Sandra‘s Closet

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and I have put together a Valentine’s gift guide for you with small tokens, grand gestures and everything in-between. Gentlemen, have a closer look and delight your loved one! Wrap up something special and wow your Valentine.

And Ladies, I recommend sending a not-so-subtle hint! In case you are single, why not treating yourself to a fabulous gift?!

Swatch’s numbered limited edition Valentine’s Day collection:
CATCH MY HEART GZ264S and LOVELY MINE GZ265S, each CHF 60.- (in Swatch stores only)

You can’t go wrong with Ladurée’s special edition macarons for Valentine’s Day. Starting February 10th, you’ll be able to buy the grapefruit-flavored treats in a special pink-and-blue box.

What about this cute little bag by s.Oliver? €15.95

Sigg’s famous drinking bottles come in a Valentine’s Limited Edition. A great surprise for your little girl.
Valentines Special / Art. Nr. 8341.70 / 1.0 L / CHF 27.-
Dear Deer / Art. 8322.40 / 0.6 L / CHF 25.-

Alternatively you can surprise your boyfriend in a cool shirt by New Yorker, CHF 16.95.

What about a little game on Valentine’s Day? Agent Provocateur’s Charades is just perfect for the occasion, CHF 60.-.

Write a love letter with Montblanc’s Bohème white gold fountain pen with a red heart-shaped ruby (CHF 23.100.-)…

…preferably with Montblanc’s Love Ink in red (CHF 13.40).

Needless to say, famous fashion houses have jumped on the Valentine’s trend and have come up with many gift ideas, such as Gucci that offers a whole collection of little goodies.

I love this Miu Miu handbag (CHF 990.-) and the matching bracelets (CHF 290.- each).

How cute is this pocket mirror by Louis Vuitton?
Available now for €240.-.

Prada’s adorable key chain with the little Kara bear trick will surely break some hearts (CHF 190.-).

Give a little love… your iPad will thank you for such a sweet cover (CHF 290.- each)! And spending money might be even more fun with Prada’s heart-print wallet (CHF 450.-).

Chanel offers a more subtle colour palette for their Valentine’s collection.
I am so in love with this cuff, please be mine!

LoL, Sandra

Here is what I wore to the Stéphane Rolland Haute Couture S/S 2012 show last week in Paris:

Ribbed wool-blend and silk-gazar dress by Lanvin (on sale 50% off), red suede belt by Yves Saint Laurent, mustard-coloured ’40s style coat and suede booties by Miu Miu and animal-print Boston bag by Céline.

LoL, Sandra

The amazing Jewel Tree dress from Mary Katrantzou’s F/W 2011 collection that I wore to the launch of “Mary Katrantzou for Longchamps” at Colette last Tuesday is so special that it deserves its own post.

The appliquéd velvet piece comes with amazing 3-D flower embellishments and is immaculately tailored with a nipped in waist and a peplum skirt. A piece that is very close to couture.

I kept my accessories to a minimum and simply added some black heels and earrings by Miu Miu plus my Diorette cocktail ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

The new Miu Miu S/S 2012 advertising campaign, shot by David Sims, stars actress Mia Wasikowska.

A young woman plays different feminine characters and diverse personalities; taking inspiration from classic portraiture, David Sims leaves atmosphere and attitudes in a haze of undefined suspension.

Diverse eras and diverse inspirations are reassembled in the Miu Miu S/S 2012 collection. Following a party leitmotif, the Eighteenth century and the Fifties, lace, bows, patchwork and cameos mix and match in a visual collage charged with great evocative power.

I like very much and you?

LoL, Sandra

Red is a must next summer and in combination with nude and beige just irresistible. 
Clare Waight Keller, who has replaced Chloé’s Hannah MacGibbon, shows for her debut collection this colour combination in perfection.

If you are in the mood for shopping, have a look at this stunning outfit below, perfect for the cold temperatures now.

I personally absolutely adore the colour combination of red and nude, so French and so chic!

This rosette-embellished silk top by Lanvin will be a great addition to your wardrobe. It works best partnered with a simple pencil skirt or this trendy pleated leather skirt by Marc Jacobs. Stay warm during winter time with a cozy cardigan by Missoni and the gorgeous red flared wool princess coat by Issa. Add a classic bag such as the nude vitello bow-embellished leather tote by Miu Miu and some killer heels like thestudded open toe sandals by Valentino and you will me make heads turn.

LoL, Sandra

New Year’s Eve is coming and the perfect accessory to vamp up your look is a sequined clutch bag. Good news is that the sparkling F/W 2011 trend will stay for S/S 2012. Glitter is most wanted, shimmer and shine through the party season!

Here is a selection of the best pieces available at the moment:

1 ON SALE! Sequined clutch (garnet-silver) by Miu Miu

2 Sequined (purple-silver) black leather shoulder bag by Dolce & Gabbana

3 Two-tone sequined clutch (blush-silver) by Miu Miu

And as Lady Gaga says: “And now I am just trying to change the world one sequin at a time…”. Better get started with your closet!

LoL, Sandra

Net-à-porter UK has started the end of season sale with up to 50% off officially today.

I put a selection of great classic pieces for you together, all under £200. All of them are perfect investments, versatile basics that you cannot go wrong with. To be transferred directly, please just click on the highlighted text.

1 Crochet-knit wool-blend poncho by Missoni, £122.50 (was £250)

2 Cotton-twill shirt-style bodysuit by Tibi, £115 (was £230)

3 Cotton and modal-blend turtleneck top by Splendid, £30 (was £60)

4 Silk-satin trimmed jersey top by Miu Miu, £136.50 (was £195)

5 Camino metallic-knit sweater by Marc by Marc Jacobs, £132 (was £220)

6 Satin-jersey wrap-effect dress by Halston Heritage, £175 (was £250)

7 Appliquéd wool cape by Emma Cook, £ 137.50 (was £275)

Below you find a selection of pieces that work day and night. All of them could be combined in different ways.

1 Moldave ruffled silk blouse by Paul & Joe, £147 (was £245)

2 Python platform pumps by Alexandre Birman, £145 (was £290)

3 Quinn leather envelope clutch by Michael Kors, £ 197.50 (was £395)

4 Silk-trimmed stretch-lace dress by D&G Dolce & Gabbana, £160 (was £320)

5 Chevron velvet and twill clutch by Marc by Marc Jacobs, £150 (was £250)

6 Python and suede ankle boots by Alexandre Birman, £170 (was £340)

7 Cropped jersey jacket by Alice by Temperley, £122.50 (was £245)

8 Stretch-bouclé pencil skirt by Vince, £ 119 (was £170)

Happy Shopping! Hurry, those pieces will sell out fast…

LoL, Sandra

Those mini micro bags are cuteness on a whole new level and a perfect way for every girl to own a Miu Miu. It’s easily attachable to your regular sized handbag. Enjoy the attention!

Available in Miu Miu stores now or online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

Meet my London based friend Anouschka who has an amazing style. I truly love this outfit on her, the colour combination of red and burgundy is just divine.

Her look: Burgundy blazer by Stella McCartney, red lace skirt by Erdem, nude sweater by Miu Miu, earrings by Erickson Beamon, boots and clutch by Christian Louboutin.

To shop, please click on the tiny pics at the end of this post.

By the way, the plain brown paper bag is a discreet shopping bag from net-à-porter. In London, you can receive your deliveries like that. Good to know, isn’t it?!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I have a love-hate relationship with those Miu Miu sunglasses. During Milan Fashion week, I was on a mission to get a pair of those glittering stunners. The new retro-glam frames featuring a perfect angular cat-eye shape were beautifully displayed in the Miu Miu shop but when I wanted to buy them, the store manager explained to me that they were only for display.
Excuse me?! So I decided to hate them! Impossible!

In the meantime, two pairs have magically made their way in my closet and I am absolutely in love with them. Thank you, Miu Miu for having mercy on me. Such a wonderful gift! And for my dear readers, they are available at Saks Fifth Avenue’s online store now:

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht