My MANy Bags Lookbook #25

My Marine Style: Spring Summer 2011

I have blogged about the nautical influences in Spring Summer 2011 collections. The key to wear your sailing inspired pieces was not to be too literal.

Here's my take on My Marine Style, merging city and the sea, dandy and the sailor.... Khaki earth tones with sea faring blues, nautical iconography with classic plaids and stripes... it's all about contrast.

Dries Van Noten's Contrast Checked Sleeve Cotton Shirt, Junya Watanabe's Cropped Trousers with Fold Up Contrast Hem and Swear's 'Chaplin 1' Stripe Canvas Lace-ups get some classic dandy styles going. Burberry's Twisted Cord Necklace and ASOS's Brass Anchor Buckle Leather Belt adds a hint of high seas adventure. Finally, a touch of blue (From Prada's Canvas Briefcase) to round off the nautical flair... and my Marine Style is complete:-) City or the sea, here I come!

So what's your marine style this season?

See my other lookbook posts here

Source: ASOS, Farfetch, Net-A-Porter

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

The Material Boy #377

Below: Blazer of LOVE from Zara #1... a smart plaid blazer that allows you to pull off the Junya Watanabe SS2010 preppy looks:-)

Below: Blazer of LOVE from Zara #2... gathered seams design that is derivative of Lanvin's Spring Summer 2009 version. I want! :-)

Below: Blazer of LOVE from Zara #3... Modernity in the irridescent blue blazer :-)

Zara Spring Summer 2010 Mens Blazers (My Picks!)

Shopping in Zara is a joy. Not just because the prices are attainable and you can afford almost anything you like. But it is also the constant stocking of new pieces each week that refreshes the store experience. A smart move for a retailer that keeps customers coming back regularly to check out new arrivals. Luxury stores may have all the most coveted merchandise, but the stocks usually becomes stagnant after all the season's orders have arrived. Repeated store visits then only makes you see the same things over and over again.

So I love Zara for weekly shopping visits. Even if I do not buy, I like to see what's available. Sfter checking out the stores in SG and also online, here's my picks from Zara's Spring Summer 2010 collection... 3 blazers that I strongly feel gets a good vote in classic style and yet value for money.

1) Zara Plaid Blazer - What can I say, if you want to achieve Junya Watanabe's Spring Summer 2010 preppy looks, this lookalike from Zara has all the makings for gentlemen allure. I love the white colour with small grey plaid patterns. White coloured blazers are the best to match summery pastel hues. It's a great base for colour in your attire and definitely sophisticated in appeal.

2) Zara Gathered Seams Blazer - Who would have thought you can own a design feature from Lanvin's Spring Summer 2009 collection for a fraction of the price?!?! Remember Lanvin's gathered seams blazer that I was raving about here. I almost got that during the further sale last Fall season. But even at 60% discount, it still costs almost a hefty SGD $2000. (The original price was approx. $4300 as sold in Club 21 Mens!). So this lookalike from Zara's Spring Summer 2010 collection is a great alternative to enjoy some gathered seams design at a fraction of the original's price:-) I also prefer the light grey colour as it more unusual than Navy. The contrast trim on the collar adds a dash of eye catching detail too.

3) Zara Iridescent Blue Blazer - Last but not least, a smart light blue blazer made from iridescent fabric that undulates in tones of pink and blue under different lighting conditions. I love the modernity of the shimmery material... a stunning piece for any evening functions.

So you may ask how much do I have to fork out for these lovely blazers? Well, most definitely you will get to keep your arm and leg... because at SGD $259, no one will have to go thru baked beans for a whole month! I think it's Zara shopping time this coming weekend for me:-)

Source: Zara

Retail price: SGD $259. Where to buy: Zara Boutiques

My MANy Bags Sales Updates #29

Browns Fashion Sale Starts 18 June 09!

Just got news that Browns Fashion, one of the most exciting luxury retailers in London will be starting their end of season sales tommorrow, 18 June 2009!

Take advantage of UK's lower prices for luxury brands, VAT exemption for overseas orders and a weaker GBP exchange rate to grab sought-after labels such as Lanvin, Ann Demeulemeester, Junya Watanabe, Number Nine, Balenciaga and many more! They stock menswear as well as womenswear. So ladies this time you are not left out! Browns Fashion also ships internationally:-)

Here's my top picks for the sale....oh gosh, how am I going to save any money if sale information keeps 'bombarding' me! Temptations, temptations...

Prices are before sale discounts. (I presume they will range from 30% to 40% off). Click here to go to the website.

1) Lanvin Ruched Details Blazer - £1235. The ruched detailing is ingenious, the material luxurious and they use actual horn buttons. This warrants the high price. And if you can find one your size at a sale...grab it!


2) Lanvin Nylon Purple Trainers- £300. The best time to buy the expensive Lanvin trainers is during a sale:-) This purple one is unique and adds colour to your outfit without being overpowering.


3) Number (N)ine Cardigan With Pocket Detail- £530. I got this at Club 21 Mens but in another lovely brown colour. 50% silk, 50% cashmere...soft to the skin and drapes fluidly over your body. Intricate details such as the silk pockets on the waistline and pointelle detail on the cuff of the long sleeves are beautiful and unique!


4) Number (N)ine Jacquard Shorts- £670. Perfect match with the above cardigan, classic take on cropped trosusers:-) The buckle detail on the back is interesting as does the eye catching blue pocket trim.




5) Junya Watanabe Reversible Blazer- £690. Two styles in one blazer! Both looks are cool:-)


6) YSL Tweed Jacket- £1235. You can never go wrong with YSL. It's elegant and timeless chic. Love the trim on the colours and pockets.


7) Ann Demeulemeester Cardigan- £375. Slouchy and nonchalant, comfortable and stylish for summer.

8) Ann Demeulemeester Sandals With Ankle Tie and Toe Loop- £250. One of the most eye catching sandal designs for this season. Looks great with shorts or cropped pants.


Source: www.brownsfashion.com