Salvatore Ferragamo has just launched a brand new fragrance SIGNORINA ELEGANZA that I know you are going to love. Elegance has always been a defining element for which the Florentine brand is famous worldwide. In tribute to this sophistication, the new luxurious fragrance celebrates feminine grace and seduction. At the end of this post, you have the chance to win a bottle… and to shop Salvatore Ferragamo online, please click HERE.

CHYPRE FLORIENTAL

Top notes: Pear and Grapefruit
Middle notes: Almond and Osmanthus
Base notes: White Leather and Patchouli

Available now as Eau de Parfum 30ml (CHF 75.00), 50ml (CHF 105.00) and 100ml (CHF 135.00), Shower Gel 200ml (CHF 43.00) and Body Lotion 200ml (CHF 51.00).

Anja Rubik is the face of the beautiful campaign shot by Mario Testino. The artistic and cinematographic behind the scenes images truly reflect the essence of Signorina Eleganza.

Great news is that three of my lovely Swiss readers get the chance to win a 50ml bottle of the new Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina Eleganza Eau de Parfum. To participate in the contest, please send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Signorina Eleganza” to . All entries must be received until March 3, 2014. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. The winner has to have a Swiss address.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo

Here is your ultimate S/S 2014 runway trend guide. This season, there is fashion for every personality. It’s about tribal details, the power of pleats and the beauty of flowers, whether they’re luxurious embroideries or bold statement prints. Take cues from your favorite gallery and wear something artful. Don’t forget to add something shiny and to work on your waistline to sport the new must-have cropped tops. Sportswear has made its way into our daily wardrobe and bermudas should be worn layered with a skirt or dress.

I hope that this little summary will inspire you to look for the right new season pieces that will instantly update a look. Enjoy your new task!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2014 TREND 1: TRIBAL
Akris –  Givenchy – Donna Karan

S/S 2014 TREND 2: WEARABLE ART
Prada –  Chanel – Céline

S/S 2014 TREND 3: BERMUDAS
Chloé –  Alexander McQueen – DKNY

S/S 2014 TREND 4: CROPPED TOPS
Balenciaga –  Louis Vuitton – Salvatore Ferragamo

S/S 2014 TREND 5: SPORTSWEAR
DKNY –  Gucci – Marc by Marc Jacobs

S/S 2014 TREND 6: LACE
Valentino –  Stella McCartney – Nina Ricci

S/S 2014 TREND 7: SHIMMER & SHINE
Lanvin –  Versace – Etro

S/S 2014 TREND 8: PLEATS PLEASE
Dries Van Noten –  Proenza Schouler – Victoria Beckham

S/S 2014 TREND 9: PASTEL
Miu Miu –  Burberry Prorsum – Christian Dior

S/S 2014 TREND 10: SUMMER BLACK
Bottega Veneta –  Saint Laurent – Dolce & Gabbana

S/S 2014 TREND 11: FLOWER POWER
Giambattista Valli –  Mary Katrantzou – Christopher Kane

S/S 2014 TREND 12: BOLD NIGHT
Emilio Pucci –  Alberta Ferretti – Ralph Lauren Collection

Photos: Via style.com

Aren’t we all driven by something? For the opening night of the Zurich Film Festival, I was driven by this Saint Laurent S/S 2013 runway look. I love the sweeping asymmetric hem of this stretch-crepe gown that is balanced by padded shoulders and a voluminous pussy-bow tie.

My look: Sequin-embellished stretch-crepe gown, wide-brimmed rabbit and cotton-blend felt fedora, pointed leather Mary-Jane pumps, all by Saint Laurent, ‘My Own Code’ clutch by Valentino, Limelight Gala watch and diamond rose ring by Piaget.

By the way, I can only recommend the movie RUSH, that was shown at the opening night of the Zurich Film Festival. Directed by Academy Award winning Ron Howard, the film is set in the epic 1976 racing season and narrating the legendary rivalry between Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) and James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth).

The movie offers a lot emotional scenes and ladies, believe me, you will die watching Chris Hemsworth. He is so good-looking and captivating with those divine eyes.

Massimiliano Giornetti, Creative Director of Salvatore Ferragamo, designed the costumes worn by Daniel Brühl and Alexandra Maria Lara, who is playing on-screen the champion’s wife, Marlene. Gucci‘s Creative Director Frida Giannini has dipped into the archives to dress the opponents Chris Hemsworth and Olivia Wilde. Another good reason to watch the movie…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Zuza Speckert and courtesy of Ferragamo and Gucci.

Salvatore Ferragamo‘s S/S 2013 collection is super luxe with some beautiful pieces in must-have pastel colors. Celebrate yourself with a look that will make heads turn: Turquoise linen blazer, apricot silk dress and leather Sookie tote, all by Salvatore Ferragamo and Dolly suede platform pumps by Charlotte Olympia.

The house of Salvatore Ferragamo knows how to make fashion desirable and the same goes for their fragrances. Be a different Signorina every day with the new joyful SIGNORINA Eau de Toilette.

FLORAL FRUITY
Top notes: Grapefruit and litchi
Heart notes: Rose oil and rice steam
Base notes: Milk mousse and cashmeran
Eau de Toilette CHF 59.00 (30ml), CHF 89.00 (50ml) and CHF 119.00 (100ml)

Great news for my Swiss readers: Five lucky readers have the chance to win a 30ml bottle of SIGNORINA Eau de Toilette by Salvatore Ferragamo. Send me an e-mail with your postal address and the header “Signorina” to .

All entries must be received until April 26, 2013. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules. The winner has to have a Swiss address.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo and Charlotte Olympia

During the last weeks, I have tried many many new scents for men. Here is my list of the ones we would like to smell on our men this summer. The ones I can truly recommend.

DIOR HOMME COLOGNE
Citrus Aromatic

This new version is absolutely wonderful, my personal favourite. Modern, fresh and warm in one, another hit created by François Demachy.

Top notes: Calabrian bergamot
Middle notes: Grapefruit
Base notes: Musk

Available now for CHF 104.50 (75ml) and CHF 143.00 (125ml).

LE BEAU MALE by Jean Paul Gaultier
Aromatic Fougère

Eighteen years ago, “Le Male” irreversibly shook up the world of perfume by introducing an unprecedented masculine archetype: the sensual sailor with a soft heart. Today, this object of desire is the leader of a new olfactory generation. The freshness in the new fragrance is as powerful as it is addictive.

Top notes: Mint and mugwort
Middle notes: Lavender, sage and orange blossom
Base notes: Musk

Available now for CHF 81.00 (75ml) and CHF 112.00 (125ml).

VERSACE EROS
Aromatic Fougère

Love, passion, beauty and desire: these are the key concepts of this new men’s fragrance. Named after the Greek god of love and son of goddess Aphrodite – Eros, it celebrates the perfection of the male body. For the passionate man, who is the master of himself! For all heroes among you…

Top notes: Mint oil, lemon and green apple
Middle notes: Ambroxan, tonka bean and geranium flower
Base notes: Vanilla, vetiver, oakmoss and cedarwood

Available now for CHF 90.00 (50ml) and CHF 121.00 (100ml).

BVLGARI MAN EXTREME
Woody Aromatic

Bulgari unveils a new expression of masculine charisma, a fragrance that melds an intense Mediterranean freshness and a modern woodiness, evoking Rome’s vitality and strength.

Top notes: Calabrian bergamot, pink grapefruit and cactus juice
Middle notes: Cardamom, amber and freesia
Base notes: Woody notes, vetiver and benzoin

Available now for CHF 112 (100ml) and CHF 84 (60ml).

ACQUA ESSENZIALE by Salvatore Ferragamo
Aromatic Fougère

The nose behind this fragrance is Alberto Morillas. The famous perfumer was inspired by water as the most essential natural element. A signature scent that celebrates a man’s real essence. Perfect for summer!

Top notes: Grapefruit, mint, mandarin and lemon tree leaf
Middle notes: Geranium, cascalone, rosemary and lavender
Base notes: Patchouli, musk, cistus and vetiver

Available now for CHF 59.00 (30ml), CHF 79.00 (50ml) and CHF 109.00 (100ml).

ETERNITY MEN SUMMER by Calvin Klein
Woody Acquatic Fougère

This beautiful limited edition for 2013 reminds you of the romantic sound of the waves and the summery smell of the sea.

Top notes: Tarragon, bergamot and orange blossom
Middle notes: Seaweed, cedar oil, violet, mimosa and lavender oil
Base notes: Patchouli, amber, driftwood, musk and cashmere

Available now for CHF 101.00 (100ml).

GUCCI GUILTY BLACK pour Homme
Aromatic Fougère

This scent is one vision of the modern man: Seductive, courageous and witty, for all of you who desire a new sensual experience.

Top notes: Lavender and coriander
Middle notes: Green notes, neroli and orange blossom
Base notes: Cedar and patchouli

Available now for CHF 78.00 (30ml), CHF 100.00 (50ml) and CHF 126.00 (90ml).

1 MILLION INTENSE by Paco Rabanne
Woody Spicy

The original 1 Million fragrance was launched in 2008. This year, a new intensified, deeper version is hitting the market, an embodiment of extravagance, a wonderful spicy oriental composition.

Top notes: Cardamom, blood mandarin, saffron and black pepper
Middle notes: Cinnamon, neroli and rose
Base notes: Orris root, sandalwood, leather and patchouli

Available now for CHF 87.00 (50ml) and CHF 121.00 (100ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of the brands

Believe it or not: The good old argyle sweater, loved by golf-playing grandfathers around the globe, has been revisited this fall by many designers. The iconic diamond-pattern has been given a bold update for the new season with side splits as seen at Stella McCartney or by layering this statement style over knee-length shorts and sheath boots for a sleek, contemporary look, as spotted at Givenchy. Whatever your style, this fashion classic is a perfect addition to your closet. Your stylish hole in one!

Shop some of the best ones available here:

1 Argyle-intarsia wool and cashmere-blend sweater by Stella McCartney
2 Diamond-intarsia wool turtleneck sweater by Stella McCartney
3 Blue wool blended V-neck sweater with argyle front by Dsquared2
4 Plum python and suede trim sweater by Salvatore Ferragamo
5 Classic argyle-intarsia wool sweater by United Colors of Benetton
6 Modern argyle knit cashmere-silk cardigan by Pringle of Scotland

LoL, Sandra

It was an Underwater World at many of the S/S 2012 shows. Many of the designers took inspiration from the deep blue and created one of the most important fashion trends for the summer season.

I have outlined the most anticipated collections and pieces for you below, enjoy!

Karl Lagerfeld took the underwater trend to a complete new level with his S/S 2012 collection for Chanel. The scenery of his runway show looked like a stage setting for Ariel’s World. Some of the fabrics shimmered like fish scales.

As usual at Chanel, the accessories played a big role, such as beautiful shell clutches (unfortunately extremely expensive) and wonderfully designed coral-shape heels plus sea world inspired fashion jewlery.

Mary Katrantzou showcased a stellar take on the trend from under the sea with her scene-stealing prints, as seen on the Fishtank dress. Swarming with tropical fish and colorful coral reefs, this punchy piece is a fabulous way to play out your fashion fantasies.

The Versace S/S 2012 collection was all about starfish and seashell embellishments and studded seahorse shapes. The look was a mixture of sweet pastels, ladylike elegance  and studded biker pieces. Those glittering sea goddess gowns will surely be seen on the red carpet.

A great low-budget way to get started on the look is this fun statement starfish gold-tone ring by Versace.

Gigantic shark tooth necklaces were seen on the Givenchy S/S 2012 runway as well as many jellyfish inspired jackets and dresses. One of my favourite collections of the summer season.

You can shop a large selection of Givenchy at Matches and Farfetch.

There are many wonderfully designed blue coloured pieces in stores now that really represent the fairytale world of the deep blue. Stella McCartney drew inspiration from the sea waves for her S/S 2012 collection.

Here are some of best pieces to buy for the upcoming summer (from top left to bottom right):

Candy printed acrylic clutch by Jimmy Choo
Printed scuba-style top by McQ Alexander McQueen
Joan silk crepe-de-chine and lace dress by Stella McCartney
Printed silk kimono maxi dress by Issa
Paillette-embellished silk-georgette dress by Roberto Cavalli
Fish-charm corseted strappy sandals by Tabitha Simmons

LoL, Sandra

Céline built their collection around the white turtleneck as their key piece for F/W 2011. And the French fashion house wasn’t alone. The mostly close-fitting version of the versatile classic was seen on many runways, for both men and women. The very `60s inspired look is clean and crisp, providing you with the perfect minimalistic base to layer on (another trend for F/W 2011) and it will give you the possibilty to wear it for fall with a summer dress that you are not willing to put away yet.

LoL, Sandra

For summer many designers focused on the midi length. As mid calf is for most women a critical point (you really have to be very tall and ultra-skinny), it seems all natural that the maxi length was spotted on many runways, too. Having a bohemian,`70s inspired feel, the creations were to die for!

Flowing maxi gowns ripple and float around the body, revealing as much as they conceal. Billowing slash-front skirts show off legs from top to toe, no tights allowed. This is sex appeal to the max!

LoL, Sandra

Aside from the fringe that is coming back in full force (stay tuned for a complete trend report), crochet and macrame were big on the S/S 2011 runways. High-fashion designers were focusing on the delicate and intricate look with a certain `70s allure and even included the accessories.

Absolutely gorgeous is Stella McCartney’s “Falabella” crocheted tote from the Resort 2011 collection. This ultra-soft bag with its retro-inspired spin is the perfect summer carry-all, providing you with space and style!

I bought this treasured It-piece reminiscent of an Ibiza holiday gone glam at Salvatore Schito in Zurich who sell a large variety of Stella McCartney pieces. For further information please click here.

LoL, Sandra