The Material Boy #131

Raf Simons Show Style Bag

Hmm, I could not make up my mind if I like this Raf Simons Show Style bag or not. On one hand I love the use of materials other than your usual leather and canvas for bags, and on the other hand, the design is not exactly fresh and new to make it worth buying.

However, one thing is for sure, I love the marble textured effect on the bag. That I have to admit is very interesting and unique. The black and grey colour scheme also makes it very fall winter season.

This weekend 'holdall-style' bag is made from heavy duty woollen felt(I applaud Raf Simons for experimenting with more unique materials) and leather. It features a middle zip compartment if you want more security and 2 side open ones for easy access of your bag contents. The roomy bag also has a leather base with metal stud feet to minimise abrasion.

I leave it to you guys to figure if this bag is something you would fall in love with:-) or not.

Retail price: UK 889 pounds. Where to buy: www.oki-ni.com

My MANy Bags News #21

Louis Vuitton iPhone Case Does Not Fit New 3G Version!

I was browsing thru sean-inc's blog and he posted a very important piece of information for iphone and LV lovers. Read his blog for full details.

Here's what's written on his blog:

Bad news for iPhone owners who are LV lovers !!!
Apparently, the new iPhone 3G is slightly too big for any of LV cases that are available right now. I stopped by the store yesterday to get one for my friend and SA told me the cases are for the old version of iPhone (even the not yet released Damier Graphite, what a bummer !!!) Then, he told me the story of one customer brought in 3G to try on and got stuck. That SA had to cut the case open to get the iPhone out.

So sad. Cannot look chic and tech savvy at the same time now! LV, please revised your sizing fast!

Source: Sean-inc

The Material Boy #130

Lanvin Glazed Oxford Leather Shoe

Lanvin is fast becoming one of my favourite luxury brands. Although I may not see myself being able to carry the look of the clothes, I do adore their accessories, especially the shoes:-)

(And this fall season, I have seen another refreshing metallic blue coloured lace-ups and a cool pewter beetle brooch at Club 21 mens. So tempted to buy:-P.)

Time and time again, they created combinations of colours and materials for footwear that is refreshing and unique and gets me going shoe crazy. Here's is their take on a classic pair of simple black lace-ups.

This pair of Glazed Leather Oxfords features a square toe, and has riveted shoe lace holes. This pair of shoe is not anything revolutionary in design. But a little tweak on the detailing updates this classic pair of shoe to look fresh and modern and yet dandy and chic. I love it that they use flat laces instead of the normal round ones. The shoe is just beautiful, it definitely makes a man look stylish and elegant. Well, afterall, shoes do make the man and completes an outfit:-)

Retail price: UK 490 pounds. Where to buy: www.brownsfashion.com

My Shopping Conquest #15

Kris Van Assche Black Bow Tie Long Sleeve Shirt

Here you go, the reveal from my sunday purchase!

It seems dandy chic is in this fall season. Lots of designers are offering sartorial styles, but they are more relaxed than restrictive and conservative. Lanvin, Dior Homme, Bottega Veneta and Miharaya Suhiro are good examples of dandy chic. More than ever, dressing up is dressing down. guys want to look elegant and stylish and not just in tees and jeans all the time.

I was surprise that I was able to find something during spring summer season sales that can transcend into next season's dandy chic trend. This is a great thing to happen, to be able to buy into the trends of next season at discounted prices:-) and 50% off as well!:-)

So here I am, with my new Kris Van Assche Black Bow Tie Long Sleeve Shirt:-) I know I have put Kris down for his creative reins over Dior Homme. I am not a fan of his Dior. But his own namesake label is a different story. His ideas fits the direction of his own label better and they feel more natural for his label than Dior Homme. Modern dandy and classicism do resonate well with his label.

Back to my shirt...:-P this fine piece of tailoring is a dear to behold. The most interesting aspect of the design is the little removable bow tie that slots into an opening at the neck area. You are in way being sartorial and formal with a bow tie, but not exactly wearing the actual piece of formal neckwear. Very unique and quirky in a way. Clever idea to dress formal without being too formal. Beyond this interesting feature is the exceptional cut of the shirt. Slim fitting with fabulous pleated details along the 2 sides on the back of the shirt. I love my back view for once after wearing this shirt.

To be honest, when I saw this shirt, it felt very Lanvin as well since Lanvin has been doing bow tie looks for a while now:-P Lanvin is synonymous with easy dandy styles and bow ties are abundant for fall winter 2008 looks. Check out that large bow Lanvin t-shirt! (although it is not a bow tie) I love it. (Bryanboy got this gift, worth Euro $519, from www.luisaviaroma.com.) How generous and thoughtful of them!) However, I dun see myself wearing it. I rather stick with my Kris Van Assche shirt. It's cute but smart and more my style. Comes in white as well if black colour is not your cup of tea.

Pricing wise, this shirt is expensive. I still have to pay SGD$410 after a 50% markdown. Sundays should never be spent shopping:-P

Source: Model pic from www.gettyone.com. Lanvin Bow Tee from www.luisaviaroma.com

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

My MANy Bags News #20

Vote For Paolo!
Hello guys, it seems our fellow blogger, Paolo at www.paolosavi-designbox.blogspot.com is now being featured in blogger extraordinare, Bryanboy's blog. Bryanboy is setting up a vote for his readers to see who is more likable and would be more easy to get along with. Help Paolo win the vote! :-) Support Paolo! (He's the one with longer hair, bottom pic)

Good luck Paolo, I think you will be propelled to Super Stardom in blogger sphere soon:-)

Go to Bryanboy's blog to vote. Have fun:-P

I did it again...:-(

Sunday Is 'Sinful' Day

I promise not to shop again. I promise not to shop again. I promise not to shop again. I promise not to shop again. I promise not to shop again. I promise not to shop again. I promise not to shop again. I promise not to shop again. I promise not to shop again. I promise not to shop again. I promise not to shop again. I promise not to shop again. I promise not to shop again. I promise not to shop again.

I have 'sinned' again!

As if that will ever come true. :-) Sunday is a boring day....what better ways to kill time than to shop. So I did another purchase from my favourite store in Singapore, although I went to orchard with only the intention to get my fren a birthday present.

My Shopping Conquest #14

Gucci Guccioli Puppy Charm - Oliver, The Pug

To compliment my new acquisition of the Guccissima Leather Tote, I had to celebrate even more by enhancing the lovely bag with the latest bag Guccioli Puppy Bag Charms by Frida Giannini. I have blogged about this series of bag charms before and I truly adore the cute puppy designs. Each with their own name and in different species of man's best friend, I knew I have to get one for myself.

My first choice was Leroy the french bulldog. But on Wednesday, my SA, Willis told me Leroy was not brought into the store so I had to settle for my second choice, Oliver. There were only 2 dogs charms left in the shop with Artu as an alternative. Of course I chose Oliver with his cute little eyes starring back at me, I just could not bear to not buy him.

I used the 6% rebate I had accumulated from buying the bag plus the points i had left over from previous purchases, I managed to get $90 worth of vouchers to offset this bag charm purchase. Willis is very understanding and patient as I had to pay separately in short intervals to get the full amount of vouchers. But the hassle and effort was well worth it. I paid only SGD $140 instead of the full price of SGD$230. It was a happy purchase!

The puppy charms comes in a nice Gucci branded box, with a dust cloth personalised with the relevant dog's name. How thoughtful that is. It also comes with a booklet that explains all the dog's personality and species, which was a very cute read.

Here's what is said about my 'Oliver':

Oliver - the pug
Oliver may sometimes look stern, but appearances can be deceptive. He is really great fun! Playful and sociable, sensitive and very faithful, his big heart conquers all!

On a side note, I almost gave up Oliver as Willis, the SA text me to inform me Leroy came in on Friday to the shop. I had ask him to hold one for me to exchange instead of buying another bag charm. But when I saw Leroy at the shop yesterday, I was not very impressed. Too much details on the dog makes him look kinda messy. All the stitching is just too overwhelming. And after comparing it with my Oliver again, I find Oliver is still cuter. So I decided to forgo the exchange and brought Oliver home again. Sorry Oliver! I promise it will not happen again!:-P FYI, Oliver was sold out in the store when I was there on Saturday.

Oliver now sits as my faithful 'guardian' for my Guccissima Leather Tote. He is a handsome pup dangling from my beautiful tote bag:-)

Retail price: SGD $230. Where to buy: Gucci Boutique at Takashimaya

My Bag Collection #35 (SOLD)

Gucci Dark Brown Guccissima Leather Tote (SOLD)

YES! Finally the unveil from 'My Shopping Dilemma #01'. After all the struggle of deciding which item to buy 'jacket or bag'? Fate has seem to sort out the dilemma itself. My Balenciaga jacket order from Matches Fashion got cancelled and I can buy my Gucci bag without any regrets! It was truly a blessing in disguise as the Balenciaga jacket suddenly appear back on the racks of Club 21 Men's store and I was able to have a second try. The sleeves were too short for my size 46. Most importantly, I thought the jacket was a short version but apparently it is not. So I was very happy I did not get the jacket.

As all of you should know, I got the bag instead:-) I got it on Wednesday, which I should have waited a few days later as Takashimaya is having a 10% rebate in vouchers for every $100 spent. Darn...I could have gotten a further $100 off, in a way for the purchase of the bag!

Oh well, I have to accept the fact I cannot get the rebate now..but I am still so happy with my bag. It is made from the finest and lightest calf leather and in a classic shape and light gold hardware. Very beautifully constructed and can take you from casual to formal, from day to night. It's the perfect all occasion bag. The triangular shape allows you to store quite a huge amount of things in the bag as the base is very broad. The long handles is good for shoulder carry so you dun have to tire out your hands after prolonged use.

The bag is lined with black nylon fabric with Gucci script logo and the Knight symbol as a pattern all over the fabric. And I am also very impressed with the amount of branded hardware for the bag. The studs, the buckles and metal zipper end are all engraved with 'Gucci'. Lots of fine little details that makes the bag even more impressive.

I love Gucci. And best of all, I love the ridiculously low price of the bag! I almost thought they put the wrong price tag when I first heard the price. My friend felt the same way too. On the Gucci website, this bag is retailing for Euro $645 (Approx. SGD$1419) and for the first time it actually costs more than Singapore!

Go buy the bag. The price is way too good to be true!

Retail price: SGD $1290. Where to buy: Gucci Boutique at Takashimaya

The Material Boy #129

Hermès Jypsière Bag

I was browsing thru www.bagsnob.com and www.sean-inc.blogspot.com, when my 'bag radar' first caught sight of this wonderful new Hermès Jypsière Bag. However, I had the impression that the bag was too handbag style and more suited for ladies than man. That was until I had a chance to browse thru the latest issue of the Japanese Magazine, LEON last evening at Kinokuniya Bookstore. In one of the pages, this men's magazine featured the Jypsière bag on a guy wearing a blazer...it became love at first sight and the bag was not handbag looking at all. Amazingly classy on a guy's shoulders as does a women's.

The Hermès Jypsière Bag is fashioned after a hunting satchel and Jean Paul Gaultier (The man behind the creative reins at Hermes now) describes it as "a functional, nonchalant bag slung across the shoulder, combined with the iconic details of the Hermes bags". Oh wow...that description alone is enough to make me drool and lust already. Who can resist any bags with iconic Birkin bag detailings and buckle. This will definitely be the talking piece among friends when you use it. They will be green with envy.

The bag comes with a removable and adjustable shoulder strap. But I dun see this bag being carried any other way except shoulder sling. I love the colours available in the range, especially olive clemence! That is one unique hue for such a luxurious bag. And very masculine indeed.

Retail price starts at US$6800, prepare to max out your credit card for this baby!

Source: sean-inc

Ad Campaigns & Catalogues #09

Jil Sander Men's Accessories Fall Winter 2008/2009

At last, more and more of the luxury labels are putting up new pics of their fall winter collections online for viewing. The end of spring summer season and now the new items are starting to hit the stores.

Jil Sander just recently put up their new fall winter collection for viewing on their website, www.jilsander.com. I have to admit, I am not thrilled with their offerings so far. The bags although in interesting shapes, looks cumbersome and not very user friendly. There are fabric and leather range to choose from. The leather feathers interesting patchwork detailing with diamond shape panelling. The canvas range features marble print designs (or they could be leather) or ribbed navy texture fabric. Somehow it lacks a certain appeal to me. Perhaps not my style of bag designs. But it may resonate well with some of you guys:-)

footwear is ultra thick and chunky soles. They looked really heavy and 'Ronald McDonald' shoes which I am also not impressed. The signature trend for Jil Sander and Raf Simons. Miu Miu mens did chunky shoes many seasons ago. But again, this is my opinion. Some of you may like this kind of design. The sneakers are pretty much standard designs we see everywhere...but there is a pair with blue croc skin trimmings on the heel that looks interesting. However, the Jil Sander logo could be smaller and more subtle. Jil Sander should be more understated and minimalist in their styles and looks.

I will have to see the clothes in person to give a better review. Maybe the fashion show will help.

For more designs, check out Jil Sanders website for more pictures.

Ad Campaigns & Catalogues #08

Prada Fall Winter 2008/2009

Prada has updated their website to the new fall winter campaign. Looking really slick with a blue overtone to the pictures, they feature 80's super model, Linda Evangelista and also male model, Patrick Petitjean (what a name:-). The campaign is shot by Steven Meisel, who is the superstar photographer shooting for many luxury brands.

I love the way the lighting gives a contrasting effect and also the model's shadows in the background which adds another dimension to the pictures.

The close-up product shots gives a good look at some key accessories for fall winter 2008/2009. Somehow, that green loafers (SGD $720) is speaking to me. As does the pointy grey slip-on dress shoes. Very streamlined in shape. I notice footwear at Prada all features slightly more squarish toe in the dress shoe department. It's been a while since squarish toe shoes appeared in fashion. And lastly, the pair of shoe with a flap and mini buckles gives off a biker feel:-) Pretty chic.

All of these shoes are now in Prada store at Paragon. Do check them out.

Source: www.prada.com

A Shopping Dilemma #01 - Resolution

My Shopping Dilemma #01 - Resolution

Seems fate has a way of resolving any situations in life. I was torn between choosing either one of the 2 purchases last week, Jacket or Bag. In the end, I actually made the decision to buy both. But was feeling really guilty for putting another huge dent on my finances:-P. So fate has decreed that I should not have this extra 'financial damage' and 'save' me from Baked Beans Boys 'Damnation'. Hahaha.

So I am now left with one choice...which most of you felt I should anyway. I saved money and got what I wanted. And more!:-) Hurray! Tonight I came home with a huge shopping bag but none the big 'bank damage':-P Guilt free shopping? hehe

My MANy Bags News #19

Jil Sander Fashion Show On Friday, 1 Aug 2008

Madeline from Club 21 just called me:-) I got invited to Club 21's Jil Sander Fall Winter 2008/2009 show next friday:-) Woohoo. Cocktail starts at 7pm, Dom Perignon...Yum Yum! I am so looking forward to fashion events/shows for the enw season. Love to do model watching. :-) Hurray!

A Shopping Dilemma #02

Louis Vuitton Monogramouflage Treillis Tote ...Buy? Yay or Nay?

In view of my recent 'failure' in acquiring a very desired Balenciaga Jacket, I am in an 'upset', 'post shopping frustration' phrase..so now I need 'retail therapy' to ease the disappointment.:-)

Hence, the big question now (Big as in I risk Baked Beans Boys Eternity membership)...should I or should I not buy the Treillis Tote?

Is this a bad day or what?

My Matches Fashion Order Got Cancelled!

Darn, I got the Balenciaga jacket that I have been struggling to make a decision of. And after all the 'sweat and tears' of racking my head out for the decision....I chose the jacket first...and made the order. Got an order confirmation from them afterwards. Then today all of a sudden, I got this disappointing email. Their system screwed up and the jacket is no longer available but they claimed my money. Grrr...so frustrating. Now they will credit back the amount to my card account. They better do! And fast! I am upset to be honest.:-(

This is why I try to avoid ordering online:-(

The Material Boy #128

Balenciaga Navy Jeans With White Contrast Waistband

Balenciaga, balenciaga...been a long while since I blog about Balenciaga! I was doing my internet rounds of online blog content search...and look what I found on www.brownsfashion.com! A beautiful pair of navy Balenciaga jeans with just that extra touch of a white piping running around the waistline. Simple and sophisticated...and looks like a skinny cut:-). Hmm...definitely must try if Club 21 stocks this pair of jeans. Love it, love it.

Goes well for that elegant look of white shirt and black lace-ups.

Retail price: UK 220 pounds. Where to buy: www.brownsfashion.com

The Material Boy #127

Lanvin Navy And Black Velvet High Tops With Patent Captoe

Another brilliant pair of Lanvin high tops, basically the same design as previous seasons, just given a new spin on the materials and colours. Somehow it just looked fresh and new. This time the electric blue patent leather trimmings (metallic?) pops out amidst the navy and black velvet. It's both funky and classy(the velvet is associated with classic styles, while patent leather is very modern). Very interesting mix for those who wants a unique pair of high tops.

I am now a Lanvin shoe fan.:-)

Retail price: UK 390 pounds. Where to buy: www.brownsfashion.com