Sandra‘s Closet

Net-à-Porter has some amazing pieces on sale at the moment, up to 60% off. I put together a list of the must-haves I got for myself as I know I will treasure them for many seasons to come and so will you…

To shop, just click on the highlighted product description.

LoL, Sandra

A beautiful and classic coat for many years to keep:
Eliona belted hooded merino wool-blend coat by The Row (50%off)

Eye-catching and vibrant, this jacket will be your favorite this spring:
Double-breasted leather coat by Valentino (50% off)

Be prepared for the next Christmas celebration in style and any other party of course:
Lace-up satin mini dress by Dolce & Gabbana (50% off)

This piece will elevate every outfit to another level of style:
Grosgrain-trimmed wool-blend felt cap by Saint Laurent (30% off)

Classic polka dots are always a great choice:
Ruffled polka-dot silk-georgette mini skirt by Balmain (60% off)

The perfect pair of black boots:
Suede knee boots by The Attico (30% off)

A vintage-inspired dress is a great option for your next luncheon:
Ruffled polka-dot silk midi dress by Alessandra Rich (50% off)

The perfect pair of heels:
Aria 105 suede pumps by Aquazzura (40% off)

Get a pair of statement earrings for your next black tie event:
 Impatiens silver-tone crystal clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta (30% off)

Try this trend now on sale (for the previous post, click here):
Tie-detailed leather tapered pants by Dolce & Gabbana (50% off)

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

Red: it signifies power, boldness, and confidence. Whether you’re choosing lipstick or clothing, you will definitely make a statement. The vibrant hue represents all things emphatic – stop signs, fire trucks, London’s telephone booths, Ferraris, Louboutin’s shoe sole, good luck (in Chinese culture) and of course fierce love! Personally speaking, it is my number one choice for holiday attire.

It has been asserted that it also acts subconsciously how you are perceived. Chris de Burgh‘s famous hit Lady in Red was inspired by the memory of when he first saw his wife Diane wearing a red dress. See, the red dress can even get you a famous husband, haha!

Click here for the previous outfit post.

Scientists speak of the red dress effect, a putative phenomenon in which a woman wearing a red dress, are perceived to be more sexually appealing than she is when wearing other colours. In primates, a visual indicator of female fertility occurs by way of swelling during the follicular phase and is correlated with increased estrogen levels. Here we have proof that men tend to act like primates, haha! Sorry I had to do it again…

Red dresses are a beautiful choice, also for New Year’s Eve. I put together some beautiful ones and as it is Christmas, they are all on sale. Happy shopping!

LoL, Sandra

SLEEK DREAMS
Left: Laurel cape-effect crepe gown by Alex Perry (30% off)
Right: Asymmetric bow silk-blend jacquard gown by Rebecca de Ravenel (60% off)

FLOWING PRINCESS
Left: Bow-detailed ruched silk-georgette maxi dress by Giambattista Valli (60% off)
Right: Cutout silk-crepon gown by Alexander McQueen (40% off)

STRAPLESS BEAUTY
Left: Off-the-shoulder silk-dupion gown by Rosario (60% off)
Middle: Layered silk-satin mini dress by Alexandre Vauthier (60% off)
Right: Draped silk-faille strapless gown by Marchesa (60% off)

LA VIE EN ROUGE
Left: Hollywood crystal-embellished stretch-crepe maxi dress by Alessandra Rich (50% off)
Right: Wrap-front belted cady-crepe midi dress by Dolce & Gabbana (40% off)

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

Happy Thursday everyone! Great news MATCHESFASHION launched a mid-season sale
with up to 30% off select women’s and men’s products. Use the code MID30 at checkout!
This sale will run through 27th of April, 2020.

Below are some of my favorite pieces for women and men that will last for many seasons to come. Don’t miss this opportunity and gentlemen, to see your must-haves, scroll down please to the end of this post.

LoL, Sandra

MY FAVORITE MID-SEASON SALE PIECES FOR WOMEN:

Elsa crystal chain-strap leather sandals by Alexandre Vauthier
Chain embellishments around the ankle are all the rage this summer season.

Soleil nubuck and raffia bag by Jacquemus
A stylish straw bag at the beach will make heads turn.

Stone-embellished heart and arrow brooch by Etro
Brooches are the must-have accessory for the S/S 2020 season!

Peak-lapel grain-de-poudre jacket by Peter Pilotto
Nothing beats a classy summer blazer during a cool summer breeze.

Off-the-shoulder ruffled silk-chiffon dress by Dundas
Browse the clothing section to find your ultimate airy summer dream dress.

Xike belted leather shorts by Isabel Marant
A pair of colorful leather shorts is a great addition to your wardrobe as you can wear it all year long.

MY FAVORITE MID-SEASON SALE PIECES FOR MEN:

Technical-mesh bomber jacket by Giorgio Armani
You cannot go wrong with this timeless piece.

Artist stripe-cuff striped cotton shirt by Paul Smith
A classy striped designer shirt on sale. You can thank me later!

Santos de Cartier aviator metal sunglasses by Cartier
This is what I would call a pair of statement sunglasses.

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht – Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
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.

Your knitwear is about to get a revamp for a great budget with H&M‘s newest collaboration with Pringle of Scotland. The collection makes clever use of recycled polyester and organic cotton along with cosy alpaca wool and smooth viscose fibres — and is showcased by stylist and fashion editor Julia Sarr-Jamois.

When the design team at H&M was first presented with the idea of a knitwear collaboration, their minds fell immediately on Pringle of Scotland. With the brand’s signature argyle patterns and sporty knitwear pairings on the golf course, Pringle – founded in 1815 – is renowned as one of the oldest luxury knitwear brands in the world.

«We fell completely in love with the brand’s history, from their intimate and modest origins from Hawick, Scotland, to their technical innovation in knitwear», says Holli Parkinson, knitwear designer at H&M.

When the H&M team met with Pringle in their design office in London’s Vincent Square, presenting their initial trend idea to them, they went through the archives and one pattern stood out from the rest: the iconic argyle that has been part of the Pringle of Scotland’s DNA since the 1920s.

«Together with our in-house print team, we reworked different scales and colourways of the argyle. Inspired by streetwear styling and sport influences, we developed new designs around the classic pattern, and introduced an acid yellow colour as a highlight accent which brought the whole collection together», says Holli Parkinson.

The key pieces of the collection include a sweater which boasts a patchwork of tone and texture, splicing a retro-inspired diamond pattern with heavy ribbed wool, and a cropped, funnel-necked jumper with balloon sleeves. Traditional yarns are infused with attitudinal appeal in a series of generously oversized, raw-edged sweaters. Sweater dresses with ring-pull zip closures, cosy hoodies, second-skin leggings and slouchy hats and scarves are all printed with athletic logos for an athleisure take.

The in-house design team at H&M had constant contact with Pringle of Scotland throughout the process, and were able to share thoughts and ideas from sketches to samples.

«Pringle of Scotland has a long history of collaboration, and this latest partnership with H&M has been hugely inspiring. We are always looking for new ways to express the DNA of our heritage knitwear and we hope this latest playful, sporty take on our famous argyle and Fair Isle knitwear will delight our existing customers, as well as reach a worldwide audience via H&M», says Katy Wallace, Brand Director at Pringle of Scotland.

TO SHOP THE PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND x H&M COLLECTION ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M

In the end of last month, when I attended the opening of the BOSS flagship outlet (for the previous post, please click here), I told you already a little bit about the OUTLETCITY METZINGEN in Germany, located close to the city of Stuttgart. High end brands such as Breitling, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Valentino, Missoni and soon also Moschino and Alberta Ferretti can be found here alongside many others for a great price. Personally speaking, some of the stores look better and are bigger than in Zurich…

Just opened on September 26, 2019: Fendi at OULETCITY METZINGEN.

Superlative is the magic word when you want to talk about this shopping village that stands for one thing above all else: the exciting combination of supposed contrasts. If you appreciate unusual and exclusive shopping experiences for a great budget, this will be your new shopping destination. At OUTLETCITY METZINGEN, you can immerse yourself in a world of exclusive brands in an authentic inner-city atmosphere within award-winning architecture and take advantage of discounts of up to 70% all year round. Whether you want high fashion or outdoor clothing, exclusive It-pieces or just the thing for the whole family, the outlet’s wide range of premium and luxury brands makes it easy for you to find exactly what you need.

Award-winning architecture at OULETCITY METZINGEN makes you feel visiting an amazing US mall.

This weekend would be a great opportunity to visit one of Europe’s most popular outlets as OUTLETCITY METZINGEN is celebrating in a big way on October 11 and 12, 2019. The so-called FASHION CITY EVENT offers special highlights, great promotions, shopping on Friday until midnight and the start of the outlet’s own club for customers. The different celebrations seek inspiration from shopping metropoles such New York, Paris, Milan or Shanghai. Sightseeing from a new perspective – all dedicated to fashion – and for a great budget! Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Inside the Gucci outlet store.

Inside the new Valentino outlet store.

Don’t miss the gigantic Prada outlet store on two levels.

Welcome to Jimmy Choo at OULETCITY METZINGEN.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Thursday, I went to Metzingen in Germany, a picturesque town close to the city of Stuttgart, that is dedicated to shopping. Once you arrive, you will think, that you made it to a gigantic American shopping mall – OUTLETCITY METZINGEN, where you can find high-end designer stores, such as Gucci, Prada, Burberry and many more with discounts of up to 70% all year round. The reason for my visit was the opening of the newly built BOSS Flagship Outlet that offers the complete product range on a sales area of over 5,000 square meters and that is the largest store of the HUGO BOSS Group worldwide.

To celebrate the occasion, over 600 guests, among them brand ambassadors, German supermodel Eva Padberg and actress Bettina Zimmermann, were invited to indulge in special treats, such as being sketched by an illustrator, or getting their new sweaters or T-shirts personalized. Eva told us that her favorite fashion trend for the upcoming season is pink, no wonder she wore a pink BOSS sweater and looked stunning in it.

My look: Dark blue leather biker jacket, long belted palm-leaf printed silk dress, white booties, and Taylor crossbody bag in black, all by Hugo Boss.

All pieces that I am wearing in this post are available now at the BOSS outlet store. OUTLETCITY METZINGEN is absolutely worth the visit and something special is coming up. On October 11 and 12, 2019, the shopping destination is celebrating in a big way with the FASHION CITY EVENT, that offers special performances, great promotions, shopping on friday until midnight and the start of an own CLUB for customers.

Stay tuned, as I will tell you more about it next week.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Hanna Ruff (Instagram @blubbhanna @hr_photodesign)
Photos during the event: © Sandra Bauknecht

Balmain‘s Pre-Fall 2019 or David Koma‘s F/W 2019 collection are both boasting the animalistic trend with beaded ornates that curve from the hip up towards a single padded shoulder. Dragons or serpents, both are stunning examples of an opulent yet unfussy approach to design. Wear them with smoky eyes and your hair pinned into a bun to highlight the shoulder cutout or opt for the skirt with a turtleneck during the day.

One-sleeve crystal-embellished stretch-jersey mini dress by Balmain

Embellished cutout stretch-cotton velvet mini dress by David Koma

Embellished cutout stretch-cotton velvet mini skirt by David Koma

And as usual, here is a little tip to channel the season’s dramatic sense of glamour on sale:

Left: Snake-embroidered beaded velvet mini dress by Valentino (60% off)
Right: Snake-embellished tulle gown by Valentino (60% off)

Time to unleash your inner snake in the Garden of Eden and to transform into a fierce, yet seductive woman.

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

Breaking news at today’s amFAR gala at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc where H&M is announcing their newest designer collaborator Giambattista Valli. Ladies, you have to be ready this weekend. The flash collection, consisting of limited edition party dresses for his Valli girls, and, in a first, tailoring for Valli boys, will already hit the shelves in select H&M stores around the world and on the H&M website on Saturday, May 25. Speaking of firsts, never before has the Swedish clothing brand released a designer collaboration so close to the announcement; typically there’s been six months between the news breaking and the clothes arriving in stores, and never before have they worked with someone doing couture.

Kendall Jenner and Chiara Ferragni tonight at the amFAR

Personally speaking, I find these designer collaborations quite over and fully understand that H&M was looking for new ways to promote this so-called Project Love. Therefore tonight at the amFAR gala, Kendall Jenner, Chiara Ferragni, Bianca Brandolini, Chris Lee [Li Yuchun], H.E.R., and Ross Lynch are wearing the new pieces, transforming the red carpet into a fashion runway. With Kendall’s 111 million Instagram fans and Chiara’s 16.5 million watching, the launch is off to a great start.

H.E.R. in Giambattista Valli x H&M

The larger collection will follow on November 7, 2019. Stay tuned! In the meantime enjoy the looks below. You will see how beautiful the dresses are, quite pricey for H&M though, but better think twice wearing it to the next gala as you might spot many ladies in the same dress.

LoL, Sandra

Look 1 – CHF 349.00

Look 2 – CHF 649.00

Look 3 – Top CHF 179.00 and Skirt CHF 129.00

Look 4 – CHF 649.00

Look 5 – CHF 249.00

Look 6 – CHF 499.00

Look 7 – Blazer CHF 249.00 and Pants CHF 119.00

Look 8 – Blazer CHF 249.00 and Shorts CHF 79.95

Look 9 – Top CHF 49.95 and Shorts CHF 79.95

Photos: Courtesy of H&M