Sandra‘s Closet

“It’s about elegance, not elegance. Couture, not couture. Tailoring, not tailoring,” Miuccia Prada told WWD.

Her S/S 2013 Miu Miu collection was all about contrasts, the Italian designer let herself be inspired by the silhouettes of the ’50s and ’60s, to which she offered her own iconic twist.

Flats worn to glamourous embellished outfits, rich luxurious fabrics downgraded through tie-dye and crushing and fur all over for summer walked down the runway to the sounds of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” which almost seemed macabre in a good way. Think Mad Men meets Hitchcock in a contemporary way.

Splendid yet effortless, and with ease, she changes her style without never loosing her signature. The ideas and inspirations may be complicated, but this is her intelligent approach to fashion. And amazingly as it seems, she always makes it look easy.

Miuccia Prada had converted the Palais d’Iéna into a wooden maze designed by Rem Koolhaas’ OMA, with thick velvet curtains changing the ambiance  of the venue, that is usually bathed in natural light, into something mysterious right before the show .

Miucca Prada always packs the best front row. This season it was Emma Stone, Amanda Seyfried, Chloë Sevigny, Dianna Agron and Bérénice Bejo among others, all dressed head to toe in Miu Miu.

Amanda Seyfried with me after the show

Emma Stone giving an interview

Stay tuned for a detailed post about my outfit and of course, my runway reviews of Chanel, Louis Vuitton and so on.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu and © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I was invited to a friend’s house for a lovely Sunday brunch. The weather was so beautiful and summery. Nevertheless, I just couldn’t help myself and had to wear some of my new pre-fall 2012 pieces. Gucci’s autumnal floral print is such a perfect transition into fall.

My look: Printed silk blouse, stretch-leather leggings and Soft Stirrup bag, all three by Gucci, coral shape heels by Chanel, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, earrings by Dolce & Gabbana and glitter sunglasses by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This winter, Ladies, we wear the pants! And to be precise, the cropped ones which draw attention to our ankles. Therefore, it is time to get a gorgeous pair of ankle boots.

Here are some of the most outstanding ones available at the moment:

1 Marychal 100 calf hair ankle boots by Christian Louboutin
2 Suede brogue ankle boots by YSL
3 Suede and snake-effect leather ankle boots by Miu Miu
4 Bi-colour ankle boots by Balenciaga
5 Gisèle suede ankle boots by YSL
6 Palma fuchsia ankle boots by Acne
7 Suede peep-toe platform ankle boots by Giuseppe Zanotti
8 Geometric-heel printed silk-covered leather ankle boots by Nicholas Kirkwood for Erdem
9 Elsa boots by Sam Edelman

I couldn’t resist those beautiful suede and snake-effect leather ankle boots by Miu Miu.
Which ones are your favourites? Happy Saturday Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

Miu Miu’s acclaimed series of short films, the Women’s Tales, just screened together for the first time as part of the Venice Film Festival’s Giornate degli Autori – Venice Days.

Zoe Cassavetes, Massy Tadjedin, Miuccia Prada, Giada Colagrande, Lucrecia Martel, Maya Sansa

The short films, by four leading international female directors, show how the Miu Miu short film platform has managed to combine credible filmmaking themes and a strong feminine point of view with fashion.

The four films in the series are: The Powder Room, directed by Zoe Cassavetes; Muta, directed by Lucrecia Martel; The Woman Dress, directed by Giada Colagrande and the newest It’s Getting Late, directed by Massy Tadjedin. (To watch the movies and for exclusive interviews plus behind-the-scenes footage, just click on the titles to be transfered directly).

Some of the leading stars of contemporary cinema including Gemma Arterton, Patricia Clarkson, Aubrey Plaza, Rinko Kikuchi and Maya Sansa lead the all-female casts, and soundtracks are scored by some of music’s finest new talents including Au Revoir Simone and Zola Jesus. The diverse films, set in LA, London, a witches’ cavern and a mysterious ship, explore feminine rituals, codes and gestures, each touching on the theme of being a woman. Each director applies their distinctive point of view through their particular filmic style, with elements of melodrama, surrealism and film noir reflecting the world of Miu Miu in multifarious dimensions. Highlights from the Miu Miu collections take leading roles too – sunglasses, accessories, and key looks from the ready-to-wear collections are all beautifully showcased – but also perform as important plot devices, central to the narratives. Following the wide success of the first four films, Miu Miu will continue to commission further Women’s Tales films into the future, details to be released soon.

Here are some photos of the newest release It’s Getting Late:

I just spent the last two days at the St. Moritz Art Masters and today, I am off to the Venice Film Festival. Stay tuned for some amazing photos to be posted soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

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 new season is fast approaching and some of the best F/W 2012 runway looks are available now. This is your chance to be in fashion’s forefront.

Brocade is set to be one of the season’s hottest trends, and Stella McCartney‘s black and cobalt pattern is a typically chic take on the look.

Wool-blend brocade top and Patty brocade skirt, both by Stella McCartney

No one delivers contemporary femininity quite like Christopher Kane, and this rose-flocked tulle dress is a standout piece from his F/W 2012 runway show.

Leather-trimmed flocked tulle dress by Christopher Kane

With his trendsetting vision, Marc Jacobs predicts precisely what women want to wear every season.

Metallic bouclé wool-blend jacket and metallic bouclé wool-blend skirt, both by Marc Jacobs

Mary Katrantzou brings her beautifully mesmeric prints to knitwear this season. Coziness has never been that beautiful.

Wool-blend dress by Mary Katrantzou

Miu Miu‘s acclaimed F/W12 runway collection was a riot of colour and dandy-esque tailoring. Miuccia Prada‘s message was clear: Pants are a must for the new season!

Belted wool-crepe tunic and wool-crepe straight-leg pants, both by Miu Miu

LoL, Sandra

From Chicago I flew to Denver where I didn’t stay very long as I had to drive all the way up to Wyoming and South Dakota. Knowing that I would be sitting quite a while, I decided to be dressed as simple and casual as possible.

My look: Printed-back velour hooded top and matching track pants, both by Juicy Couture, original seamless tank top by Sugarlips, brown Pandora bag by Givenchy, Pegase 55 cabin case by Louis Vuitton, cat eye glitter acetate and metal sunglasses by Miu Miu and brushed leather trainers by Maison Martin Margiela.
On my nails: Beach Cruiser (neon pink) by Orly.

LoL, Sandra

At Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Those seamless Sugarlips tops are available in many different colours and so comfy to wear.

A photo from the air.

Safely arrived at Denver International Airport.

Denver skyline

Me in front of the Colorado State Capitol Building

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

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

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).

During my stay in Maui, I watched many beautiful sunsets. The light is so amazing – colouring the sky in shades of yellow, orange, blue and purple. I captured some of those moments for you with my camera.

One of my favourite places on the island to have dinner and watch the sundown is the Italian restaurant Sarento’s On the Beach in Kihei, Maui. Great food, great service and great location.

My look: White ruffled dress by Tibi, coral shape heels by Chanel, glitter sunglasses by Miu Miu and necklace Pearl Drape with horse clasp by Gabriele Frantzen.
On my nails: Believe created with Cher by Deborah Lippmann
(a shimmering metallic gold beige).
Curls all natural!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht