Sandra‘s Closet

Raffia bags are the annual stalwarts of summer, but now they have traded up: sleek incarnations now carry the day – not only on the beach but in the boardroom, too.

Below are my favorites, just click on the highlighted description to get yours delivered to your doorstep. A welcome distraction during quarantine times.

LoL, Sandra

GG Marmont large leather-trimmed raffia tote by Gucci

Nolita small leather-trimmed raffia shoulder bag by Saint Laurent

The Rockstud leather-trimmed raffia clutch by Valentino

 Panier small textured leather-trimmed straw tote by Prada

Escape leather-trimmed straw tote by Valentino

Espadrille large fringed raffia tote by Altuzarra

Medium leather-trimmed woven raffia tote by Loewe

The Studio Basket woven raffia tote by Salvatore Ferragamo

Lecky leather-trimmed raffia shoulder bag by Isabel Marant

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands / Net-à-Porter
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This S/S 2020 season, designers have revisited the denim skirt. A tribute to the ’70s and ’80s – think asymmetric hem that’s frayed for a distressed look. Wear those long versions with a chunky knit and some cool ankle boots.

LoL, Sandra

Frayed denim midi skirt by Givenchy

Asymmetric denim skirt by Alexander Wang

Asymmetric frayed denim skirt by Loewe

Asymmetric frayed denim skirt by Michael Kors Collection

Asymmetric frayed denim skirt by Marques’ Almeida

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands / Net-à-Porter
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Capes appeared on the fashion radar last year in full force, when an array of designers put their high-fashion spin on this classic cover-up. Personally speaking, I have been a fan of capes since forever because they are the perfect pieces to wear over voluminous shoulders, big sleeves or embellishments. The trend is thankfully still going strong and giving us good incentive to go hands-free when we wrap up this season. My advice, opt for a statement piece that will make heads turn. It can be inspired by the current ’70s bourgeoisie trend, come with a military vibe, be vibrant or knitted. Here are my favorite ones available with the power to elevate even the plainest of outfits.

LoL, Sandra

Eureka double-breasted camel hair cape by Max Mara

Pleated cashmere cape by Loewe

Asymmetric leather cape by Saint Laurent

Two-tone wool-blend cape by Chloé

Button-embellished double-breasted wool and cashmere-blend cape by Balmain

Reversible wool and silk-blend cape by Gucci

Double-breasted scalloped houndstooth wool-blend bouclé cape by REDValentino

Long single-breasted wool cape by Prada

Leather-trimmed wool-blend cape by Burberry

Organza-trimmed wool and silk-blend crepe cape by Valentino

Wool-blend cape by Valentino

Embellished silk-crepe cape by Givenchy

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

The micro bag-as-necklace concept is such a great and practical trend for F/W 2019. Being hands-free and carrying all your valuables around your neck is the perfect option when hitting the dance floor. Furthermore, it makes you look like a young girl… remember when you left to your school trip with that pouch dangling from your neck and you hated it?!

Now, it is time to make peace with these stylish options below:

Studded pouch necklace by Saint Laurent

Le Pitchou mini textured-leather pouch by Jacquemus

Tri-pouch necklace by Loewe

Maria small leather pouch by Gabriela Hearst

Purse pouch necklace by Y’s

Which one is your favorite? I went for Gabriela Hearst… so sophisticated and stylish.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

In the hidden LOEWE land the bunny crossbody bags and bag charms are scampering: any minute fashion’s runway show for Easter will start! Expertly handcrafted from supple and fluffy shearling or leather folded into the shape of a bunny, those playful mini accessories feature a charming pom-pom tail and dot-perforated eyes. Personally speaking, something I would like to find during Easter Egg Hunt.

TO SHOP THE CUTE LOEWE BUNNIES, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Loewe

It is official! I am a Swiss Girl. I couldn’t be happier to finally have received my Swiss passport and to be a double citizen of Germany, my birth place, and Switzerland, my home base.

Today marks Sechseläuten which I will be celebrating among dear friends for the first time as a citizen of Zurich. Following the parade of the “Zünfte” (guilds), the culmination of this popular tradition is the burning of winter in effigy, in the form of the “Böögg” (cognate to bogey), a figure of a snowman prepared with explosives.

My look: Oversized tuxedo blazer and green cloche hat, both by Stella McCartney, Windward logo-intarsia merino sweater and printed cotton and linen-blend mini skirt, both by Burberry, T printed textured-leather pouch by Loewe, red leather Rockstud boots by Valentino, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond ring, both by Piaget.
Twenties fishnet tights by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. It’s about making the mental shift that will allow you to power through whatever life throws at you. Start each day with an unstoppable attitude to succeed and try to stay motivated throughout the day, regardless of circumstances. Put on a look that you feel confident in and defy the odds against you. I love my new Dior pieces that make me feel extremely good and the coat adds the right amount of color to cheer up the day.

My look: Green oversized cashmere trench coat by Loewe, cream white cashmere sweater with bee embroidery, printed voile cotton skirt , Saddle calfskin belt, Oblique Saddle bag, shoulder strap, and J’adior earrings, all by Dior, Rockstud cut out leather combat boots by Valentino. Diamond heart necklace in yellow gold and Amulette necklace, both by Cartier, Jardin de Milly La Forêt daisy necklace and Mitzah ring, both by Dior Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The must-have accessory for summer is definitely a lust-worthy pair of espadrilles. This S/S 2019 season, you can combine it with the most amazing tote bags that get an update by being set on an espadrille-style woven and rubber base.

Below are this season’s prettiest styles designed by the most coveted designers, shop the pieces ahead to add the finishing touch to your sunny-day look.

LoL, Sandra

Espadrille striped suede tote bag by Altuzarra

Espadrille suede tote bag by Altuzarra

Loulou Toy leather and jute-trimmed quilted printed cotton shoulder bag by Saint Laurent

Gate leather bucket bag by Loewe

Espadrille small tote bag by Altuzarra

Vintage espadrille chain shoulder bag by Chanel

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

«Art is the flower… life the green leaf.» – Charles Rennie Mackintosh

This holiday season, LOEWE is launching a special capsule collection inspired by the work of renowned Scottish architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928). Regarded as one of the originators of modernism, his seismic influence on the 20th century arts & crafts movement is still being felt to this day.

With a full accessories line and ready-to-wear for men and women, the holiday collection celebrates the vast scope of the designer’s work, from his architecture through to his furniture design. Playing with the various facets of the Mackintosh universe, LOEWE honours his distinctive aesthetic by incorporating his signature grid patterns, stained glass windows and botanical watercolours across the range.

When I was in Madrid mid November, I was happy to explore the collection in the brand’s flagship store in the Salamanca district before it is now hitting the shelves worldwide.

The CASA LOEWE is all about interior design and customer experience thanks to LOEWE‘s creative director Jonathan Anderson. The lifestyle store spans three floors (totaling over 10,760 square feet) of a landmarked 19th-century building.

To delve deeper into Mackintosh’s mind and genius, I invite you to look at this fascinating collection:

Black T-Shirt

Rose-print wool dress

Print crepe blazer

Sweatshirt dress

Gate leather shoulder bag

Patch pink mohair blanket

Stay tuned for an outfit post with my favorite pieces from this collection!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Loewe and © Sandra Bauknecht

Last night, I was invited by JELMOLI to celebrate the opening of their contemporary fashion department on the second floor that features brands like Peter Pilotto, Jonathan Simkhai, Diane von Furstenberg, Rochas, Alexandre Vauthier and Koché among others.

The event was very unexpected and a real experience. Check-in began on the street in front of the department store (queue was shockingly long), then we boarded open-air buses and were driven to the underground delivery station below JELMOLI where the fashion show and party took place. A very successful and fun night.

Quick stop at the LA MER counter at JELMOLI before the event with a friend for a luxury treatment session that I can only recommend.

My look: Fringed printed cotton and silk-blend jersey dress by Loewe, embellished woven straw tote by Rosie Assoulin, ankle boots Kole by Chloé, bi-colour chain necklace by Prada, cuff by Stella McCartney, rose diamond ring by Piaget and faux-pearl tassel earrings by Oscar de la Renta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht