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

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #207

Below: YSL's SS2011 Mens Accessories are a hit and miss... the bags are some of the most boring and (dare I say) most hideous? The saving grace comes from the shoes and small accessories... love the trainers and bracelets!

Below: I love the croc print leather trainers in tan colour!

Below: Partial perforation as a design detail? Still looking good on the shoes:-) The high tops is my favourite:-)

Below: Thick wedge soles are a key trend for footwear this SS2011... YSL has many designs incorporating this trend from sandals to leather shoes...

Below: The double tour bracelet with a Y clasp is still one of my favourites... now even more so in off-white:-)

YSL Spring Summer 2011 Mens Bags, Shoes And Accessories

What do you think of YSL's latest collection of mens' accessories? I cannot help but be disappointed by the bags. There isn't any surprises for the mens' range anymore. Many designs are merely being reworked from past seasons and the new ones are nothing worth going gaga about. The new textured bag with chain and a huge YSL insignia could earn a place amongst the most hideous bags ever made for men. In comparison, the blue nylon Hamptons Tote fares so much better, although the style has long passed its desirable shelf life. YSL needs new blood to design the bags, it has been going downhill since the longest time.

Beyond the negative bags collection, the saving grace thankfully comes from their shoes and small accessories. Trainers are looking good with sporty but refine designs. Love the pair of high tops in beige and brown with all those panelling designs.

If you have been looking for an alternative to Prada's Espadrilles Brogues (since too many people have them now), how about YSL's interpretation in dark brown and black?

The croc print leather trainers in tan colour is looking promising too, combining exotic appeal with sporty attitudes. The light blue pair with perforation details are also perfect for summer days.

YSL SS2011 Mens Accessories: Yay or nay for you?

(More pics on my facebook fanpage. Remember to support my fanpage by ‘LIKING’ if you enjoy my posts:-)

Source: YSL

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

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

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

My Bag Collection #58

Below: New Pierre Hardy Shopping for Spring Summer 2011! Love my new clutch!

Below: This season, the cube pattern is in khaki,light blue and black printed on uncoated canvas with black leather trim and lining...

Below: Added my Gucci fox tail bag charm for a Céline Prefall 2011 Look! Love!

Below: The Pierre Hardy pouch seen on the arms of fashionable men during the recent Fall Winter 2011 Mens fashion week... The size is perfect!

Below: This spring summer 2011, the cube pattern also appeared on totes (Sold in Club 21 Mens, Four Seasons Hotel - SGD1490 (Khaki version) or Studiohomme for € 645.00 as shown in pic below) besides pouches...

Pierre Hardy Cube Pattern Canvas Pouch

I am a fan of clutches and folios. And recently I just added the 6th clutch bag to my collection! Balenciaga, Lanvin and Pierre Hardy are top choices, due to their perfect size for guys.

And this time, another of Pierre Hardy's amazing cube pattern designs but in light blue, black and khaki from this Spring Summer 2011 season. The canvas is uncoated for SS2011 and is trimmed with black calf leather. I already have a red leather trim coated canvas version, and it proved to be handy, being able to hold just the right amount for a party or a nice afternoon lunch appointment. What's more... after getting obsessed with Céline's Prefall 2011 Fox tail bag charm for their leather pouches... I did my own version on my new Pierre Hardy Cube Pattern Canvas Pouch with a Gucci fox tail:-P

So chic! (The pouch is available at Club 21 Mens, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore)

Source: myMANybags, Céline

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

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

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