Sandra‘s Closet

In times of quarantine and lockdowns, during holiday season or just for fun, board games  are always a welcome distraction of the day. If you have a fellow fashionista friend, this could be a great gift idea. Board games have been rendered in a variety of shapes and materials by several fashion houses, from luxe crystal-embellishments to sturdy wood. I have gathered some of the most beautifully designed chess sets and game boards that are sure to delight everyone from game novices to Kasparov-level players.

LoL, Sandra

Lambskin, resin and silver metal, black and ecru checkers set by CHANEL (Métiers d’Art 2021 Le Château des Dames) (FYI, the Zurich store has one set left)

Chess set by Prada

Acrylic chess set by Jonathan Adler

Horsecut chest game by Hermès

Crystal-embellished Dominoes game by Rosantica

K/Ikonik monogram card game by Karl Lagerfeld

Barocco Medusa puzzle game by Versace

Decorative backgammon set by L’Objet

Nudes tournament size backgammon set by Alexandra Llewellyn

Helios mahjong set by Hermès

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Designer water bottles are a thing now. Sustainable fashion is trending and designers have been getting a bit more creative by offering accessories that help to reduce and prevent plastic waste.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to say so long to single-use plastics and opt for a reusable water bottle. And while you’re at it, why not take it to the next level with one of these stainless-steel designer versions?

Don’t forget, hydration will never be out of style…

LoL, Sandra

Fredy cotton-canvas water bottle holder by Chloé

SIGG salamander-print metal water bottle by Loewe Paula’s Ibiza

Logo-print 750ml stainless-steel water bottle by Adidas by Stella McCartney

The Quench logo-print bottle holder by Kurt Geiger London

FF-logo suede water bottle holder by Fendi

Crystal-embellished water bottle by Rosantica

Bottle holder by Louis Vuitton

Vintage Check bottle holder by Burberry

Set of two More Joy-print aluminium water bottle by More Joy by Christopher Kane

Logo-embossed moiré holder and bottle by Marine Serre

1994 structured chain-link bottle holder by CHANEL Pre-Owned

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

The most direct way to connect with the season’s toughest look? A heavyweight curb-link necklace. Being very reminiscent of the 80’s, it uplifts every look to new heights. Shop the most beautiful ones available in different price ranges by clicking on the highlighted product description.

LoL, Sandra

JW-charm gold-plated choker by JW Anderson
The one I am wearing in the photo above.

Trudie chain necklace by Chloé

Binari chunky chain choker by Rosantica

Crystal-embellished chain necklace by Marni

Rose gold-plated sterling-silver chain necklace by Bottega Veneta

Diamond & 18kt rose-gold curb-chain choker by Shay

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands, Photo: David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Bags that add extra sparkle – a dream for thieving magpies. High octane glamour is 100% in and this party season crystals are absolutely trending. From subtle jewel-embellished accents, architectural pieces, to fully crystallised mini shoppers, designers have been experimenting with sparkle and it couldn’t have dropped in a better season.

For the day, combine your crystal dream on the more androgynous side – think jeans with an oversized roll neck and a crystal shopper, or masculine tailoring with a sparkly architectural piece. Opposites can attract, you know.

LoL, Sandra

Callie crystal-embellished suede shoulder bag by Jimmy Choo

Crystal-embellished metallic satin clutch by Versace

Cher fringed metallic beaded shoulder bag by Loeffler Randall

Spider faux pearl and crystal-embellished satin clutch by Alexander McQueen

Postal medium embellished leather tote by Loewe

Wangloc Fortune Cookie crystal-embellished leather tote by Alexander Wang

Zeenat embellished velvet clutch by Mae Cassidy

Cielo crystal-embellished silver-tone tote by Rosantica

Sweetie glittered acrylic clutch by Jimmy Choo

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Since around two years, we have been deep into the basket bag trend that just won’t quit. Beloved of fashionistas for their insta worthy and youthful appearance, they are the season’s must-have accessory. This summer, designers combined straw, wicker, rattan, beads and even woven cotton with fabric wraps or inlays (also great to keep your belongings safe). Behold, here are the cutest styles to swing into summer.

LoL, Sandra
Chloe wicker and gingham cotton-canvas shoulder bag by Kayu

Panier leather-trimmed printed twill and woven raffia tote by Chloé

Riviera large tasseled embellished raffia and canvas tote by Aquazzura + Le Ninè

Lunchpail leather-trimmed woven sisal bucket bag by Cesta Collective

Louise wicker and polka-dot canvas tote by Loeffler Randall

Antares embellished bucket bag by Rosantica

Trellis Lirio rope-trimmed acetate and linen tote by Montunas

Shell-embellished crocheted cotton tote by Mizele + Timeless Pearly

Comino faux pearl and gold-tone beaded tote by Vanina

Caba mini straw and striped cotton-canvas tote by Muuñ

Quan rattan and leather bucket bag by Wicker Wings

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

«I like any material that is natural, but in particular pearls.» – Michela Panero

Michela Panero of Rosantica

Fusing traditional Roman-inspired designs with directional shapes and rare gems, Michela Panero creates individual and timelessly elegant pieces, from the iconic multi-layered necklaces to charm bracelets and ethereal headbands for her beautiful jewelry brand ROSANTICA. Not only the chicest choice for bohemian brides but also a great gift idea for a loved one, those accessories elevate each outfit to a new level of style. Have a look at those boudoir-inspired favorites:

Bianca feather and pearl hair tie

Seta palladium-tone, pearl and silk anklet

Eleonora convertible gold-tone pearl necklace

Giovanna palladium-tone, pearl and feather glove 

Palladium-tone, pearl and silk headband

Svevo gold-tone mother-of-pearl body chain

Aurora pearl, feather and gold-tone bracelet

Enjoy your Sunday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Rosantica

Pairing two mismatched earrings (such as the ones by Louis Vuitton above) might sound like another frightening fashion trend, but it’s actually the name of the game this season and  definitely not as complicated as it looks. Pulling off this look is all about having fun and creating unexpected silhouettes that can instantly update your look. Many designers offer now some trend-proof possibilities. Enjoy shopping those eye-catching must-haves.

I Do silver-plated, crystal and faux pearl earrings by Erickson Beamon (50% off)

Silver crystal earrings by Maison Margiela (40% off)

Gold-plated crystal earrings by Oscar de la Renta

Little Round Eye gold-plated cubic zirconia earrings by IAM by Ileana Makri (40% off)

14-karat gold aquamarine earrings by Melissa Joy Manning

Guatemala gold-tone, quartz and pompom earrings by Rosantica

Sphered Arrows set of three gold-plated earrings by Arme De L’Amour

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Here’s a happy little post to round out your Wednesday: NET-A-PORTER, purveyor of some of the most impressive big-ticket designer offers during sale some must-haves that won’t empty your wallet. I perused the best pieces and found ten under €150 that I am absolutely sure you will love for many seasons to come!

Ruffle-trimmed embellished cotton-jersey top by Markus Lupfer (50% off)
A great tank top with a ruffle-trimmed  embellishment in the back.

Sequined leather point-toe flats by J.Crew (40% off)
A playful spin to your everyday summer looks.

Arianna patent-leather point-toe flats by MICHAEL Michael Kors (50% off)
Black ballerinas are a must for every closet.

Margot embellished cotton-canvas clutch by Antik Batik (50% off)
The perfect arm candy to elevate every look to a whole new level of style.

Shearling keychain by Sophie Hulme (30% off)
A great way to make your favorite bag look completely new.

Parcel cotton-blend gabardine trench coat by Madewell (40% off)
The perfect piece for layering in between seasons.

Etrusca gold-tone quartz earrings by Rosantica (50% off)
The rose quartz is faceted to catch the light beautifully to give your face a lovely glow.

Carretto printed silk-twill scarf by Dolce & Gabbana (40% off)
A true classic that makes a great gift for a loved one.

Camp denim shirt by MICHAEL Michael Kors (40% off)
The all time favorite, the denim shirt, has a trend revival.

Leather-trimmed wool-felt fedora by Rag & Bone (30% off)
Now autumn can come…

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Channel the look of New Year’s Eve glamour with the shimmer of allover sequins and invest in high style with those dresses that are eye-catching trophy pieces.

1 Annabelle sequined satin dress by Rachel Gilbert (50% off)
2 Paillette-embellished jersey mini dress by MICHEAL Michael Kors
3 Zenith chain and stud-embellished suede pumps by Brian Atwood (40% off)

4 Pegaso lapis necklace by Rosantica
5 Light alate allover sequined dress by Jenny Peckham
6 Karmel sequined mesh dress by Alice + Olivia
7 Navy blue sequined one shoulder bandage dress by Hervé Léger
8 Tonda box clutch by Diane von Furstenberg

If you like to see me wearing such a sequined dress for New Year’s Eve, please click here for a previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Summer is on its way and it’s set to be the most sensational yet. Today, I would like to spotlight the definitive trends, hot new designers and must-have pieces for your new season wardrobe.

Kick-start with a high-voltage dress by Diane von Furstenberg. Maxi lengths are a laid-back way to work shimmering sequins for day – finish with Musa‘s decorative sandals. After dark, look to master craftsman Vineet Bahl, the upcoming Indian designer. His beautifully embellished gowns are perfect for sultry nights.

Diane von Furstenberg

Next up, Diane von Furstenberg‘s graphic summer collection ticks two trends in one – power prints and ladylike cuts. Whether you go for a demure knee-length dress or pair up your prints in a contrasting top and skirt, channel the runway girls and keep hair and makeup fuss free.

Christian Louboutin

When it comes to accessories, have fun and experiment. Do the bold shoulder with Christian Louboutin’s Artemis bag – the editors’ favorite and this year’s must-have.

Victoria Beckham

And don’t forget to update your sunglasses. Victoria Beckham‘s oversized frames will lend a fashion-forward edge to any outfit.

This season’s style rule for jewelry? More is more. Hervé van der Straeten is the new need-to-know name. The Parisian jeweler’s sculptural gold cuffs are the perfect partner to neutral tailoring. Semi-precious stones also take a starring role: Rosantica’s lapis lazuli collar necklace or Erickson Beamon’s colour-pop pieces will instantly dress up a simple tee and blazer.

Dive into swimwear in the latest ready-to-wear one-piece – it’s not just for the beach! Be inspired by the Peter Pilotto runway and choose a sporty style for day, finished with a dramatic full skirt and heels.

Zimmermann

Or perfect your poolside pose in bloom-adorned swimsuit by Australian label Zimmermann.

Tara Matthews

As the sun sets, switch effortlessly from pool to bar in Tara Matthews’ stylish cover-up, exclusive to NET-A-PORTER.

Paloma Barcelò

Complete the look with candy-striped wedges by Spanish shoe label Paloma Barcelò.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra