Gender Bender #62

Below: I love these Zara Spring Summer 2011 Narrow Leg Studio Trousers in some of the brightest and most stunning hues! Love this orange coloured version as modelled by one of my favourite models, Stella Tennant...

Below: I'd take one in each colour since the price of SGD89.90 is very affordable!

Below: I may even wear the pink one for some statement making moments...

Zara Narrow Leg Studio Trousers

I will have one pair in each of these stunning colours! Having tried and worn Zara's Narrow Leg Studio Trousers (my khaki coloured version goes with anything.. see my outfit pic from last Saturday)... I want these new Spring Summer 2011 versions. Although made for women, they fit the best for a slim guy like me. Roll the hem up and you got a preppy casual look in fabulous hues you can never find in mens collection. (Unless you count Jil Sander men's pricey versions... or Uniqlo ill fitting ones (at least to me)...

Below These may be women's trousers, but the cut is great for slim guys like myself... I own a Khaki coloured pair and I loved it, very comfy and not as tight as many may think! Rolled up the hem for a preppy casual look... (I am wearing a McQ Argyle Checks Cardigan Shirt, D&G Red Patent Leather Belt, Zara Khaki Trousers, Paul Smith Flower Embroidery Espadrilles, Céline Faux Python Bi-colour Leather Cabas with Gucci Racoon Tail Bag Charm)

Priced at only SGD$89.90... you cannot beat that price to get into the strong colour blocking trend for this new season. Especially love the orange pair! Need that!

Source: Zara

Gender Bender #61

Below: Innovatively designed gender bending shoes from Jil Sander's Fall Winter 2010 Women's Collection... Love the wrap around flap design and cut outs! A good candidate for replacing my Marni cut out shoes:-P


Below: My Marni cut out shoes which I love till death... need to find it's successor before it retires from 'over wearing'...

Jil Sander Fall Winter 2010 Cut Out Leather Shoes

I love my Marni cut out shoes. Love it so much that I am now paving the way for its retirement as a result of 'over-wearing'. To find its successor is real task, which I have embark since months ago. I had wanted Mihara Yasuhiro ankle wrap lace-ups as a potential replacement, but somehow it just lacks the refined appeal of my Marni pair. Mihara Yasuhiro's is more deliberate rough out look.

Thank goodness, I just spotted this pair of shoes from Jil Sander's Fall Winter 2010 Womens Collection which holds much promise. I just love with the cut out middle portion of the shoe with a wrap around flap extend from the base. Definitely unseen of and very interesting. The slip on design also means you can wear them without socks, another requirement for my Marni shoe replacement quest.

Hopefully these will be available at a bigger size at the Jil Sander Boutique at Hilton Hotel Singapore to fit my feet. I hereby invoke my 'Cinderella luck' to bless me to fit these shoes this coming fall season!:-P Wish me luck in ending my long 'replacing Marni shoe' hunt:-)

(BTW, those tall boots with the same design concept is equally appealing, love those die-cut and wrap around flap design again. I would want those too!)

Source: Jil Sander

Gender Bender #60

Below: Chanel Quilted Denim Sneakers, I am sure Mr Karl's 'boy muse', Baptiste Biabiconi will approve! (Click to enlarge pic for better details)

Chanel Quilter Denim Sneakers

If I am as blessed as 'Cinderella', then this shoe should be fit my feet:-) Who can ever resist a Chanel? I love this pair of Chanel Quilter Denim Sneakers from the Spring Summer 2010 Accessories Collection. The signature Chanel quilting effect is achieved with denim fabric which makes the shoe have a decadent, rough luxe look. Flat rubber sole, reminiscent of your comfy but less chic Converse shoes, this luxe version definitely get big nods for fashionistas who wants to flaunt their style statement even during off-time. I love it because it's Chanel. It's a versatile expensive footwear for shorts or running about town! Now what size does Chanel shoes run till? I know I would grab one if the size is right!

Retails for US$650.

Source: Chanel

Gender Bender #59

Stella McCartney Washed Canvas And Rope Belt

Summer time calls for some breezy sailing looks for lounging on the yacht while soaking in some sun and sea. And I found the perfect belt to round off your island hoping adventure with a touch of sophisticated glamour. This Stella McCartney Washed Canvas And Rope Belt in white and gold gets my vote:-) The white colour and rope material adds just the right touch for a nautical theme. The gold hardware splashes you with glamour befitting your luxurious yacht. Made for ladies, but guys call easily pull this off. At first glance, who would have guessed this is meant for ladies since the belt buckle is neutral in design and the belt spot a smart utilitarian look with no girly details.

I can see it matching perfectly with khaki pants and navy shorts. A refreshing break away from your conventional leather strap designs.

However, the belt is pricey considering it's all canvas and rope. And white canvas do get stained easily. But when you love something this much, can mere reasons like these deter you to purchase at all? I think not. At least not in my case:-P I want the belt... just need to find the $ which is always the most crucial reason on whether you make a successful shopping acquisition. Looking forward to the day when lady luck bless me with lottery wins and I can buy anything I like!:-) For now, I better work my butt off to make those $:-p

Source: Net-a-porter

Retail price: £264.09 (without VAT). Where to buy: Net-a-porter

Gender Bender #44

Givenchy Maxi Avenue Bag

Givenchy bags has a certain dark edge to their designs. A blend of Gothic and catholic influences which somewhat gives me a rock star vibe of heavy metal and black leather. Hence, the bag designs can sometimes cross gender boundaries and fit as well in the arms of a woman or even a man.

This Givenchy Maxi Avenue Bag is another of those bags. I love the simple shape and design, but the main draw for the bag is the chain details on the underside of the leather handles. It's subtle but yet visible. Sumptuous leather also makes the bag have a certain sex appeal... Love it.

Source: Givenchy

Gender Bender #43

Below: The 'voyeuristic' Peek-A-Boo Leather Tote

Below: Can be carried top handle or shoulder strap

Below: In a variety of colours and materials...the exotic ones are gorgeous!

Below:Prominently featured in the Fendi Spring Summer 2009 Ad Campaign

Fendi Large Leather Peek-a-Boo Tote In White

One of the most unusual and note-worthy bags to come out of the Spring Summer 2009 season is surprisingly from the house of Fendi. Usually churning out bag monstrosities, Fendi seem to hit the jackpot this time with the very chic Peek-a-Boo Leather Tote! I love the cute idea of being able to have a bit of bag voyeurism by show your bag contents. The simple lines and shape in a variety of sumptuous leathers (from exotics to fabric to calf leather) and colours also attribute to the bag being a bag to watch out for this season.

The large tote measuring 40cm across in width and 30cm in height is perfect for guys as well. The bag whether open or closed retains a great shape and with non frivolous detailing and it's what makes this bag being able to pass off as gender bending.

I would love to own one, especially in white colour! I tried on the white version in Bangkok's Fendi store, it looked very cool! The turn-lock closure is a joy to use. But it costs a hefy THB 88,000 (Approx. SGD $3800). I almost had my jaws dropped. Singapore Fendi store at Ngee Ann City sells this bag for about SGD $3400. So your best bet for the bag is www.net-a-porter, which you can get the most savings at approx SGD $2500. That is close to a SGD $1000 difference which you can redirect to other bag purchase or safekeep it in the bank:-) Net-a-porter's stock is however limited to a light grey colour for the large size, unlike the wide range of colours and materials to choose from at the boutiques. The bag looks like a soft briefcase/doctor's bag while not being too serious and conservative. Love the shoulder strap option which creates a whole new look again.

Source: www.net-a-porter.com

(Update: The Peek-a-Boo bag is sold out in Net-a-porter!)

Retail price: UK 1102.56 pounds. Where to buy: www.net-a-porter.com

Gender Bender #42

Louis Vuitton Limelight Clutch GM

I was re-watching Sex and The City Movie over the past 2 days, yes, it is a chick movie, but I enjoyed the show nonetheless. The movie embodies not just glamourous fashion and people, it also builds upon the theme of friendship and love.

Of course, all the witty dialogue which makes you laugh is very entertaining.

Beyond enjoying the storyline, I caught sight of Carrie carrying the very fabulous Louis Vuitton Limelight Clutch GM. In my clutch frenzy phrase now, I cannot help but slowly fallen in love with this 'huge purse'! Oh gosh, it's definitely understated glam, especially for the black one that I saw on Louis Vuitton's website. A guy can pull it off with the right look!

As these are limited edition, I wonder how tough it is to secure one now. Darn, I am a 'late' LV limited edition bloomer. Those graffiti pieces are kinda disappointing now...(for the time being in my books) since I see tonnes of those lying around the store. The novelty of owning them is greatly reduced. I would love to own this more limited edition Limelight clutch...simply beautiful!

Source: Louis Vuitton

Retail price: UK 835 pounds. Where to buy: Louis Vuitton

Gender Bender #41

Givenchy Women's Fall Winter 2009/2010 Pandora Leather Tote

Riccardo Tisci is steering Givenchy to fashion stardom! Not only has the brand garnered lots of attention for fashion heavy-weights at top magazines, but his work is now coveted by many women from all over the world. His fetish-ish, dark, often catholic inspired looks sees clothing adorn with unexpected details and often sexy without being blatant. This aesthetics translates to his accessories collections as well or even his menswear.

After my drooling over his Nightingale bag, I have again spotted another note-worthy design from his FW2009 women's accessories collection that I am powerless to not lust after:-P

The very interesting design of this leather bag is what caught my eye. With just a single handle, the huge boxy shape slouches and droops over to achieve a unique look. A shoulder sling provides an added option for a new style. I especially love how the corners of the boxy shape forms an angular effect that is almost 'margielic'. This bag will definitely set you apart from other more conventional designs. Since the bag is adorned with simple lines with no frivolous detailing, this bag is perfect for guys as well. Wear it with your own dark and powerful looks, the likes of Rick Owens, Julius and of course Givenchy menswear.

I am definitely going to keep an eye on this bag cum next season. It's a true 'unconventional' beauty.

Source: Givenchy

Gender Bender #40

Louis Vuitton and Sofia Coppola SC Bag

When I first laid eyes on this series of bags, I was not impressed. Simplicity and too much similarity to LV's keepall bags make this seem like a celebrity's convenient excuse to get into fashion. That was my perception during good economic times.

Perceptions changed as economic situations took a turn for the worse. All in all, during times of belt tightening, we try to spend only on what we need. If that something is an indulgence, we will only want to buy them if they have longevity and will last us for many seasons to come. This is when simplicity and elegance gains an upperhand. Investment pieces in fashion and luxury are the key to recession shopping. I sense the change in me now. I take less risk in buying seasonal, 'too trend forward' items. I rather go for classic, timeless styles where my money can have more mileage.

So this time around, when I see this range of Louis Vuitton and Sofia Coppola SC Bags, I start to appreciate it's simple, elegant aesthetics and thoughtful design. This is a bag that will ensure you enjoy using and still look trendy for many years to come.

I especially love the red leather version. The colour is simply sumptuous! There is also a LV monogram as well as a suede variant, depending on your budget. I like the bags very much now but I fear it may be built too small for a tall person like myself. Nevertheless, I will still try it in store this weekend and decide for myself. For now, the monogram version is the only one I can afford. I shall have to drool over the leather and suede ones:-) unless I strike lottery this weekend. SC Bags, what timeless beauty!

Source: www.louisvuitton.com

Retail price:
1) Leather and Suede SC Bag - SGD $5900
2) Monogram Canvas SC Bag - SGD $3400

Where to buy: Louis Vuitton Boutique at Ngee Ann City

Gender Bender #39

Yves Saint Laurent Easy Bag In White Crest Leather

After my brief infatuation with the men's YSL Easy Bag (actual name is Hampton Tote) I did more research online to look for additional information and hopefully find a white coloured version of the bag, which would be the ultimate surprise for me. I did not managed to find the men's version of the bag in white, but I did spot one online from the women's range at Saks Fifth Avenue.

To be honest, the difference between the men's and women's YSL Easy Bag is in the size and the women's bag being able to fasten down the sides to get a boxy shape. When you fan out the corners, the bag is exactly the same design. I am now wondering if the smaller women's size may also be a good option for me.

In white textured crest goatskin leather, this beautiful, understated eye candy will stand the test of time and be as chic now as in 5 years in the future. Longevity is the key to bag buying for me nowadays. The textured leather is also sumptous and light-weight that it will not strain those shoulders of any fashionista/fashionisto.

I called the SG YSL boutique to see if they may have a white coloured YSL Easy Bag in store. To my disappointment, the colours available there is only of the darker range, Navy and a taupe grey colour. I will check out the bags next weekend to see if the women's size fits a tall guy like myself. I do hope they work for me! I may just get the store's help to locate a white coloured version for me somewhere in the world if the bag fits! Cinderella scenario?!>!?

YSL, the name for effortless, easy styles!

Source: www.saks.com

Retail price: SGD $2360. Where to buy: YSL Boutique at Paragon

Gender Bender #38

Yves Saint Laurent Necklace with Reptile Skin Antique Gold Pendant

Think safari/jungle chic...No one does vintage tropical inspired styles better than YSL, where the Far East was once a destination of mystery and adventure. This piece of gorgeous jewellery from the latest YSL Spring Summer 2009 collection is simply special and eye-catching.

Always a winner in their simple yet stylish designs, I adore this YSL Necklace with Reptile Skin Antique Gold Pendant. It would definitely be a nice conversational piece to add to an evening outfit of smart black slim blazers, a deep v-neck tee and skinny tight jeans. Who would have thought replicating the skin texture of our 'slithery friends' could look so interesting and unique. It's is like your trophy piece of a prized hunt worn around your neck to show off your valor and triumph! I also like the way the YSL logo is incorporated into the design by adding a short chain at where the fastening hook is. Subtle and yet you will get noticed it's from YSL.

Crafted with an antiqued gold finish, this necklace adds old world charm of 'Indiana Jones' era, imbuing a sense of adventure and plenty of style. Me like! Très chic...even for a guy!

Source: www.brownsfashion.com

Retail price: UK 210 pounds. Where to buy: www.brownsfashion.com

Gender Bender #37

Fendi Large Navy Leather Tote

'Mirror, mirror, mirror on the wall....who makes the ugliest bags of them all?'...If someone were to ask this question in front of the queen's mirror...one name definitely pops up and tops the list. It's Fendi. For many seasons already, the brand has seen some of the weirdest, and revolting bags of all time. It seems the Spy Bag charm has not been matched up for a long time to come. I have looked at Fendi bags, hoping to see some hope in the horizon in the future, but for the past seasons, there was basically nothing that could tickle my fancy.

That is...until today...

I spotted this Fendi Large Navy Leather Tote on www.net-a-porter.com. I was simply attracted by the simplicity of the design, the roomy size and the sumptuous rich navy leather that the bag is crafted in. But one thing sells the bag to me most... the FENDI buckle for the handles! I thought that looked perfect understated chic without having to plaster huge branding all over a bag. Subtle, yet incorporated with functionality, doing a branding this way is the most ingenious and tasteful.

The large tote in gorgeous Navy colour is both basic and smart, you can easily wear the bag with nice suit styles or even causal weekend shorts. I love it. To ease up those tired arms, you can also sling the bag on your shoulder with the sexy slim removable leather strap. Built for women but equally fabulous on men:-)

I want it. I need it. But do I want to buy it in addition to the long list of shopping lusts I have already. I need to sort my list again. Bad eyes...bad temptations.

Hurry....net-a-porter offers free international shipping from now till 25 January 2009! With free delivery and a weak UK pounds exchange rate...this is the best time to buy!

Retail price: UK 856 pounds. Where to buy: www.net-a-porter.com

Gender Bender #36

YSL Y-Mail Black Patent Leather Tote

I am going to babble a bit more on the Y-mail series from YSL. I dunno what came onto to me. I used to not have the slightest bit of interest in Y-mail designs, but recently, my YSL fever has gotten me liking this range of bags and accessories.

Beyond the Y-mail coin purse that I recently bought, another item which I also like is the Y-mail Black Patent Leather Tote Bag. It's a fun easy to carry around style that is great for casual weekends. The simple design makes it suitable for guys if your build is appropriate to the size of the bag. I wonder if tall guys like me can work this bag. It feels a bit small. But it's so chic!

The black patent leather feels nice and the postage envelope design is sure to get some smiles and stares from friends. Apparently, the address and signature are inspired by Mr St. Laurent's handwriting. Magnifique!

Retail price: US $1295. Where to buy: www.ysl.com