Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #214

Below: Jil Sander has done it yet again... charming all fans with gorgeous bags in the brightest hues and even flower prints for Fall Winter 2011... Love the new collection... what about you?

Below: These bags remind me of Cambridge Leather Satchels... I am into neon yellow colour now!

Below: Amazing colour blocking clutches...

Below: Pony hair, python skin... luxurious materials for Jil Sander's Fall Winter 2011 acessories collection...

Below: Interesting wedge boots to make gorgeous women even taller...:-P

Jil Sander Fall Winter 2011 Womens Bags, Shoes And Accessories

Colour blocking, flower prints and the brightest hues made Jil Sander the top trend maker for Spring Summer 2011. It seems the obsession with colours and interplay of natural inspired prints continues once again through to Fall Winter 2011.

Expect lots of colour blocking style bags, clutches and even shoes to colour up your winter wardrobes. The strong minimalist lines and aesthetics of Jil Sander is no longer confined to black, greys and whites. I love Raf Simon's bold exploration of colours (Orange, rouge and even noen yellow) for the otherwise very architectural and monochrome brand. The injection of flowery prints, but done with a more wintery feeling is welcoming to liven dull winter weather any day.

The popular Market bags also make a return, this time embellished with front pockets, exposed stiching or crafted from black flower print fabrics. Luxurious red python skins are also seen in gorgeous structured totes, while pony hair paneled on shoulder satchels. Materials are as varied as the colours, while retaining a strong sense of Jil Sander's modernity. Love them all!

Take your picks already... Jil Sander keeps getting better and better each season. It's the brand to watch out for again this coming Fall Winter 2011!

(Check out more pics of Jil Sander's Fall Winter 2011 Accessories collection on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my page if you enjoy reading this post:-P)

Source: Jil Sander

The Material Boy #461

Below: Christian Louboutin is unrelenting in letting up on your wallets... the new Spacer Flat with a tough biker style design is here to coerce your $$$! Comes in black and white leather or beige suede... retails for US$1195

Christian Louboutin Mens Spacer Flat

New Christian Louboutin mens shoes for all you 'red sole' fans! It seems Mr Louboutin is unrelenting in easing up our wallets. Here's a new design... taller, tougher to coerce more of your $$$! Introducing the Christian Louboutin Spacer Flat... at first glance, the black version looked to me like a biker jacket made into a shoe. Love the buckled straps that cris-cross on the front, with a zipper side to add to tough appeal. Comes in black, white leather or beige suede and retails for US$1195. Which one will make it to your shoe closet?

Oh no...more temptations...

Source: Christian Louboutin

The Material Boy #460

Below: Found these Prada S2011 Espadrilles in my size! So should I or should I not?

Prada Spring Summer 2011 Espadrilles Brogues: Should I or Should I not?

I finally spotted these in my size... (the mens version in tobacco brown colour!). But the question is, after seeing the thicker soles with a orange colour band on the sole of the women's version, do I still get the mens? That strip of orange colour makes the shoe pop even more... the thicker sole is also much more funky. However, sizing is an issue when getting the women's version... since it is cut narrow and the possibility of fitting into or getting one in my size is still questionable. So do I go for the men's version, readily available to me now (compromised on the much preferred Women's version) or try my luck for the version I truly love?

There's also a final worry that these shoes might become irrelevant after SS2011... too many people own and worn them. Not a good thing since these are pricey shoes!

Dilemma, dilemma... decisions, decisions:-)

(PS, both men and women's version are of the same price)

Source: Prada

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #213

Below: Prada is going 'Plaid' crazy this coming Fall Winter 2011... Plaids, tartans or checks are appearing on all manners of bags and small accessories...

Below: Who will purchase these oversized luggage bags from the Fall Winter 2011 runway?

Below: Prada is tapping on their Spring Summer 2011 Espadrilles Brogues' success again for Fall Winter 2011... these thick sole shoes are making a comeback next season, sans the jute rope trimmings... Will you still buy these without the espadrilles design detail?

Prada Fall Winter 2011 Mens Accessories

Prada Spring Summer 2011 Accessories collection for both men and women was all about colours and stripes. For Fall Winter 2011, the attention is turned to the world of 'PLAIDS' (or tartans or checks as you deem fit:-P). We see these classic patterns printed on messenger bags, backpacks, duffels and totes to small accessories:-) The plaid patterns even managed to appear on Prada's signature saffiano leather for small accessories such as wallets and card cases. Are the boys ready for plaids? Céline Fall 2011 collection uses tartans as a pattern as well... so is this a trend for Fall Winter 2011 accessories?

Besides plaid patterns, there are also simple luggage bags (as seen on the runway) in fresh new fall colours of pale blue and burgundy browns. I wonder how will these oversize bags translate to actual market demand. So much for travelling light and convenient, they seemed really cumbersome and I presume heavy...

Now on to the shoes:-) which is always Prada's biggest strength. The success of Prada's Spring Summer 2011 Espadrilles Brogues sees this popular design make a comeback for Fall Winter 2011. But this time, the summer element of using jute rope trimmings (espadrilles style) has been removed and exposing the stripe detail sides on the soles. Colours are also adopting a more sombre tone, in deep burgundy and timeless black. Will you buy these fall winter versions? Sadly to say, I still like those from Spring Summer 2011, they are more fun and funky.

As for the other shoe designs, they are just mediocre. Suede ankle boots, moulded sole trainers, chunky sole loafers... nothing outstanding enough to beat the popularity of those infamous Espadrille Brogues.

Have Prada's new Fall Winter 2011 Accessories collection entice you enough to take your picks already (6 months ahead)? Or none for the taking? One thing's for sure, Prada Fall Winter 2011 Mens Accessories collection is definitely not going to enjoy the success of Spring Summer 2011 season... at least in my opinion. But I may be wrong.

Check out my facebook fanpage for more pics of the collection. 'LIKE' my fan page if you enjoy reading this post:-)

Source: Prada

The Material Boy #459

Below: Weekend things to 'break' your bank... retail temptations this weekend from ASOS... Love these multi-coloured brogues (was £45 (i got mine at his price! yay!) but recently the price went up to £50! Yikes!). Fabulous combination, great for cropped pants geek chic:-P

Below: From geek to ethnic... love these t-shirts with graphic ethnic prints too (£14 each)

Weekend Things To 'Break' Your Bank: ASOS New Arrivals

Okay maybe these weekend temptations will not set your bank account into a deficit... so you can joyfully enjoy some online shopping with minimal guilt. These ASOS new arrivals are simply a delight while being very well priced.

I am already in love (and ordered) the Grey Navajo Print T-shirt which features 'hand-sketch' patterns on the yoke of the t-shirt. Love the position of the print which wraps around the neck and front, an unusual placement of t-shirt prints! Will be cool to pull off an ethnic look with cropped skinny pants:-) Love it.

And if you have some biceps and pecs to show off, grab that Vest With Ethnic Print on the front and solid black panel on the back, very graphic with a tribal twist:-) All these to set you back £14 each... you cannot complain.

My biggest love for this week has to be these ASOS Multi Coloured Leather Brogues in shades of tan and chocolate and black tones... lovely lovely panelling effect, it's an instant dandy hit in my books! Love the textured and smooth leather combination:-) The wooden sole is also endearing for a classic design, but done in a fun sartorial way. Brogues are huge this season, so this one is a must buy especially at only £45 (the price went up on website to £50!... Yikes)! (Just ordered the brogues as well! I forsee this to be a hit, just like the ASOS Anchor Buckle Belt (SOLD OUT)... Hurry before sizes run out:-p)

And if you need one more reason to indulge, ASOS ships FREE internationally:-)

(Click here for some weekend retail therapy)

Okay, I am off to make some mouse clicks and enjoy some shopping cart filling time... Happy weekends.

(One little trivia: ASOS = As Seen On Screen... in case you are wondering. ASOS started out as a shopping sight offering pieces that looked similar or was what celebrities wore.)

Source: ASOS

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

The Material Boy #454

Below: Boring Sunday evenings are best spent doing some online retail therapy... here's what I spotted on www.asos.com! Colourful candy coloured suede brogues (£50) for the modern dandy... but without burning a deep hole in your pocket:-) Love the sky blue colour!

Below: Match the cute shoes with B-Store Polka Dot tees (£39)? Comme Des Garcons style?!?!

Sunday Evening 'RETAIL' Research: Online Edition

What better way to spend boring Sunday evenings than to trawl the internet and have some virtual retail therapy (all in the comfort of aircon, cool music and some magazine inspirations:-P Literally without breaking into any sweat, except when you over-indulged over your shopping basket!)

Well, I was browsing thru a few of the familiar online shopping sites... and one of my new favourites has to be www.asos.com. Yes, I may faced some prior problems with the online store, but they have resolved matters satisfactorily and hence let's bury the hatchet. To be honest, I just cannot resist the wide selection and most of all, the unbeatable prices and FREE shipping internationally! Where else can you get £10 trousers and £15 leather belts? Only ASOS!

Here's the gems I uncovered within the last 2 hours... ooooh... how I love those ASOS candy coloured suede brogues (Only £50)! I have blogged about the rising popularity of brogue style shoes... These ASOS brogues will get you on the trend wagon while not burning a hole in your pocket. Love the sky blue suede version, so dandy and cute! The pistachio green colour is equally appealing with sophisticated but not over the top colour. Imagine some smart chinos or tailored shorts and you are all Geek+Dandy chic for summer!

(PS. if you have more budget, these Church's Bi-colour brogues I blogged about a while back are also not to be missed!)

Below: Brogues are huge this season!

While on the topic of cuteness... how about some 'Comme Des Garcons' style polka dot tees to match those candy coloured shoes? I love these B-Store polka dot t-shirts (Only £39), adding a spot of colour and quirkiness to any weekend ensemble. I want! Cuteness rules!

ASOS is addictive! Online shopping anyone?:-P Click here to start shopping!

Source: ASOS

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #209

Below: I love the new Spring Summer 2011 Martin Margiela Mens Accessories collection... Love the boots covered with gold leaf and the lace-ups where the leather extends all the way to the soles:-)

Below: Understated bags with a used effect:-)

Below: The mens jewellery mimicks work tools and has a charming vintage finish...

Maison Martin Margiela Spring Summer 2011 Mens Accessories

Mr Margiela may be absent from the creative reins of his namesake brand, his spirits still lives on in Maison Martin Margiela's collections. For Spring Summer 2011, I am duly surprised by the amount of desirable pieces I covet from the mens collections, definitely heaps of improvement from the past 2 seasons.

The use of mundane objects as inspirations have always been embedded in the brand's DNA. Often imbued with a twist, the designs always surprises with ingenuity and understated aesthetics. For this season, I love those gold leaf coated boots which appeared raw but sends out an individualistic glamour unseen anywhere else. Leather bags made from tan leather that is ridden with scratches tells a different story about charisma and appeal for the owner. Love that holdall!

As for mens jewellery, work tools have been reworked to become understated and yet interesting mens rings, bracelets and necklaces. Unexpected mix of materials adds to the appeal. I want those leather and brass nugget bracelets with hammered effects, or even the unusual belts with atypical shaped buckles. All done with a vintage finesse!

Bravo on this new Spring Summer 2011 collection! This is inspiring-fashion:-P

More pics of the Spring Summer 2011 Maison Martin Margiela Mens Accessories collection on my facebook fan page. 'LIKE' my page if you enjoy reading this post:-)

Source: Maison Martin Margiela

The Material Boy #452

Below: These are my picks of the best mens shoes for Spring Summer 2011!

Below: I want them all! So what's your picks?

My Top Picks: Best Shoes Of Spring Summer 2011

What are your picks for the BEST mens shoe designs to hit the stores this Spring Summer 2011?

Here's my favourites, the best of the best of the season...

1) Prada Espadrilles Brogues in Tobacco
This pair of shoe needs no introduction. It’s on everyone’s wishlist and every Prada store’s customer wait list. Combining high street style thick rubber soles with elegant classic brogues and adding a touch of summer with espadrilles jute rope trimmings... this is the perfect example of a winning design for hybrid shoes. Quirky without being cheesy, statement making without being overly brash, this shoe is an refreshing twist from all the conventional shoe designs. Good job Prada! I am sure these will help cash in and surpass the 150% higher net profit of 2010 (that WWD just announced) for your next financial year:-P

2) Christian Louboutin Denim Rollerball Spikes
Another hot shoe on every guy’s wish list has to be something from the red soled family of Christian Louboutin. The right combination of grunge and luxury, these ‘over the top’ priced Rollerball Spikes are made even more versatile and appealing with the introduction of SS2011’s denim version. Every man needs his jeans. And every fashion fan worthy to be called stylish needs a pair of these fierce shoes!

3) Jil Sander Leather Derby with Blue Painted Sole
Raf Simons exemplifies the colour blocking trend for Spring Summer 2011 season thru his bold use of colours at Jil Sander. These leather Derby with coloured soles is the shoe every colour blocking fan need to compliment any colourful ensemble! Using almost neon blue (Presumably Yves Klein blue) as an eye poping accent colour, you cannot help but notice the guy who walks his path in these eye catching heels.

4) Dolce & Gabbana Raw Canvas & Leather Lace-ups
If there’s a pair of shoes that can take you from city to resort for this season, Dolce & Gabbana Raw Canvas & Leather Lace-ups is the shoe you must have. Crafted with raw edge (unhemed) canvas and burnished leather, these lace-ups sends off resort chic at its best. The elegant lace up designs also ensures if you ever venture out of your holiday sea-front abode to hit the clubs, you will still look as smart and never lose an inch of your charm.

5) Lanvin Python Trim Buckle Leather Slip-ons
Channel some urban warrior in you with these shoes from Lanvin. Python and croc skin textures with smart trekking details (the fastening buckles) create an unexpected design twist on formal slip-on leather shoes. This is tough luxe at its best!

6) Louis Vuitton Leather Lace-ups with high back panel
Brogues are huge this Spring Summer season. But when you interpret the classic design and make it modern, such as reconfiguring the proportion of the back panel or using different materials for textural interest, an entirely new set of aesthetics is achieved. This Louis Vuitton pair is simply classy and masculine with just the right amount of new ideas to make it a true investment piece. These are shoes that will give your bucks longevity and take you into seasons after seasons of savvy dressing. Love!

I want them all:-)

Share your top picks of footwear. Which shoes are your favourite this Spring Summer 2011 season?

(More drool worthy shoes for SS2011 on my Facebook Fanpage. 'LIKE' my fan page if you enjoy reading this post:-P)

Source: Prada, Christian Louboutin, Jil Sander, Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton

The Material Boy #451

Below: Shoe lust of the day... presenting yet another reason to prolong those baked beans eating days... the new Christian Louboutin Mens Denim Louis Flat Spikes...

Christian Louboutin Mens Denim Louis Flat Spikes

Double the shoe lust! If Christian Louboutin's Denim Rollerball Spikes is enough of a reason to survive on Baked Beans for a few months... how about adding yet another drool worthy
Christian Louboutin Mens Denim Louis Flat Spikes to the temptation? Tightening the belt for six months?!?!? Worth it?

Love the combination of denim and metal studs... the Louis looked even better in this incarnation! More fierce, more statement making... this is one shoe to leave an impression and up your style quotient any day!

Want want want! (Noted in shopping diary... along with more Céline leather cabas and Prada Espadrilles Brogues!!!:-p)

Source: Christian Louboutin

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #207

Below: YSL's SS2011 Mens Accessories are a hit and miss... the bags are some of the most boring and (dare I say) most hideous? The saving grace comes from the shoes and small accessories... love the trainers and bracelets!

Below: I love the croc print leather trainers in tan colour!

Below: Partial perforation as a design detail? Still looking good on the shoes:-) The high tops is my favourite:-)

Below: Thick wedge soles are a key trend for footwear this SS2011... YSL has many designs incorporating this trend from sandals to leather shoes...

Below: The double tour bracelet with a Y clasp is still one of my favourites... now even more so in off-white:-)

YSL Spring Summer 2011 Mens Bags, Shoes And Accessories

What do you think of YSL's latest collection of mens' accessories? I cannot help but be disappointed by the bags. There isn't any surprises for the mens' range anymore. Many designs are merely being reworked from past seasons and the new ones are nothing worth going gaga about. The new textured bag with chain and a huge YSL insignia could earn a place amongst the most hideous bags ever made for men. In comparison, the blue nylon Hamptons Tote fares so much better, although the style has long passed its desirable shelf life. YSL needs new blood to design the bags, it has been going downhill since the longest time.

Beyond the negative bags collection, the saving grace thankfully comes from their shoes and small accessories. Trainers are looking good with sporty but refine designs. Love the pair of high tops in beige and brown with all those panelling designs.

If you have been looking for an alternative to Prada's Espadrilles Brogues (since too many people have them now), how about YSL's interpretation in dark brown and black?

The croc print leather trainers in tan colour is looking promising too, combining exotic appeal with sporty attitudes. The light blue pair with perforation details are also perfect for summer days.

YSL SS2011 Mens Accessories: Yay or nay for you?

(More pics on my facebook fanpage. Remember to support my fanpage by ‘LIKING’ if you enjoy my posts:-)

Source: YSL

My MANy Bags Lookbook #24

Below: New myMANybags lookbook for Spring Summer 2011!

Colour Rush

It's a flurry of colours this Spring Summer 2011 season. Much as I love the colour blocking trend, I do not see myself in head to toe outrageous hues. So I devised my own colour blocking style toning it down just a little. Using a white shirt as the base, I surround it with other more eye poping pieces and accessories to create the colour trend.

Martin Margiela White Plastron Shirt is plain but with an unusual longer back (like a swallow tail) for added detailing interest. Balenciaga's Mimosa RGH Triple Tour Bracelet gives a yellow boost against the bright Topman 'Yves Klein Blue' Slim fit Chinos. A Jil Sander Orange Colour Belt wraps around the waist, dissecting the white top and blue bottom while giving another layer of colour blocking. Finally, I accessorise the outfit with a pair of the hottest shoe of the season, Prada's Espadrilles Brogues, a cute blue Net-net Swallow Shaped Fabric Brooch and my favourite Céline Cabas Linen Stripe (for its subtle touches of blue and red).

I am having a colour rush!

(Check out my other lookbook posts here)

Source: Prada, Mr Porter, Balenciaga, Topman, Lane Crawford

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #205

Below: Here's a look at the upcoming Jil Sander Fall Winter 2011 Mens Accessories when amazingly Spring Summer 2011 has barely started... early bird gets the worm, start planning your Fall Winter purchases already!:-) Love these coloured felt pouches and bags. Felt seems to be favoured not only by Jil Sander but also Fendi Fall Winter 2011 (as totes!)

Jil Sander Fall Winter 2011 Mens Accessories

We are barely into Spring Summer 2011 season and now thanks to the power of internet, I am able to share pictures of Fall Winter 2011 collections. And no, not runway pics from www.style.com. But pics of upcoming accessories from Jil Sander Fall Winter 2011 Mens Collection.

Fall Winter's accessories collection seems to be a continuation of Jil Sander's strong colour themes from Spring Summer 2011. But now translated for autumn winter season with more tactile materials. Yellow is a key colour appearing in many bags and pouches. But felt seems to be a material that will play an important role for the collection, even used on suits for the ready to wear.

I love the fuschia pouches and folios (with a zipped leather front pouch). Well, if you have to go for colour, choose the strongest most eye popping hue for maximum impact! The shoes are also of noteworthy interest, especially the tall boots. They seem to be Siamese twins of loafers and boots... adjoining 2 classic mens shoe designs into a refreshing hybrid! Same for those lace-ups and loafer styles:-P Clever! Love the forest green colour too which is unusual for mens footwear.

Jil Sander is definitely getting back its groove, all thanks to continuing collections of originality and outstanding concepts by Raf Simons. I welcome this new attention given to the brand once again.

See more pics of the NEW collection on my Facebook Fan Page. Show your support by liking my page:-P

Source: Jil Sander

My Shoe Collection #52

Below: Meet my new shoe love... Christian Louboutin Rantus Orlato Pony Multi-Stripe Trainers... my studded Freddy Flats have a 'mate' now!:-P

Below: I welcome a Christian Louboutin brown shoe box anyday!

Below: Love the graphic B&W houndstooth and zig zag patterns printed on haircalf leather while being trimmed with eye popping red patent leather piping:-) Jazzy cool!

Below: Back view of these beauties... always wanted to own a pair of Rantus shoes from Christian Louboutin... now my wish is fulfilled!

Below: Metal cutout of Christian Louboutin branding...

Below: Seems the highly popular french brand's shoes are not made by the french, but Italians...

Christian Louboutin Rantus Orlato Pony Multi-Stripe Trainers

Every fashion fan dreams of wearing some red soles any day. Yes, Christian Louboutin shoes are like holy grail shoes for luxury shoe enthusiasts. Everyone wants one pair. With the launch of a mens collection, guys have joined in the lusting for Christian Louboutin shoes as much as their female counterparts.

I am one of them. And I want one pair. No make that 2 now:-)

Yes, welcome my second pair of Louboutins after my beloved studded Freddy Flats. Meet my new Christian Louboutin Rantus Orlato Pony Multi-Stripe Trainers, acquired during my recent Bangkok trip in mid January. (Never expect myself to locate a pair in the land of smiles since there were no Christian Louboutin boutiques in Bangkok! Cloud 9, a multi-label store in Gaysorn Plaza stocks a small selection of Louboutins.)

Love the contrasting black & white houndstooth and zig zag patterns, all trimmed with red patent leather piping for a striking pop of colour. Snappy and graphic, it's eye catching in a monotone way. The haircalf material also adds a lush and tactile appeal while softening the street edge of these highly coveted shoes.

I am in shoe heaven! Shoe treat yay!:-)

Source: myMANybags

The Material Boy #445

Below: Brogues are huge right now with all the stylish men attending recent Fashion Week... spotted on so many guys! I love this pair of Church's Bi-coloured Leather Brogues now on sale at Mr Porter!

Below: 'Jazz up' any outfit with these black and white brogues!

Below: Brogues are the heroes for Fashion Week dressing... from New York to Milan to Paris... guys are embracing this shoe design. Be it Prada's quirky super hot thicked soled espadrilles brogues (sold out in many Prada stores all over the world)...

Below: Or classic ones with wooden soles but crafted in the most unusual and refreshing of colours...

Below: To the conventional brown ones befitting a true gentlemen... Brogues are huge! I want a pair:-)

Church's Bi-colour Leather Brogues

If you have observed the stylish men attending recent fashion weeks (from Fall Winter 2011 mens to the recent womens fashion season in major fashion cities), you will notice that a lot of guys are getting back to classic dandy dressing. And brogues is their footwear of choice. Be it Prada's super hot thicked soled espadrilles versions or classic ones with wooden soles such as those from famed English shoe maker, Church. These shoes are now a must have if you want to be a modern dandy!

You might think Church's is an old man's brand and not something befitting a younger and more adventurous fashion male... think thrice! I just found this pair of super chic and fun Church's Bi-Colour Mens Brogues on MR PORTER. I love the bi-colour (Black and white) designs and the slightly thicker contrast rubber soles. This is comparative to Prada's creepers version, but less quirky and more timeless. They simply exude a jazzy charm which is fun and never conservative.

I am in love. Now I need to find that £241 (excluding UK VAT) to send this lovely dandy companion my way. Anyone, just buy something from my bag sale blog so I get the $$$! Haha:-P

Meanwhile, grab yours at MR PORTER now... I forsee these flying off the 'online' racks fast!

(Fashion trivia: Church may be English...but it's owned by Prada Group. You can be sure the brand is definitely heading into the new millenia while retaining it's traditional and sartorial roots:-P)

Source: GQ, MR PORTER: The Mens Style Destination