Gender Bender #62

Below: I love these Zara Spring Summer 2011 Narrow Leg Studio Trousers in some of the brightest and most stunning hues! Love this orange coloured version as modelled by one of my favourite models, Stella Tennant...

Below: I'd take one in each colour since the price of SGD89.90 is very affordable!

Below: I may even wear the pink one for some statement making moments...

Zara Narrow Leg Studio Trousers

I will have one pair in each of these stunning colours! Having tried and worn Zara's Narrow Leg Studio Trousers (my khaki coloured version goes with anything.. see my outfit pic from last Saturday)... I want these new Spring Summer 2011 versions. Although made for women, they fit the best for a slim guy like me. Roll the hem up and you got a preppy casual look in fabulous hues you can never find in mens collection. (Unless you count Jil Sander men's pricey versions... or Uniqlo ill fitting ones (at least to me)...

Below These may be women's trousers, but the cut is great for slim guys like myself... I own a Khaki coloured pair and I loved it, very comfy and not as tight as many may think! Rolled up the hem for a preppy casual look... (I am wearing a McQ Argyle Checks Cardigan Shirt, D&G Red Patent Leather Belt, Zara Khaki Trousers, Paul Smith Flower Embroidery Espadrilles, Céline Faux Python Bi-colour Leather Cabas with Gucci Racoon Tail Bag Charm)

Priced at only SGD$89.90... you cannot beat that price to get into the strong colour blocking trend for this new season. Especially love the orange pair! Need that!

Source: Zara

Gender Bender #61

Below: Innovatively designed gender bending shoes from Jil Sander's Fall Winter 2010 Women's Collection... Love the wrap around flap design and cut outs! A good candidate for replacing my Marni cut out shoes:-P


Below: My Marni cut out shoes which I love till death... need to find it's successor before it retires from 'over wearing'...

Jil Sander Fall Winter 2010 Cut Out Leather Shoes

I love my Marni cut out shoes. Love it so much that I am now paving the way for its retirement as a result of 'over-wearing'. To find its successor is real task, which I have embark since months ago. I had wanted Mihara Yasuhiro ankle wrap lace-ups as a potential replacement, but somehow it just lacks the refined appeal of my Marni pair. Mihara Yasuhiro's is more deliberate rough out look.

Thank goodness, I just spotted this pair of shoes from Jil Sander's Fall Winter 2010 Womens Collection which holds much promise. I just love with the cut out middle portion of the shoe with a wrap around flap extend from the base. Definitely unseen of and very interesting. The slip on design also means you can wear them without socks, another requirement for my Marni shoe replacement quest.

Hopefully these will be available at a bigger size at the Jil Sander Boutique at Hilton Hotel Singapore to fit my feet. I hereby invoke my 'Cinderella luck' to bless me to fit these shoes this coming fall season!:-P Wish me luck in ending my long 'replacing Marni shoe' hunt:-)

(BTW, those tall boots with the same design concept is equally appealing, love those die-cut and wrap around flap design again. I would want those too!)

Source: Jil Sander

Gender Bender #60

Below: Chanel Quilted Denim Sneakers, I am sure Mr Karl's 'boy muse', Baptiste Biabiconi will approve! (Click to enlarge pic for better details)

Chanel Quilter Denim Sneakers

If I am as blessed as 'Cinderella', then this shoe should be fit my feet:-) Who can ever resist a Chanel? I love this pair of Chanel Quilter Denim Sneakers from the Spring Summer 2010 Accessories Collection. The signature Chanel quilting effect is achieved with denim fabric which makes the shoe have a decadent, rough luxe look. Flat rubber sole, reminiscent of your comfy but less chic Converse shoes, this luxe version definitely get big nods for fashionistas who wants to flaunt their style statement even during off-time. I love it because it's Chanel. It's a versatile expensive footwear for shorts or running about town! Now what size does Chanel shoes run till? I know I would grab one if the size is right!

Retails for US$650.

Source: Chanel

Gender Bender #59

Stella McCartney Washed Canvas And Rope Belt

Summer time calls for some breezy sailing looks for lounging on the yacht while soaking in some sun and sea. And I found the perfect belt to round off your island hoping adventure with a touch of sophisticated glamour. This Stella McCartney Washed Canvas And Rope Belt in white and gold gets my vote:-) The white colour and rope material adds just the right touch for a nautical theme. The gold hardware splashes you with glamour befitting your luxurious yacht. Made for ladies, but guys call easily pull this off. At first glance, who would have guessed this is meant for ladies since the belt buckle is neutral in design and the belt spot a smart utilitarian look with no girly details.

I can see it matching perfectly with khaki pants and navy shorts. A refreshing break away from your conventional leather strap designs.

However, the belt is pricey considering it's all canvas and rope. And white canvas do get stained easily. But when you love something this much, can mere reasons like these deter you to purchase at all? I think not. At least not in my case:-P I want the belt... just need to find the $ which is always the most crucial reason on whether you make a successful shopping acquisition. Looking forward to the day when lady luck bless me with lottery wins and I can buy anything I like!:-) For now, I better work my butt off to make those $:-p

Source: Net-a-porter

Retail price: £264.09 (without VAT). Where to buy: Net-a-porter

Gender Bender #58

Below: I am tempted by this Céline Small Boston Bag... the leather has been treated to resemble canvas... and the interesting elongated zipper detail is very fresh. Truly a piece of arm candy. Comes in brown/black or grey/black combination too. (Price: SGD $2200)

Below: An interesting off-sided tote in white linen and navy leather, but fully lined with lambskin. Amazingly luxurious. (Price: £1400 at matchesfashion.com)

Below: Comes in tote format with a slim leather shoulder strap. Again, the zipper detail sold me the bag! (Approx. SGD $3000)

Below: Surprisingly, this leather version costs less than the linen counterpart... (Approx. SGD $2700)

Below: A soft leather shopper, devoid of unnecessary detailing, which is ideal for fuss free days. (Approx. SGD $1450)

Below: Full leather bowler bag perfect for light travelling or gym. (SGD $3600)

Below: For the first time, I covet a monogram bag:-P This jacquard canvas tote has handy shoulder strap and is the right size for carrying your daily belongings. (Approx. SGD $1560)

Below: This will be a good travel bag, a good change from the 'replica flooded' LV versions... I like the 2 side buckle straps, giving it a classic equestrain luggage look.

Céline Spring Summer 2010 Bags

Phoebe Philo's appointment for Céline was a welcome change for the established French fashion house. For Spring Summer 2010, Céline took on utilitarian chic, playing on masculine feminine ideas, and had once again wooed back the fashion media. I have raved about her highly coveted Spring Summer 2010 collection here before and I fancied her androgynous ready to wear pieces. More so especially for the new bags created under her new direction. The bag collection utilises simple shapes and details that balances elegance and contemporary designs. They look very neutral that even boys can be seen toting them.

Last Saturday while doing my rounds of 'Shopping research', I had the chance to fondle and admire the huge range of bags that have now taken its place at the Cèline boutiques both in Ngee Ann City and Isetan Scotts. In my opinion, the pureness and simplicity of the bags is a draw for fashion fans of the most discerning taste. Nothing over done, everything just right.

Most noteworthy is the range of totes and duffels made from leather that resembles canvas fabric at a distance, but you realised it was leather after you touched it. The handles had an interesting round disc shape at the ends where it attaches to the body of the bag. I am especially in awe with the clever use of zips as part of the design, where it is elongated and attaches itself to the sides or base of the bag with a turn lock for an original and clever detailing. The colour ways of navy/white or black and brown/grey is also neutral and works well with many colour themes of your wardrobe. The white and navy linen versions spots a fully lined lambskin interior which is highly luxurious.

And if I were to invest in a monogram bag (which I do not exactly count myself as a fan), I would choose Céline's range. Not yet 'flooded' in the market, it is more exclusive and had better designs than some of the other major brands. Simplicity is the key and Céline's monogram range does just that. I covet one of the tote bags with a shoulder strap. Lightweight and highly usable for everyday, it's the perfect companion for school, work or play. Best of all, pricing is affordable (approx. SGD $1560) and is something that you can be assured not everyone in Orchard road is using. The tote comes in a brown and canvas colourway which is very desirable.

I am excited to see Céline regaining interest under Phoebe Philo's creative vision. I really like how the brand has evolved now and look forward to seeing what's in store for Fall Winter 2010.

Here's my military themed shopping outfit over Sat:-) I did get that pair of military green jeans from Zara..
(Topman black cropped blazer, Zara Military Green T-shirt, HE By Mango Faux Snake Skin Belt, Marni Cutout Shoes, D&G Teddy Bear Necklace)

Source: Céline

Gender Bender #57

Alexander Wang Ines Oxford Leather Shoes

At first glance, I thought these were men's shoes. On second glance, I realised they were women's cos I notice the source site for the pics was Net-a-porter. These Alexander Wang Ines Oxfords look so androgynous that I have confidence any guy can pull them off, make a cool statement and yet not being mocked!!! :-P

The simple 'laceless' design, clean lines and black leather reveals no signs of femininity. Dress up or down, they seem to work in any occasion. But unlike any regular bloke's leather shoes, the heels are of such interesting sculptural design that gives the shoes an immediate boost to literally 'feet' art status! Ultra cool and indifferent, I expect lots of envious peers asking you where you got the shoes from.

Now the bad news, these women's Oxfords come in very small sizes. Size 40 is the largest and few guys can squeeze into that. Even if your feet is a men's 40, I highly doubt it will be the same as a women's size 40. I assume it will still be a tight fit.
Are there any shoe experts out there that can enlighten me whether if men's size 40 is similar or are they different to women's size 40?

Such a shoe candy to ogle over and yet not being able to fit... it's like dangling a carrot in front of a rabbit... the kind of 'helpless lust':-P

(BTW, all the online sites that I can track this shoe sold out for size 40 of this black leather pair...)

Source: Net-a-porter

Retail price: £344.26 (without VAT). Where to buy: Net-a-porter

Gender Bender #56

Marc By Marc Jacobs Colour Block Leather Envelope Clutch

Welcome back colours! It's nice to be visually rejuvenated with brighter hues after dull winters! So this Marc By Marc Jacobs clutch makes it to my want list for Spring Summer 2010. Colour blocking of Orange, Brown and Navy leather makes this a fun and cheerful arm companion for all the summer parties awaiting. Reminds me of cruise ships and sailors... Did I mention nautical themes are big this cruise season with Chanel leading the trend?

This clutch will be a good match for all the whites and stripes...

Made for ladies, look just as perfect for the boys. The snap button on the front resembles a nut and bolt hexagon shape... cute! Best of all, it's so affordable, it's almost a sin to let it 'sail away'!

Source: Net-a-porter

Retail price: £139.56 (Singapore price on the site). Where to buy: Net-a-porter

Gender Bender #55

Below: Click on pic to view the details...it's simply gorgeous exotic leather for the eyes...

Chloé Large Elsie Bag In Python

Another top handle bag makes its way to my drool list. Exotics are catching my eye these days (hold your rotten eggs PETA! I am just doing my part to help save the economy!), Ostrich, Python, Croc (dream leather!) are just the ultimate indulgence of luxury shopping.

Top handle 'school bag' styles are slowly gaining prominence in the handbag world. Proenza Schouler's PS1 bag, Mulberry's upcoming Alexa Bag and many more are seen on the arms of fashionable women and man alike. So I am drawn to this 'school bag' style Chloé Large Elsie Bag in Python with a stunning whisky colour. Lovely gold tone hardware, beautiful scales of the leather and 2 ways to carry the bag... makes this a useful bag for day or night.

Chloè is gaining back its momentum with the fashion crowd... the Paraty bag is an interesting creation, and this Elsie bag is quite a looker too.

Source: Chloé

Gender Bender #54

Below: Acne Jeans' new Spring Summer 2010 denim with metal plate accents... cool eh? I love this white version with the metal knee pads!

Below: Or the blue one with its 'armour' like metal plating...

Acne Jeans With Metal Plates Spring Summer 2010

Check out these cool skinny jeans from Swedish label, Acne Jeans! As their name suggests, the brand is synonymous with denim and has even collaborated with Lanvin for their denim line. So expectations are high now to see what Acne can come up with for their Spring Summer 2010 collection. Fortunately, they did not disappoint... :-P Cool metal plate accents are added to the upcoming denim offerings, reminiscent of Balenciaga's Sci-Fi aesthetics but yet not derivative. Fabulous! I wonder if I can squeeze into one... suddenly I am loving my 'skinny' legs.:-P I will go for the white one with the metal knee pads. The blue version might be too hard for guys to pull off... What do guys think?

Source: Acne Jeans

Gender Bender #53

Mulberry Oversized Eva Suede Clutch With Rivets

Ever since Emma Hill assume the role of creative director for Mulberry, I see Mulberry's bag designs taking on bolder styles and being edgier. There is definitely a sense of youthful exuberance thru the use of colours and detailing that turns the once classic brand more upbeat:-)

With the coming end of the year, and many parties and store openings of late, I am looking for more clutch bags to carry bare minimum and accentuate my outfits for these occasions. Since man clutches are a rising trend now, it is more acceptable for guys to pull off a clutch. Anyways, I do not care, it feels good to not be burdened by big bags when you go to parties.

I am 'scouting' now for new members to my clutch family. Out of vanity reasons, I do not want to be seen with my Balenciaga Autmone Giant Envelope Clutch at all parties, so a new addition is desperately in need:-P Out of my 'research' online lately, the new Mulberry Oversized Eva Suede Clutch With Rivets is an exceptionally good candidate to succeed my Balenciaga. It's flat and glamourous with the gold rivets and most importantly, no loud branding to scream like a fashion victim. I also adore the black suede which is resistant to dirt and it's a timeless colour that stays relevant all seasons. If it works (in my opinion for a guy), I think it will look even more fabulous for a girl!:-)

Santa Claus, you can add this to my wishlist for X'mas now:-) Thanks in advance!

Source: Mulberry, Net-a-porter

Retail price: £450. Where to buy: Mulberry

Gender Bender #52

Givenchy Spring Summer 2010 Pandora Bags

I knew it! Givenchy's Pandora bags from this season will make a recurrance for Spring Summer 2010 season:-) Such a well designed and unique shape for a bag is too good to waste on just one season:-) I am a huge fan. The medium size versions are perfect for a guy. Now I am lusting even more for the bag, especially seeing how Spring Summer 2010 will feature a 'ostrich claw' printed leather version (Unlikely to be real ostrich claw skin, I doubt real it is that big). It's still gorgeous even though it is not the real thing, the ash beige colour is simply divine:-)

I am however, not so sure about the optical print version.

What say you?

Source: Style.com

Gender Bender #51

Louis Vuitton 'Stephen Sprouse' Leopard Stole

Men and leopard prints usually do not mix too well. But this season leopard prints makes a glorious comeback and even infiltrates into men's styles, which is not exactly a bad thing. The pattern has a certain wild charm to spice up dull winter wardrobes. So to reaffirm myself guys can pull of a leopard print scarf, I found this picture online which showed a smart gentlemen wearing exactly that:-)

Not only is the scarf an instant exotic style boost, but the leopard print visual pattern also draws attention and gives focal point to the whole understated ensemble. The frayed fringing gives texture too. Like an accent piece of the wardrobe that makes everything else look more interesting.

Of course, to choose a timeless piece of leopard print scarf, the natural choice has to be the art infused, quirky, very luxurious Louis Vuitton 'Stephen Sprouse' Leopard Stole. Made from 70% cashmere, you couldn't treat yourself better than wrapping such a soft piece of scarf around your neck for cozy warm. So boyfriends, now's your turn to 'steal' that scarf from your girlfriend's closet should you happen to know she owns one! For the rest, go grab one for yourself at LV!

LVoe it.

Source: Modeman, Louis Vuitton

Retail price: US $715. Where to buy: Louis Vuitton

Gender Bender #50

Givenchy Medium Avenue Bag In Brown Distressed Leather

Givenchy has one of the most avant garde and interesting accessories collection for both men and women. Especially the women's shoes and bags which are simply so outstanding that many brands are mimicking and fashion editors are embracing their looks.

One of the recurring bag designs which works seamlessly as arm candy for women and as well as men, is the Givenchy Avenue Bag:-) This bag was first blogged about here a few months back, but it seems the huge size of the maxi version (50cm) did not go too well for the petite arms of ladies. (But, little do many men know, it fits seamlessly against a guy's build!) So this season, Givenchy offered us a medium size version of the Avenue Bag (at a 40cm width and 25cm height), perhaps to ensure the ladies will 'adopt' them:-P. It's an inbetween size for an oversize handbag and a medium size duffel bag. So the size is great to cater to both genders. The simple and edgy design helps in allowing this bag remain neutral. The cool bag features 2 rows of covered hardware on the front and back, gold tone chain link handles with a brass 'dog tag' zipper pull embossed with Givenchy's Paris address. I appreciate all these fine detailing and refreshing touches. The brown distressed version also add more charm and appeal to the already cool duffel style bag. (Comes in black too:-P)

All in all, a real arm candy, even for a guy!

Source: My Theresa

Retail price: €1.098,00. Where to buy: www.mytheresa.com

Gender Bender #49

Proenza Schouler Large PS1 Satchel In Chocolate Suede

Although I would have preferred a leather version in large size for the PS1 bag, this beauty in chocolate suede is equally stunning. I just wish www.net-a-porter.com will stock the black leather version in large format. I would have flash out my credit card in an instant.:-)

What I like about this bag is it is in a school bag style, slouchy and with multiple length of shoulder strap to carry the bag in different styles. It just gives out an effortless vibe which is the true ultimate in being fashionable. Drop dead gorgeous without even consciously trying. This bag brings you one step closer to that level:-P

Okay..maybe I am bias and exaggerating a bit.

Dimensions of the bag: 39cm (w) x 32cm (h) x 18cm (depth)

Check out my other post about the PS1 bag here and here.

Source: www.net-a-porter.com

Retail price: UK 1693.39 (why so much difference as compared to medium size!).
Where to buy: www.net-a-porter.com