Sandra‘s Closet

Statement necklaces have been seen in abundance on the F/W 2010 runways and believe me those pieces make a great addition to your wardrobe as they can definitely turn on the wow factor. Wear a simple outfit and let your statement necklace do its job. It is supposed to make a statement! Do not be afraid to push fashion boundaries, there are so many different options to choose from. From ethnic inspired to boho chic, from chunky and bright to multi-strand pieces, all of them have serious longevity.

Stephanie Thonet

To find one that suits you should not be difficult, especially if you have a look at www.thonetjewelry.com.
Stephanie Thonet creates amazing statement necklaces that will put you immediately in the style spotlight. She achieves unusual designs and colour combinations by artfully mixing a large variety of beads and stones as nature provides; such as coral, wood, shells and freshwater pearls with semi-precious stones.
I am totally in love with her works that are still budget-friendly. Which of those stunning statement necklaces that will not diminsh your bank statement will be dangling down your sternum?

Have a look below at my favourites from her collection that also includes earrings, bracelets and elegant objects d`art. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact Stephanie Thonet.

LoL, Sandra

Necklaces between € 215.- and € 325.-

Red and white necklaces between € 75.- and € 165.-, coral necklace € 245.-

Moonstone necklace € 235.-

Faux-pearls necklace with brooch € 235.-

Mother of pearl, shells and flowers € 255.-

Necklace € 155.-

Today is Independence Day, commonly known as Fourth of July that honours the birthday of the United States of America and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is definitely the most American of holidays, celebrated all over the country and marked by patriotic displays coloured in red, white and blue like the US-flag.

Above there is my “American Dream” consisting of a white gold case with 76 set diamonds, a rotabable bezel with 23 diamonds, 18 rubies and 18 sapphires framing a black dial: The Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II. The list price of this beautiful watch is definitely not a steal: €53.920.- / $70.600.- but colourwise a solid salute to the 234th anniversary of the USA. What a lovely reason….

There are plenty of stylish ways to wear your pride for America. Stars and stripes work the year around and are always a cool addition to your look, but please just one at a time! For today`s celebration, you can go overboard. The Converse shoes and the snakeskin lips clutch by Lulu Guinness, both with the US-flag, are absolute eyecatchers. Thanks to the big nautical trend this summer showing your sartorial spirit for the USA  is very easy and there is a large variety to choose from. I love this Alice by Temperley striped jersey dress and the maritime sunglasses by D&G.

Have a great 4th of July!

LoL, Sandra

Sweater dressing has been trendy since quite awhile but this winter you can indulge in reminiscences of all those gorgeous and easy looks from the `70s and `80s. Preferably loose-knit and tone on tone, we will enjoy the new comfortable freedom. Wear  your sweater dresses with opaque tights, ankle boots and the must-have accessory: a thin belt around the waist!

Extra long boyish cardigans can also do a similiar job. Stella McCartney has some seriously sexy ones. If you like you can combine them with a wide belt like Sonia Rykiel showed on the runway which will give your outfit more shape and spice it up.

You will be surprised how another oldie out of your closet can look brand new this season if you play a litttle with it. The Chanel way looks so sexy. A belted sweater worn as an ultra-mini dress combined with fur overknee boots.

In case that you just cannot wait for all these gorgeous runway looks to arrive, I have provided a fabulous pre-fall 2010 look for you that is already available:

Wrap up the new season with a leather self-tie belt by Vionnet worn over a loose cashmere knitted dress like the one by Chloé. The goat hair trench coat by Burberry Prorsum would finish off your look with style along with the suede knee-high wedge boots by Guiseppe Zanotti and the sloughy bag by See by Chloé.

Comfortable and übercool in one!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Matthew Williamson has just got in some new gorgeous kaftans and jumpsuits for your holiday season. They are stylish cover-ups for your swimwear, moreover very comfortable and work also very well in the evening. The colours are amazing and blend in perfectly. If you are interested, please contact the London store by phone +44 20 7629 6200.

LoL, Sandra

Beaded Kaftan £695.-

Jumpsuit £ 995.-

Beaded kaftan £695.-, belt £160.-

Short kaftan with brooch £ 650.-

Long kaftan with brooch £895.-

Long kaftan with brooch £895.-

The cult of Louis Vuitton`s Stephen Sprouse leo scarf is a worldwide phenomena. It started in 2006 when Marc Jacobs made his first tribute to the artist, who had died at the age of 50 in 2004, by using the leo print the two had created together. An It-stole was born.
The first colour marron has become an integral part of every year`s collection, followed by other seasonal versions. Wrapped around many celeb necks, the scarf is bound to go down in history as one of the most famous of its kind.

Another historical moment took place last month in London when Louis Vuitton celebrated their new store on New Bond Street with the launch of 4 limited editions of their iconic Leo scarves. Only available in the British capital, they were sold out immediately on the opening day.

I know so many who were diappointed the last years because they missed the new colours. We do not want this to happen again! Here is the preview of the two latest designs for F/W 2010, said to be in stores around August. The statement piece was seen already on Margherita Missoni in Monte Carlo (see above). Always good to be friends with a designer.

So girls, who are not on good terms with Marc, get yourselves on the wait lists now and claws out for the new leo!

LoL, Sandra

Paris Hilton at Madame Tussauds

It is Sunday and I feel totally cozy. When I am at home, I usually wear all sorts of track suits, mostly by Juicy Couture. By transforming the sloppy sweat suit into a sexy uniform, the brand has been on everyone`s lips since quite a while. Spotted on many celebrities, it seems to be perfect for everyday life. Paris Hilton, a big fan of the label, is even displayed at Madame Tussauds wax museum in London in Juicy Couture.

In the US it is quite usual to wear the comfortable clothes to all sorts of different occassions from grocery shopping to lunch. In Europe, the trainer look is becoming more and more part of a fashionable wardrobe during the day. I could live in those, sooooo comfy and still body-consciously sexy, also great for yoga and pilates. By the way, the quality is amazing, you can wash them a zillion times.

Apart from the tracksuits, Juicy Couture offers a lot more, from cute underwear to kids clothing, dog couture, jewelry and a lot of fun stuff.

I am totally in love with those cute pieces above. The colour combo of mint green and soft pink is enchanting. Who could resist a girl in such a cute bathrobe at the breakfast table sipping her coffee?

Pam Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor

Juicy Couture changed the flavour of casual dress and style. The company was founded by two smart Californian women Pam Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor in 1994 and belongs since 2003 to the Liz Claiborne group. The brand extended their product range to include ready-to-wear, denim and more. The sister line Bird by Juicy Couture was introduced last year, a more serious fashion that offers a great value for money. I recommend it warmly to you.

Usher in an era of relaxed luxe that will sooner or later take over the world!

LoL, Sandra

Chanel`s Pre-fall 2010 is now arriving in stores. The theme: Paris-Shanghai. The Chinese megacity had been the perfect backdrop to present this fantasy collection last December.

The beautiful hommage was inspired by Shanghai`s louche past as the Paris of the East, when during the height of its glory in the 20`s and 30`s, the opium dens and nightclubs were all glamourous. A trip that Coco Chanel only made in her dreams.

My favourites are the black leather leggings with carved in camellia intarsias. I just do not want to find out how much they are…. I am very positive that it is a fortune.

The new Chanel store in Shanghai at the Peninsula hotel where you can find all these yummy exclusives.

To celebrate the Shanghai World Expo 2010, Chanel has also created a series of limited-edition accessories that are only available at stores in mainland China. Thank God the new boutique opened last year. The classic quilted flap bag with inside signature from Karl Lagerfeld “Shanghai Karl Lagerfeld” is divine. I really envy my Shanghai readers for being able to get your hands on this treasure. Send one over, please!

But there are more gorgeous accessories that will be available in other countries. What do you think of this adorable Take Away bag above to the left? I think it is a pretty hilarious and humorous take on fashion. I also adore the Chinese doll clutch and earrings.

LoL, Sandra

Nina Arnold-Shah

Bracelets, preferably many different ones worn together, are absolute must-haves. Celebs like Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Ritchie do not leave the house without being heavily armed. If you dream of stacking it like the stars, visit Nina and her Kids and the City shop. The charming mother of two sells a huge variety of those It-pieces.

Bracelet "Biscuit" CHF 79.-

Kids CHF 69.-

Charm Bracelets, CHF 79.-

Elastic Bracelets, CHF 79.- each

Sautoir "Biscuit" CHF 235.-

Sautoir "Medailles", from CHF 400.-

If you are looking for the perfect little special gift, Kids and the City is definitely the place to go. Most pieces can be personalized like the engraved medals “sautoirs” , passport covers or hand painted Swedish clogs for Mums and their little ones. I love to order my gifts for newborn babies at Nina`s.

Clogs, CHF 115.-/160.-

Personalized Bags, CHF 59.-

Necklace, CHF 95.- per engraved pendant

Bows, CHF 8.-/10.-, Hairpieces CHF 10.-

Scarfs by TANK, CHF 510.-

Personalized Baby Cushions, CHF 75.-

Passport Covers, CHF 54.-

If you are interested, do not hesitate to contact Nina at or +41 79 7683723. In case you are living in the Zurich area, you are more than welcome to visit her next week on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th of May from 10am – 6pm (or by appointment) as she is having a special “May Shopping Spree” on those days. Her address is Breitackerstr. 4, 8702 Zollikon. See you there!

LoL, Sandra

Photos:© Sandra Bauknecht

A little reminder for my Swiss and German based readers: The third Weltwoche Style Edition is available from now. Inside you will find my must-haves for different vacation destinations.
Get your summer feeling.

LoL, Sandra