My Bag Collection #59

Below: It's Friday... time to share my latest bag addition. Guess who I choose this time? Well... It's none other than my favourite bag brand of the moment... Céline!

Below: I love my new Céline Cabas Linen Stripe, the 'raw' quality is what gives the bag so much personality and appeal:-) The mundane made luxurious always finds a place in my fancies:-P

Below: The fashion spread in April issue of Vogue Nippon seals the deal for me. The red and blue colour allows the Cabas to work for nautical styles. Think white and Breton stripe tees... chic!

Céline Spring 2011 Cabas Linen Stripe

The feeling of finally owning something you want so badly is beyond words can described. So you can imagine my excitement to welcome this new bag to my bag family! I have blabbered about my love for this Spring 2011 Céline Cabas Linen Stripe for a couple of months now. Finally over last Sunday, I decided to put my 'waiting misery' to rest once and for all...and got myself this 'prized bag' for the season! It's definitely Happy New Bag to me!

The Cabas Linen Stripe may resemble a gunny sack... but it is this 'mundane inspiration turned luxurious' that gives this version of the Céline Cabas so much more personality. The frayed edges and the contrast of fabric with soft lambskin are beyond words to describe in tactile appeal.

I will carry this with my colour blocking ensemble (as per my lastest lookbook post) or simply shorts and tees (summer time wardrobes) any day. I am also excited at the possibility of pinning different brooches and bag charms to the fabric body... like a blank canvas waiting to be decorated. Will be fun. I am very inspired by the bag.

Beyond the design, I love the bag as it is light and slouchy. Carry and throw around with a 'devil may care' attitude... feel effortless.

YAY For Céline!

(PS. this cabas was featured in the April issue of Vogue Nippon... Nautical style:-) In a way, very french with the red and blue stripes:-P)

Source: myMANybags

My Bag Collection #58

Below: New Pierre Hardy Shopping for Spring Summer 2011! Love my new clutch!

Below: This season, the cube pattern is in khaki,light blue and black printed on uncoated canvas with black leather trim and lining...

Below: Added my Gucci fox tail bag charm for a Céline Prefall 2011 Look! Love!

Below: The Pierre Hardy pouch seen on the arms of fashionable men during the recent Fall Winter 2011 Mens fashion week... The size is perfect!

Below: This spring summer 2011, the cube pattern also appeared on totes (Sold in Club 21 Mens, Four Seasons Hotel - SGD1490 (Khaki version) or Studiohomme for € 645.00 as shown in pic below) besides pouches...

Pierre Hardy Cube Pattern Canvas Pouch

I am a fan of clutches and folios. And recently I just added the 6th clutch bag to my collection! Balenciaga, Lanvin and Pierre Hardy are top choices, due to their perfect size for guys.

And this time, another of Pierre Hardy's amazing cube pattern designs but in light blue, black and khaki from this Spring Summer 2011 season. The canvas is uncoated for SS2011 and is trimmed with black calf leather. I already have a red leather trim coated canvas version, and it proved to be handy, being able to hold just the right amount for a party or a nice afternoon lunch appointment. What's more... after getting obsessed with Céline's Prefall 2011 Fox tail bag charm for their leather pouches... I did my own version on my new Pierre Hardy Cube Pattern Canvas Pouch with a Gucci fox tail:-P

So chic! (The pouch is available at Club 21 Mens, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore)

Source: myMANybags, Céline

My Bag Collection #57

Below: A long overdue welcome to my new bag! My fabulous Balenciaga RGGH Canard Part-time!

Below: Love the combination of Rose Gold and Canard colour!

Below: Giant studs adds a tough and glamourous accent to the leather...

Below: Shiny rose gold even on the shoulder strap hooks...

Below: Rose gold has a vintage feel to the colour, yet glamourous at the same time...

Below: Double zippers for ease of opening the bag...

Below: In the dustbag...

Below: Me modeling the bag... a great shoulder bag that is not too huge and cumbersome... the proportion works for my height and build:-P

Below: Good for a blazer look and skinny jeans (or my Current Elliot Olive Cargo jeans!)

Balenciaga RGGH Canard Part-Time

It's a long overdue post for my latest bag addition acquired a few months back...

But better late than never (especially since I am off for the week and had time on my hands like never before! Hurray!)... so let me introduce my new Balenciaga RGGH (Rose Gold Giant Hardware) Canard Part-Time.

Boys have always been restricted to the weekender, courier and day designs when it comes to adopting Balenciaga bags. But I decided on a particular inspiring day many months ago to try out other styles of Balenciaga bags just for fun.

Interestingly, although I had no plans to buy anything... it seems my 'shopping ban' plan always backfire. In the name of research for my blog (good excuse to shop!) but at the expense of my bank account, I embark on the 'treacherous' mission and have to report that I have succeeded in testing the Balenciaga bags but failed to rescue my bank account.

Work bag is simply too short and small for my height. Weekender is too bulky for everyday. And First and Town is tiny for boys. I love the strap options for City...but that is too small again. So what's left is the Part-time which I was skeptical at first due to it's long shape. Surprisingly, at a length of aprox. 43cm, the Part-time resembles a small duffel bag. When I first shoulder sling it, I was immediately taken by the proportion of the bag against my height (I am 178cm tall) and build. I love the style, easy and non cumbersome. It does not looked entirely inappropriate for a guy and yet interesting enough to pass off as a guy's bag. I guess a bag is a bag, it is what marketing wants to sell it as, especially bags of a borderline gender designs. Hence the Part-time is up to the individual to see what works for him or not.

But one thing's for sure, I am liking the Balenciaga Part-time on me, especially with the new Giant Rose Gold Hardware against Canard colour (a turquoise based dark blue)... it's versatile and yet glamourous at the same time! I also love the double zipper pulls and the shorter shoulder strap which presents another option to carry the bag. Perfect for blazers and skinny jeans.

So out flashes my Visa card, in goes the Balenciaga RGGH Canard Part-time to my 'bag family'. Welcome! Welcome!:-P

Source: myMANybags

Retail price: SGD 2940. Where to buy: Balenciaga Boutique at Hilton Hotel

My Bag Collection #56

Below: Birthday present no. 1 to myself! Something from Lanvin!

Below: It's my new Lanvin Python Clutch Bag... another exotic item for my bag collection!:-P Love exotics!

Below: Lanvin's design is always understated and timeless... the branding is just discreetly marked on the zipper pull and a metal eyelet... Luxury that is to be appreciated thru its design and not the loud branding.

My 2010 Birthday Treat No.1:
Lanvin Python Clutch Bag

Once in a year, everyone is entitled to pamper themselves for that special day in their lives... their BIRTHDAY! Yes, mine is coming end Oct, so I have started to acquire some birthday treats to reward myself for surviving yet another year, thankful for what I have and for what I have achieved.

Since I am a shopping fan, what better indulgence than some shopping treats:) So Birthday present number #1 (more reveals to come!)... just hot off the shopping bag today...my new Lanvin Python Clutch Bag in beige/natural colour! This will be my perfect statement bag for those many upcoming events I am attending. It's luxurious and yet understated and eye catching at the same time. I have always been on the hunt for clutches, simple folio style clutch bags that guys can use for any occassion. So this fits my requirements. The size is generous (almost A4), fitting an ipad easily, so you can be sure it can hold whatever you need for any parties. I love the python texture in beige/natural tones which makes the clutch versatile for dressing down or up. The python skin also adds a sense of luxury and exotic charm to accent any outfits. Since Lanvin is headed the grunge and edgy direction (as evident in this Fall Winter 2010 and next season's Spring Summer 2011), the python material has become a material prominently used in Lanvin's accessories (Shoes and bags). I love their take on exotics, always elegant and non too brash and vulgar.

Can't wait to take this baby out for a spin soon!

Grab yours today at Lanvin Hilton Hotel. Only 2 pieces each for 2 colours (Beige and a grey tone) are available. The price is unbelievably good for a exotic skin item!

Price: SGD 860. Where to buy: Lanvin Boutique at Hilton Hotel, Singapore

Source: myMANybags

My Bag Collection #55

Below: New bag member for my 'bag harem'! Hurray for Team Philo!

Below: Right down to the dustbag, the no-fuss, unpretentious design aesthetics are carried thru everything the brand represents... Good cohesive branding. The dustbag is made from raw cotton with black ribbon drawstrings...

Below: Welcome my first Céline bag! It's been a while I have been eyeing on Phoebe Philo's designs... this makes for a perfect entry piece! A bi-material Leather Cabas...luxury without being vulgar:-)

Below: Perfect size for toting around any day... can hold up to 5kgs!

Below: Now for the close-ups... fully lined with soft lambskin as opposed to the unlined coloured lambskin versions... there is an internal zip pocket and subtle Céline branding. The soft lambskin feels so good to touch!

Below: Tag that explains Céline's commitment to quality and characteristics of the material...

Below: 'Python' contrasted with black calf leather...

Below: Simple and understated...while being practical...

Below: Confidence in the brand results the lack of need to plaster branding all over your product. I applaud Céline and Phoebe for making the brand discreet and stamped in gold:-)

Céline Bi-material Leather Cabas

Let's put our hands together and welcome the newest member of my 'increasingly reducing' bag harem... All my bag 'concubines' are not happy I exodus much of their lovely sisters and brothers. They rally like no tommorrow giving those 'Bangkok Red Shirts' a run for their money. So in order to 'restore order' and maintain 'healthy' bag harem numbers... I am now proud to announce the arrival of ultra chic Céline's Bi Material Leather Cabas to join the fun! Yes, my bag collection is one big happy family:P They have 'mass handbag parties all day long':-P

Enough said, this lovely Céline Bi-Material Leather Cabas is indeed one of a kind here in Singapore. Considering this was the one and only piece that was brought in and sold to lucky me! FJ Benjamin operated Céline stores only carry the coloured lambskin versions, but Duty Free Scottswalk's Céline store made the effort to get one of this lovely 'python' skin and leather version to sunny Singapore shores. I spotted it last Saturday, contemplating the all blue lambskin version or this. But in the end settle for the bi-material version as it is unique with brilliant textural contrast. Scaly 'python' skin against smooth black calf... fabulous and understated. Best part of all, it is lined with soft lambskin as oppose to the unlined lambskin versions.

Me love Céline! The sales person at Céline boutique told me these Leather Cabas is favoured by many stylist. I hold her word true since the bag is indeed functional and practical for all occasions. Understated glamour is the way to go for now and the upcoming season.

Where to buy: Céline Boutique at DFS Scottswalk

My Bag Collection #54

Below: 'Overdue' bag reveal, my Net-a-porter parcel from months ago...

Below: Peek-a-boo!

Below: Finally, my very own Peekaboo!


Below: Gorgeous at all angles...right up to the luxurious suede interior:-) Elegant as a hand carry bag...


Below: Or add on a shoulder strap to turn it into a messenger design:-)

Below: Many small details that sets this bag apart and reinforce it's cult bag status:-)

Below: Fendi marked turnlock:-)

Below: Fendi branding subtly marked on buckles everywhere:-)

Fendi Peekaboo Bag In Light Grey

Peek-a-boo! It's time to let the 'bag' out of the box:-) I actually acquired this bag last July. So this reveal is long overdue. Took it out for a spin over a weekend in Jan this year and I must say I enjoyed the experience. I found the bag a chic arm companion, inviting many envious stares:-) And that's not because it's a women's bag to begin with. The design is one of the best to date from Fendi and has all the qualities of a true classic. Mine is in a versatile light grey hue which goes well with almost any colour. The metal frame on the top, adds a sophisticated bling to the otherwise understated but sophisticated design. I did however, not let one of the flap open as intended when I used the Peekaboo. It feels awkward to lug around a half open bag. Perhaps I do not want 'accidental rubbish' ending up inside the light colour suede interior:-) But I will most definitely give it a try next time I take it out:-)

I am also impressed with the workmanship of the bag. Every stitch and screw carefully put together, rendering the bag literally a work of art:-) The shoulder strap is also a welcoming option, giving tired hands a break when necessary. A woman will look amazing with this now recurring design from Fendi's bag range. But fanboys, if you dare rock it, I'd say go for it. Large ones are a good size to use as a messenger. However, one important thing to note, all new Fendi Peekaboos now comes with short shoulder straps instead of the longer ones. So it might work against the male gender unless you want to use it solely as a hand carry.

I am just happy I got mine before the change. One of my favourite bags to date. BTW, net-a-porter is one of the best online retailers! Their service is highly commendable.

My Bag Collection #53

Below: It's Christmas Day...time for Christmas Treat reveal!:-P Happy Prada Christmas to me!

Below: Peek-a-boo Prada!

Below: It's my dream bag for 2009... Prada Executive Tote in Caramel Saffiano Leather!

Below: A structure bag with a sophisticated design...

Below: Clean lines, gold tone hardware...

Below: Gorgeous Saffiano textured leather in caramel colour...

Below: Roomy without being cumbersome...

Below: Gold metal feet to protect the base of the bag...

Below: Double zip pocket for easy organising...

Below: Lots of small details that make the bag worth its pennies... Prada branding marked on gold zipper pulls...

Below: Interesting metal cut out Prada branding on a triangular leather plaque... impeccable workmanship too, stitching is done meticulously well...

Below: Even the gold metal feet is branded with Prada logotype...

Below: Prada embroided lining and an internal zipper pocket... LOVE the bag!

Prada Double Zip Executive Tote In Caramel Saffiano Leather

Hurray! It's Christmas day! Time to dig into the Christmas pressies!:-P And my treat to myself this wonderful festive day is none other than... (of course, what else can it be?!?!) it's A NEW BAG for mymanybags!:-P Yes, it's one bag that I have been eyeing on for the longest time ever since I blog about it here. So I finally used X'mas as a good excuse and put my 'shopping decision making misery' to an end:-)

I finally have my own Prada Double Zip Executive Tote! This is one gorgeous 'tai tai' (means rich man's wife in cantonese) bag which is an absolute classy arm candy:-) Clean lines, structure saffiano leather body, glamourous gold tone hardware make this one ultra sophisticated bag to carry. I also love the double zip compartments with allows for useful organising of your belongings. Suitable for the office as much as weekend shopping adventures:-) It's love at first sight even though the bag was meant for the fairer gender (I did try on the men's soft briefcase which is similar in size, but the design seems too conversative for my taste).

I choose the caramel colour over the burgundy, black or brown version as I feel the gold hardware and this lighter colour is classic without being too conventional. Another important reason was the Prada plaque on the bag was in a unique cutout version (more subtle and interesting) instead of the usual triangular metal version. The construction of the bag at the base is also slightly different with a rolled leather rim around the base, which appears broader visually.

My only regret was I did not get the bag sooner. Hence, I had to pay like SGD $80 extra due to the rapid price increase by Prada lately:-( Fortunately, my VIP discount kick in to soften the impact.

They say Christmas is a time where wishes come true...well, now one of mine did:-)

Happy Prada Christmas!

Retail price: SGD $2490. Where to buy: Prada Boutique at Paragon Shopping Mall