Sandra‘s Closet

Charlotte Ronson, has become one of the most sought after American womenswear designers and her New York Fashion Week runway shows are a must see. Born in London into an artistic family – her older brother is Mark Ronson, the face for Fan di Fendi pour Homme – and raised in New York, Charlotte followed the tradition by developing her own unique style at an early age.

In 2000, Ronson launched her first collection, C. Ronson, which gained instant recognition and the attention of renowned publications. In May 2002, Ronson opened her flagship boutique in New York’s hip Nolita neighborhood.

In 2005, Aaron Nir joined C.Ronson as president and the collection was re-named “Charlotte Ronson” – a natural evolution of the brand and an accurate reflection of who Charlotte is and what she and her customer want to wear. In late 2009, Charlotte and Aaron became partners and established Charlotte Ronson International headquartered in New York City. With Charlotte Ronson’s sense of style and Aaron Nir’s savvy business sense this dynamic team has created a powerful brand with widespread recognition and huge potential.

Known for her impeccable style and trendsetting designs, Ronson’s clothing and accessories have quickly become a favourite among such fashion forward celebrities, models and influencers including Blake Lively, Kirsten Dunst, Nicole Richie, Rihanna, Diane Kruger, Leighton Meester, and Nicky Hilton, whom I spotted at the show.

Below are some photos I took at the F/W 2012 fashion show in NYC. Her musts for the next season are bohemian prints, an iconic staple. Alongside the Alpine-inspired knits and proper pencil skirts, they look absolutely sophisticated. A modern wardrobe for a real girl. The collection is available at LUISAVIAROMA.COM.

A little goody spotted front row at the Charlotte Ronson F/W 2012 show:
A fluo pink Céline Boston tote.

LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Charlotte Ronson and © Sandra Bauknecht

Recently, one of my friends approached me with –what I realized while working on it- a tricky question. She is a very successful business woman and told me that it is really hard to find clothes that are appropriate for work but still have a feminine touch. This is true.

Your goal to getting dressed for work is to project a competent, professional image. Especially being a woman in an executive position, you don’t want to look sexy fashion victim. It is hard enough to stand up to the stronger sex.

Depending on where you work, those dress codes can vary. As for me, being in fashion, there are no rules. Believe me, I have always enjoyed that part.

But for bankers, lawyers or any other more conservative jobs, it is very important that you send the right message. Your fashion choices will speak volumes about your commitment to do your job.

Here are some rules that might help to find the right formal business attire:

• Business suits (a matched skirt and jacket), pantsuits (matched pants and blazer) and pumps of good quality are on your must-haves list together with crisp shirts, shift dresses (can be a great alternative especially in the summer) and a classy coat.
• Don’t opt for too bold or fancy colours and stay away from wild prints! Traditional shades are navy, grey, black, white and beige. You can mix those trustworthy hues with soft feminine pastel colours.
• Keep the length of your skirt at or below the knee. A pencil skirt should be loose enough to sit down comfortably. And please no gaps between the buttonholes of your blouse.
• If you want to send a fashion statement and work on your career image, put the emphasis more on the cut. A sharp tailored  jacket can do wonders.
• Invest in your accessories. Choose classy jewelry like stud earrings, a nice ring without overdoing it. Your handbag should project an organized image therefore I recommend to choose structured styles, like frame bags.
• Needless to say, work on your polished appearance. Manicured nails, neat hair, clean, scuff-free shoes and run-free hose are obligatory.

I put together some looks that fulfill the business dress codes but still have a certain fashionable twist.

Start shopping and enjoy looking profashional!

LoL, Sandra

Louis Vuitton’s F/W 2011 show had already the best invitation with a gorgeous tassel hanging from it. Marc Jacobs also touched the Parisian World War II-era like Miu Miu did but he added a fetish vibe which is said to be a metaphore for women’s obsession with bags. Talking about the power of a handbag which brand could be better than Louis Vuitton.

The show’s decor was absolutely amazing. Four elevators transported the models on stage. Porters for each opened the lift doors like in a luxury hotel.

The looks were all about peaked caps, sculpted jackets, jodhpur pants, tiny little briefs and below-the-knee pencil skirts.

Later on, French maids in plasticized lace and embellishments in the shape of masks and handcuffs started to exalt the imagination.

Kate Moss presented the last look waving a cigarette and looked smoking hot in both senses. If you are interested, you can watch the show by clicking here.

The must-have Louis Vuitton bag for F/W 2011 will be the reinterpreted 1958 top-handle Lockit bag. For the show, some versions had a diamond encrusted handcuff attached to it.
What can you say… such a Louis Vuitton handbag is for life.

Below you can see which celebrities were spotted at the show. I hope that you will like it.

LoL, Sandra

Girlfriends Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and Carolin Sieber

Carmen Kass, Marc Jacobs and Kate Moss

Elodie Bouchez kissed by Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs with Fan Bing Bing wearing a Louis Vuitton S/S 2011 dress

Daisy Lowe, Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton and Stylerumor.com

Palais d'Iena

My show outfit: Skirt, top and shoes from Miu Miu's S/S 2011 collection, clutch by Chanel and leather jacket by Gucci

The Miu Miu F/W 2011 show took place at the Palais d’ Iéna in Paris, the seat of the Conseil Economique, Social et Environnemental (CESE). It was the first time that the Palace’s spaces, which were designed by the famous architect Auguste Perret, were used for a fashion show.

With its striking views of the Eiffel tower, the location was just perfect for a collection that transported the audience back to World War II-era Paris. But it wouldn’t be Miuccia Prada if she didn’t surprise us. The retro vibe was definitely there but absolutely modernized.

The bare legs of the models ended in super sharp glitter sandal booties. Mink was twisted around the hips and the clutch bags looked like gigantic coin purses. The silhouettes were no doubt `40s with bold-shouldered jackets and slim pencil skirts.
It was a very grown-up Miu Miu collection.

The show’s front row was filled with young celebrities. Actress Hailee Steinfeld, who is only 14, is said to be Miuccia’s new muse. All those young ladies looked fabulous in Miu Miu’s S/S 2011 collection. Please enjoy the photos before the show.

LoL, Sandra

Anais Demoustier in Miu Miu

Ginnifer Goodwin & Mila Kunis, both in Miu Miu

Hailee Steinfeld in Miu Miu

Mélanie Thierry in Miu Miu

Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Anna Dello Russo, both in Miu Miu and Shala Monroque in Prada

Julia Restoin Roitfeld in the fabulous Miu Miu leather jacket from the S/S 2011 collection

Jennifer Lawrence in Miu Miu

Jasmine Trinca & Valeria Bilello, both in Miu Miu