Sandra‘s Closet

Doting love is when you are extremely and uncritically fond of someone, something a mother feels for her child. In German, we call this behavior «Affenliebe» which translates into monkey love. According to some scientists, these intense, special exchanges that human mothers share with their offspring might have deep roots all the way back in monkeys. Both species use the same gestures and affectionate behaviors towards their children. When I was a little girl, I learnt a lot about primates as my mother, who is the biggest animal rights activist you can imagine, is totally fond of those animals.

As Mother’s Day is coming up and the tropical trend is huge this summer, I would like to dedicate today’s post to all those amazing fashionable pieces featuring those cute little monkeys. I am sure that not only my mum will go bananas seeing them.

And in case you are wondering why I didn’t call the post «monkey love», here is the answer. In the urban dictionary this expression stands for crazy animalistic sex requiring acrobatic poise. It can also be termed «monkey lovin‘». Isn’t it funny how you can go wrong just translating a word correctly?

LoL, Sandra

Monkey-print halterneck silk top by Bottega Veneta

Monkey crystal-embellished brooch by Erdem

Sequinned monkey-appliqué wool-blend dress by Valentino

Monkey diamond, opal, silver & 18kt gold earrings by Bibi van der Velden

Jungle-appliqué embroidered knit sweater by Valentino

Monkeys Forest print poplin dress by Valentino
Monkey-appliquéd T-shirt by Valentino

Monkey print twill cape by Burberry

Scarf tie point-toe mules by Burberry

Monkey print chain-strap cardholder by Burberry

Killer monkey print swimsuit by Dsquared2

Medium monkey jacquard TB shoulder bag by Burberry

Drawstring monkey print jacket by Burberry

Soleia printed cotton-voile pajama set by Desmond & Dempsey

Scimmie Thyme, Lavender and Cedarwood scented candle by Fornasetti

Avantgardening satin bedding by Christian Fischbacher

Equateur wallpaper by Hermès

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

The barely there sandals that wrap around your ankles have already reached cult status. Bottega Veneta‘s version from their Resort 2020 collection is the one we keep seeing on feeds right now. The shoes instantly became a viral hit for the clever styling trick (see trouser tuck) that ruled the street style scene throughout the early months of the year. Personally speaking, I love it so much, the perfect way to wear pants that are too long without having to cut them off. I will post an outfit with them this week, so please stay tuned!

In the meantime, enjoy those beautiful sandals seen on the runways and my favorites this season below, secure yours by clicking on the highlighted description.

LoL, Sandra

Wrap-around snake-effect leather sandals by Bottega Veneta

Cleo crystal-embellished leather sandals by René Caovilla

Opera 120 leather sandals by Gianvito Rossi

Cleo embellished metallic satin and leather sandals by René Caovilla

Cleo crystal-embellished leather sandals with small heel by René Caovilla

Snake-effect leather sandals by Bottega Veneta

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Let’s stay home – staying home is an act of care for our neighbours, friends, family and all the public health workers who work so tirelessly to keep us safe. However, I am of the opinion that dreams and inspiration must keep a place in our daily life, especially in such difficult times. Over the past few days, I have received some disturbing and aggressive messages from people who think I should abstain from posting «normally». Respecting other opinions is a virtue I hold dear to my heart. I would appreciate the right tone, «c’est le ton qui fait la musique».

Personally, I have a different view on it. Firstly, posting is my passion and makes me truly happy. Over the last ten years it has become my profession and pursuing it during quarantine gives me comfort, a sense of normality. My mission is to share a daily dose of fashion and lifestyle with my readers and I shall continue as long as I can. Online shopping is becoming a welcome alternative to strolling down Avenue Montaigne and frankly is a way to support our economy. If you like my outfit, just click on the highlighted descriptions to be transferred directly for more information.

Being at home gives me finally the time to write about many things I never had time for. Furthermore, I have a lot of pre-shot footage like today’s post that I am so happy to be able to post now. Why spread bad vibes if we have the chance to send each other good energy… and personally speaking, I still like to dress up as it makes me feel good. And that is the most important!

My look: Striped cotton-jersey cardigan, and matching striped cotton-jersey track pants, cotton-poplin shirt, all by Thom Browne, The Pouch small gathered leather clutch by Bottega Veneta, embroidered Ace sneakers by Gucci, and stole 140 «Cosmographia Universalis» in blue/rose/vivid yellow by Hermès (design by Jan Bajtlik).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Location: Park Hyatt Zurich
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Leather culottes have been all the rage this S/S 2020 season. Cut from butter-smooth leather, these shorts are preferably shirred at the waist and kick out to wide cuffs. They hit just above the knee, so you can wear them with mules or boots alike. Thanks to Bottega Veneta‘s Daniel Lee who says he only wants to create clothes that will last a lifetime, we will surely enjoy those pieces for many years to come. Those shorts will age beautifully with you.

Amata leather culottes by RtA

Leather culottes by Brunello Cucinello

Leather culottes by Joseph

also available in yellow.

Shirred leather culottes by Bottega Veneta

also available in beige (my choice)and in a beautiful light blue.

Leather culottes by Tom Ford

Stay tuned! I will show you how I style them very soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

If you’re prone to misplacing your AirPods, those designer cases below are ideal – they can be worn as a cross-body bag or can be attached to your key chain or to handbag with an easy snap. Most of them come with an opening at the base to allow easy charging.

LoL, Sandra

Snake AirPods case by Fendi

Textured-leather AirPods case by Saint Laurent

Textured-leather AirPods case by Gucci

Intrecciato leather AirPods case by Bottega Veneta

Floral-print textured-leather AirPods case by Dolce & Gabbana

Textured-leather AirPods case by Prada

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands / Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

You might spend a significant portion of your day at your desk. So it’s probably a good idea to make it a place that looks as fashionable as you. Let me promise you one thing, having a nice desk is extremely powerful and it will make you feel more positive and creative about your work.

Pencil case and measuring tape set by FENDI
Fendi’s pink stationery set will make a feminine and preppy addition to your day-to-day routine. Crafted in Italy from butter-soft leather, it consists a compact pencil case with a zipped top and black canvas lining and is hallmarked with a polished gold-toned F logo plaque that echoes the measuring tape – note the push button and soft retractable tape.

Cork and stainless steel globe by BRUNELLO CUCINELLO
Keep track of your world travels with this khaki-brown globe from Brunello Cucinelli’s classic homeware collection. It’s crafted by artisans in Italy from a combination of natural cork and stainless steel, then lasered to depict a map of the world, which can be marked with the provided pins. Perfect for your desk for textural appeal.

Cobra brass bookends by HOUSE OF HACKNEY
Depicting the label’s eclectic sensibilities, these brass cobra bookends reference the serpent as the guardian of sacred spaces. They’re hand-painted in gold, green and black tones to accentuate the sculptural shape and realistic texture of the engraved scales. 

Intrecciato-leather letter holder by BOTTEGA VENETA
Look to Bottega Veneta’s brown letter holder for a refined homeware piece for your desk. It’s woven with the label’s signature Intrecciato technique, and crafted with two sections defined with sculptural separators that increase in height.

Gekko gold-plated magnifying glass by L’OBJET
This 24kt gold-plated gekko magnifying glass is crafted with red Swarovski-crystal set into the eyes, and set with a rounded magnifying lens. Keep it on a desk next to other equally statement-making pieces.

Deco pen-shell paperweight by BLUE CARREON
This black and gold paperweight features elongated stripes across the curved body that take inspiration from the simplicity of Art Deco interiors. It’s crafted by hand with inlays of natural cracked pen shell to offset the polished gold-tone metal hardware. Use it to bring a decorative, vintage accent to your desk.

Eye-print porcelain tray by GUCCI
Gucci’s exquisitely crafted white tray takes the shape of a pair of hands held closely together to create a cupped silhouette. It’s made from Richard Ginori porcelain, adorned with pink tassels and decorated with an alluring eye print framed by red lightning bolts and yellow stars. Place it on your desk to hold trinkets.

Brass letter opener by CARL AUBÖCK
Handmade from polished brass, the sophisticated piece has a flat edge on one side and features a looping grip on the other to double up as a bookmark.

Valentina large velvet photo frame by AERIN
Aerin’s green Valentina photo frame is from the label’s romantic velvet collection. It’s crafted with a wide border and gold-plated brass edges for an elegant mood. Choose it to display your most cherished memories.

Popotin ceramic vase by ANISSA KERMICHE
This grey speckled ceramic Popotin vase will bring a joyful note to minimalist or maximalist interiors alike. It takes the shape of a woman’s derrière with a tactile uneven surface and is finished with a printed logo on the base. Place it on your desk as an artistic flourish.

Milan cube box by BLUE CARREON
This cube box is crafted using stone inlays by artisan craftsmen in the Philippines, showcasing the eponymous designer’s love for naturally occurring materials. Spruce up your desk by using it as an aesthetically pleasing organiser.

Intrecciato leather paper basket by BOTTEGA VENETA
Crafted from the house’s hallmark Intrecciato handwoven leather, this brown paper basket imparts Bottega Veneta’s discerning and contemporary aesthetic. Let it bring an artisanal riff to a simple desk setting.

Rossetti Flora-scented porcelain diffusing sphere by FORNASETTI
This diffusing sphere offers floral notes of ivy, lily of the valley iris and sandalwood and is housed in an elegant porcelain vase, printed with a Pop Art rendition of Lina Cavalieri’s lips – opera singer and the house’s enduring muse. Place it as focal point of your work space and let it fill your desk with the welcoming scent.

I hope that you have enjoyed my ideas for your desk …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

No doubt about it: 2019 has been the year of the clutch and The Pouch is the It-bag everyone is dying to get their hands on thanks to Daniel Lee at Bottega Veneta, who is also responsible for the It-shoes of both seasons. He created this ultra modern must-have with its slouchy, oversized silhouette that’s big enough to hold your phone, wallet, sunglasses and more. Show it off in-hand or tucked in the crook of the arm.

The Pouch comes in many different colour options

Celebrities and street style stars have been carrying the new The Pouch’ bag on repeat, undoubtedly the reason why clutch bags have become a fashion staple. Whether worn with jeans and a sweater or a red carpet look, the clutch reached new levels of outfit possibilities.

My favorite: The Pouch in dark blue

It also comes in crocodile, metallic and intreccio.

It’s not just The Pouch that everyone is loving… there are many more Bottega Veneta bags you should have a look at. Keep scrolling to discover how the Italian Maison made its way back to become the label of the year! And the see the preview for S/S 2020 at the end of the post…

The Pouch fits a lot of things in the must-have large size.

Good news is that Net-à-Porter and Matchesfashion are expecting some serious restock of The Pouch. Stay tuned and keep on checking by clicking on the highlighted text or contact your personal shopper!

LoL, Sandra

For S/S 2020, The Pouch will also be available with a chunky chain. Very cool!

Photos: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta / Getty, @newbottega, @black_mag
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

In the end of last month, when I attended the opening of the BOSS flagship outlet (for the previous post, please click here), I told you already a little bit about the OUTLETCITY METZINGEN in Germany, located close to the city of Stuttgart. High end brands such as Breitling, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Valentino, Missoni and soon also Moschino and Alberta Ferretti can be found here alongside many others for a great price. Personally speaking, some of the stores look better and are bigger than in Zurich…

Just opened on September 26, 2019: Fendi at OULETCITY METZINGEN.

Superlative is the magic word when you want to talk about this shopping village that stands for one thing above all else: the exciting combination of supposed contrasts. If you appreciate unusual and exclusive shopping experiences for a great budget, this will be your new shopping destination. At OUTLETCITY METZINGEN, you can immerse yourself in a world of exclusive brands in an authentic inner-city atmosphere within award-winning architecture and take advantage of discounts of up to 70% all year round. Whether you want high fashion or outdoor clothing, exclusive It-pieces or just the thing for the whole family, the outlet’s wide range of premium and luxury brands makes it easy for you to find exactly what you need.

Award-winning architecture at OULETCITY METZINGEN makes you feel visiting an amazing US mall.

This weekend would be a great opportunity to visit one of Europe’s most popular outlets as OUTLETCITY METZINGEN is celebrating in a big way on October 11 and 12, 2019. The so-called FASHION CITY EVENT offers special highlights, great promotions, shopping on Friday until midnight and the start of the outlet’s own club for customers. The different celebrations seek inspiration from shopping metropoles such New York, Paris, Milan or Shanghai. Sightseeing from a new perspective – all dedicated to fashion – and for a great budget! Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Inside the Gucci outlet store.

Inside the new Valentino outlet store.

Don’t miss the gigantic Prada outlet store on two levels.

Welcome to Jimmy Choo at OULETCITY METZINGEN.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Free- spirited, 70’s inspired and romantic are all words to describe the bohemian fashion style that I truly adore. When it comes to conquering this kind of look, it can be quite a daunting task. Think flowing dresses, paisley prints, combined with some fancy accessories so that you don’t look like you just got back from a music festival.

My look: Amari tiered cotton-blend cropped top, and matching Amari high-rise tiered cotton-blend maxi skirt, both by Zimmermann, waist bag with chains and pearls by Chanel, red leather sandals by Bottega Veneta, gold-tone crystal earrings and gold-tone crystal cuff, both by Etro.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

It’s the ruching on those leather belts that gives them a vintage charm without losing sight of the respective brand’s leatherworking history. The finishing touch on so many of the latest runway pieces, it is the perfect way to temper a billowing dress or oversized blazer. Use it to define the waist for a smart occasion, the choice of the buckle is all yours…

LoL, Sandra

Green ruched leather belt by Gucci

Black ruched leather belt by Gucci

White ruched leather belt by Bottega Veneta

Black ruched leather belt by Bottega Veneta

White ruched leather belt by CHANEL

Gold ruched leather belt by CHANEL

Black ruched leather belt by CHANEL

Black ruched leather belt by CHANEL

Black ruched leather belt by Dolce & Gabbana

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
Photo in the collage: © David Biedert Photography 
(For the complete outfit post, click here please).