Sandra‘s Closet

During the next week, we will do some time-travelling through different decades and their impacts on the F/W 2010 collections. One of the most important ones to influence your fall wardrobe, is the era of the late fifties. It is a celebration of women with the return of the curvy silhouette. Forerunner of the mid-century modern look is Miuccia Prada that surprised once more with her first time focus on the breasts with ruffled  pointy-bra tops. But there is nothing vulgar about her designs. When nostalgia catches up, Marc Jacobs cannot be far away. In the same vein as Prada this season, his collection for Louis Vuitton accented the womanly figure via corsets, belted wasp waists, petticoated skirts, fitted tops and deep cuts.

The looks could have come straight out of the most popular American TV show of the moment, Mad Men. The Emmy and Golden Globe winning series is set in the late fifties/ beginning of the sixties in the world of New York advertising. Its visual style is highly acclaimed and has inspired many designers for fall.

The mood is very fresh feminine with an uptight but sexy secretary note. The full skirt that had reigned until the early 1960s as the emblem of the 1950s woman celebrates its comeback with a charming Frenchified accent.

The hair is scraped back into high, bouncy sort of Brigitte Bardot ponytails or preferably worn in high chignons, held by tight headbands. The make-up is very Dita Von Teese, sort of clean and all about eyeliner. If you like, you can add a red pout. This look will stay for Resort 2011 as seen beautifully at Dior.

To accessorize your Stepford Wives look, here is what you need:

First a pair of spiked little kitten heels, Those very pointed shoes are comfy and because of their short height, you can still look up to the stronger sex.

Secondly, a top handle bag that shows discreet elegance.

And last but not least, a pair of cat-eye sunglasses. You can choose from sharply exaggerated to sweetly retro, just unleash your feline side.

Can you write in shorthand “chic”? I am convinced that now you can…

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday evening at the premiere of “Salt” at Graumans Chinese Theatre in L.A., Angelina Jolie looked every bit Hollywood`s reigning queen. The spy thriller is due on 23rd of July in the US and one month later in the UK.

Photo: Courtesy of Asprey

At her big night, the leading lady kept her look cool with a sexy black sequin tube dress by Emporio Armani, nude peep toes by Salvatore Ferragamo and just one piece of jewelry from her own collection that she had designed for luxury jewelers Asprey last year. The snake bracelet has been part of the very limited serpentine-inspired Protector Collection, with only 10 items of each design available and all proceeds going to the power couple`s charity.

But her best accessory might have been King Brad who appeared fur-free, meaning without his beard, looking a little like a young Robert Redford in his aviator sunglasses and Tom Ford suit. As I am a bag-addict, I immediately saw that the beautiful brunette showed up without one. So I was wondering what Brad might have been carrying in his pockets…

Angelina wore her favourite colour dress as in LBD (Little Black Dress). In fashionista circles, this is a must-have and the general consensus is a thumbs up! The sequins gave her classic look a sexy twist and the nude pumps worked perfectly with it.
In case you do not own a dress like that, please consider one. At the moment, there are a lot of beautiful ones available of which many are on sale. Here is my pre-selection:

If you prefer doing-it-yourself, I recommend a visit to the notions department. Sequin fabrics are not too expensive and used preferably for costumes. Just sew the material together and voilà there is your tube dress!

A sparkling LBD is a lifetime investment! Do it the Angelina way…

LoL, Sandra

Chanel is expanding their iconic J12 lineage with their first diving watch: The new J12 Marine. It will be available in two different sizes (42mm and 38mm) and three colours (blue, black and white). All versions have ceramic, unidirectional rotating bezels, come with a rubber strap, are waterproof to 300m and possess all attributes for going deep into the sea. Inspired by the force of the oceans and maritime symbols, the choice of surf legend Laird Hamilton as ambassador for Chanel`s J12 Marine watch could not have been any better.

Rachel Bilson and Kristen Bell at the party.

On Sunday, a fashionable crowd along with many celebrities like Rachel Bilson, Kristen Bell, Cindy Crawford and Robert Downey, Jr. just to name a few could see the perfect match for themselves at Chanel`s launch party held at Ron Meyer`s stunning Malibu home. The French house celebrated their new J12 watch with an outdoor screening of the documentary “Hollywood Don`t Surf” by Greg MacGillivray - a cinematic retrospective of fifty years of Hollwood surfing movies that had premiered at 2010 Cannes Film Festival before.

As it can get really chilly at the Pacific coast in the evening, Chanel made sure that the guests are covered in style with to-die-for branded towels, pillows and black pashminas. The decoration was right down to the last detail, even the beach ball in the seaside pool carried the Chanel emblem.

I have always been a big fan of the J12 collection. Now, you can see my object of desire to the right: the Chanel  J12 Marine 42mm in blue, Ref. H2559. The prices of the new models are approximately between $4700.- and $4900.-.

LoL, Sandra

Sex and the City 2 by sandrascloset on Polyvore.com

Sex and the City 2 hits the theaters next week on May 27. Enjoy my insight into the much discussed, long-awaited movie that is a must for every fashionista.

Carrie on by sandrascloset on Polyvore.com

What happens if you say yes? It is two years later, Carrie is living the life with Big which lost a little its sparkle, Samantha has become a pill-addicted, Charlotte is struggling with the pressure she is experiencing as a mother of two, only Miranda seems to cope with her life as a  mom and a professional woman. Still all girls look fantastic in their to-die-for outfits once again put together by famous stylist Patricia Field. Guest stars are Penelope Cruz, Liza Minelli and “Hannah Montana” actress Miley Cyrus.

Abu Dhabi – here they come! by sandrascloset on Polyvore.com

A little excitement comes in when the girls jump at a chance for an all-expenses-paid trip to Abu Dhabi. The glamorous, sun-drenched adventure surprises with some mysterious coincidences like Carrie bumping into her ex Aidan. The desert looks are so vivid, luxurious and divine. Fashionistas, grab your turbans!

Sex and the City 2 – The Book by sandrascloset on Polyvore.com

Last week, the book to the movie “Sex and the City 2 – The Stories. The Fashion. The Adventure” was released. It is a great buy as you can find most of the foursome`s outfits with detailed descriptions.

Get the look! by sandrascloset featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Here you have a preview of the probably two most successful looks of Sex and the City 2,  available now. Both dresses are from Halston Heritage. Altogether Carrie is wearing six of them in the sequel. The reason might be that Sarah Jessica Parker is now the Creative Advisor for the legendary American label.

Carried Away by sandrascloset featuring Christian Louboutin

Founded by Roy Halston Frowick, Halston had its golden age during the Studio 54 era. In 2008, the brand was relaunched and in 2009, its hip diffusion line Halston Heritage followed. I am a big fan of this effortless chic. After seeing Carrie and her style-setting looks, I am sure that there will be a lot more Halstonettes out there.
If you like the “lucky charm” clover necklace, you can order it at Patricia Field`s online store from $56-$72.

80`s Retrospective by sandrascloset on Polyvore.com

Absolutely funny is the 80`s retrospective in the movie. Carrie in her Madonna-inspired outfit still looks cute but Miranda…. that hairdo, ohmygod!

Get your Sweatband! by sandrascloset featuring Brian Atwood shoes

The new must-have accessories will be sweatbands, preferably in neon colours. As spotted on Sarah Jessica Parker – just gorgeous!
Moreover for your evenings out, Skyy Vodka offers “cocktail couture” with a special designed SATC 2 bottle designed by Patricia Field.

The Windows of Bergdorf Goodman by sandrascloset on Polyvore.com

The hype has no end in sight. Bergdorf Goodman asked Patricia Field to style the windows of their department store on 58th street. Each of them celebrates a familiar Sex and the City moment. That is New York City!

Cover Girls by sandrascloset on Polyvore.com

The four actresses are the cover girls for the recent June edition of American Marie Claire magazine. Get your issue now.

Wedding Fever by sandrascloset on Polyvore.com

One last anecdote. The buzz began last summer when tons of fans followed the crew around the city to get the best views on the first location shoots. Rumors had it quickly that Samantha will tie the knot in the sequel after her appearance in a bridal gown. There had been many memorable weddings on the show. Think about Charlotte and Trey in the kilt, or that beautiful little ceremony between Steve and Miranda, not to forget Mr. Big and Carrie.

In case you thought Samantha would be the last girl to put the ring on it, you got duped. Kim Cattrall who plays the maneater Samantha had the devious idea to set the fans on the wrong track. There is going to be a ceremony indeed, but it will be a gay one between Stanford and Anthony. Carrie will wear a smoking, don`t you think that this is probably a little too cliché?!

If you cannot get enough of Carrie, I recommend Candace Bushnell`s newest book. “The Carrie Diaries” is about the young protagonist as a high-school senior. A nostalgic look back, an addictive story and a nice way of getting to know our iconic “Sex and the city” fashionista a little better.

Get carried away!

LoL, Sandra

Salma Hayek debuts Gucci Première by sandrascloset on Polyvore.com

At the 63rd Cannes Film Festival, another premiere took place. Gucci is breaking into the rarefied world of couture with the launch of Gucci Première. But the Florentine luxury goods house does not intend to show haute couture on the catwalk, the capsule collection that will be renewed twice yearly by Creative Director Frida Giannini is more a response to the rising demand for outstanding red-carpet outfits and will only be available on a limited basis to their top clients and celebs.

No wonder that sultry actress Salma Hayek debuted the new line at the opening night Wednesday as her husband François-Henri Pinault happens to be the chairman and CEO of Gucci`s parent company PPR. But she has been beyond question a good get for the Italian luxury house. She kicked off Cannes and Gucci Première at the Robin Hood premiere in a slinky burgundy one-shoulder dress. A real showstopper!

Salma Hayek – Lady in Red by sandrascloset on Polyvore.com

The next evening at the premiere of Wall Street: Money never sleeps, Salma Hayek wore another one-of-a-kind gown from Gucci`s new couture division – a result of beautiful craftsmanship. The designs are executed in Parisian ateliers, the traditional home of the couture.

Kate Beckinsale in Gucci Première by sandrascloset on Polyvore.com

And Salma was not alone this time, Kate Beckinsale looked like a fairytale princess in her antique-white dress with a silver embroidered belt and bow from the Gucci Première line. So radiant with a subtle sparkle, that one was my favourite.

As couture houses have been dying out in the last decades, Gucci`s modern approach might create a new dimension and lay the foundation for their raison d`être. Taking Gucci to Hollywood is definitely an interesting advertising concept as there will be a lot of press about their red-carpet wear in the future.

Giorgio Armani has lead the way and is probably the most successful with his couture gowns. Let`s see Gucci do that…

LoL, Sandra

The wheel of fashion is spinning very fast. During the last days I told you already a lot about the upcoming trends for F/W 2010.  Today we move one step further ahead to spring next year. Yesterday, Karl Lagerfeld presented his Cruise 2011 collection for Chanel in St. Tropez.

Great looks inspired by the 70s that are super wearable as shown by the different mostly barefoot models. Natasha Poly opened the show in a beautiful chiffon kaftan, plus-size model Crystal Renn looked absolutely stunning in a bi-color dress and Mick Jagger`s youngest daughter 17-year-old Georgia May was the finale on the back of a motorcycle.

And what did I see on the nails?! A light blue enamel! Let`s keep an eye on that…

The sun was incredible on the harbor of St. Tropez as well as all the Chanel looks and accessories spotted off the catwalk at the famous Sénéquier. See for yourself below what the ladies in the front row were wearing:

Worth watching is also the short movie “Remember Now” by Karl Lagerfeld that was created for the Cruise 2011 collection. I have loved the direction, visual aspect along with the music.

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday, the 67th annual Golden Globe Awards took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. A rare phenomenon was seen in California: Rain. But the weather couldn`t put a damper on Sandra Bullock`s stunning appearance in the amazing orchid chiffon evening gown by Bottega Veneta from their S/S 2010 runway collection. The dress had a wonderful, outstanding colour and the transparency was very up-to-date. The combination of the signature knot clutch by Bottega Veneta and the triple platform pumps by Casadei in purple suede leather with the extraordinary jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz (Her showroom in New York is located at 580 5th Avenue by 47th Street) was just perfect. Her hair was in a loose up-do that had a modernized 1930`s look with soft curls and waves.

The brunette was nominated in two categories and won the award for best actress (drama) for her role in “The Blind Side“. Many stars wore rainbow-coloured ribbons in memoriam of the Haiti earthquake but Sandra Bullock took it one step further and donated $1 million to the victims of this horrible disaster.

To me, she was definitely the best acdress last night!

LoL, Sandra