My Shoe Collection #47

Céline Laced Flat Sandals

Ever since Phoebe Philo helms the creative director role at Céline, the brand has taken leaps into the new millennium of power dressing, in a neutral, minimalist way which took the fashion world by storm. Everyone's mimicking the Phoebe Philo's Céline look. Devoid of frilly details, Phoebe's collections somewhat steers into masculine feminine territory and some pieces are even suitable for guys.

That is the reason why I decided to get this pair of Céline Lace Flat Sandals (from the Spring Summer 2010 collection) when it goes on 50% sale recently. I found another pair from Ann Demeulemeester which closely resembles the design but in a more severe manner (with more lace loops and metal eyelets), which I equally like. However, in the end, I got the Céline's pair since the Ann D. version can be found nowhere.

Wear it with shorts and it's an interesting footwear that adds a touch of urban warrior in you.

Source: myMANybags, Fashionsnap

Where to buy: Céline Boutique at Takashimaya, Singapore

Inspiration Tuesday...

Inspiration Tuesday: 'Dark Aspirations'

I am inspired by this guy's simple style, a mix of formal, informal... rough edge with some elements of refined men's dressing. Blazer with black skinny jeans, destroyed tee underneath and combat boots. But for Singapore's hot weather version, I would do it with a pair of gorgeous Ann Demeulemeester 'Bondage' style strap sandals while adding some luxe factor with Hermès Collier De Chien in exotic Ombre Lizard. Of course, all is set and ready to go with the ever style worthy Givenchy Pandora Bag... (the full look which I have done a sketch to illustrate:-p)

Source: Ann Demeulemeester, Hermès, Givenchy, Easy Fashion

Thrift Or Splurge #02

Below: Ann Demeulemeester vs...

Below: ...fast fashion Zara

High Cut Military Boots: Zara vs Ann Demeulemeester

Zara Black Military Leather Boots (SGD $229)

Ann Demeulemeester Black Military Leather Boots (Eur 730 or Approx. SGD $1500)

Strut the high roller walk or tread on the fast fashion path? Which one will you get?

I actually liked the Zara version better as it is less heavy and cumbersome on the soles.

(Oooh...come to think of it, I can use the money saved on the boots to get me that LV Stephen Sprouse leopard print stole ?!?!?! Ingenious shopping plan eh?:-P)

Source: Zara, Farfetch

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

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

My MANy Bags Lookbook #08

Sci-Fi Dandy

I like things in a dichotomy:-) As the saying goes, opposites attract. Opposing ends of things can sometimes create the most interesting of thoughts and ideas. So many different looks are created each season by the varied talents of designers, each coming up with different concept direction, some opting for a contemporary approach while some relied on references to the past. Hence, for this edition of My MANy Bags Lookbook, I played on the idea of things old/classic and modern/new coming together.

I envision a Victorian dandy made relevant in modern day context. A classic looking 'Victorian' shirt with a ribbon tie by Burberry Prorsum, matched with Neil Barrett's very cool grey wool vest with built-in suspenders and Ann Demeulemeester's cumberband belt...elements that are reminiscent of gentlemen's dressing from the good old days. So where does the modern references come in? Well, in the form of metallic skinny jeans by Dior Homme and sci-fi looking footwear befitting of a moonwalk by Common Projects.

Time for some Dandy Moonwalk...:-P

Source: Luisaviaroma, Antonioli, Aloha Rag

My Shopping Conquest #81

Below: FedEx is here, all the way from Hawaii!

Below: It's from Aloha Rag!

Below: and from Ann Demeulemeester!

Below: None other than the gorgeous Rosette Broche!

Below: In black with white stripe details on the ribbon...

attached are a bunch of interesting small bells!

Below: As seen on the runway for Fall Winter 2009...love the styling of this look!

Below: Ready to be pinned on my blazer...with my new John Lawrence Sullivan

White T-shirt..it's soft and interesting typographical print on the front!

Below: Now you can buy the up and coming Japanese label, John Lawrence Sullivan's

pieces from TANG+CO

Ann Demeulemeester Rosette Broche In Black

I am now a fan of Ms Ann Demeulemeester! I used to not appreciate her design aesthetics and even found them impractical, weird and overpriced. But as fashion could change as fast as a snap of a finger, my taste evolved over the last few months and I start to adore Ann Demeulemeester's pieces more and more! Perhaps the limited distribution all over the world and especially in Singapore, makes owning something from the brand a novelty. Don't we all like exclusivity?:-P

After the quirky Hand Beaded Beetle Brooches I purchased recently from On Pedder, Singapore:-P)...I fell in love with her new Fall Winter 2009 Rosette Broche in Black Stripe Ribbon. I featured it in one of my lookbook post and that is when I see the potential of this accessory adding a elegant touch of an Edwardian gentlemen to my blazers:-)(See the runway pic!)

I first spotted in on www.luisaviaroma.com, but it sold out fast before I was able to get around buying. I had hesitated because of the high shipping charges from the website. But thankfully, I found out another online retailer, Aloha Rag stocks the rosette as well, at an even cheaper price and most importantly lower shipping cost.

I cannot 'afford' to miss it a second time...so without anymore delays, I ordered it right away. Despite delays from security checks and travelling long distances all the way from Honolulu, it finally arrived at my doorstep this afternoon. (Delivery date was supposed to be 27 Jul 09!).

I was full of excitement and anticipation:-) Fortunately,the rosette did not disappoint. It's beautifully crafted and the bunch of small bells are especially cute and unique:-) Highly recommended.

One item down from my Winter Knight Lookbook...6 more to go!:-P

Source: Aloha Rag, www.men.style.com

Retail price: US $90. Where to buy: Aloha Rag

My MANy Bags Lookbook #07

College Cool

Inspired by the 'school bag' style of Proenza Schouler's ultra cool PS1 bag...I have come up with an outfit that reflects college chic in winter. Think Harvard or Cambridge University in the fall.

Tweed jacket and wooly combinations are essential for insulating against the cold, but I have paired Burberry Prorsum's carrot leg wool pants with Ann Demeulemeester 'biker' style buckled leather trainers for some edginess. By tucking in the pant legs into the trainers, it will achieved an equestrian riding look but in a more contemporary and 'bad boy' way:-)

Marc By Marc Jacobs 'fingerless' gloves lends an air of nonchalance while DSquared2's checkered shirt and YSL's croc embossed leather belt adds to the mood of traditional college elegance from college boys of yesteryear.

Source: Luisaviaroma, Burberry, Antonioli, Colette, Matches Fashion

My MANy Bags Lookbook #06

'Winter Knight' In The City

For this edition of myMANYbags lookbook, the look I am going for is strong and bold...befitting a modern knight in his armor of chic fitted DSquared2 jacket, Lanvin tall boots and amazingly chic Ann Demeulemeester woven fringe scarf. Looking sharp and ever ready to brave the cold winter nights in the city...military inspirations from yesteryears, his medal of 'chivalry' in the form of Ann Demeulemeester's ribbon pin:-)

I can't wait for winter to do layering, and of course the holidays that's going to follow:-) Perhaps London? Perhaps Switzerland? I am excited.

See my other lookbook posts here:-)

Source: Luisaviaroma, Antonioli, Lanvin

My MANy Bags Sales Updates #29

Browns Fashion Sale Starts 18 June 09!

Just got news that Browns Fashion, one of the most exciting luxury retailers in London will be starting their end of season sales tommorrow, 18 June 2009!

Take advantage of UK's lower prices for luxury brands, VAT exemption for overseas orders and a weaker GBP exchange rate to grab sought-after labels such as Lanvin, Ann Demeulemeester, Junya Watanabe, Number Nine, Balenciaga and many more! They stock menswear as well as womenswear. So ladies this time you are not left out! Browns Fashion also ships internationally:-)

Here's my top picks for the sale....oh gosh, how am I going to save any money if sale information keeps 'bombarding' me! Temptations, temptations...

Prices are before sale discounts. (I presume they will range from 30% to 40% off). Click here to go to the website.

1) Lanvin Ruched Details Blazer - £1235. The ruched detailing is ingenious, the material luxurious and they use actual horn buttons. This warrants the high price. And if you can find one your size at a sale...grab it!


2) Lanvin Nylon Purple Trainers- £300. The best time to buy the expensive Lanvin trainers is during a sale:-) This purple one is unique and adds colour to your outfit without being overpowering.


3) Number (N)ine Cardigan With Pocket Detail- £530. I got this at Club 21 Mens but in another lovely brown colour. 50% silk, 50% cashmere...soft to the skin and drapes fluidly over your body. Intricate details such as the silk pockets on the waistline and pointelle detail on the cuff of the long sleeves are beautiful and unique!


4) Number (N)ine Jacquard Shorts- £670. Perfect match with the above cardigan, classic take on cropped trosusers:-) The buckle detail on the back is interesting as does the eye catching blue pocket trim.




5) Junya Watanabe Reversible Blazer- £690. Two styles in one blazer! Both looks are cool:-)


6) YSL Tweed Jacket- £1235. You can never go wrong with YSL. It's elegant and timeless chic. Love the trim on the colours and pockets.


7) Ann Demeulemeester Cardigan- £375. Slouchy and nonchalant, comfortable and stylish for summer.

8) Ann Demeulemeester Sandals With Ankle Tie and Toe Loop- £250. One of the most eye catching sandal designs for this season. Looks great with shorts or cropped pants.


Source: www.brownsfashion.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

My Shopping Conquest #73

Below: 'Treasures' to be hunted in 'On Pedder'!

Below: My first Ann Demeulemeester purchase!

Below: Ready to let the 'bug' of the bag...

Below: 'Bug' attack!

Below: Hand crafted with black crystal beads!

Below: Amazing handwork...'Ugly' but adorable...:-P

Below: Fabulous on my blazer!

Below: I first got the silver colour and then exchanged it for the black...
silver does look more outstanding. I prefer understated...perhaps a small version in silver?

Below: www.couturelab.com sells a set in big and small sizes as well...

Below: Models on the Ann Demeulemeester Menswear Spring Summer 2009
wearing the cool brooch!

Ann Demeulemeester Large Hand Beaded
Black Beetle Brooch

Talk about chancing upon a shopping gem! First seen on Browns Fashion website (and I think it was so ugly, why did they bother making these) and later Marc posted a link on the comments section of this post about jacket corsage, I slowly grew to like these Ann Demeulemeester Large Hand Beaded Beetle Brooches (the name of the designer is such a mouthful!). The brooches were also prominently featured on her Spring Summer 2009 menswear runway show and that helps to affirm the attraction.

I was however too late to purchase these online. They were sold out on Browns Fashion and Aloha Rag's website. So I had to put it in the back of my mind.

So while making my rounds of weekend shopping - in the name of my blog (what a great excuse to shop!), I chanced upon the On Pedder sale. It was so discreet with no sale signages that I almost missed it until I counter check with a friend who is a regular at the store. I spotted some really nice bags and accessories in On Pedder. How could I have missed out on shopping in this mecca of accessories all this while. Although mostly stocking women's range, some pieces are definitely worth crossing the gender lines to buy them!

One of the most surprised and prized finds are the Ann Demeulemeester Hand Beaded Beetle Brooches! Thought forever lost to my shopping hunts, I was so surprised to find it here (On Pedder is a ladies shop), especially since these were from the men's collection. So I wonder why they were sold there in the first place. But definitely not a concern for me, I just know it was my day of shopping treasures found. Once I see these 'ugly' but adorable and glamourous beetle brooches, I knew they are to come home with me. The handwork is very intricate, and it is not perfect which shows these were not machine made. Every piece is slightly different and that is the charm of hand crafted pieces. Perfect on cardigans, tees and most of all, blazers, the brooches add interest to your outfit. Comes in black or silver colour with crystals to add sparkle and glamour.

It's a must buy for me, I first got the silver version but later exchanged it to the black. I feel the black is more understated and versatile. Black is also a runway accessory which makes it all the more drool worthy. This brooch is definitely a conversational piece as your friends might be mistaken that a real bug is crawling on you!

After my photoshoot today, I went to On Pedder again with the intention to get the smaller size beetle brooch as well. (I was attracted by the fashion editorial on my newly acquired Japanese fashion magazine, Popeye. There is a picture of the beetle brooch on a cardigan which is exceptionally quirky:-)) And such good luck again, it's official pre-sale at On Pedder! The beetle brooches are now at 30% discount and members get an extra 5% discount as well:-) So I grab the big (it's fated I should own this...) and small silver beetles all in one go!:-P 'Bug' attack anyone?

(BTW, my photoshoot with Paul Foster today was wonderful...he is a real eye candy and a good model who can pose well and easy to work with. What impressed me most is not only his looks but his humble attitude. Be sure to support him when his new TV show Polo Boys debuts in Singapore come Oct! Guys in swim trunks already makes this a must watched show!)

Retail price: SGD $200. Where to buy: On Pedder, Ngee Ann City