Sandra‘s Closet

“We feel it’s inevitable and crucial to create contemporary clothing.” – Demna Gvasalia.

The Creative Director of Paris design collective Vetements and Maison Margiela alumni elevates deceptively simple pieces with meticulous construction, considered fabrics and playful proportions. Leading the fashion tribe, he set a new tone for denim with its no-hem-hemline: think cut-off, let-down, frayed and raw. With its coolness, it’s completely street style approved and worth the investment.

Reworked high-rise slim-leg jeans by Vetements

And now, aside from Vetements, it’s gone mass: J Brand, Mother, Frame and many others (see below), are going for the uneven, distressed hem.

If you don’t feel like maxing out your budget on a pair of denim jeans, I suggest taking your scissors to create your own frayed style. For all others have fun shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Distressed mid-rise straight-leg jeans by Steve J & Yoni P

Insider cropped high-rise slim-leg jeans by Mother

Distressed mid-rise slim-leg jeans by Facetasm

Carolina high-rise skinny jeans by J Brand

Le Crop Mini frayed mid-rise bootcut jeans by Frame

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via Tommy Ton

Happy New Year from Bangkok where I am at the moment. I hope that you started 2014 in a very fun way. Today is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one!

On the first day of the year, I am exploring the Thai city a little more with all its shrines and spirit houses. Something that you can see here on every corner. It is a truly amazing place to visit.

My look: Zebra print top by Saint Laurent, grey mid-rise skinny leg distressed jean by J Brand, studded leather loafers by Miu Miu, Donna hobo bag in vine green by Alexander Wang and floral sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

The Erawan Shrine (officially named Thao Maha Brahma) in Bangkok is not old, but it is an interesting testament of the role of religion in modern Thai society. In 1955, the founder of the Erawan hotel was told by an astrologist, that the time for laying the foundation stone was not really right. It could only be corrected by building a shrine in the area. Following this advice, the Thao Maha Brahma was enshrined one year later.

The Erawan Shrine is located on the northwest corner of the Grand Hyatt Erawan property, near the Chit Lom stop on the skytrain. It consists of a golden statue, the Thao Mana Brahma, that sits beneath a glittering canopy, surrounded by offerings of flowers, incese and candles. The area is crowded with worshippers day and night and always wafting with incense smoke. A very magical place to visit and a great spot to wish for a Happy New Year.

Enjoy some of my impressions and of course stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

You know what I will be doing today… I will be buying all my Christmas presents as for the first time ever, I have not bought one single one. The last weeks were so busy with work that time flew without me realizing it. Yes, I would love to put my bag over my head and just pretend I can do some magic. So if you see me today in the city, say hi and cheer me up.

My look to go shopping: Grey travel poncho by Poncho Company Switzerland, fine-knit wool turtleneck sweater by Lanvin, Photo Ready mid-rise skinny jeans by J Brand, plaid bag and scarf, both by Karl Lagerfeld, green suede tote bag by Hogan, Simona ankle boots by De Siena, earrings by Dior, frog ring by Roberto Cavalli and Pasha C watch by Cartier.

Believe in the magic of Christmas and enjoy the special moments among the ones you love most!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Moto Jacket (aka fall’s must-have item) should be in your closet right now.

Just when I thought it had gone to biker heaven, this topper pops up on most of the major F/W 2013 runways in every way possible, floral at Givenchy, classic at Saint Laurent and sexy at Jason Wu. The biker jacket is a super-easy way to work this season’s grunge trend and to add some edge to any outfit. Try one of these amazing ones below:

1 Leather biker jacket by Balmain
2 Cracked-leather biker jacket by Proenza Schouler
3 Two-tone textured-leather biker jacket by Faith Connexion
4 Hyde paneled leather biker jacket by IRO
5 Jovanna neon stretch-denim biker jacket by Karl Lagerfeld
6 Herringbone wool-blend biker jacket by Junya Watanabe
7 Karle leather biker jacket by J Brand
8 Leopard-print ribbed leather jacket by 3.1 Phillip Lim
9 Trompe l’oeil leather biker jacket by Alexander Wang

Classic leather biker jacket by Saint Laurent (my favourite one as you can see above)

Royal blue nubuck biker jacket by Alexander McQueen (now on my wish list)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via style.com, © Sandra Bauknecht

On Saturday morning, I flew to Reykjavík, the largest city in Iceland. The world’s northernmost capital of a sovereign state has been on my “places to see” list since a very long time.

I have completely underestimated the climate. The city’s coastal location makes it prone to wind and it is freezing cold here. As I spent the last weeks only in hot temperatures, it feels even worse. During my first few hours in this beautiful and very colorful city , I went shopping and got myself a wool hat and sweater.

My look: White padded gilet by Moncler Grenoble, green sweater by Abercrombie & Fitch, 620 Photo Ready mid-rise leggings-style jeans by J Brand, large studded backpack by MCM, sunglasses by Marc Jacobs and Jenny brushed-suede ankle boots by Isabel Marant. The hat is a souvenir from Iceland.

Here in Reykjavík, there are many things to do and explore. One of the big highlights is whale watching.

The meat of this large mammal can be found on almost every menu in this country.

View of Harpa concert and conference center from the old harbour.

City center

Panorama of the city and the largest church in Iceland

Central Reykjavík seen from…

… the top of Hallgrímskirkja Church.

Colorful rooftops line Reykjavík.

Approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Reykjavik is the famous Blue Lagoon, a place that you don’t want to miss. Set in the pure heart of the Icelandic landscape, it offers a complete spa experience. The warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulphur and bathing is reputed to help some people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis. I felt too cold to go swimming but the scenery itself has been worth the visit.

Now, I am off to see some geysers and more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Before leaving to Maui, I had a quick stopover for one night in San Francisco and saw my friend Eugenia for dinner.

My look: Liberty printed silk shirt by Coje (Soon after opening on Regent Street London in 1875 Arthur Liberty printed the first Liberty Fabrics. By the 1890’s Liberty Art Fabrics were a byword for the best of “avant garde” textile design. With new & classic designs added each season, the rich heritage of liberty print continues.), skinny leg jeans by J Brand, Falabella bag by Stella McCartney, sandals with coral shape heel by Chanel and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Happy New Year 2012 to all of you!
May it  be filled with love, peace and joy… and lots of shopping sprees!

I started the New Year 2012 very relaxed in St. Moritz. If you stay away from the hustle and bustle, you can allow yourself to enjoy quiet and relaxation! I have recharged my batteries and I am full of energy for many exciting things to come. Stay tuned as I will be leaving very soon to Italy again!

My look for a walk around the lake of St. Moritz: Black mink coat with grey fur collar by Prada, 912 low-rise skinny jeans by J Brand, black cashmere sweater by Chinti and Parker, Sam fine-knit scarf by Isabel Marant, Intrecciato leather gloves by Bottega Veneta, sunglasses by Tom Ford and snow boots by Prada Sport.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Now available online at net-à-porter is J Brand’s new It-pants: The Gigi.

Cropped, flared and skinny, J brand’s hot shape takes style to a whole new level. Combine them with ankle boots or strappy sandals with a fur vest or a tank top. It is a simple way to update your wardrobe and easy to wear whatever the temperature. My favourites are the waxed ones, love this special fabric.

LoL, Sandra