My Bag Collection #60

Below: I am an avid fan of clutch bags. This is one welcoming addition with 'Flower Power' to match! Love my new Jil Sander's Neon Flower Print Canvas Clutch Bag!
Below: Special ink has been used for printing that gives the floral patterns a brighter than usual appearance! Love the neon effects:-)

Jil Sander Neon Flower Print Canvas Clutch Bag

Flowery prints has always been shy away by men due to its association to feminity since eons ago. Women's fashion has always played with floral designs while mens kept to it's masculine graphic shapes and subdued colours. But for Spring Summer 2011, floral motifs is blooming all over for guys! Jil Sander, Yohji Yamamoto, D&G all embraced nature's best creation to the world for Spring Summer 2011. That said, flower prints may not always work on some guys. Even for me, where I embraced certain levels of experimentation with fashion, thinks it's a tad too overwhelming when worn as a top.

There are however other ways to wear floral prints without becoming a visual eyesore. I'd reckon having flower prints on accessories is the best way to tone things down and avoid an overdose of nature's beauty. Bags, shoes, belts.... something smaller to accent a plain outfit for maximum visual impact.

Below: I may love this flower print, but wearing it as a t-shirt may not work for me... would you dare to wear this?

I chanced upon this beautiful Jil Sander Neon Flower Print Canvas Clutch Bag at Club 21 Mens, Four Seasons Hotel a couple of weeks back. I will not wear the t-shirt (see below) done with the same floral print, but this clutch bag I would carry any day! The flower print also spots a neon coloured ink, churning out brighter than usual colours. Outstanding and interesting to make you pop any day. I love the size (32cm width x 21cm height. Great size for guys) and the soft leather trimmings, giving a luxurious touch to the otherwise all canvas clutch.

Comes in a silk material as well with bigger florals for women (£190). But I still prefer the stronger colours and smaller, denser flower patterns on this mens version.

Below: Fret not, the womens have their own version in silk material with pinkish tones and bigger florals... still lovely for the ladies!

Flower power for the boys and girls! Yay!

(Check out my other post on nature's inspiration for Spring Summer 2011. More pics on my facebook fan page)

Source: myMANybags, Jil Sander

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

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

My Bag Collection #57

Below: A long overdue welcome to my new bag! My fabulous Balenciaga RGGH Canard Part-time!

Below: Love the combination of Rose Gold and Canard colour!

Below: Giant studs adds a tough and glamourous accent to the leather...

Below: Shiny rose gold even on the shoulder strap hooks...

Below: Rose gold has a vintage feel to the colour, yet glamourous at the same time...

Below: Double zippers for ease of opening the bag...

Below: In the dustbag...

Below: Me modeling the bag... a great shoulder bag that is not too huge and cumbersome... the proportion works for my height and build:-P

Below: Good for a blazer look and skinny jeans (or my Current Elliot Olive Cargo jeans!)

Balenciaga RGGH Canard Part-Time

It's a long overdue post for my latest bag addition acquired a few months back...

But better late than never (especially since I am off for the week and had time on my hands like never before! Hurray!)... so let me introduce my new Balenciaga RGGH (Rose Gold Giant Hardware) Canard Part-Time.

Boys have always been restricted to the weekender, courier and day designs when it comes to adopting Balenciaga bags. But I decided on a particular inspiring day many months ago to try out other styles of Balenciaga bags just for fun.

Interestingly, although I had no plans to buy anything... it seems my 'shopping ban' plan always backfire. In the name of research for my blog (good excuse to shop!) but at the expense of my bank account, I embark on the 'treacherous' mission and have to report that I have succeeded in testing the Balenciaga bags but failed to rescue my bank account.

Work bag is simply too short and small for my height. Weekender is too bulky for everyday. And First and Town is tiny for boys. I love the strap options for City...but that is too small again. So what's left is the Part-time which I was skeptical at first due to it's long shape. Surprisingly, at a length of aprox. 43cm, the Part-time resembles a small duffel bag. When I first shoulder sling it, I was immediately taken by the proportion of the bag against my height (I am 178cm tall) and build. I love the style, easy and non cumbersome. It does not looked entirely inappropriate for a guy and yet interesting enough to pass off as a guy's bag. I guess a bag is a bag, it is what marketing wants to sell it as, especially bags of a borderline gender designs. Hence the Part-time is up to the individual to see what works for him or not.

But one thing's for sure, I am liking the Balenciaga Part-time on me, especially with the new Giant Rose Gold Hardware against Canard colour (a turquoise based dark blue)... it's versatile and yet glamourous at the same time! I also love the double zipper pulls and the shorter shoulder strap which presents another option to carry the bag. Perfect for blazers and skinny jeans.

So out flashes my Visa card, in goes the Balenciaga RGGH Canard Part-time to my 'bag family'. Welcome! Welcome!:-P

Source: myMANybags

Retail price: SGD 2940. Where to buy: Balenciaga Boutique at Hilton Hotel

My Bag Collection #56

Below: Birthday present no. 1 to myself! Something from Lanvin!

Below: It's my new Lanvin Python Clutch Bag... another exotic item for my bag collection!:-P Love exotics!

Below: Lanvin's design is always understated and timeless... the branding is just discreetly marked on the zipper pull and a metal eyelet... Luxury that is to be appreciated thru its design and not the loud branding.

My 2010 Birthday Treat No.1:
Lanvin Python Clutch Bag

Once in a year, everyone is entitled to pamper themselves for that special day in their lives... their BIRTHDAY! Yes, mine is coming end Oct, so I have started to acquire some birthday treats to reward myself for surviving yet another year, thankful for what I have and for what I have achieved.

Since I am a shopping fan, what better indulgence than some shopping treats:) So Birthday present number #1 (more reveals to come!)... just hot off the shopping bag today...my new Lanvin Python Clutch Bag in beige/natural colour! This will be my perfect statement bag for those many upcoming events I am attending. It's luxurious and yet understated and eye catching at the same time. I have always been on the hunt for clutches, simple folio style clutch bags that guys can use for any occassion. So this fits my requirements. The size is generous (almost A4), fitting an ipad easily, so you can be sure it can hold whatever you need for any parties. I love the python texture in beige/natural tones which makes the clutch versatile for dressing down or up. The python skin also adds a sense of luxury and exotic charm to accent any outfits. Since Lanvin is headed the grunge and edgy direction (as evident in this Fall Winter 2010 and next season's Spring Summer 2011), the python material has become a material prominently used in Lanvin's accessories (Shoes and bags). I love their take on exotics, always elegant and non too brash and vulgar.

Can't wait to take this baby out for a spin soon!

Grab yours today at Lanvin Hilton Hotel. Only 2 pieces each for 2 colours (Beige and a grey tone) are available. The price is unbelievably good for a exotic skin item!

Price: SGD 860. Where to buy: Lanvin Boutique at Hilton Hotel, Singapore

Source: myMANybags

My Bag Collection #55

Below: New bag member for my 'bag harem'! Hurray for Team Philo!

Below: Right down to the dustbag, the no-fuss, unpretentious design aesthetics are carried thru everything the brand represents... Good cohesive branding. The dustbag is made from raw cotton with black ribbon drawstrings...

Below: Welcome my first Céline bag! It's been a while I have been eyeing on Phoebe Philo's designs... this makes for a perfect entry piece! A bi-material Leather Cabas...luxury without being vulgar:-)

Below: Perfect size for toting around any day... can hold up to 5kgs!

Below: Now for the close-ups... fully lined with soft lambskin as opposed to the unlined coloured lambskin versions... there is an internal zip pocket and subtle Céline branding. The soft lambskin feels so good to touch!

Below: Tag that explains Céline's commitment to quality and characteristics of the material...

Below: 'Python' contrasted with black calf leather...

Below: Simple and understated...while being practical...

Below: Confidence in the brand results the lack of need to plaster branding all over your product. I applaud Céline and Phoebe for making the brand discreet and stamped in gold:-)

Céline Bi-material Leather Cabas

Let's put our hands together and welcome the newest member of my 'increasingly reducing' bag harem... All my bag 'concubines' are not happy I exodus much of their lovely sisters and brothers. They rally like no tommorrow giving those 'Bangkok Red Shirts' a run for their money. So in order to 'restore order' and maintain 'healthy' bag harem numbers... I am now proud to announce the arrival of ultra chic Céline's Bi Material Leather Cabas to join the fun! Yes, my bag collection is one big happy family:P They have 'mass handbag parties all day long':-P

Enough said, this lovely Céline Bi-Material Leather Cabas is indeed one of a kind here in Singapore. Considering this was the one and only piece that was brought in and sold to lucky me! FJ Benjamin operated Céline stores only carry the coloured lambskin versions, but Duty Free Scottswalk's Céline store made the effort to get one of this lovely 'python' skin and leather version to sunny Singapore shores. I spotted it last Saturday, contemplating the all blue lambskin version or this. But in the end settle for the bi-material version as it is unique with brilliant textural contrast. Scaly 'python' skin against smooth black calf... fabulous and understated. Best part of all, it is lined with soft lambskin as oppose to the unlined lambskin versions.

Me love Céline! The sales person at Céline boutique told me these Leather Cabas is favoured by many stylist. I hold her word true since the bag is indeed functional and practical for all occasions. Understated glamour is the way to go for now and the upcoming season.

Where to buy: Céline Boutique at DFS Scottswalk

My Bag Collection #49

Below: Finally I have Praline colour in my possession! SGH hardware looks great on Praline colour. The size of the clutch is just right for guys too. Love it.

Below: Another gorgeous Sanguine:-) I love this colour. It's outstanding
without being too loud:-)

Below: 2 new Balenciaga family members:-P

Balenciaga SGH Flat Clutches In Praline And Sanguine
(Reveal from 'Parcel Monday Part One...Part Deux')

Ever since my first mention about clutches and those from Balenciaga:-) I have become an 'addict'. And since Erica (HG bags) offers great pricing for her pieces and stocks more range than the Singapore boutique, I cannot help to snap up more when I get her inventory email update weeks ago. I miss out on her promotional offer of 10% discount on 2nd piece so I decided to try my luck with her ebay auctions. My eyes were keenly set on the flat clutches in Praline and Sanguine colour.

I am in no hurry to own any flat clutches therefore I leave the outcome of the auctions in the hands of the 'shopping gods' to determine if these babies will be part of my bag collection:-) I placed my maximum bid on ebay and to my surprise, woke up in the morning after the auction end date to find I won the SGH Praline Flat Clutch auction! I narrowly missed the SGH Sanguine Flat Clutch but Erica offered me a 'second chance offer' to buy the item at my maximum bid.

Well, I shall not disclose what I paid for. But I have to say it was one of the best deals ever:-) With prompt settling of payment, Erica did her usual speedy magic and the 2 flat clutches arrived at my office within days. I was so impressed with the leather of these clutches. Very smooshy, soft and beautifully distressed! They are very handy to take out for a sunday brunch or when you dun have much to carry. Perfect companion for travelling too, since I can put in my camera and wallet or even a book all inside. The external and internal zip pockets are very useful, so I highly recommend this Balenciaga design.

Praline simply looks amazing with SGH and Sanguine is my favourite red now! I am officially a Balenciaga addict! HELP!

My Bag Collection #48

Below: Balenciaga dust bag...I can get use to this, more of these white dust bags
and contents:-P

Below: My usual 'peek-a-boo' shot...

Below: The fabulous Balenciaga SGH Envelope Clutch in Automne:-) One of my most wanted colours of this season!

Below: Beautiful distressed leather...

Below: Lots of compartments for your belongings...

Below: The giant hardware goes so well with automne colour...

Below: Even the zipper is nice:-) Although this compartment is not very functional...

Balenciaga Spring Summer 2009 Silver Giant Hardware (SGH) Automne Envelope Clutch
(Reveal from 'Incoming Happy Mail From NY Part 3')

This is a long overdue reveal...but nonetheless..here goes:-)

Recently, I have been lusting a clutch. I want something that carries minimum but yet still be able to hold a decent amount without bulging my pockets. So a clutch is the perfect solution, being not cumbersome and yet is there to keep all the basic necessities (Wallet, mobile phone, ipod etc).

After my post about Balenciaga clutches, I finally made up my mind to get the Balenciaga Silver Giant Hardware (SGH) Automne Envelope Clutch. Despite the uncertainty about the size fitting a guy, I took another chance as I like the design of an envelope clutch better than the flat ones. It's more elegant and perfect for evenings. And Automne colour has been high on my want list of Balenciaga colours this season. Bagaholicboy's automne weekender and Recoloured2's automne courier were truly gorgeous. Upon seeing their pics, I knew I had to buy something in automne. Mixed with silver giant hardware, the tan brown colour can transcend casual to formal, which makes it very versatile.

Another email to Erica from HG bags....and the parcel came 4 days later:-) Perfect surprise upon returning home from my Bangkok weekend break:-) I am surprised and relieved the clutch is substantial enough in size and works on a slim guy like me. I am definitely carrying this clutch when attending glamourous events like fancy dinners or fashion shows. Thanks again Erica for another great deal! 3rd Balenciaga in a row within a 2 week interval:-) This is 'frighteningly' addictive!

Retail price: US $495 (+US$35 for express shipping) (SGD $783.88). Where to buy: HG Bags