My MANy Bags Trendspotting #194

 Below: David Thielebeule with his amazing Céline Burbgundy Croc Embossed Leather Cabas...

David Thielebeule, Allure Accessories Director With His Céline Burgundy Croc Embossed Leather Cabas

One of my style idols, David Thielebeule (Allure Magazine Accessories Director) is a true fashion chameleon. Sartorially smart, street grunge or casual chic, this guy pulls off all looks! I also adore his choice of bags and accessories, often surprising and inspiring.

Here he is seen with my favourite bag of all time, Céline SS2011 Leather Cabas in Burgundy Croc Embossed Leather... juxtaposing perfectly with his navy blazer and denim shirt. The crimson tone bag pops with a touch of luxurious croc texture:-) Loved it.

More pics of David Thielebeule's inspiring style on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Céline, Citizens Couture

My MANy Life's Inspirations #14

Below: Which male star is your pick for best dressed for 2011? Mine's super hot Ryan Gosling! (Clockwise from top: Ryan in Green Gucci suit at 'Ides of March' Premiere, Salvatore Ferragamo at Cannes for 'Drive' Photo call, Gucci SS2012 for 'Crazy Stupid Love' premiere, Leaving airport in a leather jacket and dropped pants...)

Who Is Your Best Dressed Guy Of 2011?

2011 will be over in less than 24 hours. Over the past year, we have seen many style savvy male stars dressed to impress at many levels, providing paparazzi worthy news and fashion inspirations for all. Not to mention selling a brand's image and making them desirable.

So who is the best dressed male star of 2011 in your opinion? For me, Ryan Gosling tops it all! This super hot, super sexy, super versatile actor not only looked good on screen, but in real life at events sweep everyone off their feet with his immaculate wardrobe choices. 'Photoshopped' he is, hotness he is more... love his facial hair and tussled hair anyday!

Ryan made Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci shoot up on fashion appeal at movie premieres and red carpet events. He simply outshines all his actor peers, outdoing them in colour department (his choice for pale blue and green suiting made him a stand out!) and suave looks. Thank you Ryan for being so easy on the eyes and being a style inspiration for 2011~

Do you agree with my choice? Who will be your pick?

More pics of Ryan's hotness on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Zimbio, Upscale Hype

The Material Boy #496

Below: Get these Hermès Capri Silk Belts for a touch of gentlemenly insouciance... Comes in pairs so you get the flexibility of mixing and matching:-P Love the Etrivière palladium buckle too...

Hermés Mens Capri Silk Belts

To fully capture the insouciance of a modern dandy, using ties as belts has long been a fashion statement of men to reflect that attractive devil-may-care attitude. Thanks to Hermès, now you have more reasons to adopt this casual easy accessory, without unsightly knots and ill-fitting lengths, but one that is purposely created as a real belt. Get yourself these Hermès Capri Silk Belts crafted with the finest of silk prints and an amazing Etrivière palladium buckle. Comes in a pair, you can interchange (with snap buttons) and mix and match the belts to your moods and outfit.

Perfect for summer or those party nights. Looking effortless and adding patterns and colour has never been this easy. Retails for approx. CHF730 (approx. SGD1100) at all Hermès boutiques. My favourite has to be the set with a tartan print and a light blue 'H' insignia pattern. This looks poised to be my next Hermès wishlist.

Check out the other designs on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Hermès

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #184

Below: I am now obsessed about Prada's Fall Winter 2010 Camouflage Print Briefcase with a shoulder strap. I wonder if I am too late to track one down! Looked fantastic against suiting style, as modelled by David Thielebeule (Accessories Director of Allure) ...

David Thielebeule Spotted With His Prada Fall Winter 2010 Mens Camouflage Print Leather Briefcase

I was never a fan of Prada's Camouflage range of mens leather bags when it launched in Fall Winter 2010.

But today, upon seeing David Thielebeule (Accessories Director of Allure) holding one while dressed in his immaculate suiting style. The Prada Camouflage Print Briefcase (USD1685) gives an interesting hard edge to the sleek black Topman suit he is wearing. Opposing themes create the most interesting looks.

LOVE! I am now inspired and obsessed. Wonder if I am too late to track one down...

Source: Streetpeeper, Prada

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #182

Below: This guy finally prove to me that Givenchy's SS2011 Stretch Leopard Print T-shirt does work on regular guys other than hunky latin runway models... He pulled it off!:-P

Givenchy Spring Summer 2011 Mens Stretch Leopard Print T-shirt

I never expect anyone other than those hunky latin Givenchy runway models (Good looking guys get away with anything) to pull off this Givenchy Stretch Leopard Print T-shirt. Leopard spots as a top is not to be 'trifled' with lightly unless you are blessed with dashing good looks and a fantastic physique:-)

This 'wild+fetish' animal print is usually associated with attention seeking queens and trannys. Coupled with stretch material, this Givenchy T-shirt means only the brave and the bold should only attempt this. In my opinion, it literally means no regular 'sane' male should ever try wearing it outside of the store dressing room.

That is until today after I saw this guy's pic.

He did it! I eat my own words... a normal 'person' actually looking incredibly chic and not trashy in this top:-)

I guess it is the way he styled himself. Pairing with a more 'gentlemenly' shawl collared jacket, simple chinos and a pair of eye-popping blue suede desert boots. This is the winning combination:-) Restrained and classic with nothing too overdone. Just the right amount of debonair to offset the brash leopard prints, making the pattern stand out and not overwhelm him.

Love it! Applause:-)

(If you are inspired by the Leopard Print Stretch T-shirt and keen to buy, here's your last chance.... get it at www.luisaviaroma for € 427.99 at 30% off!)

Source: Wayne Tippetts, Givenchy

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #180

Below: The fashion savvy men during the recent Italian Mens Fashion Week are spotted with aplenty of jewellery on their wrist... beaded ones to be exact! Who's with me for some ethnic chic this Spring Summer 2011?:-P Love the look!

Below: Pile it all up over your watches and on wrists... colourful and island charm is here to stay!

Below: Go for luxurious versions from Brazilian jeweller, Luis Morais (now available at Mr Porter) ... I am obsessed now with the gold skull version!

Below: Or more affordable versions from ASOS! Only £8 for a set, mix and match as you deem fit...

Beaded Jewellery For Men

If you have been following Tommy Ton's street style pictures of what real guys are wearing in Italy now, you will notice a certain interesting trend. Many many guys are wearing more than just a watch on their wrist. Lots of the fashion savvy boys are piling on jewellery like no tomorrow. Especially bracelets in the form of beaded jewellery... ethnic chic have definitely cough up a 'fashion epidermic' this Spring Summer 2011 season!

Have you caught the beaded jewellery fever yet? I am slowly succumbing to the frenzied craze for these colourful, rustic jewellery. Reminds me of tropical resorts and exotic island locales. Adds a welcoming touch of colour and charm too! Think eat pray love at the Bulgari resort in Bali:-P

Choose from the ultra luxurious Luis Morais designs which features precious materials of ebony, gold and even diamonds (Available at Mr Porter now. Click here to get my current obsession, the gold skull version!)...or ASOS's very affordable wrist candy at a mere £8! With such diverse choices, there is no excuse not to get into this 'beaded' craze now!

(More pics on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fan page if you enjoy reading this post.)

Source: GQ, Mr Porter, ASOS

My Bag Collection #63

Below: Another new bag for Spring Summer 2011... Mihara Yasuhiro's 'Grunge' Birkin makes it to
my bag collection. Love it!

Below: Details that resembles the read deal (Hermès Birkins)... but with a unique feature in the form of hand cut extension flaps on the front and back. An unfinished appeal that gave this Mihara Yasuhiro bag it's personality:-)

Below: I debut the bag today... amidst stares along Orchard Road:-P Fun experience. Love the size of the bag too.

Mihara Yasuhiro 'Grunge' Birkin In Brown

Japanese designer, Mihara Yasuhiro's twisted take on the legendary Hermés Birkin is one of the most controversial (if not most interesting and fun) bag to be had this Spring Summer 2011. Behold, Mihara Yasuhiro's 'Grunge' Birkin, a deliberate 'wicked sense of humour' directed at an iconic bag:-) I first blogged about this 'Grunge Birkin' here and had mixed reactions from bag fans all over. The 'Grunge' birkin name (which I innocently gave the bag when I wrote my post) somehow got stuck as the bag's unofficial title as word gets spread around the internet. (something I must admit I am in a way proud of:-P).

Some bag lovers hated the guts of Mihara Yasuhiro while others understood his humour and sarcasm... but I just love the bag for the fun of it. Of course, knowing it's from Mihara Yasuhiro (he is often applauded for his innovative mens collections) gave me even more reason to want the bag. Hence, the 'Grunge' Birkin became a must-have in my SS2011 shopping list.

Unfortunately, Singapore's Club 21 store did not stock the colour I want, so I had to turn to my original source, Club 21 Thailand for the acquisition of the bag. Navy was my first choice of colour, but this Thailand exclusive hue sold out at the time I had wanted to buy the bag. I had no choice but to settle for another colour which turn out to be a blessing in disguise. I chose a reddish brown tone which is absolutely gorgeous and I am loving it more day after day. The textured leather used is also more polished and structured than it's distressed leather counterparts, hence holding the shape better. To sweeten the appeal, the bag gets complimenting gold tone hardware which adds a welcoming touch of luxury.
Mihara Yasuhiro's 'Grunge' Birkin is crafted with longer handles (can shoulder sling easily), comes in a handy size (about 38cm width) but most interestingly, features a unique hand cut extension (no two bags are alike) on the front and back of the bag. It is these odd extensions that gave that 'unfinished' appeal which forms the bag's personality. Love it!

I debut the bag to a flurry of staring eyes, walking down Orchard Road today... all in the name of good fun and humour:-) This bag is fast becoming my top favourite bag... a fun and unique addition to my bag collection. Well done Mihara Yasuhiro!

(More pics on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.)

(PS. the Mihara Yasuhiro 'Grunge' birkin also comes in a mens size (about 42cm width) that is exclusive to Club 21 Mens Singapore. Do check it out!)

Source: myMANybags

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

The Material Boy #473

Below: Love these Trussardi 1911 Camouflage Print Canvas Laptop Cases... the tribal print jacquard fabric on the front makes it interesting and unique!

Below: As seen on the Spring Summer 2011 lookbook...

Below: Spotted at Milan Mens Fashion Week for SS2012 as well!

Trussardi 1911 Camouflage Print Canvas Laptop Case With Tribal Jacquard Fabric Insert

Speaking of man clutches or 'murses' inspiration... I am not obsessed with these SS2011 Trussardi 1911 Camouflage Canvas Laptop Case With Tribal Jacquard Fabric Insert. That touch of tribal pattern and colours juxtaposed with tough military camouflage pattern is unusual and interesting. Add some ethnic charm:-) It doubles up as a gorgeous and outstanding clutch, which I love.

Comes in 3 colours and retails for an affordable €250 and you also own a piece of Milan Vukmirovic's reign at Trussardi 1911. Fall Winter 2011 is his last collection. More reason to grab them. I love Milan Vukmirovic's take for the brand... unfortunately it's so short lived.

Below: Milan Vukmirovic at Milan Mens Fashion Week SS2012...

Source: Stockholm Streetstyle, Trussardi, Style

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #179

Below: Clutch bags seems to be carried by many guys at Milan Fashion Week, SS2012... Have you got yours yet?:-p

Below: My 2 favourite clutch bags! Lanvin and Bottega Veneta...

Below: or make it 4... Trussardi 1911 and Prada... I love man clutches!

Milan Mens Fashion Week Spring Summer 2012: A Clutch Story

Here's another compilation of all the lovely clutch bags that the boys in Milan are carrying right now! Which one is your favourite? From Lanvin's Python Skin version, to Bottega Veneta's classic Intrecciato Weave Design to Prada's eye popping coloured pieces... Guys and clutches do go well together. Some are just laptop or tote bags (Fold up your Céline Cabas and you go a clutch! See my facebook fanpage) given a new creative way of use. The possibilities are endless, but the style is immense:-) I love clutches on guys!

And lastly... I want these silver Prada Espadrilles Brogues!
More pics on my facebook fan page. 'LIKE' my fan page if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Stockholm Streetstyle

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #178

Below: Men and colours! These guys at the annual Pitti Immagine Uomo, SS2012 Menswear knows how to flaunt the brightest hues...

Below: Neon coloured captoe on shoes is stunning!

Colour Wars: Battle Of The 'Peacocks'

The annual Pitti Immagine Uomo (in Florence, Italy) for Spring Summer 2012 started just a day ago... and guess what the fashionable men who congregate at the event wore?

Colours, colours, colours! It's war of the 'Peacocks'... to see who gets the attention and into the camera lens of Tommy Ton:-)

Red pants seems to be a highlight. I love the neon captoe shoes on one of those guys too:-) And coloured pants in every shade of pantone are making their presence felt as well!

Men should not shy away from bright colours... these men at Pitti Immagine Uomo show you how to work the brightest shades. Time to get inspired.

More pics on my facebook fanpage. LIKE my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Style by Tommy Ton

My MANy Bags Sales Updates #62

Below: Club 21 Singapore sales starts this week, with members preview from 15-16 June!

Club 21 Spring Summer 2011 End Of Season Sale Starts This Week!

It's here... the most awaited sale for Singapore is here! Club 21, the fashion destination of Singapore's luxury retail scene (who manages some of the most sought after brands, such as Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Lanvin, Mulberry, Comme Des Garcons and many more) starts their sale this week. Club 21 cardmembers get a headstart with a members preview sale this 15 - 16th June 2011. In addition, members will enjoy an additional 10% discount (on the discounted price) during these 2 days. The sale will be open to the public thereafter.

Start shopping already!:-P

Source: Club 21 Global

My Bag Collection #62

Below: Another new bag... Another Céline before Spring Summer 2011 is over. Welcome my Céline Natural Linen And Black Calfskin Cabas

Below: Love the contrasting textures from the different materials...

Céline Spring Summer 2011 Natural Linen And Black Calfskin Cabas

Before Spring Summer 2011 is over... I thought I will unveil another of my satisfying purchase made during the current season. One of the must-haves in my wishlist ever since I first laid eyes upon it...

Yes, it's none other than Céline's Natural Linen And Black Calfskin Cabas! The contrasting textures of materials and luxurious leather-lined interior makes this a standout piece of Céline's Spring Summer 2011 range. The bag sold out in a short time at the Céline stores here in Singapore. I guess I am not the only one who loved the simplicity and rawness which epitomises Phoebe Philo's understated aesthetics.

Because of the choice of using linen as a material, I always thought this bag can work only for Spring Summer seasons. My perception was proven wrong when Kwannam from 'We Could Grow Up Together' demonstrated that the cabas can extend its appeal to Fall Winter looks too. He carried his cabas wearing a tweed jacket, jeans and stunning red leather brogues... Simply fabulous and inspiring!

Below: Kwannam from 'We Could Grow Up Together' inspired me that this bag works for winter looks too! Love how he carried his cabas with tweed jackets and red leather brogues...

Besides being timeless, the cabas' neutral design also allows for decorating with bag accessories. Love the way my Céline cabas looked with my Prada 'Edward' robot charm and Gucci Furry tail key ring. I am now keenly awaiting to get Céline's longer fox tail to make the bag even more luxurious:-)

Below: Add bag charms to further enhance the appeal of the bag... I know I absolutely love my Prada 'Edward' Robot and Gucci Fur Tail on the bag:-P

Long live Céline! This is my 3rd Céline Leather Cabas and I am still lusting more.

(Lastly, I must especially thank a particular person for the acquisition of this new bag. You know who you are! Thank you:-P)

Source: myMANybags, We Could Grow Up Together

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #177

Below: Varsity jacket looks on hunky male celebrities such as Chris Evans (at the recent 2011 MTV Movie Awards)! Hot:-PBelow: Joe Jonas wears a Balmain Silver Sleeve Black Bomber Jacket, varsity style at the Billboard Music Awards Pre-party...

Below: More Varsity Jacket looks! Yes or no?

Below: Kwannam from 'We Could Grow Up Together' wearing a fab yellow Varsity Jacket and flaunting his 'Kung Fu':-P

Below: Other street looks of Varsity Jackets...

Chris Evans And Joe Jonas Does The Varsity Jacket Look!

Remember the varsity jacket looks I was very excited about... now I have further spotted 2 celebrities who pulled off the look recently.

Hunky Chris Evans wears a brown Gucci College bomber jacket at the recent 2011 MTV Movie Awards. It totally compliments his all-american jock look and he looks hot hot hot at every angle! I love that the varsity styled jacket lends him a boyish charm.

Joe Jonas also wears a Balmain Silver Sleeve Black Bomber Jacket with crest emblem detail during the Billboard Music Awards Pre-party. Very rock and roll and yet with a jockish appeal.

Varsity looks seems to be on track to the fashion forefront... I hope they do! Love them!

Source: Style, Upscalehype, MTV

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #176

Below: Monday inspiration... Cute guys and their gorgeous summer scarves:-) Scarves add depth and interest to any look, not to mention colours and drama...

Summer Scarves For Men

The weather may be warmer for summer season... but that does not exclude you from having some 'dress-up' fun with those beautiful scarves you love in winter.

Get some summer scarves today. The ones made in light cotton, linen or silk fabric are ideal to add some drama and flair without causing a massive sauna. Choose bright colours, be bold with prints and patterns... go dramatic or classy subdued. The possibilities are endless with scarves. I love the look of these very 'eye-pleasing' guys who seem to have fun spicing up with their looks with gorgeous summer scarves.

Inspired:-)

Source: The Lisbon Tailor

My MANy Bags Sales Updates #60

Céline And Givenchy End Of Season Sale Starts Today!

More bank account depleting news! 2 of the hottest luxury brand at the moment, Céline and Givenchy in Singapore will start their SS2011 End Of Season markdowns today.

Rainy Monday blues, no problem ... sale shopping is here to lift your spirits:-)

Discounts starts from 30% off.

Source: Céline, Givenchy

My MANy Bags Sales Updates #59

Bally SS2011 End Of Season Sale Has Begun!

Another luxury brand joins in mark down season...

Bally started their sales yesterday in Singapore. So one more brand to check out this weekend for sale shopping:) The men's shoes are not to be missed!:-)

Source: Bally

My MANy Bags Sales Updates #58

Below: Gucci, YSL, Bottega Veneta End-of-Season Sale has now begun in Singapore!

Gucci, YSL and Bottega Veneta End Of Season (SS2011) Sales Have Begun!

Yes, you heard right... 3 of the most coveted luxury brands have started their sales since yesterday. (I tweeted that last evening!) Gucci, YSL, Bottega Veneta have begun their markdowns in Singapore. Shop till you drop this weekend. From 30% discount onwards...

On a side note... (belated sale news), DSquared2, Y3 and Hugo Boss started their sales last week:-)

Remember to follow me on twitter to get latest updates on your favourite brand's sale dates!

Source: myMANybags

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #175

Below: Men wearing excessive jewellery has always been a social stigma. But Pelayo Diaz (katelovesme) proves otherwise, that boys can pull off sizable, statement making bling bling! Love his look!

Below: Love how Pelayo pairs his huge Mawi necklaces with smart suitings and shirts, pieces typically belonging to a men's domain...

Men Wearing Chunky Jewellery: Yes or No?

There has always been a social stigma for guys attempting to adorn themselves with excessive bling bling other than a nice watch, your wedding ring or perhaps in recent times, a leather bracelet or necklace. Anything beyond the aforementioned, garners frowning eyes that pierce deep into your psyche questioning your masculinity. Jewellery for guys has hence always been kept at a minimum. The less obstrusive, the better.

With masculinity at stake, many guys conform and jewellery for guys never really take off or was propagated in men's fashion. Only with the arrival of Spring Summer 2011 season that things took a turn.

Lanvin was bold with their Spring Summer 2011 mens collection and challenges the stigma of guys dressing up with chunky, sizable pieces of jewellery. This mad craze for statement accessories started in womenswear and has slowly filter down to guys, just in time with the present 'gender confused' fashion craze. Having said that, I still wonder how successful those pieces translated to sales in Lanvin stores this season. Even the most forward fashionable male would think thrice before adopting those necklaces. I know I will contemplate too.

Below: Lanvin has introduced some 'over the top' jewellery for their SS2011 Mens collection...

Below: Eye catching and menacing Rottweiler teeth necklace from Givenchy's FW2011 Mens collection...

That is until Mr Prince Pelayo (Blogger for www.katelovesme.net) came into the picture. I am a huge fan of Pelayo. His unique individualistic take on mens fashion is always inspiring and surprising. Right now, I am very taken by his recent looks wearing the most eye catching of jewellery (MAWI necklaces to be exact). It is this bold attempt to wear chunky jewellery (usually reserved for women) while making them not look any less masculine than got me very excited. I love the idea of spicing up a look with just the right amount of 'shock value':-) Pelayo is clever to erode away the 'men wearing jewellery' stigma by matching them with the most male oriented look: shirts and suits. Shirts and suits have always been a man's domain... and with this pairing, those chunky bejewelled Mawi necklaces suddenly shines without shredding away any of his masculine appeal. Pelayo has made big jewellery look right for guys! (Of course, him being so cute makes him get away with anything.)

What do you think? Is it socially and fashionably acceptable for guys to wear chunky jewellery? Will you attempt the look yourself or not in a million years?

(More pics on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fan page if you enjoy reading this post)

Source: Mawi, Kate Loves Me, Style, Lanvin, Givenchy