My MANy Bags Trendspotting #133

Below: Tom boys invade Spring Summer 2011 Womens' collections.
As seen at Balenciaga, street inspired versions...

Below: Tom boys as seen on DSquared2...power looks as straight out of the boardroom.

Below: Tom boys in a sporty way as seen on Isabel Marant... Girls want to play on 'boy's league':-P

Below: Since girls are 'stealing' men's style...boys have to 'fight' back:-P... How about some 'skirt-like' parka at Raf Simons... (This model seriously have me guessing his gender at first glance.)

Below: More skirts, anyone?

Below: White lace shirts at Givenchy...fit for a 'bride'...

Below: Skirts again...

Below: Sexy sheer underwear at Jean Paul Gaultier... male lingerie?

Below: Male or female?!?!? (Jean Paul Gaultier)

Spring Summer 2011: Gender Confused?

The 'Tomboys' are marching in full force! Girls ransacked the boy's closet while guys start looking like a 'girl'. Some are wearing lace shirts, some braved skirts and others get on some sheer underwear...

What on earth has happened in Fashion come Spring Summer 2011? Gender confused it may be but this is what makes fashion so fascinating:-P

Source: Style

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

My MANy Bags Lookbook #04

Fall Inspirations

For next season, I am inspired by Japanese label, Julius and the concept of pairing longer tops with shorter blazers (I just got my Raf Simons Ruched Back Blazer tailored again to become slimmer). Something darker and melancholic for winter, edited to suit me:-). Slim and trim with strong accessories such as the weird Pierre Hardy Open Toe Shoes and Givenchy's Chain Trim Duffle bag. It's time to get tough and 'creepy' (Ann Demeulemeester's Beetle Brooch does the trick!) for colder, harsher weather:-P

Source: Julius, Givenchy

The Material Boy #256

Raf Simons Show Sandals

For guys who want fashion that could come from many light years in the future, only one name can proudly proclaim their innovation and out of the world design: RAF SIMONS.

I applaud Mr Simons take on men's sandals for Spring Summer 2009...this could be what modern day gladiators will wear if there were ever a movie doing a take on futuristic warriors, ala Blade Runner style.

High paneled leather sides gives a winged look (Hermes, the god, not the brand, of the future would be proud!), elastic bands to ensure a perfect fit, sleek cleans lines for an almost architectural design all makes this sandals one of a kind. Definitely for the style innovators, people who leads rather than follow. But make sure you ready £479 in order to lead the fashion pack.

Retail price: UK 479 pounds. Where to buy: www.oki-ni.com

The Material Boy #131

Raf Simons Show Style Bag

Hmm, I could not make up my mind if I like this Raf Simons Show Style bag or not. On one hand I love the use of materials other than your usual leather and canvas for bags, and on the other hand, the design is not exactly fresh and new to make it worth buying.

However, one thing is for sure, I love the marble textured effect on the bag. That I have to admit is very interesting and unique. The black and grey colour scheme also makes it very fall winter season.

This weekend 'holdall-style' bag is made from heavy duty woollen felt(I applaud Raf Simons for experimenting with more unique materials) and leather. It features a middle zip compartment if you want more security and 2 side open ones for easy access of your bag contents. The roomy bag also has a leather base with metal stud feet to minimise abrasion.

I leave it to you guys to figure if this bag is something you would fall in love with:-) or not.

Retail price: UK 889 pounds. Where to buy: www.oki-ni.com

My Shoe Collection #30

Raf By Raf Simons Dip Dye White Hi Tops

Yet again another purchase which I got after I blog it on 'The Material Boy' section:-) It seems Blackjack by Club 21 stocks this pair of cool canvas sneakers so I grab the chance to own it during the Club 21 sale. I was lucky, I got the one of the last 2 pairs available in store, what's left now is size 39, which is very petite for a guy. This pair of sneakers is cut very small...so you should up a size if you intend to buy. I chose the dip dye version over the grey nylon version as it has more personality. The worn look is just interesting, the dye effect is even applied on the shoe laces and the round brand label on the sides. I also like the plastic 'Raf' tab on the laces and the rubber tab on the back. Loved it, loved it...it's time to retire my white converse shoes!:-P

After 37% discount, I paid SGD $214. A good price:-)

(BTW, Raf by Raf Simons is a less pricey diffusion line of Raf Simons brand)

Retail price: SGD $339. Where to buy: Blackjack at Forum, The Shopping Mall

My Shopping Report Card #02

My 'Spring Summer 2008 End Of Season Sales' Shopping Report Card...Part Deux

Finally Club 21 will be marking down their spring summer merchandise this week. Starting Thursday with preview sale. :-) Lucky me, I got a even earlier 'preview' from some of my favourite stores and I was able to get the stuff I really liked before the actual preview sale starts:-)

Here's the list I amassed today (Top to bottom):

1) Raf Simons Black Ruched Blazer
(Gorgeous blazer with such interesting ruching details on the back. Very smart and timeless becos of the black colour. Pending alteration to shorten and tighten sleeve to make it an even better fit!)
- SGD $1133.37 (30% off $1799, plus 10% off sale price)

2) DSquared2 Purple 'Fuel Injection' Polo Tee
(I got this polo as this will be the last season Club 21 will be stocking DSquared2. I always love D2's tops as they fit me really well even when I am slim. We in Singapore will have to go thru fall winter season without D2 as the new retailer will only set up shop for SS 2009. Hence, I grab the polo when I can.:-) It sells out very fast as usual, especially during sale. And Singapore's F1 racing is fast approaching..so most appropriate to get into the speed racing frenzy! :-P)
- SGD $263.97 (30% off $419, plus 10% off sale price)

3) DSquared2 Motorsport Themed Necklace
(This necklace has cute motorsport icons. And it's in a dog tag style. Furthermore, with 3 tags on a single chain, I can choose which one to mix and match:-) This looks really cool with tees! And I love jewellery!)
- SGD $188.37 (30% off $299, plus 10% off sale price)

4) D&G Audacious Fit Grey Skinny Jeans
(Sale time is best to stock up on jeans. I have too many pairs of jeans...so paying full price is not necessary anymore. Hence, if there is a good fit at a great price, I will get jeans. This grey coloured skinny fit jeans is so slim I had to get a size up from my usual waistline!)
- SGD $358.47 (30% off $569, plus 10% off sale price)

5) D&G White Front Pocket Shorts
(I love white shorts. They go with everything and is nonchalant in style. This pair of tailored shorts has front pockets with zippers, sort of like a hybrid of tailored styles and cargo shorts:-) Works great with tees and sandals!)
- SGD $339.57 (30% off $539, plus 10% off sale price)

6) D&G Black And White Silk/Cotton Long Sleeve Shirt With Contrasting Trim
(I was not really convinced when the SA try to recommend me this shirt. I was skeptical about the busy print. But he insist that I try it on as it looks different when worn. And he was right, what is lacking shelf appeal looks great on a body! The slim fit and the contrasting black and white satin trimmings makes this very interesting. London mod style? It's cool. And the silk and cotton fabric is light weight and comfortable. I just fell in love with it!)
- SGD $484.47 (30% off $769, plus 10% off sale price)

(To top off the sale purchases, D&G is using a limited edition shopping bag for purchase of 3 items or more. It's flower print on actual canvas...so you can reuse it as a nice tote for simple casual weekend around town or beach.:-) A new free bag for me?:-P)

Overall Score: 9/10

I think this time I have done really well. Only setback is that I have to alter my Raf Simons jacket. The jacket fits perfect on the body, just a bit too long for the sleeve. It's one size up from what I usually wear..but the very slim cut makes it perfect for me, except the sleeves. The alteration alone will cost me SGD$50 for the shortening and SGD$20 more for narrowing the sleeve. Grrr...it's expensive!

The Material Boy #88

Raf Simons 'Astronaut' High Sandals

Oh my gosh! Check out these cool sandals from Raf Simons again! I was never a fan of his 'lego' block sandals but now after seeing this pair, I am a huge fan! The patent black colour, plus the clever usage of canvas straps with some cool ankle pads just makes it one of a kind and to die for! WOW!

I don't think you will be able to find many people who will own this pair of sandals. It will be super unique for sure considering how huge a price tag it carries. Be prepared to pay US $1250 for this pair of baby.

I love it:-P Modern gladiator style. Amazing! Well done, Raf Simons, once again!

Retail price: US $1250. Where to buy: www.sevennewyork.com

The Material Boy #87

Raf Simons Dip Dye White Hi Top Sneakers

I know I have been giving a lot of spotlight for Raf Simons. But bear with me. Seems his work is resonating with me a lot this season. I love these white hi tops, as it is basic and yet there is something that sets them apart from the rest of the white sneakers. The fantastic idea of doing a dip dye to get a contrasting pattern is ingenious! Not only is it an interesting treament, but Raf Simons paid attention to get the laces dyed as well! This is the kind of detailing that I looked out for which sets the shoes apart from others. I am liking it a lot!

I have seen these sneakers in the local Blackjack store, and will want to get these when it goes on sale! Woohoo! Can't wait!

Retail price: US $243.14. Where to buy: www.diabro.net

The Material Boy #86

Raf Simons/Linda Farrow Aviator Sunglasses

Check out these cool shades! After being exposed to the sun in Indonesia for the past 10 days, I realised how important sunglasses are. Not to mention how they 'contribute' in making you look better and cooler in photos:-) And it's a perfect match to my Jil Sander patent grey leather sandals:-P

The brains behind this cool shades is Raf Simons. Yes again, I am featuring his work. Seems he did so many things right for Spring Summer 2008. This hotshot designer of the moment is working his magic again in another collaboration with Linda Farrow. Crafted in a molded style, the shades exudes space age, 'retro' chic. I also love the nice subtle cool gray colour. Made in limited numbers, this will be a very coveted pair of sunglasses. If the design does not appeal enough to you to buy them, at least knowing you will be wearing Raf Simons should be more than suffice to justify the purchase.:-)

Retail price: UK 165 pounds. Where to buy: www.oki-ni.com

The Material Boy #83

Raf Simons Eastpak Oversized Backpack

Following the footsteps of Adidas, Puma, Converse, here's the latest collaboration between a common street brand and a high profile designer. This time we see our long time school bag favourite Eastpak partnering with the ingenious Raf Simons (who did wonders at Jil Sander). Released under Raf Simon's own label, this birth child of both parties are a hot, constant runway feature on Raf Simons spring summer 2008 menswear collection. It seems the boys of Raf Simons is heavily infused with the theme of travelling and adventure. Backpacker style meets atypical innovative fabrics often matched with the highly coveted 'lego-block' sandals. And on the back of these carefree travellers are the Raf Simons/Eastpak backpack. It is offered in a variety of colours and styles.

The particular style I am recommending is all white. Raf Simons injected his ingenuity in a otherwise plain backpack and introduced a shotgun hole effect running throughout the fabric of the bag. Done in huge sizes, around three times that of a standard Eastpak backpack, it easily pass off as a travel bag for those mountain or 'rough' it out weekend trips:-) But I wonder if I will go hiking with such a pricey bag:-) Yes, the bag is not cheap. Collaboration is lucrative. A Midas touch from a famous designer could hike up demand and brand profile but most importantly pricing as well. You will be expected to pay 10 times more than a usual backpack from Eastpak. I guess transforming from common street label to cult label will see Eastpak reaping huge rewards from this gig with Raf Simons. Wonder what astronomical figures Raf Simons is billing Eastpak to get his name associated with the brand:-)

Retail price: UK 319 pounds. Where to buy: www.oki-ni.com