Fashion Stole My Smile

«Fashion stole my smile» is actually hard to believe when you think that Victoria Beckham received yesterday the Order of the British Empire ceremony as the designer’s and former pop star’s contributions to the national fashion industry were honored at Buckingham Palace. Wouldn’t we all be grinning if we received such a recognition from Prince William?! Dressed in one of her iconic ladylike knit dresses, she was accompanied to the palace by her parents and husband, David Beckham, who was granted the same title 13 years ago.

The dress was really beautiful and cozy. Its bouncing hem gave her a young school girl-like look that she paired with her signature sky-rocketing stilettos for a posh overall look.

Still the question, which she hates the most, is there: Why doesn’t she ever smile?

«I’m smiling on the inside—I feel I have a responsibility to the fashion community.» – Victoria Beckham

Recently she was spotted at LAX airport in a T-shirt from her Victoria, Victoria Beckham Pre-fall 2017 line, that has almost sold out in a second. It should put the issue to rest once and for all.

The slogan tee «Fashion Stole My Smile» is available now for £95.00 online in black and white and in her London store at 36 Dover Street.

YOU CAN SHOP A LARGE SELECTION OF VICTORIA BECKHAM ONLINE HERE.icon

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Victoria Beckham, © Getty Images

Imitation in the Opposite Direction

Demna Gvasalia knows how to turn imitations in the opposite direction – think of his DHL T-Shirt for Vetements or the Bazar shopper for Balenciagaicon. His newest take on transforming a completely unsophisticated non-luxurious item into a must-have piece for fashion victims around the globe is his latest accessory for Balenciaga Men and targets originally the male customer. Playing with consumerism, he sent down the runway the so-called ‘Arena Extra-Large Shopper Tote Bag‘ which looks like a copy of the iconic IKEA‘s ‘Frakta Tote‘ in shape, size, and color.

To the left the Balenciaga for $2145.00, to the right IKEA for $0.99.

The only difference? The absence of the IKEA logo on the handles which makes sense, of course, the material (the IKEA version is made from 100% recyclable polypropylene whereas the Balenciaga tote is made of leather), and not surprisingly the price.

I would really like to get into Demna’s head, creative genius or making fun of the fashion world? I somehow tend to believe the latter. What do you think?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Balenciaga and IKEA

My Look: Swan Lady

Snow in April in Switzerland, really? So back to sweater weather. I love playful animal prints and Stella McCartney‘s swan motif has been one of my favorites lately. In combination with a great pair of wide pants, it looks sophisticated and not too girly at all.

My look: Double breasted tweed coat by Saint Laurent, ruffle-trimmed intarsia wool sweater and matching iconFalabella swan embroidered faux leather bag, both by Stella McCartney, wide grey wool pants by Blumarine, Oxford-style ankle booties by GucciHorsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ringicon by Gucci Fine Jewellerychoker and matching earrings, both by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Ellery’s Mermaid Pants

Kym Ellery‘s namesake Australian label is a favorite amongst the fashion crowd. So beloved are her iconic bell sleeves and flares that we all have to thank her for the trend that has become so recognizable and so widely copied that it continues to take off.

Hysteria cropped high-rise flared jeans
icon

You should definitely not wait another day and get a pair of her signature mermaid pants. I am speaking of these to-die-for kick-flare trousers that billow out in a way that’s reminiscent of a mermaid tail.

Alejandro ruffled-panel cropped jeans
icon

One thing is for sure, for cult Ellery followers or newbies to the brand, the denim ones will definitely remind you that jeans don’t need to be boring. The mixture of both the silhouette and the finishings are both equally unique.

Jacuzzi stretch wool-blend flared pants

Happy Shopping, mermaids!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ellery

Aluminium-Free Deodorants That Work

The issue of aluminium chlorides in deodorants has been discussed among manufacturers, scientists and consumers for a couple of years, now. There are different points of view in the interpretation of scientific research, some of them see potential health hazards caused by the regular use of aluminium salts in deodorants, such as breast cancer.

In order to be on the safe side, I had been looking for the best natural deodorant for quite some time, one that actually works and will leave you stink-free the whole day.

The new WELEDA 24h Deo Roll-on is one that I can truly recommend. I love the sensual scent and long-lasting protection. All three versions use essential oils and ingredients to neutralize odor-causing bacteria without aluminium salts that close the pores and disrupt the body’s innate detoxification. Like this the regulating skin functions are retained.

Weleda Citrus 24h Deo Roll-on
Natural essential oils of lemon and litsea cubeba have a refreshing effect and provide for a pleasant smell.

Weleda Pomegranate 24h Deo Roll-on
The exotic combination of orange and davana creates a sensual fragrance experience with balsamic vanilla notes.

Weleda Men 24h Deo Roll-on
The tart scent of vetiver combined with essential oils of the Litsea cubeba invigorates and provides a pleasant feeling of freshness.

Available now for CHF 9.50 each (50ml).

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht

My Look: Easter Sunday

There is no better time to seize the moment and officially welcome the spring wardrobe than Easter Sunday. But with the promise of good food, plenty of time to relax, and a speedy egg hunt, you’ll want to be comfortable as much as you like to stay stylish. This year, I went for leggings, feathers and this beautiful waterlily ’70s style print. This is what I call impeccably dressed for spring under the magnolia tree!

My look: Feather-trimmed denim jacket by Burberry, Nenúfar print top, Nenúfar print pants and Knife floral-print jersey sock bootsicon, all by BalenciagaSac de Jour in green by Saint Laurent, Possession 18-karat rose gold diamond ring and Possession 18-karat rose gold ring, both by Piaget18-karat white gold limited edition «Or Amour Et Trinity» band ring and yellow gold diamond ring, both by Cartier.
icon

Happy Easter!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Dolce & Gabbana Takes Couture to Tokyo

Yesterday, Dolce & Gabbana showed their S/S 2017 haute couture «Alta Moda and Alta Sartoria» show at the Tokyo National Museum in Japan. It is cherry blossom, so-called sakura season at the moment and who has ever been during that time to Tokyo knows how beautiful it is to see this national icon of the Asian country. I have been there many years ago and love to indulge in those memories of pink petals plastering the streets.

Of course, there was an in-bloom cherry tree on the runway when the designer duo presented their almost 100 looks for both, men and women, to an audience of mostly local clients and other guests from all over the world.

Contrary to other shows that Dolce & Gabbana hosted, the models came mostly from Japan, a way of showing respect, which is the backbone of this Asian culture. After the show, the designers shook hands with their guests, another important gesture as for the Japanese, every person has a role to play towards the collective. It is always about «we», never about «me».

The collection was of course very much inspired by Japan, beautifully embellished and embroidered, something Dolce & Gabbana stands for. There were headpieces designed as branches of a cherry blossom tree or hand-painted floral motifs on lace. Just beautiful – have a look at the video below where you can get a great impression of this Italian artwork in Japan!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana, © Luke Leitch / Vogue

The Most Beautiful Easter Decorations

Are you still in preparation setting your Easter decoration? The hunt is over! These charming centerpieces and table settings will get your celebration hopping.

From blooming hydrangeas to delicate porcelain plates in cheery colors, all call for equally decorative ear-candy. And while the little ones run around hunting for treasures in the lawn, you may as well relish in the juvenile delight, too, by sitting back and enjoying the touch of spring you have brought to the table.

LoL, Sandra

Straight from the Garden
If your lilacs are still blooming, combine them with some pastel-coloured easter eggs.

Vintage Tea Tins
Using old tea tins can give your decoration such an interesting vintage twist. Make an eclectic group of bouquets to decorate your holiday table.

Twine Vase
Upgrade your empty glass vases or just a plain jar with twine to add a romantic touch to your Easter table.

Photo Vase
The secret to this stunning arrangement? A vase hidden within a vase. Give your clear vases a personal touch by attaching photos of your loved ones with clothespins.

Simple Bud Vases
My favorite flowers in my favorite vases. A simple thing that does the trick, just arrange some single peonies in bud vases down the length of the table.

Easy Easter Centerpiece
For the easiest DIY centerpiece of all time, use twine to wrap a doily around a Mason jar, and fill with tulips. Add some lemons for the ultimate color kick.

Daffodils and Easter Eggs
The low budget version that will leave your guests amazed. A single daffodil on the napkin for each guest adds a beautiful touch to hosting an Easter brunch.

Carrot Centerpiece
Full of vitamins and energy, those carrot centerpieces are absolutely adorable and easy to achieve.

Egg Crate Centerpiece
Hollowed out egg shells become tiny bud vases in this crafty centerpiece.

Photos: Via Country Living, Vogue, © Sandra Bauknecht

My Look: Tennis for a Good Cause

This Monday, I had the great honor as guest of Lindt to watch two world-class tennis players, Andy Murray and Roger Federer, competing against each other in the charity Match for Africa 3 at the Hallenstadion in Zurich, raising CHF 1.4 million for the Roger Federer Foundation.

Roger Federer with me before the match last Monday.

I believe in the power of people. We know that a good education is a decisive factor to empower children by allowing them to take their future into their own hands,” said Roger Federer, who will play a fourth Match for Africa against John Isner on April 29 in Seattle, WA. “With my foundation, we want to provide one million children with the opportunity for a quality education by the end of 2018.”

Donations can be made online at match-for-africa.com.

My tennis-inspired look: Twill bomber jacketicon, matching jersey-trimmed pleated twill mini dress and silk twill scarf with pendant, all by Gucci, suede overknee boots by Roberto Cavalli, Betty Medium Chain leather shoulder bagicon by Saint Laurent and mirrored sunglasses by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Rihanna Takes Marie Antoinette to the Gym

For her S/S 2017 Fenty x Puma collection, Rihanna imagined what Marie Antoinette would wear to the gym. I mean it is bad news for the late queen that it took 223 years until someone finally made her a collection of sport clothes. Good news is that the collection is so stunning that it was definitely worth the wait and that we are happy to enjoy it now!

Last fall, Bad Gal Riri made her Paris Fashion Week debut with satin corsets, lace fans, sweatshirts and pearls, lace do-rags and just about everything else you could imagine the infamous Marie Antoinette wearing while working out. Royal athleisure it was!

Olive-hued, satin-bow slides

Her absolute know-how can be seen in the footwear that still manages to sell out at every drop as those olive-hued, satin-bow slides that debuted earlier this month.

Satin sneaker

Now, more Marie Antoinette-inspired Fenty x Puma will be coming soon afterwards, with more arrivals expected to drop on a monthly basis until June, starting on April 15, 2017.

TO SHOP FENTY X PUMA BY RIHANNA ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Get ’em while they’re hot (and in stock)!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Fenty x Puma by Rihanna