Sandra‘s Closet

Guess who didn’t bring flats or socks, but managed to pack the peep-toes? This has probably lost you a few friends in past days. But those times are over.

For fall, we’re going up — to the mountain that is. Hiking boots are one of the biggest footwear trends of the season and they’re giving traditional western, motorcycle and knee-high boots some competition.

Flashtrek leather high-top trainers by Gucci

The boots have certainly gained traction in the past few months. There’s Gucci’s Flashtreck sneaker  which is flying off the shelves and there’s Off-White’s collaboration with Timberland, which spawns a pair of gorgeously stompy velvet boots, a unique take on the classic footwear staple.

Velvet Timberland boots by Off-White

How to style them: Fashionistas all over the globe don’t save them for days with severe weather warnings only. They wear them year-round with everything from jeans and corduroys to silk dresses.

Here are some more of my favorite «Duke of Edinburgh–worthy hiking boots» available at the moment:

Black heart desert platform boots by Louis Vuitton

Two-tone textured-leather and suede ankle boots by Proenza Schouler

Mad 70 spiked quilted leather ankle boots by Christian Louboutin

Edna shearling-lined leather and suede ankle boots by Ganni

Leather-trimmed suede ankle boots by See by Chloé

Rockstud leather hiking boots by Valentino

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and Getty

Even pacifists can get behind that military vibe. This fall, leather boots come with a combat-style lace-up front for a tough-girl aesthetic. A great combination with a floral dress.

Cosmo faux pearl-embellished leather knee boots by Altuzarra

Rockstud leather boots by Valentino

Leather and suede knee-high boots by See by Chloé

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Sonia Rykiel – Proenza Schouler – Edun

Do you have OTS? No worries, it’s not a disease, OTS stands for off-the-shoulder. Those necklines are a must this S/S 2016 season and one of my favorite silhouettes. OTS tops with exaggerated sleeves amplify simple outfits while giving unique looks to them. This summer, they can be found everywhere, here are some of the best ones available now:

1 Maylin crinkled silk-georgette top by Elizabeth and James
2 Cutout silk-satin top by Tibi
3 Off-the-shoulder printed fil coupé top by See by Chloé
4 Off-the-shoulder striped cotton-poplin top by J.W.Anderson
5 Cropped velvet-trimmed crepe and basketweave top by Proenza Schouler

A great piece to create a different evening look: off-the-shoulder cropped silk-moire top by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Dear readers, great news, here is an early Christmas gift. NET-A-PORTER.COM‘s international sale starts today and I pre-selected some fab pieces that are marked off 50%!

Get the look: Embellished belted wool-crepe coat by Carven, jacquard-knit mini dress by Alexander McQueen, Daisie leather shoulder bag by See by Chloé, suede and ostrich thigh boots by Emilio Pucci and rose gold-plated cuff by Arme de L’Amour.

Have fun shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Layering is a great way to cope with the transition from summer to fall. Cardigans are great layering pieces because they add warmth when needed and they work well over dark or neutral summer dresses.

My look: Bi-colour fur vest by Louis Vuitton (available this season in a slightly different colour combination), printed dress and argyle belted cardigan, both by See by Chloé, fur bag by Céline, lace up ankle boots by Chloé, cuff by Stella McCartney, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis and Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joiallerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

To all my Irish readers, Happy St. Patrick’s Day 2012!

When I lived in Chicago, one of my favourite days during the year was the 17th of March when the Chicago River was dyed green for this special occasion (see tiny photo to the left). It is a 50-year tradition in the American city where many Irish are living.

Did you know? It’s said that blue was originally the colour associated with the holiday but over time green took over in popularity due to Ireland’s nickname as “The Emerald Isle”, the green in the Irish flag and the clover that St. Patrick used in his teachings about Catholicism.
Thank God, it was changed to green as blue would have been such an ordinary colour for the Chicago river.

During my last trip to Ireland, it was raining pretty much all the time. This inspired me to style this fashionable outfit for the more humid days:

Star-print rain coat by Miu Miu, cable-knit cashmere sweater by Ralph Lauren Black Label, high-waisted cotton-canvas skirt by See by Chloé, 1970 small leather shoulder bag by Gucci and Wellington boots by Hunter.

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday, I went on a nice walk around town to clear my head a little. Only fresh air and nothing else on my skin feels sometimes really good.

My casual look: Fur vest and studded biker boots, both by Miu Miu, argyle belted cardigan by See by Chloé, white cotton-jersey top by Rick Owens, Misfit mid-rise skinny jeans by Goldsign, Galaxy medium shoulder bag by Gucci, fur stole by Michael Kors (50% off) and ear muffs by UGG Australia.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday outside at the Ermanno Scervino S/S 2012 show, I spotted Marcella, a Stockholm based editor, in such a cute outfit that I had to share it with you.

Marcella’s look: Linen shirt by Uniqlo, sandals by See by Chloé, sunglasses by H&M, clutch by Jil Sander and watch by Marc Jacobs. The colourful mini skirt is a souvenir from Africa.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I love the colour combination of ink blue and teal with grey. Those shades just belong together. The outfit above proves my theory perfectly:
The gorgeous grey dress by 3.1 Phillip Lim (€305.-) and ink-blue belted long-length blazer by Elizabeth & James (€430.-) look stunning combined with teal accessories like the velvet ankle boots by Maison Martin Margiela (£455.-) and the cross-body bag by See by Chloé (€305.-).
For daily glamour add a statement necklace like the crystal-embellished one by 3.1. Phillip Lim (€590.-) and a cool leather bracelet by Chan Luu (€175.-).

Indigo eyeshadow by Givenchy (one of my favourites) and the OPI “Ski teal we drop” nail polish will top off your outfit amazingly!

Feeling blue can be fun!

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