Sandra‘s Closet

Feminine, sophisticated and reminiscent of 1950s elegance, for the new season polka dots returned to the S/S 2014 runway. At Burberry Prorsum they came in a modernized and bold way, while at Dolce & Gabbana and Moschino they appeared smaller in black and white or red – all aptly retro-inspired, especially given Moschino’s special anniversary show.

So cute, a real must-have! Polka dot ‘Pashli’ satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim

Shop the trendy look and get one of those amazing pieces:

1 Polka-dot cotton and lace shirt by No. 21
2 Febe stretch-mesh balconette bra by L’Agent by Agent Provocateur
3 Polka dot-print stretch-silk dress by Dolce & Gabbana
4 Leather-trimmed polka-dot canvas slip-on sneakers by Katie Grand Loves Hogan
5 Polka-dot linen shirt by Burberry Prorsum
6 Polka-dot cotton dress by Marni
7 Polka-dot silk bow tie by Saint Laurent
8 Chuck Taylor All Star polka-dot suede sneakers by Converse
9  Polka-dot cashmere and silk-blend scarf by Burberry Prorsum
10 Lilico flower-embellished leather sandals by Sophia Webster

There is also a scent dressed in dots living up to the trend. Insolence, one of Guerlain’s iconic fragrances, is adopting a whirlwind of neon pink polka dots. A true collector’s item for lovers of the fruity floral scent or a great way to rediscover it.

Top notes: Raspberry, red berries, lemon and bergamot
Middle notes: Violet, orange blossom and rose
Base notes: Orris, sandalwood, tonka bean and musk

Insolence – Limited Edition Crazy Touch – Eau de Toilette 50ml bottle, CHF 110.00.
Available from March 1, 2014 on all Guerlain’s authorized points of sale.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the brands

During Art Basel and Design Miami 2012, MARNI presented, for the first time in the US, the exhibition “L’Arte del Ritratto” in collaboration with the photographer and filmmaker Francesco Jodice. The new edition of 125 chairs from the Marni Charity Project are sold now exclusively at the Marni Miami Store, where last night personalities from the art, design and fashion industries gathered together for a private cocktail hosted by Consuelo Castiglioni, Marni Creative Director. The project reaffirms Marni’s involvement with charitable initiatives.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Marni

From the runway to the street, collars are having a fabulous fashion moment right now. It is an amazing fashion accessory that can change your look so easily in one step. Wear yours as a contemporary alternative to a statement necklace, layering it over color-clash textiles for maximum impact.

1 Embellished cotton-poplin collar by Marni
2 Amber crystal and bead-embellished cotton collar by Karl
3 Shearling collar by Marni
4 Rabbit collar by Marni
5 Hilde crystal collar necklace by Dannijo (Enter FREE8 for worldwide free shipping, for a limited time only)
6 Abbey faux pearl collar by Karl
7 Pointed metallic-leather collar by 3.1 Phillip Lim
8 Striped silk collar by Miu Miu
9 Alycia metal-tipped lace-trimmed cotton collar by Karl

I couldn’t resist and got this beaded wool-felt collar by Marni. Which one is your favorite?

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

The story of La Petite Robe Noire began in 2009, when the house of Guerlain launched an exclusive and limited edition fragrance which was only available to a very selective clientele, followed by La Petite Robe Noire 2 last year.

This fall, Guerlain will offer this very chic scent to broad market. Fresher, more radiant and passionate, in-house perfumer Thierry Wasser has modified his big love, La Petite Robe Noire slightly. Personally speaking, I have been a huge fan from the very first beginning. Inspired by the eternity and sophistication of a little black dress, it exudes the essence of Parisian elegance.

Left: The first La Petite Robe Noire. Right: The new one.

The ‘heart-shaped’ bottles of the La Petite Robe Noir collection are inspired by the legendary vials of the house, such as L’Heure Bleue and Mitsouko. The dress illustration has been altered every time so that each of the three fragrances shows a different shape of this clothing. The animated ad campaign was created by French artists Olivier Kuntzel and Florence Deygas.

Top notes: Red berries, black cherries, almond and bergamot
Middle notes: Licorice, Bulgarian and Turkish roses and smoked black tea
Base notes: Anise and the famous Guerlinade (A mix of the Guerlain’s beloved ingredients: Tonka bean, vanilla, iris and patchouli)

The new La Petite Robe Noire is available as 30 ml (CHF 90.-), 50 ml (CHF 129.-) and 75 ml (CHF 179.-) Eau de Parfum
Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 66.-) and Body  Lotion 200ml (CHF 77.-)
Available in Switzerland from August 27, 2012.

An absolutely captivating and utterly irresistible perfumed creation by Guerlain. Like the cut of an iconic little black dress, this fragrance is shaped with all of the French house’s finesse.

I am convinced that we will hear much more of La Petite Robe Noire in the future. This uber-cute illustration translates so well into all aspects of Guerlain; from makeup to body products, to conceivable further versions such as cosmetic cases and more. The possibilities are endless…

This would be the perfect look for your new scent, elegant and sophisticated, stylish and playful.

Diana brocade little black dress by Roland Mouret, ruffle-trimmed suede pumps by Nicholas Kirkwood, croc-effect leather clutch by Alexander Wang and resin and crystal necklace by Marni.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Illustrations: Courtesy of Guerlain

I started my crazy road trip through the US in the city in which I had lived for 2 years: Beautiful CHICAGO. It always feels so great to be back, seeing your friends, wallowing in memories and going to your favourite restaurants (Gibsons, Le Colonial, NoMI at the Park Hyatt and RL Restaurant at the gigantic Ralph Lauren store). The weather was amazing and I enjoyed going for a stroll through downtown.

My look: Mint green collarless jacket (50% off on sale), floral printed dress (50% off on sale), both by Marni, leather and chain bracelet, “Lucky Clover” earrings and necklace, mint green ballet flats, sky-blue Marcie hobo bag, all by Chloé and glitter sunglasses by Miu Miu.

By the way, the crowds weren’t waiting for me. The presidential family had lunch at Gibsons at the same time we had. Enjoy some shots of this wonderful city.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Why wear just one or two colours when you can shove seven plus into one outfit?

My look: Rainbow cotton and silk-blend dress by Christopher Kane, paisley-print cotton-poplin jacket by Jil Sander, resin bead necklace by Marni, bag and shoes by Miu Miu, earrings by Bulgari.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday was a pretty busy day and I have so much to show and tell you. So let me get you started with my outfit:

Belted shearling coat and colour block dress, both by Gucci, Laurent studded bag by Yves Saint Laurent, resin bead necklace by Marni, Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and ankle boots by Stella McCartney.

It seems to be my “lucky outfit”…

At the Tommy Hilfiger Men F/W 2012 show…

…spotted: Bradley Cooper.

Later on my way to the Charlotte Ronson F/W 2012 show, spotted: Nicky Hilton.

Then I went to the Soho House for the reward Style™ party.

Spotted: Connor Cruise, son of Tom Cruise and ex-wife Nicole Kidman, was the DJ at the party.

What night! Off to more exciting things today!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, after having arrived in New York City, I went straight to the IFB conference and later on to the 3rd annual Fashion 2.0 Awards that took place at the SVA Theatre. It was an amazing night where I ran into many familiar faces.

The Fashion 2.0 Awards, launched in 2010 by Style Coalition, are designed to recognize and honor the most innovative fashion brands in the online community. (The Europeans can learn a lot here!)

DKNY took the top honours at the Fashion 2.0 Awards.
Please see below the list of last night’s winners:

Best Twitter: @DKNY

Best Facebook: Bergdorf Goodman

Best Blog by a Fashion Brand: DKNY PR Girl

Best Website: Marc Jacobs

Best Mobile App: Tiffany & Co. Engagement Ring Finder

Best Online Video: Prada S/S 2011 Video Campaign

Next Big Thing in Tech: Instagram

Top Innovator: Kate Spade

Online media expert and entrepreneur Yuli Ziv who founded Style Coalition in 2008 with me.

The lovely Oscar de la Renta PR-Girls, Erika (@OscarPRGIRL) and Martha, with me.

My look last night: Fuchsia wool coat by Balenciaga (50% off now), lurex-weave silk crepe vest by Balmain (70% off now), cropped crepe pants by Vanessa Bruno, Laurent studded bag by Yves Saint Laurent, resin bead necklace by Marni, silk crepe de chine blouse and studded leather ankle boots, both by Chloé.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sian Oflaherty, © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, a box from net-à-porter arrived, filled with some amazing goodies. Those pieces were sold out in one day! Can you imagine how happy I am that they have arrived at my doorstep?! Please stay tuned as more stock will be arriving soon.

In the meantime let’s have a closer look:

Layered tulle midi skirt by D&G Dolce & Gabbana.
Pastel colours are such a huge trend for S/S 2012. I love the feminine tulle layers. The skirt reminds me of the ballet tutus I had when I was a child. The mint hue is so pretty.

Studded leather ankle boots by Chloé.
Those shoes just took my breath away, they were definitely worth investing. One thing is for sure, they will adorn many front row feet. Zara carries a similiar version at the moment, check it out by clicking here.

Resin bead necklace by Marni
So versatile, this necklace is a great way to work the neon trend. One piece like this can take your look from simple to standout.

An outfit post will follow soon! I am packing for New York Fashion Week today as I will be leaving tomorrow. I am having some very exciting news, so please stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Good news for S/S 2012, everything’s coming up roses (and orchids, and daffodils, and daisies). Head to toe floral prints are one of the season’s biggest trends and were seen all over the runways.

My all-time favourite Mary Katrantzou who is known for her bold prints and vivid colors, showed this trend in perfection, flowers and print – the perfect combination of her strengths. Her runway was divided by a field of carnations. Please click here for the previous post.

Take a peek at the most fun garden party of the season! Floral prints, extreme edition!

The colours range from fabulous bright colours reminiscent of a tropical vacation to soft neutrals and stunning pastels. Lilac and light green are among summer’s favourites.

As if the floral prints weren’t enough, the designers went and attached 3-D flowers and embellishments to the fabrics. A season’s must! Best collection: Louis Vuitton!

I’m betting it won’t be long before a style icon like Alexa Chung is spotted in this cool Chloé or Prada outfit!

If you didn’t think you could wear a head to toe look printed with multi-coloured florals and still look cool, Erdem just proved you totally wrong.

From the necklace, to the shoes, to the bags, to the earrings, this S/S 2012 trend is a complete floral explosion!
Stay tuned for more to complement this look…

LoL, Sandra