Sandra‘s Closet

Since almost 2 years now, I have been in two minds about how colouring my hair. I used to be a blonde before letting it grow out. But I realised my undecisiveness bestowed a gift upon me. My hair is having the new must-have It-colour: Bronde!

Photo: Marie-Luise Kammerer

I know it is another new term but I am loving it. It is a little brunette and a little blond– a combination that almost suits everyone instantly bringing out a warm glow in the face. Forerunners of those honey, caramel, buttersotch  and cognac-coloured highlights or let`s better say lowlights are Gisèle Bündchen and Jennifer Lopez among many others.

Sarah Jessica Parker paraded the very natural, sun-kissed look wonderfully in Sex and the City 2 with just a little lighter colour framing her face.

The much-coveted hue has two other advantages: it is budget- and texture-friendly. I still love silky, shiny and healthy-looking blonde hair but the time of too-much broken platinum “blonderexia” is definitely over.

I am enjoying my low maintenance version of blonde and my upgrade for brunette.

LoL, Sandra

Isabella Rossellini`s love for Bulgari started as a child during the glamorous golden years of 1960s Rome when she accompagnied her famous mother, Ingrid Bergman, to the Italian jeweler in Via Condotti in Rome. The daughter of two legends became her own style icon and has been wearing Bulgari jewels to exclusive occasions many times.  Today, this long and felicitous relationship has generated an exclusive leather creation that was unveiled yesterday for the haute couture shows in Paris: The “Isabella Rossillini” bag by Bulgari.

It reinterprets the elegant style of the former golden screen divas in a modern key and comes in four colours and materials to reflect Isabella`s personality.

I love the handmade enameled claps embellished with semiprecious stones.

Find out which one suits you best!

Black patent leather with plain flaps treated with a pearl effect symbolizes optimism.

The version in walnut pony calf leather with flaps in chocolate leater and an amethyst lock reflects elegance and bold temperament.

Brown mud chevron canvas and chocolate leather show nonchalance and simplicity, the closure of gray enamel and tiger`s eye harmony.

The black and white graphic animal effect stands for Isabella`s modern cosmopolitan spirit. (Photo: Fabrizio Ferri)

The lining is finely printed with a single, eccentric motif: playful snails inspired by Isabella`s recent efforts to support the ecological cause by making short educational films about the reproductive habits of the animal world. I truly invite you to see those short movies (by Jody Shapiro).

Applauded at the Sundance, Berlin and Tribeca film festivals, they combine comedy and curiosity and have since been made into a book.

As the season`s retro glance focused a lot on the `50s and `60s, the new Isabella Rossellini bag is a stylish accessory to carry around this fall. Available from this month in all Bulgari stores worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday I showed you the first sketches of the Gucci Kids collection that will make the hearts of the tiniest trendsetters leap with joy. I am at the moment in L.A. and this might have inspired me to today`s post. Celebrity offspring following in their parents` stylish footsteps is seen here everywhere. Photographed by trendhunters, the kids have an already well-established look like their style-icon mums and dads.

With Suri Cruise leading the way at the ripe old age of 4, who would have thought the little girl that newly born already graced the cover of Vanity Fair magazine would become such a fashion superstar?! There are blogs devoted to her style, designers send her presents (remember Ferragamo`s Sofia tote) and it might be only a matter of time before Hermès creates the “Suri” bag. You can argue about the „high heels“ she is wearing but the mini fashionista definitely rocks the Burberry check and ballet tutus. Malicious gossip has it that she is pushed by her parents. Regardless of the veracity or otherwise of that account, I can assure you that my love for fashion started very very young, too. I drove my mum crazy with my strong attitude towards my own style.

The little fashion icons also play a pivotal role in the advertising concepts of their actress-designer-mums that mostly have their own fashion lines. Doesn`t Suri looks adorable in her mum`s Holmes & Yang dresses?

Or let`s look at No Doubt frontwoman Gwen Stefani who designs the stylish L.A.M.B. collection and dresses her son in the subsequent line for little L.A.M.B.s.

Ex Beverly Hills 90210 star Tori Spelling has turned her style into a clothing line for kids age 0 up to 4 years named Little Maven. The mother of two also wrote a book about fashionable motherhood.

Another book author is Nicole Richie whose second novel “Priceless“ will be in stores this fall. She is probably the most experienced and successful designer of all these fashionable mums. Her two lines are named after her daughter`s three names: The accessories and shoe collection is called House of Harlow 1960 and the clothing line Winter Kate. Nicole has a great vintage inspired boho-chic style with a modern edge. She also got a lot of credit for her maternity line that she created in collaboration with A Pea in the Pod.

That the tiny trendsetters can become grown-up “Material Girls” shows the example of Madonna`s thirteen-year-old daughter Lourdes Leon who is co-designing with her mum a juniors clothing line named after Madonna`s 1984 hit song for Fall 2010.  It is a mix of fierce and cute elements with a lot of references to the singers former look like a tutu dress paired with studded combat boots. The Material Girl collection will be sold exclusively at Macy`s for back-to-school-season starting August 3rd.

LoL, Sandra

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

The 2010 CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) paid tribute to its winners and honorees last night in New York at the Lincoln Center. The award could be compared to the Oscars in fashion. Many celebrities, designers, models and stylists attented the event, dressed up beautifully. A real fashionable crowd.

The most important prize was won by Marc Jacobs, named to be the Womenswear Designer of the Year. Menswear went to Rag & Bone designers David Neville and Marcus Wainwright and the Accessory section was covered by Alexis Bittar.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Alexander McQueen honoured the late designer for his indelible contribution to international fashion. Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief of US Vogue, handed the Geoffrey Been Lifetime Achievement Award to Michael Kors who showed up with Gwyneth Paltrow in one of his designs. Christopher Bailey for Burberry was recognized with this year`s International Award.

The three Swarovski Awards for emerging talents were given to Jason Wu, Richard Chai and Alexander Wang. This is not only a trophy. The recipients will receive generous financial support from the company. Let`s keep an eye on those rising stars!

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday, Matthew Williamson celebrated his collaboration with Belvedere at his flagship London store in Mayfair with many of his famous friends that were mostly dressed in his amazing F/W 2010 collection. His muse Sienna Miller showed up in one of my favourite dresses from his winter runway show. I just love the foiled chiffon twist dress. The cut and fabric is divine in combination and Sienna looked absolutely gorgeous in it.

Matthew Williamson with his muse Sienna Miller wearing F/W 2010 Foiled Chiffon Twist Dress

The reason for the party was the launch of Belvedere Pink Grapefruit, the newest to the brand`s popular line of  maceration vodkas. Matthew Williamson designed an exclusive kaftan and all-in-one „inspired by the vitality of sultry high summer evenings“ and „incorporating a vibrant sun drenched palette“. The Matthew Williamson for Belvedere limited editions are available at his flagship stores in London and New York and online.

Singer Little Boots in F/W 2010 Metallic Lace Embellished Shoulder Dress with the Pyramid Crystal Belt

Enjoy the party pics!

LoL, Sandra

Peaches Geldof with Tyrone Wood, son of Rolling Stone Ronnie

Model Tolula Adeyemi in F/W 2010 Wool Crepe Frill Jacket and S/S 2010 Orchid Silk Top

London`s It-Girl Alice Dellal

Sex and the City 2 hits the theaters next week on May 27. Enjoy my insight into the much discussed, long-awaited movie that is a must for every fashionista.

What happens if you say yes? It is two years later, Carrie is living the life with Big which lost a little its sparkle, Samantha has become a pill-addicted, Charlotte is struggling with the pressure she is experiencing as a mother of two, only Miranda seems to cope with her life as a  mom and a professional woman. Still all girls look fantastic in their to-die-for outfits once again put together by famous stylist Patricia Field. Guest stars are Penelope Cruz, Liza Minelli and “Hannah Montana” actress Miley Cyrus.

A little excitement comes in when the girls jump at a chance for an all-expenses-paid trip to Abu Dhabi. The glamorous, sun-drenched adventure surprises with some mysterious coincidences like Carrie bumping into her ex Aidan. The desert looks are so vivid, luxurious and divine. Fashionistas, grab your turbans!

Last week, the book to the movie “Sex and the City 2 – The Stories. The Fashion. The Adventure” was released. It is a great buy as you can find most of the foursome`s outfits with detailed descriptions.

The new must-have accessories will be sweatbands, preferably in neon colours. As spotted on Sarah Jessica Parker – just gorgeous!
Moreover for your evenings out, Skyy Vodka offers “cocktail couture” with a special designed SATC 2 bottle designed by Patricia Field.

The hype has no end in sight. Bergdorf Goodman asked Patricia Field to style the windows of their department store on 58th street. Each of them celebrates a familiar Sex and the City moment. That is New York City!

The four actresses are the cover girls for the recent June edition of American Marie Claire magazine. Get your issue now.

One last anecdote. The buzz began last summer when tons of fans followed the crew around the city to get the best views on the first location shoots. Rumors had it quickly that Samantha will tie the knot in the sequel after her appearance in a bridal gown. There had been many memorable weddings on the show. Think about Charlotte and Trey in the kilt, or that beautiful little ceremony between Steve and Miranda, not to forget Mr. Big and Carrie.

In case you thought Samantha would be the last girl to put the ring on it, you got duped. Kim Cattrall who plays the maneater Samantha had the devious idea to set the fans on the wrong track. There is going to be a ceremony indeed, but it will be a gay one between Stanford and Anthony. Carrie will wear a smoking, don`t you think that this is probably a little too cliché?!

If you cannot get enough of Carrie, I recommend Candace Bushnell`s newest book. “The Carrie Diaries” is about the young protagonist as a high-school senior. A nostalgic look back, an addictive story and a nice way of getting to know our iconic “Sex and the city” fashionista a little better.

Get carried away!

LoL, Sandra

At the 63rd Cannes Film Festival, another premiere took place. Gucci is breaking into the rarefied world of couture with the launch of Gucci Première. But the Florentine luxury goods house does not intend to show haute couture on the catwalk, the capsule collection that will be renewed twice yearly by Creative Director Frida Giannini is more a response to the rising demand for outstanding red-carpet outfits and will only be available on a limited basis to their top clients and celebs.

No wonder that sultry actress Salma Hayek debuted the new line at the opening night Wednesday as her husband François-Henri Pinault happens to be the chairman and CEO of Gucci`s parent company PPR. But she has been beyond question a good get for the Italian luxury house. She kicked off Cannes and Gucci Première at the Robin Hood premiere in a slinky burgundy one-shoulder dress. A real showstopper!

The next evening at the premiere of Wall Street: Money never sleeps, Salma Hayek wore another one-of-a-kind gown from Gucci`s new couture division – a result of beautiful craftsmanship. The designs are executed in Parisian ateliers, the traditional home of the couture.

And Salma was not alone this time, Kate Beckinsale looked like a fairytale princess in her antique-white dress with a silver embroidered belt and bow from the Gucci Première line. So radiant with a subtle sparkle, that one was my favourite.

As couture houses have been dying out in the last decades, Gucci`s modern approach might create a new dimension and lay the foundation for their raison d`être. Taking Gucci to Hollywood is definitely an interesting advertising concept as there will be a lot of press about their red-carpet wear in the future.

Giorgio Armani has lead the way and is probably the most successful with his couture gowns. Let`s see Gucci do that…

LoL, Sandra