When it comes to your waist, the golden rule is to keep it cinched. Belts have been making their presence felt on F/W 2018 runways — from Versace, to Elie Saab and Gucci. This little add-on packs a big punch when it comes to elevating your style while also slimming your silhouette into a flattering hourglass. When it comes to evening wear, the easiest way to change the look of a gown you sported before is to wear a belt. It is also the best alternative to altering.
Suffice it to say, the styling possibilities are infinite, as is the internet’s statement belt selection. Here, I’ve narrowed it down for you.
Le Fleur flower-embellished crepe belt by Adriana Degreas
Leather corset belt by Alexander McQueen
Velvet waist belt by Attico
Embellished silk waist belt by Saint Laurent
High waist leather belt by Alberta Ferretti
Amore bow belt by Dolce & Gabbana
Studded leather waist belt by Alaïa
Bejeweled belt by N°21
Elore crystal-embellished velvet belt by Isabel Marant
Heart embellished bicolour rope belt with tassels by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini
Studded leather belt by Elie Saab
My personal favorites are the ones by Dolce & Gabbana and Alaïa. They work for nearly everything.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
Are you a fashion-loving gourmand? Then you will indulge in this collaboration between the creativity of Dolce & Gabbana and the confectionery artistry of Fiasconaro that results in a unique recipe: the typical Milanese panettone, revisited with the flavours of Sicily.
An artisanal product that combines a stylish design with that of pastry; the panettone is produced in two variations: one 1 kg Sicilian Pistachio panettone covered in white chocolate (with a velvety Pistachio cream in a special jar); and one with Sicilian Citrus fruits and Saffron, available in both 1 kg and 100 g sizes.
Making these panettoni even more desirable are the tin boxes that contain them. Expressly designed by the most famous Sicilian artisans, these brightly coloured and illustrated boxes are inspired by the decorative motifs of Sicilian carts and the characters of the traditional puppet theatres, rendering them precious objects to collect.
Furthermore, the 1kg panettone is also available to purchase with a decorated tray. Also in tin, this tray can be kept as a collector’s item.
I am loving them. Available online and in Zurich at Jelmoli‘s food corner.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana and © Sandra Bauknecht
Animal prints have been reigned supreme on the F/W 2018 catwalks, with leopard-print coats having a particularly strong presence.
Do you recognize me on this photo from 2004?
I am not blonde anymore but I still have this leopard coat…
Since many decades, fashion’s love affair with leopard print has been notably present in the glamorous world. This season, I recommend looking for a piece with contrast collars or cuffs to spice up the eye-catching look even more.
Below are my favorites to shop the trend now:
Contrast-collar leopard-print coat by Dolce & Gabbana
Leopard print coat by Simonetta Ravizza
Leopard print coat by Cédric Charlier
Leopard print coat by P.A.R.O.S.H.
Leopard print fur coat by Simonetta Ravizza
Leopard patterned coat by Liska
Oversized glossed leather-trimmed leopard-print shearling coat by Givenchy
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, via Vogue and Courtesy of the Brands
«After women, flowers are the most lovely thing God has given the world.»
– Christian Dior
Bouquets of flowers are always a special and thoughtful gift. Now you can take the message «Say it with Flowers» to the next level and wrap yourself in this beautiful dress which is patterned with coated red blooms and the iconic slogan. The print is inspired by flower wrappers you’d come across in your local bodega. Isn’t it so cute? Combined with some leopard heels which are trending this upcoming season it is the perfect way to transition into fall.
My look: Waiting For Godet belted coated cotton-blend poplin maxi dress by Rosie Assoulin, white Duffle 6 bag by Saint Laurent, leopard-print calf hair sandals by Miu Miu, bear necklace and banana leaf print sunglasses, both by Dolce & Gabbana, Tonda Métropolitaine watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and rose diamond ring by Piaget.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
This summer I have been going bold. More specifically, I have been reaching for the brightest and the most eye-catching stripes I could find. The glamour and thrill of retro moment feels right again this season: let stripes meet their match with transparent pieces and punk details, and feel instantly more trendy. Moreover, nothing transcends seasons – or decades – more seamlessly than stripes.
My look: Rio Grande asymmetric ruffled striped linen blouse by Johanna Ortiz, striped bodysuit «J’Adior» by Dior, lace-trimmed Swiss-dot tulle midi skirt, pencil box clutch, and cherry earrings, all by Dolce & Gabbana, embellished metallic leather sandals by Gucci, Mitza ring by Dior Fine Jewellery and Lady Exaclibur watch by Roger Dubuis.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Unless you have been living in a pineapple under the sea, you will have noticed that during the past seasons fruits in all sorts have become the newest fashion darlings. Now, it is up to you to choose which Vitamin C infusion you are gonna go for…
My look: Pineapple-print ruffled cotton-poplin dress, printed textured-leather shoulder bag, knotted printed crepe platform sandals, cat eye pineapple sunglasses, floral cuff and matching earrings, all by Dolce & Gabbana. Cocktail ring by Etro.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Nobody does floral femininity better than Dolce & Gabbana. My closet has been blooming with wildflowers since many seasons thanks to the Italian designer duo. Beautiful prints which evoke the sights and smells of the countryside in spring on elongated silhouettes keep up with the needs of us modern women. You are immediately in a good mood.
My look: Printed floral maxi dress and gold-plated Swarovski crystal clip earrings, both by Dolce & Gabbana, Sac Du Jour leather tote 
by Saint Laurent, Rockstud leather sandals by Valentino, Lady Excalibur rose gold watch by Roger Dubuis and «Mitza» ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Yesterday evening, I attended the Zoofäscht 2018 – one of the highlights of Zurich’s social calendar. The black tie event takes place every second year and collects money to support the Zurich Zoo. This time, CHF 500.000 were raised for the new «Lewa Savannah» that will host giraffes, zebras, rhinos and ostriches. After 60 years, the giraffes can finally return to Zurich.
My look: White mink shrug by Prada, Zhenya cutout metallic bandage gown by Hervé Léger, printed metallic leather box clutch by Dolce & Gabbana, Bianca metallic elaphe sandals by Saint Laurent, crystal and pearl-embellished drop earrings by Miu Miu, Tonda 1950 Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier, diamond bracelet and ring, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.
LoL, Sandra
All professional photos by David Biedert Photography and via Schweizer Illustrierte
All others © Sandra Bauknecht
Times are over that I am a desperate housewife thanks to the DYSON Cyclon V10 Absolute cordless vacuum cleaner – the investment to purchase the best in vacuum technology to date. With the V8, you’re getting everything that any elite carpet or hardwood vacuum can and should offer. With no cords, HEPA allergy filtration, the ability to clean all flooring types, and a lightweight body, this vacuum is a cleaning lover’s dream. With the exclusive soft roller cleaning head designed to pick up large and small debris, the V10 is not only going to replace your vacuum, but your broom, too.
My look: Silk floral apron wrap dress by Natasha Zinko, floral-print silk-satin headband by Dolce & Gabbana, GG Marmont leather belt bag and leather platform pumps, both by Gucci, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring
by Gucci Fine Jewellery and earrings by Chanel.
Happy week – time to clean my shoe closet now!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
The coolest accessory for this summer? This time, I’m not talking about my Côte d’Azur inspired bag and shoes… I’m talking about my new pool floats! It’s been a few years now that these funny inflatables became the hypest pieces to show on Instagram. Pink flamingos have long ruled the scene, but now it is time for some angel wings action!
My look: Off-the-shoulder cotton-poplin top by Stella McCartney, lace-trimmed striped seersucker maxi skirt by Jonathan Simkhai, printed halterneck bikini by Dolce & Gabbana, woven basket bag «Cannes» edition, frayed «St. Tropez» embroidered straw sunhat, and suede platform sandals, all by Miu Miu, T Wire Narrow 18-karat rose gold cuff and T Smile 18-karat rose gold diamond bracelet, both by Tiffany & Co., and Amulette necklace by Cartier.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
A big thank you to my very talented daughter!!!
