Happy Fourth of July!

Happy 4th of July

Today is Independence Day, commonly known as Fourth of July that honours the birthday of the United States of America and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is definitely the most American of holidays, celebrated all over the country and marked by patriotic displays coloured in red, white and blue like the US-flag.

Above there is my “American Dream” consisting of a white gold case with 76 set diamonds, a rotabable bezel with 23 diamonds, 18 rubies and 18 sapphires framing a black dial: The Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II. The list price of this beautiful watch is definitely not a steal: €53.920.- / $70.600.- but colourwise a solid salute to the 234th anniversary of the USA. What a lovely reason….

Happy 4th of July 2

There are plenty of stylish ways to wear your pride for America. Stars and stripes work the year around and are always a cool addition to your look, but please just one at a time! For today`s celebration, you can go overboard. The Converse shoes and the snakeskin lips clutch by Lulu Guinness, both with the US-flag, are absolute eyecatchers. Thanks to the big nautical trend this summer showing your sartorial spirit for the USA  is very easy and there is a large variety to choose from. I love this Alice by Temperley striped jersey dress and the maritime sunglasses by D&G.

Have a great 4th of July!

LoL, Sandra

Pretty Ballerinas

Pretty Ballerinas

Have a look at www.prettyballerinas.com, a shop that sells a huge variety of the beloved flats and ships worldwide. You can find your home country flag (probably a nice way to dress up for the World Cup), little embellishments, python leather, leopard print – just everything the heart desires. Some models are inspired by the ones seen at Chanel (the classic bi-colour), Salvatore Ferragamo (with the bow) and Prada (with the flower) for example but cost much less.
I love the Fashion Emergency Pack that says „open only when heels are killing you”. What a lovely gift! Happy Browsing!

LoL, Sandra

Aiming High

AimingHigh

Camilla Skovgaard F/W 2010

Camilla Skovgaard F/W 2010


High heeled, stilettoed, up to the thigh, those boots are insane and definitely to become the hits of the season. Just imagine your legs in them! Those jaw-dropping models from the F/W 2010 collections will make you speechless and others green with envy.

The overknee is going to stay for another season, love the Burberry ones. You could feel a saloon-girl approach in detail and line at Balmain or Givenchy, lace-up and mid-calf, you are ready to dance the Can-Can. But no worries, it is a very modern look, not at all disguised.

Architecturally amazing are the soles of Viktor & Rolf, even if they seem to be a copy of Camilla Skovgaard`s signature style (see left).

Buckled, fringed – there are certainly no rules, experiment with such a variety of shapes and models. I am sure that there is already one that has conquered your heart! To be in stores soon…

LoL, Sandra

Flat Rate

FLATRATE

These boots are made for walking… and admiration. There is always a time and always a place to put on a pair of flat boots. From patent to suede, from colourful to neutral, there is a pair for everyone. The flat It-boot next season would be the riding boot – totally love the Manolos.  The range is wide, the pirate style ones by Michael Kors would also be a great purchase just like the studded ones by Christian Louboutin. If you are worried about them looking too casual, these stunning versions are refined and polished, and dressy enough to wear to a variety of occassions and events.

Chloé wool-lined leather boots, approximately  €850.-

Chloé wool-lined leather boots, approximately €850.-


Already available at NET-À-PORTER iconand selling out fast is the Chloé pre-fall 2010 strappy model to the left.

LoL, Sandra

Killer Heels

W 2010

Those killer heels are by far some of the most colourful and extraordinary shoes for F/W 2010. The breathtaking models are true works of art and should definitely remain the centre of attention. So keep the rest of your outfit subtle and make sure you know how to walk in them. And if you think there are too much, then just enjoy looking at them.
One thing is certain: This footwear provokes and can cause justifiable credit card debt.
As to me, so worth it…

LoL, Sandra

This is Fur Real

Fur Real

Some of the most memorable looks on the runways for F/W 2010 impressed with the comeback of the season: Fur in all variations. From Karl Lagerfeld`s take on the full faux fur polar bear look to Versace`s colourful interpretations to shearling lamb footwear.

The emphasis was one the most luxurious finishing details you can imagine. The designers were using more fur than ever. I am wondering why PETA was so absent during the fashion weeks. They could have totally made an example.

fur Booties

Herewith you will find a gallery of the most desirable shoes and bags for the upcoming season. I am crazy for Chanel `s Nanook of the North fake fur boots with the icicle heels and the matching chain strap bag. Totally stylish are also the fur-trimmed boots like the ones by Hermès or YSL.

Fur Boots

Another must-have for winter is a thick fur-covered tote, for example by Dolce & Gabbana or Christian Dior to name a few.

Fur Bags

Love it or hate it, fur is one of the biggest trends.

LoL, Sandra

A Sneak(ers) Preview

mcqueen_header_01

In 2005, Alexander McQueen had collaborated for the first time with Puma to design a special line of sneakers for the German brand. A symbiosis of fashion and sportswear, his innovative creations have broken the mold.

After McQueen`s death last February, his last stylish trainer collection for F/W 2010 will be in stores on August 20th, 2010. Please enjoy the preview of those future collectibles.
I am in love with the ones in the middle. And you?

LoL, Sandra

CHF 260.-

CHF 260.-

CHF 260.-

CHF 260.-


CHF 260.-

CHF 260.-


CHF 520.-

CHF 520.-

CHF 520.-

CHF 520.-






Prada’s Print Collection

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Have a look at Prada`s new Print Collection, a limited-edition line that will be in stores mid-May. The vintage-inspired dresses, an ode to the fifties, will be available in cotton and silk materials with selected prints from the Prada`s archives starting at €490.-. Also very charming are the colourful chain strap bags (€790.-) and the bow embellished ballet flats.

What a lovely way to welcome spring…

LoL, Sandra

Chanel’s Iconic 2.55 and 5 O`Clogs

OversizedChanelBag

After my last Tuesday post, I have received so many e-mails from you asking me about my XXL Chanel bag that I wore on one of the photos.

XXL2-55The very large version of Chanel`s iconic 2.55 bag was presented last F/W 2009/10 for the first time in black vernis leather and was spotted immediately on stylist Rachel Zoe. For S/S 2010 the oversized model has appeared once more in grey denim but only a very limited number was produced. I am totally in love with this bag. It gives me a this “Alice in Wonderland” feeling being so big compared to my stature.

The story behind the legendary bag that has always been en vogue is magical. The 2.55 takes its name from the month and year when it was launched by Coco Chanel: February 1955. Her idea was to create a shoulder bag to free up her hands. The traditional hand-held bags were simply no longer practical. Therefore her introduction of the chain strap revolutionized fashion of its time.

In 2005, in celebration of the 2.55`s 50th anniversary,  Karl Lagerfeld (Chanel`s designer since 1983) revived the bag exactly as Coco Chanel had made it and launched the Reissue. As a new member of the traditional Chanel 2.55 family, the updated version has got a turn clasp (Chanel term: Mademoiselle Lock) instead of the classic interlocking CC closure introduced in the `80s (Chanel term: Classic Flap) and a chain strap without the interwoven leather accent. Both variations are available each season in many different ways.

2.55 with Classic Flap

2.55 with Classic Flap

 

XXL 2.55 with Mademoiselle Lock

XXL 2.55 with Mademoiselle Lock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CIMG5090Interesting to know is that the bag arrives folded into the stores and can be packed like this for travelling which makes it very convenient (see photo to the left). It is said that Karl Lagerfeld found one of Coco`s previous 2.55 models on a shelf, squeezed together between some books. As the shape of the bag was still in perfect condition, he has adopted that idea for his relaunch.

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In case those bags are appealing to you, go to the nearest Chanel store and have a look. If you are there, please do not miss out this summer`s It- shoes:
Chanel`s “5 O`clogs” (love that name) are the hottest ones of all.

To me, Coco Chanel deserves the Nobel Prize post mortem. We owe her the LBD (Little Black Dress), stretch materials, pants and the chain strap. By banishing the corsets, she has been the pioneer of modern wearable womenswear. Thanks, Coco!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and via missylovely

Stallion Boots

Stallion

As Far Western chic is in the dress codes for next summer, I wanted to show you the most authentic and fashionable addition to your look: the perfect cowboy boots.

Last week I met Pedro Muñoz, owner of Stallion Boots and Leather Goods. A handsome, smart and witty guy in his early fifties, part Native American and grown-up in Mexico, he started to build up a his company in El Paso, Texas in the beginning of the eighties.

Pedro Muñoz with me to his left

Pedro Muñoz with Stallion boots and me

His creations are special! Each pair is the result of many hours of skilled craftsmanship that lead to a perfect and extremely comfortable fit. Approximately 70 are produced per week with top-quality materials like alligator, crocodile, ostrich, lizard, stingray, various snakes, water buffalo  and calf leather. I am totally in love with their amazing patterns and colours.

My favourite ones are the Vintage Butterflies with their beautiful red, green and beige leather inlays, view to the top right below. Those boots definitely celebrate a sexy style that makes girls and boys go wild. At request, Stallion even offers custom designs and fittings.

Texas Cowboy

In Switzerland, Trudie Götz sells a large variety of models at her Trois Pommes Stores in Zurich, Basel, Gstaad and St.Moritz.

Heigh-ho and away you go!

LoL, Sandra