My MANy Bags Trendspotting #161

Below: Like an undertow, nautical themes are following strongly behind the major colour blocking trends of Spring Summer 2011...

Below: Do not get too literal on all sailor dressing, be creative and get ready to surprise with colours, proportions and clashing patterns...

Nautical Themes For Spring Summer 2011

Like an undertow, following 'silently' behind the major Colour Blocking frenzy of Spring Summer 2011, nautical themes are also a 'must-watch' for this season. Just look at the amount of bold stripes and sailor themes taking a 'supporting role' amongst the colour blocking leads of many major runway shows. From Prada, Jil Sander, Junya Watanabe to Marc By Marc Jacobs... fun in the high seas of the fashion world is evident.

However, do not get too literal and dress all sailor... chose bright colours for your stripes (yellows, oranges etc instead of navy), clash it with patterns (such as Prada mis-matching stripes with tropical motifs) and play with unexpected proportions (such as Jil Sander's stripe maxi dress). As for accessories, wear lace-ups and brogues with your nautical ensembles instead of deck shoes and add sparingly some nautical elements such as anchor motif belts and stripey furs. Whatever it is, be ready to surprise and get creative instead of being predictable.

Start sailing for a colourful Summer 2011! I need a vacation already:-)

(More looks from the major runways featuring Nautical Themes on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoyed this post:-P)

Source: Style, ASOS

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #160

Below: Zara's website has now a dedicated Street style section showcasing real people wearing Zara! Love this new source of inspiration:-P Colours are in the spotlight right now...

Below: Boys and girls can all play with colours for SS2011!

Real People Inspirations: Zara Street Styles

Fashion runway shows served as inspirations for ongoing trends and new ideas. But when it comes to actually purchasing the pieces to create the looks, not many regular folks can fork up those huge price tags. Fortunately, fast fashion chains like Zara and Topshop is here to save the day! Thanks to them, fashion fans all over the world can enjoy personal expression of style without breaking the bank.

I am sure at some point in time, each and every one of us (who loves fashion) will own something from Zara. It's the go to place for trend-forward pieces at more 'humanly attainable' prices. Zara has recognised their indispensable status in many wardrobes around the world and created a dedicated Streetstyle section (Titled 'PEOPLE!') on their website! (Click here)

It's about time:-) Another source of fashion inspiration! After browsing, I spotted these great looks on real people wearing Zara. How about some colour inspiration for today? Let's all wear some colours this summer, from red to orange to green and fuchsia. Be happy, be bold, be on cue for warmer days!

More Zara streetstyle looks on my facebook fanpage. Enjoy! (Remember to 'Like' my Facebook fan page if you like my post:-P)

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Want to see yourself featured on Zara's website and be rewarded with €300? Here's how:-P

Source: Zara

My Bag Collection #59

Below: It's Friday... time to share my latest bag addition. Guess who I choose this time? Well... It's none other than my favourite bag brand of the moment... Céline!

Below: I love my new Céline Cabas Linen Stripe, the 'raw' quality is what gives the bag so much personality and appeal:-) The mundane made luxurious always finds a place in my fancies:-P

Below: The fashion spread in April issue of Vogue Nippon seals the deal for me. The red and blue colour allows the Cabas to work for nautical styles. Think white and Breton stripe tees... chic!

Céline Spring 2011 Cabas Linen Stripe

The feeling of finally owning something you want so badly is beyond words can described. So you can imagine my excitement to welcome this new bag to my bag family! I have blabbered about my love for this Spring 2011 Céline Cabas Linen Stripe for a couple of months now. Finally over last Sunday, I decided to put my 'waiting misery' to rest once and for all...and got myself this 'prized bag' for the season! It's definitely Happy New Bag to me!

The Cabas Linen Stripe may resemble a gunny sack... but it is this 'mundane inspiration turned luxurious' that gives this version of the Céline Cabas so much more personality. The frayed edges and the contrast of fabric with soft lambskin are beyond words to describe in tactile appeal.

I will carry this with my colour blocking ensemble (as per my lastest lookbook post) or simply shorts and tees (summer time wardrobes) any day. I am also excited at the possibility of pinning different brooches and bag charms to the fabric body... like a blank canvas waiting to be decorated. Will be fun. I am very inspired by the bag.

Beyond the design, I love the bag as it is light and slouchy. Carry and throw around with a 'devil may care' attitude... feel effortless.

YAY For Céline!

(PS. this cabas was featured in the April issue of Vogue Nippon... Nautical style:-) In a way, very french with the red and blue stripes:-P)

Source: myMANybags

The Material Boy #449

Below: Mr Porter has some great new arrivals this week... love the influx of colour and bold patterns
for a cheery summer style!

Mr Porter New Arrivals: Thursday Shopping Finds

New stocks have arrived at www.mrporter.com... and this week, I am really pleased and tempted by the selections! Colours colours and stripes+stripes, you get the idea of what I like!:-P

I am so tempted to get everything, from the bright teal Jil Sander trousers to the very affordable PS By Paul Smith Yellow Burnished Leather Belt (Only £79! Has a contrasting colour belt loop which I adore!). Marc By Marc Jacobs' selections are so noteworthy with bold colourful stripes or even that polka dot shirt!

(Check out my Club 21 Press Day report on Marc By Marc Jacobs selections here too! Singapore fans can shop Marc By Marc Jacobs menswear at the flagship store, Mandarin Gallery, Orchard Road)

LOVE:-) Good job in providing some Thursday Shopping Inspiration, Mr Porter:-) Give your buyers a pat in the back.

Source: Mr Porter

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #207

Below: YSL's SS2011 Mens Accessories are a hit and miss... the bags are some of the most boring and (dare I say) most hideous? The saving grace comes from the shoes and small accessories... love the trainers and bracelets!

Below: I love the croc print leather trainers in tan colour!

Below: Partial perforation as a design detail? Still looking good on the shoes:-) The high tops is my favourite:-)

Below: Thick wedge soles are a key trend for footwear this SS2011... YSL has many designs incorporating this trend from sandals to leather shoes...

Below: The double tour bracelet with a Y clasp is still one of my favourites... now even more so in off-white:-)

YSL Spring Summer 2011 Mens Bags, Shoes And Accessories

What do you think of YSL's latest collection of mens' accessories? I cannot help but be disappointed by the bags. There isn't any surprises for the mens' range anymore. Many designs are merely being reworked from past seasons and the new ones are nothing worth going gaga about. The new textured bag with chain and a huge YSL insignia could earn a place amongst the most hideous bags ever made for men. In comparison, the blue nylon Hamptons Tote fares so much better, although the style has long passed its desirable shelf life. YSL needs new blood to design the bags, it has been going downhill since the longest time.

Beyond the negative bags collection, the saving grace thankfully comes from their shoes and small accessories. Trainers are looking good with sporty but refine designs. Love the pair of high tops in beige and brown with all those panelling designs.

If you have been looking for an alternative to Prada's Espadrilles Brogues (since too many people have them now), how about YSL's interpretation in dark brown and black?

The croc print leather trainers in tan colour is looking promising too, combining exotic appeal with sporty attitudes. The light blue pair with perforation details are also perfect for summer days.

YSL SS2011 Mens Accessories: Yay or nay for you?

(More pics on my facebook fanpage. Remember to support my fanpage by ‘LIKING’ if you enjoy my posts:-)

Source: YSL

The Material Boy #448

Below: New fab bag alert! 3.1 Phillip Lim's K.C. Leather Satchel is one gorgeous bag to covet! Love the masculine feminine school boy bag design... which is all the rage now in fashion:-P

Below: 3.1 Phillip Lim's K.C. Leather Satchel features zipper sides like those on Céline's Leather Cabas! Even more fabulous when you add a chain to the zipper pulls like the pic above:-)

3.1 Phillip Lim K.C. Leather Satchel

Fab bag alert! If you are having an overdose of Céline's highly sought after Luggage Tote, how about a new style that can be a match for Céline's masculine feminine appeal? 3.1 Phillip Lim's K.C. Leather Satchel is here for the 'rescue'...

I love the K.C. leather satchel in bright green, with it's zipper sides and push lock closure. The bag is structured in shape and even features a shoulder strap for hands free days! Love the way the bag looks so effortless when the zipper sides are down... attached a chain (not included) on the zipper pulls and the bag becomes even more fabulous!

Net-a-porter stocks the black version for £646.56 here. I love it! 3.1 Phillip Lim is getting better and better each season:-P (This bag is also available at 3.1 Phillip Lim store at Hilton Hotel, Singapore. Price at SGD1510.)

Source: Garance Dore (for the Green bag pic), Net-a-porter, 3.1 Phillip Lim

The Material Boy #447

Below: Want Hermès Collier De Chien (all silver version) style for less? Here's my shopping find for the day! I want!

Kenneth Jay Lane Gunmetal Pyramid Cuff vs. Hermès Sterling Silver Collier De Chien

If you have been lusting over the all silver version of Hermès Collier De Chien... but could not afford to part with over SGD4000 for it... here's the 'recessionista' version.

Spotted this Kenneth Jay Lane Gunmetal Pyramid Cuff which gives a flavour of Hermés' design... looks fab with the huge single square stud. Best of all, the price tag of £80.85 (w/o UK VAT) is simply unbeatable!

Grabs yours here at Net-a-porter! I want...

(More excuses to get this... Free international shipping at Net-a-porter till March 20!)

Source: Net-a-porter, Hermès

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #158

Below: Yu Masui wears Christian Louboutin's Leopard Haircalf Studded Rollerball!

Yu Masui And His Christian Louboutin Leopard Haircalf Studded Rollerball

On par with Bryanboy with his quirky and adventurous dress sense... Yu Masui a Japanese fashion chameleon whose outrageous personal styles are always show stopping during Fashion weeks. He wore his big bright orange fur coat during the recent Fall Winter 2011 Womens fashion week. A statement making ensemble like this can only be done justice by Christian Louboutin's Leopard Haircalf Studded Rollerball. Love those shoes! As Bryanboy would put it... Fierce!

Who wants a pair?!?!

Source: Stockholm Streetstyle, Christian Louboutin

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #206

Below: Colour block with Zara this March! Love this yellow V-neck sweater!

Below: Yves Klein blue anyone?

Below: Accent your outfits with some colours! Green sweater... I want too!

Colour Blocking With Zara

You have to give credit to fast fashion chains for catching on each season's hottest trends as soon as the demand creates it. For March, Zara offers a lookbook filled with promising pieces just in time to let guys colour block their way thru Spring Summer 2011, ala Jil Sander and Prada style.

Love all those coloured cotton V-neck sweaters and jeans in yellow, green and blue. Of course, the colour Yves Klein blue (which I 'trendspotted' on my blog yesterday) which lends a strong accent to any outfits for summer! Colour colour colour, if you have been 'colour blind' in your wardrobe for the longest time, Zara is a great start to stock up on strong hues this season.

I need that Yves Klein Blue and yellow sweater, that red jeans and those coloured belts! Zara shopping is impending this weekend.

More pics on my Facebook fanpage here.

Source: Zara

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #157

Below: The hottest blue for Spring Summer 2011... feeling blue has never been so uplifting!

Below: Yves Klein blue and all those hues inbetween makes a strong statement both in mens and womens Spring Summer 2011 collections!

Spring Summer 2011 Colour Story: Yves Klein Blue And Those Blues Inbetween...

In 1961, French artist Yves Klein created his artwork based on Monochrome abstraction—the use of one color over an entire canvas— a strategy adopted by many painters wishing to challenge expectations of what an image can and should represent.

He worked with a chemist to develop his own particular brand of blue. Made from pure color pigment and a binding medium, it is called International Klein Blue. Klein adopted this hue as a means of representing his own particular Utopian vision of the world.

Fast forward to Spring Summer 2011, Yves Klein's 'Utopian vision of blue' landed in abundance on the fashion runways across Milan and Paris. Yves Klein blue and all those hues inbetween are the must-watched colour for this season. Prada, Jil Sander, Pringle of Scotland, Mulberry all uses Yves Klein's blue to some extent in their collections. It's one of the most striking hues to adopt if you want to ride on the colour blocking trend. I love this colour! Bright and striking, definitely for the guy or gal who wants some attention.

For once, feeling 'blue' has never been so uplifting!

Source: Style

My Bag Collection #58

Below: New Pierre Hardy Shopping for Spring Summer 2011! Love my new clutch!

Below: This season, the cube pattern is in khaki,light blue and black printed on uncoated canvas with black leather trim and lining...

Below: Added my Gucci fox tail bag charm for a Céline Prefall 2011 Look! Love!

Below: The Pierre Hardy pouch seen on the arms of fashionable men during the recent Fall Winter 2011 Mens fashion week... The size is perfect!

Below: This spring summer 2011, the cube pattern also appeared on totes (Sold in Club 21 Mens, Four Seasons Hotel - SGD1490 (Khaki version) or Studiohomme for € 645.00 as shown in pic below) besides pouches...

Pierre Hardy Cube Pattern Canvas Pouch

I am a fan of clutches and folios. And recently I just added the 6th clutch bag to my collection! Balenciaga, Lanvin and Pierre Hardy are top choices, due to their perfect size for guys.

And this time, another of Pierre Hardy's amazing cube pattern designs but in light blue, black and khaki from this Spring Summer 2011 season. The canvas is uncoated for SS2011 and is trimmed with black calf leather. I already have a red leather trim coated canvas version, and it proved to be handy, being able to hold just the right amount for a party or a nice afternoon lunch appointment. What's more... after getting obsessed with Céline's Prefall 2011 Fox tail bag charm for their leather pouches... I did my own version on my new Pierre Hardy Cube Pattern Canvas Pouch with a Gucci fox tail:-P

So chic! (The pouch is available at Club 21 Mens, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore)

Source: myMANybags, Céline

The Material Boy #446

Below: Hermès Thales Bracelet has been featured in the latest Fall Winter 2011 collection! Now I am putting this black and silver version on my shopping list:-P

Hermès Thales Bracelet Featured On Hermès Fall Winter 2011 Runway Show

I want the Hermès Thales Bracelet in black and silver... new Hermès creative director, Christopher Lemaire has style one of the looks for his Fall Winter 2011 collection with this favourite accessory of mine!

I have the gold and brown version, but now I want it in silver & black too!

I am in love:-P This will definitely be on my next Hermès shopping list:-)

Source: Style, Hermès

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #205

Below: Here's a look at the upcoming Jil Sander Fall Winter 2011 Mens Accessories when amazingly Spring Summer 2011 has barely started... early bird gets the worm, start planning your Fall Winter purchases already!:-) Love these coloured felt pouches and bags. Felt seems to be favoured not only by Jil Sander but also Fendi Fall Winter 2011 (as totes!)

Jil Sander Fall Winter 2011 Mens Accessories

We are barely into Spring Summer 2011 season and now thanks to the power of internet, I am able to share pictures of Fall Winter 2011 collections. And no, not runway pics from www.style.com. But pics of upcoming accessories from Jil Sander Fall Winter 2011 Mens Collection.

Fall Winter's accessories collection seems to be a continuation of Jil Sander's strong colour themes from Spring Summer 2011. But now translated for autumn winter season with more tactile materials. Yellow is a key colour appearing in many bags and pouches. But felt seems to be a material that will play an important role for the collection, even used on suits for the ready to wear.

I love the fuschia pouches and folios (with a zipped leather front pouch). Well, if you have to go for colour, choose the strongest most eye popping hue for maximum impact! The shoes are also of noteworthy interest, especially the tall boots. They seem to be Siamese twins of loafers and boots... adjoining 2 classic mens shoe designs into a refreshing hybrid! Same for those lace-ups and loafer styles:-P Clever! Love the forest green colour too which is unusual for mens footwear.

Jil Sander is definitely getting back its groove, all thanks to continuing collections of originality and outstanding concepts by Raf Simons. I welcome this new attention given to the brand once again.

See more pics of the NEW collection on my Facebook Fan Page. Show your support by liking my page:-P

Source: Jil Sander

My Shoe Collection #52

Below: Meet my new shoe love... Christian Louboutin Rantus Orlato Pony Multi-Stripe Trainers... my studded Freddy Flats have a 'mate' now!:-P

Below: I welcome a Christian Louboutin brown shoe box anyday!

Below: Love the graphic B&W houndstooth and zig zag patterns printed on haircalf leather while being trimmed with eye popping red patent leather piping:-) Jazzy cool!

Below: Back view of these beauties... always wanted to own a pair of Rantus shoes from Christian Louboutin... now my wish is fulfilled!

Below: Metal cutout of Christian Louboutin branding...

Below: Seems the highly popular french brand's shoes are not made by the french, but Italians...

Christian Louboutin Rantus Orlato Pony Multi-Stripe Trainers

Every fashion fan dreams of wearing some red soles any day. Yes, Christian Louboutin shoes are like holy grail shoes for luxury shoe enthusiasts. Everyone wants one pair. With the launch of a mens collection, guys have joined in the lusting for Christian Louboutin shoes as much as their female counterparts.

I am one of them. And I want one pair. No make that 2 now:-)

Yes, welcome my second pair of Louboutins after my beloved studded Freddy Flats. Meet my new Christian Louboutin Rantus Orlato Pony Multi-Stripe Trainers, acquired during my recent Bangkok trip in mid January. (Never expect myself to locate a pair in the land of smiles since there were no Christian Louboutin boutiques in Bangkok! Cloud 9, a multi-label store in Gaysorn Plaza stocks a small selection of Louboutins.)

Love the contrasting black & white houndstooth and zig zag patterns, all trimmed with red patent leather piping for a striking pop of colour. Snappy and graphic, it's eye catching in a monotone way. The haircalf material also adds a lush and tactile appeal while softening the street edge of these highly coveted shoes.

I am in shoe heaven! Shoe treat yay!:-)

Source: myMANybags

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #204

Below: New faces for Burberry's March 2011 Advertising Campaign: Tali Lennox (daughter of Annie Lennox) and Tara Ferry, son of singer, songwriter, Bryan Ferry

Burberry Unveils New Ad Campaign For March 2011 - Burberry Exotic Icons

Spring Summer 2011 season presses on. Yet another new month has arrived and Burberry unveils new advertising campaign images, this time featuring March couple, Tali Lennox and Tara Ferry. If you have sensed that their family names bears some familarity, you are right. Well, both came from celebrity origins, Tali being the daughter of Annie Lennox and Tara being the son of Bryan Ferry (an English singer, musician, and songwriter).

This is a continuation of Burberry's dynamic campaign with new content and cast members each month. This monthly theme is Burberry Exotic Icons and this is the first big ad campaign for both Tara and Tali!

Enjoy more campaign imagery with many exotic bags and accessories on my facebook fan page:-) Snake skins are in!




Source: Burberry

The Material Boy #445

Below: Brogues are huge right now with all the stylish men attending recent Fashion Week... spotted on so many guys! I love this pair of Church's Bi-coloured Leather Brogues now on sale at Mr Porter!

Below: 'Jazz up' any outfit with these black and white brogues!

Below: Brogues are the heroes for Fashion Week dressing... from New York to Milan to Paris... guys are embracing this shoe design. Be it Prada's quirky super hot thicked soled espadrilles brogues (sold out in many Prada stores all over the world)...

Below: Or classic ones with wooden soles but crafted in the most unusual and refreshing of colours...

Below: To the conventional brown ones befitting a true gentlemen... Brogues are huge! I want a pair:-)

Church's Bi-colour Leather Brogues

If you have observed the stylish men attending recent fashion weeks (from Fall Winter 2011 mens to the recent womens fashion season in major fashion cities), you will notice that a lot of guys are getting back to classic dandy dressing. And brogues is their footwear of choice. Be it Prada's super hot thicked soled espadrilles versions or classic ones with wooden soles such as those from famed English shoe maker, Church. These shoes are now a must have if you want to be a modern dandy!

You might think Church's is an old man's brand and not something befitting a younger and more adventurous fashion male... think thrice! I just found this pair of super chic and fun Church's Bi-Colour Mens Brogues on MR PORTER. I love the bi-colour (Black and white) designs and the slightly thicker contrast rubber soles. This is comparative to Prada's creepers version, but less quirky and more timeless. They simply exude a jazzy charm which is fun and never conservative.

I am in love. Now I need to find that £241 (excluding UK VAT) to send this lovely dandy companion my way. Anyone, just buy something from my bag sale blog so I get the $$$! Haha:-P

Meanwhile, grab yours at MR PORTER now... I forsee these flying off the 'online' racks fast!

(Fashion trivia: Church may be English...but it's owned by Prada Group. You can be sure the brand is definitely heading into the new millenia while retaining it's traditional and sartorial roots:-P)

Source: Mr Porter, GQ

The Material Boy #444

Below: Coloured jeans are a great way to get on the colour blocking trend for Spring Summer 2011. Shown below are Zara's SS2011 lookbook featuring coloured jeans from orange to yellow to reds (SGD 89.90)! I love this first look with a light blue stripe L/S sweater... Nautical colour blocking?

Below: Notice the colourful bandana on his wrist? Use your colourful Hermès twilly for the same but more luxurious effect!

Below: Topman has nice colours and the most flattering slim cuts too! Prices from USD80...

Coloured Jeans And Pants For Spring Summer 2011

Time to welcome colours into your wardrobe. Colour blocking is a must for this Spring Summer 2011 season, be it for boys or girls:-)

I am now crazy and 'craving' some coloured jeans/pants, the brighter the better. Need to have that extra visual zest for summer's dressing.

Who else to turn to for slim fitted mens coloured jeans than our most affable and affordable Zara and Topman! At least these fast fashion brands are quick to latch onto the colour frenzy this summer (all thanks to Jil Sander and Prada SS2011!). Shame on those mens brands that shy away from colour and keeps men clad in just the usual dull tones. Boring!

Wear them with basics, rolled up the helm (for a more upbeat look)...let the colours come forth to enhance your style quotient. Wear with trainers or lace-ups... anything goes! I want an orange pair!

Priced from SGD 89.90 onwards, these Zara and Topman coloured jeans/pants gets u ahead of the fashion curve, excite your summer wardrobe while safely keeping your bank account intact. There can be no better win win situation. Of course, if you have a bigger budget, go for the real high fashion versions from Jil Sander (they are gorgeously neon and not for the faint hearted). But I'd stick to my fast fashion ones.

Need to hunt these down!

Source: Zara, Topman