Sandra‘s Closet

Lush colour is S/S 2011’s biggest style story. An emerald green dress is so hot at the moment, especially combined with some bright accessories for the ultimate style factor.
Enhance your mood and put a spring into your wardrobe.

The reason why I am showing you this is that I am the birthday girl today and this was part of my outfit last night:
I wore the emerald green dress by Lanvin Cruise 2011,  combined with red silk pumps by Prada and a purple statement necklace by Lanvin, both from previous seasons. The perfect play on electric brights with some colour blocking.

To a bright future!

LoL, Sandra

Emerald green dress by Lanvin

Statement necklace by Lanvin

Silk pumps by Prada

Thank you girls for such a fun night!

Two gifts were truly outstanding: The gorgeous Louis Vuitton Cruise 2011 floppy straw hat (Thank you, M-A-C girls, for the best gift ever!!!) and my new Canon EOS 500D camera that I can finally take some better shots.

Here are the first two photos I took with my new camera:

…of my new floppy straw hat (love it sooo much)…

…and some beautiful birthday flowers. Photos: ©Sandra Bauknecht

The catwalks were a riot of dazzling brights this season, worn in boldly clashing combinations. Colour blocking is ultrahip! It means combining two, three or more bold colours together to create a graphic look through the different shades.

The trend has started already a few seasons ago but has definetely reached its peak this summer. Raf Simons is among the forerunners with his beautiful S/S 2011 collection for Jil Sander.

Loud and proud colour combinations make for a dynamic, confident look. Start infusing your wardrobe with a colourful vibrancy for the ultimate warm weather feeling.

Some rules that might help you:

1. Three is the magic number. More colours together could make you look like a Rubic cube.

2. Don’t be afraid to combine colours you usually wouldn’t wear together like red and pink for example.

3. Opt for the bold bright colours, this trend works best with the most vivid shades.

4. Keep the rest simple. Never attempt to introduce prints or patterns.

Get your colour splash!

LoL, Sandra

Aside from the fringe that is coming back in full force (stay tuned for a complete trend report), crochet and macrame were big on the S/S 2011 runways. High-fashion designers were focusing on the delicate and intricate look with a certain `70s allure and even included the accessories.

Absolutely gorgeous is Stella McCartney’s “Falabella” crocheted tote from the Resort 2011 collection. This ultra-soft bag with its retro-inspired spin is the perfect summer carry-all, providing you with space and style!

I bought this treasured It-piece reminiscent of an Ibiza holiday gone glam at Salvatore Schito in Zurich who sell a large variety of Stella McCartney pieces. For further information please click here.

LoL, Sandra

Prada launched a few days ago at the CAFA Art Museum in Beijing, China the new Minimal–Baroque eyewear collection with some beautiful illustrations by Ivo Bisignano, Marcela Gutierrez and Andrea Tarella. The idea takes its inspiration from the S/S 2011 runway show and the capsule collection will be produced as a limited edition, being sold starting February in Prada boutiques, selected department stores and ILORI eyewear shops.

If you don’t manage to get your hands on one of these 500 unique pairs of shades, Prada will be releasing two more models from the Minimal-Baroque collection in April. I am loving them! And you?

LoL, Sandra

Today I would like to share my newest addition to my closet. For me it was love at first sight!
Let me introduce you to the multicoloured Chanel patchwork bag that is part of their Cruise 2011 collection.
A unique and interesting looking flap bag that is very versatile due to its many different shades, perfect for travelling. Already spotted on Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl’ s first episode of Season 4 and on Lilly Becker last week.

What do you think? Love it or hate it? Add your comments on Facebook!

LoL, Sandra

Lilly Becker with her patchwork bag by Chanel that was a gift from Boris.

The bag has such a perfect size!

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I still owe you the last three looks from the LuisaViaRoma Total Styling Lab. Let’s start with my favourite black tie look for summer: A vibrant and  bold colour mix with the right amount of romance and femininity.

Gown: GIAMBATTISTA VALLI – Clutch: PHILIPPE ROUCOU – Platform Shoes: VERSACE – Statement Necklace: FRANCESCA VILLA

Sandra’s Closet offers you exclusively at LuisaViaRoma.com FREE SHIPPING to the United States, Canada, and Europe, just click on the highlighted text and you will be transfered directly. Have fun shoppping!

And don’t forget: Bright is the night is the motto!

LoL, Sandra

Searching for a gorgeous gown to attend a black tie gala this summer? Consider fashion’s recent colour vibe, characterized by vibrant eye-popping shades, edgy neons and Crayola brights from head to toe.

Stripping away all darkness might be your ticket to brighten up your mood. Play with the hues and combine them, colour-blocking is a must. This is your chance to enlighten every party.

LoL, Sandra

Spotted yesterday on the streets of Zurich: Mina with her 5 months old puppy Max.
The mother of a little boy demonstrates that being casual, comfy and stylish in one can be achieved easily.

Laying her main focus on the accessories is absolutely right. They should always be your biggest investment. The Hermès 35 Birkin bag in Togo leather is a dream, the popping colour “Rose shocking“ a wonderful eyecatcher. With a bag like this, you can keep the rest of your outfit low key. Her matching UGG boots and the pink leather bracelet by Hermès finish off the look perfectly. Her statement watch is by Maurice Lacroix.

Denim dresses are very trendy at the moment, hers is by H&M, as well as her black leggings. The dark Moncler down coat is a classic winter must-have.
I always recommend investing in an outerpiece of good quality.

LoL, Sandra

IWC’s gala event “A Night in Portofino” brought together well known faces – including many Hollywood celebrities. Guests arrived on the red carpet and were able to browse through the beautiful exhibition that showed Peter Lindbergh’s Days in Portofino on their way to the main hall where they finally arrived in the carefree days of the 1950 and `60s.

The entire evening was outstanding showing a “making-of“ film of the shoot and an impressive performance of Zurich Opera House, with a 60-strong orchestra and tenor Neil Shicoff.

Another highlight of the night was also when Tim Jefferies and Georges Kern started to introduce the Friends of the Brand. When all celebrities were on stage, you felt like being at the Oscar’s.
Enjoy all those beautiful photos of a night to remember.

LoL, Sandra

Ronan Keating demonstrates what this night is about to celebrate the launch of the new IWC Portofino watch family.

Elle Macpherson looked amazing...

...on the red carpet in her floor sweeping black gown.

Unbelievable that this beauty will turn 48 in March this year!

Elle Macpherson with me.

IWC CEO Georges Kern with his wife Monika who combined her dotted stockings with kitten heels, well done!

Luis Figo and his beautiful wife Helen Svedin

Hollywood in Geneva: Kevin Spacey with Cate Blanchett

I loved Cate's lipstick colour!

Matthew Fox with his wife Margherita Ronchi who was among the worst dressed. Those boots are a no-go for a red carpet gala event and the zebra look is pretty questionable, too. Her best accessory was definitely her hubby and their love for each other.

Me with LOST star Matthew Fox.

A wonderful opera performance was among the highlight of the nights...

...as well as Ronan Keating's singing some of his hits on stage.

Me framed by bestselling author Paulo Coehlo and Ronan Keating.

Elle talking to Ronan...

...intensively...

...and obviously very funny.

Malin, wife of Tim Jeffries, Elle Macpherson and Lilly Becker

Malin and Tim Jeffries

Elle Macpherson, Marc Forster and Cate Blanchett.

Cate Blanchett with me.

Zinédine Zidane with his wife Véronique in little D&G dots.

Georges Kern asked all celebrities on stage...

...among them Boris Becker, Elle Macpherson...

...and Jean Reno.

Kevin Spacey imitated Bill Clinton...

...and sang something for us.

Cate Blanchett spoke about the shoot in Portofino.

A kiss on the hand... what a gentleman!

Peter Lindbergh...

...took a photo of the Oscar-like crowd on stage.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Getty Images for IWC