My Shopping Conquest #131 + My Shoe Collection #58 + My Bag Collection #69

Below: My Maison Martin Margiela with H&M shopping hauls...I chanced upon this supposedly sold out 'Jacket with Fused  details' today. Loving the Trompe L'oeil lapels, buttons and pockets!

Below: Tried the jacket with Prada's crazy guns printed shirt... love the combination:-P

The Story of My Maison Martin Margiela with H&M Shopping Hauls. Prada 'Cameo' Included

I never expected I would be shopping more than I should for Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection that was launched just this Thurs. Looking at lookbook pictures is one thing, but observing the incredible detailing, finishing and material up close and personal takes my admiration to a whole new level. Of course, that is not to say this collaboration collection can surpass the actual Margiela brand... but at such good price points offered by H&M with these standards, this collection is a real keeper. By far, the best for H&M's designer collaborations.

I had commited to myself to only buy the 'Fusion of 2 shirts' as the trophy piece to invest for the Margiela with H&M collection. I wanted to rein myself in but things often have a way of going beyond expectations. So one thing leads to another and the fashion gods have their plans to decreed how my bank account will be depleted.

I got an XS size for the 'Fusion of 2 shirts' on Thurs but found the size way smaller than what my usual H&M XS sizes were. I was suffocating in the shirt and had no choice but to return the item for a refund today. As today is the deadline for returns for all purchases made on the launch day (H&M has a 3 day refund policy), if lady luck permits, some coveted pieces may find their way back to the racks. That is exactly what I had hoped for, in order to replace this 'loss'. I love the shirt and hence a replacement is paramount to ease the disappointment. Call that a 'shopaholic withdrawal syndrome':-P

Miraculously, the fashion gods must have took pity on my 'ailment' and granted me the chance to fill that 'micro size' void in my closet. I chanced upon another prized piece of the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection befitting the replacement for my returned shirt:-P Yes, I found the 'Jacket with fused details' which I regretted not buying on launch day! 

Bagaholicboy had been clamouring to me about the interesting trompe l'oeil details on the lapels, pockets and even buttons. I was not convinced then, but when I saw the real piece, it spelled Kevin right away. Furthermore, how fortunate can you get when a sold out piece miraculously appear in your size without you actively looking. The only question left: To buy or not to buy? A split second hesitation later,  I 'subcumbed' to fate. Made my way to the cashier and ended with more things than I was supposed to from the collection. Throw in another pair of shoes and my shopping day was declared a resounding success:-P  I left the store with a victorious grin. 

Below: I ended up with more Maison Martin Margiela with H&M pieces than I should have...

As ecstatic as I was,  I even went to Prada to try out the FW2012 guns print shirt (Justin O'Shea, buying director of mytheresa.com wore the shirt and got me inspired) with my new Margiela with H&M 'Jacket with Fused Details'. Happy Margiela indeed I am. Prada shirt is next on my wishlist:-) What a fruitful day of shopping adventures... 

More pics of my Maison Martin Margiela with H&M shopping finds on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: H&M, Guerreisms

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #270

 Below: Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection launching on 15 November... here are the lookbook pics to get you planning which pieces to grab on launch day. Anyone for the 'mirrorball' tuxedo jacket? I want!

Below: In my opinion, the accessories are the stand out... I love the 'painted' boots and knits from this look below. Very classic Margiela...

Below: Get ready for exaggerated proportions and also quirky conceptual Margiela designs, such as the 'leather glove' handbag.... Hope the quality of these interesting pieces can match up to the designs!

Maison Martin Margiela With H&M Lookbook

Another highly anticipated collaboration for H&M...  This time, Maison Martin Margiela takes the spotlight, leaving fans wondering how a fast fashion interpretation of Margiela's intelligent and conceptual designs will take shape. Wait no more... Here's the full set of lookbook pics of Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection for both mens and womenswear. As promised, classic Margiela pieces are now offered at H&M's accessible price points, while not sacrificing the DNA of the Margiela brand.

Look out for those mirrorball inspired silver leggings for women or scarf (part of the tuxedo jacket) for the boys. I know I want one, which is perfect for year end parties! And talking about intellectual fashion, how about 'leather glove' handbag for the ladies, a clear plastic sole wedges for women and distressed 'painted' white boots for the men? The accessories, in my opinion are the highlights...I just hope sufficient standards of quality can keep up with these brilliant designs.

The exaggerated proportions of the ready to wear are also something to lookout for. The puffy down jacket for womens or the uneven hem patchwork coat for guys are my favourites.

Check out the rest of the looks and start planning which pieces to grab when the 15 November launch date arrives!

More pics of Maison Martin Margiela with H&M lookbook on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: H&M

The Material Boy #476

Below: My top 5 picks from Mr Porter sale!

My MR PORTER Spring Summer Sale Picks!

If budget and size availability were not a problem, these would definitely make it to my wardrobe! I love these 5 items from Mr Porter. Since I would have even bought them before they were on sale, it's not to be missed when they are up to a massive 50% off! I am now contemplating that Marni Contrast Panel Shirt... half price.. Oh my.

Here's 5 top picks by me:

1) Marni Painted Colour Block Jersey T-shirt: Was £125, now £62.50 (50% off)
Love the unique colour block effect that is like a circle wrapping around the back in stunning blue!

2) Marni Contrast Panel Short Sleeve Shirt: Was £196.16, now £98.08 (50% off)
I have been eyeing on this shirt for the longest time... the olive and black colour panelling effect creates an interesting colour blocking effect. The shorter front also means this shirt looks great when worn untucked:-P

3) Rick Owens Long Jersey T-shirt: Was £142, now £99 (30% off)
Rick Owens extra long T-shirt with a slanted seam at the back... sexy, fitted and will created an interesting silhouette especially when worn under a skinny blazer. Rick Owens is never this affordable!

4) Martin Margiela Cotton Leather Trimmed Shirt: Was £227.38, now £113.69 (50% off)
Love the leather trim around the placket and collar... Slim fit for a defined cut! Navy colour is timeless:-P

5) Lanvin Deconstructed Double Breasted Jacket: Was £998.60, now £699.06 (30% off)
Lanvin can do no wrong! Raw seams and innovative design with Lanvin's signature unfinished details. Superb cut to flatter any guy. Sartorial meets sportswear... must buy:-P

Source: Mr Porter

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #209

Below: I love the new Spring Summer 2011 Martin Margiela Mens Accessories collection... Love the boots covered with gold leaf and the lace-ups where the leather extends all the way to the soles:-)

Below: Understated bags with a used effect:-)

Below: The mens jewellery mimicks work tools and has a charming vintage finish...

Maison Martin Margiela Spring Summer 2011 Mens Accessories

Mr Margiela may be absent from the creative reins of his namesake brand, his spirits still lives on in Maison Martin Margiela's collections. For Spring Summer 2011, I am duly surprised by the amount of desirable pieces I covet from the mens collections, definitely heaps of improvement from the past 2 seasons.

The use of mundane objects as inspirations have always been embedded in the brand's DNA. Often imbued with a twist, the designs always surprises with ingenuity and understated aesthetics. For this season, I love those gold leaf coated boots which appeared raw but sends out an individualistic glamour unseen anywhere else. Leather bags made from tan leather that is ridden with scratches tells a different story about charisma and appeal for the owner. Love that holdall!

As for mens jewellery, work tools have been reworked to become understated and yet interesting mens rings, bracelets and necklaces. Unexpected mix of materials adds to the appeal. I want those leather and brass nugget bracelets with hammered effects, or even the unusual belts with atypical shaped buckles. All done with a vintage finesse!

Bravo on this new Spring Summer 2011 collection! This is inspiring-fashion:-P

More pics of the Spring Summer 2011 Maison Martin Margiela Mens Accessories collection on my facebook fan page. 'LIKE' my page if you enjoy reading this post:-)

Source: Maison Martin Margiela

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #162

Below: 'Invasion' of desperate housewives and suburban husbands? Shopping totes like those you get in supermarkets are a new style statement! Céline, Loewe, Jil Sander are all sending shopper totes into the arms of fashion fans all over...

Below: Which is your favourite?

Let's Go Shopping: 'Grocery Shopping' Style Totes

Invasion of 'fashionable' housewives and suburban husbands? Grocery shopping has never been this chic.

From Céline, Dior Homme, Loewe, Jil Sander to Martin Margiela... luxury brands are turning these mundane packing you get in supermarkers to new trend makers. Shopper totes are a new trend in bag designs!

I love the fun take on something so ordinary and turning it into a fashion statement:-P Of course, my favourite has to be Céline's leather cabas, but Jil Sander's bright neon coloured 'Market bags' are also stylishly delectable as well!

Let's start shopping.

(More 'grocery shopping' style totes on my facebook fan page. 'LIKE' my page if you enjoy reading this post:-p)

Source: Céline, Loewe, Dior Homme, Jil Sander, Martin Margiela

My MANy Bags Lookbook #24

Below: New myMANybags lookbook for Spring Summer 2011!

Colour Rush

It's a flurry of colours this Spring Summer 2011 season. Much as I love the colour blocking trend, I do not see myself in head to toe outrageous hues. So I devised my own colour blocking style toning it down just a little. Using a white shirt as the base, I surround it with other more eye poping pieces and accessories to create the colour trend.

Martin Margiela White Plastron Shirt is plain but with an unusual longer back (like a swallow tail) for added detailing interest. Balenciaga's Mimosa RGH Triple Tour Bracelet gives a yellow boost against the bright Topman 'Yves Klein Blue' Slim fit Chinos. A Jil Sander Orange Colour Belt wraps around the waist, dissecting the white top and blue bottom while giving another layer of colour blocking. Finally, I accessorise the outfit with a pair of the hottest shoe of the season, Prada's Espadrilles Brogues, a cute blue Net-net Swallow Shaped Fabric Brooch and my favourite Céline Cabas Linen Stripe (for its subtle touches of blue and red).

I am having a colour rush!

(Check out my other lookbook posts here)

Source: Prada, Mr Porter, Balenciaga, Topman, Lane Crawford

My MANy Bags Lookbook #17

Officer Off Duty

I am 'military crazy' this Spring Summer 2010 season. Partly caused by the 'Balmainia' that has survived last season and progressed into the new year with even more rage. So now I envision a military 'officer' looking for a good day out during his off-duty time. Smart as always, he spots a lightweight Burberry Silk Blazer in a cool greyish blue over a Balmain Camouflage Print T-shirt for some army cool. Slim fitted Balmain Cargo Biker Pants are also matched with Martin Margiela Ruched Leather Open Toe Ankle Boot that look smart while being casual. To have some rock star appeal, a HTC Gold Studded Belt and Dita Midnight Special Yellow Gold Sunglasses add some much needed bling! Finally, the finishing touches comes in a Céline Bi-coloured Leather Tote while he wears an army insignia batch proudly on his chest.

From Fort Benning to Fort Lauderdale, it's time to party!

Source: Browns Fashion, Céline, Antonioli, Luisaviaroma

The Material Boy #352

Martin Margiela Spring Summer 2010 'Glitter' Leather Lace-ups

Mr Margiela may be gone from his namesake label, but that's not stopping me from going gaga over this pair of lace-ups from the Spring Summer 2010 mens collection. Dun you like the glitter panel juxtaposing with the textured leather... Liza Minnerli? It's so 'cabaret-ish' fun and glamourous. Gorgeous for making a statement at X'mas parties and more:-)

Source: Hypebeast

My MANy Bags Lookbook #13

Plush Mariner

MyMANybags lookbook is back! After a long hiatus, I finally had some inspiration to create a new post:-) This time, it is all about the sea, protection and all things plush and 'cushiony':-P I was inspired by the very quirky Chanel Cocoon bags that I saw this weekend at the Chanel store here. I dunno why but I also seem to be seeing lots of nautical stripes online these days.

So hence all these inspire my concept of a refined sea faring gentlemen wrapped up in all kinds of plush and protective gear allowing him to brave the colds of the Atlantic. At the end of his nautical journey, he docks at a hip city like London or Paris and am ready to conquer the streets, looking appropriately luxurious and in style! He wears a Fendi Silver Fox Coat Cape over his cosy Martin Margiela Navy Chunky Wool Long Cardigan. And inside the thick warm outer layers, he retains some of his sea faring identity, in the form of an APC Nautical Stripe Long Sleeve T-shirt. He proudly wears a vintage Anchor Brooch on his chest to remind him of his many nautical adventures. And as a military man, his footwear of choice has to be those chic Lanvin Wool/Leather Tall Boots which he wears with his comfy Ann Demeulemeester Wool Sweat Pants. To complete the look, he has Marc Jacobs Stripe Fingerless Gloves and ultra fabulous Chanel Cool Cocoon Bag in his hands.

Come sail away in soft 'plushy' style!

Source: Browns Fashion, Antonioli, Marc Jacobs, Chanel

My MANy Bags Lookbook #12

Sky Captain Winter Edition

Sometimes what you need is a 'statement' fashion piece to inspire a whole look. For this edition of myMANybags lookbook, it was those amazingly indifferent and cool Martin Margiela Mono Lens Sunglasses whose design is radical and unseen off! Crafted with only a huge single piece of lens, these sunglasses seem to come right out of those sci-fi comics or even the futuristic Sky Captain movie starring Jude Law (my favourite actor for a long time!).

So I decided to create an aviator look to honour those flyboys and pilots who always seem to carry off a nonchalant charm. Perhaps their adventure thousands of feet above ground is always filled with exciting stories. To kick start the look, a Zara Fur Trim Collar Leather Jacket ensures a suave outer look. Burberry Prorsum's very interesting Scarf Strap White Tee builds upon the classic fighter pilot look. Balmain's Prince of Whales Checks Biker Trousers for some bad boy attitude. Of course, no pilot can be without his boots. So Rick Owen's Chunky Sole Leather Boots fills in those shoes! Martin Margiela's amour-like Metal Buckle and Leather Belt looks seamless to complete the modern warrior look. Last of all, no man can do with his bag...so Dries Van Noten's military inspired Leather Bag will ensure our Sky Captain will always have his 'excess baggage':-P.

Soar high this winter!

Source: Browns Fashion, Luisaviaroma, Antonioli, Oki-ni

The Material Boy #318

Men's Boots Fall Winter 2009

'Booty' call anyone?!?! If your answer is yes, then you are in for one of the major key trends for menswear this Fall Winter 2009...BOOTS! The taller the better, the tougher the more in style. Equestrian, Military or Biker style?...No matter what the incarnations, boots are coming into this fall winter season with a vengeance. Seen on major menswear runway of Lanvin, Ann Demeulemeester, Balmain, Gucci and many more, men and boys are seen strutting down the catwalk in these masculine and powerful footwear. Even our fairer gender are seen spotting leather thigh high versions and looking meaner and sexier than ever.

Here's my picks for this 'booty' season:

1) Lanvin Leather And Wool Lace-up Boots – £810
2) Rick Owens Chunky Sole Leather Boots - £695
3) Gucci Acid Wash Multi-coloured Leather Boots – US $895
4) Martin Margiela Brown Distressed Leather Ankle Boots - £455
5) Ann Demeulemeester Leather Vitello Boots – £695

Which one tickles your fancy?:-P

Source: Browns Fashion, Gucci

The Material Boy #308

Below: Nom De Guerre Woolen Blazer - £439.00

Below: Nom De Guerre Woolen Waistcoat - £245.00

Below: Nom De Guerre Woolen Fringe Scarf - £75.00

Below: Martin Margiela Hand Knitted Wool Scarf - £179.00

Below: Traits 'Culte' Stripe Scarf With All Around Fringe - £99.00

www.oki-ni.com Fall's First Picks

Now it's www.oki-ni.com's turn to inflict their shopping temptation on me! I have made a preliminary run thru over their fall winter arrivals and it seems the brand that stands out the most for me is Nom De Guerre. The rustic charm of the clothing and design, made contemporary ensures look elegant without looking old fashioned. The slim cut wool blazer has an interesting extreme slant pocket on the top which makes a cool design feature. The tailoring is sharp and fitted which ensures you look lean and mean. The grey wool waist coat is again a top choice since I am very much into the vested look this fall season. It will be great to match up to the beautiful plaid lumberjack field shirt for maximum insulation against the cold and still staying chic. Their fringe wool scarves are also a good buy with winter cosy colours of brown and charcoal grey.

Beyond, Nom De Guerre, I also spotted Martin Margiela and Traits scarves which both have their own merits and are great buys for the cold climate:-) The all around fringing of the Trait scarf is interesting, while Margiela's hand knitted version takes comfort to a new level.

Start shopping already!

Source: www.oki-ni.com

My MANy Bags Lookbook #05

Lazy Sunday...With A Bit Of 'City Cowboy'!

Since I was so smitten with the latest D&G Spring Summer 2010 sexy Cowboys, I decided to put together a look based on the colour tones of the wild west. Of course, mixed and matched to myMANybags taste:-P

A simple Number (N)ine tan coloured cardigan kicks off the whole look. The silk pocket trim and the sleeve crochet pattern gives off a vintage feel. Paired with D&G's latest 'Cowboy Boots' print tank top to sex it up a bit. Relaxed fit YSL jersey trousers will ensure optimal comfort for lounging around on lazy Sunday afternoons. As for jewellery, it will have to be my current obsession, the nonchalant Martin Margiela nail pendant necklace that adds a touch of 'workwear' fun. Desert browns, beiges and whites... fresh country style palette, perfect for the most easy day of the week.

Click here to see my other lookbook proposals!

Source: Dolce & Gabbana, Matches Fashion, Browns Fashion, Marni

My Shopping Conquest #76

Below: D.I.Y 'Margiela joy'...

Martin Margiela Silver Necklace With Nail Pendant

Yes, with the help of a reader...I finally laid my hands on this 'nearly-escaped' Martin Margiela Silver Necklace with Nail Pendant:-)

Thanks Jeff...

Instant shopping gratification is just a click away...:-P Best part...u only need to do it yourself:-P

Retail price: Euro $140 (Sale @ Euro $84 with Euro $35 postage. Sucks!).
Where to buy: www.thecorner.com

The Material Boy #296

Below: The brass version as sold in www.oki-ni.com. Such an interesting necklace.
But sold out:-(

Below: And I was too late to buy the silver version from Club 21 Mens...grrr...

Martin Margiela Nail Pendant Chain Necklace

I had a close call with this Martin Margiela Nail Pendant Chain Necklace. First seen on the pages of Vogue Hommes International and finally on the current issue of Style Magazine, Singapore, I was immediately smitten by the weird and yet interesting concept of this piece jewellery. Alas, I mae up the decision too late to buy the necklace from Club 21 mens. It got sold just hours before I returned to the store last Wednesday to buy it. At an incredible price of SGD $229, this was one Margiela piece that needs to be owned! Perfect for dressing nonchalance, bad boy attitude with an edge. So sad, I miss out on this piece of jewellery. I sourced online for the necklace, but it was all sold out everywhere. Who bought this necklace in silver from Club 21 Mens last week?!!???! :-)...time to get some claws working there:-) Just kidding.

I hope to find these in some other ways. Wish me luck. I shall pray hard to the shopping gods to let me chance upon it again. Next time there will be no hestitation. Good things sold out fast!

Source: www.ok-ni.com

Retail price: SGD $229. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel

My MANy Bags Sales Updates #28

Oki-ni Secret Sale Is Now On!

Further to the sales updates happening in Singapore, a true savvy shopping fan also shops beyond his shores:-) Time to scout for even more goodies from across the globe. And thanks to Oki-ni, I have been made 'privy' to the secret sale they are having right now:-)!

So hurry...shop ahead of others before the sale is made known to everyone else! Lots of goodies to be found at Oki-ni's online website, since they stock many interesting labels from Jil Sander, Opening Ceremony, Martin Margiela to Alexander McQueen! Oki-ni is based in London and they do ship internationally!

Click on this link and be led to the secret sale site. Key in SECRET30 to get a 30% discount:-) Happy shopping! Below are some of the 'gems' I found on the site. Tempting...

Prices featured are before discount:-)

1) Alexander McQueen Fringed Stripe Scarf - £149. Size: 24.5" x 61". Made from cashmere/modal...can imagine how soft this scarf will feel!

2) Alexander Mcqueen Leather Lace-up with neon fluro sole- £395. The bright coloured sole is simply stunning!


3) Jil Sander Centurion Sandals - £285. Cool sandals that will last you for a long time to come! Perfect for summer days:-)


4) Jil Sander Trim Cardigan- £299. The contrast detailing provides for an interesting design...Everyone can never have too many cardigans:-P


5) Raf Simons x Doc Martens Sandals - £160. What can you say about innovative shoes like these?!?!? and now on sale?!?!? Grab it!


6) Martin Margiela Chain Ring - £119. Made to resemble a bicycle chain link...it's quirky cool Margiela style!


7) Martin Margiela Sci-Fi Sunglasses - £275. This is so different, it's a statement piece!


Source: www.oki-ni.com