Block heels are one of the best investments you can make this year if you want to stay on top of the fashion charts and comfy at the same time. I have been going crazy for those embellished ones teamed with this beautifully feminine blouse and skirt for instant style status.

The photos were taken at the Rote Fabrik in Zurich where Juergen Teller shot the S/S 2013 ad campaign for Marc by Marc Jacobs. A perfect match and a little trip down memory lane… !

My look: Ruffled tulle blouse, tulle wrap skirt and Adriana leopard-print calf hair and snake-effect leather platform sandals, all by Marc Jacobs, gold bar clutch by Chanel and cocktail ring by Robert Cavalli.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

During a dinner conversation last weekend, a friend of mine asked me for advice to find a great pair of winter shoes that is suitable for bad weather conditions.

Here is a selection of footwear designed with a gripped rubber sole for maximum traction, even in wet or icy conditions. Constructed with a sturdy block heel or a wedge, they are ideal for day-long wear or a winter’s night out. Now it’s the time to stock up on some sturdy and stylish footwear for the new season. Have fun!

1 Lace-up patent-leather pumps by Valentino
2 Two-tone leather platform pumps by Marc by Marc Jacobs
3 Safety pin-embellished leather pumps by Tod’s
4 Lizzie shearling-lined suede wedge boots by Michael Michael Kors
5 Shearling-lined textured-leather wedge ankle boots by Burberry
6 Barbara goat hair-lined suede boots by Pedro Garcia
7 Verna shell and faux fur boots by DKNY
8 Shearling-lined suede platform ankle boots by Alexander McQueen
9 Shearling-lined suede and leather knee boots by Emilio Pucci

My personal favorites are those three pairs below:

Those rubber sole wedges are ideal to walk during a cold winter night: 
Creeping Tessa embroidered velvet wedge pumps by Charlotte Olympia

Cute and edgy at the same time, those shoes look great with a mini dress:
Textured patent-leather ankle boots by Alexander McQueen

Wear them with a skirt or loosen the buckled tabs to tuck in your jeans:
Dart buckled leather biker boots by Jimmy Choo

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

The Munich Oktoberfest is one of the most famous events and the world’s largest fair. This year’s edition (September 20 – October 5, 2014) will be no exception. With some six million people attending every year, it is an important part of Bavarian culture.
Think Disneyland for adults. Think must do!

It’s very important to accessorize your look (great dirndls are available at Lola Paltinger). Here are some fun pieces, such as small purses, charms and sweet headbands:

1) iPhone 5 Cover Wiesn Edition by Iphoria
2) Wiesn stay-up by Falke
3) Printed scarf by Comma
4) Dirndl Charm by Thomas Sabo
5) Mia floral-embellished headband by Eugenia Kim
6) Agata ayers-trimmed appliquéd felted-twill clutch by Dolce & Gabbana
7) Wiesn Charm by Tiffany & Co.
8) Flower-embellished straw headpiece by Piers Atkinson
9) Kamaris suede and lace ankle boots by Jimmy Choo
10) Lavelle stretch-silk satin push-up bra by Agent Provocateur
11) Salty Pretzel rose gold-tone cubic zirconia earrings by Marc by Marc Jacobs
12) Spatzl Tambourine Bag by MCM
Available from September 20, 2014 at the MCM Munich Flagship Store on Brienner Str. 1.
Limited to 50 pieces.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Here is your ultimate S/S 2014 runway trend guide. This season, there is fashion for every personality. It’s about tribal details, the power of pleats and the beauty of flowers, whether they’re luxurious embroideries or bold statement prints. Take cues from your favorite gallery and wear something artful. Don’t forget to add something shiny and to work on your waistline to sport the new must-have cropped tops. Sportswear has made its way into our daily wardrobe and bermudas should be worn layered with a skirt or dress.

I hope that this little summary will inspire you to look for the right new season pieces that will instantly update a look. Enjoy your new task!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2014 TREND 1: TRIBAL
Akris –  Givenchy – Donna Karan

S/S 2014 TREND 2: WEARABLE ART
Prada –  Chanel – Céline

S/S 2014 TREND 3: BERMUDAS
Chloé –  Alexander McQueen – DKNY

S/S 2014 TREND 4: CROPPED TOPS
Balenciaga –  Louis Vuitton – Salvatore Ferragamo

S/S 2014 TREND 5: SPORTSWEAR
DKNY –  Gucci – Marc by Marc Jacobs

S/S 2014 TREND 6: LACE
Valentino –  Stella McCartney – Nina Ricci

S/S 2014 TREND 7: SHIMMER & SHINE
Lanvin –  Versace – Etro

S/S 2014 TREND 8: PLEATS PLEASE
Dries Van Noten –  Proenza Schouler – Victoria Beckham

S/S 2014 TREND 9: PASTEL
Miu Miu –  Burberry Prorsum – Christian Dior

S/S 2014 TREND 10: SUMMER BLACK
Bottega Veneta –  Saint Laurent – Dolce & Gabbana

S/S 2014 TREND 11: FLOWER POWER
Giambattista Valli –  Mary Katrantzou – Christopher Kane

S/S 2014 TREND 12: BOLD NIGHT
Emilio Pucci –  Alberta Ferretti – Ralph Lauren Collection

Photos: Via style.com

Some exciting news for my Swiss readers: The new Marc by Marc Jacobs S/S 2013 ad campaign was shot in Zurich-Wollishofen by Jürgen Teller at the Rote Fabrik and the male model is no less than Eli, the son of entrepreneur Carolina Müller-Möhl.

His mum told me the story that I found particularly sweet. Carolina was asked to participate in a charity project for the Kunsthaus Zurich in collaboration with Jürgen Teller. She brought Eli to the shoot. The famous photographer saw his potential and started to take photos of him.

When he showed those to Marc Jacobs, they both agreed that Eli had to be the face of the new campaign. Well deserved – what a success story! I am sure that we will see more of Eli in the near future…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs gives technology a playful touch with those cute iPhone cases from his Marc by Marc Jacobs line.

1 – Pickles Dog iPhone case
2 – Shorty Dog iPhone case
3 – Katie Bunny iPhone case
4 – Julio Zebra iPhone case
5 – Rue Cat iPhone case

I love them all… and you?

LoL, Sandra

Ladies, store your ballet flats! If you haven’t focused on the day-slipper trend, you really should embrace it. They are on the shopping list of every fashionista and a hot fixture on the fall high street. I went for leopard print slippers by Louis Vuitton in blue (for the previous post, please click here) – Poppy Delevigny has the same ones in red. 
For fall, Miu Miu‘s velvet embroidered slippers are my season’s favourites, so chic!

By the way, gentlemen, you are in the game as well. You can find the most extraordinary models for the fashion-forward of you at the end of this post.

Get involved now and shop those must-have footwear below!

LoL, Sandra

Shop the best slippers for WOMEN:

Embroidered velvet-covered leather slippers by Miu Miu

Embroidered satin-covered leather slippers by Miu Miu

Sequined leather slippers by Marc by Marc Jacobs

Intern tartan canvas and patent-leather slippers by Christian Louboutin

Sequin skull-embellished suede slippers by Alexander McQueen

Embroidered velvet slippers by Alexander McQueen

Swarovski crystal-embellished suede slippers by Giuseppe Zanotti

Wheel studded leather slippers by Jimmy Choo

Shop the best slippers for MEN:

Victory nude nubuck leather slippers by Kardinale

Leopard print suede slippers by Jimmy Choo Men

Sloane zebra print ponyskin slippers by Jimmy Choo Men

Coarse glitter slippers by Jimmy Choo Men

Purple velvet slippers by Del Toro

Velvet slippers with crystal tassel by Giuseppe Zanotti Men

Suede and Swarovski embellished slippers by Giuseppe Zanotti Men

Embroidered velvet slippers by Stubbs & Wooton
(Stubbs & Wooton is a Florida-based label, founded in Palm Beach in 1993, that specialises in luxurious slippers).

OMG… it feels like in the 80’s! The crazy colours are back. Resort 2012 is full of neon brights with acid rainbow prints at Christopher Kane to elegant shift dresses at Michael Kors.

From fluorescent pinks to electrifying neon-greens here are the hottest pieces to wear this season. My suggestion: Team neon pieces with neutral hues or classic shades such as camel. Another way to work the trend is to add a bold accessory or some statement neon heels.

LoL, Sandra

1 Neon-pink stretch wool-crepe dress by Michael Kors
2 Neon-yellow jersey T-shirt by Christopher Kane
3 Rainbow cotton and silk-blend dress by Christopher Kane

1 Poncho-effect cashmere sweater by Michael Kors
2 Neon-green stretch wool-crepe dress by Michael Kors
3 Neon wool-blend crepe biker jacket by Christopher Kane
4 Printed modal and cashmere-blend scarf by Christopher Kane
5 Neon-green tweed mini skirt by Lanvin

1 Neon-clasp python belt by Roberto Cavalli
2 Neon-orange python box clutch by Emilio Pucci
3 PS1 neon leather tote by Proenza Schouler
4 Python-effect neon-yellow leather waist belt by Marc by Marc Jacobs
5 Neon-pink neoprene and patent-leather sandals by Pierre Hardy
6 Bob’s Memphis two-tone leather shoulder bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs
7 Messenger patent-trimmed leather tote by Jason Wu
8 Alima neon patent-leather pumps by Brian Atwood

A new year, a new season! Let me get you started with the new collections and trends! Probably you will be leaving soon for a tropical resort. Then you will be in love with those Hawaiian-inspired Resort 2012 pieces!  And if not, you can include them in your winter wardrobe for the ultimate new-season-feel!

To shop, just click on the highlighted text!

To the right on top: Hawaiian-print modal and silk-blend scarf by Stella McCartney

Limited Edition Juicy tropical surfboard by Juicy Couture, Hawaiian-print silk jumpsuit by Stella McCartney and green PS1 Medium leather satchel by Proenza Schouler

From right to left: Hawaiian-print silk dress, Hawaiian-print silk pants and Hawaiian-print cotton-sateen midi skirt, all three by Stella McCartney

From left to right: Polar tropical-print espadrille wedges by Jimmy Choo, Falabella small faux python shoulder bag by Stella McCartney, flower skirt by Givenchy, flower sleeveless dress by Givenchy, tropical-print slim sweater by Marc by Marc Jacobs and Havana printed silk-satin dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs

Aloha!

LoL, Sandra

Net-à-porter UK has started the end of season sale with up to 50% off officially today.

I put a selection of great classic pieces for you together, all under £200. All of them are perfect investments, versatile basics that you cannot go wrong with. To be transferred directly, please just click on the highlighted text.

1 Crochet-knit wool-blend poncho by Missoni, £122.50 (was £250)

2 Cotton-twill shirt-style bodysuit by Tibi, £115 (was £230)

3 Cotton and modal-blend turtleneck top by Splendid, £30 (was £60)

4 Silk-satin trimmed jersey top by Miu Miu, £136.50 (was £195)

5 Camino metallic-knit sweater by Marc by Marc Jacobs, £132 (was £220)

6 Satin-jersey wrap-effect dress by Halston Heritage, £175 (was £250)

7 Appliquéd wool cape by Emma Cook, £ 137.50 (was £275)

Below you find a selection of pieces that work day and night. All of them could be combined in different ways.

1 Moldave ruffled silk blouse by Paul & Joe, £147 (was £245)

2 Python platform pumps by Alexandre Birman, £145 (was £290)

3 Quinn leather envelope clutch by Michael Kors, £ 197.50 (was £395)

4 Silk-trimmed stretch-lace dress by D&G Dolce & Gabbana, £160 (was £320)

5 Chevron velvet and twill clutch by Marc by Marc Jacobs, £150 (was £250)

6 Python and suede ankle boots by Alexandre Birman, £170 (was £340)

7 Cropped jersey jacket by Alice by Temperley, £122.50 (was £245)

8 Stretch-bouclé pencil skirt by Vince, £ 119 (was £170)

Happy Shopping! Hurry, those pieces will sell out fast…

LoL, Sandra