My Shopping Conquest #122

Below: The closest I will probably come to getting a 'tattoo'...:-P Love my new Louis Vuitton x Scott Campbell Spring Summer 2011 étole tattoo bleu. 'Chinese Mafia' LV style?

Below: One of the key pieces in LV's Spring Summer 2011 mens collection... the cotton stole is fabulous under blazers and sweaters!

Louis Vuitton x Scott Campbell Spring Summer 2011 Mens étole Tattoo Bleu

Louis Vuitton is the king of collaborations. You have to applaud Marc Jacobs for his unusually acute sense of successful collaborative projects with famous artists. From Murakami to Richard Prince, Rei Kawakubo and now for Spring Summer 2011... celebrity tattoo artist Scott Campbell. I am usually not a fan of tattoos. I can tolerate seeing them in small amounts on other people (gives them a cool edge I must say, when done right), but never on myself. I will just get tired of the design very soon and regret it for life:-(

But it was love at first sight for this Louis Vuitton x Scott Campbell Spring Summer 2011 Mens étole Tattoo Bleu after I first saw Bagaholicboy flaunt his on twitter. I immediately got smitten by Scott's highly original style! His work for LV is street vs. fine art vs. fashion... all done with lots of personality and attitude. What's more, the oriental theme motif is what I deemed a contemporary take on chinese mafia style, 'bad boy' cool anyone?:-P

I told myself I must track one down. The LV gods heard my wishes and and I managed to find the seasonal-release cotton stole at Ngee Ann City's LV store. Only 2 pieces were available... of course one came home with me. I grabbed at the chance to own this fashion piece cum collectible art:-) (My friend said Scott Campbell is going to get even more famous:-) So this might be a highly sought after collectible in the future.)

Below: Oriental dragons and tattoo style LV monogram flowers... a cool intepretation of contemporary body art... Scott Campbell's work is amazing!

The stole features subdued colours of pale blues, brown tones and greys with motifs of chinese dragons and a series of reinterpreted tattoo style LV monogram. I also love the extreme creasing which give the scarf a used and nonchalant look. Perfect to peek out from under your blazers and sweaters, definitely a conversational piece at events:-)

Below: Close-up look at the prints on the extreme creased stole... lovely colour combination!

Can't wait to head to cooler climates soon to put this stole to good use:-) It's been so long since LV has gotten my 'shopping adrenaline' pumping this much... Very pleased with my purchase and love Scott Campbell!

Source: myMANybags, Style, Louis Vuitton

My Shopping Conquest #121

Below: Spring Summer 2011 is a 'belt tightening' season!

Belts Ahoy! Spring Summer 2011 Is 'Belt Tightening' Season...

Belts are often one of the most overlooked clothing item on a guy. And no, not all belts work magic and fit all looks. Belts are as equally important as all your other wardrobe pieces (the belt is worn at a strategic position of your body, very visible!). Besides serving a functional purpose of preventing you from indecent exposé (trousers falling down!), it is a fun item that lets you enhance your personality or add depth to an outfit. Forget logo belts (those are for occasional flaunting of your swelling bank account), wear belts that takes on the season's trend or expresses a certain mood you are feeling.

This Spring Summer 2011, I am feeling all the colour blocking craze seen on all levels of fashion. I am also dreaming of setting sails to the high seas, just in time for summer! So here's my latest acquisition for this 'Belt Tightening' SS2011 season:
1) Zara Narrow Yellow Leather Belt – SGD59.90
(Comes in red, orange and blue as well, most affordable colour blocking! Get all colours to mix & match)

2) Jil Sander Orange Red Textured Leather – SGD390
(The red is almost neon!)

3) ASOS Brass Anchor Buckle Leather Belt – £15
(I love anchor motifs)

4) ASOS Twisted Rope Belt – £15
(Sailing chic, where's my yacht?!?)

What are your 'belt tightening' finds this season?

Zara available at all Zara Boutiques. Jil Sander available at Club 21 Mens, Four Seasons Hotel. ASOS available at www.asos.com

Source: myMANybags

My Shopping Conquest #120

Below: What is your favourite colour of Spring Summer 2011... for me, it's undoubtedly cheery YELLOW! That is why I had to get this Mimosa Coloured Balenciaga Arena Bracelet!

Yellow Fever: Balenciaga Mimosa Double Tour Arena RH Leather Bracelet

Of the many colours that is running rampant this Spring Summer 2011 season, nothing can beat YELLOW as my favourite hue of the season:-P

Hence, 2 weekends ago, I bought my Balenciaga Mimosa Double Tour Arena RH Leather Bracelet as soon as it arrives in store! Mimosa is a stunning hue amongst the Balenciaga colour family. It's so bright and eye catching, looking almost neon! Perfect to add a pop of colour when you wear something neutral. Such as my outfit for last Saturday... A white Givenchy shirt, Topman Navy pants, Paul Smith Yellow Flower Embroidery Shoes, Miu Miu Plastic Coloured Brooches and of course debutting my new Balenciaga accessory!

Love yellow. What is your favourite hue this season?

Source: myMANybags

My Shopping Conquest #119

Below: 3.1 Phillip Lim Cockerel Applique T-shirt With Penguin Tail... I am ready for my 'GETAI' (Lunar Seven Month Street Concert) Debut...

Below: Love the uneven length of the hem, creating a tail on the back, when worn...

Below: Intricately sewn sequins to form a cockerel image...

Below: 'Penguin' tail design which I love...

Below: As seen on the Spring Summer 2011 Mens show, but in a slightly different Cockerel motif... gorgeous!

3.1 Phillip Lim Cockerel Sequin Applique T-shirt With Penguin Tail

I want to be alive... and rock the world...

That is why I got this 3.1 Phillip Lim Cockerel Sequin Applique T-shirt With Penguin Tail. The longer shirt tail at the end created a unique silhouette for the otherwise simple t-shirt, hanging out of your blazers, adding the flowing flair as you walked. Like a tuxedo jacket tail... abeit a more flamboyant one...

I am getting 'cocky'!

(Get yours from Club 21 Mens, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore. Price SGD$360... great price for such a intricately crafted t-shirt!)

Source: myMANybags, Style

My Shopping Conquest #118

Below: When sales go up to 70% off, it's a crime not to flash out your credit cards again... I did just that at Net-a-porter's further sale!

Below: I picked up 2 super good deals at 70% off! Sweet! Especially when one of them is from Marni...

Below: Marni Horn and Brass brooches, comes in set of 2... reduced to £29 from £97!

Below: Love the antique finish... lends a glamourous gold accent to any blazers or sweaters...

Below: I love the way the round and rectangle brooches look on my blazer. Nice!

Below: I have been wanting Isabel Marant's John Chain Mail Scarf/Necklace in black since the day I saw it online. But at £178 then, it was too expensive... but now reduced to £53, I can't miss it!

Below: Shimmering in fabulous black... 'Disco' accent anyone? Great for parties!

Below: Unique scarf and necklace design... if you love a bit of subtle bling, this is something you cannot miss!

Net-A-Porter Sale Shopping!

When prices are further marked down to 70% at Net-a-porter... it's a crime not to flash out that credit card again and milk it for that last 'drop' of shopping money:-P

So that's exactly what I did. I bought 2 super great items at a hefty 70% off!

Marni Brass And Horn Brooches reduced to £29 from £97 (sold out after 2 days!), Isabel Marant John Chain Mail Scarf/Necklace in black now at £53 instead of £178!

A bit of gold accent for my blazers and some disco fever with that fabulous and yet understated Isabel Marant glittering chain mail scarf. All achieved with less than SGD$200! That's a sweet deal that cannot be beaten. I love further sales.

Who else shopped and picked up amazing sale deals at Net-a-porter?

Source: myMANybags, Net-a-porter

My Shopping Conquest #117

Below: Nothing beats the feeling of something in an orange box for the festive season...

Below: Yes, it's my new Hermès Wide Black And Gold Clic Clac Lacquered H Bracelet...

Below: Exquisite and luxurious... this one accessory to up the glam factor for any occassion...

Below: Gold and black is a formidable combination for luxe appeal!

Below: So which version appeals to you more? Lacquered or just gold 'H'?

Hermès Wide Black And Gold Clic Clac Lacquered H Bracelet

Nothing beats celebrating a happy occassion over anything wrapped with an orange box and tied with an Hermès ribbon:-)

This was suppose to be my birthday present for 2010. Since I got it in Oct, I never document or wore it, hence it is now the perfect X'mas and New Year 2011 gift for myself yet again. I was hunting for the 'regular' wide version (narrow was looking too slim for my preference in this colour combination) with the gold H and black enamel. I miss up on it and regretted ever since. But one fine day while shopping at Hermès DFS Scottswalk, I chanced upon this new Lacquered H version. Definitely a love at first sight. What I learned from shopping at Hermès... when your desired items come your way, grab it while you can. It's more thru fated that you will own the item than it is to hunt for one. Hesitate and someone will pick it up instead of you. So I did what my new 'Hermès shopping lesson #101' told me... I brought it home! The pricing (SGD$1150 instead of $950) may cost SGD$200 more than the gold H version, it's worth every penny with the more subdued colour way.

Of course, you can imagine how happy I am with this new accessory to my growing 'orange family', that's priceless...

Source: myMANybags

My Shopping Conquest #116

Below: More shopping from my recent Tokyo trip... this time it's from Neil Barrett! (I love the shopping bag with a leather lace tag tied to the handles...)

Below: Something I have been searching high and low, online and offline, (unfortunately Club 21 mens in Singapore do not stock this)... it's these highly versatile and interesting brooches featured prominently in Neil Barrett's Fall Winter 2010 Mens Show...

Below: Varying shades of grey and sizing, different fabric patterns and leather texture, allows for creative decorating of any plain blazers, coats and even t-shirts.

Below: 'Logo-phille' rejoice! There is branding on the back:-) so your 'investments' are assured that it is from a designer brand:-)

Below: I got a new set online after I got back from Tokyo... now it's double the brooches fun:-)

Below: As seen on the runway of Neil Barrett's Fall Winter 2010 Mens Collection! Interesting embellishment of blazers that adds a focal point...

Below: Decorated on coats as well... I love this collection.

Below: Watch the Neil Barrett Fall Winter 2010 Mens Show to get inspired... look out for the brooches. It's everywhere:-)

Below: A clearer pic of the individual badges in this set...

Below: Neil Barrett's Aoyama store in Tokyo is now one of my favourite boutiques in the world... not only is the store well stocked but the Zaha Hadid designed space is immensely inspiring!

Below: Store entrance...

Below: The space within with dramatic curves, concrete walls and clever play of space...

Below: The sculptural centre piece in the store is clever layered to form shelfing space... very clever and original

Below: Check out these 2 clips of Neil Barrett being interviewed about his brand and concept for his Aoyama store (bear in mind the interview was done a while ago)...

Neil Barrett Fall Winter 2010 Fabric/Leather Brooches

One of the top agendas of my recent Tokyo trip was to pay a visit to Neil Barrett's ultra modern standalone boutique in Aoyama district. Besides getting inspired by the ingenious interior space designed by renowned architect, Zaha Hadid (whose name is synonymous with some of the most innovative buildings/structures around the world). Blending architecture and sculpture, the minimal space is a embodiment of dramatic curves and serenity of ambient space. I just had to see the store (one of the rare few Neil Barrett standalone stores in the world) for myself.

But my expedition to Neil Barrett's Aoyama store also comes with another mission: to locate the set of fabric and wool badges featured prominently on the Neil Barrett Fall Winter 2010 Mens Runway. Decorated on blazers, coats, sweaters, t-shirts, it's everywhere on my most favourite Neil Barrett collection to date. Everything from the collection is a must-have. Wrinkled treatments never looked this good! And after seeing the immaculately styled sales guys at the Tokyo store, I was ever more convinced I love the collection.

These brooches in varying shades of grey menswear fabrics and leather texture add depth and interest to any outfit. They instantly transformed a plain garment into one with a focal point and excitement. I love the mix of rectangular and circular shapes of varying size, allowing u to creatively mix and match as you deem fit. I was disappointed when I learned Singapore's Club 21 store did not carry these versatile brooches. I knew I had to track them online, which I only briefly found them available but was sold out as soon as I want them! So hunting down these brooches was a real challenge. All's well ends well... I am thrilled my 'Tokyo Neil Barrett store visit' bears results, not only do I get inspired by the highly original store interiors but I bag myself these coveted brooches:-)

Love every detail of my shopping experience in the Aoyama store. I proclaimed the store space my favourite in the world, to the extend, I went back a couple of times just to see the decor and merchandise in greater detail. Since pricing in Japan is over the top, I had to hunt down the pieces I want online once I get back to Singapore. Guess what, I picked up another set of the brooches 0nline at less than half the price I paid in Japan (Irony in life, you always find what you want when you least try to look for it). But I simply love them, double the joy now.

Blazer decoration 'DIY' will now commence, and in time for New Years!

Source: Neil Barrett, myMANybags

My Shopping Conquest #115

Below: Shopping in Tokyo! I got something from Tsumori Chisato Mens from their store in Aoyama:-) Singapore will soon get our own standalone boutique in Jan 2011! Rejoice!

Below: This was what I got... Tsumori Chisato Pre-spring 2011 Flower Appliqué Shirt... A huge 'painted' flower appliqué on the chest for some flair and flamboyance:-)

Below: What got me more interested are the subtle red stripe jersey lining under the collar...

Below: and end of the placket of the shirt... which peeks thru subtly when unbuttoned at neck or left untucked into pants...

Below: Mandatory myMANybags dressing room shot! I am trying out the shirt. Fits like a glove, Tokyo stocks Asian sizing:-) See how the red stripes peek out at the shirt ends...

Below: Wearing the shirt on its own... the flower print is cute!

Below: Angled view... I am sold with the red stripe detailing:-)

Below: What I wore that day... My 'newly bought in Tokyo' Tweed Blazer from Gap (Who would have thought Gap looked fab in Tokyo!), 'Brad' Denim Shirt from D&G, Dior Homme Jeans, Balmain Metal Loops Belt, Zara Military Boots (Finally my chance to do the 'tuck in' boots look! Yay!)...

Below: Spot the shirt inside the Tsumori Chisato store, Tokyo-Aoyama... See how it was matched with 'drop crotch' pants. Love the store decor. Simple and wooden rustic... hope our upcoming Singapore store by Club 21 shares the same interior details! Most importantly, stock some great merchandise such as the Aoyama store:-) Cruise 2011 Mens looked fab...

Below: Professional pics of the shirt without my 'yellow tinted' lighting at time of photography at the store...

Tsumori Chisato Pre Spring 2011 Flower Appliqué Shirt

December is indeed a month where I bled out my bank account! Having a visit to Tokyo is very bad news to my wallet. When you are in Tokyo, especially posh Aoyama... Shopping is inevitable with so many temptations waiting for you in every corner.

I did not want to buy overpriced international brands, hence the local Japanese brands are a must-see. Of course, I subcumbed to the calling of the shops... much to disappointment of my fast-crumbling resolve not to! How can one resist?!?!

One of the shopping conquests I had while wandering Aoyama in Tokyo was this Tsumori Chisato Pre-Spring 2011 Flower Appliqué Shirt. I stumbled upon this shirt on the mannequin in the store, but was not paying attention to it until I was about to leave. The cute Japanese sales guy was wearing the shirt, but contrasted it with a pair of Khaki harem pants and a pair of combat boots. This is 'living' fashion inspiration! A refreshing take on something 'feminine' against something tough. I love the look and hence, made a u turn back to the men's section to try the shirt. The sizing was petite and perfect... I just had to get it.

Besides the flower print on the chest, I also adore the red stripe jersey lining inside the collar and along the ends of the placket of the shirt. Little details go a long way! When worn untucked, the red stripes peeked out from the shirt ends and collar, adding a subtle but outstanding spot of colour and interest.

The new selections for Tsumori Chisato mens looked really promising at the Aoyama store. I wonder when the standalone store in Singapore's Forum Shopping Mall (by Club 21 Global) opens in Jan 2011, will we get an equally good selection as well? I hope so! Tsumori Chisato standalone boutique is poised to open at Forum Shopping Mall (from what I heard so far)... will share more details when I have them.

Here's some pics (see above) from my dressing room try out... I got the shirt and love it. Flower prints appeared in quite a few men's runway (Jil Sander is one!)...so this shirt should serve me well in the coming summer months!

Source: Tsumori Chisato, myMANybags