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 MANy Bags Trendspotting #159

Below: Fabulous bags for fabulous women! Check out these models flaunting their Céline bags!

Girls With Céline Bags: Forever Chic!

What's not to love about girls carrying Céline bags? Céline has escalated to a major fashion phenomenon, sending many editors, models and fashionable women going on a buying frenzy.

Just look at these models flaunting their Céline bags. Simply gorgeous!

Shu Pei (NEXT) with her Olive Coloured Box Leather Bag (and Céline biker jacket?), Maddie Kulicka (Elite, NY) with her Burgundy Coloured Luggage Tote and Sara Blomqvist (DNA, NY) with a 'less seen but still as pretty' Céline Leather Duffel... fabulous bags for even more fabulous women!

Source: Altamira NYC

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

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

My MANy Bags Lookbook #24

Below: New myMANybags lookbook for Spring Summer 2011!

Colour Rush

It's a flurry of colours this Spring Summer 2011 season. Much as I love the colour blocking trend, I do not see myself in head to toe outrageous hues. So I devised my own colour blocking style toning it down just a little. Using a white shirt as the base, I surround it with other more eye poping pieces and accessories to create the colour trend.

Martin Margiela White Plastron Shirt is plain but with an unusual longer back (like a swallow tail) for added detailing interest. Balenciaga's Mimosa RGH Triple Tour Bracelet gives a yellow boost against the bright Topman 'Yves Klein Blue' Slim fit Chinos. A Jil Sander Orange Colour Belt wraps around the waist, dissecting the white top and blue bottom while giving another layer of colour blocking. Finally, I accessorise the outfit with a pair of the hottest shoe of the season, Prada's Espadrilles Brogues, a cute blue Net-net Swallow Shaped Fabric Brooch and my favourite Céline Cabas Linen Stripe (for its subtle touches of blue and red).

I am having a colour rush!

(Check out my other lookbook posts here)

Source: Prada, Mr Porter, Balenciaga, Topman, Lane Crawford

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

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

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

The Material Boy #443

Below: Who wants this pair of tough but statement making Burberry Prorsum Spring Summer 2011 Multi-Strap Gladiator Mens Sandals?

Below: Featured on almost every look on the SS2011 Mens runway, a must have piece that exudes masculine luxe!

Burberry Prorsum Spring Summer 2011 Multi-Strap Gladiator Mens Sandals

This has been one of my favourite footwear for Spring Summer 2011. After looking and scrutinising the details on the pic above, I am even more convinced I love this pair of Burberry Prorsum Spring Summer 2011 Multi-Strap Gladiator Mens Sandals. I love the detailing. From the cris cross straps to the 2 rows of eyelets on the front panel and the brass buckles... it screams tough and luxe!

Priced at HKD5200 (Approx. SGD667), would you invest or pass on this 'widely featured on the SS2011 runway' sandals?

Source: Lane Crawford, Burberry

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 Trendspotting #155

Below: Further to my post yesterday on the 'Balmain Homme Varsity Jacket + Boots look'... Here's a little observation I made from Jak n Jil's New York Fashion Week street shots. During the recent New York Fashion week, I noticed not one but quite a few guys spotted with their Varsity jackets... Will this translate into a 'back to college' inclination to men's dressing soon? (I love his black and white version and creating a monotone colour story...even his bag is matching:-P)

Below: Varsity = college = young = colourful...

Below: A touch of soft pastel softens and surprise a usually 'jock-ish' look...

Below: Dandy touch with the cravat... style can start young, even when you are in 'college'...

Below: Stand out from the crowd with some eye popping colour...

Below: or Maroon and camel beige... Varsity Jackets is now on my style radar...

Below: Will Balmain Homme's Varsity jacket look from Fall Winter 2010 cause a wave of college inspired dressing? Only time will tell...

Below: Or have Prada SS2011's Varsity inspired leather shopping bags (customisation allowed for your initials) already herald the coming of those jocks and college chic?

Back To School: Varsity Jackets

I blogged about my inspiration of Varsity Jackets and boots yesterday. And today, I made a small observation browsing thru pictures taken by Jak and Jil, of guys during the recent New York Fashion Week.

Are these college inspired dressing rising in favour with guys? Will it blossom into a 'back to college' phenomenon in mens dressing soon? Only time will tell.

Meanwhile, I am loving every look and possibility from this 'jock style' dressing. Make it dandy with soft pastels and a nice cravat, get some American retro hip or tough it up with boots and some rebel attitude. Suffice to say, Varsity Jackets are now on my style radar.

What say you?

Source: GQ by Jak n Jil, Balmain, Prada