Sandra‘s Closet

Over the last three years, Christian Louboutin has created the Africaba, the Mexicaba and the Manilacaba, all bags inspired by and created with people from the places they were named after. Continuing his pursuit to find the best artisans from all across the globe, he has created the PORTUGABA as a tribute to Portugal that immediately has become a favorite among celebrities.

 Amber Heard, Cindy Bruna, Monica Bellucci and Nieves Alvarez all carry the Portugaba.

Launched last year, this new version of the tote is highlighting the Portuguese craftsmanship and their meticulous savoir-faire for precious details. Handmade, crafted in white or black canvas, it features woolen fringes, multicolored embroidery, traditional ceramic beads and a CL coat of arms.

All is inspired by traditional costumes and typical Portuguese arts, and all is laid out on the wide U-shape. Practical and functional, its removable shoulder strap allows shoulder wear or, with its two handles, carried by hand.

The model is lined with a linen canvas inspired by azulejos reminiscent of Portuguese ceramic tiles. The handles for carrying are embellished with signature spikes and it also has a removable shoulder strap.

The beautiful colors always put me in a good mood. I loved to carry it to my pilates class (post coming up soon…) and hopefully will be able to sport it this summer at the beach.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE PORTUGABA BAG IN WHITE or HERE IN BLACK.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: Courtesy of Christian Louboutin
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Every year, I am curious to see who is designing the iconic Christmas tree at Claridge’s Hotel in London. Capturing the glamour, romance and timeless traditions of the festive season, this year’s  tree is the work of legendary designer – and long-time friend and guest of the hotel – Christian Louboutin.

This immersive installation invites guests on a journey, transforming the lobby into a frosted forest. At its heart is a traditional tree in gold and red, dressed with fairy lights and gingerbread stilettos – and topped with a gold-leaf crown.

Alongside the tree, The Loubi Express is stationed in the lobby. Passengers are invited to step aboard this enchanting red carriage and take a seat in restful red velvet interiors, where just four tables create an intimate setting. Enjoy a glass – or share a bottle – of Laurent-Perrier, or try one of an exclusive collection of cocktails specially created with Christian Louboutin. Accompanying the drinks are canapés and a selection of Claridge’s Bar sharing dishes – all served to your lamplit table by our Cocktail Conductor.

«I wanted to bring a little bit of Paris to London, and for this year’s design to capture the excitement of journeys, whether to new destinations or homecomings.»
Christian Louboutin

The unveiling of the 2019 tree heralds the beginning of Christmas in the British capital. Christian Louboutin’s unique installation also marks the 10th year of this creative collaboration between a visionary designer and Claridge’s. In 2018, it was Diane von Furstenberg who designed the Tree of Love. For past installations, click here please.

I will be in London next weekend and cannot wait to see the tree with my own eyes…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Claridge’s Hotel and Christian Louboutin

I am such a summer girl and I am always sad when the cold season is knocking at the door. Especially as I love wearing sandals. The dainty, super statement sandal has reigned as one of the most popular shoes of the summer, as seen on celebrities and street style stars who embraced the eye-catching look. Great news is that this fall the transition is easy and it’s not time yet to leave your high heel sandals behind as there are so many beautiful options to get you through fall.

LoL, Sandra

Metallic textured leather-trimmed suede sandals by Prada

Eve crystal-embellished metallic lizard-effect leather sandals by Attico

Crystal-embellished mesh and suede sandals by René Caovilla

Floral-appliquéd metallic leather sandals by Dolce & Gabbana

Swarovski crystal-embellished leather sandals by Prada

100 crystal-embellished metallic leather sandals by Gianvito Rossi

Marie Edwina 100 feather-trimmed satin and PVC sandals by Christian Louboutin

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Tomorrow, Oktoberfest season kicks off in Munich and I am so happy to write this post from my previous hometown in Bavaria. From time to time, I like to play around with the Wies’n style outfits and don’t opt for the traditional «Dirndl» but look for designer pieces that are inspired from Tyrolean or Bavarian styles. This Pre-fall 2019 season, Miu Miu offers some truly amazing options.

Enjoy those beautiful pieces that you can wear all year round …

LoL, Sandra

Ruffled embroidered wool cardigan by Miu Miu

Cropped ruffled cotton-poplin blouse by Miu Miu

Belted velvet shorts by Miu Miu

Bow-top felted cap by Miu Miu

Wies’n stay-ups by Falke, CHF 37.00
Wies’n knee socks by Falke, CHF 26.00

Scalloped crystal-embellished cotton-poplin mini dress by Miu Miu

Miu Lady crystal-embellished leather and matelassé velvet shoulder bag by Miu Miu

Sandale Du Desert 100 leather and gingham canvas sandals by Christian Louboutin

Gold-tone, crystal, enamel and canvas earrings by Miu Miu

 Kassi gingham linen peplum top by Reformation

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Falke, Miu Miu

From flats and kitten heels to something a little higher, these backless shoes will score instant cool points and are so perfect for a sexy walk to the pool!

LoL, Sandra

Paige knotted leather mules by Cult Gaia

Quart 80 suede mules by Christian Louboutin

Crawford knotted leather mules by Gucci

Croisette crystal-embellished leather and suede sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti

Maureen 100 leather mules by Malone Souliers

Lyn 105 python mules by Gianvito Rossi

Smokey 100 crystal-embellished glittered leather mules by Jimmy Choo

Donata Swarovski crystal-embellished leopard-print suede mules by Aquazzura

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

It’s a PVC party!  If you feel like you’ve been spotting see-through everything lately, you’re not alone. But this season, designers step up their game by choosing vibrant colours, studs, laces or even lucite heels filled with surprises to attract the attention.

Clearly the most stylish shoes of the season!

LoL, Sandra

Logo-perforated PU and faux leather mules by Stella McCartney

Metallic leather and PVC sandals by Prada

Amber Ghost patent-leather and PVC sandals by Alexandre Vauthier

105 patent leather-trimmed leopard-print PVC slingback pumps by Gianvito Rossi

PVC and leather sandals by Dries Van Noten

Faridaravie 100 embellished PVC and mirrored-leather sandals by Christian Louboutin

Milos 105 leather and PVC sandals by Aquazzura

Peggy sandals by Nicholas Kirkwood

Paradise leopard-print wood & PVC clogs by Sophia Webster

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

«An animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge.»

Personally speaking, I had lots of fun with Ultraviolet in 2018, but for 2019 I am ready to move on from the mysteries of the cosmos and dive deep into the ocean.

For 20 years, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home furnishings, and industrial design, as well as product, packaging, and graphic design. This year’s search, which was unveiled last night at Art Basel Miami, named «Living Coral,» a peachy shade of orange with a golden undertone, as the 2019 Pantone Color of the Year.

«Vibrant, yet mellow PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment. In reaction to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life, we are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy. Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature this color welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity. Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, it embodies our desire for playful expression.
Representing the fusion of modern life, PANTONE Living Coral is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media.»

I am a big fan of this color found in nature. Displayed beneath the sea, this vivifying and effervescent hue mesmerizes the eye and mind and is evocative of how coral reefs provide shelter to a diverse kaleidoscope of color. With everything that is going on in today’s world, I am happy that Pantone chose such an uplifting shade and not a grey…

To shop LIVING CORAL, have a look at those fantastic pieces and get ahead of the fashion trend:

Saba satin-trimmed silk-crepe blouse by Roksanda

Jonatina 100 PVC-trimmed patent-leather sandals by Christian Louboutin

Camille reversible silk-crepe maxi dress by Karlita

Alana coated mid-rise skinny jeans by J Brand

Happy weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Pantone and Courtesy of the Brands

Guess who didn’t bring flats or socks, but managed to pack the peep-toes? This has probably lost you a few friends in past days. But those times are over.

For fall, we’re going up — to the mountain that is. Hiking boots are one of the biggest footwear trends of the season and they’re giving traditional western, motorcycle and knee-high boots some competition.

Flashtrek leather high-top trainers by Gucci

The boots have certainly gained traction in the past few months. There’s Gucci’s Flashtreck sneaker  which is flying off the shelves and there’s Off-White’s collaboration with Timberland, which spawns a pair of gorgeously stompy velvet boots, a unique take on the classic footwear staple.

Velvet Timberland boots by Off-White

How to style them: Fashionistas all over the globe don’t save them for days with severe weather warnings only. They wear them year-round with everything from jeans and corduroys to silk dresses.

Here are some more of my favorite «Duke of Edinburgh–worthy hiking boots» available at the moment:

Black heart desert platform boots by Louis Vuitton

Two-tone textured-leather and suede ankle boots by Proenza Schouler

Mad 70 spiked quilted leather ankle boots by Christian Louboutin

Edna shearling-lined leather and suede ankle boots by Ganni

Leather-trimmed suede ankle boots by See by Chloé

Rockstud leather hiking boots by Valentino

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and Getty

Celebrate the arrival of summer time with these new limited edition bracelets by DIOR that will stand out beautifully against sun-kissed skin. Personally speaking, my temptation to stack these pieces in vibrant hues is even stronger in summer: a mish-mash of whisper-thin pieces jangling against each other on a tanned wrist evokes a holiday mood, whatever the temperature outside.

DIOR’s Rose des Vents collection is a prime example: first launched in 2015 (for a previous post, click here please), the house has cleverly come up with a constant supply of new colors and designs – first were the pretty little bracelets with lapis, pink opal, mother-of-pearl and turquoise; later the medallion-like charm was studded entirely with diamonds, rendered in various colours on long sautoir necklaces and covered with onyx.

This summer the eight-pronged star, inspired by an old maritime navigational tool, appears in three limited edition colors, pink, orange and green. I love to flip the bracelets between the plain and embellished surfaces.

On my arm are these Rose des Vents bracelets from top to bottom:
– 18k white gold, diamond and pink ceramic lacquer (limited summer edition)
– 18k yellow gold, diamond and green ceramic lacquer (limited summer edition)
–  18k pink gold, diamond and orange ceramic lacquer (limited summer edition)
– 18k yellow gold, diamond and turquoise (permanent collection)

The perfect way to elevate the fresh summer accessories one step up, is to paint your nails in a vibrant hue that looks particularly flattering against bronzed skin. Part of Christian Louboutin Beauty‘s limited edition «Loubiflash» collection, these mini lacquers come in the matching colors to complement Dior’s summer bracelets.
Turquoise «Dragonflash» – Orange «Crosta Meteor» – Pink «Neoprene»

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

Ultra violet may be the Pantone Color of the Year 2018, but this S/S 2018 season is all about lilac. The fresh pastel shade was all over the runways shows, starting at Victoria Beckham to Tibi to Roland Mouret. Needless to say that other purple shades were also featured, but the light version is the hue that won everyone over.

It looks so beautiful on dresses and I like wearing it head-to-toe.

Diana ruched satin maxi dress by Alice + Olivia

Felcourt one-shoulder silk-crepe dress by Roland Mouret

Ruffled plissé-satin midi dress by Tibi

Aria ruffled chiffon maxi dress by Preen Line

Gathered silk midi dress by Pushbutton

Top from left to right: Solar patent-leather ankle boots by Petar Petrov and jacquard clutch by Dries Van Noten.

Buttom from left to right: Pigalle Follies 100 patent-leather pumps by Christian Louboutin and Mini Half Moon Box shoulder bag by Victoria Beckham.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via design-seeds