It is the meterological beginning of summer today. Let`s leave it like that. Probably we can convince the sun to come out with this stunning look for less money. It is an exciting mix of plaid and print having that certain something.
The modern bustier dress emphasises the feminine figure and is marked down already at $35.50. You can keep the picture sweet with a heart printed boyfriend jacket, available at Topshop for £55.-. Another shot of colour like the red hot bag for approximately $65.- adds lightness and joie de vivre. The mint green shoes by Charlotte Olympia are a real splurge but so worth it, my advice wait for the sale that will start very soon.
OPI`s glitter nail polish with little hearts would match the look perfectly “Heart to Resist”
Do not forget it is all about that special twist. Sometimes the oddest ideas boast the best combinations.
Be brave and punch the air!
LoL, Sandra
If you think of crochet and knitting as stereotypical hobbies of grannies, you are completely mistaken this summer. Trendsetters for the retro chic handicrafts were especially Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel showing beautiful head-to-toe crocheted looks on the S/S 2010 runway.
But the accessories were the most outstanding. A crochet or knit bag is no doubt something special that you do not see very often unless you are living in Ibiza. The process of making it might be time-consuming. If it justifies the price, you will have to decide for yourself.
The Chanel bag for example is around CHF 4520.- and in stores now.
Craftmanship went into many different designer bags like the Chloé Iris strass crochet clutch for around $2360.- or the multiple models by Dolce & Gabbana. Those ones might be a good investment, particularly the “Miss Sicily” will return for winter again in knitted versions. As soon as the sale starts, keep an eye on these treasures….
And stay tuned as I will keep you posted about the remaining crochet trend for F/W 2010 in the next days.
In case you fell in love with those retro-crafts, but you do not want to spend a fortune or your time knitting, I spotted something wonderful for you.
The best is that you can shop and support a good cause in one!
Those pretty knit bags are all in the price range of CHF 160.- – CHF 180.-. They are made in Ecuador by underprivileged women in difficult living conditions. The Fundacion Avanzar offers training courses for mothers in need and helps them sell their products afterwards.
Each bag is made to order to the shape and colour of your choice. Get inspired and have a look at the complete product catalogue. If you are interested, please contact Margarita Heredia Forster who is coordinating the projects from Switzerland (Phone: +41 44 912 16 56 or ). Atelier Avanzar ships worldwide.
I have the purple one to the right and it is perfect for daily use. Spacious, cute and no need to worry about showing wear.
Fashion and charity. What a lovely combination!
LoL, Sandra
Go bold at cocktail hour with a red statement dress. Everything floral, like prints or applications, is essential this summer. My winner is this bright-red strapless silk mini dress with pleats and oversized flowery ruffles by Stella McCartney. This show-stopping runway style deserves center stage; slip on some gorgeous sandals (mine are the Fendi ones from the show) and keep the accessories simple.
If you don`t want to spend so much on such an eyecatching dress that everybody will remember you in, the smocked version from the H&M Garden Collection in organic cotton with a floral pattern is a great choice. The price (£29.99, $39.95, €39.95) is very attractive and like that you can`t go wrong.
To the Ladies in Red!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Stella McCartney and H&M
Get ready for this coming Saturday! On February 20, an exclusive knitwear collection by Sonia Rykiel for H&M will be available in around 200 stores worldwide. The colours are flamboyant and the designs like her signature graphic stripes very à la mode.
It is the second part of the collaboration after the amazing success of Rykiel`s recent lingerie collection for H&M. The advertising campaign was shot by Sølve Sundsbø and captures the spirit of the brand perfectly, especially with the models` hair frizzed like the designer`s own.
It is also H&M`s first guest designer collaboration that includes children.
Available are very cute pieces for girls aged 18 months to 8 years.
Nathalie Rykiel
During my studies, I interned with Sonia Rykiel, the „Queen of Knits“, and worked by her side in her design office located above the famous Parisian shop in Saint Germain des Prés (175, blvd St. Germain). It was a very interesting time for me – not always easy but definitely a worth-while life experience. Today Nathalie Rykiel, Sonia`s daughter, is the president and artistic director of the fashion house.
I was in love with her knitwear a long time before I got to know her. Every piece I own has never gone out of fashion and was absolutely worth the investment. Therefore I am really looking forward to the Sonia Rykiel for H&M collection.
The ultimate accessory is the UNICEF bag by Sonia Rykiel for H&M. Thirty per cent of the proceeds from the bag will go to a project supposed to improve the lives of children in cotton-growing communities in India. Read more on: www.hm.com/allforchildren.
Below you can find my favourites. Get your hands on an iconic piece with Rykiel`s hallmark stripes and rhinestones. Slogan sweaters are also always a major part of her collections. „Mon Pull Rykiel“ might be a good start! Combine your look with a little beret plus platform shoes and the Parisian joie de vivre will be all yours for little money!
If you are not able to make it on Saturday, no worries please, the whole collection (except for the UNICEF bag) will be sold online.
LoL, Sandra
Photos courtesy of H&M
