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

The Material Boy #463

Below: Where art thou? My latest Hermès obsession... The Kelly Double Tour So Black! Love the all black hardware... a new level of sophistication and mystique:-)

Hermès Kelly Double Tour So Black

I know I am a late warmer for this elusive Hermès beauty. From the Fall Winter 201o collection of Avengers meets James Bond theme... So black is a limited edition series launched a season ago, which includes Kelly So Black Bag, Kelly So Black Pochette, Birkin So Black and Kelly So black belt (check out my facebook fanpage for pics of the full family).

Ever since my face to face encounter with an actual Hermès Kelly Double Tour So Black (Approx. SGD730) at Bangkok's international airport, I cannot seem to get it out of my mind. Unfortunately, the only piece I found was too small a size for me, so I had to pass it up. I am now madly in love with the all black hardware (even the dust bags are black!) which adds a new level of mystique and sophistication to this classic piece of Hermès accessory. Of course, the So Black series being highly limited makes it a challenging but satisfying hunt when you finally landed yourself one. I am on the prowl now... going to mobilise all the shopping scouts I can find to get my very own exclusive piece.

Meanwhile I shall keep admiring the beauty of this latest Hermès obsession from the pic above...

Source: Hermés

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #159

Below: Fabulous bags for fabulous women! Check out these models flaunting their Céline bags!

Girls With Céline Bags: Forever Chic!

What's not to love about girls carrying Céline bags? Céline has escalated to a major fashion phenomenon, sending many editors, models and fashionable women going on a buying frenzy.

Just look at these models flaunting their Céline bags. Simply gorgeous!

Shu Pei (NEXT) with her Olive Coloured Box Leather Bag (and Céline biker jacket?), Maddie Kulicka (Elite, NY) with her Burgundy Coloured Luggage Tote and Sara Blomqvist (DNA, NY) with a 'less seen but still as pretty' Céline Leather Duffel... fabulous bags for even more fabulous women!

Source: Altamira NYC

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #158

Below: Yu Masui wears Christian Louboutin's Leopard Haircalf Studded Rollerball!

Yu Masui And His Christian Louboutin Leopard Haircalf Studded Rollerball

On par with Bryanboy with his quirky and adventurous dress sense... Yu Masui a Japanese fashion chameleon whose outrageous personal styles are always show stopping during Fashion weeks. He wore his big bright orange fur coat during the recent Fall Winter 2011 Womens fashion week. A statement making ensemble like this can only be done justice by Christian Louboutin's Leopard Haircalf Studded Rollerball. Love those shoes! As Bryanboy would put it... Fierce!

Who wants a pair?!?!

Source: Stockholm Streetstyle, Christian Louboutin

My Shoe Collection #52

Below: Meet my new shoe love... Christian Louboutin Rantus Orlato Pony Multi-Stripe Trainers... my studded Freddy Flats have a 'mate' now!:-P

Below: I welcome a Christian Louboutin brown shoe box anyday!

Below: Love the graphic B&W houndstooth and zig zag patterns printed on haircalf leather while being trimmed with eye popping red patent leather piping:-) Jazzy cool!

Below: Back view of these beauties... always wanted to own a pair of Rantus shoes from Christian Louboutin... now my wish is fulfilled!

Below: Metal cutout of Christian Louboutin branding...

Below: Seems the highly popular french brand's shoes are not made by the french, but Italians...

Christian Louboutin Rantus Orlato Pony Multi-Stripe Trainers

Every fashion fan dreams of wearing some red soles any day. Yes, Christian Louboutin shoes are like holy grail shoes for luxury shoe enthusiasts. Everyone wants one pair. With the launch of a mens collection, guys have joined in the lusting for Christian Louboutin shoes as much as their female counterparts.

I am one of them. And I want one pair. No make that 2 now:-)

Yes, welcome my second pair of Louboutins after my beloved studded Freddy Flats. Meet my new Christian Louboutin Rantus Orlato Pony Multi-Stripe Trainers, acquired during my recent Bangkok trip in mid January. (Never expect myself to locate a pair in the land of smiles since there were no Christian Louboutin boutiques in Bangkok! Cloud 9, a multi-label store in Gaysorn Plaza stocks a small selection of Louboutins.)

Love the contrasting black & white houndstooth and zig zag patterns, all trimmed with red patent leather piping for a striking pop of colour. Snappy and graphic, it's eye catching in a monotone way. The haircalf material also adds a lush and tactile appeal while softening the street edge of these highly coveted shoes.

I am in shoe heaven! Shoe treat yay!:-)

Source: myMANybags

My Shoe Collection #51

Below: Stocking up for Fall Winter 2011... Boots from www.asos.com, gorgeous find at a great price!

Below: Boots are always in style no matter what the season, it's just practical to wear for Winter season since it is warm! Check out my new ASOS Brown Leather Military Tall Boots... all the way up mid calf!

Below: Zippers on the side for easy wearing!

Below: This pair features lace-up holes and then hiking boots style fastening at the top! It's a combination of details which I love, with tarnished leather for an aged feel!

Below: I wear UK size 41.. the boots cut small, do note... the boots (in black) is now on sale for £39, hurry! Must buy!

Below: Get your tall boots and you are ready for these Balmain Fall Winter 2011 looks! My favourite out of the collection...

ASOS Brown Leather Military Boots

Fall Winter season is the best time to hunt down boots, especially the tall mid calf ones that will be too warm for summer season. I own a pair of Zara Black Leather Boots which I took it for a spin in last December's Tokyo trip, I decided to stock up on a brown coloured pair as soon as I saw this one at www.asos.com.

Below: My Zara pair which I wore to Japan last Dec was not as tall as these ASOS ones... love them!

It's taller, more aged and will serve me well for next Fall Winter 2011. At £65 (Now on sale at £39! You have to grab it! Click here) a pair with free shipping (got this in December when they had the free shipping promotion), this is a bargain! I love the aged brown leather (wear them and kick around without worries of wear and tear!) and long laces that extends to become hiking boots style fastening. And if you think wearing these tall boots are going to be a hassle, the boots feature side zippers for easy wearing, how thoughtful! Also wear it with laces done half way for an even more nonchalant look (like what Balmain is doing on the Fall Winter 2011 lookbook):-P Boots are just cool to play around!

Stocking for coming seasons is what I do sometimes, seeing how I am going t0 try these 2 Balmain Fall Winter 2011 looks (see above) in 8 months time....:-P

Source: myMANybags, Balmain

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #153

Below: Monday bag style inspirations... I love Caroline's (Stockholm Streetstyle) new Céline Yellow Horizontal Leather Cabas... that yellow is fabulous!

Below: The highly popular Céline Luggage Tote is a must have for any fashionista and models... such as Shu Pei and....

Below: Julija Steponaviciute from IMG, NY...

Below: Sara Blomqvist from DNA models with her Céline Striped Leather Duffel Bag... equally gorgeous and less common...

Below: I love how the Balenciaga Patchwork Sunday Tote looked on Katie Fogarty (Next NY)!

Below: Agnete Hegelund from Next NY seen with Balenciaga's City Bag... in gorgeous textured black leather...

Below: Martha Streck from Women NY, toting the undying classic Balenciaga Silver Giant Hardware Work bag! Love!

Below: Karlie Kloss with her Dior Libertine Bag... this hobo style tote bag is actually looking pretty gorgeous if you dress it right!

Bag Style Inspiration Monday...

What bags are models carrying? What bags are hot amongst the most fashionable women, namely the models?

These pics give a good idea. The strongest names are Balenciaga and of course Céline...

I need that yellow horizontal Céline Leather Cabas after seeing Caroline from Stockholm Streetstyle flaunting her new purchase! Gorgeous bright sunny yellow!

Source: Altamira, Stockholm Streetstyle

My Shoe Collection #50

Below: Presentation is everything is fashion... I love 3.1 Phillip Lim's shoe box design. Like a wedding gift, white drawer style slip case wrapped in texture white paper...

Below: What's unique about these Phillip Lim shoes are the varying leopard spot prints... it's cute and interesting!

Below: And in haircalf!

Below: Side zips for easy removal...

Below: Hiking boots style of lacing up the shoes... rough and tough but luxe!

Below: Lined with soft leather... comfy!

Below: Soles of the shoes...

3.1 Phillip Lim Leopard Haircalf High-cut Trainers

A reader just tweeted me about a new pair of Mihara Yasuhiro leopard print trainers. So this is what prompted me to do this post.

Yes, I love leopard prints. Especially when it is all the rage since the past few seasons. It's like an undying classic print that gets revived again and again. It could hide amongst trends when not a key trend or take the fashion spotlight as seen in last Fall Winter 2010 season. And this Spring Summer 2011 season, these leopard prints are poised to steal limelight again, but in the men's collections instead of the womens. Givenchy and Trussardi 1911's mens collection have all unabashedly flaunt these feral patterns.

But do I really need another pair of leopard print shoes after my Comme Des Garcon and Lanvin versions? I asked myself that question. I am afraid the phrase of Leopard prints will soon fade... so I was not ready to commit to another pair. But when I saw these 3.1 Phillip Lim Leopard Haircalf High-cut Trainers (Fall Winter 2010 collection), it ignites that WANT in me again. Perhaps it's the haircalf, the white and tan colours, but most of all the contrasting leopard spotted prints that got me very excited. The different varying prints pieced together to form the shoe is special and interesting. The leather lined interior, the size zip (for easy removing of the shoes), with the hiking boots style laces all made for an irresistible shoe design. Rough and tough, street inspired but luxe in appeal.

Perfect for those rolled hem pants, long sleeve shirts and Tom Ford thick acetate eye glasses, preppy cool with a touch of street. Kawaii I might say, but love is what I will proclaim.

That will conclude my 'need' for leopard print shoes for now. Mihara Yasuhiro's... oops. You came too late:-)

Source: myMANybags

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #151

Below: 3 bags for men. 3 bags to be wishlisted... #1 Trussardi Canvas Camouflage Print Laptop Sleeve... doubles as a handy and fabulous clutch!

Below: #2 Pierre Hardy Canvas Geometric Print Large Pouch... instant abstract artistic flair!

Below: I got mine with red leather trimming!

Below: #3 Céline Leather Horizontal Cabas with size zippers... Timeless minimalist cool!

Wednesday Inspiration: 3 Men + 3 Bags

Researching for blog content today seems to bear little results for me today. So I decided to scour the cyberspace for some 'BAG PORN' (namely pics of real people carrying hot bags of the moment) and see what I can gather.

Here's 3 delectable arm candies with pics of real people flaunting them (from the recent Mens Fashion Week Fall Winter 2011). These bags have been on my shopping radar for the longest time. One I already welcomed into my bag harem, the other 2 will one day make their way there.

Bag #1: Trussardi 1911's Camouflage Print Laptop Sleeve (Euro 190) is just a cool classic. Military themes for men just comes back again and again. This laptop sleeve from Trussardi is from their classic range (Thanks to Milan Vukmirovic). Use it as a protection for your beloved laptop or simply as a handsome clutch for that bit of military luxe. I love the material and print since I own the belt and can attest to the quality. This will make 'camouflage calling' complete!:-)

Bag #2: Pierre Hardy's Geometric Print Canvas Pouch (SGD290) provides an abstract, artistic uplift to any ensemble. The spot of colour be it red or blue adds a colour interest, while holding just enough to get you thru any of your days. The gold tone zip is refined and the luxurious lambskin lining is delightful to touch. I know I love mine!

Bag #3: I was not attracted to the landscape format of the famed Céline Horizontal Leather Cabas with side zippers (SGD1950) before. The stiffer leather and side zips made the otherwise soft and slouchy tote bag structured and no longer appears easy and simple. However, this image of this guy using the bag changed my mind. Look at the way he zips it half way thru, creating the attitude of nonchalance for the bag. The size is well proportioned for a man and the gold tone zips enhance the luxurious feel of the understated bag. Now I am adding it to my wishlist!

Source: Style, Stockholm Streetstyle, Céline, Pierre Hardy, Trussardi 1911

Great Minds Think Alike #29

Below: Fendi's Spring Summer 2011 Linda Bag: Feeling you have seen this bag somewhere before? 'Mulberry Bayswater' dejavu?

Below: Such close resemblance with the iconic Mulberry Bayswater... the turnlock, the 2 strap running down the body and the shape... Great minds think alike?

Fendi Linda Bag vs. Mulberry Bayswater

Am I seeing double? Check out what Fendi has got to offer this Spring Summer 2011 season?

Don't you feel a dejavu with this Fendi Linda Bag? Mulberry Bayswater much!!??

Is this another case of great minds think alike? Or blatant copying? Fendi could have change the details and shape a bit more to widen the resemblance gap...

Source: Fendi, Mulberry

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #148

Below: Céline's minimal sense of style sees their pared down bag designs slowly invading into the arms of women and now men... Love the Céline Luggage Tote on a guy!

Men And Céline Luggage Tote

Phoebe Philo's minimal sense of style has created some of the most androgenous bags we have seen lately. The Céline Luggage Tote is one such design, especially in the largest size, they make the most easy transition into mens wardrobe. It's now safe to say, Céline has invaded the wishlist of women and men alike...

Who wants a Céline Luggage Tote? Raise your hands!

Source: Stockholm Streetstyle, Céline

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #147

Below: Plaid, one of the most prominent patterns on Italian men right now... on jackets...

Below: in bright reds...

Below: on scarves and pocket squares...

Below: as green and on blousons... Plaids are everyhwere! Classic flair is back!

Below: Footwear of choice for these 'gentlemen'... Classic brogues!

Below: Brogues styles are huge... even in quirky thick soled versions...

Below: Or boot soled designs...

The Undying Classics: Plaids And Brogues

It's a PLAID Winter this Fall 2010 season... A week in Milan Fashion week and Pitti Uomo in Florence (for Fall Winter 2011 collections) and Tommy Ton (Jak and Jil) has managed to capture what real men are wearing in the Italian Fashion capital at this moment.

It's evident, Plaid is huge (and I have observed this trend when I was in Tokyo early December 2010, did a lookbook post based on Plaid Patterns too)... red, blue, green... Scottish, English gentlemenly styles are IN. This is one 'classic revival' season, less severe military, more refined debonair charm.

And footwear of choice? Of course, something as classic as Brogues. And perhaps Prada's statement making Spring Summer 2011 colourful 'platform' brogues have a huge part to play... all the boys wants this footwear style ( be it as boots, lace-ups or those thick soled versions by Prada!).

I am now dreaming of plaid' and 'Brogues' already...INSPIRED!

More pics on my Facebook Fan Page

Source: GQ by Tommy Ton