Incoming mail!

DHL Delivers!

Yes, my parcel has arrived from Net-a-porter...:-P

Mood: Excited...

The Material Boy #382

Below: The easiest way to add some summer colours to your outift... a cool Balenciaga Triple Tour SGH Bracelet in cyclade for you?

Below: The boys can do the black and silver combination! Equally rock chic cool!

Below: Or lovely sweet Sorbet pink?

Balenciga SGH Triple Tour Bracelet

What's not to love about these Balenciaga bracelets? Gorgeous silver studs, distressed leather of many varied colours and the perfect accessory to add some rock chic on a cool night out. Works for both girls and boys:-) If you are already a fan of SGH (Silver Giant Hardware) bags, then these bracelets will definitely be on your wishlist, especially so, when it is so affordable at US$195 (or approx. SGD$330) a piece!

I love the cyclade colour!

Balenciaga Hilton Hotel, Singapore stocks these bracelets but do call as they might have sold out on them by now... Grrr.

Source: Balenciaga, Carolines Mode

Retail price: US$195. Where to buy: Balenciaga

The Material Boy #381

Below: The large size Proenza Schouler PS1 bag which is perfect for the boys...

Below: www.thecorner.com stocks this bag in large size and in 2 different leather colours...

Below: But the price is more turn-off than turn on:-( At Eur 2511.00... it's just way too ridiculously overpriced!

Below: The gorgeous blue version is my all time favourite...

Below: David Thielebule, Harpers Bazaar Accessories Editor spotted with the blue version...

Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Shoulder Bags

Are you a guy? Are you in love with the highly coveted Proenza Schouler PS1 bags that the women have been flaunting and yet you had a hard time tracking down a large size to better fit the male gender? What's more, one that's in a gorgeous blue leather like the one Harper Bazaar accessories editor, David Thielebule, has been seen toting around?

Fret not, the search has ended... www.thecorner.com stocks this elusive large size PS1 bag (measures 40cm width x 30cm height x 15cm depth). Net-a-porter, Luisaviaroma has medium sizes or suede material PS1 which, in my opinion pales in comparison to the leather versions. However, do note that you have to be exceptionally desperate, 'hopelessly cannot survive without the bag' situation in order to commit to the purchase at www.thecorner.com. Reason being, they charge a highly overpriced amount of EUR 2511.00 which is almost SGD $4900. I know PS1 bags are expensive...but for nearly SGD 5k... are you kidding me?!?!?

So PS1 'desperados'... will you be willing to get rip off to own your dream PS1. I do like the beige version, just not enough to fork out the ridiculous mark-up at www.thecorner.com.

Source: The Corner

Price: EUR 2511.00. Where to buy: The Corner

My MANy Bags News #212

Below: Click on pic to enlarge to see the details!


Below: Lovely distressed metallic gold colour... for the 'glamourzons' in you!

Mulberry Limited Edition Gold Alexa Bag For Selfridges

If all the fancy and gorgeous colours for Mulberry's hit bag of the season, the Alexa Bag, still do not appeal to you... how about going for some gold and glamour with this new version exclusive to Selfridges departmental store in UK? Limited edition oh yes, since only 40 pieces were made! Hurry if you wanna get your hands on this one of a kind, 'IT' bag of the season.

I know I love this version of the Alexa bag which is decadent and yet glamourous. Like a celebrity of its own, you are sure to steal some envious stares with this bag.

Residents of UK can buy this bag from the Selfridges Oxford Street, Manchester Trafford and Exchange and Birmingham stores – as well as the new E commerce site; www.selfridges.com. Retails for £795.

Source: Mulberry

My MANy Bags News #211

New Bags For Sale!

I have put up new bags for sale on my bag sale blog. Check out the new pieces for sale, from Balenciaga, Mulberry to Miu Miu Mens.

Click here: www.mymanybagsforsale.blogspot.com

My Shopping Conquest #100

Below: A long overdue shopping reveal from the house of ORANGE:-P

Below: I love those orange boxes and the ribbons! I have finally decipher the art of ribbon tying, Hermès style:-P

Below: Unwrapping is half the run of buying an Hermès!

Below: Yes, it's my new Hermès Belt...

Below: 24mm reversible leather belt in Red Garance Togo Calfskin on one side...

Below: and Chocolate Box Calfskin on the other... 2 colours I do not own yet in my Hermès belt collection:-) (it's tough to not have identical colours... so I am happy with my pick)

Below: Inside the cloth pouch lies my most favoured Hermès belt buckle design...

Below: It's none other than the palladium plated 'Sydney Buckle' which I had a hard time locating last year! This one just arrived in the Hermès store in Siam Paragon last Dec 2009, even the protective padded foam wrap is still intact...

Below: Love the square studs! It's rock chic in a luxurious way!

Below: The final combination... the silver Sydney Buckle againts the red garance togo leather... LOVE!

Below: Melanie Huynh is the 'culprit' for my obsession with this belt design... Love hers!

Hermès Sydney Buckle With 24mm Reversible Leather Belt In Chocolate Calfskin/Red Garance Togo Calfskin

Another of my long overdue shopping reveal. Something I got for myself over New Years in Bangkok as a way to fulfill a new year wish:-)

Ever since I saw a pic of Melanie Huynh wearing her Hermès Belt with a silver palladium plated Sydney Buckle, I knew I had to have it. I love the square studs and the metal ring which gives an edge if you wanna rock some glamourous biker chic. Singapore Hermès stores are a 'dud', they practically do not carry anything I want at the right time. Hence, I have long given up on waiting for them to call me when stocks are in (since I am not a VIP customer, chances are almost equal to zero). When I spotted the Sydney Buckle at the Hermès Store in Bangkok's Siam Paragon Shopping Mall, I contemplated at first, knowing the price will be more expensive than in Singapore. But since Hermès Singapore is 'unreliable', and rather than having to put up with their snobbish attitudes, I chose to pay more and get great service and an item I have been dying to own!

With the Sydney Buckle found, it is now another tough task to decide which leather colours to pick:-) I chose the 24mm Reversible leather belt in Chocolate Calfskin and Red Garance Togo Calfskin as these were colours that I do not own yet:-) Orange and brown were my desired pick, but it seems this combination is non existent. On second thought, I really love the deep red garance colour, which is eye catching, and uncommon... definitely compliments my silver Sydney Buckle very well.

One shopping wish down with another long list to follow. I shall be patient:-P One item at a time. I would love to own a lizard Collier De Chien some day:-) That's my next Hermès wishlist.

(On a last note, this is the 100th item I have bought and revealed on the blog! Yikes, now I know where did all my money went:-(...oops!)

Price (In Singapore): SGD $550 for Sydney Buckle, SGD$580 for Leather belt
Price (In Bangkok): THB 14400 for Sydney Buckle, THB 15000 for Leather Belt

My MANy Bags News #210

Below: An 'entertaining' clip starring Mr Louboutin himself and those hot studded Freddy Flats!



Below: Here's the making of the video, which is equally enlightening:-P

Below: Love these shoes!

Christian Louboutin 'Dancer In A Daydream' With Those Jazzy Freddy Flats

Oooh... I did not imagine Christian Louboutin himself would starr in a video clip shot exclusively for Fashionair. Not only does he dance and prance around in his role, but he did it with the hottest shoe in town now, the ever beautiful studded Freddy Flats!

What a clip. I don't know whether to be amused by Mr Louboutin's acting and dancing or be mesmerised by those hot shoes:-P But definitely still very entertaining.

Or watch the full video here as well.

Source: Youtube

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #95

Below: Love that spot of red from the Balenciaga SGH Flat Clutch amidst the olive drab colours!

Below: And my lovely Balenciaga SGH Flat Clutches, one in Sanguine which is almost like the red version Melanie has:-)

Melanie Huynh With Balenciaga SGH Flat Clutch

Something to spark off inspiration Friday... Melanie Huynh with her outstanding spot of red colour from her Balenciaga SGH Flat Clutch. She is one of my favourite fashionista to watch out for, often surprising me with interesting mixes of styles and trends. Military glamour may be a big hit this season, but the olive drab hues are often lacking lustre and may appear unkempt on women at times . So a bright hue is definitely welcomed to spice the look up and add some glamour back.

Love the Balenciaga Clutch in red!

(On a side note, Melanie must be of a smaller build to have the clutch look this big on her! I thought the clutch was small:-P)

Source: Stockholm Streetstyle

The Material Boy #380

Balmain Slashed Army T-shirt

There are times when I go bonkers over fashion and pay 'an idiots' price for an item despite knowing I am over charged, but all done in the name of fashion.

But there are times when I would feel immensely stupid to even want to fork out 10% of the price for something that's completely a retail 'ruse'!

This Balmain Slashed Army T-shirt is such an item. What on earth is so precious about the cotton or the 'moth eaten' design that warrants such a exorbitant price? I think you can easily buy a similar tee from some homeless folk in the slums and no one will probably notice the difference. Except, you at least did some 'charity' out of the purchase.

Having said that, die hard Balmain fans will do anything to get their hands on the authentic pieces, which I find it hard to accept in this case. No wrong or right in paying this amount. But will u? My answer is a definite NO. Luxury goods are aspirational and sometimes unattainable to all, but it becomes insulting to a consumer's intelligence when you charge over £700 (or SGD$1626) for something that seems to come out of the trash bin. Now that becomes annoying:(

(Update: For everyone's info, all sizes on Net-a-porter has sold out except size 38 (as I am typing this update). Balmainia is indeed 'crazy' unstoppable!)

Source: Net-a-porter

Price: £776.92. Where to buy: Net-a-porter

Gender Bender #60

Below: Chanel Quilted Denim Sneakers, I am sure Mr Karl's 'boy muse', Baptiste Biabiconi will approve! (Click to enlarge pic for better details)

Chanel Quilter Denim Sneakers

If I am as blessed as 'Cinderella', then this shoe should be fit my feet:-) Who can ever resist a Chanel? I love this pair of Chanel Quilter Denim Sneakers from the Spring Summer 2010 Accessories Collection. The signature Chanel quilting effect is achieved with denim fabric which makes the shoe have a decadent, rough luxe look. Flat rubber sole, reminiscent of your comfy but less chic Converse shoes, this luxe version definitely get big nods for fashionistas who wants to flaunt their style statement even during off-time. I love it because it's Chanel. It's a versatile expensive footwear for shorts or running about town! Now what size does Chanel shoes run till? I know I would grab one if the size is right!

Retails for US$650.

Source: Chanel

My MANy Bags News #209

Below: Guess who played this dangerous beauty in the upcoming movie, Clash Of The Titans?

Below: It's Russian model, Natalia Vodianova... what a surprising choice to have someone so beautiful played such a ugly and dangerous character... I love the surprise!

Below: Natalia Vodianova starred in the latest Spring Summer 2010 Givenchy Campaign...

Guess Who Plays The Venomous Beauty, Medusa In The Upcoming 'Clash Of The Titans'?

I was very surprised at who played the role of the femme fatale in the upcoming, must-watched Clash Of The Titans movie starring hot hunk, Sam Worthington. It's none other than our beloved top model, Natalia Vodianova from Russia (See the youtube clip from 00:36 sec for a better look). You probably will remember her recent brilliantly shot campaign for Givenchy Spring Summer 2010. Isn't that such an irony, for a beauty to play a character of ugliness and evil. A head of snakes never looked this fashionable:-) I will definitely be looking out for scenes of Medusa when I watched the movie in 3D next week! But warning, 'STARE' at your own risk:-) That's also a head worth keeping!:-P

Way to go, Natalia!

Source: Fashionologie

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #92

Below: Some of the iconic designs from Jil Sander Spring Summer 2010 womens accessories collection... I love these kiss lock frame bags with laser cut leather details...

Below: Sand coloured suede bag with unique metal frame design for the handles... it has a sculptural feel, almost like an artwork...

Below: The art infused aesthetic is most prominent on this pair of heels... wearable art anyone?

Below: Flats that looked more refined with the laser cut detailing...

Below: Clean lines and designs for men's shoes and eye wear, focusing on the concept of lightness...

Below: Car shoe pebbled soles that blends sandals and lace-ups for comfortable walk...

Jil Sander Spring Summer 2010 Womens And Mens Accessories

Here's more pics from Jil Sander's Spring Summer 2010 accessories collection for both men and women. Some of these impressive pieces are looking very promising, bordering on being works of art (with a sculptural quality) and fashion to be worn. Raf Simons have always infused artistic inspirations to his creations to which the result of his ready to wear feels like wearable art rather than just mere fashion. This season, the effect is even more prominent.

Lightness is the driving force to define this season’s masculine wardrobe. With pure lines, subdued colours, and paintings of Japanese artist Foujita to inject a sense of peotic, harmonised expression, Jil Sander’s collection stands out from its more embellisehed peers. This sense of design translate to the accessories as well. The shoes are a standout, with clean designs that accentuate the zen-like concept. The ‘pebbled’ car shoe soles blends traditional lace-ups and sandals in black or white, and are my favourites from the range while eyewear with lenses suspended on super-light metallic constructed frame appear modern.

Nature was part of the inspirations behind Jil Sander's Spring Summer 2010 womenwear collection. I am pleasantly surprised at how these accessories have taken on new shapes you rarely associated with the brand. Kiss lock designs, frame bags are welcome additions to the collection. Laser cut patterns derivative of the earthen crust gives interesting textural designs on bags and even shoes. The range looked beyond fashion pieces and more like contemporary artwork. This is especially true for the heels with the sculptural wooden heel. In a way, the collection gives me an impression of a more grown-up and refined Marni, or a more feminine Jil Sander women who usually takes on a more androgynous persona.

Both mens and womens collections are now available at Club 21 mens and Jil Sander Hilton Hotel respectively.

Source: Club 21, Jil Sander

The Material Boy #379

Below: Another YSL leather folio to drool over?!?! Oh my...

Below: Remember this version I previously blogged about? It's called the YSL Sac Muse, thanks to a reader who sent me pics of his newly acquired bag! He even sent over a pic of the product tag with useful serial numbers for anyone looking for the bag. Thank you Pornthep!

Another YSL Mens Leather Folio To Lust For!

Just when I am still lusting over the YSL Leather Folio I blogged about here (it's called YSL Sac Muse! Thanks to my blog's reader Pornthep:-), I spotted another version from the brand which is equally appealing!

Instead of the Y panel signature of the Muse range, this new version spots a converging leather stripes that forms a Y branding. In the street style pic, the guy seems to be carrying a folio size version without the leather hand strap. However, I found a pic of the pochette size version with the hand strap. I much prefer the folio size and I want!

YSL will open in Marina Sands soon with classic menswear range to be stocked, while the runway collection is going to hit Club 21 Men's shelves next season:-) I am excited.

Lastly, Pornthep not only enlighten us about the name of the previous folio design, but he has snap a pic of his latest YSL shopping conquest thru the help of his friend in Paris (dun we love friends in major fashion cities:-P)...and even took a snapshot of the product tag which has all the serial numbers, in case anyone of you are searching for the YSL Sac Muse. Thank you once again for all this useful information! My readers are the best:-)

Source: YSL, Peter Stiger, Pornthep

My MANy Bags News #208

Below: Mihara Yasuhiro Spring Summer 2010 Show at Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore... so exciting to wait for the opening of the show since it's my favourite menswear collection for Spring Summer 2010...

Below: The linkway between Four Seasons Hotel and Hilton Hotel transformed into an out of this world show venue... show is about to start, guests are trickling in! Me and my friends have great seats at the front row where the models will walk in from:-P

Below: The show venue with mood lighting... notice the lights on the ceiling, like stars or 'Christmas':-P

Below: Hurray, music on, show has started!

Below: The washed leather vest is one of the signature look for the collection... a boyish explorer...

Below: This is actually a vest with atttached long sheer draping scarfs... very romantic... it's an interesting textural contrast to the destroyed tee

Below: Shirts with amazing pocket details...paint splatter slouchy pants. Mihara's pieces surprises you when you inspect them up close...

Below: My favourite look... those sandal/ boots are amazing. Tough chic... I would buy them in a heartbeat if only they are available at Club 21!

Below: My 'fuzzy' attempt to capture the back of the shoe! Love love!

Below: Ladies, Mihara Yasuhiro does womenswear too! These destroyed dresses have sequins under the slilts. The footwear is amazing too! U can find them at Club 21 store at Four Seasons Hotel...

Below: A play on transparency, softness against distressed treatment...

Below: The suiting features lightweight fabrics with a worn in look... but yet so refined and elegant befitting a young 'prince'...

Below: My favourite look again... love those sandal/boots!

Below: I was expecting the show to end and everyone leaves for the cocktail reception...when all of a sudden, Mihara Yaushiro himself makes an appearance and takes his well deserved bow. My reaction was too slow to capture a good pic! Darn!

Below: A buffet awaits hungry guests and best of all, you can shop while you eat!:-P Club 21 stores are just on each side:-P

Below: Inspiration for the collection: Le Petite Prince:-) I love the book!

Below: As a true fan, I had to take a pic with Mr Mihara. He is so approachable and has strong personal style. Love his pants and hair!;-P

Below: Thank you Club 21 for the invitation!

Mihara Yasuhiro Spring Summer 2010 Show At Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore

Last evening, I had the pleasure of being invited to an intimate runway presentation organised by Club 21 and Mihara Yasuhiro. The event showcases one of the strongest and my favourite (which I have been raving about on my blog the past few months) Mihara Yasuhiro collection, inspired by the french fable, Le Petite Prince. A imaginative collection that plays on the explorations of the character in the book, with amazing distressed pieces of fine and interesting details and also refined suiting to match. Beyond all the ruggedness of slouchy pants, destroyed tees and deliberate worn-out footwear, the collection also carried a air of elegance and innocence that plays on the designers' strength for boyish charm that taps on the allure of youth. Mihara's attention to detail is also unsurpassed and deserves applause.

The elegant event played to a beautiful setting of soothing ambient ceiling lights (resembling stars perched in space), paint washed walls and floors in neutral shades of sand, almost giving you a sense of exploration in the desert. All these aptly contributed to the mood of Mihara Yasuhiro's Le Petite Prince Inspired Spring Summer 2010 collection. As the show started, I was treated to many inspiring pieces with creative cuts or details, such as a vest with attached long draping sheer scarf or silver foil shorts or a blazer with a seductive sheer back. It was a balance of the toughness of the explorer looks contrasted with the softness of almost weightless fabrics and transparency. There was also a pair of boots/sandal design that I would have snapped up in an instant if Club 21 had managed to stock them. (Unfortunately, they did not! I am so sad!). Even my friend who does not follow fashion was seduced and appreciated the beauty of the collection.

As the show came to an end, I was caught off guard with the designer himself poping out from behind the curtains, taking a bow! Mihara Yasuhiro in person! I almost (quote Rachel Zoe) DIED:-P

Guests were then treated to a surprisingly delicious buffet of some of the best pastries, creme brulee, roast beef and probably the best smoked salmon I have ever tasted. As the event took place right outside the Club 21 stores, we were able to shop as we eat:-) How convenient. Club 21 dedicated the entire first floor to Mihara Yasuhiro's collection and I have to say they carried an impressive range, new pieces specially ordered for this occassion. I love many many pieces and happily choose 2 which I will make a payment today. There is a storewide 20% discount for the next 3 days, so hurry down if you want to shop some Mihara or other designers!

A wonderful evening with amazing ambience to view an impressive collection. Like a fan boy, I had to take a pic with Mihara Yasuhiro, who was very friendly and had a strong personal style. I enjoyed the evening very much, all thanks to Club 21 yet again.

Source: myMANybags