First Greige and Now Griolet

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ParadoxalParticuliereChanel 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

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

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.- - € 325.-

Necklaces between € 215.- and € 325.-

 

Red and white necklaces between € 75.- and € 165.-, coral necklace € 245.-

Red and white necklaces between € 75.- and € 165.-, coral necklace € 245.-

 

 

Moonstone necklace € 235.-

Moonstone necklace € 235.-

 

Faux-pearls and brooch necklace € 235.-

Faux-pearls necklace with brooch € 235.-

 

Mother of pearl, shell and flower necklace € 255.-

Mother of pearl, shells and flowers € 255.-

 

Necklace € 155.-

Necklace € 155.-

Sweater Dressing


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

Noir et Or – Orient Extreme


Hand1It 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

Paris – Shanghai

Paris-Shanghai

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.

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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.

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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.

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The new Chanel store in Shanghai where you can find all these yummy exclusives.

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!

Chanel Pre-Fall Take Away




Chanel Doll EarringsChanel Doll Clutch






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

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Les Contrastes de Chanel for Fall 2010


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

Crochet and Knit Lovers

Crochet Bag 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.

Granny Chic

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!

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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.picture-47








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.

picture-42I 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



Carrie On

SATC Cover

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.

SATC 2

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.

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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!

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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.

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Here you have a preview of the probably two most successful looks of Sex and the City 2,  available now. Both dresses are from Halston Heritage. Altogether Carrie is wearing six of them in the sequel. The reason might be that Sarah Jessica Parker is now the Creative Advisor for the legendary American label.

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Founded by Roy Halston Frowick, Halston had its golden age during the Studio 54 era. In 2008, the brand was relaunched and in 2009, its hip diffusion line Halston Heritage followed. I am a big fan of this effortless chic. After seeing Carrie and her style-setting looks, I am sure that there will be a lot more Halstonettes out there.
If you like the “lucky charm” clover necklace, you can order it at Patricia Field`s online store from $56-$72.

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Absolutely funny is the 80`s retrospective in the movie. Carrie in her Madonna-inspired outfit still looks cute but Miranda…. that hairdo, ohmygod!

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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.

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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!

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The four actresses are the cover girls for the recent June edition of American Marie Claire magazine. Get your issue now.

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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?!

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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

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

Chanel Cocoon

As Chanel`s Cruise 2011 will take a while to arrive in stores, I have some yummy news to brighten up your day: The new Chanel Cocoon handbag line. The padded bowling and shopping bags are perfect for daily use.

The advertising campaign stars Vanessa Paradis and is shot by the master himself, Karl Lagerfeld. Available from May 15th, 2010.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel