Sandra‘s Closet

In 2009, Valentino caused a fashion frenzy when its creative directors at that time power duo, Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri, came up with what would be one of the maison’s most fortuitous accessories: the Rockstud sandals. With their dainty shape and small pyramidal studs, the shoes were immediately loved by fashionistas around the globe.

Me with some Rockstud details

Now in the creative directorship solo, Piccioli is celebrating the style’s 10th anniversary with a new program called Valentino Garavani Rockstud X. Categorized as an «open lab» the series will see Piccioli collaborate with a rotating cast of guest designers on the Rockstud. First up: the conceptual British designer Craig Green (see cover photo). Already known for his partnerships with Moncler and Adidas, this is the first time Green has reached the upper echelons of the fashion world, where arguably Valentino reigns. The Valentino x Craig Green collaboration product will be unveiled in early January 2021 while the product is set to launch in stores around late February 2021.

However, you don’t need to wait until February to get your hands on something very beautiful from Valentino. For S/S 2021, Piccioli is making the Valentino Rockstud bigger and better than ever, as the Rockstud take on gargantuan proportions, embellishing gladiator sandals and bags that will be a big hit. So-called Roman studs, Roman architecture inspired this iconic motif able to manifest the Maison’s bourgeois and punk essences.

TO SHOP THE NEW ROMAN STUDS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Valentino and © Sandra Bauknecht
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Today’s post is dedicated to my favorite S/S 2020 shoes in my closet. From candy-colored sandals to pair with flowy summer dresses to chunky platforms that promise height and comfort, there’s a variety of options ranging from trendy to functional that’ll put you in a better mood just by looking at them.

Some are already on sale, just click on the highlighted product descriptions to find out more.

LoL, Sandra

Sundance metallic vegan leather platform sandals by Aquazzura

White Upflair feather-trimmed leather sandals by Valentino

Queen Of The Desert embellished suede sandals by Aquazzura

Chiara embroidered leather sandals by Sophia Webster

Ambra plateau sandals by Gianvito Rossi

C-plaque suede platform sandals by Chloé

Purist 105 suede pumps by Aquazzura

Quilted leather mules by Bottega Veneta

Logo-jacquard canvas wedge espadrilles by Fendi

Raynibo 100 crystal-embellished suede sandals by Christian Louboutin

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

The official start of summer is coming soon, so it’s time to pack away our boots and trade them in for airier shoes, like the ever-popular espadrilles, the absolute summer shoe.

This season, they take tying to a whole new level being trimmed with crisscrossing laces all over the shoe, eye-catching details made for not only tropical vacationing but also a stroll through the city. If you live in a city like Zurich, you’ll appreciate the cobblestone-friendly footwear so much.

LoL, Sandra

Suede espadrilles by Off-White

Gaia canvas platform espadrilles by Stella McCartney

Logo-print tie suede & jute espadrilles by Loewe Paula’s Ibiza

Gina canvas & jute espadrilles by Castañer

125 laser-cut leather-trimmed canvas wedge espadrilles by Alaïa

Crystal-embellished canvas & jute espadrilles by Loewe Paula’s Ibiza

Cucu 80 canvas & jute espadrille wedges by Castañer

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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The barely there sandals that wrap around your ankles have already reached cult status. Bottega Veneta‘s version from their Resort 2020 collection is the one we keep seeing on feeds right now. The shoes instantly became a viral hit for the clever styling trick (see trouser tuck) that ruled the street style scene throughout the early months of the year. Personally speaking, I love it so much, the perfect way to wear pants that are too long without having to cut them off. I will post an outfit with them this week, so please stay tuned!

In the meantime, enjoy those beautiful sandals seen on the runways and my favorites this season below, secure yours by clicking on the highlighted description.

LoL, Sandra

Wrap-around snake-effect leather sandals by Bottega Veneta

Cleo crystal-embellished leather sandals by René Caovilla

Opera 120 leather sandals by Gianvito Rossi

Cleo embellished metallic satin and leather sandals by René Caovilla

Cleo crystal-embellished leather sandals with small heel by René Caovilla

Snake-effect leather sandals by Bottega Veneta

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Green is that rare color that means virtually the same thing across the globe. It signifies spring, rebirth, hope and stands for good luck and eco-consciousness.
In my opinion, green means «go», wether you are driving or dressing. It sends a strong message but less aggressive than red. A pair of green heels can elevate every outfit to new heights and is a great addition to every closet.

LoL, Sandra

Purist 105 suede pumps by Aquazzura

Monstera crystal-leaf satin pumps by Nicholas Kirkwood

Hangisi 105 Pumps by Manolo Blahnik

Décolleté 554 85 suede pumps by Christian Louboutin

Gianvito 85 suede pumps by Gianvito Rossi

Green 85 suede pumps by Prada

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Raffia bags are the annual stalwarts of summer, but now they have traded up: sleek incarnations now carry the day – not only on the beach but in the boardroom, too.

Below are my favorites, just click on the highlighted description to get yours delivered to your doorstep. A welcome distraction during quarantine times.

LoL, Sandra

GG Marmont large leather-trimmed raffia tote by Gucci

Nolita small leather-trimmed raffia shoulder bag by Saint Laurent

The Rockstud leather-trimmed raffia clutch by Valentino

 Panier small textured leather-trimmed straw tote by Prada

Escape leather-trimmed straw tote by Valentino

Espadrille large fringed raffia tote by Altuzarra

Medium leather-trimmed woven raffia tote by Loewe

The Studio Basket woven raffia tote by Salvatore Ferragamo

Lecky leather-trimmed raffia shoulder bag by Isabel Marant

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands / Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

BIRKENSTOCK, the cult German footwear company and the iconic New York fashion brand, Proenza Schouler, have teamed up to launch a unisex collaboration. Inspired by the BIRKENSTOCK core ingredients of quality and function, Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez add their uniquely New York point of view to two iconic Birkenstock styles – the Arizona and Milano.

Birkenstock x Proenza Schouler – Arizona

The shoes feature Velcro closures in place of hardware buckles and are finished with industrial contrast topstitching to further refine the classic sandals while maintaining their traditional form and functionality. The collaboration features a timeless palette of black, white, ochre, and silver, and is rendered in polished, specchio calf leather derived from past and present Proenza Schouler collections.

Proenza Schouler S/S 2020 runway

For this special partnership, BIRKENSTOCK and Proenza Schouler have enlisted Juergen Teller and Peter Miles as creative collaborators. For the launch, a 3-dimensional visual concept were designed that embodies both the artistic approach of the designers’ process as well as the timelessness and elevated craftmanship of the BIRKENSTOCK manufacturing heritage.

Birkenstock x Proenza Schouler – Milano

«We are excited to be partnering with BIRKENSTOCK as we have been longtime admirers and devotees of the brand. We are also thrilled to be working on this exciting venture alongside Juergen and Peter. BIRKENSTOCK and Proenza Schouler both share a common respect and admiration for the craftsmanship and detailed work that goes into all of our products, and we are excited to celebrate these all-important qualities in our collaboration.» – Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, Designers and Founders, Proenza Schouler.

TO SHOP BIRKENSTOCK PROENZA SCHOULER, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Top Image: Photography Juergen Teller – Art direction Peter Miles; via Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Here comes a new must-have for all fashion and art lovers. A Lanvin master piece, the Pencil bag reinterprets Lanvin’s heritage by highlighting difference. Its sculptural handle, shaped as a cat, is inspired by Jeanne Lanvin’s cat andirons, imagined by the artist Armand Rateau in 1920. So beautiful – an object of desire.

TO SHOP LANVIN ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE – to pre-order the new must-have bags, click HERE please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Lanvin

Fun, iconic, versatile: Louis Vuitton accessories for S/S 2020 play on combinations and Monogram effects, so cute and perfect to elevate every outfit to new heights.

Silk is used in playful new ways and approached from different angles, whether tied around the waist, in the hair, around an arm, or a wrist, worn as a scarf around the neck or simply as a handle for a bag. The collection is punctuated with Louis Vuitton’s signatures and codes: the prints adorning many of the pieces play on the iconic Monogram or showcase the LV Circle signature from the Dauphine bag, referencing the House’s leather goods and know-how.

The Monogram Confidential print (available as a bandeau or a silk square) features chains, clasps and small padlocks on a Monogram background. Available as a shawl or a silk square, the utterly romantic and iconic Tree of Louis takes a look at the history of Louis Vuitton in the form of a Monogram tree blossoming with bags, shoes and accessories that have been designed by the House since its 1854 founding.

So pretty: Louis Vuitton’s Confidential print

More pop and arty inspirations can also be found within the collection, with the ABC bandeau. Spelling out the name Louis Vuitton, each letter is reinvented as a totem, matching an animal or character: the L is for the leopard, a symbol of power; the V is for Vivienne, the House’s mascot. The very contemporary Monogram shawl is reinvented this season in new fluorescent denim colours (pink, yellow or blue/pink).

This contrasting combination of prints, shapes and materials gives each piece unique appeal. A Party Palm Springs calf leather bracelet (my favorite) featuring a miniature version of the Louis Vuitton backpack lives alongside a bandeau that can be worn on the arm, or a look can be customised with two other accessories: the Tie the Knot belt or the Louise smartphone case.

Pilot sunglasses are revisited for the summer with Monogram lenses and fashion jewellery complete this new collection of accessories.

Metal pilot sunglasses

Nanogram brings the Monogram motif to bracelets, earrings and hair jewellery; the LV Planet set, directly inspired by the F/W 2019 show, includes earrings with high graphic impact, composed of two mini-globes linked together and embossed with the LV Circle logo.

LoL, Sandra

Nanogram Sweet Dreams earrings

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

After this week’s post about the 20 most important runway trends, you know that we will be wearing tropical prints, bermuda shorts or gypsy dresses. But what about our shoes, bags and accessories? The fashionable additions to the season’s best outfits have an equally polished attitude. A lot is to stay from the F/W 2019 season, such as chain necklaces, single earrings, head scarves, belts and platforms. Furthermore, the runways were mastered by XXL bags, Mary Janes, and vibrant sunglasses that complemented the looks. On the new side of things, I spotted rope belts and hats on many runways.

Enjoy this season’s unbridled fun and catch up on the season’s most covetable accessories below.

LoL, Sandra

The single most popular material of the entire season was humble raffia, plant-derived, biodegradable, promising that your new It bag will have less of an environmental impact.

If there’s one accessible trend to cop next season, it’s the rope belt – at least you can find one at your local hardware store.

Gold buckles, set with rhinestones, embellished with animals as lucky charms, belts play an important role. If you are among the fashion-forward, opt for colorful choices.

Flower pins elevate every summer look to new heights.

This summer, brighten up your wardrobe with sunny shades of yellow and green, or an unexpected shade of blue.

Dust off your silk scarf collection for the next season, as they were worn around the head on several runways.

When it comes to choose your new bag, think big and soft. Many beautiful XXL editions large enough to fit all of your life’s belongings.

This season, chains get bigger and bigger.

Earrings are going solo next season. Just look for a statement-making piece enough to stand on its own.

Hoop earrings never really left, but get ready to see them multiply in size next season.

Hats make a grand comeback and guarantee that all eyes are on you.

With the preppy trend all over the runways, loafers were seen modernized in different shapes.

Thanks to Bottega Veneta’s Daniel Lee for making strong square toes, the decade’s most experimental shoe silhouette are trending more than ever.

Another trend thanks to Daniel Lee, chain accents are a must for your summer footwear, consider them built-in anklets for your shoes.

Sunglasses come in all shapes with a focus on major color, enjoy those new fantastical shades in every hue under the sun.

If sneakers have lost their luster on the runways, ever-practical platform and flatform sandals have emerged as fanciful and comfortable alternatives.

The classic Mary Jane pumps have taken a backseat over the last decade, now they are making their comeback in bold, whimsical, and playful designs.

From espadrilles to sexy sandals, lace-up shoes are the move come spring and summer. If you really want to be trendy, lace them up right over your pants to be ahead of the fashion tribe.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands