Zurich weather can be so unpredictable. I left the house to attend a spring brunch in full sunshine and when we took the photos of my look in the afternoon, the clouds were grey and it started raining. Such a pity!

My look: Cropped cardigan by Azzedine Alaïa, pink neoprene dress by Tibi, yellow, magenta, powder pink leather Rockstud tote and matching pink Rockstud heels, both by Valentino, Olivia patent-leather belt by Moschino, Lady Excalibur watch in rose gold with diamonds by Roger Dubuis, Tiffany T bracelet by Tiffany & Co., bangles by Chanel and rose gold bracelet with heart charm by Chopard. Diorette ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

When I saw today’s pictures of the Valentino F/W 2015 show, I was really sad that I had to skip Paris Fashion Week due to other events. What an amazing finale at Valentino! Zoolander’s Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson took over the runway in a headline-grabbing stunt to announce the decision to make ‘Zoolander 2‘ which will open in theaters in the U.S. on February 12, 2016.

The two Hollywood stars reprised their roles as male models Derek Zoolander and Hansel, immortalized in the hugely popular 2001 movie. And I have to say, they did a great job for this real-life runway walk-off.

The Valentino F/W 2015 was also stunning, rich fabrics, amazing craftsmanship, big drama – it included everything we love about the Maison. But again, the finale topped off everything!

TO SHOP VALENTINO, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © 2015 Getty Images, Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images For Paramount Pictures, AP Photo/Christophe Ena, Kevin Tachman

Every year, I am curious which shade will be announced by global color authority Pantone as the official color of the year. For 2015, it is a soothing and comforting tone, which could be an inspiration for a balanced and more fulfilling life: MARSALA. Much like the fortified wine that gives it its name, this tasteful hue with its grounding red-brown roots embodies a satisfying richness and a sophisticated, natural earthiness.

A hearty yet stylish tone, the impactful, full-bodied qualities of Marsala make for an elegant, grounded statement color when used on its own or as a strong accent to many other colors. I like it extremely in combination with mint green. It’s time to fill your wardrobe with the new It-shade!

Leather bustier by Kiki de Montparnasse

Fringed suede trench coat by Valentino

Textured-leather travel wallet by Smythson

Marsala, a slightly muted wine shade. It’s much deeper and more winter-friendly than last year’s bright, showy purple, Radiant Orchid, which means it’s kind of perfect to start wearing right now. If you’re into it, here are a some great beauty products in the hue:

Marsala for Nails: Chanel‘s Le Vernis in “639 Exception“, CHF 35.00

Baume De Rose Nutri-Couleur – Bloom Berry by By Terry

Baby Doll Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks in 11 Prune Impertinente by Yves Saint Laurent

5-Colour Eyeshadow in 876 Trafalgar by Christian Dior

This post is available in German and French on the Marionnaud blog. Check it out – there are more interesting products available.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Pantone, Etsy, Valspar Reserve, pica4u.ru – Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

Somewhere over the rainbow, there is my Valentine and it’s a Valentino! Just when I thought the Rockstud collection couldn’t get any more fabulous, I spotted those rainbow stripes that are absolutely divine. It’s amazing how even after several years, the Valentino Rockstud is still going strong and gets better and better each season. Here is my wish list on Valentine’s Day (in case anybody wants to gift me, I love number 6)!

1 The Rockstud printed leather clutch
2 The Rockstud printed leather shoulder bag
3 Printed leather and Plexiglas® sandals
4 1973 Rockstud printed leather point-toe flats
5 Nubuck, straw and canvas wedge sandals
6 Va Va Voom printed leather shoulder bag

7 Plexiglas® cuff

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of Valentino

Don’t we all love to play around with fashion jewelry? This summer, it’s a tough job to choose which pieces you will be getting: from Chanel’s slogan bracelets and Valentino’s ring stack; to Fendi’s feather watch and Saint Laurent’s dainty hearts, they are all just fabulous. Enjoy my edit of the new must-have jewelry pieces of which some are already available in stores. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

The heart charm by Saint Laurent

Make love no war – the dainty necklace makes its comeback! Saint Laurent is one of the hottest tickets of the season – and so is this jewelry must!

The dreamcatcher necklace by Etro

A ’70s inspiration with folky fabrics blend with talisman jewelry, something fashionistas around the globe will want this summer.

The choker necklace by Balmain

It’s not the first time, Balmain has sent chokers down the runway, but this summer they are extremely outstanding, playing with email, transparency and architectural lines.
Pre-order the enameled choker by Balmain here.

Layered gold chains by Moschino

Cheesy and tacky, the Moschino girl pays tribute to the plastic superstar Barbie, and Jeremy Scott vamps us up with a multitude of gold chains.
Pre-order some statement gold chains by Moschino here.

Multiple earrings by Dior

Back to the ’80s when multiple earrings were all the rage! Dior combines long hair tucked back behind the ears with many  piercings – a look that is to become cult again.

Disc hoop earrings by Louis Vuitton

Inspired by the flair of the ’70s, Camille Miceli created retro hoop disc earrings for the French Maison that will complement the hippie luxe trend perfectly.

The safety-pin earrings by Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani celebrates the luxurious punk and sends stylized safety-pin pendants down the runway along with his iconic silk ensembles.

The cross earrings by Dolce & Gabbana

The designer duo took advantage of summer’s inherent punk rock potential and brought the cross earring to La Dolce Vita.
Shop Dolce & Gabbana’s cross earrings here.

Slogan bangles by Chanel

Inspired by Chanel’s finale fashion manifestation, the must-have bangles in silver and vibrant colored leather  come with some  demo slogans such as “Make Fashion Not War” and “Ladies First“.

Wide lacquer cuff in black by Céline

How fabulous are tanned arms accented with a glossy black PVC cuff – something that you will definitely wear a lot next season.

The horsebit bracelet by Gucci

A true classic and a great investment, the golden age of the Seventies was brought back by Gucci with the iconic horse bit bracelet.
You can shop the beautiful horse bit bracelet by Gucci here.

Multiple rings by Valentino

Mix and match this season, Valentino offers the right selection to get really creative.

Stacked cuffs at Lanvin

With 125 years design history to draw on, Alber Elbaz plays with the amount of cuffs you will wear. The more the merrier – that is his style motto for S/S 2015.

Statement piercings by Rodarte

Seeking inspiration from the punk-era, the Mulleavy sisters created a row of faux piercings along each brow for an eye-catching effect.

The feather watch by Fendi

Fendi watches have been on my watch list since some time and this delicate feather version is just breathtaking.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Style.com and Courtesy of the Brands

Today, I would like to share with you VALENTINO‘s very special New York capsule collection designed by Creative Directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli. The collection shows the love and passion they have for the city that never sleeps.

It includes men’s and women’s ready to wear and accessories and is available only in NYC in the new 20,000 square feet store, situated at 693 Fifth Avenue.

Right in time for the holiday season, the collection will also include a Christmas ornament decorated with a red heart, which will also come in white camouflage.

Valentino’s Fifth Avenue store opened its doors in August 2014 and marks an important step in the development of the brand’s worldwide retail network expansion. The store concept combines old and new in order to generate a Palazzo atmosphere, steering away from the pure showroom and promoting a new architectural format in place of a more traditional retail boutique structure.

Tomorrow another unique event is happening in New York: a very special Haute Couture show that you can watch live here on Sandra’s Closet at 8pm EST. It is the first time an Haute Couture gets live streamed, so it is very exciting, and believe me, you will not be disappointed.

LoL, Sandra

Photos, Video: Courtesy of Valentino

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Here you see an outfit post combining different F/W 2014 trends. Feathers have been everywhere this winter season, they are the perfect way to give your dressing a voluminous effect. Maybe every season polka dots are considered a trend, but they are definitely one of the must-haves for the upcoming S/S 2015 season. So Valentino’s overly cute and stylish version is a great investment to be carried into the next summer. Wear it well!

My look: Striped tiered feather jacket by Givenchy, ribbed black turtleneck sweater by Gucci, patterned wool and silk-blend midi skirt, Carmen appliquéd leather pumps and Carmen appliquéd leather shoulder bag, all by Valentino, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget, earrings by Dior, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

How hard is it to find your perfect black clutch? Depending on your own taste, it has to meet different criteria: from sophisticated, fashionable to functional or timeless. Such a little black bag is essential to complete your closet! Here is my selection of the best ones available right now.

1 PURE LUXURY Patent-crocodile clutch by Bottega Veneta
2 FASHIONISTA’S MUST-HAVE Monogramme leather clutchby Saint Laurent
3 ROCK CHIC Rockstud leather clutch by Valentino
4 INTO THE WILD Embellished suede fold-over clutch by Roberto Cavalli
5  ALREADY A CLASSIC Falabella faux brushed-leather clutch by Stella McCartney
6 LADYLIKE Chandra chain-embellished shimmer-suede clutch by Jimmy Choo
7 FOR EVERYDAY USE Antigona envelope clutch in black grained leather by Givenchy
8 GREAT WITH JEANS Broadway fringed suede clutch by Gucci

UNDERSTATED AND TIMELESS Marche leather and suede clutch by Nina Ricci
My personal favorite is accented with gold hardware and has three internal compartments – perfect for keeping your belongings organized. Carry it cross-body by day, swapping to the hand strap after dark.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands

As always, I would like to keep you ahead of the game and put together the most important S/S 2015 runway trends! Scroll through my forecast to see what will stay and which styles will be on everyone’s shopping list next season.

S/S 2015 TREND 1
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
Tom Ford – Saint Laurent – Louis Vuitton

Sequins and metallics are here to stay and will surely make you feel sexy under the disco ball next summer.

S/S 2015 TREND 2
PRIMA BALLERINA
Valentino – Giorgio Armani – Vionnet

Soft and pastel, the long tutu tulle skirts and dresses seen gracing the runways were inspired by ballerinas. A must for your next red carpet moment.

S/S 2015 TREND 3
LUXURIOUS HIPPY 
Chloé – Emilio Pucci – Etro

70s inspired looks seemed like a common theme throughout the fashion weeks. Long, light and flowing dresses or lace materials are the way to work the luxury bohemian trend. My favorite!

S/S 2015 TREND 4
JUMPSUITS 
Christian Dior – Céline – Sonia Rykiel

Fashion-forward utilitarian looks, the jumpsuit might not be the most comfortable piece of clothing but next summer definitely the the most up-to-date one.

S/S 2015 TREND 6
KIMONO GIRLS 
Gucci – Marni – Alexander McQueen

Ethnical prints and long silhouettes tied at the waist, the kimono was a huge source of inspiration for a number of fashion houses this season.

S/S 2015 TREND 7
KHAKI – THE HUE TO STAY 
Chanel – Marc Jacobs – Ralph Lauren

Call it haute safari gear for the wilds of the shopping streets. Khaki has become a fashion classic and is here to stay. It is up to you if you opt for for a safari-style or military-inspired look.

S/S 2015 TREND 8
DENIM – HEAD TO TOE 
Prada – Burberry Prorsum – Fendi

It is all about denim head to toe. Next season the beloved fabric is reinvented in in all sorts of blues and with eye-catching stitchings.

S/S 2015 TREND 9
POP ART
Peter Pilotto – Balmain – Junya Watanabe

Some of the world’s leading pop-artists, such as Roy Lichtenstein, Mondrian and Sonia Delaunay were the force behind a lot of collections. Circle motifs, bright colors and bold, intersecting stripes gave the runway an energetic vibe.

S/S 2015 TREND 10
POLKA DOTS
Marc by Marc Jacobs – Moschino – Dolce & Gabbana

A simple and extremely joyful print, the polka dot, hasn’t lost its impact over the last seasons.

S/S 2015 TREND 11
ANDROGYNOUS & ASYMMETRIC TAILORING
Anthony Vaccarello – Jean Paul Gaultier – Maison Martin Margiela

Conquering the male wardrobe, the designers used the codes of masculine suits, but added a touch of sexy. The trend reveals itself in the asymmetric cuts which are a must next summer.

S/S 2015 TREND 12
PATCHWORK BABYDOLLS
Rodarte – Stella McCartney – Mary Katrantzou

The babydoll makes its comeback in an array of fabrics and lace patterns. Patchwork is the key to success!

S/S 2015 TREND 13
BLACK MESH
Balenciaga – Akris – Proenza Schouler

Worn all-over or a as a single piece, mesh is next summer’s answer to sportswear. The sheer fabric works day and night and has been spotted all over the catwalks.

S/S 2015 TREND 13
BLACK AND WHITE
Narciso Rodriguez – Givenchy – Thakoon

Black and white – the probably most classic color combination. This season, designers set about experimenting with the codes of femininity through black and white suits and used this ultra-refined palette for maximum optical effects.

S/S 2015 TREND 14
MIX AND MATCH
Giambattista Valli – Fausto Puglisi – Prabal Gurung

Conceptual and experimental, the next season silhouettes take center stage with pieces in an array of different colors and all sorts of materials. The probably most modern trend of all.

S/S 2015 TREND 15
HEMLINES
Matthew Williamson – Versus Versace – Elie Saab

Business in the front, party in the back, the new hemlines play with length.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Style.com

During a dinner conversation last weekend, a friend of mine asked me for advice to find a great pair of winter shoes that is suitable for bad weather conditions.

Here is a selection of footwear designed with a gripped rubber sole for maximum traction, even in wet or icy conditions. Constructed with a sturdy block heel or a wedge, they are ideal for day-long wear or a winter’s night out. Now it’s the time to stock up on some sturdy and stylish footwear for the new season. Have fun!

1 Lace-up patent-leather pumps by Valentino
2 Two-tone leather platform pumps by Marc by Marc Jacobs
3 Safety pin-embellished leather pumps by Tod’s
4 Lizzie shearling-lined suede wedge boots by Michael Michael Kors
5 Shearling-lined textured-leather wedge ankle boots by Burberry
6 Barbara goat hair-lined suede boots by Pedro Garcia
7 Verna shell and faux fur boots by DKNY
8 Shearling-lined suede platform ankle boots by Alexander McQueen
9 Shearling-lined suede and leather knee boots by Emilio Pucci

My personal favorites are those three pairs below:

Those rubber sole wedges are ideal to walk during a cold winter night: 
Creeping Tessa embroidered velvet wedge pumps by Charlotte Olympia

Cute and edgy at the same time, those shoes look great with a mini dress:
Textured patent-leather ankle boots by Alexander McQueen

Wear them with a skirt or loosen the buckled tabs to tuck in your jeans:
Dart buckled leather biker boots by Jimmy Choo

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands