Straw Hats, Hemingway and Cuba

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Last night, I arrived in Cuba and was greeted by CHANEL in my hotel room with a lovely surprise: a very cute straw hat created in collaboration with Maison Michel, the famous hat-maker and milliner that was acquired by the House of CHANEL as one of its specialty ateliers.

The first thing popping up in my mind was, how is this shape called? Is it a Panama or a Havana hat, a feodora or a trilby…? Here is a little guide for you so that you will become a real insider.

The easiest thing to remember is that the rim of a fedora curls up while the rim of a panama hat is straight. A trilby is a narrow-brimmed type of hat which in shape resembles the Tyrolean hat.

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Straight rim: straw Panama hat by Rag & Bone.

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The rim curls up: icongrosgrain-trimmed woven paper fedora by Melissa Odabash.

Diesel_Trilby_hatNarrow-brimmed: icongradient trilby hat by Diesel.
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Trendy, the floppy brim: sunny sequined straw sunhat by Eugenia Kim.

Straw hats in all shapes have already become a must-have accessory for fashionistas everywhere as they are the perfect addition to a summery look. So ladies, hold on to your hats, many exciting things are waiting for you during the next days!

Ernest Hemingway wears the look of the successful novelist in Paris, in 1927, just after his book, “The Sun Also Rises,” hit the bestseller list. (AP Photo/Charles Scribner Sons)

I am leaving now an a Hemingway tour which will take me on a journey, following the footsteps of one of the worlds greatest writers here in Cuba. In 1940 Hemingway, with his new wife Martha, purchased a home outside Havana where he would live for the next twenty years. Stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

Louis Vuitton Tropical Journey Collection

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Louis Vuitton looked also to Hawaii for inspiration (see yesterday’s post here about this summer’s trend ). The «Tropical Journey» capsule collection takes a trip to paradise and comes back with lush nature-inspired prints that are available across the Houses’s iconic models such as Speedy or Neverfull but also on accessories or shoes. Have fun exploring them all below.

Aloha!

LoL, Sandra

Handbag in printed Monogram Vernis leather, Nevrefull and Palm Springs backpack in printed Monogram canvas, square in silk twillHandbag in printed Monogram Vernis leather, Neverfull and Palm Springs backpack in printed Monogram canvas, square in silk twill

Go-14 bag in printed Malletage MonogramGo-14 bag in printed Malletage Monogram

Sunglasses in acetate and metalSunglasses in acetate and metal

Toilet bag in printed Monogram Canvas, Zippy wallet in printed Monogram Vernis leather, sneaker in printed Monogram Canvas, pareo in cottonToilet bag in printed Monogram Canvas, Zippy wallet in printed Monogram Vernis leather, sneaker in printed Monogram Canvas, pareo in cotton

Handbag in printed Monogram vernis leather, nevrefull and Palm Springs backpack inprinted Monogram canvas, square in silk twillHandbag in printed Monogram vernis leather

Speedy, Keepall and PÇgase suitcase in printed Monogram CanvasSpeedy, Keepall and Pegase suitcase in printed Monogram Canvas

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Miu Miu Valentine’s Day

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Attention lovers! MIU MIU introduces a capsule collection especially for Valentine’s Day. The offering draws on the playful juxtaposition of different worlds.

Valentines Day Miu Miu

Miu Miu Cherry Bag

Cherries are the recurrent sweetly romantic motif of this quintessentially feminine collection, always coming, like lovers, in sparkling pairs and nestling on vivid green crystal leaves.

Heart Charm

Jewelled hearts also make an appearance and an exclusive logo – MIU MIUicon Loves – is applied to the madras leather styles.

Love Miu Miu

Purses suspended from palladium hardware, wallets, card holders, key chains and bag trinkets all feature in the colors of passion – black, ruby red and sugar pink – often with contrasting linings. Materials include madras and nappa leather with signature “cloqué” workmanship. Characteristically irreverent details finish each piece, among them more cherries, hearts and lettering in polished silver or brightest red enamel.

Miu Miu Valentines Day Clutch

Miu Miu Cherry

Anybody looking for a Valentine’s Day surprise? This collection is so beautiful!
If you need more shopping ideas, click HERE for a previous post.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

2016 – Year of the Monkey

Yesterday was Chinese New Year and from now we are in the Year of the Monkey, which will be ending on January 27, 2017 (Chinese New Year’s Eve).

What is the Year of the Monkey? The monkey is ninth of the 12 animals in the recurring 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle that means every 12 years there is a Monkey year.

2016 is a Fire Monkey YearWhat does ”Fire Monkey” means? In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with a Chinese zodiac animal sign and one the five elements: gold (metal), water, wood, fire, or earth. Both the sign and element of your birth year are said to affect your personality and destiny. Element-sign combinations recur every 60 years:

Fire Monkey … 2016, 1956, … Ambitious and adventurous, but irritable
Wood Monkey … 2004, 1944, … Always ready to help others; compassionate, with strong self-esteem, but stubborn
Water Monkey … 1992, 1932, … Smart, quick-witted, fond of being in the limelight, but haughty
Gold Monkey … 1980, 1920, … Smart, quick-witted, and confident, but also irritable and stubborn
Earth Monkey … 1968, 1908, … Frank, optimistic, and fearless.

As China is still an important market for the luxury goods industry, many designers have come up with some special editions dedicated to the Year of the Monkey.

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Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani is joining the celebrations, launching an exclusive and limited-edition Year of Monkey Face Palette for 2016.

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To celebrate Chinese New Year, Gucci presents a monkey key chain with glass pearls.

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Prada launches a capsule collection of accessories for a prosperous Lunar New Year with a primate key rings, luggage tags, gold trinkets, and furry charms.

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Givenchy makes a bold statement with this monkey print sweatshirt.

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Lucky charm at your finger: iconAmedeo‘s three monkey ring.

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Bring the good vibes of 2016’s Monkey Year to your house with Seletti‘s monkey lamp shade.

To a prosperous and wonderful Chinese Year! If you like to find out more about your own Chinese sign,  click here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brandsicon

Fendi Furry Alphabet Charms

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I love those new ABCharms by FENDI, that are ready to become the “must-have” gift of the holiday season. Thanks to their practical keychain, those colourful and fun accessories made in fox fur can be easily attached to every bag… or wherever you want!

Fendi_Shearling_BagThis Peekaboo large leather-trimmed shearling tote can be easily personalized with ABCharms.

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iconAdd a touch of color by choosing your letter or pair the charms to compose your initials… either way the ABCharms will make everything more fun and personal!

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Available to buy as a preview on fendi.com starting from now and available in boutiques worldwide from November 2015.

YOU CAN ALSO SHOP THE ABCHARMS NOW ONLINE HERE.
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LoL, Sandra

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Photos: Courtesy of Fendi

Happy Belated Mother’s Day

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 You might wonder why I post wishes for Mother’s Day two days after the actual celebration. The reason is that I would like to remind everyone that we should worship our mums every single day. I read this amazing quote recently: “Call your mother. Tell her you love her. Remember you’re the only person who knows what her heart sounds like from the inside.” It’s so true!

Surprise her! Personally speaking, I was over the moon when those CHANEL must-haves found their way into my closet this weekend.

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Protest-inspired, with slogans like ‘Make Fashion Not War‘ and ‘Feministe Mais Feminine,’ the S/S 2015 bags and accessories make a huge statement and every women’s heart leap with joy.
In CHANEL stores now.

LoL, Sandra

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 Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

A Little Chanel Never Killed Nobody

A Little Chanel Never Killed Nobody

Ups, I did it again… I just cannot resist Chanel accessories and the ones from the Dubai Cruise 2015 collection are to die for. You will never regret to invest in a piece of Chanel fashion jewelry as those objects of desire never go out of style, they are seasonless.

Fashion changes, but style endures.”  ― Coco Chanel

LoL, Sandra

Chanel Dubai Accessories Cruise 2015

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Most Fashionable Tape Dispensers

3M Scotch Heel tapeThe Most fashionable

Aren’t those 3M Scotch tape dispensers the cutest addition to your desk?! I mean you never know, how many sticky situations you might get into. For all shoe lovers among you or for those who like to add some fun to their daily office life, this is that one accessory to get.

This tape dispenser comes packaged with a roll of its 3M Scotch Magic Tape. I couldn’t resist the pink one and bought mine in Gstaad at a stationery shop for CHF 14.50.

LoL, Sandra

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Scotch Shoe Tape Dispenser in Honeysuckle

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Scotch Shoe Tape Dispenser in Aqua

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Photos: Courtesy of Scotch

The Gucci Gift Guide – Just Magical

Gucci Fresco 2Gucci Gift Guide 2014Gucci Turnaround Leather Bags

Fall into the holidays with the 2014 Gucci Gift Guide, inspired by a whimsical story about finding the perfect gift, even in the most unexpected moment. From contemporary trends and iconic accessories in their Wish List Section icon(with picks for him and for her) to elegant looks for the season’s chicest invitations to the ultimate in no-holds-barred holiday opulence, as seen in Handle with Care, the curated selection has something for everyone on your list. With pint-sized picks from Gucci Kids, chic designs for sunny escapes, and small luxuries designed to delight, a sensational season is guaranteed. Explore all this and more on GUCCI.COMicon.

Gucci Flora Knight Bamboo Shopper

A piece of art: Gucci‘s Floral Knight Bamboo Shopper is definitely on my wish list. As I am already a huge fan of this line (check out this previous post here), I couldn’t have been more excited about this new printed version. Perfect for the next season.

Gucci Mini Bamboo Shoppers

Overly cute: these Mini Bamboo Shoppers iconare made from supple textured-leather and finished with a detachable strap. It’s the perfect size for your cell, makeup essentials and wallet. 
Did you know that Gucci’s iconic bamboo handles were originally created in 1947 using a patented method to heat and bend them into shape. (If you are interested, I would like to invite you to have a look at a previous post about my visit to the Gucci manufacture in Casellina, Italy).

Gucci Backpacks - Group

Love at first sight: sophisticated style with a retro edge, the Bamboo Sac Backpack
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makes a defiant comeback. Available in many different colors, its spacious drawstring style has plenty of room for your essentials. Really one is spoilt for choice, which color is your favorite?

Gucci Womens Backpack - light blue

Gucci Womens Backpack - raspberry pink

Gucci Womens Backpack - yellow

Gucci Womens Wallets

Ultimate luxury: a wallet in crocodile leathericon. The perfect gift for the distinguished connoisseur.

Gucci Womens Shoes

Those studded heels make every fashion lover’s heart leap with joy. Play with colors to elevate your outfit to the next level.

Dear Santa, please be good to me, all I want for Christmas is Gucci…

LoL, Sandra

Gucci Fresco 1

Photos: © Gucci

The Most Fashionable Christmas Stocking

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Ensure Santa gets a stylish welcome this year with Charlotte Olympias playful Christmas stocking. Finished with a soft red faux suede and gold patent-leather version of the designer’s signature pump, this lace and satin design offers plenty of space to stash small gifts.

Don’t you love the attention to detail, from the crystal-embellished spider right down to the iconic web plaque at the sole?! TO SHOP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Charlotte Olympia