On Saturday, the Street Parade took place in Zurich. The sun was shining and I enjoyed a great afternoon at the Baur au Lac hotel. The Boom-Boom au Lac party is the best way to have a front row seat at the iconic music parade while enjoying the serenity and space of the hotel’s beautiful park. Dancing with my little sister and my friends to the techno beats in a fun outfit was just amazing!

My look: Plunging neck metallic bodysuit and Candy embellished suede and leather platform sandals, both by Saint Laurent, lace flared pants by Givenchy, GG Marmont leather belt bag by Gucci, feather, crystal and bead earrings by Oscar de la Renta, Linda sunglasses by Tom Ford, Diorette daisy necklace and Rose des Vents bracelets in turquoise, pink, green and orange, all by Dior Joaillerie, and Amulette necklace by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

To all my US readers, I am wishing you a very Happy 4th of July! When I lived in Chicago, it always felt so special since it’s a celebration of all things summer with backyard barbecues, beach days, and fireworks. To honor this memory, I am wearing stars and stripes, blue, red and white today. I added some rainbow colors as a symbol of LGBT pride and to remember the true meaning of Independence Day: «Home of the Free because of the Brave».

My look: Jacquard-knit mini dress by Givenchy, Peggy striped platform sneakers by Gucci, embroidered denim clutch by Marc Jacobs, D-fence visor cap in white cotton by Dior, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery, and earrings by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For F/W 2018, it is one of my favorite trends: the comeback of the cape, so versatile and easy to put over even the biggest sleeves (click here for my look in the picture).

While being in London with my dear girlfriends, we had a heated discussion about finding the perfect black cape that is not overloaded with embellishments and I promised I would make a great selection which I am happily sharing with you today. Thank you, ladies, for your inspiration!

Here are the best pieces available at the moment (I also looked for the best deals…):

My favorite with its sophisticated black on black embroidery:
Baroque embroidered cape by Versace 

Classy and beautiful:
Mid-length cape with tassel detail by Lanvin

A great and unusual cut:
Asymmetric cape coat by Givenchy (30% off)

Like a queen:
Embellished cape coat by Versace

The subtle embellished piece:
Serena bead-embellished wool-blend cape by Altuzarra (50% off)

Military inspiration:
Embroidered cape by RED Valentino (30% 0ff)

Always stylish – the cropped version:
Cashmere cape by Chloé (50% off)
(Also available at Net-à-Porter but there it is not marked down yet.)

Love this one – too cute:
Studded scalloped wool and cashmere-blend cape by Valentino

Also available in a long version:
Wool and cashmere cape by Valentino

For the ultimate WOW-effect:
Cape-style blazer by Saint Laurent

The evening piece:
Satin-trimmed velvet cape by Saint Laurent

I hope that you have enjoyed this selection. Happy Friday to everyone!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © David Biedert Photography

Yesterday Meghan Markle, now to be known as the Duchess of Sussex, enjoyed her big day as she married Prince Harry in a lovely ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. Fashionistas all over the world had been waiting eagerly for her wedding dress to be revealed. And it was surprisingly Givenchy. Clare Waight Keller, who designed the dress, became the first female artistic director of the French Maison last year after a long time at the helm of Chloé.

Per the official statement from the Palace:

«Ms. Markle and Ms. Waight Keller worked closely together on the design. The dress epitomises a timeless minimal elegance referencing the codes of the iconic House of Givenchy and showcasing the expert craftsmanship of its world-renowned Parisian couture atelier founded in 1952.
True to the heritage of the house, the pure lines of the dress are achieved using six meticulously placed seams. The focus of the dress is the graphic open bateau neckline that gracefully frames the shoulders and emphasises the slender sculpted waist. The lines of the dress extend towards the back where the train flows in soft round folds cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza. The slim three-quarter sleeves add a note of refined modernity.»

The gown was surprisingly simple, but elegantly classic, with a bateau neckline, long sleeves, a drop waist and a stunning monarch-length veil which some may found quite unusual considering Meghan’s strong feminist views.

However, the five-meters long silk tulle veil had a special, symbolic meaning behind it that relates to Prince Harry’s appointment as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and featured a unique flora from every Commonwealth country with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers.

Moreover the bride opted for a filigree tiara with a center stone for her wedding day which originally belonged to Queen Mary. It is a classic, antique piece that has long been a part of the royal collection.

For all future brides, click on the highlighted text to get her look:
Crystal and faux-pearl embellished gown by Givenchy, Rosita crystal headband by Jennifer Behr, Marie embroidered tulle veil by Needle & Thread, and
Portrait of a Lady crystal-embellished grosgrain slingback pumps by Aquazurra.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Getty Images, Courtesy of Givenchy

I am just going to come right out and say it: striped shirting is probably the most versatile wardrobe trend you’ll ever come across. Being never out of style, stripes can be easily combined as seen here with my new Roksanda shirt and pieces from previous seasons. In fashion seasonless is the new timeless…

My look: Shearling vest and riding boots, both by Gucci, Frida ruffle-trimmed striped cotton-poplin blouse by Roksanda, drawstring shorts by Givenchy, shearling bag by Saint Laurent, cuff by Céline, T Wire Narrow 18-karat rose gold bracelet by Tiffany & Co, Tonda 1950 Galaxy by Parmigiani Fleurier, and Mitza ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

By the way, after the Polyvore disaster this week, this is my first collage done with Photoshop. It took much longer and doesn’t look as fancy as it used to but I am getting there. At the moment, I cannot get over the fact that all my data is lost, all my outfit pictures and much more. Nobody is responding to the broken link to get it. But I am not giving up and am ready to kick some…. . Can you imagine that I had around 50 posts prepared – all of which are gone! So mad and disappointed.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Upgrade your chic can be so easy, just add the right accessory and a black simple dress transforms into something even more glamourous. Here I added a multi-strand pearl body chain necklace to a classic gown that you had seen me wearing before (for the previous post click here please) for an unexpected touch.

I sported this look to a MONTBLANC event that was held under the red-lit dome of the iconic Rainbow Room inside Rockefeller Center. I had a great time while looking out at the spectacular views of New York – a city that is said to have been built on a pioneering spirit, just like MONTBLANC was over 110 years ago. The lavish party saw brand ambassador Hugh Jackman and other famous celebrities making an appearance. Enjoy my photos of the night.

My look: Cropped fur jacket by Givenchy, Sara strapless bandage gown by Hervé Léger, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, leather wristlet bag by Chloé, and multi-strand pearl body chain necklace by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

With Kate Bosworth in Dior

Hugh Jackman holding a speech, what a fantastic table I had across from Charlotte Casiraghi, Johannes Huebl and Olivia Palermo.

Matthew Morrison in Burberry

With lovely Divine Bonga, PR Montblanc Switzerland

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 

The «ugly-chic» footwear aka pool slide trend is major this S/S 2018 season. I have to admit that I haven’t arrived there yet… I mean I am talking about the plastic slip-ons first made popular by Adidas (in German we called them «Adiletten» and they were a no-go) that are now popular like hell. This season almost every designer has given them an upgrade from embellishments to crystals, from mink to feathers, just get your wallet ready!

LoL (Laughing out Loud literally), Sandra

Daisy appliquéd glittered rubber slides by Marc Jacobs

Crystal-embellished slides by Gucci

Faux leather star slides by Stella McCartney

Bon Bon embellished slides by Aquazurra

Slidy Viv’ calf hair slides by Roger Vivier

Hellea leather slides by Isabel Marant

Velvet slides by Prada

Embossed leather slides by Loewe

Calypso logo-embossed leather slides by Balmain

Joan embellished leather slides by Saint Laurent

Leather slides by Fendi

Pursuit horsebit-detailed perforated rubber slides by Gucci

Checked rubber slides by Burberry

Fur slides by Givenchy

Fur slides by Dolce & Gabbana

Feather slides by Valentino

Jeanne fur slides by Moncler

Cindi fringe slides by UGG Australia

Mink fur slides by Valentino

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Being obsessed with style is one thing, but I prefer just having fun with fashion. I like to experiment with unexpected combinations, cuts and colors.

My look: Tartan tweed blazer by Balmain, printed stretch-knit jumpsuit by Givenchy, Dolce Box embellished croc-effect and textured-leather clutch and printed leather knee boots, both by Dolce & Gabbana, faux-pearl tassel earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I love denim as it is one of the most versatile fashion pieces available. A pair of jeans is just so damn easy to style and the most worn-in one is probably super comfortable, too. That’s why every season, designers add new styles to their collections.

My look: Two-tone appliquéd denim coat by Roberto Cavalli, printed low-rise skinny jeans
and zip-detailed ribbed cotton-blend sweater, both by Givenchy, red leather Rockstud boots by Valentino, Medium Pierce printed leather shoulder bag by J.W. Anderson, oversized square-frame acetate sunglasses and gold-tone Swarovski crystal brooch, both by Gucci, heart shaped earrings and cocktail ring, both by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

After this weekend’s summary about the 15 most important runway trends for S/S 2018, I thought you might enjoy a look also at the must-have accessories for next summer. The forecast: Get ready for your another sumptuous season! Many things are here to stay or will even take it up a notch. Sneakers are trendier than ever and have taken center stage. The ugly shoe phenomenom explores new heights as seen at Balenciaga‘s collaboration with Crocs. And we can deny it no longer: the fanny pack is here to stay. Earrings and straw hats are bigger than ever and bags are most beautiful in an array of patterns.

S/S 2018 TREND 1: FANNY BAG
Givenchy – Balenciaga – Marc Jacobs

S/S 2018 TREND 2: STATEMENT STRAW HAT
Missoni – Giorgio Armani – Jacquemus

S/S 2018 TREND 3: CLEAR VISION
Tibi – Chanel – Valentino

S/S 2018 TREND 4: SURREALISTIC SUNGLASSES
Dolce & Gabbana – Prada – Gucci

S/S 2018 TREND 5: SNEAKERS RELOADED
Loewe – Louis Vuitton – Céline

S/S 2018 TREND 6: THE UGLY SHOE
Balenciaga – Christopher Kane – Miu Miu

S/S 2018 TREND 7: GLOVES
Olivier Theyskens – Calvin Klein 205W39NYC – Erdem

S/S 2018 TREND 8: BIG EARRINGS
Saint Laurent – Stella McCartney – Isabel Marant

S/S 2018 TREND 9: PATTERNED BAGS
Dior – Chloé – Prada

S/S 2018 TREND 10: SUMMER OVERKNEE BOOTS
Fendi – Balenciaga – Versace

Photos: Via Vogue.com