Sandra‘s Closet

This week, a friend from Singapore was in town and I was invited to a ladies dinner in her honour.

My outfit for this occasion: Dorothy fern-print silk dress and fern-print cashmere, silk and wool-blend scarf, both by Stella McCartney, brown suede booties by Fendi and PS11 Mini Classic textured-leather shoulder bag by Proenza Schouler.

I am absolutely in love with the PS11 Mini Classic shoulder bag by Proenza Schouler. It has an amazing colour combination and is a stylish plus very versatile piece. To shop, please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Don’t hold back with colour and spice up your F/W 2011 season. Infuse the hues of autumn leaves straight into your wardrobe. Blast away your winter blues with spice colours such as mustard, curry, russet, pumpkin orange and gingerbread brown, sure to keep your spirits up in the bitter cold.

I put together some of my favourite pieces for you and included some photos that I took at the spice market in Istanbul. If you like something, just click on the highlighted designer name for an immediate shopping experience!

Have fun!

LoL, Sandra

This mink shoulder wool tweed trench coat by Burberry Prorsum makes an amazing fashion statement during the cold season.

This felted wool coat by Space has a great price and is a classic piece that you will keep for many more seasons to come.

What a stunner! Make a stunning entrance in this floor-sweeping gown by Roksanda Ilincic .

Fendi has launched many It-bags during the last years, from the iconic “Spy bag” to the “Baguette clutch”. This fall, fashionistas crave for the Chamelon colour-block tote that will stay a must for next summer.

Pair this standalone piece by Fendi with a simple black dress for high impact, low effort style.

Channeling fall’s penchant for all things texture, this shaggy statement coverup by Maurizio Pecoraro will lend every wardrobe a hit of directional cool straight from the runway.

Keep warm in style with Paul Smith‘s striped wool knitted hat.

Take a playful approach to this season’s ’60s-inspired style in Gianluca Capannolo‘s bright wool coat.

Make a head-turning statement at cocktails in Carven‘s merlot wool-blend dress.

Christopher Bailey breaks from tradition with a trendy spin on the Burberry Prorsum Meniconic  trench coat.

Yves Saint Laurent‘s “Muse Two” is a modern classic and a wonderful addition to every closet.

Simple design can make the boldest statement and Nicholas King‘s jewelry pieces are an effortlessly directional adornment.

Etro‘s metallic silk-blend lurex dress is the perfect piece for the imminent party season.

Proenza Schouler‘s iconic PS1 Keep All gets an on-trend makeover for fall in Navajo-inspired jacquard. My absolute must!

Detailed with a signature horsebit and buckle strap, Ralph Lauren Collection‘s sleek boots will make a polished addition to your footwear collection.

Giuseppe Zanotti‘s killer heels spice up every outfit!

Tap into a ladylike retro mood with this fur stole by Diverso Italiano that is your fast-track to statement vintage appeal.

Photos (spice market Istanbul): © Sandra Bauknecht

Any idea what Emilio Pucci, Barbara Bui, Hervé Leger, Michael Kors, Proenza Schouler and the Russian star designer Igor Chapurin might have in common?
They are all available in Zurich’s new shop Bloom’s. After Ruth Reinger’s success with her Designer am See store in Kilchberg, she decided to open a second one, located in the center of the city close to Paradeplatz at Poststr. 10.
Have fun shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Ruth Reingers and her team

This summer there is one material you should really consider buying: Baja, a woven striped pattern, a classic surfer staple. Designers looked for inspirations to Mexico and the Californian beach scene.

So if you want something to really impress your friends, you need to get a pullover baja hoodie that will imbue your look with relaxed bohemian cool. The best ones available are by Tory Burch, Preonza Schouler and Sacai.

LoL, Sandra

Chunky heels and wedges, this is what the summer 2011 is all about . Being more comfortable than high heels (especially if you live like me in a city plastered with cobblestones) and giving you a more casual and effortless look, those shoes will be surely bestsellers.

Enjoy those creations for this summer that are bold, daring and definitely different.

The footwear innovation for S/S 2011 is the flatform – a ballet flat elevated on a high platform heel, that gives you extra hight. Kind of reminiscent of summer espandrilles, but only higher. Designers are loving them at the moment.
And what about you? Are you a brick-like shoe lover?

LoL, Sandra

The PS1 bag was launched in 2008 as the first bag of the New York based designer duo Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough for their label Proenza Schouler (their mothers’ respective maiden names). Since then, it has been seen on the arms of the most fashionable people in the world. It comes in three different sizes, large, medium and as a clutch.

My own PS1 obsession!

Its hype seems to have no end. Probably because it is a very practical and stylish bag in one. The medium and the large size have a handle and a detachable knotted shoulder strap, compartments at front, inside and at the back, plus a foldover flap with lock.

The favourite of editors, stylists and A-listers alike, Proenza Schouler’s satchel is a must-have style. Available among others at net-à-porter and Barneys.

For Resort 2011, the duo gave their bestseller a little make-over and called it the Weekender. It will be released in two different sizes medium and large.
Moreover the iconic PS1 will get a little sister: The Mini PS1 bag.

For this F/W 2011 Proenza Schouler introduced the PS11, the more structured take on the PS1, let’s say the sophisticated sister that will also be staying for Resort 2011.

PS11 for F/W 2011

PS11 for Resort 2011

One thing is for sure, those bags update every look with downtown cool!

LoL, Sandra

Thank you for all the lovely feedback on my recent coverage of my Paris Fashion Week’s highlights. Many of you were asking about my outfits, so please find herewith some detailed information.

At the Stella McCartney show, I wore a lot of her designs:
The cropped slouch-fit wool pants worked so well with the snake-print tank and the studded boyfriend blazer. The pale rose python scarf matched the top and gave a little hint of colour.
To finish off the look, I put on a felt hat by Dolce & Gabbana and my beloved stocking-detailed suede ankle boots by Givenchy for new-season cool. A very practical and stylish bag in one is the embroidered medium PS1 by Proenza Schouler.

Please stay tuned as I will give you more details on the must-have shoes and bags spotted at Paris Fashion Week soon.

So long, Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Let`s travel further in time. A breeze from the `70s floated over the F/W 2010 runways when the designers brought the more sophisticated aspects of this decade`s fashion into the now. Indulging in reminiscences of young Jane Birkin, Bianca Jagger and Veruschka, nonchalance, luxe and subtlety are the catchwords fall embraces.

Camel is the colour of the season followed by a palette of browns, nudes, and greys.

The ever-stylish shade makes a great fashion statement in combination with the must-have outerwear this season, the cape.

I love the cape by H&M to the right.

Cut more generously than a coat, the dashing alternative allows more freedom of movement and works much better over shoulder embellishments and mutton sleeves.
It was a veritable explosion of fur on the runways so there is no need to shy away from those ueberluxe pieces. The soft cocoon embrace of a voluminous real or faux fur jacket (or vest) will be irresistible this winter.

As the mood is casual luxe for daywear, redefine power-dressing in buttery silk blouses with tie collars.

When it comes to trousers, opt for sleek or wide leg ones with a minimalist edge. Razor-sharp slimline Gucci pants or immaculately tailored like the ones by YSL are among my favourites. Naturally worn with a cashmere turtleneck, they are the most figure flattering throwback to `70s style.

Booties by H&M

To complement the look, you will have to tie the knot with a pair of lace up booties. They are must-haves for every shoeaholic.

Synonymous with luxe seventies style are the long-handled drawstring bucket bags. So no wonder they have made a much-welcome appearance.

Another bestseller will be the remake of Gucci`s 1973 line. Available in nappa, suede and exotic leathers like crocodile and ostrich, those bags are classic and beautiful enough to be safe investment pieces.

Hat by H&M, Stills: Courtesy of H&M

If you really want to get a head start on the boho wardrobe, look for a floppy hat or a knitted beanie.

You do not need to go overboard. Enjoy your fashion moments in traditional, timeless essentials and the overall effect will be more post seventies luxe than vintage hippie.

LoL, Sandra