Leopard’s Roar

RoarRoar

Me with my beloved blue leopard cardigan by Dolce & Gabbana

Me in my beloved blue leopard cardigan from Dolce & Gabbana’s S/S 2010 collection

Due to the ongoing leopardmania, there will be a lot of wild cats around this winter, so you probably better make sure to stick out of the crowd. And the best way might be Dolce & Gabbana`s colourful twist on their signature animal print.  What started last season in blue and red, is for this fall all about pink and green.

Give your wardrobe some va va voom and pick your leopard print essentials for this fall. A stylish cardigan or scarf will bring a bit of colour to an all black outfit and an animal-print bag will add an instant hit of glamour to your daily look.

Make a roaring fashion statement in those colourful leos!

LoL, Sandra

Crochet and Knit Lovers

Crochet Bag Chanel

If you think of crochet and knitting as stereotypical hobbies of grannies, you are completely mistaken this summer. Trendsetters for the retro chic handicrafts were especially Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel showing beautiful head-to-toe crocheted looks on the S/S 2010 runway.

But the accessories were the most outstanding. A crochet or knit bag is no doubt something special that you do not see very often unless you are living in Ibiza. The process of making it might be time-consuming. If it justifies the price, you will have to decide for yourself.
The Chanel bag for example is around CHF 4520.- and in stores now.

Granny Chic

Craftmanship went into many different designer bags like the Chloé Iris strass crochet clutch for around $2360.- or the multiple models by Dolce & Gabbana. Those ones might be a good investment, particularly the “Miss Sicily” will return for  winter again in knitted versions. As soon as the sale starts, keep an eye on these treasures….
And stay tuned as I will keep you posted about the remaining crochet trend for F/W 2010 in the next days.

In case you fell in love with those retro-crafts, but you do not want to spend a fortune or your time knitting, I spotted something wonderful for you.
The best is that you can shop and support a good cause in one!

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Those pretty knit bags are all in the price range of CHF 160.- – CHF 180.-. They are made in Ecuador by underprivileged women in difficult living conditions. The Fundacion Avanzar offers training courses for mothers in need and helps them sell their products afterwards.picture-47








Each bag is made to order to the shape and colour of your choice. Get inspired and have a look at the complete product catalogue. If you are interested, please contact Margarita Heredia Forster who is coordinating the projects from Switzerland (Phone: +41 44 912 16 56 or ). Atelier Avanzar ships worldwide.

picture-42I have the purple one to the right and it is perfect for daily use. Spacious, cute and no need to worry about showing wear.

Fashion and charity. What a lovely combination!

LoL, Sandra



Louis Vuitton sees Fuchsia

LV Fuchsia

Louis Vuitton is launching another gorgeous special edition of bags in the beginning of February that will only be available for a few months. The two models named “Fuchsia Courtney MM” and “Fuchsia Pochette Courtney” come in Monogram embossed fuchsia calf leather with beautiful studded details. The pink versions are so lovely, probably a good present for romantic girls on Valentine`s Day.

LoL, Sandra

Nautical Accessories

Stylish at the beach

As you already know, the nautical trend is revived again this upcoming summer. If you don`t want to go overboard with the sailor look, these amazing accessories from the Chanel Cruise 2010 collection could be the perfect solution. They will freshen up your wardrobe and will give you the right nautical vibe for many more seasons to come. Put on a pair of jeans plus a white tee and accent your outfit with a striped scarf and canvas tote for example.  Or team up your favourite summer dress and gorgeous strappy sandals with a regatta bracelet. The possibilities are versatile.

Ultra-wearable and still very fashion-forward, you can turn yourself into a style icon in an instant! But hurry, those pieces are a great investment and will be gone in seconds.

LoL, Sandra

Trend S/S 2010: Focus on Legs

Focus on the Legs

The focus is on legs for summer, tons of mini skirts and hot pants paraded down the runways. According to the remarkable decrease in the length of the hemlines, the lower part of the body seemed to become the main attraction for decoration. Tights, along with other types of legwear like leggings, legwarmers or socks, made a sizzling fashion statement.

As nylons had always been a no-go in sandals, the trend of the open toe booties posed a real dilemma to me this winter especially that I hate cold feet. I am always admiring the French journalists during the fashion weeks showing-up effortlessly bare-legged whatever the weather. So honestly, I am curious if French ladies are going to adapt to the new trend. They have that nonchalant way of looking elegantly stylish that I truly so adore.

Socks

Fact is that there were also many Parisian designers like John Galliano for Christian Dior or Jean-Paul Gaultier who sent their models in sandals combined with sweet little socks down the runway.

Stockings

The photos give you a taste of what is to come. Do not be shocked by those, they might show the look in an extreme way. Get inspired by those tendencies and interpret them in your very own way. Remove taboos and stimulate your spirits!

Tied Up

Plus if you do not have those perfectly tanned marvellous legs, tights will be the perfect alternative to go mini. I am totally in love with those laced-up ones below from the Chanel S/S 2010 show. Wolford has a similiar version for sale on their website at the moment. Enjoy this young look!

LoL, Sandra

Accessory Report S/S 2010: Around the Clog

Clogs

Another trend originally imposed by Hippies in the 70s celebrates its come back in a very chic way: Clogs! So many different luxury versions were seen, in linen, printed canvas (Miu Miu) or more sophisticated in suede (Louis Vuitton), some even with a Japanese attitude in studded leather (Céline).

Karl Lagerfeld`s sample for Chanel with wooden high heels is an amazing modern take on the Dutch classics and my favourite as I adore the touch of Bavarian folly very much! I cannot wait to hear the sound of clogs tapping on the asphalt of the streets waking up early summer.

LoL, Sandra

Accessory Report S/S 2010: Eco-Chic

Rural Charm

Eco-Chic” is one of the keywords for next summer and hay fever seems to be a new tropical flu. Natural materials some even with a rough character to them were major on the runways.

At Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld manifested the ecological trend by sending his models carrying whicker baskets on their arms down the haystack aisle. He along with many other designers used raffia, woven cords and other faux-rustic fabrics for a variety of unexpected creations.

Hayfever

Since many years, Dolce & Gabbana have made the raffia tote one of their signature pieces for summer. This time in combination with another key material: lace.

Nothing confirms the hot season is close at hand like a giant straw bag or floppy hat. Loved by the Hippies in the 70s, those pieces are companions of longwearing resilience.

Let`s see when the raffia palm is branching out to you…!

LoL,Sandra

Accessory Report S/S 2010: Colour

Get some colour

Designers made colour one of the essential elements for their spring/summer collections. Turquoise, fuchsia, apple green and pale pink are at the top, all with a little touch of the 70`s.

Colourful accessories with beautiful details are a great way to turn up the va-va-voom factor as they will make an outfit look ultra-fashion forward and you will need just one single piece for that effect.

LoL, Sandra

Accessory Report S/S 2010: Ethnic Influence

Get the Bead

The ethnic influence is undeniable this spring/summer. Numerous were the sources of inspirations that designers used for their creations. Embroideries, coloured beads, leather thongs and pompoms appeared everywhere. Embellishment is not the only important factor, to my eye the shape is essential, too. A lot of “gym bags” combined with add-on charms and tassels were seen on the runways. A leader of the trend is Marc Jacobs with his collection for Louis Vuitton.  You should definitely get your hands on one of those bags. Good luck!

LoL, Sandra

Accessory Special S/S 2010: Exotic Leather

Snakes 2010

Next season you should invest in something that is very à la mode but will always be in style: exotic leather! Snakeskin was seen everywhere on the runways and there are especially many beautiful bags to dream of. You could think about a classic piece like the python model by Devi Kroell, or get one of those amazing big clutches by Nancy Gonzalez. These will accent your outfit perfectly and will be a companion for many years. My favourite one is this incredible Alexander McQueen clutch. I love the shape, the colours, the design…. it is just perfect!

Kristin Davis

If you want to take it a step further, go crocodile! The price might be breathtaking but envision it as the foundation of your outfit. Sometimes it is better to prioritize and invest in one timeless piece to make you feel instantly fabulous.

Kristin Davis was spotted at the set of the new Sex and the City movie carrying this stunning croc tote by Nancy Gonzalez (who is by the way one of the most celebrated handbag designers in the world and a great address to get high-quality precious skin models). The bag – that also comes in black – can accessorize every outfit perfectly. I would opt for a bold colour as this will enlighten everyday basics immediately and will make you look so stylish! Always keep in mind the only limit is your creativity!

LoL, Sandra