Sandra‘s Closet

My gorgeous press kit

Today, I was lucky to attend the Lanvin for H&M press preview. The line created by Alber Elbaz is breathtaking. Beautiful materials, well-tailored cuts, it seemed to me almost like a best of Lanvin collection, a playful take on his favourite pieces.

Please find herewith some impressions from the lookbook and more pictures of the ad campaign plus my personal photos that I took today in the showroom. They show the beauty of the clothes and accessories perfectly. I have also included the complete price list with all upcoming items, in Swiss Francs.

“What does luxury mean today? Can luxury be exclusive and democratic at the same time? How can we translate the essence 
of luxury to a wider audience? The world around us is changing rapidly and I find myself asking these questions more and more. 
Designer’s work is usually tailored to a very small group of people, but the collection for H&M was about trying to translate the dream 
of luxury to the masses. It was almost like going back to school for me.” Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin. Well done, Mr Elbaz!

Ladies, I will see you on November 23, 2010 because I want Lanvin…not flowers!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M
Lookbook, Photographer: Stéphane Gallois, Models: Irina Lazareanu and Vincent Olivieri
Campaign, Photographer: David Sims, Models: Natasha Poly, Hannelore Knuts, Tati Cotliar, Simon Nessman, Jane Schmitt and Garance Dumont

In the showroom.

I am totally in love with this dress and necklace.

The clothes come with the beautiful hangers.

Feminine dresses.

The fake fur looks a little like Chanel's fantasy fur, amazing!

Vibrant flower prints worn with pearls.

The illustrations by Alber Elbaz are fantastic.

I adore the T-shirts.

Leopard print and lipsticks.

Cute little clutches.

Love those men shoes!

Christmas trunk in Monogram canvas

Last week, I went to the Louis Vuitton Christmas collection press preview that took place in the beautiful Schloss Sihlberg in Zurich.
The gorgeous presentation with vintage toys from the Zurich toy museum (Züricher Spielzeugmuseum) put me directly into the gift giving mood. It is true, Holiday 2010 is almost upon us, so let’s better get organised.

All I want for Christmas…

LoL, Sandra

The Neverfull bag (left) comes in the Mon Monogram design where you can choose the colour of the lining and how your personal initials should look like.

The Artsy python bag is the new It-piece (approximately €5650.-).

The Stellar bags in Mahina leather start at approximately €2190.-.

I love the Tambour Blush watch (right).

Totally cute are the little pouchettes (from €205.-) with the first LV advertising printed on them. Adorable!

Photos: ©Louis Vuitton/Koto Bolofo

Olivia Palermo, US-socialite, model and actress has not only a pretty face but has also become a fashion icon. Let’s have a closer look at her personal style that is something between Italian-American princess and sohisticated Upper East Side chic.
There are certain must-haves that the brunette is rarely seen without. First, probably her cute boyfriend, German model Johannes Huebl, second her cognac-coloured Hermès Birkin bag in Togo leather with golden hardwear and third her wayfarer sunglasses by Ray-Ban. She loves her Rolex watch and lots of golden jewelry. Olivia’s favourite shoe designer at the moment is London-based It-girl Charlotte Olympia Dellal with her hot footwear label Charlotte Olympia.

This look is so hot! I admire her for riding a bike in those killer heels by Charlotte Olympia. The black leather shorts by 3.1 Phillip Lim combined with the military jacket by Diane von Furstenberg look amazing.

Classy Elegance. Recently in London, Olivia was spotted in a minimalistic beige sweater combined with a well-tailored dark blue pencil skirt.
The extravagant heels by Charlotte Olympia spicened up the look and the amazing gold statement jewelry showed perfectly what a difference the right accessories can make.

On the streets of Manhattan, Olivia was seen wearing a pair of skinny jeans, two layered tees and a boyfriend blazer. The flat Lanvin sneakers and her favourite compagnion her versatile Birkin bag added a sophisticated touch to her casual outfit.

Olivia has launched this year a capsule collection “Roberta by Olivia Palermo” consisting of five bib necklaces in cooperation with the American jewelry designer Roberta Freyman. The pieces are inspired by Olivia’s favourite districts: Belgravia and Chelsea in London, Le Marais in Paris, TriBeCa in New York and Mitte in Berlin. Available at matches.com starting at £195.-.

LoL, Sandra

Pharell Williams is a genius, a multifaceted musician-artist-entrepreneur in one.  So no wonder that companies like Moncler or Louis Vuitton have been branching out to collaborate with the rapper for some very special editions.

Pharell who is addicted to sparkles was called to create some bling bling for Louis Vuitton with Camille Miceli (who was Jewelry and Creative designer at this time, now she is at Dior) in 2008. The beautiful Blason collection (see above) revisits the idea of aristrocracy and is still sold in Louis Vuitton stores worldwide.

The F/W 2010 down vests and jackets for the new Moncler V line (see below) are reminding me of bullet-proof vests, very cool. They are made of Bionic yarn, which is produced by Pharell’s textile company. Available at Restir or Moncler.

Last night, Pharell Williams performed at Stella McCartney’s After Party that was held at Don Camilo, a cabaret/ night club in the 7th arrondissement. It was amazing! Here are some impressions, enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

(Photos: Sandra Bauknecht)

Pharell Williams at his best

The Stella girls having a blast!

Claudia Schiffer

Famous model Anouck Lepère with me

Bonnie Star with her friend fashion designer Randolphe Duke

At a ladies luncheon in Beverly Hills, I sat next to Bonnie Star who turned out to be not only a very interesting woman, but also a fantastic jewelry designer. She invited me to her beautiful house the next day and showed me all of her fantastic work. Being a former artist, Bonnie has a total eye for shapes, fabrics and colours. She uses sterling, crystals, ornate stones like turquoise and agate along with a mix of vintage pendants and toggle clasps to create her unique pieces. Most of her designs can be worn in different ways as she loves multi-functional jewelry.

My personal favourites are her romantic tulle necklaces.

Bonnie leads a fashionable life being the sister of Darren Star, the mastermind behind our beloved television series like Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, Cashmere Mafia or Sex and the City. She was looking for the perfect jewelry to go with her outfits for all the special events she has to attend. What started as something just for herself, ended in a sparkling business. Her line ranges from $180.- to $380.-. Enjoy some photos of her creations below.

Bonnie Star Jewelry is currently sold at Fred Segal in Los Angeles or contact: info@ bonniestarjewelry.com, phone +1 310-993-7292. Worldwide shipping is available on request.

Be a star!

LoL, Sandra

Tory Burch is an American fashion designer who launched her namesake brand in 2004. The label was an immediate success, filling the gap in the market for clothes that offered good quality to an affordable, accessible price.
Today, her fans include celebrities and fashion lovers all over the world. Her collections are available at her own beautifully decorated, unique Tory Burch boutiques, online at net-à-porter and in more than 450 select department and specialty stores worlwide.

One of her bestsellers are the Reva ballerina flats that have become a wardrobe essential. And they definitely deserve their cult status combining casual chic with unsurpassed comfort.

Recently at a birthday luncheon, I took a photo of two of my stylish girlfriends who wore by coincidence almost the same look.  They are like Tory herself mothers of three kids and like to be fashionable and comfy in one. Well done, girls!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tory Burch and © Sandra Bauknecht

Ancient Egyptians considered the scarab beetle to be lucky and obviously Tomas Maier does, too. For his F/W 2010 Bottega Veneta show, he adorned his models with beautiful metallic-green scarab beetle charms.
The lucky animal decorates rings, earrings, necklaces and bangles. My favourite is the multi-strand necklace which is unfortunately also the most expensive one. Those pieces will rock every outfit. Available online, at Bottega Veneta stores and at net-à-porter.

So ladies, start pushing your luck!

LoL, Sandra

A dear subscriber of Sandra`s Closet asked for help. She is going to a wedding which will take place in a beautiful garden of a winery in Napa, California and wants to look stunning. Her request was that the outfit should be around $1000.- max.

I put some gorgeous styles together in different colour combinations. Let’s start with something classy in beige and gold for approximately $800.-. Contrast the polished look with a pair of cut-out booties and a hat for an über-stylish statement. (Dress by Karen Millen).

Soft pink is an exquisite colour to wear for a wedding party. The shift dress by D&G Dolce & Gabbana is a fabulously feminine choice. Complement the delicate pastel tone with suede pumps and a golden clutch.
The pochette by Anya Hindmarch is a little pricey at 525.- but an investment piece for many occassions to come.
I totally adore the hat clip for only $10.-. This modern and stylish take on the traditional wedding accessory will make you stand out of the crowd.

A contemporary choice for day and night is this purple halterneck dress for $355.- by Halston Heritage. The brand carries a lot of gorgeous dresses for less money.
Cinch this sculpted style at the waist with the self-tie belt and wear it with understated jewelry and strappy sandals for first class cocktail chic. A feather hair clip for only $27.- could give you that Blair Waldorf attitude. The whole outfit is $745.-. You can add a stylish leopard cardigan for $350.- if it gets chilly.

I love this vibrant asymmetric dress by Halston Heritage. The bright hue will look awesome on brunettes and dark haired ladies. Sharpen the playful rose detail with stunning lace booties and a beaded clutch. Bangles are always a fabulous finish. The complete look is without the jewelry around $850.-.

But careful, it is hard not to steal the show in those gorgeous outfits.
To a great wedding party!

LoL, Sandra

Yesterday evening at the premiere of “Salt” at Graumans Chinese Theatre in L.A., Angelina Jolie looked every bit Hollywood`s reigning queen. The spy thriller is due on 23rd of July in the US and one month later in the UK.

Photo: Courtesy of Asprey

At her big night, the leading lady kept her look cool with a sexy black sequin tube dress by Emporio Armani, nude peep toes by Salvatore Ferragamo and just one piece of jewelry from her own collection that she had designed for luxury jewelers Asprey last year. The snake bracelet has been part of the very limited serpentine-inspired Protector Collection, with only 10 items of each design available and all proceeds going to the power couple`s charity.

But her best accessory might have been King Brad who appeared fur-free, meaning without his beard, looking a little like a young Robert Redford in his aviator sunglasses and Tom Ford suit. As I am a bag-addict, I immediately saw that the beautiful brunette showed up without one. So I was wondering what Brad might have been carrying in his pockets…

Angelina wore her favourite colour dress as in LBD (Little Black Dress). In fashionista circles, this is a must-have and the general consensus is a thumbs up! The sequins gave her classic look a sexy twist and the nude pumps worked perfectly with it.
In case you do not own a dress like that, please consider one. At the moment, there are a lot of beautiful ones available of which many are on sale. Here is my pre-selection:

If you prefer doing-it-yourself, I recommend a visit to the notions department. Sequin fabrics are not too expensive and used preferably for costumes. Just sew the material together and voilà there is your tube dress!

A sparkling LBD is a lifetime investment! Do it the Angelina way…

LoL, Sandra

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.-