My Shopping Conquest #68

Below: This HE by MANGO croc embossed leather belt does bears a close similarity to the Bottega Veneta real croc skin version (2nd belt in pic). Even the shape of the buckle looks identical...(Thanks to luxuryobsessed who pointed this out:-)

HE By Mango 'Exotic Skins' Textured Leather Belt

Cheap thrills of the week! I spotted these 'exotic' skins belt at HE by MANGO counter in Isetan Scotts on Friday. I really love the taupe coloured croc embossed leather belt! Not only is the textured convincing, but the colour and design is classic and no one can really spot whether these are real or mock. Will be a nice way to get some cheap chic. But my size was sold out and I left empty handed.

On Saturday, I am still brooding over the belt and I came up with a solution. I will consult the wonder SAs (Wonderful Mardi to the rescue) in Club 21 and ask them about their 'secret' in being able to shorten belts. Have done it before many times and I was really happy about the outcome. Armed with a solution, I headed to the HE by MANGO counter again. The belt available was in size 95, but i wear a size 85. Bought that and also another snakeskin textured version in black, went to the cobbler shop SHUKEY at Far East Plaza (Unit #03-05), and happily got my belt shortened to my length. They did it at where the buckle is. They cut off the excess length, fold the leather over the buckle and stitched it back again. So it is definitely looking like the original and it is 'tailored fit' for you!

These belts are amazingly priced.

So happy with my cheap thrill of the week and I see myself using these for a long time to come!

Source: Model pics from MANGO

Retail price:
1) Croc Embossed Leather Belt - SGD $35 (SGD $5 for shortening)
3) Snakeskin Textured Leather Belt - SGD $45

Where to buy: HE By Mango Counter at Isetan Scotts

My Shopping Conquest #55

Adam For HE By Mango Grey Checkered Shorts

Yes, I got it! The pair of Adam For He Grey Checkered Shorts I have been blogging since the past few days. Nothing spectacular about the design, a normal pair of shorts, but it fits! I like things that fit, and if the sizing is right, you will feel good and look good:-)

I love the classic design and the yellow trim on the insides (although it does nothing to the design, kinda redundant). And it may be slightly more expensive than Zara, but I guess I can wear it for a long time and that justifies the price.:-P Will look great with a nice tailored jacket for the school boy look!

Boyish shorts are big this season!

Retail price: SGD $99. Where to buy: HE By Mango Counter at Isetan Scotts

When There Is A Will, There Is A Way...

...To Sneak In Some Shopping

CONFESSIONS OF A 'SHOPAHOLIC' #101
(Hmmm...I dun think I have reached that esteemed 'Title' yet, right?, am I?!>!>!)

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Confession #56: When you set your 'heart' on something, you know you will find a way to 'achieved' it...'Determination' is key to attain shopping 'Nirvana':-P
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(Something I sneaked in before the 'MMB Bank' closure:-P)

BTW, the movie 'Confessions Of A Shopaholic' opens next week (25 March 2009) at all theatres in Singapore. Don't you dare miss it if you enjoy shopping!

The Runway Sniper #24

HE By Mango Spring Summer 2009 Menswear

I just came back from town and had been checking out HE by Mango at Isetan Scotts, Shaw Centre. Although not everything in the collection are worthy of mention, there are certainly some pieces that stood out:-) Adam for HE pieces are understated and simple, quality was good for the price, and the timeless aspect of the designs are something which I liked. Beyond that, I also found a pair of bright orange coloured suede driving shoe (SGD $175) which is perfect for adding some summer colours! Coloured jeans are huge this season and Mango also offers an affordable option with slim fitted cuts at just SGD $115. A yellow gradation effect cardigan also caught my eye, which I feel could be terrific to pair with shorts.

Here are some looks I have pulled out from HE by Mango's website which shows how styling works magic on an outfit, regardless of whether they are top brands or more affordable labels. I definitely got inspired with the runway looks:-) Summer scarves are proven now to be a must this season, as does shorts and coloured jeans!

Where to buy: HE By Mango Counter at Isetan Scotts

The Material Boy #248

Below: Mid-thigh tailored shorts are hot this summer season!

Below: Another amazing strap style sandals from HE By Mango!

Below: How both comes together as worn by the cute model....drools...

Adam For HE By Mango Grey Checkered Tailored Shorts And Ankle Height Leather Strap Sandals

It seems the bad economy has shown no signs of improvement any time soon, so it is time to readjust my shopping budget and to psyche myself into lusting for more affordable labels. But that is not to say I am in favour of sacrificing good design nor quality for price. Although, I am not agreeing entirely that HE by Mango does great designs and is of great quality, but their recent collaboration with Adam Lippes do offer pieces which are worth 'investing'. Pricing may be slightly higher than most street labels, but it is not unattainable, almost Zara prices. I would rather pay a bit more than buying bad quality such as Topman's items. You can spot the significant difference in quality and workmanship between these 2 street labels, even though Adam for HE costs just slightly more.

I had the chance to try out a pair of checkered shorts at Topman which costs SGD $65 and a pair of Adam For HE shorts at SGD $99. Both look similar but Topman's quality is crap and crazy to command a $65 price tag. Loose thread ends, lousy fabric quality makes this an unwise place to spend your money on. I think Adam For HE have a balance of quality and price, which is great during 'wallet slimming' times. I am considering buying this lovely pair of Adam For HE Grey Checked Tailored Shorts. Looks chic and fabulous with shirts or tees for a nonchalant summer look.

Another item I am eyeing on is the Ankle Height Black Leather Strap Sandals. Not as gladiator in style(which is great since the trend might just die off by next season) but the covered heel design is cute and different. I wonder if I should get it, after amassing so many pairs of unworn sandals (gladiator style too! Yikes!) since last year. But at a price tag of SGD $119, it's a good buy which will last many seasons.

Source: HE By Mango

Retail price:
1) Adam For HE Grey Checkered Tailored Shorts - SGD $99
2) He By Mango Ankle Height Black Leather Strap Sandals - SGD $119

Where to buy: HE By Mango Counter at Isetan Scotts

The Material Boy #236

Adam Lippes For HE By Mango

I have blog about this collaboration a while back, but now high res pictures have surfaced onto the Mango website. Clean lines, sleek silhouette and subtle colours. I am most attracted to the window pane checks in grey and of course those killer ankle height strappy sandals. What is most incredible is the pricing, which is very affordable and still having that preppy cool.

Singapore is one of the 2 Asian countries to stock Mango Menswear. It should be available at the Mango Store at Shaw Centre. Can't wait to see those sandals (Last pic)!

Source: www.mango.com

My MANy Bags News #27

Mango Has A New Collaboration...'Adam For Mango'

The trend of collaboration with designers seems to be heating up. Comme Des Garcons for LV and H&M among the most recent. Now Spanish label, Mango has tapped into the creative brains of American Designer Adam Lippes (He's very cute and his own line 'ADAM' is gorgeous as well!) for a limited edition capsule collection 'Adam for Mango' for 2 seasons. I am excited about these clean cut designs with a subdued but interesting palette. Soft greys, summery beige are contrasted with black. Loving the sandals as well. What I am most attracted is that the collection has no branding all over and features a sleek minimal look with sharp cuts! The limited edition clothes will be in stores in March and early September for spring and autumn collections respectively. Thanks to www.selectism.com for the heads up:-)

DNR reports in on the Adam Lippes capsule line for Mango.

“A year after opening its first U.S. store in New York, the Spanish fast-fashion retailer Mango has collaborated on limited-edition capsule lines with designer Adam Lippes. The American designer will produce two collections for both men and women for the spring/summer 2009 and autumn/winter 2009 seasons. The spring collection will arrive in stores March 15, and the autumn collection in early September.”

Dressing Room Fun!

1) Zara Dressing Room, Singapore

2) Selfridges Dressing Room, London ( I love my Paul And Joe Bag!)

3) Zara Dressing Room 1, Bangkok

4) Zara Dressing Room 2, Bangkok

Kevin And The Dressing Rooms: Singapore, London and Bangkok!

Been a while since I post about my dressing room outfits! But I did not forget to have some fun and document some of the clothes I usually wear. My kind of style:-P

So from the top...

1) Zara Dressing Room, Singapore: Me wearing D&G 'I love Stefano' Tee, Love Bracelet and audacious fit skinny jeans, Gucci G-horse Head belt, He By Mango Sandals

2) Selfridges Dressing Room, London (While trying on a Dsquared2 tee:-): Me wearing Zara Cropped Tailored Jacket and Grey Wool Cardigan, YSL Stripe Slim Fit Shirt, Gucci G-horse Head Belt, D&G Love Bracelet, Paul And Joe Leather and Wool Bag, Converse White Sneakers

3) Zara Dressing Room, Bangkok (Pic 1) : Me wearing Zara Grey Slim Fit Long Sleeve Tee, Jil Sander Graffiti Belt, Armani Exchange Checkered Shorts, Comme Des Garcon Silver Print Sneakers, D&G Love Bracelet

4) Zara Dressing Room, Bangkok (Pic 2) : Me wearing DSquared2 'God Save The Dean' Tee, Jil Sander Graffiti Belt, Armani Exchange Checkered Shorts, Comme Des Garcon Silver Print Sneakers, D&G Love Bracelet

The Material Boy #52

HE by Mango Brown Leather Strap Sandals

I thought I post pics of another pair of leather strap sandals from HE by Mango. This was the other design that I love from their spring summer menswear collection. Would have bought it as well if they were still in stock. Maybe another shipment soon. Good for everyday wear since it is not too expensive. When mixed right, it could look like a million dollars. :-) That is the power of good designs. Once again, good things don't always have to be expensive.

Retail price: SGD $99. Where to buy: Mango Boutique at Shaw Centre

My Shoe Collection #23

HE by Mango Black Leather Strap Sandals

One afternoon of being in Orchard Road, and I end up shopping uncontrollably...I thought I had survive a saturday without any purchase and was proud of that. That is not the whole truth:-P Okay, I admit I did drop by Orchard Road today because I want to get a Gucci belt...so if I come to think of it...I put myself in this situation. hahaha.

Oh well, was passing by Mango store at Shaw Centre and decided to check out Mango Menswear again. Was not really impressed the first time I saw the collection. But the sandals left a good impression on me. Reminds me of my Gucci Sandals except the leather strap is broader.

I went into the store this afternoon..seems they have gotten some new items. A few belts and new sandals. There were 2 different strap sandals available on my first visit, but now what's left was the black version with a toe ring. I was skeptical to buy the sandals at first, as the sole was too round for me. I prefer streamline shaped soles. Slender and long. However, just as I was about to leave the store, a couple came in and the boyfriend tried on the sandals the minute I put it back on the shelf. It looked really good with his skinny jeans ensemble. Immediately, the 'green light' in me buzz, and I was sold for the sandals.

In order to curb any impulse purchase, I got out of the store and linger around 'That CD Shop" for a while before I decided I will get it as the price was not too expensive. It will be a good alternative for my Gucci strap sandals and I have yet to own a pair of strap sandals in black. Plus, it will match the skinny stud belt I just got from Gucci!

Made a return to the store and asked for a new pair from the SA (the one on display looks a bit disgusting...the sole was dirty..yikes!). So this is the story of how I got my first HE by Mango item.:-P

Retail price: SGD $99. Where to buy: Mango Boutique at Shaw Centre

My MANy Bags News #03

HE by Mango Menswear arrives in Singapore

As mentioned in my previous post, HE by Mango is finally making its debut in Singapore. Officially launched on March 15 worldwide, the menswear collection is also now available at the Shaw Centre Mango Boutique. So rest assured, Singapoean men are not forgotten. This is good news for fashion fans as it provides another option to get affordable fashion.

I have browsed thru their website, the catalogue pics look promising but I sense there will be a lot of basic pieces of 'American style' like rugby shirts and cargo shorts (reminiscent of Polo and Gant). I only like the pieces which offers a sharper European flair such as waist coats, slim shirts and pants, with thong sandals and studded belts.

Check out the Shaw Centre boutique for the collection, who knows you may be duly surprised with some great items at a great price! I will do just that for the long Good Friday weekend:-)

My MANy Bags News #01

Mango Menswear – HE

Giving Zara a run for its money, Mango the spanish womenswear label who has been putting out affordable runway styles is launching its first menswear collection on March 15, 2008. Good news for fashion conscious men who does not want to rob a bank to achieve impeccable designer looks:-). I was very pleased with this new choice of affordable clothing which I can mix and match with actual designer pieces. Zara does great stuff on their men's range, but their cuts are sometimes way too large for me. Hopefully, Mango can come up with something that actually fits slimmer men. Featuring 46 pieces of t-shirts, waistcoats, trousers, jeans and swimwear in an assortment of fabrics and a signature unicorn logo.

In case you are wondering, why 'HE'? It seems, the name stands for Homini Emerito, which translates as "Man who enjoys a reward because of its merits". I am on the fence for the design of the logo. It looks similar to some 'Ah Beng' clothing shop in Singapore. (In case foreign readers are wondering, Ah Beng refers to local hooligans)

Nevertheless, check out the photos of the collection. Looking promising. Love the skinny pants and waist coat look. And the studded belt looks great. Reminds me of Hedi Slimane's Dior Homme.

Keep your fingers crossed that Singapore stores will stock this new range of menswear.