My MANy Bags Trendspotting #141

Below: Finally a model carrying the Prada Saffiano Leather Double Zip Executive Tote... this is one of the best Prada bags ever! Love the simple and luxurious design:-)

Below: I got mine in Caramel colour last X'mas... still loved it so much:-)

Prada Saffiano Leather Double Zip Executive Tote

It's been almost a year (last year's x'mas time) since I got this Prada Saffiano Leather Double Zip Executive Tote. Have not seen any pics of real fashionistas carrying the bag (Although hers seemed to be without zippers)... but now I found one, and it is on the arms of gorgeous model, Sophie Srej!

I named this my 'Prada-kin'... as the luxe feel and design give me a sense of the Hermès Birkin. At least until I bag an actual Birkin.

Time to dig out this Prada bag this weekend:-)

Source: Stockholm Streetstyle

My Shopping Conquest #108

Below: Net-a-porter has the best packaging for online shopping! Almost like receiving a gift for oneself:-P

Below: 'Mr Hatman' has arrived! Fly to the moon!:-P

Below: My new metal disc belt from Isabel Marant! Have been trying to locate a metal belt fit for jeans ever since I miss out on Balmain's Fall Winter 2009 version...

Below: Works great with dark denim... and very lightweight to wear or bring along while travelling:-P

Below: The galvanised silver brass lends a more casual glamour style rather than polished metal versions:-P

Below: Managed to shorten the belt myself! Now it fits perfect!

Below: This belt is widely featured in Isabel Marant's Fall Winter 2010 runway looks...

Below: A great alternative to Balmain Homme's Fall Winter 2009 metal chain version...

Isabel Marant Fall Winter 2010 Silver Tone Disc Belt

I had been searching for a silver metal belt, like that from Balmain Homme Fall Winter 2009 (see pic above), that worked as well with jeans as does pants. Alas, I was cheapskate and did not want to pay the full retail at Club 21 Mens, Four Seasons Hotel then. The belt was sold out before the end of seasons sale and I lost my chance to own that. So this Fall Winter 2010 season, when I saw Isabel Marant's version of the silver metal belt on www.net-a-porter.com (unfortunately Blackjack in Singapore do not stock this belt), part leather and part galvanised brass, I knew it will make a great alternative to the Balmain version (my Gucci version somehow seems too formal so that do not count).

I placed my order and the belt arrived hassle free with Net-a-porter's speedy delivery a couple of weeks back. I had originally wanted to return the belt as it was still too long for me despite being the smallest size available. Fortunately, I found a way to dislodge the connecting metal discs and successfully DIY and shorten the belt to my size! Kudos to a bit of 'desperation induced' thinking. Love the glamour and bling when worn with dark denim, and it's light to bring abroad too!

Retail price: £286.86 (approx. SGD 602). Where to buy: www.net-a-porter.com

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #114

Below: Camouflage print... my current obsession. Be a standout, wear Camouflage this spring summer season! Love his suit jacket and matching tie...

Below: American designer Michael Bastian has been proposing this masculine pattern for his Spring Summer 2010 collection...

Below: And real guys are wholeheartedly embracing the 'tough luxe' look...

Below: And Michael Bastian's introduction of this military pattern juxtaposing with sartorial wear dates back to his Fall Winter 2009 collection... Camouflage shorts with blazer looks are spotted in the recent Milan Spring Summer 2011 Menswear Fashion Week...

Below: The 'fashionising' of the camouflage print has propagated the adoption of this unique tough/luxe mix by many guys for Spring Summer 2010 season. (Runway pic from Michael Bastian's Fall Winter 2009 collection)

Stand Out In Camouflage Prints...

Military uniforms, the epitome of masculine expression, are not exactly a fresh concept for high fashion. High fashion has always been intrigued and inspired by military garments' functionality and details. Each season, we see hints of the military in different quantities and interpretations. For this Spring Summer season, Camouflage prints has risen to the 'ranks of trends' alongside the olive green hue. Originally created with practical reasons to hide soldiers from enemy eyes, it has now become a big standout fashion statement.

The current 'fashionising' of the camouflage print started when Michael Bastian introduced the pairing of aforementioned patterned pieces with sartorial wear (way back in Fall 2009), creating a unique balance of toughness and refinement. Tough luxe has now crept into the closets of many fashion savvy men as evident in the abundant looks spotted with this military pattern over Milan's Spring Summer 2011 Mens Fashion Week.

Ironically, the camouflage pattern originally intended to mask the wearer to their environment has now become an eye catching fashion statement where everyone takes notice.

I need this camouflage hunting jacket with elbow patch from Michael Bastian. And yes, that matching tie will be welcome any day even if Singapore's weather might mean you sweat like a sauna wrapping up your neck. I am obsessed with the look now. NEED!

Below: Mr. Wooster, Men's Fashion Director for Neiman Marcus effortlessly pulling off his Michael Bastian camouflage jacket with a matching tie... I need to hunt down a similar one soon!

Source: All the pretty birds, Style, GQ by Tommy Ton

My Shopping Conquest #104

Below: Who doesn't fall for an object of beauty, especially when it comes in an orange box?:-P

Below: Peek-a-boo! Something shiny peeking thru...

Below: It's my new Hermès Thales Bracelet... love the half leather and half gold palladium hardware design. Stunning and yet understated...

Below: Professional pics for better colour representation...

Below: Comes in black and silver Palladium hardware too...

Hermes Thales Bracelet In Veau Chamonix And Gold Palladium Hardware

An accidental purchase of pure love... all thanks to my friend Mervyn for graciously letting me have the opportunity to own this Hermès beauty... the 2009 Hermès Thales Bracelet in Veau Chamonix and Gold Palladium hardware. Dun you love the half leather and half palladium design? One of the best looking cuffs I have encountered. More understated than Collier De Chien, but equally outstanding with the huge hardware. The one and only piece in Singapore at the time I bought this... such a rare find. Perfect wrist candy for those glamourous nights out, or maybe fend off some 'bullets' like fabulous Wonder Woman?!?!?

Now where is my matching lasso and star spangled underwear?

(Comes in silver hardware as well.)

Retail price: SGD $1150. Where to buy: Hermès Boutique at Liat Tower

Great Minds Think Alike #22

Below: Hot heels from the recent Versace Fall Winter 2010 Women's Show...

Below: Those shoes from Versace.... a 'Dejavu' from Fendi's Fall Winter 2009 collection...

Versace vs. Fendi Boots-heels

I cannot help but notice the similarity in design for those killer looking shoes in these 2 collections. Versace's latest offering from Fall Winter 2010 and Fendi for Fall Winter 2009. These heels with the tall leather harness around the legs is another Great Minds Think Alike?

Source: Style

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #82

Men In Milan

Real guys in real time. Shot recently at Milan Men's Fashion Week, by one of my favourite street style photographer, All the pretty birds, here's 3 shots of guys wearing their distinctively different coats. Each with their personal style.

The first guy spots a brown 'clay-like' textured coat and he pairs them with his acid wash jeans. An interesting combination of textures that compliments each other. U wonder if they are deliberate or it's just his flair for matching. Nonetheless, the result is one that is refreshing, and imbued with his personality.

I love the coat on the middle guy. Devoid of pockets and other details, it has a minimal appeal where less speaks volumes. The small button that is visible becomes a focal point that gets my attention:-) All these finished with a pair of cool Lanvin Sneakers.

The last guy's rounded shoulder coat reminds me of Balenciaga. But in a way more down to earth. Real guys do pull off runway looks with their own interpretation:-)

Source: All the pretty birds

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #76

Below: Usher flaunting the ultra cool '2in1' Tom Ford Pablo Sunglasses... 2 styles in one sunglasses!

Below: 2 sets of interchangeable lens for 2 different styles...

Below: Brad Pitt looking suave in Tom Ford Pablo Sunglasses in another configuration...

Brad Pitt and Usher In Tom Ford Pablo '2 in 1' Aviator Sunglasses

I blogged and craze about these lovely sunglasses a while back. And today, I found 2 celebrities' pics flaunting these shades. Mr Hunkalicious Brad Pitt and ultra cool dude, Usher both wore Tom Ford's Pablo Sunglasses in its 2 different configurations respectively. How could you not love Mr Ford's design when it looked 2X this stylish!

Source: Eye Goodies

Thrift Or Splurge #03

Below: Military Green Scarf... Would you 'Balmain' at € 210.00? or...

Below: Zara at SGD $39.90 (aaprox. € 19.00)...

Below: Me with my newly acquired Zara scarf...

Military Green Scarf: Zara vs. Balmain

I rarely am able to buy anything from Zara's sale. Not only because it's always a mess with no clue on where they keep the sizes but also, by the time I am aware of the sale, all the good stuff have flown off the racks. To be honest, the non substantial discount is also not encouraging me to brave the crowds for Zara's sale.

So I was surprised when I found this Zara Military Green Scarf beckoning to me yesterday on my casual visit to Liat Towers store before my appointment to sell a bag. I remembered seeing something similar from Balmain at lusiaviaroma.com but I can never bring myself to buy a plain scarf for that price of € 210.00. However, for more than 10 times less the amount, I am surely able to grab this Zara version. I paid only SGD $39.90 or approx. € 19 (markdown from SDG $49.90), how's that for some 'Balmain-esque' without breaking the piggy bank?:-P I know I am happy! The viscose material though not exactly luxurious, feels so soft and lightweight. And the frayed fringed adds a rough edge when you wear it.

What about you, die hard Balmain fans? Will you defect from the original and go for something cheaper? Or stay loyal no matter at what 'costs'?

(Last note: I am in no way promoting luisaviaroma.com and earning a cut from featuring them constantly on my blog. You hear about them more here because they are the ones who has plenty of new Spring Summer 2010 collection pictures online from my favourite brands. So naturally, as a responsible netizen, when I use their pics, I have to credit them back.:-) I operate an independent blog with no advertising revenues. All time and effort involved are the sole contribution and resources of yours truly. No help, no sponsors, no freebies (although I dun mind! Hehe. But that will not deter me from speaking my mind and curating what I feel I want to feature:-P My blogging principle is feature what I like. What I dun like I seldom will bother to talk about it. It's a waste of time and energy for something negative.)

Source: www.luisaviaroma.com

My Shopping Conquest #99: Bangkok Mall 'Loot'!

Below: 1st Bangkok shopping conquest... Balenciaga!


Below: Peekaboo...it's another women's Balenciaga Stretch Cotton Skinny Denim since they fit so well and the cut is great!

Below: In a khaki olive colour that is perfect for Spring Summer 2010's military chic!

Below: As sold on www.matchesfashion.com, also at 50% off!

Below: Fits great! Not too skinny to look ridiculous!

Below: Shopping loot #2...from Thai label, 27 Friday!

Below: A unique grey cotton blazer with interesting 'dotty' patchwork details! very unique with limited pieces made:-P

Below: The back also feature the 'tone on tone' patchwork dots.. I love it! Kinda Comme Des Garcons... but with it's own flavour:-P

Below: A unique grey cotton blazer with interesting 'dotty' patchwork details! Limited pieces are made:-P

Below: Shopping find #3...from Greyhound's End of Season sale:-P The headlines on the sale shopping bag is cute:-)

Below: Will you seriously do this?!?!?

Below: It's a drapy looking asymmetric v-neck t-shirt in deep green. Looks fabulous under a black blazer, the draping effect creates a design of it's own:-)

Bangkok Mall Finds! (Balenciaga Cotton Stretch Skinny Denim + 27 Friday Grey Patchwork Blazer + Greyhound Asymmetric V-Neck T-shirt)

A wonderful and eventful past 2 days, meeting up old friends, checking into my favourite Bangkok hotel, Le Meridien Bangkok, wine and dine at Bamboo Chic, lounging by the hotel pool with a cute new friend and last of all a education and yet fun thai cooking class at Blue Elephant.. WOW... I think I did more than I would have in Singapore. Talk about restful vacation, it's non existent in a city like Bangkok. But I am happy. Especially with my very memorable morning with my cute new friend:-) If you are reading this, you know how much I enjoy the short time we spend:-P

So after much delay, I finally had time to compile my pictures for my shopping finds on Monday! Shopping excitement to get unique and interesting pieces:-)

First up, another Balenciaga pants from the fairer gender to add to my wardrobe. The fit is great, the fabric is comfortable and lightweight while price is at 50% off ...how can I resist. Welcome my new pair of Balenciaga Cotton Stretch Skinny Denim. I love the Khaki Olive colour which is military chic for the coming Spring Summer season!

Another most surprising find is this wonderfully quirky and special '27 Friday' Grey Blazer with Patchwork Details. Quite understated while being eye catching, the blazer has a fitted cut, gorgeous to touch lightweight fabrication and interesting tone on tone fabric patches all over the blazer! Definitely not something you can track down anywhere in shops easily! So I had to buy this very limited release piece since I am a blazer fan:-)

Lastly, the draping look is getting my interest these days. Something along the lines of Rick Owens, Damir Doma or Julius. So when I saw this Greyhound Asymmetric V-neck T-shirt with unusual displaced seams, it was love at first sight. The soft fabric drapes beautifully on the body, creating a design by itself and the green colour adds a punch of visual impact to any outfit.

Tommorrow is new year's eve...so wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Le Meridien Bangkok is having wonderful new year's celebration menus from THB 5500 for 2 inclusive of a bottle of Moët and Chandon. I think it's such great value for new year's eve celebration at such a cool hotel! So if you are in Thailand.. this is excellent to spend new year's eve!:-)

Retail price:
1) Balenciaga Stretch Cotton Skinny Denim - THB 13500 (50% off now!)
2) 27 Friday Grey Patchwork Blazer - THB 4950
3) Greyhound Deep Green Asymmetric V-neck T-shirt - THB 1095 (40% off now!)

Where to buy:
1) Balenciaga Boutique at Siam Paragon, Bangkok
2) 27 Friday and Greyhound Boutique at Siam Center, Bangkok