My favourite “Desperate Housewife” Eva Longoria Parker arrived at the Côte d`Azur last Wednesday to celebrate the 63rd Cannes Annual Film Festival in great style. No doubt was she aware of the many photographers awaiting her touchdown at Nice Airport when she tottered on her blue suede “Tribtoo” pumps by Yves Saint Laurent out of the gate, well accessorized with her Hermès bangles and Birkin bag. Her assumingly travel-weary eyes covered with a pair of Ray-Ban wayfarer sunglasses.
At the opening night premiere of “Robin Hood”, Eva caused a stir in a white silk chiffon gown by Emilio Pucci. Her long train added the right amount of red carpet drama. A silver Swarovski clutch and coral jewelry by De Grisogno completed her breathtaking look. Absolutely gorgeous was that she kept the make-up natural and her updo classy-elegant. She looked so radiant without trying too hard.
The next day, Eva went shopping swarmed by paparazzi and fans. When it is time to pose and show, Eva delivers. The petite actress was very fashion-forward and enhanced her toned small body in a gray Hervé Léger by Max Azria F/W 2010 bandage dress with beautiful details like peplums on the hips and a lace-up neckline. Her Birkin bag and her YSL pumps that she had already worn upon her arrival, along with classic aviator-style shades topped off her look perfectly.
In the evening, the lovely Mrs. Longoria Parker wowed again at the “On Tour” Premiere at the Palais des Festivals in a nude crystal-encrusted gown by Indian-born designer Naeem Khan. Eva is known to be a huge fan of his ornate, intricately detailed works.
Eva with me
To me, Eva was one of the best dressed actresses at the opening days of the Cannes Film Festival. But not only the stunning outfits made me think that as they would look probably great on others as well. It was more her pose and striking attitude that demonstrated her powerful allure. My Fashion Award goes to little Eva!
LoL, Sandra
There has been a talk about the Fendi Peek-A-Boo bag since a few seasons, but all of a sudden it comes out of hiding and has reached the It-bag status. Created by Karl Lagerfeld and shown for the first time at the Fendi S/S 2009 runway, it has appeared in every Fendi show since then in different materials and colours. For the opening of their prestigious new shop in Las Vegas at the MGM Hotel, Fendi launched a limited Peek-A-Boo edition in 24 carats gold leaves (see picture above) for approximately $36.000. Spotted on many celebrities in various sizes, the shape of the bag is very Birkin-esque but with only one handle like the famous Kelly bag. It has a “kangaroo pouch” that can be draped open. The tote is very sophisticated but not looking to bourgeois like his Hermès forerunners plus the prices are far more attractive.
I am totally in love with them. Especially the unclasped look gives the bag a kind of sloughy cool appearance. My only problem is to decide which one I prefer as there are sooooo many beautiful versions out there. This summer my favourite model is the tapestry one but probably it is worth waiting with a view to the stunning yellow leopard version from the upcoming winter collection, see below.
For my Swiss based readers, Bongénie Grieder carries those bags.
Have you decided yet?
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Fendi
Today I would like to show you the ultimate dream closet. Before moving to Switzerland, I lived for 2 years in the States. This was when I met my lovely friend Yoanna, the owner of this amazing house in the Chicago area. The former Miss Poland with an incredible taste built the mansion with her husband around 6 years ago. Her dressing room is not only enormous, but it also includes a wet bar, a sitting area and has the same wall colour like Ladurée in Paris. It is the perfect place to store all her designer pieces.
Yoanna with me
I guess you are wondering now how the rest of her home looks like. So I won`t withhold that from you. Please have a little tour and start dreaming. Probably you will find some inspirations for your own house. I am totally in love with her boudoir-style very feminine bathroom. Good luck convincing your husbands!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Next season you should invest in something that is very à la mode but will always be in style: exotic leather! Snakeskin was seen everywhere on the runways and there are especially many beautiful bags to dream of. You could think about a classic piece like the python model by Devi Kroell, or get one of those amazing big clutches by Nancy Gonzalez. These will accent your outfit perfectly and will be a companion for many years. My favourite one is this incredible Alexander McQueen clutch. I love the shape, the colours, the design…. it is just perfect!
If you want to take it a step further, go crocodile! The price might be breathtaking but envision it as the foundation of your outfit. Sometimes it is better to prioritize and invest in one timeless piece to make you feel instantly fabulous.
Kristin Davis was spotted at the set of the new Sex and the City movie carrying this stunning croc tote by Nancy Gonzalez (who is by the way one of the most celebrated handbag designers in the world and a great address to get high-quality precious skin models). The bag – that also comes in black – can accessorize every outfit perfectly. I would opt for a bold colour as this will enlighten everyday basics immediately and will make you look so stylish! Always keep in mind the only limit is your creativity!
LoL, Sandra
The Birkin Bag was launched and named after the famous actress and singer, Jane Birkin in 1984. During a flight Jane Birkin was sitting next to Hermès-CEO Jean Louis Dumas and told him about her problems finding the perfect shaped and seized bag. She described him her dream model that she received shortly after that incident.
The Birkin Bag was born. It is a fashion icon- to me incredibly amazing- a mixture of a classic piece worth investing in and a total trend item. Many famous ladies carry this model. Victoria Beckham is said to own over a hundred.
But even if you have the money to buy it, does not mean you can. There are long waitlists in the Hermès stores. And in general it is even hard to get on that list. There are even waitlists for the waitlists and if you manage to get on, you have to be patient for approximately 2 years. But if you are lucky, the minute the orange box is opened, your heart will start beating faster. That bag is a real treasure and even comes with a rain cover for it. Besides it is a great investment because you can resell it at the same price you bought it, even after having used it.
There is a great book about all the different and funny stories to get one: „Bringing Home the Birkin“ by Michael Tonello. If you want to have an easy access to a real one: www.luxury-shops.com and www.créateursdeluxe.com sell new and used models in excellent condition. Watch out, the minute they come in, they go.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Hermès, © luxuryshops.com, © créateursdeluxe.com (first collage)
