Sandra‘s Closet

Last week, I flew back to Los Angeles for a week filled with amazing experiences, events and more. Friday night before the Oscars, there was no hotter ticket in town than the Tom Ford show and I was completely excited to attend. There was so much “show” around the actual show as Hollywood’s A-list came to join the designer for his first fashion runway presentation ever held on the West Coast. The catwalk was drenched in real white rose petals that also fell from the ceiling during the show.

“I’m showing to a room full of entertainers,” Ford said postshow. “I’d better give them some showmanship. I thought, It never snows in Los Angeles. Let’s make it snow rose petals.“

The clothes were different from his previous collections. More subtle and less obviously sexy, a very interesting vibe. I truly adored the looks reminiscent of the ’70s. Bohemian patchwork, denim, gorgeous fringes, gowns and lots of fur.

Enjoy all my photos of this amazing night, see who was there and which celeb wore the same dress like me.

LoL, Sandra

My fabulous London girlfriends from Net-à-Porter.

Scarlett Johansson wore the same python dress like me. Funny coincidence.

Nicole Ritchie

Amber Valetta and Nicole Ritchie

Gorgeous couple: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jason Statham

Reese Witherspoon

Gwyneth Paltrow

Miley Cyrus

Jennifer Lopez

Rita Ora with me

Naomi Campbell

Brian Atwood

Amy Adams

Rachel Zoe with me

Julianne Moore

Robbie Williams

Jay Z with Beyoncé

Elton John with me

Anna Wintour with me

What a front row!

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images for Tom Ford, Michael Buckner, Getty Images for Tom Ford

Channel the look of New Year’s Eve glamour with the shimmer of allover sequins and invest in high style with those dresses that are eye-catching trophy pieces.

1 Annabelle sequined satin dress by Rachel Gilbert (50% off)
2 Paillette-embellished jersey mini dress by MICHEAL Michael Kors
3 Zenith chain and stud-embellished suede pumps by Brian Atwood (40% off)

4 Pegaso lapis necklace by Rosantica
5 Light alate allover sequined dress by Jenny Peckham
6 Karmel sequined mesh dress by Alice + Olivia
7 Navy blue sequined one shoulder bandage dress by Hervé Léger
8 Tonda box clutch by Diane von Furstenberg

If you like to see me wearing such a sequined dress for New Year’s Eve, please click here for a previous post.

LoL, Sandra

You might have seen those colourful bottles at the counter already and if you haven’t smelled them yet, please do. All four are uber-yummy and I like the idea behind the collection. Ralph Lauren celebrates the many facets of modern young women by saying that “scent is an essential accessory for all of the roles a woman plays.” Today’s woman should have a fragrance wardrobe to choose from according to mood and occasion. And here it is:

THE BIG PONY FRAGRANCE COLLECTION FOR WOMEN

Have fun exploring those four vital attributes and find out which F/W 2012 looks plus accessories would coordinate those passions best.

N°1 SPORTY

Catch her if you can. This floral citrus scent features grapefruit & blue lotus for a vibrant, energetic fragrance that evokes confidence while awakening the senses. Confident and fearless, the sporty woman is a natural born leader and ready to take on the world.

Her must-haves: Cabas Chyc leather tote by Yves Saint Laurent and Tokyo metallic and leather sneakers by Jimmy Choo

N°2 SENSUAL

A floriental fruity with the key ingredients of cranberry & tonka mousse, this fragrance is for an alluring flirt and the romantic at heart. Playful and irresistible, this modern woman follows her heart.

Her must-haves: PS1 Medium textured-leather pouch by Proenza Schouler and Maniac leather platform pumps by Brian Atwood

N°3 FREE-SPIRITED

Eccentric, rebellious and independent, this floral green fragrance highlights pear & mimosa. The crisp, bright scent represents ultimate optimism and natural feminine radiance for a woman who dances to the beat of her own drum.

Her must-haves: Victoria leather tote by Victoria Beckham and suede and elaphe slingback sandals by Nicholas Kirkwood

N°4 STYLISH

Edgy and refined, with a flair for the exotic, this oriental floral contains key ingredients of wild cherry & purple amber. Designed for the stylish woman, her flair expresses her unique personality and catches the eye and the hearts of anyone who crosses the path.

Her must-haves: PS1 Large suede satchel by Proenza Schouler and Havana patent-leather brogues by Christian Louboutin

Available now as EdT 30ml (CHF 44.90) and EdT 50ml (CHF 54.90).

LoL, Sandra

There are some beautiful things on their way from Yves Saint Laurent: The house’s new makeup summer collection which will be launching in Switzerland in May 2012. 
I love the earthy hues with the contrast of blue that inspired me to this look:

Olive green logo T-shirt by Yves Saint Laurent, lace-print cropped low-rise skinny jeans by Dolce & Gabbana, ruched suede ankle boots by Brian Atwood, gold-plated lace-effect cuff and Arty gold-plated glass ring by Yves Saint Laurent, bag by Alexander McQueen, blue wool and silk-blend blazer by Stella McCartney.

My favourite products for the eyes: The Pure Chromatics Eyeshadow Palette N°8 Sand (CHF 79.-) can be used dry and wet and looks gorgeous in combination with the Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof N°4 Blue Majorelle (CHF 50.-).

Here you can see how I applied the eyeshadow palette. I used the three earthy hues dry on the lid and blended them well starting with the darker tone up to the lightest one. The olive shade was applied wet like an eyeliner. I finished off the look with lots of black mascara for the upper lashes and used the blue mascara for the lower lashes to open the eye beautifully.

On my nails I am wearing the new La Lacque Couture in N°18 Bleu Majorelle (CHF 37.-).
The nail polish is part of the new La Lacque Couture La Vernithèque collection which will be launching in May 2012 in Switzerland.

Thirty new shades that offer high shine and easy application with a new brush. Choose from a colour palette of reds and  oranges, pinks and fuchsias, plums and purples, nudes and browns, and other groundbreaking shades.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of YSL and © Sandra Bauknecht

With this cold weather outside, I just can’t get enough of spring’s vibrant bold colours. I am absolutely crazy for this neon lace-sleeve wool-blend crepe dress by Christopher Kane. It is such a great investment piece that you could wear for many different occasions.

Work the neon trend by adding the studded neon pink leather pumps by McQ Alexander McQueen and the contrast leather-trimmed neoprene clutch by Pierre Hardy. This is colour blocking par excellence.

You can achieve a completely new look just by changing the accessories. Here are some ideas how to combine the gorgeous dress:

1 CONCERT IN THE PARK
Frayed tweed shoulder bag by Miu Miu and leather and crochet-knit platform sandals by Missoni.

2 SUMMER NIGHT 
Leather and woven straw charm bag by Lanvin and python pumps by Alexandre Birman.

3 FIRST DATE
Happicolo leather shoulder bag by Lanvin and colour-block patent-leather sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti.

4 COCKTAIL PARTY
Sweet Charity python and leather shoulder bag by Christian Louboutin and Claudia embroidered suede pumps by Brian Atwood.

5 LADIES LUNCH
Madeleine patent-leather duffle bag by Chloé and Yolanda 100 patent-leather pumps by Christian Louboutin.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

OMG… it feels like in the 80’s! The crazy colours are back. Resort 2012 is full of neon brights with acid rainbow prints at Christopher Kane to elegant shift dresses at Michael Kors.

From fluorescent pinks to electrifying neon-greens here are the hottest pieces to wear this season. My suggestion: Team neon pieces with neutral hues or classic shades such as camel. Another way to work the trend is to add a bold accessory or some statement neon heels.

LoL, Sandra

1 Neon-pink stretch wool-crepe dress by Michael Kors
2 Neon-yellow jersey T-shirt by Christopher Kane
3 Rainbow cotton and silk-blend dress by Christopher Kane

1 Poncho-effect cashmere sweater by Michael Kors
2 Neon-green stretch wool-crepe dress by Michael Kors
3 Neon wool-blend crepe biker jacket by Christopher Kane
4 Printed modal and cashmere-blend scarf by Christopher Kane
5 Neon-green tweed mini skirt by Lanvin

1 Neon-clasp python belt by Roberto Cavalli
2 Neon-orange python box clutch by Emilio Pucci
3 PS1 neon leather tote by Proenza Schouler
4 Python-effect neon-yellow leather waist belt by Marc by Marc Jacobs
5 Neon-pink neoprene and patent-leather sandals by Pierre Hardy
6 Bob’s Memphis two-tone leather shoulder bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs
7 Messenger patent-trimmed leather tote by Jason Wu
8 Alima neon patent-leather pumps by Brian Atwood

Talking in superlatives! OMG – what a night! Tuesday evening, I attended the fashion show and after party for the launch of Versace for H&M in New York City. The venue was decorated in true Versace style in a specially designed building on the Hudson River. I was entering the world of Versace from the moment I set foot on the red carpet and so were the famous guests such as Uma Thurman, Blake Lively, Chace Crawford, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Hudson and Selma Blair. Enjoy all my photos from this Versace for H&M extravaganza and see who performed live on stage! Stay also tuned for an interview with Donatella Versace to be posted soon.

Famous guitarist and music producer Mark Ronson in the hot pink Versace for H&M suit.

Sweet Jessica Alba in a studded Versace for H&M dress with me.

Uma Thurman looked so stunning when she said: “I think it is so exciting for Versace to made available to everyone. The collection is cool, colourful, young and very hip. I can’t wait to see the show.”

British model and TV presenter Jade Parfitt with me.

The other way around: Renowned photographer Bruce Webber in front of the camera.

Blogger love: Bryanboy and me

As for me, the sexiest shoe designer on earth: Brian Atwood.

American actress and niece of Julia Roberts, Emma Roberts in Versace for H&M florals.

Another well-known face: Photographer Terry Richardson

Girlfriends: Jade Parfitt having fun with German model Christina Kruse.

Let the show begin: The catwalk was paved with gold, the perfect environment in which to preview the Versace for H&M collection. The iconic looks, including some unique special pieces created for this exclusive event, were worn on the catwalk by top models such as Abbey Lee, Daphne G, Natasha Poly, Sean O’pry and Lindsay Wixson. The collection that will hit the shelves in 300 stores worldwide on November 17th, 2011.
For a closer view on the amazing pieces, I recommend this previous post.

When the show was finished, Donatella Versace appeared on the runway and two gigantic gates opened. She invited the fashionable crowd to follow her to the next hall where the after party took place.

Donatella Versace

The first act was a live performance of rap and pop superstar Nicki Minaj, dressed head to toe in Versace for H&M.

Later on, Nicki Minaj joined famous host Donatella to enjoy the show of Prince which was truly unbeatable. He is such an artist and musician. The way he sings, dances and moves captivates you from the first moment. When he started the chords of Purple Rain, the audience went crazy.

In case you think that Prince was the culmination of the night, you are mistaken. After he was finished, another gate opened, the one to shopping heaven. Behind those doors, a gigantic H&M pop-up store was located where the guests could buy the new Versace for H&M collection and all the celebrities joined in the fun. What a night!

This is probably my longest post ever, but this night is just unforgettable. Thank you H&M for letting me be part of it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

During London Fashion Week, I was photographed by Marie Claire Brazil. I am showing you this to demonstrate how one pair of bright patent pumps can change a whole outfit. This season, those vibrant coloured heels are a must and absolutely worth the investment.
Mine are by Miu Miu. Coat – Etro, Scarf – Alexander McQueen, Cardigan – Miu Miu and Boston Bag – Céline.

Please enjoy the nice selection of the best pumps available at the moment, from YSL to Brian Atwood to Miu Miu and Christian Louboutin. Happy shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Chunky heels and wedges, this is what the summer 2011 is all about . Being more comfortable than high heels (especially if you live like me in a city plastered with cobblestones) and giving you a more casual and effortless look, those shoes will be surely bestsellers.

Enjoy those creations for this summer that are bold, daring and definitely different.

The footwear innovation for S/S 2011 is the flatform – a ballet flat elevated on a high platform heel, that gives you extra hight. Kind of reminiscent of summer espandrilles, but only higher. Designers are loving them at the moment.
And what about you? Are you a brick-like shoe lover?

LoL, Sandra

Get the look of sweet Kristen Bell. Last Sunday at the Teen Choice Awards the blonde 30-year-old actress looked so pretty on the red carpet in her breathtaking organza dress by Stella McCartney. This scintillating bright dress cannot fail to impress with its captivating sheer and embroidered detailing.

Kristen kept her outfit simple and just added a pair of nude heels by Brian Atwood and a cocktail ring. This is elegant sophisticated style par excellence!

Kristen and me last week in Los Angeles

Her newest movie “Burlesque” will be out in November in which she stars along with Cher and Christina Aguilera. Can’t wait for that!

LoL, Sandra