Charming Jewelry and a Message

Cover Jennifer Meyer Jewelry

Meet jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer Maguire iconwho’s passion for jewelry design began at the young age of six, when her grandmother taught her the art of creating enamel jewelry. Though she loved watching and learning the craft, she didn’t realize at the time that she would one day follow in her grandmother’s footsteps. As an adult, Jennifer entered the fashion industry working in the public relations department for two of the world’s leading fashion houses – Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren. Witnessing these icons work through their design process inspired Jennifer to explore the creative side of the business, and in 2005 she launched her eponymous label, Jennifer Meyer Jewelryicon.

JMJ_0011Though Meyer has extensive Hollywood connections—her father is Universal Studios President Ron Meyer; her husband and father of her two kids is actor Tobey Maguire—her jewelry made its national debut when a stylist picked out one of Meyer’s leaf pendants for Jennifer Aniston to wear in ‘The Break-Up’ (see picture below).

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Based in Los Angeles, she designs for the everyday woman. “Ask any woman where they received or bought a certain piece of jewelry and they will tell you a story,” explains Jennifer, pointing out the significance most women place on jewelry. Made by hand and with love, Jennifer’s jewelry is the perfect balance of understated elegance and unparalleled quality.

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One of my favorite pieces is Jennifer Meyer’s charming Mommy 18-karat gold necklaceicon which is handset with diamonds and made in the designer’s LA studio. This delicate piece will make a precious gift.

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Speaking of which, happy birthday to my beloved mommy, whom I admire and love so much. Even when I don’t see you, the thought of you makes me feel loved and protected. Often, I catch myself doing something in a special way and realize that it was you who taught me to do it. I owe so much to you, I’m luckier than the luckiest lottery winner to have you as my mother. Mommy, thanks for everything. You gave me life and you’ve made my life full of hope, happiness and love…just by loving me! Enjoy your day!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Jennifer Meyer and © Sandra Bauknecht

Meet Kaufmanfranco

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At the moment I am in London where I met the lovely dynamic designer duo Kaufmanfranco at the net-à-porter offices yesterday. The New York label’s signature is dazzling evening wear that’s delicately embellished, plus modern day wear with an urban twist.

Kaufmanfranco with meIsaac Franco to the left and Ken Kaufman to the right with me

Their sleek American style have landed them a stockpile of fans in every age group, spanning Taylor Swift to Jennifer Aniston. Calling themselves “the New Sensualists”, their designs are pure sophistication.

Celebrities KaufmanfrancoTaylor Swift and Jennifer Aniston in Kaufmanfranco (Photos: Getty Images)

It was lovely talking to the charismatic designer duo who answered openly my questions.

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Ken Kaufman and Isaac Franco met over 25 years ago. FIT-alumni Ken offered Isaac his first job who at that time had just finished his studies at Parsons School of Design. Since then, the two have been working constantly together for the likes of Valentino or Emanuel Ungaro, just to name a few. In 2004, they decided to launch their own label.

You two seem like yin and yang, same vision, different approach but complementing each other perfectly. Who designs which part of the collection?

Me, Isaac, I take care in general of the day wear styles and Ken is more into eveningwear.

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How can I imagine your creative process?

Each of us designs and does sketches that we present each other. We then sometimes change what the other came up with which makes our designs better and special.

Whom would you like to dress? This could be also a person in history.

I think Madonna. But I have recently been asked whom I would like to invite for dinner and I thought Moses and Madonna would make a great combination at the dinner table.

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Why don’t you do a runway show?

We are still a small label and prefer putting all the money into the clothes.

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Last night, I got a wonderful preview of the Kaufmanfranco F/W 2012 collection that is full of sophisticated cocktail looks and all the fall coats and dresses you need. The colours are dark, from black to silver and rust. The materials are luxurious with lots of embellished pieces, Kaufmanfranco’s signature style. Enjoy the photos that I took for you:

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If I have whetted your appetite for some Kaufmanfranco shopping, I would like to invite you to explore their S/S 2012 collection which is in stores now by clicking here.

LoL, Sandra

KaufmanfrancoPhotos: Courtesy of Kaufmanfranco and © Sandra Bauknecht

Wardrobe Astrology

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On the last day of the year, I would like to give you a reading on what you’ll be wearing in 2011. Each zodiac sign has a style all it’s own. Here’s your wardrobe astrology, not just what to wear, but how to wear it. Don’t get dressed without it. And enjoy your birth flower and stones, they tell a lot about you, too.
Sometimes people choose a fashion style that represents more their rising sing (ascendant). Enjoy finding out what describes you best.

Acquarius

AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 18) – They are the first to find it, wear it and probably create it, too. Their own sense of style is indespensable for them. Aquarius are trendsetters, they mix and match everything and break all fashion rules.
With their urge to be different, they don’t mind to be called quirky and unusual, they even enjoy those comments. Aquarius are the most free-spirited, individualistic zodiac of all, always ahead of the fashion pack.

Birth flower February: Violet (faith, wisdom and hope)
Birth stone February:  Amethyst

Famous Aquarius: Jennifer Aniston (Feb 11, 1969)

Pisces

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20) – Many fish absolutely adore shoes and tend to have a full closet of them. They are the daydreamers of the zodiacs and love romantic fashions, especially dresses in chiffon and shimmering materials, mostly in aquamarine shades.
Moreover, fish adore jewelry and often wear much at one time, adorning themselves with gold, silver and precious gemstones. Eclectic would be the best word to describe them.

Birth flower March: Daffodil (rebirth, unrequited love and vanity)
Birth stone March: Aquamarine

Famous Pisces: Drew Barrymore (Feb 22, 1975)

Aries

ARIES (March 21 – Apr 19) – Aries is an early adopter, who adds her own twist to what’s new. They are very independent and love colour, first and foremost red, and clean, dramatic lines. The part of the body that Aries rules is the „head“, many wear stylish hats, scarves and barettes.

Birth flower April: Daisy (innocence, purity and royal love)
Birth stone April: Diamond

Famous Aries: Elle MacPherson (March 29, 1963)

Taurus

TAURUS (Apr 20 – May 20) – Taurus love clothing that is comfortable and chic classics that don’t date or scream but do mix and match. Bulls seldom go for the latest fads. They like high quality items but want to get them on sale. Discount designer stores are their favourites. Being an earth sign, neutral tones and earth shades are the best for a Taurus.

Birth flower May:  Lily of the Valley (happiness, humility and sweetness)
Birth stone May: Emerald

Famous Taurus: Michelle Pfeiffer (April 29, 1958)

Gemini

GEMINI (May 21 – Jun 21) – Ruled by Mercury, Gemini – considered the smart and versatile planet – has a fashion editor’s eye. Anything goes here! Gemini’s dual personality favors all kinds of looks and styles. Their closets are brimming with outfits for every occassion.
They enjoy wearing a pair of jeans with a tank as much as they love to dress up. Gemini also have a weakness for purses.

Birth flower June: Rose (love, gratitude and appreciation)
Birth stone June: Pearl

Famous Gemini: Heidi Klum (June 1, 1963)

Cancer

CANCER (June 22 – July 22) – Cancer adores girly, ultrafemme shapes and soft, beautiful fabrics. They like anything vintage, pastel colours, especially white and shimmering tones.
In regard to their jewelry, they usually prefer silver, rubies and pearls. It is also considered the domestic sign.

Birth flower July: Larkspur (joyful, fickleness and lightness)
Birth stone July: Ruby

Famous Cancer: Jessica Simpson (July 10, 1980)

Leo

LEO (July 23 – Aug 23) – Leo, the Lion, loves luxurious things, they love designer labels and tend to have a closet full of expensive outfits or those that at least look rich. Leo’s style reflects her healty ego and major confidence. With her, nothing is halfhearted.
Glittery, sequined, rock pieces, animal prints and bold colours are staples in the Leo’s wardrobe. They love to stand out of the crowd and always look for drama.

Birth flower August: Poppy (remembrance and moral integrity)
Birth stone August: Peridot

Famous Leo: Madonna (Aug 16, 1958)

Virgo

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 22) – Virgo always has a „put together“ look, neat and polished describes her best. She wants things to be productive, multifunctional; she appreciates tailoring, beautiful embellishments, and a solid investment.
Her love for conservative outfits is strong, she doesn’t like anything too flashy, too tight or fashion fads that go out of style quickly.

Birth flower September: Aster (daintiness, patience and magic)
Birth stone September: Sapphire

Famous Virgo: Claudia Schiffer (Aug 25, 1970)

Libra

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 22) – Libra loves clothes! They are fashion-conscious, polished and well-groomed; being supersocial also makes her trendy and creative. It is the sign of balance and scales. She stands for real style. Since Libra is such a romantic sign, many women opt for lacy shirts and skirts, pretty florals and lots of jewelry.

Birth flower October: Calendula (grief, hopefulness and grace)
Birth stone October: Opal

Famous Libra: Bridgitte Bardot (Sept 28, 1934)

Scorpio

SCORPIO (Oct23 – Nov21) – Sensuous, sleek and authoritative, Scorpio keeps life simple with a few well-cut, smart „uniforms“. Scorpio has the reputation as the sex sign, many Scorpio tend not to wear underwear but those ones who do, report lacy bras and thongs as their favourites.
They like to leave „something to the imagination“ when they dress up but still opt for clothing that entices. Sexy high heels and thigh high boots are among their must-haves along with dark sunglasses that help them look so mysterious.

Birth flower November: Chrysanthemum (compassion, friendship and abundance)
Birth stone November: Topaz

Famous Scorpio: Julia Roberts (October 28, 1967)

Sagitarius

SAGITTARIUS (Nov22 – Dec21) – Fresh-faced and natural, Sagittarius prefers comfortable, relaxed, and unpretentious clothing that allows for ease and speed – she’s on the go!
Sag are freedom lovers. They love jeans and sweatshirts, everything casual with a stylish attitude works for them best.

Birth flower December: Narcissus (sweetness, self esteem and vanity)
Birth stone December: Turquoise

Famous Sagittarius: Katie Holmes (December 18, 1978)

Capricorn

CAPRICORN (Dec22 – Jan 20) – Capricorn’s look is well-bred, they always manage to look like they come from wealth – the old-money kind – even if they don’t.
Goats are serious about their wardrobe. They look for quality clothing and often designer labels. They enjoy attention getting outfits but not the flashy fashions. Rhinestones and glitz don’t work for them. Understated elegance is the Goat’s leitmotif.

Birth flower January: Carnation (love, beauty and fascination)
Birth stone January: Garnet

Famous Capricorn: Kate Moss (January 16, 1974)


I hope that you have enjoyed my little wardrobe astrology. By the way, I am aquarius and I think this is kind of evident in my fashion sense.

Wishing you a wonderful New Year’s Eve and a Happy 2011!

LoL, Sandra

Claws Out for the New Leo!

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The cult of Louis Vuitton`s Stephen Sprouse leo scarf is a worldwide phenomena. It started in 2006 when Marc Jacobs made his first tribute to the artist, who had died at the age of 50 in 2004, by using the leo print the two had created together. An It-stole was born.97
The first colour marron has become an integral part of every year`s collection, followed by other seasonal versions. Wrapped around many celeb necks, the scarf is bound to go down in history as one of the most famous of its kind.

Another historical moment took place last month in London when Louis Vuitton celebrated their new store on New Bond Street with the launch of 4 limited editions of their iconic Leo scarves. Only available in the British capital, they were sold out immediately on the opening day.

I know so many who were diappointed the last years because they missed the new colours. We do not want this to happen again! Here is the preview of the two latest designs for F/W 2010, said to be in stores around August. The statement piece was seen already on Margherita Missoni in Monte Carlo (see above). Always good to be friends with a designer.

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So girls, who are not on good terms with Marc, get yourselves on the wait lists now and claws out for the new leo!

LoL, Sandra