Great Minds Think Alike #26

Below: Battle of the tassel belts... Gucci vs. Paul and Joe...

Curtain Call: Battle Of The Tassel Belts!

It's Gucci vs. Paul and Joe! Who does 'curtain chic' better for Spring Summer 2011? Amazing similarity between those metallic 'exotic' skin tassel belts and the way it's styled! Gucci will most likely be real python skin while Paul and Joe's might be embossed animal leather. Another bizarre case of great minds think alike? Our world must be getting smaller for such 'coincidence'...

Source: Style

My 'Going For Gold' DIY Project...

Below: Inspired by Christophe Decarnin's Gold Button Blazer...

Below: and Emmanulle Alt's Balmain Navy Blazer with gold buttons...

Below: My Paul And Joe Navy Blazer getting a 'facelift'... notice the difference the gold buttons make on the blazer... left sleeve is the original boring black buttons, right side is the newly sewn in gold buttons! (I completed sewing the gold buttons for the left sleeve after taking this pic:-P)

Below: And these new gold buttons look cool with a little anchor motif:-P Bigger versions for the body...

Below: Smaller gold buttons for the sleeves... DIY is a success, I love it!

Below: A coat with gold buttons and military insignia on sleeves from Balmain Homme's Fall Winter 2010 collection...

Below: Brad Goreski in his navy double breasted blazer with gold buttons...

Below: And gold buttons, aplenty of them in Burberry Prorsum's Fall Winter 2010 Mens Collection... The most outstanding piece from the collection with those gold buttons on the sleeves of the long coat...

Below: or shoulders of knitwear... GOLD is the way to go!

All It Takes Is A Little DIY...

The recent Fall Winter 2010 fashion week for both men and women got me noticing the influx of military officer style jackets and outerwear. Most of these gorgeous pieces often spot bling-out gold buttons that gives a sense of decadence amidst the 'tough-up' theme of military.

I was first wowed by the long navy wool coat from Burberry Prorsum that features decorative gold buttons on the sleeves or shoulders of coats and knitwear. Then Emmanualle Alt wore a navy double breasted blazer from Balmain during the recent Paris Fashion Week. The smart colour combination of gold and navy left a huge impression on me. The final draw that motivated me to want gold buttons came from viewing Balmain's Fall Winter 2010 womenwear video. The Fall Winter 2010 Balmain women's collection saw plenty of gold buttons again on the jackets, and I know I must have gold buttons as soon as Christophe Decarnin walked out to take a bow in his men's version of the gold button jacket. I want a gold button navy blazer!

I remembered I own a Paul And Joe Navy Blazer which is still in 'cold storage' as I find it too conservative. Somehow the buttons being in black and does not stand out against the navy fabric. I cannot find myself feeling excited over the thought of wearing the blazer. However, it was the perfect candidate for my DIY buttons project. I recalled there is a small shop in Chinatown that sells a huge selection of buttons and there were versions of nautical theme metal buttons that is exactly what I am looking for. So last Friday, I made a trip down to the shop over lunch and got me a full set of gold buttons with an anchor motif embossed on the front (and yesterday, I got another set in silver:-P). It seems my Paul and Joe blazer is getting a nautical theme facelift. I was very excited for my DIY project:-P

Today I sew on the buttons...and I love the end result! My Paul and Joe Blazer is looking fabulous now! I love the contrast of the gold against the navy blue. The gold somehow made the blazer come alive, a boost of glamour and a navy captain feel. Best part of it all, the DIY costs almost nothing, buttons are just SGD$4.80. Minimum cost and effort but maximum effect. Love DIY!

Source: Style, Sartorialist, Burberry

Blazer Hunting Sunday...

Below: Zara Dressing Room posing...:-P Me wearing Zara Grey Silver Blazer, D&G Rolled Up White Shorts, 'Paradise Wanted' Grey Tee, HE By Mango Taupe Croc Embossed Leather Belt, YSL Braided Leather Bracelet and Marni Coloured Stripe Canvas Shoes.

Sale Shopping + Blazer Hunting Sunday!

Yesterday while out with my friends for our usual get together, we went to check out Club 21 Collectibles sale at Forum The Shopping Mall. I spotted a blazer from Paul and Joe going at 70% discount but was unsure if I really like it. So I passed and went about my Saturday, empty handed from any sale shopping conquests.

Despite me getting out empty handed from the Club 21 Collectibles sale, my mind lingered and pondered over the Paul and Joe Blazer I tried on. So what does that mean? I have to head back for 2nd tries! That is exactly what I did this afternoon. I tried n the blazer, fits like a glove. But I was not going to be impulsive, so I left the shop to see what other options is available for me. Zara is my place of choice. Love shopping at Zara. And they do not disappoint, I found a new Zara Grey/Silver Blazer retailing at SGD $299. On first glance it looked like grey, but once light hits the fabric, it sheens like silver. The effect was fabulous! The collar also had a contrasting darker grey fabric trim as does the top of the pockets. I tried the blazer on in the dressing room. I adore it. But my mind keep going back to the Paul and Joe one.

Hence, the decision was made. I got back to Club 21 Collectibles store and picked up the great bargain at 70% off (Reveals soon after I get it tailored slightly). At almost the same price as the Zara blazer:-P, I just have to buy it. Perhaps, I may get the Zara blazer too...since I like how it looks in my pics:-) Perfect for glamourous parties because of the metallic looking fabric. Decisions, decisions, decisions. What say you guys?

Another weekend over...time really flies when you are not working! Enjoy the rest of the Sunday:-)

Lastly, check out my bag sale blog. Just put up my LV bag for sale:-P

Dressing Room Fun!

1) Zara Dressing Room, Singapore

2) Selfridges Dressing Room, London ( I love my Paul And Joe Bag!)

3) Zara Dressing Room 1, Bangkok

4) Zara Dressing Room 2, Bangkok

Kevin And The Dressing Rooms: Singapore, London and Bangkok!

Been a while since I post about my dressing room outfits! But I did not forget to have some fun and document some of the clothes I usually wear. My kind of style:-P

So from the top...

1) Zara Dressing Room, Singapore: Me wearing D&G 'I love Stefano' Tee, Love Bracelet and audacious fit skinny jeans, Gucci G-horse Head belt, He By Mango Sandals

2) Selfridges Dressing Room, London (While trying on a Dsquared2 tee:-): Me wearing Zara Cropped Tailored Jacket and Grey Wool Cardigan, YSL Stripe Slim Fit Shirt, Gucci G-horse Head Belt, D&G Love Bracelet, Paul And Joe Leather and Wool Bag, Converse White Sneakers

3) Zara Dressing Room, Bangkok (Pic 1) : Me wearing Zara Grey Slim Fit Long Sleeve Tee, Jil Sander Graffiti Belt, Armani Exchange Checkered Shorts, Comme Des Garcon Silver Print Sneakers, D&G Love Bracelet

4) Zara Dressing Room, Bangkok (Pic 2) : Me wearing DSquared2 'God Save The Dean' Tee, Jil Sander Graffiti Belt, Armani Exchange Checkered Shorts, Comme Des Garcon Silver Print Sneakers, D&G Love Bracelet

Ad Campaigns & Catalogues #16

Paul And Joe Mens Fall Winter 2008/2009

I love the easy styles of Paul And Joe. Although the brand sometimes tends to have hits and miss in their collections, I still fancy some items they have each season. This season Paul and Joe turns to the alps and winter resorts for inspiration. Sporty styles, formal styles, you name it, you got it. Of course, adding a touch of Paul and Joe's fun along the way.

The ad campaign features an outdoor setting, high up in the mountains. It does carry thru the collection's theme, but I feel more could have been done to make the shots more dynamic and eye catching. The styling is also not doing justice to the nice designs she had in the showroom presentation.

However, when I look at the lookbook styles, there are some really nice pieces on offer. For this season, I am especially attracted to the 3rd look from the 1st lookbook pic. The white shirt with plaid detailing on the shoulders is cool. When pair with boots and slim pants, it's interesting and very on trend! I also like some of the ski style jackets, the one in grey with a fur lined hood is gorgeous! Bags are not exactly exciting, with one of them being a Burberry lookalike.

It's a pity the brand did not do very well at Club 21 Mens. They seem not to be able to sell last season's items off even during sale. Quite a few things are left even when it is at 60%. 10% more discount than other brands. The SA said it is a pity all those left on the racks will just go to the Bazaar sale. This is the 2nd time the brand failed in Singapore. First time being the boutique as operated by CK Tangs group at Wisma Atria.

If I ever drop by an area with Paul and Joe, I will still check it out. I love the brand in its own strange way. French and fun.:-)

Source: Pics from www.paulandjoe.com

My Shopping Conquest #13

Paul And Joe 'Tiger Tooth, Monkey Skull, Mineral Shell' Necklace

Sale time is the best time to stock up on jewellery. Necklaces and bracelets are like finishing touches that could enhance a look. With my new acquisition of the Dries Van Noten military duffel bag, I wanted to complete the safari look with a necklace that looks like it was formed by pieces and trinkets found on expeditions. This Paul and Joe necklace perfectly sums up the style. Made of 3 trinkets on a silver chain, a 'tiger tooth, a 'Monkey Skull' and a mineral stone-like seashell, it is interesting and have a strong sense of explorer chic.

At 37% off (I paid SGD $188), I knew I had to buy it. I only commited to the purchase after taking some time over lunch to ponder the decision. So I know I did not make an impulsive buy.

Retail price: SGD $299. Where to buy: Club 21 Men at Four Seasons Hotel

My Bag Collection #28

Paul and Joe Black Leather And Grey Herringbone Wool Fabric Bag

How time flies, it will be almost a year since I was in Paris having a most wonderful holiday last Aug. Did visits to the very beautiful countryside of Noyant, stayed in the most beautiful restored Mill (My room was where Barbara Streisand stayed in! Oh wow!) and even had a quick 24-hour visit to London. Well, I have my friend to thank, for planning that special vacation. And of course, that was a trip where I also did lots of shopping in Paris, I felt like a million dollars dressed in nice/more formal designer gear with hands full of shopping bags. My mind still retains that lovely memory as if that was yesterday.

This was a purchase from that trip, a trip where I brought 3 bags home from the lovely french city. I cannot believe I did that. 3 huge bags is not easy to bring back during travelling. One of the Jil Sander metallic leather bag was a mistake which till this day I still regret, but this Paul and Joe bag remains in my good books. I have not used this bag yet as the wool fabric makes this a very fall winter bag. I will bring this bag out for a run of its money once fall winter 2008/2009 comes into play.

I love the gray herringbone wool fabric which is reminiscent of what you see on wool coats. Very dapper! And the soft leather is light weight and features interesting 'mesh' studs on the handles. I also love the option of being able to carry it by hand or sling it on the shoulders. This will make a perfect laptop or soft briefcase. It goes well with formal looks such as a nice fitted jacket. I tried this on at Galeries LaFayette in paris while wearing my Marni jacket and instantly I was sold. After making my rounds to the other stores, I had to come back to buy this bag. It just would not leave my mind.:-)

I found out later when I get back to Singapore, that Club 21 stocks this bag as well. It retails for SGD $869. So I did get a better deal after my tax refund and the usual lower pricing in Europe.

With winter season coming, this bag will be most appropriate for my winter travels:-)

Retail price: Euro $350. Where to buy: Galeries LaFayette in Paris

The Material Boy #45

Paul and Joe Menswear Spring Summer 2008

Fashion goes to the world explorer for inspirations this season. Paul and Joe did a take on the wild safaris of Africa, the amazon jungles of south America and the deserts of Arabia....

I always find Paul and Joe's designs to be a good representation of french chic. Although the sizing might not be the best fit for me. The shirts are perfect everywhere except the length. I am tall and it is too short for me, gets tucked out easily . But this season, the jungle prints and a pair of nice white shorts with green web trimming on the waist caught my eye. I like the shorts becos it is so short...it is sexy:-P and the green colour adds a connection to nature:-) But the price is expensive, costing a hefty SGD $599. Maybe sale time...

Still, a nice collection in my books.

Available at Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel.