Sandra‘s Closet

The pink snakeskin trend for accessories has been spreading like wildfire recently, especially the softer and dustier versions of the feminine shade. Think baby or powdered pink and set the tone for a new reptile-inspired season. Carry those must-haves to channel your own sophistication.

Below you can shop my favorites:

1 Python toe-cap lace-up sneaker by Lanvin
2 Holographic python medium Happy bag by Lanvin
3 Small Tonda printed python clutch by Diane von Furstenberg
4 Hera python bag by Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli has brought the reptile trend to the beauty industry with the launch of his newest fragrance: JUST CAVALLI. The cylindrical top of the bottle and the box are embellished with a pink snake motive accentuated with golden details.

CREAMY FLORAL

Top note: Neroli
Middle note: Tahitian tiare flower
Base note: Palisander rosewood

Available as Eau de Toilette 30ml (CHF 59.00), 50ml (CHF 79.00) and 75ml (CHF 93.00)
Body Lotion 150ml (CHF 29.00) and Shower Gel 150ml (CHF 29.00)

Face of the advertising campaign is Georgia May Jagger, daughter of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, photographed by Mario Sorrenti. As sexy as the new scent…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

There is no end in sight, for the ones who like the bright and vibrant trend, the summer 2013 offers lots of bold pop colours, with Burberry Prorsum, Gucci and Jil Sander leading the way.

For those who cannot wait for the runway pieces to arrive, what about this cool outfit:
Striped stretch-ponte dress by Issa, cutout suede sandals by Guiseppe Zanotti and grained-leather clutch by Miu Miu.

The best make-up collection to complement the look comes this spring from Giorgio Armani: The Pop Collection will hit the stores this month. Enjoy the “top of the pops”:

FACE & EYES BLISS PALETTE – CHF 109.-

Fabulous neutrals mixed with bright popping shades for eyes and face.
Coral Bliss Palette 01 (One Shot), Rose Bliss Palette 02 (One Shot)

ROUGE D’ARMANI SHEERS – CHF 54.-

From left to right:
Beige 100 (One Shot), Ecstasy 500 (already part of the line), Beige Rosé 101 (One Shot)

FACE FABRIC – CHF 71.-

The “stretch”-technology of this products helps to “fit” the contours of your face for a seamless, semi-matte finish. Organic colorants, blended with translucent pigments create subtle, nude tones. Available in three shades: 0.5 (One Shot), 3.5 and 4.5

BLUSHING FABRIC – CHF 60.-

The “second skin” blush comes in two vibrant, limited-edition shades this spring.
High Density Orange 8 (One Shot), Fuchsia 9 (One Shot)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Style.com and Courtesy of Giorgio Armani

I have been in love with Jason Wu‘s embellished lace and silk-chiffon gown from the first moment when I spotted it on Karlie Kloss at the Met Gala in May (Always good to be friends with a designer… you get to wear it first). Now, this stunning piece is in stores. Get Karlie’s look:

Embellished lace and silk-chiffon gown by Jason Wu, velvet pumps by Dolce & Gabbana, Tonda clutch bag by Diane von Furstenberg and jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels.

LoL, Sandra

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

“Water is life is love is life is water is life is love is life is water”
This lovely surprise was waiting for me on my doorstep…

Evian® Natural Mineral Water has teamed with American designer Diane von Furstenberg for the design of its 2013 limited-edition bottle, marking the first time the brand has linked with a female designer. The projects reflects a playful celebration of life and features a nod to the designer’s iconic mantras with, “Water is Life is Love is Life is Water is…,” gracing the bottle in her distinct handwriting and an ubiquitous heart DVF logo in a special hue of red.

Since 2008, evian® has collaborated with the world’s most acclaimed designers including Issey Miyake, Paul Smith, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix and Courrèges. To date, 10 million Limited Edition bottles have been sold and distributed to over 150 countries worldwide.

Just in time for the festive season, the limited edition bottle will be sold in Switzerland from November at the retailers Globus, Manor, among others for CHF 2.40.

“I am so excited about this collaboration because I have always loved evian® and I think drinking water is one of the most important things we can do to love ourselves and love is life! To me it is all about living life to the fullest and I am so proud to work with evian® to spread such an important message.“ said Diane von Furstenberg.

About Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg first entered the fashion world in 1972 with a suitcase full of jersey dresses. Two years later, she invented the wrap dress, which came to symbolize power and independence for an entire generation of women. After a brief hiatus, Diane reemerged on the New York fashion scene in 1997 and re-launched the iconic dress, reestablishing her company as a global luxury lifestyle brand. DVF is now sold in over 70 countries worldwide, and has 54 freestanding shops. In 2005, Diane received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), and one year later was elected to her current position as its President. Diane’s commitment to empowering women is expressed through fashion, philanthropy and mentorship. She sits on the board of the non-profit Vital Voices, and in 2010 established The DVF Awards to support and honor exceptional women and organizations.

If you are interested to hear Diane von Furstenberg speak about this collaboration in her own words, I invite you to step in her office by watching this video:

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of evian®, Diane von Furstenberg and © Sandra Bauknecht

In honor of the U.S. Open, which begins today, American Vogue has commissioned custom-made tennis balls. Eleven designers and one tennis legend have turned the classic yellow piece into a new and glamorous realm. Which one is your favourite? Do you prefer pearls, rhinestones, spikes, lace, or Maria’s ruby-red pout?

My favourite? Eddie Borgo‘s cones and spikes might scare off the opponent. Players, proceed at your own risk.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vogue, © John Manno

Summer is on its way and it’s set to be the most sensational yet. Today, I would like to spotlight the definitive trends, hot new designers and must-have pieces for your new season wardrobe.

Kick-start with a high-voltage dress by Diane von Furstenberg. Maxi lengths are a laid-back way to work shimmering sequins for day – finish with Musa‘s decorative sandals. After dark, look to master craftsman Vineet Bahl, the upcoming Indian designer. His beautifully embellished gowns are perfect for sultry nights.

Diane von Furstenberg

Next up, Diane von Furstenberg‘s graphic summer collection ticks two trends in one – power prints and ladylike cuts. Whether you go for a demure knee-length dress or pair up your prints in a contrasting top and skirt, channel the runway girls and keep hair and makeup fuss free.

Christian Louboutin

When it comes to accessories, have fun and experiment. Do the bold shoulder with Christian Louboutin’s Artemis bag – the editors’ favorite and this year’s must-have.

Victoria Beckham

And don’t forget to update your sunglasses. Victoria Beckham‘s oversized frames will lend a fashion-forward edge to any outfit.

This season’s style rule for jewelry? More is more. Hervé van der Straeten is the new need-to-know name. The Parisian jeweler’s sculptural gold cuffs are the perfect partner to neutral tailoring. Semi-precious stones also take a starring role: Rosantica’s lapis lazuli collar necklace or Erickson Beamon’s colour-pop pieces will instantly dress up a simple tee and blazer.

Dive into swimwear in the latest ready-to-wear one-piece – it’s not just for the beach! Be inspired by the Peter Pilotto runway and choose a sporty style for day, finished with a dramatic full skirt and heels.

Zimmermann

Or perfect your poolside pose in bloom-adorned swimsuit by Australian label Zimmermann.

Tara Matthews

As the sun sets, switch effortlessly from pool to bar in Tara Matthews’ stylish cover-up, exclusive to NET-A-PORTER.

Paloma Barcelò

Complete the look with candy-striped wedges by Spanish shoe label Paloma Barcelò.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

British luxury automaker Aston Martin has debuted the Dragon 88 range of automobiles (DBS Volante, Virage Coupe and V8 Vantage S) at the Beijing Motor Show.

My favourite is the DBS Volante special edition “Year of the Dragon” that features bespoke details that pay tribute to the dragon, a creature that represents power and fortune in Chinese folklore. They take the form of 24-carat gold wing badges, embroidered headrests and commemorative sill plates. Just 88 examples were produced for each model and will only be available in China.

One of the exclusive colour options selected “to chime with traditional Chinese art and imagery” is burgundy in combination with bright red which I absolutely adore. And below you can see that this colour combo would look also stunning on you, ladies!

Burgundy collarless blouse by Miu Miu, red stretch pencil skirt by Diane von Furstenberg, red Tribtoo suede pumps by Yves Saint Laurent and small flap bag by Chanel (Vintage).

LoL Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Aston Martin

Today, I would like to show some nice jetset-ready gift ideas for you or your world-travelling friend. Those super cute luggage tags for example are the perfect way to ensure your bags stand out from the crowd.

Here is your shopping list:

1 Neon pink python luggage tag and bright blue python passport cover,
both by Emilio Pucci
2 World travel adapter and printed PVC case by Diane von Furstenberg
3 Rainbow glitter-finished, glitter-splashed champagne pebbled-leather and animal-print calf hair luggage tag, all by Jimmy Choo
4 Metallic leather luggage tag by Reed Krakoff
5 Set of two rubber luggage tags by Lanvin
6 Textured-leather camera case by Smythson

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday I showed you the best dot tights for this season. They are a very good investment. This strong trend is staying for F/W 2011. Get ready to cover yourself in all manners of dots. On coats, dresses and on the legs, right on the spot and so hot!

Wolford (see photos below) offers great dot designs through all of their product groups for F/W 2011, from the Bonny dots tights to the Bonny stay-ups. Modern dots can also be found on lingerie in the muted colours of nude and black and in their ready-to-wear line.

Put on your best dots!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Wolford