Sandra‘s Closet

Let`s travel further in time. A breeze from the `70s floated over the F/W 2010 runways when the designers brought the more sophisticated aspects of this decade`s fashion into the now. Indulging in reminiscences of young Jane Birkin, Bianca Jagger and Veruschka, nonchalance, luxe and subtlety are the catchwords fall embraces.

Camel is the colour of the season followed by a palette of browns, nudes, and greys.

The ever-stylish shade makes a great fashion statement in combination with the must-have outerwear this season, the cape.

I love the cape by H&M to the right.

Cut more generously than a coat, the dashing alternative allows more freedom of movement and works much better over shoulder embellishments and mutton sleeves.
It was a veritable explosion of fur on the runways so there is no need to shy away from those ueberluxe pieces. The soft cocoon embrace of a voluminous real or faux fur jacket (or vest) will be irresistible this winter.

As the mood is casual luxe for daywear, redefine power-dressing in buttery silk blouses with tie collars.

When it comes to trousers, opt for sleek or wide leg ones with a minimalist edge. Razor-sharp slimline Gucci pants or immaculately tailored like the ones by YSL are among my favourites. Naturally worn with a cashmere turtleneck, they are the most figure flattering throwback to `70s style.

Booties by H&M

To complement the look, you will have to tie the knot with a pair of lace up booties. They are must-haves for every shoeaholic.

Synonymous with luxe seventies style are the long-handled drawstring bucket bags. So no wonder they have made a much-welcome appearance.

Another bestseller will be the remake of Gucci`s 1973 line. Available in nappa, suede and exotic leathers like crocodile and ostrich, those bags are classic and beautiful enough to be safe investment pieces.

Hat by H&M, Stills: Courtesy of H&M

If you really want to get a head start on the boho wardrobe, look for a floppy hat or a knitted beanie.

You do not need to go overboard. Enjoy your fashion moments in traditional, timeless essentials and the overall effect will be more post seventies luxe than vintage hippie.

LoL, Sandra

Chanel is expanding their iconic J12 lineage with their first diving watch: The new J12 Marine. It will be available in two different sizes (42mm and 38mm) and three colours (blue, black and white). All versions have ceramic, unidirectional rotating bezels, come with a rubber strap, are waterproof to 300m and possess all attributes for going deep into the sea. Inspired by the force of the oceans and maritime symbols, the choice of surf legend Laird Hamilton as ambassador for Chanel`s J12 Marine watch could not have been any better.

Rachel Bilson and Kristen Bell at the party.

On Sunday, a fashionable crowd along with many celebrities like Rachel Bilson, Kristen Bell, Cindy Crawford and Robert Downey, Jr. just to name a few could see the perfect match for themselves at Chanel`s launch party held at Ron Meyer`s stunning Malibu home. The French house celebrated their new J12 watch with an outdoor screening of the documentary “Hollywood Don`t Surf” by Greg MacGillivray – a cinematic retrospective of fifty years of Hollwood surfing movies that had premiered at 2010 Cannes Film Festival before.

As it can get really chilly at the Pacific coast in the evening, Chanel made sure that the guests are covered in style with to-die-for branded towels, pillows and black pashminas. The decoration was right down to the last detail, even the beach ball in the seaside pool carried the Chanel emblem.

I have always been a big fan of the J12 collection. Now, you can see my object of desire to the right: the Chanel  J12 Marine 42mm in blue, Ref. H2559. The prices of the new models are approximately between $4700.- and $4900.-.

LoL, Sandra

Chanel is not only creating one It-nail polish after the other, the French house is also inspiring the fashion world to invent new names for colours.

In the beginning of the year, there was Particulière 505 that led to “greige”, gray + beige, and for this fall it is going to be Paradoxal 509, a mixture between gray + violet, so-called “griolet”.

The shade is absolutely amazing and works with everything, a perfect companion for fall. It looks so much more purplish in the bottle than it appears on the nails. Pray for the grace of the beauty gods to get one!

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.-

Sweater dressing has been trendy since quite awhile but this winter you can indulge in reminiscences of all those gorgeous and easy looks from the `70s and `80s. Preferably loose-knit and tone on tone, we will enjoy the new comfortable freedom. Wear  your sweater dresses with opaque tights, ankle boots and the must-have accessory: a thin belt around the waist!

Extra long boyish cardigans can also do a similiar job. Stella McCartney has some seriously sexy ones. If you like you can combine them with a wide belt like Sonia Rykiel showed on the runway which will give your outfit more shape and spice it up.

You will be surprised how another oldie out of your closet can look brand new this season if you play a litttle with it. The Chanel way looks so sexy. A belted sweater worn as an ultra-mini dress combined with fur overknee boots.

In case that you just cannot wait for all these gorgeous runway looks to arrive, I have provided a fabulous pre-fall 2010 look for you that is already available:

Wrap up the new season with a leather self-tie belt by Vionnet worn over a loose cashmere knitted dress like the one by Chloé. The goat hair trench coat by Burberry Prorsum would finish off your look with style along with the suede knee-high wedge boots by Guiseppe Zanotti and the sloughy bag by See by Chloé.

Comfortable and übercool in one!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

It would not be Chanel if there was not a nail polish hype for Pre-Fall 2010. So here are the stunning Paris – Shanghai beauty products. The very limited-edition collection Noir et Or is exclusive to Chanel boutiques.
Very beautiful for the eyes is the duo Ligne et Ombre Jet Gold, a sparkling gold eyeshadow combined with a matte black eyeliner.

There are 3 different nail colours that can be layered or worn alone. I tried myself the new style French/Chinese manicure with Gold Lamé 440 (a satiny gold) andBlack Velvet 430 (a matte black). ). I applied a shiny topcoat therefore you do not see the matte effect. You could also layer Illusion d`Or 450 (a transparent sparkling gold) to achieve a more glittery shine. I got a lot of compliments on my art-déco inspired nails. Try it for yourself.

If you are not able to grab the Chanel bottles, a good match would also be OPI`s Dynasty Bling (gold) and Lady in Black (black).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel and © Sandra Bauknecht

Chanel`s Pre-fall 2010 is now arriving in stores. The theme: Paris-Shanghai. The Chinese megacity had been the perfect backdrop to present this fantasy collection last December.

The beautiful hommage was inspired by Shanghai`s louche past as the Paris of the East, when during the height of its glory in the 20`s and 30`s, the opium dens and nightclubs were all glamourous. A trip that Coco Chanel only made in her dreams.

My favourites are the black leather leggings with carved in camellia intarsias. I just do not want to find out how much they are…. I am very positive that it is a fortune.

The new Chanel store in Shanghai at the Peninsula hotel where you can find all these yummy exclusives.

To celebrate the Shanghai World Expo 2010, Chanel has also created a series of limited-edition accessories that are only available at stores in mainland China. Thank God the new boutique opened last year. The classic quilted flap bag with inside signature from Karl Lagerfeld “Shanghai Karl Lagerfeld” is divine. I really envy my Shanghai readers for being able to get your hands on this treasure. Send one over, please!

But there are more gorgeous accessories that will be available in other countries. What do you think of this adorable Take Away bag above to the left? I think it is a pretty hilarious and humorous take on fashion. I also adore the Chinese doll clutch and earrings.

LoL, Sandra

Are you happy that you have just managed to grab one bottle of Chanel`s turquoise must-have nail polish for summer “Nouvelle Vague”? Do not relax too long and get yourself on the wait list for the next round. Here is the new lovely collection from Chanel for Fall 2010: “Les Contrastes de Chanel”, said to be in stores in August.

Two nail polishes will be available, “Jade Rose 493″, a pale pink that had partnered already last year with the much hyped mint green “Jade”, gets a second chance at stardom. But it has some fierce competition in terms of a shimmery purple called “Paradoxe/Paradoxal 509”. I love the polish hysteria caused by Chanel`s new launches.

The collection will include some beautiful eyeshadows: Les 4 Ombres “Enigma” and two new single shades “Taupe Grisé” and “Vert Khaki”. The Inimitable Intense Mascara (my favourite at the moment) is announced in purple. I will definitely get my hands on this one as I am crazy for coloured mascara.

There will also be three limited edition blushes, so-called Joues Contrastes in “Rose Temptation”, “Pink Explosion” and “Plum Attraction”. The names are already mouth-watering for me just as the preview of the gorgeous glossimers and lipstick colours.
I cannot wait to see their swatches and try everything!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

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

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