Sandra‘s Closet

Black and White is always a great combination and was seen a lot on the runways. For winter houndstooth was a must-have. For the upcoming summer 2010, stripes, op-art and graphic prints, some of them with an influence of ethnic ornaments, appeared on the runways.The top by Gareth Pugh is on sale at www.brownsfashion.com and a great buy for the next season.

If you are not so into patterns, you can also achieve the look with an accessory like a black belt on a white dress or combine the two colours by wearing a light top and a dark skirt or vice versa.

Designers made colour one of the essential elements for their spring/summer collections. Turquoise, fuchsia, apple green and pale pink are at the top, all with a little touch of the 70`s.

Colourful accessories with beautiful details are a great way to turn up the va-va-voom factor as they will make an outfit look ultra-fashion forward and you will need just one single piece for that effect.

LoL, Sandra

The ethnic influence is undeniable this spring/summer. Numerous were the sources of inspirations that designers used for their creations. Embroideries, coloured beads, leather thongs and pompoms appeared everywhere. Embellishment is not the only important factor, to my eye the shape is essential, too. A lot of “gym bags” combined with add-on charms and tassels were seen on the runways. A leader of the trend is Marc Jacobs with his collection for Louis Vuitton.  You should definitely get your hands on one of those bags. Good luck!

LoL, Sandra

LoL, Sandra

As I have never outgrown my passion for Barbie dolls, this one is on top of my wishlist for Christmas: The Cat-burglar Barbie® by Christian Louboutin. Launched this December and first in a series of three, she received a complete head-to-toe Parisian make-over as envisioned by Christian Louboutin: “She needed great shoes, a thinner ankle and, to me, as I’m obsessed with feet, a foot more curved.”

The master of fabulous footwear completed her black cat-suit with four different versions of his statement red-soled heels that all come with miniature shoe boxes and cloth shoe bags (how adorable!!!). Also included with every one of the first Barbie® by Christian Louboutin limited edition dolls is a chic collectable calendar that documents all their jet-setting adventures together. Barbie “went” to Paris for one year exploring the designer`s ultra-fashionable life and visiting all his favourite places.

Matthew and me in one of his amazing dresses from his recent winter collection.

The absolute highlight during my stay in London last weekend was my visit to one of my favourite designers: Matthew Williamson.

The 1971 born king of bohemian chic founded his own fashion house in 1997. Since then he is known for his brilliant play on colour and print. I am so in love with his exotic shades, vivacious candy-tinted creations that are mostly embellished with exquisite embroidery and beading. When I think of him, I see vibrant kaleidoscope patterns with an inimitable touch of relaxed sensibility.

The award-winning English designer also worked for 3 years as Creative Director at Emilio Pucci and had a collaboration last spring with H&M. In 2007 the Design Museum London even held a retrospective exhibition dedicated to his 10th anniversary of being in fashion.

His first flagship store opened the Central Saint Martin`s graduate (one of the best schools for fashion design in the world) 2004 in London at 28 Bruton Street. I took some photos for you to see the mesmerizing display of ionic pieces, the asthetic wallpaper and the little rain forest in the middle. Just to be in the shop is an experience….! If you don`t have time to go to London, have a look at his webshop.

LoL, Sandra

The Claridge`s is truly the coolest old-school hotel in London. That might have been the reason why Rachel McAdams stayed there last weekend like me. She had arrived already Thursday to promote her new movie „Sherlock Holmes“ directed by Guy Ritchie (Madonna`s ex-husband). The actress had to squeeze herself into tight boned corsets to play Holmes` temptress Irene Adler. At her side will be acting Jude Law as Dr.Watson and Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes. The action-packed movie will definetely be spectacular in terms of the costumes.

On Monday, Dec 14th the world premiere took place at the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square where Rachel McAdams showed up in this amazing one-shoulder embellished grey gown by Andrew Gn from his 2010 spring collection. The expected blockbuster will be in theatres Christmas day.

Stay tuned as I am having another exciting surprise for you from London that you`re not gonna want to miss…!

LoL, Sandra

Last weekend I went to London and had a fab time. I stayed at the Claridge`s in Mayfair which turned out to be a fantastic choice.

After having entered the lobby, I was completely in love with their Christmas tree installation by John Galliano for Christian Dior. The innovative design gives the impression of being frozen and is a twist on tradition due to its tropical elements like dragon flies, parrots and leopards. Well done, John!

LoL, Sandra

The moment Chanel models paraded down the Fall 2009 runway with mint green nails, I went finally crazy. It looked so cotton candy, reminding me of a mouth-watering sorbet melting softly. When MAC had launched their “Sugarsweet” collection last spring, their shade of green “Peppermint Patti” had been sold out immediately.
The same happend when Chanel`s Jade Nail Collection went on sale on Friday, Sept 11th at the N.Y.C. Fashion`s Night Out. Fashionistas grabbed every bottle they could get, probably as an investment. At ebay the little treasures went for up to $200.- (the retail price was $25.-).

In Europe, Chanel 407 Jade was only available at a few spots like Harvey Nichols in London. Germany or Switzerland did not receive it at all (but the cover model wore this perfect hint of shimmer for the november issue of German Vogue). How crazy is that?
Hollywood`s Eyebrow King Damone Roberts created with OPI his signature shade “Damone Roberts 1968” based on the wall colour in his salons (in Beverly Hills and N.Y.C.) and not surpisingly it was sold out fast.

For those of you that have missed the hype, I have some amazing – for your wallets utterly unique- suggestions to get a trendy green on your nails. Essie created for this winter a beautiful shade called „Mint Candy Apple“ and OPI have „Hey! Get in Lime“ in their brights collection. For the Zurich based readers, Beautyssima at the Rennweg has a wide range of OPI products.

If you think that you would never wear mint green nails, have a look at my way of working it. This outfit would look double-cool with it. But please do not start sucking your thumbs even if they will look so yummy!

LoL, Sandra

Next season you should invest in something that is very à la mode but will always be in style: exotic leather! Snakeskin was seen everywhere on the runways and there are especially many beautiful bags to dream of. You could think about a classic piece like the python model by Devi Kroell, or get one of those amazing big clutches by Nancy Gonzalez. These will accent your outfit perfectly and will be a companion for many years. My favourite one is this incredible Alexander McQueen clutch. I love the shape, the colours, the design…. it is just perfect!

If you want to take it a step further, go crocodile! The price might be breathtaking but envision it as the foundation of your outfit. Sometimes it is better to prioritize and invest in one timeless piece to make you feel instantly fabulous.

Kristin Davis was spotted at the set of the new Sex and the City movie carrying this stunning croc tote by Nancy Gonzalez (who is by the way one of the most celebrated handbag designers in the world and a great address to get high-quality precious skin models). The bag – that also comes in black – can accessorize every outfit perfectly. I would opt for a bold colour as this will enlighten everyday basics immediately and will make you look so stylish! Always keep in mind the only limit is your creativity!

LoL, Sandra