I have always been obsessed with straw hats, but this season’s large statement versions are truly to die for. Oversized and twisted into a wave at Jacquemus, the beachy style is so much more than your basic Panama hat.

Oversized straw hat «La Bomba» by Jacquemus

Missoni’s S/S 2018 floppy hats fit right along this description – very visible, supersized straw hats that are protecting not only your head but also your back from the sun.

Oversized striped straw hat by Missoni

Woven oversized straw hat by Missoni

Delpozo, fashion’s reigning prince of prêt-à-couture, showed large bow straw hats. Those headpieces on the S/S 2018 runway were huge and stiff, holding their shape perfectly.

Delpozo S/S 2108

This summer, there are many options to find the perfect floppy Sunday straw hat.

Large paper-braid glamour hat by Sensi Studio

Gucci really made an impression with interestingly shaped straw hats tied with a ribbon in different shades.

Straw hat with ribbon by Gucci

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

The legendary Vienna Opera Ball, that started in 1877 under Emperor Francis Joseph, is considered as the highlight of the social calendar in the Austrian capital and usually takes place on the last Thursday of the carnival season. The city of waltzes celebrates more than 450 balls each year but as far as glamour goes, the Vienna Opera Ball is up there with the BAFTAs and the Met Ball. For the event, the State Opera is transformed into the most festive, imposing and high-profile ballroom in the world where important politicians, entrepreneurs, royals, artists, and well-known celebrities from all over the world dance the night away.

 Each year, around 5.500 guests attend. Renowned designers are regularly involved in running the show: this year, Dolce & Gabbana designed the tiara for the around 300 debutantes, that will kick off the Opera ball. After they have finished, the master of ceremony announces: Alles Walzer! (All waltz!). When you hear this and Johann Strauss’ waltz «On The Beautiful Blue Danube», you know that you are allowed to enter the dance floor.

Nevertheless when it comes to the dress code, there is a huge difference. It is much stricter and more old-fashioned than compared to other galas.

The following dress code applies to the Vienna Opera
Ladies: Long Evening Gown
Gentlemen: Tailcoat

What sounds simple at first, is associated with some pitfalls, because if you do not follow the dress code, the access to the ball will be denied.

For the ladies:

long gown (at least ankle length)
no cocktail dress
wide skirt – no body-con dresses (very important)
cleavage: not too deep
no wristwatch – only a jewelry watch

For the men:

tailcoat (elegant evening suit with waist-short jacket and «swallowtail»)
no tuxedo, no simple suit
no tie
«Mascherl» bow tie (white)

I am so excited to attend this amazing event on the 8th of February this year and will practice my Vienna waltz dancing skills. Therefore I need a gown in which I will be able to move and which honors the dress code. Not so easy…

Here are my favorite choices, which one do you prefer?

Lace-insert pleated georgette gown by Elie Saab

Glen sleeved embroidered dress by Temperley London

Graphic floral-print organza-silk gown by Dolce & Gabbana
Draped front strapless fil-coupé and tulle gown by Delpozo

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vienna Opera Ball, APA, © Swarovski

After several months of renovation work, Louis Vuitton celebrated the reopening of its Zurich store located in the historic Peterhof building last September.

The store presents a complete restoration of the historic ceiling as well as the work of the Swiss painter Otto Pilny entitled «Seidenzucht im XVI. Jahrhundert» that was hidden behind wood panels before. The gentlemen’s universe now also extends to ready-to-wear, in addition to leather goods, accessories and shoes; the first floor of the store, featuring the historic mezzanine, is dedicated to women’s ready-to-wear and shoes.

My look was colorful and bold: Linen coat by Delpozo, Corely cold-shoulder ribbed-knit midi dress by Roland Mouret, yellow, magenta, powder pink leather Rockstud tote and matching pink Rockstud heels, both by Valentino. Tonda 1950 set clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and earrings with pearls and tiger heads by Gucci.

On my wrist: THE SILVER LOCKIT by Louis Vuitton
This fall, Louis Vuitton has launched a new version of its Silver Lockit with color bracelets (yellow, blue unicef, pink, purple and black) in effort to continue raising awareness and funds for Syrian children facing the world’s most challenging humanitarian crisis. For each sale of the Silver Lockit Bracelet, $100 will be donated to UNICEF. For more information, click here. A great gift for a loved one for Christmas!

As a treat for the guests of the opening, French illustrator Yohann Propin drew them in the most fun way you can imagine. Personally speaking, I loved watching him as he finished its illustration in no time.

LoL, Sandra

Photos of me outside of the store: © Céline Luetolf – all others © Sandra Bauknecht
Photos of the store: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

This year marks the 15^th anniversary of ‘Art in the Park‘ at the Baur au Lac hotel and the tenth time it has been organised in collaboration with Galerie Gmurzynska. It is always a pleasure to visit the beautiful exhibition curated by Gigi Kracht. This year, some amazing artist were  present such as Spanish Surrealist Joan Miró with a “supporting cast“ – Mel Ramos, Rotraut, Allen Jones, Silvester Stallone, Sophia Vari, and Louise Nevelson.

Exhibition is open to the public till August 4^th, 2017.

My look: Embroidered paneled linen maxi dress by Delpozo, ruffled woven hemp sunhat by Rosie Assoulin, Kan I leather shoulder bag,  flower fur key fob, ABClick letter key charm and embellished leather bag strap, all by Fendi and leather T-strap sandals with pearls by Gucci, asymmetric earrings by Dior and bangles by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

All photos of me at the exhibition: Thank you © André Hengst – www.on-eyes-photography.ch
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Get the look (from collage above): Striped open-knit blazer and matching flared pants, both by Balmain, stretch-jersey turtleneck top by Theory, Elephant striped leather shoulder bag by Loewe, laser-cut suede ankle boots by Alaïa and gold-tone, resin and crystal clip earrings by Dolce & Gabbana.

Yes, we’re almost through January and yes, it’s pretty bad: baltic temperatures, dark all the time, hardly anything left in your size in any of the sales. But try not to take it too hard. Instead indulge in the new season and take some bold stripes to fight the winter blues.

I have spent the last week with a rapt, sunny smile on my face, trying to out-cheer these grim conditions with the help of some vibrant colors that you can easily incorporate in your wardrobe.

Strapless striped jacquard dress by Delpozo

Bold stripes are trending this summer. If you would like to wear them now, just add a turtleneck for more warmth. This is what I would call beating January!

Or escape to the Caribbean as I did…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Nothing has changed since last winter… more is more is still the motto, this is what the S/S 2017 season is all about! With fashion in a maximalist mood, accessories have kept their center stage. On the runways, kitten heels are back, earrings were bigger than ever, and one bag is definitely not enough. New? The marriage of socks and boots. The forecast: Get ready for your another sumptuous season!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2017 TREND 1: EXTRAVAGANT SUNGLASSES
Céline – Dolce & Gabbana – Gucci

S/S 2017 TREND 2: SOCK BOOTS
Fendi – Balenciaga – Emilio Pucci

S/S 2017 TREND 3: WRAP BELTS
Balmain – Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini – Isabel Marant

S/S 2017 TREND 4: STATEMENT EARRINGS
Delpozo – Alexander McQueen – Altuzarra

S/S 2017 TREND 5: KITTEN HEELS
Chloé – Prada – Dior

S/S 2017 TREND 6: ONE BAG IS NOT ENOUGH
Stella McCartney – Valentino – Marni

S/S 2017 TREND 7: THE BIGGER THE BETTER
Givenchy – Chanel – Loewe

S/S 2017 TREND 8: FLATFORMS
Salvatore Ferragamo – Versace – Miu Miu

S/S 2017 TREND 9: SUPERSIZED BAGS
Sonia Rykiel – Mulberry – Ports 1961

S/S 2017 TREND 10: ARM CUFFS
Roberto Cavalli – Louis Vuitton – Rodarte

Photos: via Vogue.com

Today, I have a very special offer for you at MODA OPERANDI that will last until November 20, 2016. As a dear Sandra’s Closet reader, you will get 50% off during this special and very exclusive Friends & Family Sale featuring must-have F/W 2016 pieces by Burberry, Mary Katrantzou, Giuseppe Zanotti and many more.

Just use the promo code FRIENDS at checkout! There are so many beautiful pieces waiting for you here. Here are my personal favorites.

Get the look with 50% off: Suede trench coat by Red Valentino, lace dress by Temperley London, leather crossbody bag by Delpozo, Karlie embroidered suede pumps by Aquazzura.

More amazing F/W 2016 pieces on sale are:

Grey sail cape by Temperley London

Velvet top by Dolce & Gabbana

Coline cutout suede sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti

Galactic Penelope clutch by Charlotte Olympia

CLICK HERE TO BROWSE THE FULL SELECTION THAT IS 50% ON SALE.
Don’t forget to use the promo code FRIENDS at checkout!

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Moda Operandi

More is more, this is what the F/W 2016 season is all about! With fashion in a maximalist mood, accessories have taken center stage. On the runways, heels were high, the bijoux was stacked and layered, and the bags were furrier or came with accessories of their own. The forecast: Get ready for your most sumptuous season yet.

LoL, Sandra

F/W 2016 TREND 1: GUITAR STRAPS
Valentino – Fendi – Burberry

F/W 2016 TREND 2: DAVID BOWIE BOOTS
Maison Margiela – Marc Jacobs – Balenciaga

F/W 2016 TREND 3: STATEMENT GLOVES
Delpozo – Loewe – Rodarte

F/W 2016 TREND 4: CHOKERS
Balmain – Alexander Wang – Lanvin

F/W 2016 TREND 5: STACKED JEWELS
Gucci – Etro – Bottega Veneta

F/W 2016 TREND 6: FUR BAGS
Michael Kors Collection – Salvatore Ferragamo – Versace

F/W 2016 TREND 7: HIKING BOOTS
Rag & Bone – Louis Vuitton – Prada

F/W 2016 TREND 8: BAG ACCESSORIES
Dolce & Gabbana – Dior – Chanel

F/W 2016 TREND 9: VELVET CRUSH
Stella McCartney – Erdem – Dries Van Noten

F/W 2016 TREND 10: EMBELLISHED HEELS
Oscar de la Renta – Miu Miu – Saint Laurent

While you are reading this post, I am in the plane on my way to Los Angeles with Piaget for the Independent Spirit Awards and many more adventures. Last year’s outfit for this outstanding ceremony can easily translate into 2016 with those amazing little creatures on the skirt. Don’t forget – it is the year of the monkey. Delpozo is a brand to watch as the house combines couture techniques with a contemporary silhouette for a thoroughly elegant allure.

My look: Black organza top and monkey print relief effect jacquard skirt, both by Delpozo, satin clutch by Prada, Janis suede platform pumps by Saint Laurent, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring and Mediterranean Garden earrings, all by Piaget, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Piaget Mediterranean Garden Earrings
Earrings in 18K white gold set with 84 baguette-cut diamonds (approx. 8.20 cts), 26 marquise-cut diamonds (approx. 5.55 cts), 2 marquise-cut emeralds (approx. 1.45 cts), 2 cushion-cut green tourmalines (approx. 2.83 cts), 2 cushion-cut emeralds (approx. 2.62 cts), 1 round green tourmaline (approx. 0.26 ct) and 1 round emerald (approx. 0.22 ct).

Aren’t these earrings absolutely amazing? Cannot wait to choose my jewelry for this year’s Spirit Awards. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Each year, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art holds the Met Gala, the fashion event of the season and the party of the year, to celebrate the newest the exhibition. This spring, it will be about PUNK: Chaos to Couture, on view from May 9 through August 14, 2013, will examine punk’s impact on high fashion from the movement’s birth in the 1970s through its continuing influence today. “Since its origins, punk has had an incendiary influence on fashion,” said Andrew Bolton, Curator in The Costume Institute. “Although punk’s democracy stands in opposition to fashion’s autocracy, designers continue to appropriate punk’s aesthetic vocabulary to capture its youthful rebelliousness and aggressive forcefulness.”

If you want to find out more about the exhibition, please click here.

Enjoy the best looks from the red carpet of the Costume Institute Benefit last Monday. On top, you can see Sarah Jessica Parker who took the night’s punk theme to heart, and went for this stunning Giles Deacon dress, combined with a Philip Treacy punk hat and plaid Christian Louboutin boots. Madonna understood the invitation well and showed up in Givenchy.

Anne Hathaway had the most surprising look with her bleached blond hair which I loved. Of course, the vintage Valentino gown was the perfect match.

And here is an amazing opportunity, you can PRE-ORDER those extremely sexy couture red carpet looks (all F/W 2013) below directly now for seven days. How cool is that?! Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

Emma Watson in a matte black crepe crossover tie strap gown with high slit by Prabal Gurung.

Kate Bosworth in a short body-conscious dress with 3/4-length sleeves and diamond embroideries on pink lurex jacquard by Balmain Atelier.

Anja Rubik in a lambskin and macrame dress by Anthony Vaccarello.

Gisèle Bündchen in a bonded crepe and macrame one sleeve halter dress by Anthony Vaccarello.

Taylor Swift in a black silk crepe gown with black lace inserts, black chiffon sunburst pleated back and silver-gold embroidered crystal neckline by J.Mendel.

Kate Mara in a short dress with woolen crepe base, heart-shaped neckline and architectural modules by Delpozo.

Christina Ricci in a turquoise silk taffeta McAndrew tartan corset gown by Vivienne Westwood Couture.

And don’t miss Moda Operandi‘s amazing punk pop-up store where you can find all those  must-have pieces. Mmh, Hedi Slimane was obviously not so wrong with his F/W 2103 collection…

LoL, Sandra