Sandra‘s Closet

Hot pink is trending – it’s THE shade that has been seen allover the streets during Paris Fashion Week last week. For Valentino’s F/W 2022 collection, Pierpaolo Piccioli focused on this single color and created 48 head-to-toe looks in the mood-boosting hue, that was developed in collaboration with Pantone. It so catchy and energetic that it got even its own name, Valentino Pink PP.

I recommend getting a blazer, expertly tailored, to sport the electrifying shade on a daily basis. The buttons should be neutral, no gold ones or anything else that could distract from the color that has come a long way from its days of simply being a staple in a little girl’s closet.

Below you can shop the best chic pink explosion jackets of the moment!

LoL, Sandra

Oversized double-breasted wool and silk-blend crepe blazer by Valentino

Neon wool-blend blazer by Jacquemus

Carter neon crepe blazer by Alex Perry

Blazer with feathers by Zara

Double-breasted wool blazer by Alexander McQueen

Sequin single-breasted blazer by Dolce & Gabbana

Photo of me: Fabrizio Vignali @iziophotography for Patek Philippe and Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

For some of us, lilac has been associated with many things, but not for long a time has it been rendered chic. Probably you are reminded of the colour of your first eye shadow once applied liberally at school or it’s the colour of your grandmother’s favorite dress. It’s the shade that brides sometimes dress their bridesmaids in if they don’t really like them.

Zara shelves before the lockdown last week – lilac allover.

However, last winter it has already been seen all over the runways in head-to-toe looks and this S/S 2020 season it has become the must-have colour (forget classic blue) – I swear. Pastel or neon hues are all enjoying a newfound popularity, but none are more pervasive than lilac. An evolved, more adult take on millennial pink, the trick to making it looking modern rather than old-fashioned and saccharine is all in the shape and colour combinations. Tomorrow, I will show you my favorite combo – so make sure to check back!

LoL, Sandra

Sabina ruffled crinkled silk-georgette maxi dress by Ulla Johnson

Crystal-embellished cotton-twill mini dress by The Attico (15% off)

Feather-trimmed cotton-jersey mini dress by The Attico

Metallic wool-blend jacquard track pants by Gucci

Sequin-embellished mohair-blend cardigan by Alessandra Rich

Big Sisea cotton-poplin shirt by The Row

Tena woven flared pants by Joseph

Novia strapless jacquard midi dress by Emilia Wickstead

Mel open-back ribbed wool-blend turtleneck sweater by Alice + Olivia (15% off)

Buckle-detailed draped stretch-jersey mini dress by Moschino

Venus satin pumps by The Attico

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Vogue and Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Holiday season is over but we all want the party never to stop. Depending on your budget, here are really amazing pieces to include some iconic classics as well as some new trends into your wardrobe. Decide for yourself if you want to go splurge or steal.

LoL, Sandra

Inject your wardrobe with this season’s must-have hue and shop one these cocktail dresses, both with a deep V-neck, front closure and in a deep emerald hue.

Splurge (left): Iconic Karolina crystal velvet mini dress by The Attico (my favorite! – the cut and the embellishments are divine, good news is that it is marked 40% off)
Steal (right): Isabella floral-jacquard mini dress by Rat & Boa

The perfect artsy dress for your next art gallery opening or museum reception, sophisticated and stylish in one.

Splurge (left): Lovers-print silk-georgette dress by Valentino (marked off 40%)
Steal (right): Statue-print dress by Zara (marked off 65%)

Polka-dot prints were making waves on the S/S 2020 runways. Get ahead of the style game and order your gown for your next black tie gala.

Splurge (left): Tiered polka-dot organza gown by Carolina Herrera
Steal (right): Antonia polka-dot off-the-shoulder dress by Rat & Boa

Animal prints have become a fix wardrobe staple with leopard leading the way. Go for the iconic Dolce print if your budget allows it.

Splurge (left): Leopard-print silk-blend midi dress by Dolce & Gabbana (the original one is now marked down 40%)
Steal (right): Ruched leopard-print stretch-mesh mini dress by Ganni

The LBD is always a great alternative for party dressing. Trending now are cuts that play off the traditional elements of a tailored blazer such as pockets and embellished buttons.

Splurge (left): Double-breasted wool blazer dress by Balmain
Steal (right): Dress with jewel buttons by Zara (marked off 40%)

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands, Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

We all know that high/low is having a moment. Wearing a fast fashion fix from Zara elevated with a great designer bag and paired with a high jewelry necklace is actually pretty cool.

But you have to enjoy shopping to take advantage of this rule to get acquainted with the quality of fabrics, finishings and silhouette to pull off a fabulous high/low look.

My look: Rose fake fur coat with light blue embellishments, floral ruffled dress, and boots with attached embellished knitted knee socks, all by Zara, Mimi bag in plat/milk/black by Salar (The Italian handbag brand was founded in 2010 by two creatives, Mexican-born Salar Bicherenloo and Francesca Monaco, from Puglia, Italy, who came together to design some seriously cool It-bags – so cool, they’ve been featured in Vogue Italia – in Switzerland available at JELMOLI in Zurich). One-of-a-kind titanium and gold necklace with a pear-shaped kunzite of 153.73 carat.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The last two weeks I travelled through Yucatán and I have so many impressions to share with you. My final destination was the luxe-hippie beach town of Tulum on Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula, a place I fell in love with. Beautiful white-sand beaches, active social life, and the laidback lifestyle of a beach town, it is somehow cosmic and natural at once. So the print of the dress and the color of the shoes were a perfect fit. As I am very particular about my clothes, I had promised myself not to bring anything expensive or too fancy. This is the most fashionable I got on this trip and between us it is definitely not Tulum style. As one told me: «Tulum is hippie, golden sandals». There is not one place you can wear high heels and funnily enough, I loved it!

My look: Printed midi dress and green heels, both by Zara, beaded Mexican-style clip earrings by Etro, Possession 18-karat rose gold diamond ring by Piaget, Tonda Métropolitaine watch by Parmigiani Fleurier and quilted bag by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

If there’s one night to go all out and turn on the flash, it’s undoubtedly New Year’s Eve. But some of us are challenged throughout the whole festive season with specific dress code for special parties. Personally speaking, I will attend the 8th annual ASW Winter Weekend Mid December at the fabulous Gstaad Palace in Switzerland and for Friday night’s dinner «La Vie en Or» the dress code says asks for «glamorous, with a touch of gold». This is great! I love any reason to wear sparkle, but such an occasion is the perfect time to shine. And gentlemen, you are in this, too!

«Golden Girl» or just a little golden accessory – you decide how much you would like to shine.

From full-on sequin dresses to just the right gold accessory, there isn’t one right way to fulfill the dress code. The golden rule is you have to feel comfortable, in every tailored sense of men’s style, is purchase clothing that fits you properly. Nothing destroys an outfit – whatever the dress code and no matter how expensive the clothes are – like an ill-fitting jacket, shirt or trousers.

In general, gold is the perfect color to lift an all-black or an all-white outfit to something glamorous and fun. Perfect for all festive occasions!

To make your life a little easier, I put together a fun guide for all budgets so that you don’t need to worry about anything and can focus entirely on celebrating the start of the winter season in style!

HIGH END BUGDET – Full Looks

Get his look: Metallic jacquard dinner jacket by Dolce & Gabbana, shirt gold detail shirt by Comme des Garçons, turn-up hem wool-blend tailored trousers by Prada, ruler cufflinks by Paul Smith, skull and polka dot tie by Alexander McQueen and leather embroidered loafers by Gucci.

Get her look: Racko open-back sequined cady mini dress by Rachel Zoe or wondering lace-paneled fil coupé georgette blouse by Temperley London and sequined wool mini skirt by Marc Jacobs, Anya d’Orsay metallic patent-leather pumps by Saint Laurent, Celeste sequined canvas clutch by Jimmy Choo and Roma gold-tone earrings by Annie Costello Brown.

HIGH END BUDGET – Great Accessories

Stand out with a statement headpiece with a touch of gold and be the queen of the night: embellished satin headband by Dolce & Gabbana.

Lifting every basic look to new heights: Candy box by Jimmy Choo.

LOW BUDGET – A touch of Gold

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your outfit, I recommend getting some fabric with golden sequins. Those accessories will have a great effect on your outfit and can be combined with all sorts of colors. Moreover they are less expected than some golden shoes or a handbag. I still love the mixture between gold and black the best.

You don’t need to be an expert in tailoring to do some cuffs or a belt. If you get a stretchy material, you can even glue it together instead of sewing it. In case you are to lazy for some DIY, you can order them directly here:

Cuffs with gold sequins

Sequined belt

The perfect touch of gold for a man: the right colored pocket square.

LOW BUDGET – Taking the Dress Code Literally up a Notch

Zara has some cool pieces in gold. Minimal investment for a maximum effect.

Be the star of the night: golden bomber jacket for men by Zara.

The perfect touch of gold for women and great for dancing: shorts in gold combined with a black top by Zara.

And don’t forget… you want to start the New Year with something new for good luck, it’s a great excuse to add a new piece to your wardrobe.

Happy Shopping! And I am looking forward to seeing some of you in Gstaad…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Gstaad Palace and © Sandra Bauknecht

Browsing through Instagram, I saw a picture of my dear friend Yasmin von Schlieffen, that gave me a big smile and made my day. On the photo, the Hamburg based owner of the PR agency «Mrs Politely» and mother of three boys wore a T-shirt reminiscent of the GUCCI TEE everyone is craving at the moment but instead of the iconic label it said MUTTI. (For my readers who don’t understand German, this is a word for mummy that you would use for an old-fashioned mum but in a kind of cute way – still my daughter is not allowed to use it and the same goes for me with my mum. If I called her Mutti, she would be freaking out. We call our German chancellor Angela Merkel «Mutti», I think now you finally got what I mean).

This T-shirt is a must for me. It is available at shop-hellolove.de (E-mail: contact@shop-hellolove.de, Phone: +49 40 33450933, Address: Eppendorfer Weg 283
20251 Hamburg/Germany).

Yasmin’s look: «Mutti» Tee by Hello Love, jeans by Zara, pearl necklace by Gabriele Frantzen, shopper by Chanel, Y charm by Iphoria and Princetown embroidered slipper by Gucci. Let’s admit completely without Gucci is difficult these days :-).

To all the Muttis out there, have a lovely day!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Instagram @yasmin_von_schlieffen and @hellolovehamburg

Looking for a stylish summer cover-up? Silk robe coats are the way to go, like a fashionable dream come true. Being both, extremely stylish and comfortable, they are perfect for this seemingly effortless genuine look. My favorite combination? Wearing it with a simple tank and my favorite jeans. This street-style approved trick often comes with billowing toppers that are inspired by traditional Japanese kimonos as seen on Attico designer, Giorgia Tordini, who proves that a silk bathrobe is best worn out of bed.

Get the look: Liza Var embroidered printed silk-satin wrap robe and Rosa high-rise flared jeans, both by Attico, Biggins matte-satin camisole by The Row, Cabana studded leather tote by Valentino and Portofino suede sandals by Gianvito Rossi.

To keep it from skewing too boudoir, simply opt for a version with a bit more heft and wear it open, loosely cinched at the waist or with a leather belt. So before you reach for that bomber, biker or cargo jacket, consider the silk robe coats below.

1 Raquel parrot-embellished wrap dress by Attico (40% off on sale)
2 Floral-printed silk coat by Dolce & Gabbana (40% off on sale)
3 Satin robe by Balenciaga (30% off on sale)
4 Floral kimono-style robe by Zara
5 Mulberry silk robe by Burberry (30% off on sale)
6 Capability silk robe by Olivia von Halle (30% off on sale)
7 One of a kind silk kimono by Rianna + Nina

The whole wearing pajamas as real-life, out-of-bed-clothes thing has been having an intense moment over the last couple of months, maybe for obvious reasons: when a trend prioritizes comfort and ease, it’s easy to get behind. And gentlemen you are in it, too! Jared Leto proves how gorgeous he looks in this embroidered patchwork reversible coat by Gucci.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Vogue.com

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw

Life is too short, don’t stress everyday. Leave your worries behind, go out and play!

My look: Printed ballerina blouse and wide animal print drawstring pants, both by Zara, embellished textured-leather sandals by Valentino, turquoise leather bag with fringes by Mina Vatter, Roadster watch in yellow gold with burgundy leather bracelet by Cartier, ring Mitza by Dior Haute Joaillerie, earrings by Miu Miu and beaded bracelet by Saint Laurent. Printed iPhone 6 case by Moschino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

If you have a weekend in Bangkok, squeeze in a day trip to Chatuchak Weekend Market and you will not be disappointed. This must-visit is one of the world’s largest weekend markets with over 15,000 booths selling goods from every part of Thailand. Everything is on sale here, shop ‘till you drop’, although not all at the best bargain rates.

The best way to get there is to hop on the Skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station, and follow the crowd until you see rows of canvas stalls selling clothes and other items. Almost everything can be found here, and most vendors actually come from local factories, like antique wood carving, clay handicrafts, wooden funitures, hand made decorated flowers, and much more.

My look: Tulle floral skirt and jacket (you need one for the Skytrain, the air conditioner feels like being in a freezer), both by Jean Paul Gaultier Femme, tank top by American Vintage, Vela nylon backpack (great piece to carry your personal belongings while travelling) by Prada, sunglasses by Marc Jacobs, studded bracelet by H&M and golden sandals by Zara.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht