Personalize Your Luggage

My avid readers know how much I enjoy being up in the air and exploring new places. I absolutely adore flying. The sky is my happy place. Most of the time, I try to fly with hand luggage. However it is not always possible. The past summer, my suitcase got lost five times. I always found it again thanks to some little features I added to my luggage.

I got myself Rimowa’s Petal collection.

First of all, I recommend personalizing your suitcase. Choose a fun color that stands out of all the grey and black luggage that most people use. You can already spot it easily when it is loaded on the plane and you can spot it from far on the carrousel. It is also great for the ground staff when they have to identify a missing piece.

If you would like to take it up a notch and make your piece absolutely unique, I recommend stickers. They are not only absolutely fun but also great to personalize your suitcase. Here are some of the most fun and stylish ones available at the moment.

Sticker Set by Gucci

Sticker Sets by Rimowa

Hotel Postcards Labels Set by Louis Vuitton

In order to be able to track your suitcase yourself, put an AirTag in it. It saved me so many times … Last summer, when many suitcases got stranded, I went in the hall at the airport and played the sound. Like this, I easily spotted it under piles of other suitcases.

If you are not in the mood of doing the artwork yourself, have a look at Louis Vuitton‘s S/S 2024 runway «Side Trunk MM Elysee Palace Hotel MNG» bag that is inspired by the Maison’s first hotel that will open its doors in 2026 on the famous Avenue des Champs Élysées in Paris.

I cannot wait for my next trip … stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht
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Connected Object: The LV Nanogram Speaker

Louis Vuitton’s collection of beautifully crafted connected objects continues its journey with the introduction of the new portable LV Nanogram Speaker, designed to travel with today’s adventurers in self-expression. Developed in three crafted declinations, including a limited ‘Damoflage’ edition conceived by Louis Vuitton’s Men Creative Director, Pharrell Williams. A lightweight, portable fashion accessory that’s packed with features and delivers breathtaking sound, the LV Nanogram Speaker was concepted and designed in the same spirit that has guided the Maison’s creativity for generations.

The LV Nanogram Speaker is fitted with a natural cowhide leather handle pointing back to those trunks and finished with yellow stitching and a red-dyed edge. This is tethered to the speaker with Louis Vuitton engraved steel studs, evoking memories of the fixings that held wooden reinforcement batons in place on the Maison’s early trunk designs. The detail is a melody of elegant, understated touches.

The body carries debossed Louis Vuitton Monogram flowers; the perforated aluminium speaker grille is laser-cut to reveal the LV initials; the rubber ring is decorated with 12 letters spelling out the name of the Maison, each of which is backlit by an LED when the speaker is activated; and the steel buttons are all gently engraved with an icon to indicate their function.

The LV Nanogram Speaker will come in three colourways: essential, timeless «Silver»; soft, natural «Copper»; and statement khaki green «Damoflage». The latter  debuted at Louis Vuitton’s Men’s S/S 2024 show. This exclusive animation takes elements of French camouflage and Louis Vuitton’s emblematic Damier motif and fuses them together in a striking, digitised pattern.

Speaker LV Nanogram Copper: CHF 2’040.-

Speaker LV Nanogram Silver: CHF 2’040.-

Speaker LV Nanogram Damoflage: CHF 2’360.-

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Prada Must-Have Raffia Accessories

Being still every influencer’s favourites, Prada’s S/S 2023 raffia accessories are a must. There’s rarely a piece such as an It-bag that makes it past the three-year mark, but Prada just set an the exception. Since its launch back three years ago, as part of the brand’s S/S 2020 collection, the raffia tote has won every social media feed, and adorned many arms of different celebrities. The reason is clear. Lightweight and so easy to pack, they are the perfect companions for your beach holidays. I couldn’t resist the raffia small striped logo tote in tan and yellow and matching striped raffia bucket hat.

The verity is huge as the accessories come in all sorts of colors to choose from.

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TO SHOP THE PRADA SHOPPERS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
TO SHOP THE PRADA RAFFIA BUCKET HATS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Rian Davidson 
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Hermès Forever Scarves

I love Hermès scarves. This essential accessory complements any outfit. It can be worn many ways – around your neck, as a top, at the waist or as a headscarf!

This year, for the first time, the French Maison is launching the so-called «forever scarves» (carrés de toujours). They are heritage scarves, authentic and alive, that honor the original design in a unique and emblematic color. Neither reworked nor redesigned, they are presented in all their simplicity, true to the original drawing of the artist.

Each year from now three designs will follow, in 2023 those ones below are available:

GRAND APPARAT Forever Scarf 90
Designed by Jacques Eudel in 1962
Color: Crème / Gold / Multicolore

This design showcases various pieces of ceremonial harnesses and saddles, which were adornments used for parades and celebrations. The luxuriousness of these embossed leather ceremonial harnesses, trimmed with fringes or braids and adorned with bronze elements, laurel leaves, royal emblems and coats of arms, indicates the nobility of the person being transported as well as the importance of the event. Held together by pyramid studs and braiding, the central picture was inspired by the design of a horse harnessed to a carriage, which was created for the coronation of Louis XVIII.

COACHING Forever Scarf 90
Designed by Julie Abadie in 1976
Color: Rouge / Vert / Blanc

This design is composed of different elements used for harnessing a horse. It depicts Hermès’ original expertise as a harness maker, as well as the elegant equestrian world for which the Maison has become renowned. The background features a blanket lined with a wide wool braid. In the lower right and upper left corners, dress sheets are revealed: blankets which are thrown over horses after exercise or racing to protect them from the cold. In the 17th century, coaches were imposing horse-drawn carriages driven by coachmen that transported passengers and luggage.

ASTROLOGIE Forever Scarf 90
Designed by Françoise Façonnet in 1973
Color: Bleu Cobalt / Vieil Or / Blanc

It was in Mesopotamia that the first calendar was born, around the third millennium BC, followed by the signs of the zodiac. They segmented the sky into twelve sequences which the sun takes one year to pass through. Linked to the lunar cycle and particular planets in the galaxy, they inspired many beliefs and shaped our measurement of time. Here, Gianpaolo Pagni adds stamped motifs to an emblematic scarf designed in 1963 by Francoise Faconnet, inspired by a Renaissance-era astrological table conserved at the Musee de l’Observatoire in Paris. The Italian illustrator’s geometric prints overlap with complex symbols which only the enlightened can decipher.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Hermès
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Fendi Continental Wallet on Chain

This is probably one of the most practical mini bags on the market: The FENDI Continental wallet on chain. For maximum functionality, it comes with a detachable, thin chain shoulder strap. Its interior is laid out like a wallet with two gusseted compartments, a zip pocket, two flat pockets and several card slots.

Available in many different colors and materials, it can also hold a lipstick or keys. It is the perfect companion for a night out in a club or when you just want to keep your must valuable belongings close to you in full comfort.

LoL, Sandra

FF Vertigo Continental leather chain wallet

Continental leather wallet on chain with artwork by fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez

Baguette leather wallet on chain in soft pink

Multicolored Baguette Continental leather wallet on chain

Continental with chain yellow leather wallet

Continental with chain Fendace wallet in multicolour fabric


Logo printed Continental with chain
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Baguette Continental leather wallet on chain in black

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, @mykonos_alexandr / © Sandra Bauknecht
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Most Important F/W 2022 Accessories Trends

When it comes to trending looks, these are the F/W 2022 accessories trends you need to know about. According to the runways, the balaclava certainly takes home the cake as trendiest accessories with multiple designers across the big four fashion capitals featuring the cozy headpiece in their collections. From Kim Kardashian to Alaïa (who has always featured them, just saying) to fast fashion brands, you can find countless ski-mask-like hoods, now it is  certain that this trend has entered the mainstream.

LoL, Sandra

One leather belt simply will not be enough. The double belt is a must – the strappier the better.

The emancipation is in full bloom as we wear the ties next season as well.

The neck scarf is back to keep you warm this winter.

Dior built gemstones and Simone Rocha ribbon details right into knee-highs. Those kind of socks are a must this winter season.

Many designers showed the all-American baseball cap on the catwalks.

The bigger the better – with these fluffy hats your ears will definitely stay warm.

Tulle netting isn’t just for weddings. Veiled caps are the modern way of coverage.

The fashion for tight-covering headgear has been hailed by style writers as one of the key trends for 2022.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Beats x Kim Kardashian Earbuds

Kim Kardashian’s signature style is entering a new frontier with her new Beats x Kim collection, modeling three neutral-toned versions of the brand’s popular Fit Pro earbuds of her own design.

With great sound quality, reliable battery life, excellent active noise cancellation and smart features reminiscent of the high-end Apple AirPods, there’s very little to dislike about these headphones.  The colors — named Moon, Dune and Earth — are designed to be a statement accessory and complement whatever your outfit of the day is. They’re a lot more muted than the other colors the Fit Pros come in, so as to be more versatile and neutral.

«I wanted to break away from the idea that headphones have to be colorful to make a statement,» said Kim Kardashian in a press release. «This collaboration is special because it allows you to blend in or stand out, and Beats is known for creating products that showcase individuality

«Kim brought her signature minimalist style to the first-ever Beats Fit Pro custom headphones,» said Eddy Cue, senior vice president of services at Apple. «We’re excited to offer Beats’ most innovative headphones in a whole new, gorgeous color palette to music fans and fashion lovers alike.»

The new Beats x Kim version of the Beats Fit Pro will be available on Apple’s website for $199.99. You’ll also be able to pick up the new buds at in-person Apple Stores as well as authorized third-party retailers such as Zalando for Germany and Switzerland. The retail price is €229.95.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Beats/Zalando
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It’s a Headwrap

Don’t shampoo this summer, because headwraps will salvage dirty hair days more than just any other trending accessory. On top, they are the perfect tool to absorb sweat during these hot temperatures. While being in Saint Tropez, they are my on-the-go item when I don’t have time to fix my hair after the beach. Put it on and it’s literally a wrap.

A-listers like Beyoncé, Chrissy Teigen, and Sarah Jessica Parker love them and even that they have never truly left, they’re now on-trend. While you may think headwraps are a daring accessory, wearing one is easier than you might think – and in the end, how you wear it will depend on your own personal style. Headwraps are a versatile garment, pairing well everything from your favourite jeans or leather jacket, to skirts and sneakers. Below is my selection of the best ones available at the moment.

LoL, Sandra

Silk satin headband by Saint Laurent

Marin leopard stretch-silk headband by Jennifer Behr

Printed headband by Pucci

Floral cotton headband by Erdem

Floral jersey headband by Dolce & Gabbana

Printed silk twill headband by Gucci

Knit headband by Missoni

Photos: Michael HJ Lopez Photographie and Rian Davidson / Courtesy of the Brands
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Apple AirTag Hermès

While being on holidays and talking to my friends, I have realized that not so many people know about Apple‘s new hero product, the Apple AirTags. In times when airlines are loosing just too many pieces of luggage, this small, circular tile-like item will be your savior. It allows you to track objects – from your luggage, to keys to your wallet – within Apple’s ‘Find My’ app and is working with Apple’s existing software. So on your next flight, you will already know if your suitcase has been loaded or not. One Apple AirTag costs CHF 35. Personally speaking a great deal for this kind of security. Just put it in your suitcase and you will know where it is.

However, my excitement goes further as you can update your gadget as the marriage of Hermès’s first-class savoir-faire and Apple’s advanced technology, that started in 2105, does not stop there this summer. The new collection comprises of a leather bag charm (CHF 299), a travel tag (CHF 449), a luggage tag (CHF699) and a key ring (CHF 349).

Inspired by a horse-racing token holder created by Hermès in the early 20th century, Apple AirTag Hermès is available in Barénia calfskin or Swift calfskin.

Pro equally demonstrated Hermès’s commitment to innovation, and its awareness of the fruits of fusing craft and computers. The Apple AirTag Hermès is the perfect exemplar of cutting-edge technology and artisanship – available online at Apple or Hermès.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hermès / Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Decorate Your Dome

Trend forecasters placed their bets on a return of the Roaring Twenties, but while the flapper dresses have just materialized on the F/W 2022 catwalk, Paco Rabanne, Louis Vuitton, and Maison Margiela did deliver glittering headpieces worthy of Josephine Baker already this summer.

Get ahead of the fashion game and shop one of those beauties that will transform any outfit in seconds into something ultra glam and different. Even a pair of jeans and a white tank will look gorgeous with this Area piece for example below.

LoL, Sandra

1940s crystal-embellished head piece by A.N.G.E.L.O. Vintage Cult

Crystal encrusted headpiece by Area

Embellished head wrap by Paco Rabanne

Aniyah crystal-embellished diadem by Jennifer Behr

Rhinestone diadem with tulle veil by Dolce & Gabbana

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of the Brands
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