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 #350

Gucci Cruise 2010 Bamboo Horsebit Moccasins

Gucci's new cruise 2010 collection has been widely featured all over recent issues of Japanese men's magazines. I wonder why. But being one of the first few big luxury brand names to launch their cruise collection sure gets more attention:-)

Although I have blogged about the collection and have a lukewarm response, there are still some pieces which makes for a good investment pieces in any men's wardrobe. Classics are the best to stay relevant across all seasons:-P So this pair of Gucci Bamboo Horsebit Moccasins is just the shoe to fufill those (literally) shoes! Rather than tacky logos plastered all over, the shoe uses one of the house icons, the bamboo as a key design element. 2 metal horsebits secure the bamboo 'buckle' to the red and green web ribbon which reinforces the Gucci branding. I love the wooden bamboo element, it's unique and signature of Gucci without having to shout it. One of the versions of this shoe also spot a degrade effect on the brown leather, making it acquire a vintage finish and adding an air of sophistication. A gentlemen will definitely look expensive and suave in these!

Source: Gucci

Retail price: US $550. Where to buy: Gucci

My Shopping Conquests #96

Below: Prada is hot on my shopping radar lately... more Prada loot!

Below: Exquisite Prada box...love the texture and the foil stamp logo:-P

Below: Time to unwrap!

Below: My new stunning turquoise coloured bi-fold Ostrich leather turquoise wallet... first exotic from Prada!

Below: Love the colour and the graining of the leather. Despite the 'goosebumps' texture, Prada makes the leather so soft... it's divine to touch and hold:-)

Below: 5 card slots with one slot under the coin pouch... I like wallets with coin compartments, more convenient:-)

Below: 'Goosebumps' up close and personal:-P

Below: 'Birthplace' of the wallet...made in gorgeous Italy:-P

Below: Prada logo stamped on the inside... subtle luxury:-)

Below: Although the wallet is without any branding on the front, it's the small details that counts.The brass gold snap buttons has Prada branding inscribed all around:-P

Below: One last look with the authenticity certificate. It's a genuine Prada luxury...:-P

Prada Bi-fold Wallet In Struzzo Turchese

Exotics need no branding. It's luxury at its purest form. And shopping exotics brings a new level of shopping. If you can afford an entire bag for now, then the next best thing to settle are the small leather goods which are equally rewarding to call it your own.

That is exactly what I did 2 Saturdays ago shopping with Mervyn at Prada Ion Orchard. Mervyn was first to discover this lovely Ostrich (Struzzo) Bi-fold Wallet in an astounding turquoise colour (Turchese). Ostrich skin is usually stiff but Prada makes them so soft that it feels divine to touch. Coupled with an amazing vibrant turquoise colour (there are white and red coloured versions, but not as nice) , this bi-fold wallet from the cruise 2010 collection becomes a must have. With 4 card slots and a coin pouch, the wallet is also practical while visually striking as a daily companion to keep my shopping arsenals (Visa cards and $$$!).

Ultimately, what surprise me most is the good pricing. We are talking about Prada here and I cannot believe it was not as expensive as I anticipated. Being the last piece of the colour in the store (or for that matter in Singapore since Paragon store do not stock this exotics range), I made a 'dash' for it and am now the proud owner of my first Prada exotics.:-P

Congrats to me! Here's wishing me more shopping money come my way in the new year!:-P

Retail price: SGD $730. Where to buy: Prada Boutique at Ion Orchard

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #61

Bally Cruise 2010 Men's Accessories Collection

It's been a long time since i did a post about Bally. With Brian Atwood at the helm of the brand, Bally is getting back it's contemporary edge and into the radar of fashion savvy fans who wants luxury and quality. Although the sometimes conservative styles do not appeal to me, but the Cruise 2010 collection pieces seem to be charting its way into my 'St Tropez' summer looks.

Very 'cruise' luxury yachting designs for the bags and shoes. Perforated leather, a new Bally monogram pattern derived from the brand's logo are applied onto duffel and messenger styles. White colour is just pristine and perfect for summer days.

The shoes are looking cool as well, for the savvy guy who balances his work and sporty lifestyle. The brogue detailing for one version makes the shoe a nice hybrid for casual and formal styles. These trainers are smart enough to strut on shopping streets or pair with khakis and shorts on Mediterranean sea. My favourite is the high cut version in all white. Lovely shape of the shoe!

Source: Bally

The Material Boy #340

Prada Struzzo Executive Tote

I have been 'stalking' this Prada bag for a couple of months now. Going to all the Prada stores in Singapore (From Paragon to DFS Scottswalk to Prada Ion Orchard last weekend:-P) to 'test drive' the bag in all its leather variants and colours (Saffiano leather in black/brown and beautiful ostrich leather in mais). Is that a sign of my obsession with this bag? Now I feel a bit embarassed for trying the bag out so many times and still have committed to the 'relationship'. Am I am having 'commitment issues'? I wonder what is holding me back from adding this arm candy to my bag harem. Beats me. But one thing's for sure...when I saw this bag again (in red Saffiano leather) in Hong Kong's airport yesterday, it rekindled my love:-)

The Prada Struzzo (means Ostrich leather) Executive Tote is one sharp companion for those chic office days or elegant nights. Structured and ultilarian in design with 2 zipper compartments and a huge central open pocket to store documents or even your laptop. The size is just right to tote or hand carry without 'dwarfing' you. Made for women, but looks unisex enough to pass off as a gentlemen's briefcase but in a much more appealing design. In fact, it is the same size as the men's Prada briefcase. (The men's briefcase somewhow feels boring in comparison). I am a fan of the black Saffiano leather version. But if I had the ultimate dream budget, I would go for the ostrich leather version in a heartbeat:-P I have touched and caress the ostrich leather of this bag at Prada Paragon and this was probably the softest ostrich skin I have encountered. The mais colour is gorgeous and sophisticated while complimenting the gold hardware perfectly. Neiman Marcus offers the ostrich skin in cobalto colour (blue) but I still prefer the mais (camel yellow). Whichever the leather or colour, this bag is screaming out to me to take it home. But until I make the decision, someone, please do not buy the bag!!!!

Pardon me and my confessions of a bag addict:-P

Source: Neiman Marcus

Retail price:
1) Ostrich leather version – US $5850 (or approx. SGD $10,000 as sold in SG Prada boutiques)
2) Saffiano leather version - SGD $2410 (SGD$2490 as at 5 Dec 2009)

Where to buy: Neiman Marcus or Prada stores in Singapore

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #53

Below: Gucci's Cruise 2010 Ad Campaign...resort vibes and pool lounging styles:-)

Below: The braided handle tote looks promising...

Below: As does the snake skin version...

Below: However, the men's cruise 2010 collection looks bland and too basic. Probably you find lots of the pieces already in your wardrobe. But these are the better ones I would picked.

Below: Scarves add to the look, otherwise it is just another plain style, no surprises or interest:-)

Below: A reasonably 'easy on the eye' and handy tote bag without the GG monogram (which is a relief. These days the GG monogram is becoming so tacky (with so many odd colour ways and treatment) on all the 'cheap and ugly' canvas bags and everyone seem to have it!) ...

Gucci Cruise Collection 2010

Gucci is fast! Way before other brands launch their cruise season advertising, Gucci has already put up their latest Cruise 2010 collection online at their website.

Seems like a Miami Vice vibe. Turquoise green swimming pool as a backdrop and lots of sexy pool lounging styles for the rich and famous. Playboy and playgirls? Paris Hilton anyone?

The women's braided handle tote looks promising.

However, the men's cruise collection feels lacking. Very basic pieces that we have already seen aplenty anywhere. Polo tees, windbreakers, bomber jackets, pants...nothing too outstanding. But I picked a few looks that to me, were the better ones among the snooze inducing collection. Frida did a great job for the women's Spring Summer 2010 collection, hope she can translate that sexy sophistication to future men's collection instead of playing it too safe for her menswear.

Source: Gucci