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 #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 #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

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

The Runway Sniper #75

Below: Welcome back to tasteful glamour, Balmain Fall Winter 2011! No more tattered and atrocious safety pinned rags from SS2011...:-P Love the metallic suits and blazers without lapels. The crystal embellished jumpsuit is hot!

Below: Crystal embellishments that will make these Balmain pieces masterful collectible and red carpet pieces... but also sky rockets the prices to astronomical levels. One thing's for sure, you probably will never find them in Zara and Topshop...:-P Love the white boots!

Below: Metallic jeans will rise to be the staple for fashionistas for next season's Fashion Week... I have a strong feeling about it!

Balmain Fall Winter 2011 Womenswear

Christophe Decarnin may be absent from his recent Balmain Fall Winter 2011 show, nonetheless he seemed to have literally 'clean up' his act! Presented on the runway are levels up from SS2011's atrocious safety pinned and tattered rags, and Balmain glamour is back at its glory. Albeit, pared down and more tastefully sexy... perhaps Balmain's take on the minimalist frenzy going on in fashion now.

The new sensibility can be attributed to new styling consultant Melanie Ward (Best known for her work with Helmut Lang, king of minimalist... and perhaps the change for a more subtle display of glamour this season for Balmain?) who takes over from Emmanuelle Alt. She brings with her a new direction for the brand. From the collarless, slightly oversized metallic blazers, looser pants and dresses... the silhouettes are less severe and more focused. Of course, everything is given a couture boost with intricate crystal embellishments that will sky rocket the prices to astronomical levels.

One thing's for sure, a lot of fans want Balmain to succeed, anxiously waiting for the moment when Christophe Decarnin stops his repeat vision of biker chic and dwells into a new territory for the 'sexy' French brand. This season, Balmain achieves that and I am so happy:-) Easy comprehensible glamour that everyone understands and want. I can literally see those metallic jeans/blazers fly off the store racks for next season!

Applause!

Source: Style

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

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #203

Below: Desirable Valextra SS2011 Womens Bags... minimalist designs have always been the brand's DNA... (Food for thought, do these give off a Céline vibe? Who inspired who?:-P)

Below: The pink bag reminds me of Hermès So Kelly, while the tan duffel sends a Chloé Aurora Bag devaju...

Below: A refreshing summer palette of colours, such as power pinks to soften and balance off the architectural lines of the bags... Love it!

Below: Céline and Jil Sander SS2011 bags... reminds you of Valextra? (See first 2 bags)

Below: Hermès So Kelly and Chloé Aurora bags... distant cousins of Valextra's? :P (See 3rd and 4th bag)

Valextra Spring Summer 2011 Womens Bags

Before the rise of minimalist trends in womens fashion and bags, all thanks to Phoebe Philo's Celine 'frenzy', there is already one Italian luxury leather goods brand pursuing this design direction since many years. Valextra is the name and leather goods of optimum craftsmanship and clean lines are their game. On par in pricing and craftsmanship as Hermès, their bags are another 'holy grail' brand that many aspire to own.

For Spring Summer 2011, we see a refreshing palette of colours in Valextra's Womens Bag collection. From powder pink, to off whites, tan and navy... Valextra is sure to strike a fancy with fans of minimalist designs but wanting just the right amount of summery colours. These bags harbour an almost architectural design precision and construction, it's almost a work of modern art in my opinion. I love the collection.

However, there are some bags from this collection which creates a sense of devaju. The first 2 sends off a Céline and Jil Sander vibe, while the 3rd and fourth reminds me of Hermès So Kelly and Chloé's Aurora Bag. So who do you think inspired who? :-P

One thing's for sure, these Valextra bags are a standout of its own, in its simple beauty and modern lines, any time any day.

See the full collection of Valextra's Spring Summer 2011 Bags here on my facebook page:-)

Source: Valextra

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #156

Below: It's time to downsize your bags: Céline's Nano Luggage Shopper with a handy shoulder strap (in fabulous colour and materials) is a good reason to forgo those oversize bags! Love this green full leather version:-)

Below: I also adore this bi-material and multi coloured version. The linen, biege, tan and black leather works perfect! Shoulder strap is handy and works like a charm for those city girls on the move!

Below: Black may be conventional... but it's timeless and most versatile!

It's Hip To Be Nano: Céline Nano Luggage Shopper With Shoulder Strap

More novelty than the Céline Luggage Tote (too many girls seen with this bag, I feel it's becoming too expected), but shares the same charm as her larger counter part: The Céline Nano Luggage Shopper With Shoulder Strap is a refreshing take on the highly popular tote version (Sold out in many places!).

It's hip (literally hanging at hip level when shoulder slung) and cute and versatile for the girl on the move. I love it! Who has already gotten their hands on this elusive version of the Céline Luggage series of bags? I love the one in green, but most of all the one with the bi-materials and multi-colours:-)

Retails for JPY135,000 (Approx. SGD2104) at Restir, Japan (Tax exclusive). They still stock the full leather black version.

Source: Jak and Jil, Restir

My MANy Bags News #309

Below: Burberry's Fall Winter 2011 Womens Show Video...

Watch Burberry's Fall Winter 2011 Womens Show LIVE Here Today!

It's time of the year again for another Burberry collection to debut to the world. At exactly midnight (12am) Singapore time today (21 Feb 2011), Burberry will live stream their Fall Winter 2011 Womens Show, straight from a new venue at London’s Royal Park of Kensington Gardens. Furthermore, the entire runway presentation can be viewed live as well on the iconic huge Coca Cola Screen at Piccadilly Circus. How's that for another innovation? Burberry is forever surprising us fans and also keeping their show formats as fresh as ever.

But if you reside outside of UK and cannot partake in all this live action, fret not. Burberry has enabled live stream viewing of the show on my blog:-P Thank you Burberry! Can't wait to see what fabulous ideas Christopher Bailey will send out for Fall Winter 2011. We have seen the menswear, I am excited what the girls will get:-)


Tune in at 12am (Singapore time) here for the show. Countdown has begun!

Source: Burberry

The Runway Sniper #74

Below: Watch the runway video of Mulberry's highly anticipated Fall Winter 2011 Womenswear Collection!

Mulberry Fall Winter 2011 Womenswear And Runway Video

Emma Hill is known to draw references for her Mulberry collections from the most whimiscal of inspirations. From Valley of the Dolls (Fall Winter 2010), to Garden blossoms of Spring Summer 2011 and now Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox for her latest Fall Winter 2011 Collection.

The English countryside takes centrestage, as does its mysterious inhabitants, where the runway show was held in a hedgerow and hillock-daubed Ballroom at Claridge’s Hotel yesterday (20th February 2011). Hedgerow animals such as foxes, hedgehogs and squirrels; trees filled with birds; a wooden catwalk, benches and a garden shed; and plenty of toadstools of all shapes and sizes form a fantasy-like setting that transports the audience to the mood of the collection.

The ready to wear pieces are fabulous and may be commercial in some aspects, but they were never the heroes of any Mulberry collection. The bags are the true 'scene stealers' of the runway. And this season, we see a welcoming change, as in a more controlled colour palette and patterns for the collection. Less brash and more sophisticated, these new arm candies, the likes of highly popular Alexa bags and its sister, Tillie, appeared in camel, moss green, bright turquoise (my favourite!) and gold during the catwalk. Which ones to pick? The choices are aplenty! One thing’s for sure, once I get more information, I will definitely share it here to all Mulberry fans.

But for now, I love the turquoise coloured bags... Especially the new rising star of Mulberry, Tillie (Those trompe l’oeil metal buckles are now seen on belts and jackets!) How fresh for dull winters!

Full set of runway pics on my facebook fan page.

Source: Mulberry

My MANy Bags News #308

Below: Victoria Beckham spotted with Céline! And she has those metal cuffs I am so obsessed over...makes me so jealous!

Below: Céline Box Leather Bag...

Below: The Céline metal cuff which I am obsessed over now! So hard to find!

Victoria Beckham Spotted With Her Céline Box Leather Shoulder Bag And Metal Gold Cuffs

Mrs Beckham, one of the most watch style stars of our time seems to have catched on the Céline fever as well. Not only is she seen exiting her Manhattan Hotel clutching her Céline Large Box Leather Bag...but on her wrist is my current obsession... those highly elusive Céline Gold Metal Cuffs which I absolutely must track down a bigger size for myself!

Love! Now I have more reasons and conviction that I need to get myself a larger gold Céline Metal Cuff Bracelet... I sold my small size today... so sad to part with it after so much trouble locating it and utilising all the personal favours!

Source: Upscalehype

My MANy Bags News #307

Below: (SOLD) Brand new, protective sticker still intact, Céline Gold Metal Cuff Bracelet for sale! Hot off the lookbook of Céline's Spring 2011 collection. Not available in Singapore's Céline's Boutique... so this is your chance! Click here if you are interested in owning this fabulous accessory!

Below: Just got it today...but too small for me:-( Sob sob... but my lady colleague tried it and it fits perfect! Lucky ladies!

Below: As seen on the Spring 2011 lookbook... gorgeous bracelet to glamourise any outfit in an understated Céline way!

Céline Spring 2011 Gold Metal Cuff Bracelet FOR SALE! (SOLD)

Gorgeous piece of Céline Spring 2011 Gold Metal Cuff Bracelet finding a new home! I cannot fit into these bracelets despite the dimensions given... I guess I was too excited in getting these that I did not think about the sizing properly. I think I need a Large size instead of the small I got.:-( So now I am looking for that lucky girl (or lucky guy!) to own this fabulous accessory! So sad, I cannot fit! Not sold in Singapore Céline boutiques and there is a long waitlist if this ever hits the stores. Don't miss this chance! This bracelet is brand new with transparent protective sticker still intact (The pictures above shows the transparent plastic film). Email me @curveorange@gmail.com if interested.

(Another way to gauge if you fit is to compare it to Hermès Clic Clac H Bracelet in PM size. Hermès is oval in shape with diameter widest at 5.4cm. This Céline is round shape and is widest at 5cm. If you find wearing Hermès Clic Clac H at PM size too loose, then this Céline will probably fit you perfect:-P I wear Hermès Clic Clac H at PM size and it is just right, hence why this Céline is too tight:_(

Click on the sale link here for more pics and info. on my bag sale blog. And do check out my other items for sale here, from Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Loewe, Bally and many more!

*Update: The Cuff Bracelet has found a new fabulous owner:-P

Source: Lookbook pics by Céline

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #201

Below: I love Bally's Spring Summer 2011 Ad Campaign as shot by Daniel Jackson. Ollie Edwards looking very suave in Bally's new collection under the new creative direction of Graeme Fidler and Michael Herz. (Click on all pics to enlarge for better view)

Below: Constance Jablonski, one of my most favourite female models (love her look!) stars in the womens campaign... Camel colour is huge this season in Bally...

Below: ...as does colour blocking... the blue shoulder bag is one of the designs from the minimal and chic, Riviera collection...

Below: Love the camel tote Constance is carrying in this ad!

Below: This Bally tote is growing on me!

Below: The colourful and vintage inspired Bally Riviera Collection...

Bally Spring Summer 2011 Mens/Womens Ad Campaign

Fresh minds and vision at the reins of Bally, has re-ignite my interest in this Swiss luxury brand. Designs have taken a more minimal and restrained approach, forgoing excessive detailing and streamlining the look. Although the bags and shoes for womens bears a certain resemblance to Céline, there are still some noteworthy pieces that got me excited. See my post on the Bally Spring Summer 2011 Womens Bags here.

The Riviera collecton of bags with coloured leather panels and trimmings sends off a summer vacation vibe, while those Céline-alike totes and bags, have a certain modernist charm that even I would not mind carrying myself. One of my favourites, the camel coloured tote was featured alongside Constance Jablonski (also the face of the ad campaign), which is simply fabulous! All those colours on the ready to wear are also very welcoming and on trend for colour blocking frenzy this SS2011 season.

As for the men, super handsome Ollie Edwards fronts the mens' ad campaign, looking all brooding and ever so charming. The restrained collection shows off classic pieces from the brand's archives, reworked to fit into our modern age. Bags, shoes and ready to wear are highly wearable and suited for the savvy men on vacation anywhere. There is a certain nautical/Sahara desert feel to the pieces, with camel, navy and whites as predominant colours. Clément Chabernaud gracing the pages of the lookbook also helps the collection to have an even more convincing appeal. Love anything Clément is wearing anyday!

Below: Watch this video on Bally's new creative directors, Graeme Fidler and Michael Herz, explaining their inspirations behind this Spring Summer 2011 Mens collection...

Below: Bally has done well with the casting of models for their Spring Summer season, choosing Clément Chabernaud for the mens lookbook is a wise choice, Clément always makes me want anything he is wearing! I want that scoop neck tee with the graphic stripes!

Below: I love the tote bag too! The blue leather trim on the sides and the camel coloured handles with white canvas is easy on the eyes and exude a summer nautical charm.

Check out my Facebook Fanpage for the full series of Bally's Spring Summer 2011 Ad Campaign.

Source: Bally