The Material Boy #93

Louis Vuitton Red Tobago Keepall 50

I was browsing thru a fellow blogger's blogsite yesterday when I spotted this amazing Louis Vuitton bag he got during his recent trip to Geneva. I was drooling when I caught a glimpse of this beautiful red leather keepall. I have been hunting for a red bag for a while now and this bag is just pure luxury and very eye catching, fitting my requirements for a red bag. It's a simple design with white stitching details and accentuated with gold hardware. The gold and red combination is exceptionally brilliant. Very roomy and crafted with soft cowhide leather, the Tobago Keepall is slouchy and unstructured which makes it comfortable to carry around. Some guys might prefer bags that holds its shape, but in this duffel bag style, I would prefer a soft, unstructured look.

Although this bag is from a couple of seasons back, the design is timeless. Since Louis Vuitton do not manufacture this range of bags anymore, you will be owning a limited edition bag if you managed to find them. This thought will make you treasure this bag even more:-). Joseph (he is the lucky owner of this bag), if you are reading this, I am drooling and envious now! hahaha. Lucky you to get this last piece in the Geneva store!

One little setback for the bag is that it is without any internal pockets. Wonder why the designers at Louis Vuitton left out the internal pockets. Pockets helps to hold smaller items such as keys and wallets and will keep the bag more organised. Nevertheless, a small setback that is easily forgotten since the bag just looks beautiful.

Lastly, I have to mention the free personalisation service that LV offers on bags with a luggage tag. I love it that Joseph has his initials hot stamp in gold on the tag which makes it so exclusive, like you are branding the bag with a piece of you.:-P I would definitely want to do that if I ever buy a LV bag with luggage tags.

All in all, good eye and good buy for Joseph!

Retail price: CHF 2510. Where to buy: Louis Vuitton Boutique in Geneva

My Shoe Collection #26

Paul Smith Canvas/Suede Leopard Print Hi-Cut Sneakers

It takes a 'brave' man to wear pink, more so for shoes and even more for shoes with leopard spot prints and tribal motifs. I dun know why I got this pair of sneakers. Maybe I was in a 'pink' mood when I acquired them. They do look fabulous on the feet and works well with jeans and even pin stripe pants for a dapper look. That said, these have been in the shoe box for a while now. I wonder when I will be 'brave' enough to take these out for a spin in town. I think soon. I feel I am ready to 'paint' the town 'pink'. Hahaha.

Made of canvas fabric and suede with brogue style detailing, it's English chic given a high street twist. Paul Smith sure knows how to have fun with his designs.

Retail price: SGD $399. Where to buy: Paul Smith Counter at Isetan Wisma Atria

My Bag Collection #26

Mulberry/Kim Jones White Pebbled Leather Sling Bag (SOLD)

White bags are a hard bunch to maintain. It picks up dirt easily and can demand a lot of maintenance. I seldom would want to get white bags unless I am attracted to the bag because of its design or most importantly, price:-)

Hence, when I had a chance to own this Sling bag by Mulberry and Kim Jones (a collaboration), I grab at it. The bag was a steal at 50% discount! The leather was beautiful. I was crazy about Mulberry at that point in time and I love the perforated shoulder strap. The bag is functional and easy and lightweight to carry around on casual weekends. All these reasons make this bag a must-have! I never expected Kim Jones and Mulberry to be doing a collaboration. The design features interesting zip details and a front pocket that has the bag tag as a zipper pull. A great summer look and timeless bag.

Retail price: SGD $1200. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens At Four Seasons Hotel

My Shoe Collection #25

Marni White Leather Sandals

I have adored Marni since 2006. The first time I notice this brand was when I saw a beautiful white bag in Club 21 Mens but miss out on getting that as I was hesitant. When I wanted the bag a day later, it was sold. So I had to find an alternative to owning my first Marni piece. Hence, when I first lay eyes upon this pair of sandals, I am totally won over by the soft off-white colour and the interesting double strap design. The sole of the sandal was padded so comfort was a huge draw as well. Works perfectly for summer looks and hence, out flashes the mighty credit card and this is how I got my first Marni piece into my wardrobe:-P

Retail price: SGD $539. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel

My Shopping Conquest #03

Jil Sander Khaki Coloured Canvas 'Graffiti' Belt

It is here again...The Bargain Hunter's event of the year...the Club 21 Bazaar Sale for 2008. As an avid shopaholic, of course I have to make my appearance even if it means ransacking heaps of past season designer goods, fighting with other 'competitors' to dig out that coveted piece or braving mile long queues just to pay up. Having said that, I usually end up with nothing. Hahaha. I either cannot find my size, cannot find what I like...or the mess is too overwhelming that I lack patience. But on Saturday, I drop by Hilton Hotel to try my luck again and guess what, it seems I finally found something that I like and bought it in my first Bazaar sale shopping conquest! Hurray!

This Jil Sander canvas belt with a silver textured metal buckle and 'graffiti' prints was my proud conquest. I just happened onto the belt lying there sadly on one of the racks and I grabbed it, alongside a Dries Van Noten white silver sequined shirt(which was too big for me and I have to give it up. No point buying things that dun fit even if it is so cheap). I thought to myself, wow... I never thought Jil Sander ever did a 'grunge/street' look. This belt was from Spring Summer 2006, before Raf Simons officially took over the design reins, and propel it to the next level of popularity.

This canvas belt is lightweight which is perfect for travelling. And it matches jeans or pants(as shown on the runway pic) and my usual casual look. But what is most tempting, is the hefty 74% discount on the belt. Originally retailing for SGD $269, I paid only $70. Yeah, it's past season..but what the heck. I like it..and that is all that matters. The silver textured metal buckle was unique and I had to have it:-)

Retail price: SGD $269. Where to buy: Club 21 Bazaar Sale at Hilton Hotel (Now over)

My Shoe Collection #20

Bottega Veneta Lizard Skin Sandals

I immediately love this pair of Bottega Veneta lizard skin sandals the moment it got featured as a must-buy from a menswear buyer in www.men.style.com. I had already own the crocodile version and thought this lizard version was even better looking. The same design principles have been applied for this lizard variant, crafted with real lizard skin and imprinting a lizard illustration on the soles.

I got this pair of sandals just before Chinese New Year a few years back(2006). Got it exchange once as I bought size 40 which was too small. Despite the inconvenience, I am always pleased about this purchase. Have admired it for many months, yet still have not gotten to wearing it. One thing is for sure, this pair of sandals feels way much more comfortable with softer leather as compared to the dreadful and painful crocodile version.

BTW, this design is no longer available. And prices have increased for sandals in this range.

Retail price: Approx. SGD $640. Where to buy: Bottega Veneta Boutique at Takashimaya

My Bag Collection #23 (FOR SALE)

Mulberry Piccadilly Bag (FOR SALE: Email me to enquire)

A classic design from the english brand Mulberry. The Piccadilly bag is a big brother of the women's Bayswater bag. In a huge size, suitable for a weekend getaway or gym, the Piccadilly bag is positioned as a men's bag more than the women's range. I love the simple, fuss free design. A 'Mulberry' engraved brass turn-lock closure is the only hardware you see on the exterior of the bag.

Over the years, Piccadilly bag has undergone a few makeovers in terms of colours and textures. The recent colour scheme includes chocolate, oak and the timeless black. Now, there is even croc embossed leather to choose from. However, what I own is in an apple green colour. Bought during sale time a few years back in Club 21 Mens before Mulberry even got its own boutique at Hilton hotel. Now, you will not be able to find this colour on the shelves anymore.

The apple green is a bright cheery colour and the vegetable dying technique will aged the bag and change the colour over time. Now my bag has matured into a yellowish apple green which gives it even more character. I was skeptical at first when I wanted to buy this green coloured bag but after pondering a bit further, you don't get man bags in such a hue often, so I grab the chance to own it.

Retail price: SGD $2400. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel

My Shoe Collection #19

Paul Smith Baby Blue Canvas 'Brogue' Sneakers

Paul Smith always surprises me with quirky takes on classic designs. There is always a nice surprise element that gets you fascinated on the most normal of items. This pair of sneakers is a 'grunge' take on your classic leather brogues (a very English style). Fashioned in a cheery baby blue canvas (think small boy:-P) but with all the edges of the brogue detailing frayed. In a way, it's innocence meets grunge. White and blue eyelets lined the holes for the shoe laces which adds good contrast to the light blue canvas. The soles have contrasting blue stripes(in different shades of blue) which again makes the shoe 'cute' and quirky. Perfect for a sunny day out, casually shopping, lounging and meeting with friends. Effortless style with a bit of grunge:-P

Retail price: SGD $299. Where to buy: Paul Smith Boutique at Hilton Hotel

My Shoe Collection #18

Prada Sport White Leather And Silver Mesh Sneakers

I am not really a fan of very sports-inclined, functional looking sneakers. Brands like Nike, Reebox just shouts ugly. So for me to own a pair of sneakers, it has to have certain aesthetic value, being fashionable and yet functional.

Prada sport offers a synthesis of both functionality and design. This pair of white sneakers is good example. I am sure you can wear these while going to the gym, do some yachting or outdoor activities. But you can walk these beauties on the streets of orchard road or even the boulevards of Champs-Élysées and still make heads turn.:-P

These Prada sport sneakers are very similar to the 'Prada/Car Shoe' version that spins of this design ever since. Except the soles are now big rubber blocks instead of small rubber studs. There are also variations of the material and details. But generally, the shape stays the same.

Got this pair of white Prada Sport sneakers during sale time, so it was even more of a 'kick' to add this to my shoe collection.

Retail price: Approx. SGD $540. Where to buy: Prada Boutique at Paragon

My Bag Collection #19

Burberry Prorsum Flower Print Tote

"How cute!" That was the reaction when I first laid eyes on this Burberry flower print tote at the Burberry Boutique at Paragon a couple of years back. But soon as I pick up the price tag and have a look...I immediately changed my comment to "that's not cute anymore!". Hahaha. Yes, this tote bag costs a hefty SGD $1600 at its original price. Made out of a fabric(nylon?) woven material with antiqued sienna brown leather, I cannot justify the price for the material used for the bag. It is just too much for a bag made mostly of fabric and not even lined in the inside at all. But the prints were totally captivating. So summery and cheerful. It's gonna brighten up anyone's day. Best of all, it's a runway bag! (I am a sucker for runway items, love to own items from the runway). The 'angel' perching on my right shoulder won the battle that day and I decided not to purchase the bag.

One fine day during the final clearance sale days in a fine Saturday afternoon, I hopped into the Burberry store to check out new collections and found out instead the store had a 60% discount on the leftover spring summer stock. And to my delight, the flower tote was one of the leftovers:-), I literally can scream with immense joy! I thought, this bag is destined to be mine. So I flash out my credit card and became the proud owner of this beautiful flower print tote. I now believed in destiny. My destiny was to own this bag. :-P

The tote bag comes with a interior leather zipper pocket, with polished metal hardware. Love the unique shape of the handle hardware. Metals studs are located on the base of the bag to protect the bag. One drawback with this tote is it is too collapsible, too soft and the heavy leather handles and pockets weighs down on the bag. So dun expect this bag to stand on its 'feet'. A minor drawback for the many envious stares you get strutting down the street.:-)

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

My Shoe Collection #10

Dolce Gabbana Leather Sandals

Sometimes when I get bored...I shop. I know it is not a very past time activity to have, unless you have a never slimming fat wallet. But on certain days, I cannot resist the temptation and end up having to buy something. This pair of sandals is just a consequence of my weak moment. Fortunately, I must say I still like the sandals. Perfect for trotting down walkways of St. Tropez or closer to heart, Orchard Road:-) So all is not wasted.

Dolce Gabbana leather sandals from Spring 2006, in a gorgeous sand colour. With DG silver hardware on the top and a gladiator style design. What needs to be done now is to start wearing this sandal. I just have too many new shoes unworn yet. Must stop this horrible addiction.

Retail price: SGD $599. Where to buy: Dolce Gabbana Boutique at Hilton Hotel