Sandra‘s Closet

After a seemingly endless summer, we can finally jump into the new fashion season. This fall brings with it a batch of fresh ideas. Mix vibrant colors and comfy and chic materials to think ahead of the style tribe! Make it your own recipe – you are the chef…

My look: Fringed wool-blend jacquard cardigan by Etro, lace panelled dress by Valentino, Cahier raffia crossbody bag by Prada, Betty bow-embellished suede platform sandals by Saint Laurent, Impatiens clip-on earrings by Oscar de la Renta, Mitza ring by Dior Haute Jewellery and Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Do what you love and do it often! I love blogging and do it daily. I love travelling and try to see the world as much as I can. I love fashion and enjoy showing you my favourite looks. Life is good, when you do things you are passionate about.

My look: Guipure lace top and matching Guipure lace flared pants, both by Anna Sui, grosgrain-trimmed straw hat by Gucci, leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent, cartoon print scarf with red mink and Cahier raffia crossbody bag, both by Prada, jeweled clip on butterfly metal sunglasses by Valentino, Possession 18-karat rose gold diamond ring and Possession 18-karat rose gold ring, both by Piaget, gold- and silver-tone bangle set by Fendi and cream white bangle set by Chanel, and Tonda 1950 Galaxy watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Nobody does floral femininity better than Dolce & Gabbana. My closet has been blooming with wildflowers since many seasons thanks to the Italian designer duo. Beautiful prints which evoke the sights and smells of the countryside in spring on elongated silhouettes keep up with the needs of us modern women. You are immediately in a good mood.

My look: Printed floral maxi dress and gold-plated Swarovski crystal clip earrings, both by Dolce & Gabbana, Sac Du Jour leather tote by Saint Laurent, Rockstud leather sandals by Valentino, Lady Excalibur rose gold watch by Roger Dubuis and «Mitza» ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

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

For F/W 2018, it is one of my favorite trends: the comeback of the cape, so versatile and easy to put over even the biggest sleeves (click here for my look in the picture).

While being in London with my dear girlfriends, we had a heated discussion about finding the perfect black cape that is not overloaded with embellishments and I promised I would make a great selection which I am happily sharing with you today. Thank you, ladies, for your inspiration!

Here are the best pieces available at the moment (I also looked for the best deals…):

My favorite with its sophisticated black on black embroidery:
Baroque embroidered cape by Versace 

Classy and beautiful:
Mid-length cape with tassel detail by Lanvin

A great and unusual cut:
Asymmetric cape coat by Givenchy (30% off)

Like a queen:
Embellished cape coat by Versace

The subtle embellished piece:
Serena bead-embellished wool-blend cape by Altuzarra (50% off)

Military inspiration:
Embroidered cape by RED Valentino (30% 0ff)

Always stylish – the cropped version:
Cashmere cape by Chloé (50% off)
(Also available at Net-à-Porter but there it is not marked down yet.)

Love this one – too cute:
Studded scalloped wool and cashmere-blend cape by Valentino

Also available in a long version:
Wool and cashmere cape by Valentino

For the ultimate WOW-effect:
Cape-style blazer by Saint Laurent

The evening piece:
Satin-trimmed velvet cape by Saint Laurent

I hope that you have enjoyed this selection. Happy Friday to everyone!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © David Biedert Photography

Back from the amazing ASW Summer Weekend in St. Tropez, I am filled with many lovely memories that I will soon share with you. For the first evening, I wore this beautiful gown by my friend, Ukrainian-born, London-based designer Natasha Zinko who is one of the most talented designers I know. Her creations are beautiful, architecturally crafted pieces that play with proportions and cuts. Unexpected and different, exactly what I love!

My look: Point d’esprit strapless maxi dress by Natasha Zinko, Dioressence heels in dark blue cracked leather by Dior, bracelet by Anselm Reyle for Dior, My Own Code clutch by Valentino, Minimal Baroque sunglasses by Prada, silver-plated, Swarovski crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Miu Miu, and laser-cut leather waist belt by Alaïa.

LoL, Sandra

With ASW Chairman Patrick Liotard-Vogt.
Photos: © David Biedert Photography

When the whole ’90s-revival thing picked up steam most recently, I didn’t think twice about whipping out my overalls, and buying some body-hugging bodies. By the way, I am not talking about other human beings, I am talking about those tops that snap together at the crotch that were hugely popular in the ’90s and that made you look more like a Soviet gymnast than a fashionista at that time. This S/S 2018 season, I’ll admit that the return of this trend can look really amazing as the designers have come up with some fabulous pieces.

Anyway, brace yourself for a fashionable trip down the memory lane. You will love it, I promise!

1 Sage one-shoulder cutout metallic stretch-jersey bodysuit by Isabel Marant
2 Lace-trimmed square-neck bodysuit by Valentino
3 Denim-knit bodysuit by Stella McCartney
4 Logo-print scoop-neck body by Balmain
5 Sequined knitted bodysuit by Michael Kors
6 Jersey bodysuit by Roberto Cavalli
7 Knotted faux leather and stretch-jersey bodysuit by Stella McCartney

Stretch-knit bodysuit by Alaïa

Mesh and stretch-jersey bodysuit by Balmain

Ruffled silk-blend chiffon bodysuit by Johanna Ortiz

Mesh-paneled printed jersey bodysuit by Versace

Happy Sunday!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

The belt bag is back, and modern iterations are so much cooler than its practical predecessors. I personally love Valentino‘s bold green leather ‘Rockstud’ version that  is covered in the label’s white pyramid studs and matching stitching (see below). Take your cue from different styling possibilities by wearing it slung over one shoulder.

LoL, Sandra

The Rockstud quilted leather belt bag by Valentino

Souvenir embellished leather-trimmed jacquard belt bag by Balenciaga

Pixie mini suede and textured-leather belt bag by Chloé

Anna leather belt bag by Wandler

Noomi color-block shell belt bag by Isabel Marant

Matelassé leather belt bag by Miu Miu

Printed leather belt bag by Gucci

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Spring is around the corner, my favorite season. Time to wake up your outer beauty and to get ready to party. Green is the color of nature and health representing growth and nature. It is said to have healing powers – so get ready for the blooming season… with those tips:

WAKE UP YOUR SENSES

Champagne Grand Brut Edition Miami by Perrier-Jouët
Nothing beats a glass of bubbly – it always puts me in a good mood. I am very proud to announce that I am one of the ten founding members of the Artistic Society by Perrier-Jouët. Soon, I can tell you more about this secret club!
CHF 55.00 (75cl)

WAKE UP YOUR SKIN

Energie De Vie Exfoliating Mask by Lancôme
«Energie de Vie» means vitality in English. This is exactly what our skin needs after the cold winter months. Reduce the appearance of pores and reveal softer, healthy-looking skin with this exfoliating mask. I use it daily as a cure.
CHF 85.00 (75ml)

EGF Serum by Bioeffect
This amazing serum restores your skin’s natural glow and youthful appearance. It contains EGF, a cellular activator natural to human skin, which stimulates the skin’s ability to renew itself. My personal must in the spring season. To be used in the evening. You just need 2-4 drops, great for traveling.
CHF 198.00 (15ml)

Super Acid X-Treme Hangover Mask by Rodial
A triple action rub off clay mask to deeply cleanse, exfoliate and restore a radiant looking complexion. Use it once a week for best results in addition to the daily mask.
CHF 69.00 (75ml)

Pro Spa Skincare Hand & Feet Intensive Callus Smoothing Balm by OPI
Last year, OPI launched the first & only professional salon skincare line that brings the quality & efficiency of facial skincare to premium products developed specifically for hands & feet. And here is one of my personal favorites that I use every night. This softening foot and heel treatment balm helps restore dry, callused soles to relieve severe dryness that you get during the cold winter months. For perfect spring feet!
CHF 35.90 (118ml)

WAKE UP YOUR NOSE – THE  MOST BEAUTIFUL SCENTS FOR SPRING

Elements of Man Strength by Ermenegildo Zegna
Such a yummy fragrance for men that gets spring fever for sure. It fuses the tenacity of tobacco leaves with rich gourmand notes. Drips of golden honey and ripe apricot highlight the intensity of agar wood. Deep smoke penetrates the intricate chainmaille of woven pine needles, encasing a core of burnt musk.
CHF 250.00 (50ml)

Valentino Donna Rosa Verde by Valentino
A new fresh scent that is lovely for the first spring days. A radiant composition that combines green rose, mate tea, bergamot, ginger and magnolia. Contemporary and sophisticated.
CHF 174.00 (125ml) – available in Switzerland from April 2, 2018

Aura by Mugler
The latest fragrance launch by Mugler (not Thierry Mugler anymore) Aura might become another iconic fragrance of the brand. After the first spritz, it has really got me by being different, unexpected. Something I would love to wear on a spring evening. By reinventing the Oriental Green family, Mugler has signed  a new olfactory experience for the brand. The mix of ingredients is unheard of: rhubarb leaf, orange flower (new distillation process), vanilla pod bourbon and Firmenich Wolfwood® (Firmenich exclusive).
CHF 109.00 (50ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The S/S 2018 runway of Marc Jacobs was full of turbans (see above right). When I spotted Adwoa Aboah wearing one of those fabulous pieces together with a Marc Jacobs dress and diamond earrings by Indian jewellers Bhagat, I knew this will be trending more than ever.

CREDIT: STEVEN MEISEL/ VOGUE

Photographed by Steven Meisel and styled by Edward Enninful for his first VOGUE UK cover, the model shows the new era of glamour, as easy as it sounds turbans feel right again.

Most stylish and timeless women sporting turbans:
Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Lana Turner, Sophia Loren and Bianca Jagger.

Embracing the sophistication associated with Hollywood glamour of the 1920s and ’30s, when women like Greta Garbo, Gloria Swanson and Joan Crawford wore them, followed by Lana Turner in the ’40s to Sophia Loren in the ’60s to Bianca Jagger in the ’70s at the London Palladium, turbans breathe the ultimate glamour. They are a fashion piece. But wearing it demands confidence – you have to believe in your look.

Here is a selection of fabulous turbans available at the moment (just click on the highlighted text to be transfered directly to the online shop). Plump for Gucci’s disco-fabulous red leather drapery if you dare, or adopt Missoni’s insta-ready zig-zag outfit enhancer. They will all steal the show:

1 Ribbed wool turban by Fendi
2 Rosette silk turban by Jennifer Behr
3 Spot-print stretch turban by Adriana Degreas
4 Twisted-front leather turban by Gucci
5 Printed silk turban by Valentino
6 Printed silk-twill turban by Valentino
7 Striped fan turban by Norma Kamali
8 Metallic crochet-knit turban by Missoni
9 Printed silk turban by Gucci

Happy Weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via The Red List, © STEVEN MEISEL/Vogue, Courtesy of the Brands; Vogue.com