The Belt Bag Is Back

The belt bag is back, and modern iterations are so much cooler than its practical predecessors. I personally love Valentino‘s bold green leather ‘Rockstud’ version that  is covered in the label’s white pyramid studs and matching stitching (see below). Take your cue from different styling possibilities by wearing it slung over one shoulder.

LoL, Sandra

The Rockstud quilted leather belt bag by Valentino
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Souvenir embellished leather-trimmed jacquard belt bag by Balenciaga
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Pixie mini suede and textured-leather belt bag by Chloé
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Anna leather belt bag by Wandler
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Noomi color-block shell belt bag by Isabel Marant
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Matelassé leather belt bag by Miu Miu

Printed leather belt bag by Gucci

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

My Look: Burgundy & Blue

The last three days I spent in Milan on a business trip and this is one of the outfits I wore (the photos were taken before at Lake Zurich). I just adore the color combination of burgundy and blue. It looks chic and sophisticated. The baker boy cap adds a fun twist to the look.

My look: Velvet blazericon, matching velvet flared pantsiconruffled-collar silk-crepe blouse, Falabella mini faux-suede cross-body bagicon, and Elyse Star platform sneakers, all by Stella McCartney, Evie cotton-canvas cap by Isabel Marant and Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ringicon by Gucci Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Turban Trend


The S/S 2018 runway of Marc Jacobs was full of turbans (see above right). When I spotted Adwoa Aboah wearing one of those fabulous pieces together with a Marc Jacobs dress and diamond earrings by Indian jewellers Bhagat, I knew this will be trending more than ever.

CREDIT: STEVEN MEISEL/ VOGUE

Photographed by Steven Meisel and styled by Edward Enninful for his first VOGUE UK cover, the model shows the new era of glamour, as easy as it sounds turbans feel right again.

Most stylish and timeless women sporting turbans:
Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Lana Turner, Sophia Loren and Bianca Jagger.

Embracing the sophistication associated with Hollywood glamour of the 1920s and ’30s, when women like Greta Garbo, Gloria Swanson and Joan Crawford wore them, followed by Lana Turner in the ’40s to Sophia Loren in the ’60s to Bianca Jagger in the ’70s at the London Palladium, turbans breathe the ultimate glamour. They are a fashion piece. But wearing it demands confidence – you have to believe in your look.

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Here is a selection of fabulous turbans available at the moment (just click on the highlighted text to be transfered directly to the online shop). Plump for Gucci’s disco-fabulous red leather drapery if you dare, or adopt Missoni’s insta-ready zig-zag outfit enhancer. They will all steal the show:

Ribbed wool turban by Fendi
2 Rosette silk turban by Jennifer Behr
icon3 Spot-print stretch turban by Adriana Degreas
icon4 Twisted-front leather turban by Gucci
iconicon5 Printed silk turban by Valentino
6 Printed silk-twill turban by Valentino
icon7 Striped fan turban by Norma Kamali
icon8 Metallic crochet-knit turban by Missoni
iconPrinted silk turban by Gucci

Happy Weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via The Red List, © STEVEN MEISEL/Vogue, Courtesy of the Brands; Vogue.com

Oscars 2018 Best Dressed or Not

Last night the 90th Annual Academy Awards ceremony took place, the most prestigious event of the Hollywood awards season. «The Shape of Water» won Best Picture and Frances McDormand and Gary Oldman won both the award for a Leading Role. But who were the winners of the red carpet, who stunned in her gown? Below are my favorites and some that I personally didn’t like. Enjoy!

My personal winner: Emily Blunt in Schiaparelli Haute Couture with Chopard jewelry. Such a beautiful look!

The most elegant of the night: Nicole Kidman stepped out with definitely one of the highest leg slits at the Academy Awards in a sweetheart-neck, cobalt column gown by Armani Privé with a giant bow!

Another dream in blue: Jennifer Garner stunned in this cobalt hued gown by Atelier Versace that she combined with Piaget jewelry.

This woman is a stunner: Jane Fonda, 80, looks amazing as she wows Oscars 2018 with youthful appearance in a white pearl-dust beaded gown from the 44 François Premier collection, the new eveningwear capsule by Olivier Rousteing for Balmain on par with couture, with Chopard jewelry, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes and a Perrin Paris bag. The only thing that I would add is a little of lip color.

One of my personal highlights: Disney Star Sofia Carson kicked off her first Oscars appearance in a stunning red gown from Giambattista Valli‘s Resort 2018 collection. The cape style is just breathtaking.

Not nominated this year but definitely but dress-wise a winner: Jennifer Lawrence brought the sparkle in a metallic Dior gown which she paired with red-carpet curls that gave the look a modern appeal.

Another metallic option: Wonder Woman Gal Gadot wore a Givenchy Haute Couture gown that she combined with a stunning necklace by Tiffany & Co., that is part of the Blue Book High Jewelry Kollektion (aquamarine/61 carat and diamonds), and which will officially be launched in October 2018.

Let the jewels talk: Helen Mirren looked breathtaking in this elegant blue style by Reem Acra. She wore more than $3.8 million worth of Harry Winston sapphires and diamonds including: a cushion -cut sapphire and diamond necklace (115.27 carats), cushion-cut sapphire and diamond earrings (25.22 carats).

Safe option: Margot Robbie wore a Chanel Haute Couture gown that featured an elegant train.

An unexpected color that stood out from the rest: Greta Gerwig in a Rodarte custom made gown.

The most beautiful curves: Presenter Salma Hayek Pinault wore a custom Gucci lilac sequins gown with ruffled tiered skirt, jeweled chandelier embroideries, metallic high heel shoe and clutch with crystal butterfly closure. The only thing I am not sure about is her hairdo of which I am really not a fan.

Definitely elegant but not my favorite: Saoirse Ronan in a pink silk faille strapless dress with a voluminous bow by Calvin Klein by Appointment was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her part in the film Lady Bird.

Golden Girl: Lupita Nyong’o in a golden mesh dress with black and gold embellishments by Atelier Versace.

Absolutely gorgeous like a Grecian goddess: Zendaya wowed in a one-shoulder, chocolate-colored billowing gown by Giambattista Valli Haute Couture.

Back after her last Oscars appearance in 2014: Sandra Bullock walked the red carpet in a custom silk gown from Louis Vuitton which I personally find very beautiful. But! What has happened to the actress’ face please?

My personal biggest disappointment: Emma Stone showed up in a silky Louis Vuitton suit with a hot pink sash. She finished off the look with a deep side part and sparkly drop earrings. I don’t have anything against a great pantsuit on the red carpet but it has to fit perfectly and really be black tie perfection. This ensemble doesn’t do good for Emma. What a pity!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Getty Images, Courtesy of Armani, Chopard, Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Versace, Piaget and Chanel.

Slide Into the New Season

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
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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
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Joan embellished leather slides by Saint Laurenticon


Leather slides by Fendi

Pursuit horsebit-detailed perforated rubber slides by Gucci

Checked rubber slidesicon 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

Prêt-à-Portea

This week, I was in London for Fashion Week and treated myself to the legendary Prêt-à-Portea designer afternoon tea experience at the Berkeley Hotel which is inspired by the world of fashion. I had already done it once 6 years ago (for the previous post click here please) and was curious to see the Collins Room after it had undergone renovations.

You might be wondering what is Prèt-à-Portea exactly? It is a menu of couture cakes especially designed for the respective season gets a makeover every six months to reflect the latest catwalk trends, colours and designs. For F/W 2017-18, Head Pastry Chef Mourad Khiat has sent out a brand new collection of exquisite biscuits, bakes and fancies. It takes inspiration from an array of distinguished fashion and accessory designers, and the latest creations shown on the international fashion runways.

YOUR FASHIONISTA’S TEA INCLUDES
A delicate collection of cakes and fancies inspired by the world’s finest designers:

Gucci’s kimono, complete with a charming parasol, transformed into a pomegranate and grenadine bavarois, with cassis and apple compote topped with a crystallised edible flower and a chocolate parasol.

Balenciaga’s effortlessly luxe black-and-white flouncy dress reimagined as a moist chocolate cake, layered with white chocolate Grand Marnier mousse, crunchy ganache and a sexy orange leg.

Gianvito Rossi’s red-heeled boots, recreated as a fennel seed biscuit iced with burgundy red royal icing.

Bottega Veneta’s daring mustard-coloured suit, gracing the cakewalk as an iced speculoos chocolate biscuit.

Anya Hindmarch’s orange leather clutch as a dulce and ginger cake sandwiched within foxy orange chocolate.

Burberry’s sleek white feathered cape, recreated as a tonka bean cheesecake with cinnamon crumble base, covered with glossy white glaze and finished with a curvy white chocolate feather.

Miu Miu’s luxuriously warm coat transformed into a bûche of pistachio crémeux set on hazelnut sable and topped with waved meringue.

Christopher Kane’s ‘LBD’ taken to another level with stunning flowers and transformed into a chocolate moelleux cake with lacte café and Bailey’s cream, finished with sugar flowers.

Dolce & Gabbana’s stand-out dress, now an almond génoise complete with a mango & passion fruit insert and a cocktail caraibe mousse, topped with a rainbow of chocolate disks.

Your tea also includes a flavoursome collection of miniature savoury skewers, taster spoons, elegant canapés and tea sandwiches. To drink, choose from a large selection of loose leaf teas (I personally recommend the Ceylon & Rose tea) from the hotel’s extensive collection and treat yourself to a glass of bubbly like I did. Raise a toast in style!

Prêt-à-Portea is priced at £52.00 per person.
Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier, £62.00 per person.
Couture Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Rosé, Bollinger Rosé or Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, £70.00 per person.
A 12.5% discretionary service charge will be added to your bill.

Bookings
Email: dining@the-berkeley.co.uk
Call: +44 (0)20 7107 8866

THE PRET-A-PORTEA BOOK
There is also a great coffee table (I meant tea table book :-)) that I can recommend: «Prêt-à-Portea: High-Fashion Bakes and Biscuits» was published to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Berkeley’s iconic afternoon tea with 20 recipes and baking techniques from the hotel’s Head Pastry Chef Mourad Khiat. To buy the book, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Runway Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
Photos Cover: Courtesy of the Berkeley Hotel

My Look: Heathrow

Yesterday, I flew back from London Heathrow filled with amazing memories from Fashion Week that I will soon share with you. When I am flying, I like to be comfy but still look stylish. Leather leggings and a striped sweater are one of my favorite combinations and the trending baker boy cap adds a little French touch!

My look: Double-breasted wool-blend felt coat by Saint Laurent, cashmere striped sweater by Chloéicon, skinny leather pants by Guccilarge classic flap bag in caviar leather and long bi-colour scarf, both by Chanelicon, metal chain necklace by Prada, baker boy cap by Dolce & Gabbana, and corset-style booties by Valentino. Trolley by Victorinox.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

For Valentine’s Day or Just Because…

Dress up for date night, unwrap luxury or gift someone gorgeous this Valentine’s Day with this beautiful selection of gifts and outfit inspirations. I have even thrown in an idea «for him»…
The heart wants what the heart wants…

LoL, Sandra

1 Confetti Heart knitted sweater by Chinti and Parker
iconicon2 Heart cut-out babydoll dress by Chloé (60% off)
icon3 Embellished merino wool sweater by Oscar de la Renta
icon4icon Sequined silk bustier top by Oscar de la Renta
icon5 Carry Secrets heart clutch by Valentino
iconSicily leather shoulder bag by Dolce & Gabbana

1 Gabby lace-trimmed embroidered tulle underwired braicon and matching thong, both by Agent Provocateur
icon2 Heart-print button-down dress by Alexander McQueen
icon3 Love letter print T-shirt by Gucciicon (FOR HIM)
4 New Wave 196 Loulou heart-shaped silver-tone sunglassesicon by Saint Laurent
5 Pierced-heart straw haticon by Gucci
Crystal-embellished clutch by Gucci

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Harper’s Bazaar, © Sandra Bauknecht

My Look: Greetings from Vienna

Greetings from beautiful and very cold Vienna where I spent the last days and attended the famous opera ball. More coming up soon… here you see me strolling through the city in some of my favorite pieces since many seasons on my way to the Sacher hotel for some culinary Austrian treats such as Viennese Schnitzel and the famous Sacher cake.

My look: Belted shearling coatfloral-appliqué striped wool-blend cardiganicon, and scarf, all by Gucci, dress with leather and lace appliquéicon by Saint Laurent, Rockstud leather-trimmed knee boots by Valentinoicon, «Paris Cosmopolite» Pré-fall 2017 Métiers d’Art Gabrielle bag by ChanelT Wire Narrow 18-karat rose gold bracelet by Tiffany & Co, and Tonda 1950 Galaxy by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My Look: Birthday Fun

Last week was my birthday and I was so happy to be surrounded by my close girlfriends for a lunch break full of laughter, fun and great conversations. Time flew so fast… My girls surprised me with amazing gifts (they read my birthday wish list :-)) and I feel blessed to have such amazing women in my life. Thank you to everyone who made my day so special!

My look: Wool coat with web iconand ruffle trim long sleeve dressicon, both by Gucci, glitter boots and large classic flap bag in caviar leather by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht