Shopping Saturday...'Eat your HEART out' Edition

Below: A little indulgence for me from Mulberry...and their Holiday 2008 Catalogue

Below: Been a while since my last 'dressing room' shot...
Here's what I wore today: My 'fresh debut' CK Calvin Klein pale yellow short sleeve shirt, Miu Miu croc embossed military leather belt, D&G audacious fit jeans and LOVE bracelet, Comme Des Garcons silver print canvas shoes and Gucci G-cut ring. I am carrying Gucci guccissima brown leather tote with 'Oliver' Dog Bag Charm. I smell of ('stealing' from Joseph's scent documentation style) 'I wanna be sexy Jamie Dornan' Dior Homme (lovely woody scent, very unique)

Below: My favourite model, Jamie Dornan and Dior Homme fragrance

An 'Abalone Crepes' Shopping Weekend:-P

Today is the 6th day of Chinese New Year, and being the first weekend after the first and 2nd day (which is mostly dedicated to family), it is the best time for friends to invite one another to welcome the new year. That is exactly what I did for this wonderful Saturday.

I was invited to my ex colleagues house for a gathering of old friends and acquaintances. Lovely time to catch up with old work mates and indulge in a bit of new year gossips and catching up. It turn out to be a really pleasant and somewhat 'yummy-licous' house visit. Beyond all the new year goodies on offer for all of us, my friend catered a very interesting in-house crepe making service to make crepes for the guests as we chat and gossip. It was the first time I have heard of such a special service, where one of the staff from the company will be stationed at your home and make 'custom order' crepes for any guests. That was refreshing and fun, somewhat bizarre. We had a good laugh while we ate. The selection offered by the catering service were standard ham and cheese or mushroom and cheese with other selections of dessert crepes, but my ingenious friend prepared his own set of ingredients and my...are we in for a treat...

One of the self prepared ingredients are ABALONE! Yummy...how decadently quirky for crepes! It's like a east meets west innovation, never heard before. So I had my first Abalone, Chicken and Cheese crepe (Sounds yucky eh?..I had wanted to add some mushroom to it, but thought I am already risking a food disaster so I refrain from adding more fuel to impending food mishap)... which to my big surprise...turn out to be exceptionally yummy. Hmmmm...I am still savoring the taste in my mind. Should have eaten more, instead of the standard ham and cheese. Grrrr.

After a few hours of gathering with good friends...I moved on to Orchard Road to run some errands and do a bit of shopping. I need to pay up for a shirt I reserved at D&G and while waiting for the SA to return from his lunch, I wondered into Mulberry to check out what goodies I am able to uncover for this last phrase of the sale. Never disappointing a trip for a super seasoned shopper like me, I did managed to score a little indulgence for this weekend:-P Besides my purchase, I also received information about the Taylor series of bags for Mulberry Hilton Hotel. They will be stocking Taylor tote in stripe canvas and the zipped tote in green canvas. Both cost SGD $999 and SGD $1199 respectively.

Afterwards upon rounding up my D&G errand, it was to Hermes to check out the espadrilles I had lusted...but to my disappointment, the SA told me the shoe was not ordered for their store and he ask me to check with Takashimaya's outlet. But I could not be bothered since just 2 weeks ago, I did made a check there and no signs of the shoe.

I then continued to the bank for posting of cheques, updating my bank passbook and do a final round of shopping at Kinokuniya, Paragon's luxury stores. From the Prada nylon tote, to Diesel's neon coloured tees, it seems nothing interests me. A long queue as usual outside Louis Vuitton Ngee Ann City, perhaps in anticipation for Monday's launch of the Graffiti pieces. So sad, Graffiti Neverfull is delayed till March...so I will only hit LV again in March.

Finally before heading home, I stop by my favourite store in Singapore, Zara Liat Towers for a quick check on new arrivals, and of course...the long missing 'Dressing Room' shots I used to do! I thought it will be fun to document what I am wearing today. I had something new on. So I did:-P

Nothing in Zara for me either and upon taking the pics, I scurried home. I was at a friend's place over last evening so I seriously need some proper shut eye. Holiday incoming next week! Need beauty sleep. Hurray!

The Material Boy #224

Jil Sander Spring Summer 2009 Mens Bags and Shoes

More and more Spring Summer 2009 offerings are surfacing onto designer's website. I came across Jil Sander's latest offerings and these are some noteworthy pieces that I find appealing:-)

First up, as seen on the runway, Jil Sander's canvas totes with diagonal external pockets are a refreshing change from the 'graffiti' clutter we have seen intruding summer lately:-) This minimalistic design with a clever positioning of the external pocket in some brilliant bright hues, such as the electric blue is sure to give off understated elegance and style. If bright blue hues are still too loud for you, there is grey and white versions for an even more paired down look. Do also take note of the one sided buckled handles on each side of the bag. It's details like that which makes this bag drool worthy:-)

Next up, Jil Sander two tone colour block shoes to add some colour to your feet. Love the pointy shaped lace-ups with a 'trainers-like' sole. It's a synthesis of casual and formal, such hybrid shoes are extremely versatile. Pair it with jeans, shorts or look even smarter with a well fitted suit:-P

Lastly, I am so fond of whites this season. Hence, this simple but yet refreshing design of a Jil Sander strap style/flip flop sandals scores high in my books. I see a velcro fastening and a slight white coloured heel. The cleans lines and non frivolous overlapping of the straps looks in leather makes it an elegant alternative for your resort looks. No sloppy flip flops anymore!

Prices are undetermined yet. But a trip down to Club 21 will provide all the answers. Do I dare venture into the land of temptations and risk more baked beans?...Only this weekend will tell!:-P

Source: www.jilsander.com

The Material Boy #223

Below: Gucci Rock Holiday Print Cotton Muslin Skinny Shirt With Embroidery

Below: Gucci Rock Vintage Summer Holiday Stripes Five Pocket Skinny Pants

Below: Splash Holiday Print Cotton Muslin Skinny Shirt

Gucci Spring Summer 2009 Menswear - Kevin's Picks

I managed to find out the price of some of the hot items from Gucci's Spring Summer 2009 Menswear collection. I am in LOVE. However, some pieces are way over the top in pricing, but still oh so drool worthy. There goes my 'hope' of my favourite flower print short sleeve shirt. The embroidery on the shirt pushes up the price to exorbitant levels. Yikes.

Here's my top picks, as featured both on the runway and the print ad campaign. A guy can only dream...right? Perhaps, maybe, only one piece?...the stripe pants with 'birds of paradise' motif? I love that. Flamboyant but so chic. Or that Splash print motif shirt for a yachting look? Perhaps...maybe...perhaps...maybe...Arrgggg...I can't decide.:-( Baked beans it seems we will meet again sooner than you think...

Source: Gucci, www.men.style.com, www.frillr.com

Retail price:
1) Rock Holiday Print Cotton Muslin Skinny Shirt With Embroidery - UK 610 pounds
2) Rock Vintage Summer Holiday Stripes Five Pocket Skinny Pants - UK 400 pounds
3) Splash Holiday Print Cotton Muslin Skinny Shirt - UK 325 pounds

Where to buy: www.gucci.com

The Material Boy #222

Gucci Khaki GG Plus Canvas Tote With Fluorescent Coloured Web and Pink Handles

I found the pic! Yes, this much coveted runway bag from the latest Gucci Spring Summer 2009 Mens Collection is for sale online at the UK website. Such a good price for a gorgeous bag with eye catching PINK handles.

Why is Singapore not bringing in this bag? I often wonder what the buyer in SG is thinking. This is a hot bag that I am sure will be snap up as soon as it is released.

Source: Model pic from www.men.style.com

Retail price: UK 705 pounds. Where to buy: www.gucci.com

My MANy Bags News #38

Contributing Editor - A Must Visit Online Fashion Magazine!

I received an email by Sam Pape a couple of days ago to bring to my attention of an online fashion magazine launched in Sep 2008. I know I have been doing reviews of Mackage, and then Nokia in very short intervals, it may seem all too commercial for my blog. I must say I only blog about content which I feel I am interested in and my readers are as well. So I am selective about what I will write and its relevance to my blog.

For Sam's email, it was definitely a welcoming idea to do a post on 'Contributing Editor'. The stunning images uploaded onto the online fashion magazine is cutting edge and style savvy. I strongly feel they will inspire and innovate our fashion senses. Furthermore, who doesn't like eye candy from time to time?:-)

Quoting from Sam....this online fashion magazine is...

Created by by stylist Matthew Edelstein and art director Ryan Schmidt. Contributing Editor is a visual laboratory featuring emerging creative talent - photographers, stylists, models, artists, and musicians. Everything published on Contributing Editor is 100% original and unique to the site.

I love the last sentence. 100% original and unique content that you get to only see on the site. That is more than suffice for me to bookmark the site and check it regularly! All fashion fans should do that too!:-P

Source: http://contributingeditor.blogspot.com/

Goodbye...Nokia E71...

Below: Goodbye Nokia E71...:-P

Below: Nokia's 'Beautiful Connections' Website

Below: Very engaging website user interface...

Below: Interesting short film by Carl Burgess

Below: Very cool and quirky short film by Shft

Nokia E71 Trial Report #02...Time For Goodbyes

Time flies. Very soon it will be the end of my 2 week trial of Nokia E71 phone from the wonderful ladies at WOWworld. Thanks Katie and Steph! I am all ready to return this marvellous piece of technological wonder and I will seriously be considering making this the top choice of my next phone purchase (in the next couple of months).

It may be all the rage for touch screen phones now due to the popularity of iphone, but in terms of practical functionality, I still feel physical buttons to press tops touchscreen any day. I have a Prada phone, have tried on iphone...but the text messaging for a heavy duty SMS user like me, is just not my cup of tea. Hence, when I started using this Nokia E71, I find lots of ease and pleasure in doing my messages. It was fast and very intuitive. I love it. I thought I had been permanently won over by Sony Ericcson now, but Nokia E71 changed my perception altogether. I am happy to say I am a Nokia convert now.

During the last trial moments of the device, I tested the video capturing capabilities of the phone. Suffice to say, although quality is not comparable to actual video camera, what came out of this small device is still impressive. Sharpness is good, the internal mic being very sensitive so it will pick up even the most remote of ambient noises. I especially love the B&W shooting mode which creates a certain artistic quality to the video clip.

As evident in their new Nokia E71, Beautiful Connections website (which I had the privilege of being granted preview access by the kind ladies of WOWworld), imaging capabilities is one of the qualities Nokia want to reinforce for their positioning of the phone. The 'Beautiful Connections' website features an interesting user interface, with the phone's central navigation button as a main source of finding your way around the site. There are four short films created by 4 artists each inspired by the beauty of everyday communication.

I have checked out all 4...and I was captivated. Out of the lot, 2 stood out more for me and they were created by Carl Burgess and Shft. The film by Carl Burgess features 'slithery' images of the artist's daily journey between east and north London. Images of signs, road names and overhead conversations slip thru a hand, somewhat 'Salvador Dali' style and morphing in different forms to give a real visual treat!

The other clip by Shft is very quirky and fun. It shows 2 person (same face:-P) literally spurting out 'communication' at each other. Horses, trees, crushed paper, clouds etc...were exchanged as the characters engaged in a 'bicker'. It's so visually engaging. I was amused and applauding the innovative treatment as I watched. Finally, the clip ends with both guys spurting out a mini version of themselves and a good hug to symbolise a reconciliation of the conversation. Absolutely remarkable! Do check it out yourself at the website:-P

So this ends my trial of Nokia's E71. This is probably one of the best phones I have used and I love 'qwerty' keypads now. Slim, and sexy...Nokia E71 is befitting a fashionisto/fashionista who wants style and substance for their gadgets! Congrats to Nokia for another brilliant innovation.

Source: Nokia

Great Minds Think Alike #09

Gucci 'Damier Graphite'?

Fall Winter 2009/2010 menswear seems to be a season of similarities. So many things bears resemblance to each other.

So is Frida Giannini, the creative director of Gucci, a secret fan of Louis Vuitton's Damier Graphite pattern?

Gucci 'Damier Graphite' pants and brooch anyone? At least, now LV Damier Graphite bag owners have outfits to match for next season!:-P

Source: www.frillr.com

My MANy Bags News #37

Brian Atwood Talks About Bally Menswear Fall Winter 2009/2010

A video of the creative director of Bally talking about the latest menswear collection. Definitely urban and chic!

Source: www.iht.com

My MANy Bags Sales Updates #19

British Airways To Britain/London At SGD$1198 (All Inclusive).

Okay, this does not really qualify as a fashion sales update. But if you look at it another way...flying to London to take advantage of the weak UK pounds for shopping luxury goods, private Hermès sales (which u can snag a pair of brilliant boots for 60% off! We know who got that sweet deal!) and never heard before in Asia kind of super further markdowns (We know who got that sweet deal AGAIN!), then this does makes it worth mentioning.

Get your tickets and go London to 'save' the British economy. In times of adversity...we need heroes! Remember...you do it in the name of bags, the motto of myMANybags. Plus most importantly, we dun have to be 'jealous' of 'we know who' anymore:-P

Click here to book tickets. Terms and conditions apply of course:-P

My MANy Travel Inspirations - Ace Hotel

Below: Ace Hotel's cool website...

Below: The very new Ace Hotel in Palm Springs

Below: Ace Hotel, NYC

Below: Ace Hotel, Portland

Below: Ace Hotel, Seattle

Below: Guests at Japanese fashion label, Number Nine's Fall Winter 2008 menswear show...
all warm and cosy:-)

Ace Hotel (Seattle, Portland, NYC and Palm Springs)

Cheap and chic, travelling with a budget without having to sacrifice on style. That is the way to travel amidst the current economic climate. Thanks to concept hotels like Ace, we do get the best of both worlds. Interesting space for living while not having to pawn an arm or leg to enjoy hip places to rest our heads on vacation.

With properties in 4 places in the US, my top pick is for the one in NYC . NYC is known for exorbitant hotel prices if you want something out of the ordinary, hip and original. But with Ace Hotel, I think I can afford to divert my resources for 'better use' in the 'retail heaven':-) Fifth Avenue here I come!

The signature industrial, barrack, lumberjack style of interior design shows that true taste does not always have to be expensive. Lumberjack chic, shag like wild rabbits?!?!?!....Oops. (Did I just say that?)

The one in Seattle and Portland features signature Pendleton wool blankets branded with the hotel's name. Japanese fashion label, Number Nine even got inspired by the hotel to do a collection with Portland theme for his Fall Winter 2008 menswear line. Invited guests for the fashion show were given the hotel's signature blankets to snuggle up:-) Cute eh?

And when you can inspire a fashion collection, you are befitting a place to stay for any fashionista or fashionisto:-)

Room rates start from below US$100

Source: www.acehotel.com