Great Minds Think Alike #06

Below: Gucci Menswear Fall Winter 2009/2010

Below: Burberry Prosum Fall Winter 2006/2007

Gucci Fall Winter 2009/2010 vs Burberry Prorsum Fall Winter 2006

Leopard print sweater a 'Gucci' comeback?:-P Even the styling feels similar.

Source: www.men.style.com

My Bag Collection #27

Burberry Prosum Patent Black Leather Mesh Tote (SOLD)

Time to resume posting about my bag collection after such a long hiatus:-) This time, featuring my beloved Burberry Prosum Black Patent Leather Mesh Tote from Fall Winter collection 2006/2007. To be honest, this was one of the my favourite Burberry Prosum collections. It is very wearable and features great pieces with interesting detailing. I got a mustard coloured v-neck sweater with brass studs lining the neckline and also of course, this gorgeous huge tote which is an interesting take on the signature Burberry checks.

I first saw this on the anniversary exhibition in Paragon Shopping Mall. It was displayed there with lots of the seasonal pieces and immediately caught my eye when I saw it. Made of patent leather and mesh material with a detachable fabric layer(Burberry checks fabric), it features gold hardware and purple lining which makes it very luxurious in design. This bag is trans-seasonal and can past off as a fall winter or spring summer bag. I was surprised that this tote made it to the fall winter collections as totes are so spring summer. The deep colour combinations made it suitable for the winter season. It looks perfect on a guy as seen on the runway pic.

I got this at a 10% discount as the SA told me he can get me this discount if I buy it during the exhibition by using my Citibank credit card. I went home to sleep over my decision to buy or not buy and once I have set my heart to buy the bag, I immediately head down to the shop the next day to bring this baby home:-)

Retail price: Approx SGD $1660. Where to buy: Burberry Boutique at Paragon

The Material Boy #77

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Woven Tote With Front Leather Trim

This is probably the closest alternative you can get if you want a Bottega Veneta cabat tote and cannot afford it. I would not consider the version with flat leather strap handles close as rolled handles look so much more luxurious and comfortable to carry.

I am amazed at the price difference between this lovely tote to the cabat. Probably becos the cabat has dual layer intrecciato woven leather which makes it more challenging and time consuming to produce. But nevertheless, this more affordable version looks no less luxurious than its more expensive counterpart. Originally introduced in the fall winter 2006 men's collection, this woven tote bag has now made it on the staple range of bags from Bottega Veneta. It has been reincarnated in a variety of colours from chocolate brown to beige and also this lovely tan brown colour. The tote bag comes in 2 different sizes, the larger one of course looks more appealing as I am a 'big bags' kinda guy. The front and back of the bag is decorated with complimentary coloured leather trims which gives an interesting detailing. I also love the woven leather handles which looks so luxurious.

This is a bag that oozes sophistication without screaming with a huge brand label. I am looking forward to owning this bag in the very near future. Buying from Europe will of course save me big bucks!

Retail price: From US $2580. Where to buy: Bottega Veneta Boutique at Paragon

My Bag Collection #07

Miu Miu Large Leather Tote (SOLD)

This is a huge leather tote in a rich dark brown colour. Belongs to fall winter collection 2006/2007, a Miu Miu season where the clothing is hideous, but the accessories are the only redeeming designs for that collection. Love the matt brass hardware and the lock detailing. Cushioned handles makes this bag very comfortable to carry it on the shoulders:-)

One drawback is all this leather and hardware makes this bag heavy. and the worst of all, the brass hardware gets rusty amidst the humid Singapore weather.

BTW, I got this bag with a 20% discount as Club 21 Men's had a promotion.

Retail price: SGD $2339. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel