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

The Runway Sniper #14

Martin Margiela Spring Summer 2009 Menswear

It's seems disco fever hits Martin Margiela...sort of. Part of the collection are interesting pieces infused with saturday night fever, think circa 1970 when John Trovota still looks slim and slender and can shake his booty. The disco ball metallic mirrored effect is applied onto lapels of a well-cut jacket, on the bib of a basic white shirt and the most outrageous leggings, reminding me of Balenciaga's robotic C3PO leggings for Spring Summer 2007 womenswear.

But despite the over the top pieces that were the leggings, most of the collection are really wearable and beautiful pieces that are strangely alluring to me. I have caught on Margiela fever. That ensemble of a beige trench with skinny white pants (with piping on the side) and a horse shoe buckle is so ravishing. That off white pea coat is to die for as well. I will definitely have to pay more attention to Margiela's work from now on.

The Material Boy #110

Martin Margiela Leather Lace-Ups

You might be wondering why I am recommending another pair of lace-ups. It seems all lace-ups are more or less the same. But hold that thought for the time being...have a look at this pair by Martin Margiela. The leather flap where the laces are, wraps all around the shoe which is unseen of. What an interesting reinterpretation of a classic design:-) One of a kind and yet aesthetically beautiful. It is this sort of little quirky take on a classic design which sets things apart.:-) And I believe Martin Margiela has done well with this pair of lace-ups. I especially like the white leather version, which is so french riveria and playboy chic. But for the more classic types, the dark grey version works great as well.

Now on sale at www.aloharag.com with a 40% discount!

I am a Margiela fan now!

Retail price: US$447 (markdown from US$745). Where to buy: www.aloharag.com

My Shopping Conquest #11

Martin Margiela MM6 'Die-Cut' Cities Leather Belt

I am absolutely in love with this gem I discovered 2 days ago at the Blackjack store. Was there shopping the preview sale for my new Raf by Raf Simons canvas sneakers when I notice this quirky belt lying atop one of the shelves, stocking Maison Martin Margiela MM6 line. This unique leather belt has die cut letters of names of cities around the world. From Paris to Osaka, it is just simply cool. Surprisingly, there are no belt holes as the buckle will fasten inbetween the alphabets. So it is the best fitting belt I ever own!:-P The metal buckle has been given an aged treatment so it looks worn and vintage. The brown leather also looks seasoned with use, which is very Martin Margiela as he is famous for reworking vintage items.

This belt is actually for ladies, but the belt (again) loops from left to right which is the men's way of wearing. There is even a thicker version which is so masculine and looks great with jeans. In the end, I chose the thin version becos I want to pair it with my shorts and looks more elegant.

I was skeptical about the belt first, did not try it on first sight. But went back to Blackjack the second day, tried it on and was immediately sold:-) Perhaps because my most favourite city in the world is on it...Paris, je t'aime!

It was a good idea to go back to buy this:-) I did not regret a single bit, especially at a great price. I paid SGD $201 after a 37% discount.

Retail price: SGD $319. Where to buy: Blackjack at Forum, The Shopping Mall

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #01

Trendspotting With 'The Sartorialist' In Florence

This is going to be new section on my blog highlighting what real people wear:-), styles that inspires and excites me and what I would like to share with everyone:-) The sartorialist already has an excellent blog highlighting street styles, so you'd probably will see a lot of pics from his blog, but I will filter out only those that resonate with me:-)

Every new season, the sartorialist travels to the major fashion cities to get snapshots of the trendy fashion folks attending the fashion shows/events or the ultra chic locals that could make or break a trend. Here is a couple of styles from his current visit to Florence to cover the Spring Summer 2009 menswear shows and presentations. Real fashion on real people is most exciting.

Firstly, the summer shorts look with a blazer. (Remember to click on the pics to view larger formats and details) How cool is that. It's both casual and yet not sloppy with a touch of class. I love the style of the guy with the stripe blazer and the navy shorts and the boat shoes. Fabulous match.

(I found a Martin Margiela white pinstripe jacket that could pull off this look perfectly.:-) Dun you love the white key brooch on the jacket? Get the jacket at www.eluxury.com for the sale price of US $829. The interesting white key pin at US $125)

Secondly, seems coloured footwear has caught up with dear gentlemens in Italy...and of all colours, purple! WOW...it is refreshing to see purple shoes on guys. I first notice the coloured shoes at spring summer 2008 DSquared2 shows (see attached pic). It is now translated to real life. :-P

More to come. Check here to see more street snap pics.

Source: www.men.style.com