Sandra‘s Closet

Being stylish and comfortable is the goal for my everyday style. My advice? Take your comfy casual look to comfy chic by adding a well cut jacket and some eye-catching accessories.

My look: Melissa satin-trimmed wool tuxedo jacket by Stella McCartney, Heathers floral-print linen cropped top and Heathers floral-print linen high-rise wide-leg pants, both by Zimmermann, leather platform sandals, both by Saint Laurent, left Medusa Tribute gold-tone hair slide and crystal charm black sunglasses, both by Versace, alphabet necklaces, all by Celine, and cable shopper small leather tote by Balenciaga. Tank Française 18-karat gold and stainless steel watch and diamond ring, both by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Animal prints have been trending since a long time, but this F/W 2019 season, it’s time for the zebras to cross. The black and white stripes were spotted on many runways, including 3.1 Phillip Lim, Saint Laurent and Paco Rabanne.

 Get ahead of the fashion tribe and indulge in the new zebra-print pieces that are all the rage these days. I put the best ones together for you! And don’t forget to scroll to the end for an amazing surprise…

Zebra-print silk kaftan by Oscar de la Renta

Tori zebra-print silk-satin headband by Jennifer Behr

Zebra-print mid-rise skinny jeans by Saint Laurent

Dumont zebra-print toquilla straw Panama hat by Sensi Studio

My favorite: Pussy-bow lace-trimmed zebra-print crepe de chine blouse and asymmetric zebra-print crepe de chine midi skirt, both by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Luna zebra-print calf hair shoulder bag by Wandler

Left: Embellished zebra-print satin maxi skirt by Versace,
Right: Zebra-intarsia knitted midi skirt by Hervé Léger

For the smart shoppers among you, here is the surprise. Some amazing zebra-print pieces are extremely marked down and perfect investments for the F/W 2019 season:

1 Lace-trimmed zebra-print satin top by Chloé (50% off and extra 20% at checkout)
2 Alma 85 zebra-print calf hair ankle boots by Aquazzura (60% off)
3 Shiva 105 cutout zebra-print calf hair pumps by Aquazzura (60% off)
4 Stafford belted zebra-print calf hair coat by Joseph (80% off)
5 Blossom tiger-print sequined chiffon wrap top by Rixo (70% off)
6 Leather-trimmed zebra-jacquard coat by Alexander McQueen (70% off)

Happy weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

You snooze, you lose… I don’t let my readers miss out on hundreds of items by Tom Ford, Givenchy, Jimmy Choo and more – all now in final sale.

Shop up to 80% off at NET-A-PORTER – plus enjoy 20% off all ‘Sale Must-Haves’! Here are the 10 pieces on sale you shouldn’t miss:

Silk-chiffon headscarf by Tom Ford
A piece that will elevate every look to new heights and will be your friend on a bad hair day!

Asymmetric gathered stretch-crepe gown by Givenchy
A runway piece that moved like a flowing waterfall as it made its way down the S/S 2019 runway. An investment piece for a great piece that works for all seasons.

Dolce Box crystal-embellished acrylic clutch by Dolce & Gabbana
A clutch decorated with glistening crystals in a striking leopard pattern will never come out of fashion.

Maureen 85 leather-trimmed zebra-print satin mules by Malone Souliers
Zebra print is THE trend among animal prints for the F/W 2019 season. This is your chance to get ahead of the fashion tribe!

Love 100 glittered checked leather pumps by Jimmy Choo
Another great transition piece. A must for winter!

Belted marbled intarsia-knit jacket by Balmain
A wonderful cardigan for cold summer nights and a daily companion for winter.

Gold-tone clip earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane
Would you have guessed that those earrings are now Marked down to less than €30?

Fringed jacquard-knit wrap by Etro
This wool-blend jacquard wrap is exactly what you want to reach for on chilly days.

Loulou medium leather and jute-trimmed quilted printed cotton shoulder bag by Saint Laurent
A seasonal but fun piece you shouldn’t miss! Bohemian luxe at its best.

Printed silk-twill scarf by Versace
A classic that makes a great gift as well.

Happy Weekend!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

The retro one-piece swimsuit feels so right again. Better than ever, those new offerings are really fun, and could double as bodysuits. You can style them with pants or tailored jackets to the office or with hot pants to the next festival.

In the end, they will accompany us through the summer, reminding us of beaches we’ve lain on, and boats we’ve jumped off. Enjoy and channel your own Baywatch moment.

LoL, Sandra

One-shoulder ruffled printed swimsuit by Johanna Ortiz

Wrap-effect button-embellished printed swimsuit by Balmain

Printed swimsuit by Gucci

Lacy swimsuit by Cynthia Rowley

Amari Swiss-dot tulle-paneled ruffled swimsuit by Zimmermann

Old Smoky Moonshine embellished cutout swimsuit by Johanna Ortiz

Scared Heart print swimsuit by Dolce & Gabbana

Printed swimsuit by Balmain

Printed swimsuit by Fendi

Leopard-print swimsuit by Dolce & Gabbana

Sparkling swimsuit with zebra print by Gucci

Mare striped sequined swimsuit by Missoni

Dakotta slashed swimsuit by Agent Provocateur

One-shoulder button-embellished cutout swimsuit by Balmain

Printed swimsuit by Versace

Ruffled swimsuit by Emilio Pucci

Allia floral print swimsuit by Zimmermann

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Last week, Art Basel took place, that brings the international artworld together, with leading galleries  from all over showing the works of over 4,000 modern and contemporary artists. Creating an exciting, region-wide art week, Art Basel is one of three shows – others are taking place in Hong Kong, and Miami Beach. I went there for the First Choice Preview on Tuesday, that you can only visit by invitation only, wearing one of my favorite outfits of the season.

My look: Lace-trimmed printed silk-twill bustier top, printed stretch-jersey leggings, and gold-tone and printed silk-twill earrings, all by Versace, black oversized tuxedo jacket by Stella McCartney, classic Paris D’Orsay pumps with bow and metallic-trimmed leather clutch, both by Saint Laurent, Mitza ring by Dior Fine Jewellery, and Tonda 1950 Galaxy by Parmigiani Fleurier.

Inside the fair, there is also the Collectors Lounge, where the event’s main sponsors have their dedicated areas and which you can only visit by invitation. As guest of UBS, I enjoyed my time at the UBS Lounge that was decorated by Costa Rican artist Federico Herrero. Later, I went for a glass of champagne at the Ruinart Lounge that showed the artworks of Brazilian artist Vik Muniz. Luxury beauty brand La Prairie partnered with three up-and-coming Swiss female artists to interpret the beauty, the mystery and the enduring timelessness of the gaze, resulting in the creation of three photographic installations.

I got asked what my favorite artwork is and I replied: «I love fashion – for me that is wearing art on my body». But of course, there were many amazing pieces to be discovered. Enjoy!

A big thank you to my hosts Gabriel Cohen, UBS Wealth Management, and Natascha Lander, UBS Chief Investment Office, Wealth Management.

I hope you like my look and the little excursion into the art world…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, my all-time favorite red carpet event took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York: the Met Gala 2019. Personally speaking, this year’s exhibition theme: «Camp: Notes on Fashion», based on an essay from 1964 by the late Susan Sonntag, delivered a bout of wild, over-the-top fashion moments. It was like a playground to dress up for all fashion aficionados.

Even the hostess went gaga: Anna Wintour in an embroidered Chanel gown with feathery cape.

If you seem confused… in this case, camp is not to be mistaken as in sleeping bags and tents, but camp as in exaggerated fashion. Sonntag’s essay, that provides the framework for the exhibition, defines camp as «love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration» and examines how the elements of irony, humor, parody, pastiche, artifice, theatricality, and exaggeration are expressed in fashion. The exhibition will be open to the public from May 9 – September 8, 2019.

This was her theme! Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell changed her outfit four times!

Co-hosted by two fashion-loving celebrities: Lady Gaga and Harry Styles and sponsored by Gucci. What do you want more?

The exhibition itself is featuring both men’s and womenswear, over 200 pieces of fashion, along with sculptures, paintings, and drawings from the 17th century through today. The works of versatile designers from Alexander McQueen to John Galliano, Rei Kawakubo to Mugler, Mary Katrantzou to Jeremy Scott, and more are featured. What I have seen so far, among the exhibited items are many pieces that also hang in my closet. I couldn’t be more proud of my collection…

Before the Hollywood royalty and fashionistas presented themselves on the red carpet in front of the Metropolitan Museum, they met in the nearby «The Mark». The hotel is the venue for Anna Wintour‘s «pre-party» of the glamorous event every year. Definitely the place to stay!

Below are my favorite looks of the night… enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

My favorite outfit! My favorite reveal! Thierry Mugler himself is back, now called Manfred, and envisioned Kim Kardashian as a California girl stepping out of the ocean, wet, dripping. This latex dress took 8 months to make and is for me a true innovation on the runway!

Reminiscent of the Gucci runway: Jared Leto with his beheaded doppelganger

OMG! To die for! Cardi B in Thom Browne

Looking sensational: Saoirse Ronan in Gucci

She looked like a young Linda Evangelista in the ’90s: Bella Hadid in Moschino.

Harry Styles in Gucci

In keeping with the evening’s theme of camp, Ezra Miller turned up with the most outstanding optical illusion. His attire? Custom Burberry by Riccardo Tisci.

All about hats: Janelle Monáe in Christian Siriano.

I love pink, I love Barbie and I love this: Multi Grammy Award-winner Kacey Musgraves channeled a true fashion icon, Barbie, in Moschino.

Colorful: Lupita Nyong’o in custom Versace and Bulgari jewelry.

Stunning Gemma Chan in and with Tom Ford. Best accessory: having the designer at your side.

Katy Perry in a chandelier dress by Moschino.

Céline Dion in Oscar de la Renta

What an entrance! Billy Porter wore a custom-made sun god outfit by New York City-based designer duo The Blonds.

Blue hair, don’t care: Lucy Boynton in Prada.

I loved this. What a Cinderella moment for Zendaya. Sporting a glowing, Disney-esque gown designed by Tommy Hilfiger, and accompanied by her stylist Law Roach who transformed with the wave of a wand Zendaya’s dress into a glowing ensemble. She even left a glass slipper.

Lily Collins opted for an ivory ruffled gown which featured a flowing train by Salvatore Ferragamo. Very ’60s – very sweetheart.

Fresh off the Couture Week runways, Hailee Steinfeld sparked in Viktor & Rolf slogan couture gown. It was a perfect match as Anna Wintour had forbidden cameras, iPhones inside the event…

This was by far my favorite Met Gala of all and I cannot wait to see the exhibition!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Vogue, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Getty Images

Championed by the likes of Princess Diana in the ’80s, the revival of cycling shorts is still going strong into S/S 2019, with slightly sexier styles like this Mugler or Dundas pair taking the lead. Those second-skin versions are made from mesh or delicate floral lace enhanced with plenty of stretch so you won’t feel restricted. In 2019, cycling shorts look great when peeking out from beneath oversized hoodies or a mini dress, as seen on the runway. Try wearing them under a blazer for your next business meeting to show trendsetting capacity.

Below you can find a great selection of those must-haves. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly to the respective shop.

LoL, Sandra

Mesh cycling shorts by Mugler

Stretch-lace shorts by Dundas

Logo-patch technical cycling shorts by Versace

Life Is Short satin shorts by Maggie Marilyn

Cropped intarsia-trimmed stretch leggings by Palm Angels

Logo cycling shorts by Stella McCartney

Leather cycling shorts by Manokhi

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands / © Getty

Dear Santa… honestly we need to talk! We as women do all the work for your arrival, and there is still so much on our wish list :-)…

Therefore I put together this amazing list of pieces on sale (to save you money, Mr Santa!):

Nile Bracelet mini textured-leather shoulder bag by Chloé (40% off)

Embroidered velvet mini dress by Alaïa (50% off)

Bead and acetate clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta (40% off)

Babette sequined suede boots by Balmain (50% off)

Leather-trimmed checked wool beret by Versace (40% 0ff)

Double-breasted denim blazer by Balmain (40% off)

Studded leather shoulder bag by Prada (30% off)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

A wonderful walk along the beach, from Santa Monica to Venice Beach, is something you have to do once in your life. Embark on a stroll in the California sunshine as you explore those iconic seaside communities filled with tarot card readers, sand sculptors and collage artists, performance artists, street hustlers, and bodybuilders. It’s definitely one of the best places in Los Angeles for people watching. I started from my favorite hotel «Shutters on the Beach» and went all the way to Muscle Beach.

My look: Appliquéd wool-blend and ribbed crochet-knit coat by Mira Mikati, appliquéd distressed printed cotton-jersey T-shirt, Ace embroidered low-top sneakers, and Linea G 2 leather-trimmed canvas shoulder bag, all by Gucci, printed low-rise skinny jeans by Givenchy, and Vogue Tribute sunglasses by Versace.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

When it comes to ’90s trends, we’ve beaten the horse dead. But sorry to tell you, here is one more coming, and good news is more stylish than ever. Another item you loved as a tween, if only to justify my new obsession: plaid pants. From tartan checks to madras plaid, you have to get one now! Here are the best ones available now… straight from the runway.

Checked woven straight-leg pants by Versace

Cropped tartan wool straight-leg pants by Michael Kors Collection

Jana crepe wide-leg pants by Emilia Wickstead

Layered tartan wool-blend slim-leg pants by Burberry

Tartan wool-blend flared pants by Michael Kors Collection

Checked wool-felt flared pants by Sonia Rykiel

Pleated tartan wool wide-leg pants by Marc Jacobs

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands