The Material Boy #276

Below: Miss out on these fabulous Louis Vuitton Flower Corsages (Spring Summer 2007 season, which I absolutely adored)...love the gold, simply stunning. Hope I can find one soon.

Below: This Lanvin 'Orchid' (looks like a bug in a way) brooch will see more possibility of acquiring since it is from the Spring Summer 2009 season...

Below: Mr Deluxeduck has all the treasures in his closet, need to raid his house soon. Fabulous YSL Orchid leather corsage from Tom Ford days...

Below: Carlos of My Fabulous Bag fame and his amazing flower brooch. He seems to find amazing accessories and knows how to use them well to spice up his look. Lovely! The rose one is from YSL.

Men's Flower Corsage/Brooch

Maybe I am in a flower bloom mood this week. I am on the hunt for a relatively 'loud' flower corsage or brooch to decorate my jackets. I think it adds a level of flamboyance and sophistication when done right. Perfect for an evening night out for a grand event or just to have fun dressing up for fancy drinks and dinner.

Good luck to me in locating one soon. Will definitely share any fruitful results of my shopping hunt.

Source: Deluxeduck, My Fabulous Bag, Frillr

The Material Boy #205

Louis Vuitton Cuir Tresse Street PM Gold

Alvin or we all affectionately know him as 'BB' recently acquired 2 very unique Louis Vuitton items that are simply breath-taking. Love his new mini lin travel bag and the groom bag charm. Such a one of a kind item. And through his buying experience, I learned about this reseller that sells all this lovely treasures from past seasons.

One of the very drool worthy piece I found on the reseller's website is this Louis Vuitton Cuir Tresse Street PM in Gold. Made to resemble those 'cheap' traveller bags from Hong Kong/China, it is such a unique concept that is both quirky and decadent. And you guys kn0w, I love decadent things. I am that silly. This was one of the bags that got me excited in 2007 and I did keep in mind to look out for it. But it seems I was distracted by other bags and did not make an enquiry since I never saw them in LV stores. Furthermore, as this is woven leather and not plastic, the price will be probably be out of my reach anyways. But I love it then and upon seeing this again, my LVoe is rekindled.:-)

Although this is a women's bag, I can totally see myself or any other guys using this bag. That is if the size is not too small. Measuring 33.5(W) X 26.5(H) X 14.5(D) cm, it seemed a bit small. I will need to try it in person to determine. If the sizing fits, this bag will feel more like a briefcase due to its boxy and rectangular shape. I have never seen this bag in real, but just looking at the pics alone, with the white and gold is already enough to make me drool.

The interior lining is very pretty as well with white monogram pattern. The gold and white colour mix with a red LV trunks stamp is simply divine and ingenious.

Dear 'higher shopping powers' above, please let me win TOTO or 4D this coming weekend....so I can add this gorgeous bag to my 'portfolio':-P This may be my only chance to buy the bag....

Cross my fingers if my prayers will be answered.:-P

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. And for those reading this, keep your hands off 'MY' bag!..Or else...:-P

Retail price: SGD $3480. Where to buy: (I am not revealing until I determined if the size fits. Hehe)

My Shoe Collection #36

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING BLOG POST CONTAINS IMAGES OF 'EXCESSIVE' HAIR. IF YOU HAVE ADVERSE REACTION TOWARDS HAIR, PLEASE LOOK AWAY NOW:-P

Below: Me modelling my sandals, this is where the 'HAIR' begins...Get ready...hahaha:-P

Below: Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2009 Sandals (The model has hairy legs too. Is it a trend?:-P)

Below: Lanvin Spring Summer 2009 Sandals

Pierre Hardy Black Lamb Skin Strappy Double Wrap Sandals

First of the new addition to my shoe family from Friday. Yes, the 'ultra good deal' I got from Club 21's further reduction sale.

Presenting my very proud shopping conquest: Pierre Hardy Black Lamb Skin Strappy Double Wrap Sandals!

As you fashionable folks may have sniffed out already, next season's shoe trend is still revolving around the concept of gladiator styles. Strappy wraparound styles are abundant on the Spring Summer 2009 runways. The most prominent ones being Lanvin's strappy versions and Louis Vuitton's wraparound take on espadrilles. I have always love strap sandals. Especially the ones that can tie around your feet till ankle height. It is an interesting look for guys. We are so used to strap-free designs so it's refreshing to wear something that differs from the expected. It has a tropical summer look, reminiscent of Prince of Arabia, Roman Gladiators and all those macho alpha male types throughout history.

I was hoping to reward myself with a pair of shoe on Friday, upon hearing about the further markdowns at Club 21. I was on leave that day so what better timing than this. Prior to my haircut appointment, I drop by my favourite stores of Club 21 and did my rounds of 'helping the economy'. I had only allowed myself one pair of shoes. But fates seem to have it that my plans are not going to be adhered to.

When I read the promotional signboards that Fall Winter 2008/2009 shoes are on 50% sale for 1 pair and 60% for 2 while older season's shoes at 60% discount for 1 and 70% for 2, I knew I cannot pass up on the offer. I picked up a pair in an instant from the current season's stock. But my eyes were drawn to the past season designs which has a surprisingly good selection. Not some ugly leftovers that nobody wanted. One of the very first pair that caught my eye was this Pierre Hardy sandals. A perfect carry-over for next season. I had intended to get Lanvin's strap sandals for next season so this similar design from Pierre Hardy is not only a good substitute (It's gorgeous!) but it's a fraction of what I will be paying if I buy Lanvin.

The sandals came from Spring Summer 2007 season and was available in white as well. I think I must have miss out on these during that time. Who knows the design is being taken on till this very day! I love the extra long strap that double wraps around your ankle to create that gladiator look. As per the design style of Pierre Hardy, minimal hardware is used and hence only a small brass buckle is present to secure the straps. The lambskin crafted straps and footbed are very soft and super comfortable. I love the feeling of wearing it. It looks super chic with tailored shorts!

I had originally wanted to buy this and my other choice from current season, but since both were from different batches, I am not entitled to the special discount for buying 2 pairs. I took a moment to go for my haircut and plan my purchase. I do not want to get into impulse buying. During my haircut, my fondness for the Pierre Hardy sandals grew. I really like it. After the long 2 hour haircut session, I rushed back to Club 21 to get the shoes. I devised a clever plan to take advantage of the 70% special discount. That is...I buy another pair from the past season's range! How simple.:-P

By getting 2 pairs of shoes from past seasons, I got the super 70% discount for both pairs. The third pair from current season is still a bargain since it is on 50% sale. But I am most happy about this Pierre Hardy sandals becos' at the end of it all, I paid only SGD $245.70 (from the original price of SGD $819). Mighty cool! Pierre Hardy at such a price is just unbelievable!

Source: Model pics from www.men.style.com

Retail price: SGD $819. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel

My Shopping Conquest #24 (Once Upon A Time...)

Louis Vuitton Reardon Sunglasses In Gold

Okay...this is not exactly a new purchase...but it is still a shopping conquest from a while back, Spring Summer 2007 to be exact. Cannot remember the date of purchase since I have misplaced the receipt. In view of my recent new found LVoe for Louis Vuitton, I shall do this post to showcase another LV item I owned, which till this day, I have LVoed as much as my new Treillis Bag:-)

Presenting Louis Vuitton Reardon Sunglasses In Gold! I love this pair of sunglasses...fashioned in an aviator/ski resort style...it features mirrored gold lens which is rarely seen, unless you want the tacky sporty inspired types from sport labels. This is so unique, especially fashioned by the luxury house of Louis Vuitton. Nicely proportioned, it frames my face really well and I wear it almost every other week. Makes me look cool as I go about doing my weekend shopping 'chores':-P Shiny and matt gold metal frame with lots of little details that are branded with 'Louis Vuitton'. The sides are engraved with the brand name, as does the top corner of the right lens, the 'LV' logo. The nose support is also adorned with the monogram flower symbol. Exquisite is the word to describe it. It's also hand made in France, which probably is the cause of the hefty price tag. I am very happy I got this pair of sunglasses since it is a seasonal item and will no longer be produced once stocks run out or the season is over.

Retail price: SGD $880. Where to buy: Louis Vuitton Boutique At Ngee Ann City

My Bag Collection #25

Balenciaga 'The Courier' Leather and Linen Bag (SOLD)

Slouchy bags are usually not my cup of tea. This Balenciaga 'The Courier' Bag fails miserably in shelf appeal but when you actually sling it over your body, it takes on a whole new persona, one that looks fabulous and appealing. The slouchy shape conforms to your body and drapes nicely under the weight of your contents. The leather lariats injects movement as you 'swing' your way across town, you feel nonchalant and as if you are strutting down fiercely on the runway.

Made from distressed goat skin and black linen, this huge bag can bag a few days worth of clothing plus a few pairs of shoes. Perfect as a weekend bag or even a day to day sling bag. Works great for summer looks, especially sandals.

Retail price: Approx. SGD 1669. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel

My Shoe Collection #14

Gucci Brown Leather Thong Sandals

This ranks top on my favourites of my shoe collection. I have worn these comfortable sandals so many times as not only does it fit a lot of looks (especially short shorts and my python Gucci bag!), it is practical for singapore's hot weather. Strutting down orchard road with these sandals also gives off the holiday vibe, like I am vacationing in St. Tropez:-P (My dream holiday destination!)

The design of the sandal is simple and yet classy. Several thin leather straps are held together by a burnished metal ring with a leather and wood sole. A toe ring allows your toe to slip in, and a buckled heel strap holds the sandals comfortably in place. Reminds me of ancient 'roman' footwear design yet it is contemporary and relevant now. Usage of thin leather straps makes the sandals look light and sophisticated. Having worn these for a while now, I begin to fear I will expend the lifespan of this sandal soon. Last weekend's wet weather had it all soaked and the sole went soft...I had to run home to dry it immediately to avoid breaking the sole in two. Yikes, what a close call.

Now I will be taking good care of this pair of sandals so I get to enjoy it for a long long while.:-) Frida Gianini did an amazing job for her first Gucci menswear collection. It was my favourite mens collection so far. There are just too many things that I 'lust' and also own from this collection.:-P

Retail price: SGD $710. Where to buy: Gucci Boutique at Paragon

My Bag Collection #13

Marni Lambskin Soft Leather Bag (Thrown away due to discolouration)

I was not a fan of this Marni bag when I first saw this on the shelf of Club 21 Mens at Four Season Hotel. However, after sacrificing my public holiday for work in March 2007, I am in need of 'retail therapy'! I remember seeing a pic of a cool guy from the Sartorialist's pictures(covering Spring 2007 men's show in Milan and Paris) carrying a nice soft 'briefcase' format bag with a shoulder strap. So I decided to check out this Marni bag a second time.

To my surprise, I really like it on second look. The colours were a slight dusty green and it was the first removable shoulder strap bag I got. Seeing I have not own a bag of this style and colour, coupled with the soft lambskin...I went ahead to buy it. Even got a matching Marni bag accessory later to match the bag.

Marni utilises vegetable dyes for their leather goods. So it ages and colours changed after a certain period of time. A bag of a colour like greyish green when colour changed, can look a bit mouldy if the shade does not aged favorably. And that is what happens to this bag of mine. The handles is now in a very dark shade of olive drab. And the bag body is slight yellowish grey. An odd combination of colours which I find myself liking the bag less. Plus the shoulder strap is made of a very soft nylon material while the buckles is very heavy. So it droops down, sagging in a way I don't fancy. I think the strap should have a stiffer material like my other black Marni bag (see My Bag Collection #03). Maybe I am not used to bags and colours changing to this kind of extent. It seems Marni bags are not very lasting in quality.

This is not the first Marni bag that has given me problems. Will post a write up about the other bag soon:-)

Retail price: SGD $1619. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel

My Shoe Collection #09

Prada White Grained Leather Loafers

Okay, I know I should be posting more bags than shoes here on this blog...but I was getting a bit lazy to dig out my bags and photographed them, especially on a workday. So I thought to post the shoes I photographed over last weekend as it is more 'convenient'.:-P

so here's another addition to the 'My Shoe Collection' family...Prada White Grained Leather Loafers! Supremely comfortable, cushioned sole and very soft leather, this shoe is a joy to wear. I chose white as I wanted to achieve a sailing, yachting look to compliment my white Gucci bermudas(which has an anchor embroidery on its back pocket). A nice buckle hardware adds interest to the overall shoe design. Prada's brand name is discreetly engraved on one side of the buckle.

One thing that bothered me was the sales associates told me this is a recurring classic style that prada will not have on sale. But right after I got the shoe in spring 2007, that season it went on sale. Grrr...fortunately for my VIP discount at Prada, I don't have to pay full price for the shoe. That's consolation, in the very least:-)

Retail price: SGD $590. Where to buy: Prada Boutique at Paragon

My Shoe Collection #08

Paul Smith Embroided Canvas Shoe

This is a men's shoe! Serious...not for ladies but designed by Mr Paul Smith for guys. Not for every guy cos' some guys get intimidated by flowery motifs, of all things:-P

I got this lovely pair of cheerful shoe in the Paul Smith Boutique in Bangkok's Siam Paragon. I always felt the Paul Smith buyer in Bangkok has a better eye to source for better designs than the buyer in Singapore. Singapore's Paul Smith shop often stocks basic items or large logo branded merchandise(which I am not a fan).

This pair of shoe comes in a pastel colour combination of Pale Yellow, Orange, White and Deep Pink. Embroided flower motifs on the canvas and has a sole rim that is made of some sort of 'rope' material. Very resort look. Perfect for summer, makes me happy when I wear this fun shoe:-) Somehow it gives me the 'I am holidaying in an island resort' kinda mood.

Retail price: Approx SGD $350. Where to buy: Paul Smith Boutique at Siam Paragon, Bangkok

My Shoe Collection #06

Dior Homme White 'Shimmer' Sneakers

A fantastic pair of white sneakers by Dior Homme. Subtlely bling and perfect shoe to match any outfit, casual or formal. Got this during a sale so it was double the joy and thrill. From the spring 2007 season.

Retail price: SGD $739. Where to buy: Club 21 Mens at Four Seasons Hotel

My Shoe Collection #05

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Rover Sandals

This is again one of the pair of shoes I got prior to Chinese New Year last year (2007). Came out as a classic, recurring design for Bottega Veneta's sandals range since spring 2007 season. I found this pair of sandals on the shelf of the boutique in Paragon last week. Nice olive green colour, sophisticated and yet simple understated design.

Retail price: SGD $850. Where to buy: Bottega Veneta Boutique at Paragon

My Bag Collection #02 (FOR SALE)

Gucci Python Skin Large Tote (FOR SALE: Email me to enquire)

While on holiday in Germany (Berlin and Frankfurt) this past Dec (2007), I got this exotic stunning beauty from Gucci at an irresistable price (50% discount)! Although this was 2 seasons later that I snag this bag...but a beauty is timeless. I almost lost faith in Frankfurt retail scene or even Germany's retail scene until I found this bag. Imagine my exhilaration when I see this bag resting proudly on the shelf(okay okay..maybe I am the only 'stupid' person who sees this bag sitting lonely on the dusty shelf). hahaha. I had fallen in love with this bag when it was first released. But I will never spurlge SGD$6000 for a bag, so my hopes of owning this bag was cast aside due to 'financial' reasons. I was so happy to find this baby at a price within my range.

Real python skin and a huge piece of it..for that matter.:-P Finally, I can proclaim I own an exotic skin bag. Comes with customised silver hardware, braided leather handles and a removable shoulder strap. One drawback is this bag is heavy. and python skin isn't exactly easy to care and maintain. so have to be careful when using this bag. Not taking this bag out on a rainy day for sure!

Retail price: Euro $2990. Where to buy: Gucci Frankfurt