If there’s one night to go all out and turn on the flash, it’s undoubtedly New Year’s Eve. But some of us are challenged throughout the whole festive season with specific dress code for special parties. Personally speaking, I will attend the 8th annual ASW Winter Weekend Mid December at the fabulous Gstaad Palace in Switzerland and for Friday night’s dinner «La Vie en Or» the dress code says asks for «glamorous, with a touch of gold». This is great! I love any reason to wear sparkle, but such an occasion is the perfect time to shine. And gentlemen, you are in this, too!

«Golden Girl» or just a little golden accessory – you decide how much you would like to shine.

From full-on sequin dresses to just the right gold accessory, there isn’t one right way to fulfill the dress code. The golden rule is you have to feel comfortable, in every tailored sense of men’s style, is purchase clothing that fits you properly. Nothing destroys an outfit – whatever the dress code and no matter how expensive the clothes are – like an ill-fitting jacket, shirt or trousers.

In general, gold is the perfect color to lift an all-black or an all-white outfit to something glamorous and fun. Perfect for all festive occasions!

To make your life a little easier, I put together a fun guide for all budgets so that you don’t need to worry about anything and can focus entirely on celebrating the start of the winter season in style!

HIGH END BUGDET – Full Looks

Get his look: Metallic jacquard dinner jacket by Dolce & Gabbana, shirt gold detail shirt by Comme des Garçons, turn-up hem wool-blend tailored trousers by Prada, ruler cufflinks by Paul Smith, skull and polka dot tie by Alexander McQueen and leather embroidered loafers by Gucci.

Get her look: Racko open-back sequined cady mini dress by Rachel Zoe or wondering lace-paneled fil coupé georgette blouse by Temperley London and sequined wool mini skirt by Marc Jacobs, Anya d’Orsay metallic patent-leather pumps by Saint Laurent, Celeste sequined canvas clutch by Jimmy Choo and Roma gold-tone earrings by Annie Costello Brown.

HIGH END BUDGET – Great Accessories

Stand out with a statement headpiece with a touch of gold and be the queen of the night: embellished satin headband by Dolce & Gabbana.

Lifting every basic look to new heights: Candy box by Jimmy Choo.

LOW BUDGET – A touch of Gold

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your outfit, I recommend getting some fabric with golden sequins. Those accessories will have a great effect on your outfit and can be combined with all sorts of colors. Moreover they are less expected than some golden shoes or a handbag. I still love the mixture between gold and black the best.

You don’t need to be an expert in tailoring to do some cuffs or a belt. If you get a stretchy material, you can even glue it together instead of sewing it. In case you are to lazy for some DIY, you can order them directly here:

Cuffs with gold sequins

Sequined belt

The perfect touch of gold for a man: the right colored pocket square.

LOW BUDGET – Taking the Dress Code Literally up a Notch

Zara has some cool pieces in gold. Minimal investment for a maximum effect.

Be the star of the night: golden bomber jacket for men by Zara.

The perfect touch of gold for women and great for dancing: shorts in gold combined with a black top by Zara.

And don’t forget… you want to start the New Year with something new for good luck, it’s a great excuse to add a new piece to your wardrobe.

Happy Shopping! And I am looking forward to seeing some of you in Gstaad…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Gstaad Palace and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, I got back from Marrakesh where I spent some amazing days among dear friends. The so-called «Jewel of the South» is the fourth largest city in the Kingdom of Morocco and absolutely worth the visit with its beautiful colors, the vibrant streets and bazaars that spill over with artistry, whether it be in architecture, cuisine, crafts or fine art.

If you are interested, have a look at those great travel tips for the city that I have gotten from Aerin Lauder and Tory Burch, who designed the dress I am wearing in this post.

My look: Rosemary printed silk crepe de chine and jacquard dress by Tory Burch, leather platform pumps by Gucci, Monogram fringed shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, earrings by Chanel, gold-plated multi-strand necklace and cocktail ring, both by Etro.
My scent: Tangier Vanille by Aerin, that is inspired by Marrakesh.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

After this weekend’s summary about the 15 most important runway trends for S/S 2018, I thought you might enjoy a look also at the must-have accessories for next summer. The forecast: Get ready for your another sumptuous season! Many things are here to stay or will even take it up a notch. Sneakers are trendier than ever and have taken center stage. The ugly shoe phenomenom explores new heights as seen at Balenciaga‘s collaboration with Crocs. And we can deny it no longer: the fanny pack is here to stay. Earrings and straw hats are bigger than ever and bags are most beautiful in an array of patterns.

S/S 2018 TREND 1: FANNY BAG
Givenchy – Balenciaga – Marc Jacobs

S/S 2018 TREND 2: STATEMENT STRAW HAT
Missoni – Giorgio Armani – Jacquemus

S/S 2018 TREND 3: CLEAR VISION
Tibi – Chanel – Valentino

S/S 2018 TREND 4: SURREALISTIC SUNGLASSES
Dolce & Gabbana – Prada – Gucci

S/S 2018 TREND 5: SNEAKERS RELOADED
Loewe – Louis Vuitton – Céline

S/S 2018 TREND 6: THE UGLY SHOE
Balenciaga – Christopher Kane – Miu Miu

S/S 2018 TREND 7: GLOVES
Olivier Theyskens – Calvin Klein 205W39NYC – Erdem

S/S 2018 TREND 8: BIG EARRINGS
Saint Laurent – Stella McCartney – Isabel Marant

S/S 2018 TREND 9: PATTERNED BAGS
Dior – Chloé – Prada

S/S 2018 TREND 10: SUMMER OVERKNEE BOOTS
Fendi – Balenciaga – Versace

Photos: Via Vogue.com

S/S 2018 TREND 1: SILK ROAD
Céline – Hermès – Versace

S/S 2018 TREND 2: ART LOVERS
Akris – Prada – Missoni

S/S 2018 TREND 3: IN FULL BLOOM
Rochas – Erdem – Marni

S/S 2018 TREND 4: FRINGES
Balmain – Calvin Klein 205W39NYC– Dior

S/S 2018 TREND 5: MARABOU
Proenza Schouler – Saint Laurent – Nina Ricci

S/S 2018 TREND 6: LAVENDER
The Row – Michael Kors – Tom Ford

S/S 2018 TREND 7: LIFE IN PLASTIC
Chanel – Burberry – Valentino

S/S 2018 TREND 8: WORKOUT
Gucci – Louis Vuitton – Marc Jacobs

S/S 2018 TREND 9: PLAID PLEASE
Fendi – Prabal Gurung – Balenciaga

S/S 2018 TREND 10: 80’s DENIM
Max Mara – Stella McCartney – Oscar de la Renta

S/S 2018 TREND 11: THE TRENCH
Gabriela Hearst – Maison Margiela – Victoria Beckham

S/S 2018 TREND 12: SHOW YOUR UNDIES
Christopher Kane – Miu Miu – Alessandra Rich

S/S 2018 TREND 13: RAINBOW
Peter Pilotto – Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini – Vionnet

S/S 2018 TREND 14: WHITE AT NIGHT
Jil Sander – Alexander McQueen – Etro

S/S 2018 TREND 15: MISE-EN-SCÈNE
Moschino – Dolce & Gabbana – Comme des Garçons

Photos: via Vogue.com

As you already know, unfortunately Colette, the legendary Parisian concept store, will close forever on December 20, 2017 (click here for a previous article). Founded in 1997 by Colette Roussaux, the house has been led by her daughter Sarah Andelmanin recent years. But before the amazing mother-daughter team says good-bye to their Rue St.-Honoré space for good, they are hosting the last in a season-long series of pop-up takeovers.

But who will be the label that will be the last to fill Colette’s famous first floor? It’s Saint Laurent! This might sound bizarre as you might remember the clash the two brands had a few years ago after Colette started selling ironic tees that referenced the Saint Laurent brand («It ain’t Saint Laurent without Yves») when Hedi Slimane was at the helmet of design. After this incident, the label pulled its merchandise indefinitely from the store. Now, the wind freshened and Saint Laurent’s recent creative director Anthony Vaccarello has dreamed up a series of highly collectible collaborative items to celebrate the traditions and iconic memories of Parisian daily life for the pop-up shop. Rumors are out that this might be a test-run as Saint Laurent might be taking over the Colette space for its own store in 2018.

Vespa for Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, 6,900 euros ($8,100), available at Colette

My favorite? The all-black Vespa, the most common and stylish way to get around crowded Paris.

Ruby for Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello helmet, 2,500 euros ($2,900), available at Colette

And to go with it, you will need the glossy black and fully crystal-embellished motorcycle helmet made with Ruby.

Polaroid for Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello custom vintage SX-70 camera, 500 euros ($587), available at Colette

Among the must-have pieces you will find something for every budget, from a customized vintage Polaroid SX-70 camera, a leopard-print Arkaic Concept skateboard, to a box of Pierre Marcolini custom chocolates and many more…

Arkaic Concept for Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello leopard skate deck, 195 euros ($229), available at Colette

Pierre Marcolini for Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello “Les Cœurs de Saint Laurent Dorés” chocolates, 49 euros ($57), available at Colette

Should none of that get your attention, check out those pieces below…

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello fetish toy, from 250 to 395 euros ($294 to $463), available at Colette

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello set of stickers, 25 euros ($29), available at Colette

Yves Saint Laurent Beauté makeup palette, 150 euros ($176), available at Colette

Saint Laurent’s Colette pop-up will be open from November 27 to December 20 at 213 Rue St.-Honoré in Paris.

LoL, Sandra

B&O PLAY by Bang & Olufsen for Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello portable speaker, 295 euros ($346), available at Colette

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello 2018 calendar, 195 euros ($229), available at Colette

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Patti Smith sweatshirt, 690 euros ($808), available at Colette

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello bag, 1,150 euros ($1,348), available at Colette

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello lighter, 5 euros ($6), available at Colette

Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Bryan Ferry tee, 320 euros ($375), available at Colette

Photos: Courtesy of Saint Laurent

Zurich is my happy place. I truly enjoy living in the Swiss city that offers so much quality of life. The lake is beautiful and I love those fall days when you can still sit outside and enjoy a moment of silence in the middle of the city.

My look: Manray leather-trimmed shearling jacket by Altuzarra, cream white cashmere sweater with bee embroidery and «Tribale» earrings, both by Dior, printed denim shirt by Saint Laurent, printed low-rise skinny jeans by Givenchy, rose diamond ring by Piaget,
 quilted single flap bag «Stars and Stripes» in blue by Chanel (Paris – Dallas collection), boots with GG print and cream white leather by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On the streets of Milan on my way to a business meeting…

My look: Perfecto leather biker jacket, Betty chain red leather shoulder bag, and star-appliquéd leather ankle boots, all by Saint Laurent, floral print lace dress by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, rose diamond necklace, ring and Limelight Gala watch, all by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On Saturday, I attended the Kispiball 2017 (Kispi is an abbreviation for Kinderspital which means children’s hospital in German) that takes place each year at the Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich. It is one of my favorite charity events of the Swiss social calendar that raises money for the city’s children’s hospital. This year, I went for a romantic look with a vintage floral print.

My look: Ruched floral-print stretch-silk maxi dress by Alessandra Rich, Bianca metallic elaphe sandals by Saint Laurent, ice cube bag by Chanel, rose diamond ring by Piaget, plexiglass crystal and glass pearl necklace and crystal embellished butterfly earrings, both by Miu Miu.

LoL, Sandra

Photos of me at the gala: © David Biedert Photography
All other pictures: © Sandra Bauknecht

On Tuesday at the premiere of «Fack Ju Goethe 3» in Zurich, German actress Jella Haase caught my eye in this stunning outfit. First of all, I love velvet in burgundy but paired with a touch of it looks so chic and modern. Two thumbs up for her stylist!

Get her look: Long-sleeved velvet dress by Saint Laurent, Besa leather shoulder bag by Roksanda and Gianvito 105 velvet pumps by Gianvito Rossi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Jella Haase’s Instagram @jella_h

Ballet goes fashion – the dancer trend is officially in full swing. Many designers have drawn inspiration from the aesthetics of graceful ballerinas. Since sporting a tulle skirt and a jumpsuit around the city might not feel like the most natural thing in the world, it is still absolutely up-to-date. And at least you can bring designer fashion to your next ballet class.

My look: Jersey jumpsuit by Valentino, Saffiano double handle mini satchel by Prada, lace-up leather ballet flats by Miu Miu, tiara and tulle mini skirt, both by Saint Laurent, cuff by Chanel and Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht