’t you think that the color combination of black, white, rose gold and purple is just a dream?!

My look: Foil-paneled pleated cloqué maxi skirt by Proenza Schouler, black cropped knitted sweater and Dance metallic ballet slippers, both by Saint Laurent, purple pashmina scarf by Christian Dior, bar cuff in rose gold by Balenciaga, nylon python print satchel with bows by Prada and Manuale thin 46mm rose gold plated watch by GaGà Milano.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Believe in love, even if it is just the love for your new handbag and high heels… I am so thankful that I can follow my passion for fashion on a daily basis through my job, experience great moments and meet interesting new people on all my travels.

Here you see me leaving the Adlon hotel in Berlin during Fashion Week to attend the launch of the new coffee table book “Fashion Germany” in which I am also mentioned! All photos from the event will be coming up shortly…

My look: Tuxedo jacket by Balmain, twist-front silk-blend jacquard top by Chloé, leather and jersey leggings by Givenchy, Paris leopard-print leather pumps and Classic Monogramme printed leather clutch, both by Saint Laurent, hinged cuff by Balenciaga, earrings by Chanel and Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Flats are a must this summer. So why not shunning our heels for the humble high-top sneaker. From Balenciaga‘s multi-panel trainers to the effortless Converse classic, here are the best ones for the laid-back look.

1 Tyson high-top sneakers in confetti-print leather by Givenchy
2 High top trainers by Saint Laurent
3 Francy suede high top trainers by Golden Goose Deluxe Brand
4 Multi-panel high top trainers by Balenciaga
5 Chuck Taylor All Star polka-dot suede sneakers by Converse
6 Paneled satin high-top sneakers by Gucci
7 Embellished leather high-top sneakers by Versace
8 Dunk Sky Hi metallic leather wedge sneakers by Nike
9 Tokyo studded suede high-top sneakers by Jimmy Choo

LoL, Sandra

Before leaving to Los Angeles, I wore this comfy look for a nice lunch at one of my favorite restaurants in Zurich, Bindella, and a little shopping spree with my daughter.

My look: Black ruffled wool jacket by Prada, honeycomb chunky open-knit sweater by Tibi, leather shorts by Saint Laurent, cut-out ankle boots by Balenciaga, sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana, Trapeze bag by Céline and Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Rosabotanica is the latest addition to the Balenciaga botanical garden that was founded with Florabotanica perfume from 2012. Presenting a fresh version with a touch of sheerness and second skin feeling, this floral green fragrance is based on spicy rose.

Kristen Stewart who is once more the face of the campaign (see last photo of this post) goes topless and wears nothing else but the new scent.

FLORAL GREEN

Top notes: Petitgrain, fig leaf and hyacinth
Middle notes: Rose, pink pepper, grapefruit and cardamom
Base notes: White amber, cedar, vetiver, patchouli and woodsy notes

The fragrance is available as 30ml (CHF 91.00), 50ml (CHF 121.00), 100 ml (CHF 162.00) Eau de Parfum and as Body Lotion (CHF 72.00). In Switzerland exclusively from February 10, 2014 at Marionnaud. It is a truly beautiful scent and I am sure that most of you will love it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Balenciaga

Here is your ultimate S/S 2014 runway trend guide. This season, there is fashion for every personality. It’s about tribal details, the power of pleats and the beauty of flowers, whether they’re luxurious embroideries or bold statement prints. Take cues from your favorite gallery and wear something artful. Don’t forget to add something shiny and to work on your waistline to sport the new must-have cropped tops. Sportswear has made its way into our daily wardrobe and bermudas should be worn layered with a skirt or dress.

I hope that this little summary will inspire you to look for the right new season pieces that will instantly update a look. Enjoy your new task!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2014 TREND 1: TRIBAL
Akris –  Givenchy – Donna Karan

S/S 2014 TREND 2: WEARABLE ART
Prada –  Chanel – Céline

S/S 2014 TREND 3: BERMUDAS
Chloé –  Alexander McQueen – DKNY

S/S 2014 TREND 4: CROPPED TOPS
Balenciaga –  Louis Vuitton – Salvatore Ferragamo

S/S 2014 TREND 5: SPORTSWEAR
DKNY –  Gucci – Marc by Marc Jacobs

S/S 2014 TREND 6: LACE
Valentino –  Stella McCartney – Nina Ricci

S/S 2014 TREND 7: SHIMMER & SHINE
Lanvin –  Versace – Etro

S/S 2014 TREND 8: PLEATS PLEASE
Dries Van Noten –  Proenza Schouler – Victoria Beckham

S/S 2014 TREND 9: PASTEL
Miu Miu –  Burberry Prorsum – Christian Dior

S/S 2014 TREND 10: SUMMER BLACK
Bottega Veneta –  Saint Laurent – Dolce & Gabbana

S/S 2014 TREND 11: FLOWER POWER
Giambattista Valli –  Mary Katrantzou – Christopher Kane

S/S 2014 TREND 12: BOLD NIGHT
Emilio Pucci –  Alberta Ferretti – Ralph Lauren Collection

Photos: Via style.com

Sunday, I flew to Paris for Fashion Week and went straight to the Akris S/S 2014 show. A huge highlight of the evening was the cocktail reception at the Swiss brand’s beautiful showrooms in the presence of H.S.H. Princess Charlène of Monaco, who was extremely lovely and charming to talk to. A truly amazing woman!

My look: White sculptural fitted crepe blouse, black waistcoat and buttoned skirt, all by Balenciaga (I am in love with Alexander Wang‘s designs and think that he is a great choice for the French brand), lace sleeves by Chanel, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps by Saint Laurent, Pashli mini satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim and rose ring by Piaget.

Below are some impressions of the night! Enjoy and stay tuned for many updates from PFW!

LoL, Sandra

Me with my beloved hair stylist Charles Aellen who creates Charlène’s look.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht (Thank you, Mischa, for taking them!)