Happy 2010!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Best wishes from Bangkok! Just a few hours away to the next decade...

May all your wishes come true with lots of good luck, health, shopping budgets and love for 2010:-P

Happy New Year!

My Shopping Conquest #99: Bangkok Mall 'Loot'!

Below: 1st Bangkok shopping conquest... Balenciaga!


Below: Peekaboo...it's another women's Balenciaga Stretch Cotton Skinny Denim since they fit so well and the cut is great!

Below: In a khaki olive colour that is perfect for Spring Summer 2010's military chic!

Below: As sold on www.matchesfashion.com, also at 50% off!

Below: Fits great! Not too skinny to look ridiculous!

Below: Shopping loot #2...from Thai label, 27 Friday!

Below: A unique grey cotton blazer with interesting 'dotty' patchwork details! very unique with limited pieces made:-P

Below: The back also feature the 'tone on tone' patchwork dots.. I love it! Kinda Comme Des Garcons... but with it's own flavour:-P

Below: A unique grey cotton blazer with interesting 'dotty' patchwork details! Limited pieces are made:-P

Below: Shopping find #3...from Greyhound's End of Season sale:-P The headlines on the sale shopping bag is cute:-)

Below: Will you seriously do this?!?!?

Below: It's a drapy looking asymmetric v-neck t-shirt in deep green. Looks fabulous under a black blazer, the draping effect creates a design of it's own:-)

Bangkok Mall Finds! (Balenciaga Cotton Stretch Skinny Denim + 27 Friday Grey Patchwork Blazer + Greyhound Asymmetric V-Neck T-shirt)

A wonderful and eventful past 2 days, meeting up old friends, checking into my favourite Bangkok hotel, Le Meridien Bangkok, wine and dine at Bamboo Chic, lounging by the hotel pool with a cute new friend and last of all a education and yet fun thai cooking class at Blue Elephant.. WOW... I think I did more than I would have in Singapore. Talk about restful vacation, it's non existent in a city like Bangkok. But I am happy. Especially with my very memorable morning with my cute new friend:-) If you are reading this, you know how much I enjoy the short time we spend:-P

So after much delay, I finally had time to compile my pictures for my shopping finds on Monday! Shopping excitement to get unique and interesting pieces:-)

First up, another Balenciaga pants from the fairer gender to add to my wardrobe. The fit is great, the fabric is comfortable and lightweight while price is at 50% off ...how can I resist. Welcome my new pair of Balenciaga Cotton Stretch Skinny Denim. I love the Khaki Olive colour which is military chic for the coming Spring Summer season!

Another most surprising find is this wonderfully quirky and special '27 Friday' Grey Blazer with Patchwork Details. Quite understated while being eye catching, the blazer has a fitted cut, gorgeous to touch lightweight fabrication and interesting tone on tone fabric patches all over the blazer! Definitely not something you can track down anywhere in shops easily! So I had to buy this very limited release piece since I am a blazer fan:-)

Lastly, the draping look is getting my interest these days. Something along the lines of Rick Owens, Damir Doma or Julius. So when I saw this Greyhound Asymmetric V-neck T-shirt with unusual displaced seams, it was love at first sight. The soft fabric drapes beautifully on the body, creating a design by itself and the green colour adds a punch of visual impact to any outfit.

Tommorrow is new year's eve...so wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Le Meridien Bangkok is having wonderful new year's celebration menus from THB 5500 for 2 inclusive of a bottle of Moët and Chandon. I think it's such great value for new year's eve celebration at such a cool hotel! So if you are in Thailand.. this is excellent to spend new year's eve!:-)

Retail price:
1) Balenciaga Stretch Cotton Skinny Denim - THB 13500 (50% off now!)
2) 27 Friday Grey Patchwork Blazer - THB 4950
3) Greyhound Deep Green Asymmetric V-neck T-shirt - THB 1095 (40% off now!)

Where to buy:
1) Balenciaga Boutique at Siam Paragon, Bangkok
2) 27 Friday and Greyhound Boutique at Siam Center, Bangkok

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #70

Below: Click to enlarge pics for better view...

Givenchy Spring Summer 2010 Ad Campaign

This is LOVE. Givenchy has done it yet again with a visually compelling ad campaign for Spring Summer 2010. No wonder the brand is definitive of what the season's most powerful statement is, and what fashion editors are all clamouring about.

The graphic prints on the clothing makes for such a strong visual language photographed, I forsee many editorials featuring these pieces. The ad speaks volumes of their editorial potential.

The other more subdued pieces have their own character as evident in the other series of the campaign. I am impressed! Way to go, Riccardo Tisci!

BTW, I brought my Givenchy Pandora Bag to Bangkok and it sure gained quite a few looks when I shop!:-P

Source: WWD

Bangkok Shopping: Day 1

Below: Bangkok shopping loot of the day... against my hotel room with pink pattern walls:-( no wonder I need retail therapy... (Fortunately changing hotels tommorrow:-P)

Below: Newly discovered favourite thai designer, 27 Friday at Siam Center... I am a fan of the store decor... modern wooden shack concept with ropes as hanger rails???! Love the idea, it's as quirky as the clothes on display. Unique pieces that cannot be found anywhere...

Below: There is a shirt with multi-coloured hair pins hanging there which I am seriously thinking to buy tommorrow... raw wooden planks as flooring and the designers' sketches on the wall.

Below: Shop front... notice the lack of branding, which only appears discreetly in one corner:-) Many cute blazers with limited run... so you will not find others wearing something the same as you:-P (Click to enlarge pic)

Bangkok Shopping Day #1

From the moment I woke up today, I was jubilant about the prospect of shopping in Bangkok. Especially having recommended a few good places to look out for this trip, I was having even more confidence in finding some gems today. Of course, I first started with the big brand names, which was all having further markdowns now, so from Siam Paragon's Club 21 Accessories Store, Paul Smith, Bottega Veneta, Mulberry, Balenciaga to all Club 21 owned stores at Erawan Centre all became part of today's itinerary. But big brand names disappoint me this time, I cannot seem to find anything interesting left to buy. All the goodies would have probably been gone. And I just cannot understand why multi-label store Club 21 are still selling past season items at only 50% off. These should have been bazaar prices by now as they were at least 2-3 seasons back. Yikes. I did see a nice Comme Des Garcons belt (with quirky circular circle shape cutout of the rim) that I like, but I question if that is my style, and the answer is not really. So I decided to ponder over the purchase.

But I still managed to sift out some gems along the way... in the manner of Balenciaga:-) Hurray!

The highlight of today's shopping adventure lies not in the big brand names, but in Siam Center which houses lots of local Thai designer brand names. These young, avant garde new blood of Thai fashion are definitely worth spending your time browsing thru their very individual and statement making store decor and creations. From veteran Thai brands like Greyhound to younger names, like ANR, Flynow, Senada will fill your time to a good fashion treat:-) New labels have also set up stores in Siam Center and most notable is this quaint little boutique called 27 Friday which I absolutely adore. Some thai designers can be over the top and fabrication still needs some polishing up, but this '27 Friday' designer's creations are different and exceptionally appealing to my taste! All I can say is this designer is like Comme Des Garcons in Thai, but with better sizing for asians! Lots of quirky pieces that infuses little embellishments unseen of other labels. There is a white shirt with multi coloured hairpins sewn all over that caught my attention (I may get it tommorrow:-P). I simply love many pieces in the shop. The shop decor is also visually engaging using ropes as hangers which form an interesting display format for the merchandise. So with so much things that I like about the store, it is only natural that I did my retail contribution to the shop. I came back with a very unique piece (the shop staff told me only a handful were made and I got the last piece) which will be revealed tomorrow:-P

Other than that, I went to Greyhound and got myself a brilliant piece from their sales too.

What a day of shopping adventure... Reveals tommorrow! Now I need a drink and good food to round off the day:-)

Ciao!

My MANy Bags News #172

Fly Away Time...

Yes, off I go to the land of smiles and another shopping paradise to conquer. Easy breezy indulgence of massages, good food and live like a king to round off 2009. Reliable 'intel' also tells of Hermès at Bangkok airport being cheaper than Singapore...hmmm...so wish me luck in finding some coveted items on my wishlist there.

Ciao ciao!

Sawadeekrap in a bit in Bangkok!

My MANy Bags News #171

Marc Jacobs' Hermès Shopping In St Barths

I love love Marc Jacobs' Olive/Veronese 40cm Birkin...is this going to be the colour of my future Birkin?!?!? Interesting colour and not as serious as black... I am in bag orgasm. Oops. BTW, what's in the big orange bag he is carrying?

(One last thing: Food for thought... if Marc Jacobs is not buying his own LV bags... then should we follow?:-P)

Source: Just Jared via Luxury Obsessed

My Shopping Conquest #98

Below: Nothing better than Christmas Day shopping time! Another indulgence for the festive season ...this time from Bottega Veneta:-P

Below: Yay! A cool new pair of sunglasses to look cool:-P Especially when not paying full price for it! My friend gasped at the embossed 'woven leather' box, I love it too!:-)

Below: We can not expect any less of Bottega Veneta...luxurious packaging, with a cloth pouch to safe keep the sunglasses with another lens cleaning cloth:-P

Below: Welcome my new Bottega Veneta Antique Brass Aviator Sunglasses!

Below: The big brown gradient lens fits me very well ...aviator style, I feel like a pilot:-) on my shopping mission...

Below: Lots of small details which makes the sunglasses unique and totally Bottega Veneta ...such as this 'woven leather texture' brass strip on the front... BV without spelling out the brand name...

Below: Brass rings on the temples...and studs on the ends. Lovely touch:-P

Below: My favourite detail...a small butterfly insignia next to the branding:-P Luxurious piece of sunglasses for a sophisticated day out...

Pre Boxing Day Shopping: Bottega Veneta Antique Brass Aviator Sunglasses

Who needs to wait till boxing day when you can start shopping sales on X'mas day? Especially with extra discounts awaiting!

Takashimaya Department Store in Ngee Ann City loves having extra 10% discount promotion for their cardmembers regularly. This year, from Christmas day till 30 Dec, the promotion kicks in yet again! This is the best chance to get more mileage for your bucks (sale or non sale shopping) or buy non-sale items at 10% off. I did the latter... a pair of non-sale Bottega Veneta Antique Brass Aviator Sunglasses which I have been eyeing since a few weeks back is now mine, sans the full retail price:-P Hurray!

I even used SGD$140 worth of vouchers to further reduce the already 10% discounted price. Always happy to bag a better deal!

Made of antique brass and 'tortise shell' plastic temples, the big brown gradient lens are ideal for looking 'Anna Wintour' or just simple sun protection. There are lots of fine detailing which we can never expect any less of Bottega Veneta. The front of the aviators spots a brass strip of intricately moulded 'woven texture' that connects the lens, reinforcing the Bottega Veneta brand with even spelling the name. The temples also finds 2 brass rings and metal studs at the ends. However, I am most loving the butterfly detail on the insides of the temples adjacent to the subtle Bottega Veneta branding. Definitely a pair of shades that is unique in its own design and luxurious!

Masculine, sophisticated but most importantly, the brown tones and classic style are totally matching to my new Prada Bag:-P

Retail price: SGD $720. Where to buy: Bottega Veneta Boutique in Takashimaya, Ngee Ann City

My Bag Collection #53

Below: It's Christmas Day...time for Christmas Treat reveal!:-P Happy Prada Christmas to me!

Below: Peek-a-boo Prada!

Below: It's my dream bag for 2009... Prada Executive Tote in Caramel Saffiano Leather!

Below: A structure bag with a sophisticated design...

Below: Clean lines, gold tone hardware...

Below: Gorgeous Saffiano textured leather in caramel colour...

Below: Roomy without being cumbersome...

Below: Gold metal feet to protect the base of the bag...

Below: Double zip pocket for easy organising...

Below: Lots of small details that make the bag worth its pennies... Prada branding marked on gold zipper pulls...

Below: Interesting metal cut out Prada branding on a triangular leather plaque... impeccable workmanship too, stitching is done meticulously well...

Below: Even the gold metal feet is branded with Prada logotype...

Below: Prada embroided lining and an internal zipper pocket... LOVE the bag!

Prada Double Zip Executive Tote In Caramel Saffiano Leather

Hurray! It's Christmas day! Time to dig into the Christmas pressies!:-P And my treat to myself this wonderful festive day is none other than... (of course, what else can it be?!?!) it's A NEW BAG for mymanybags!:-P Yes, it's one bag that I have been eyeing on for the longest time ever since I blog about it here. So I finally used X'mas as a good excuse and put my 'shopping decision making misery' to an end:-)

I finally have my own Prada Double Zip Executive Tote! This is one gorgeous 'tai tai' (means rich man's wife in cantonese) bag which is an absolute classy arm candy:-) Clean lines, structure saffiano leather body, glamourous gold tone hardware make this one ultra sophisticated bag to carry. I also love the double zip compartments with allows for useful organising of your belongings. Suitable for the office as much as weekend shopping adventures:-) It's love at first sight even though the bag was meant for the fairer gender (I did try on the men's soft briefcase which is similar in size, but the design seems too conversative for my taste).

I choose the caramel colour over the burgundy, black or brown version as I feel the gold hardware and this lighter colour is classic without being too conventional. Another important reason was the Prada plaque on the bag was in a unique cutout version (more subtle and interesting) instead of the usual triangular metal version. The construction of the bag at the base is also slightly different with a rolled leather rim around the base, which appears broader visually.

My only regret was I did not get the bag sooner. Hence, I had to pay like SGD $80 extra due to the rapid price increase by Prada lately:-( Fortunately, my VIP discount kick in to soften the impact.

They say Christmas is a time where wishes come true...well, now one of mine did:-)

Happy Prada Christmas!

Retail price: SGD $2490. Where to buy: Prada Boutique at Paragon Shopping Mall

The Material Boy #356

Below: New styles for Spring Summer 2010...Balenciaga Velo Studded Bag. Handy and chic shoulder or hand carry style! Love it!

Below: The Sunday Large Tote looks big enough for guys and gorgeous enough for ladies!

Balenciaga Spring Summer 2010 'Sunday' And 'Velo' Bag

I have been keenly awaiting for Balenciaga to add new styles to their classic motorcycle range. New men's designs from Fall Winter 2009 already looks promising, but somehow the women's range always look more edgy and interesting. And some Balenciaga pieces have that neutral touch that allows for men to carry the women's pieces. My wish came true this X'mas.

Look what I uncovered... Exciting new designs with the regular studs, but in a hand carry/shoulder strap messenger style or tote style. Both also looked just right in size for guys...but will need to confirm before making a 'commitment':-P

I love the Velo bag which has a smart day and night look that allows for shoulder sling. Will be ideal for those hands free days out and about. As for the Sunday Tote Bag, the big tote style is a refreshing change to the weekender bags which most suited guys. So now there's a new option this coming new season! BTW, I was surprised Balenciaga bags (Weekender) was listed as a short lived trend in NY Mag (Click here to read). Balenciaga bags are some of the most time-tested and trend resistant designs. For me, they are always current and on trend, all thanks to Nicolas consistently keeping the brand as an important fashion trend leader season after season. Those guys at NY mag probably do not know what they are blabbering. (Agree or no?)

Love the anthracite colour as well.

X'mas and new year shopping wishlist has commenced:-)

Source: Matches Fashion

Retail price:
1) Velo Studded Bag - £945 (£821.74 excl. VAT)
2) Sunday Tote Bag – £945 (£821.74 excl. VAT)

Where to buy: Matches Fashion