Sandra‘s Closet

On September 3rd, a new olfactory chapter in Dior’s Poison saga will be opened: Hypnotic Poison Eau Sensuelle, a floral variation on 1998’s Hypnotic Poison fronted by actress Monica Bellucci.
François Demachy, the nose behind this creation, gave one of my favourite aromatic components vanilla (belonging to the orchid family) the leading part. Those velvety soft petals surrounded by ingredients like jasmine, heliotrope, bitter almond, and caraway offer this new composition a lively frame and a more luminous heart without betraying the original scent. It is still warm, exotic and seductive.

Hypnotic Poison Eau Sensuelle EdT Vapo 50ml CHF 95.-

Hypnotic Poison Eau Sensuelle EdT Vapo 100ml CHF 132.-

Also new: Hypnotic Poison Déodorant parfumé CHF 56.-

The new Eau Sensuelle will work perfectly during the warmer season, Elixir for winter and the classic one in between.

As I am a perfume-junky, I am so happy about my new addition to my favourite poison collection.

The bottle has been revisited in a more translucent way but still deep red. I have found the making of them so beautiful that I want to share the photos with you.

LoL, Sandra

For all my male readers who have been asking for this frequently, here is my Menswear Trend Report for F/W 2010.
And Ladies, please stay tuned as you never know when this will come in handy. Your hubbies, daddies and boyfriends will love you even a little more for your fashion knowledge. Moreover the menswear trends are very similiar to the female ones. Have fun and get inspired! Even the classic pieces are definitely not boring this season…but see for yourself:

The end `50s and early `60s inspired many designers for their F/W 2010 collections. The well-tailored suit makes its return into the gentleman’s closet. Imagine Don Draper, the main character of Mad Men, shopping on Savile Row and there you go! Back to the basics, black, all shades of grey and camel welcome elegance as the new dress code.

Also back is the 3-piece suit. I like Costume National’s modern interpretation in grey worn with a turtleneck.

Anyway, turtlenecks were seen everywhere on the runways and seemed to have replaced the shirts. Those cozy pieces worn with a suit have this wonderful `70s vibe that is so up-to-date.

Camel is the new black! The camel coat has been a wardrobe staple of almost every fashionable era. This season, there are many different updated models in well-designed silhouettes, dynamic volumes and distinct cuts. A great investment for many years to come!

A vest or a jacket in velvet is a must this season. Beautiful shades make those It-pieces even more desirable.

Added to these revisited classics making them part of the modern times, were narrow tight leather or cropped pants.

The new hemline goes hand in hand with another rising trend for men. Pants were tucked into boots and it looked so hot! So guys, be brave and try it out!

If you like it more bright, you could add just a hint of colour, preferably in royal blue or a berry tone.  A little sweater like the Prada one will be a perfect eyecatcher.

Or you could opt for the total look. Tone on tone, from head to toe, dressed in the same colour family or matching fabrics give this creative concept a new take on the masculine dress code.

If it gets really cold, men will have a lot of stylish options this season. Fur was seen along with must-have shearling jackets. I adore the Burberry Prorsum ones very much.
Rustic sweaters evoking a winter sports atmosphere let us dream of after ski and evenings in the chalet.

So Gentlemen, I never want to hear again that you are indifferent to fashion! Enjoy your new look and the world will be your oyster!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

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.-

Knee high socks tend to be a necessity rather than a fashion trend. This is going to change for F/W 2010. They were spotted all over the runways, some even thigh high. Thick knitted versions are among the must-haves for the cooler months.

But please be careful, they tend to make your calves look enormous. If you style them up right, they will compliment your leg shape. Pair them with a short casual dress showing off some skin and wear them with a pair of killer pumps.

The pre-fall 2010 looks are already available, so better start investing.

For the first time in years, granny`s boring gifts for Christmas will make decent fashionistas go all starry eyed.

LoL, Sandra

During the Paris Fashion week last March, they were already dangling from the editor`s shoulders: The small frame bags. This is quality in a square! Those simple and cute accessories have mostly a long strap with a 70s feel to them. Called box bags, the elegant and chic models are on the rise to become true classics if they are not already like the Constance by Hermès. Here are my favourites for F/W 2010:

A small frame bag is very comfortable and stylish to wear. If you do not want to spend too much or try it out first (believe me after years of gigantic models you have to get used to it…), H&M offers a pretty nice one.

Your back will love the new It-pieces…!

LoL, Sandra

As promised here are the best crochet and knit looks from the F/W 2010 runways. The designs were versatile, catering for all tastes.

From bohemian 60`s and 70`s inspired looks like the Versace or Missoni ones to crocheted knits combined with romantic details like bows and ribbons, spotted at Dior. If you like it more gothic or clean, Pringle of Scotland will be your choice this winter.

As I already told you, the “Miss Sicily” bag by Dolce & Gabbana is coming back in knitted versions and has been seen on Victoria Beckham already. So keep an eye on the upcoming sale, probably you can find one from the summer for a great price. I will keep my fingers crossed!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Some of the most memorable looks on the runways for F/W 2010 impressed with the comeback of the season: Fur in all variations. From Karl Lagerfeld`s take on the full faux fur polar bear look to Versace`s colourful interpretations to shearling lamb footwear.

The emphasis was one the most luxurious finishing details you can imagine. The designers were using more fur than ever. I am wondering why PETA was so absent during the fashion weeks. They could have totally made an example.

Herewith you will find a gallery of the most desirable shoes and bags for the upcoming season. I am crazy for Chanel `s Nanook of the North fake fur boots with the icicle heels and the matching chain strap bag. Totally stylish are also the fur-trimmed boots like the ones by Hermès or YSL.

Another must-have for winter is a thick fur-covered tote, for example by Dolce & Gabbana or Christian Dior to name a few.

Love it or hate it, fur is one of the biggest trends.

LoL, Sandra

The focus is on legs for summer, tons of mini skirts and hot pants paraded down the runways. According to the remarkable decrease in the length of the hemlines, the lower part of the body seemed to become the main attraction for decoration. Tights, along with other types of legwear like leggings, legwarmers or socks, made a sizzling fashion statement.

As nylons had always been a no-go in sandals, the trend of the open toe booties posed a real dilemma to me this winter especially that I hate cold feet. I am always admiring the French journalists during the fashion weeks showing-up effortlessly bare-legged whatever the weather. So honestly, I am curious if French ladies are going to adapt to the new trend. They have that nonchalant way of looking elegantly stylish that I truly so adore.

Fact is that there were also many Parisian designers like John Galliano for Christian Dior or Jean-Paul Gaultier who sent their models in sandals combined with sweet little socks down the runway.

Last weekend I went to London and had a fab time. I stayed at the Claridge`s in Mayfair which turned out to be a fantastic choice.

After having entered the lobby, I was completely in love with their Christmas tree installation by John Galliano for Christian Dior. The innovative design gives the impression of being frozen and is a twist on tradition due to its tropical elements like dragon flies, parrots and leopards. Well done, John!

LoL, Sandra