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

The Material Boy #444

Below: Coloured jeans are a great way to get on the colour blocking trend for Spring Summer 2011. Shown below are Zara's SS2011 lookbook featuring coloured jeans from orange to yellow to reds (SGD 89.90)! I love this first look with a light blue stripe L/S sweater... Nautical colour blocking?

Below: Notice the colourful bandana on his wrist? Use your colourful Hermès twilly for the same but more luxurious effect!

Below: Topman has nice colours and the most flattering slim cuts too! Prices from USD80...

Coloured Jeans And Pants For Spring Summer 2011

Time to welcome colours into your wardrobe. Colour blocking is a must for this Spring Summer 2011 season, be it for boys or girls:-)

I am now crazy and 'craving' some coloured jeans/pants, the brighter the better. Need to have that extra visual zest for summer's dressing.

Who else to turn to for slim fitted mens coloured jeans than our most affable and affordable Zara and Topman! At least these fast fashion brands are quick to latch onto the colour frenzy this summer (all thanks to Jil Sander and Prada SS2011!). Shame on those mens brands that shy away from colour and keeps men clad in just the usual dull tones. Boring!

Wear them with basics, rolled up the helm (for a more upbeat look)...let the colours come forth to enhance your style quotient. Wear with trainers or lace-ups... anything goes! I want an orange pair!

Priced from SGD 89.90 onwards, these Zara and Topman coloured jeans/pants gets u ahead of the fashion curve, excite your summer wardrobe while safely keeping your bank account intact. There can be no better win win situation. Of course, if you have a bigger budget, go for the real high fashion versions from Jil Sander (they are gorgeously neon and not for the faint hearted). But I'd stick to my fast fashion ones.

Need to hunt these down!

Source: Zara, Topman

My MANy Bags Trendspotting #137

Below: Carrot pants are my new favourite for Fall Winter 2010! Have you gotten yours yet? These slouchy on the top but skinny on the legs trousers are seen on many runways... from Dries Van Noten's cuffed hem versions...

Below: to Dolce & Gabbana's tailored or washed effect styles...

Below: or Neil Barrett's contemporary interpretations paired with high cut boots...

Below: or Topman Design's baggy cargo style design...

Below: Find affordable versions of skinny carrot pants at Topman, so many colours and fabrics to choose from...they looked fab dressed up or down:-)

Below: Carrot pants looked great with blazers or chukka boots like those similar to Pierre Hardy's!

Carrot Pants For Men

Typically a silhouette of trousers for women, these roomy at the crotch but tapered at the legs design (hence the shape of a carrot) are now seen commonly for men's collections. From Dries Van Noten to Dolce & Gabbana to Neil Barrett, designers are embracing this shape of pants for their boys. This fall winter 2010, the legs are even more skinny to emphasize the tapered shape and the volume on top. I really love the interesting proportion which gives skinny or baggy pants a run for their money.

Slim guys worked this style of pants especially well, since it gives a bit of volume to the lower body but still tight at the legs. The carrot pants are also very versatile and can be worn for many different looks. Rolled up the hem and pair with blazers for casual dandy flair, tucked into boots for a tough appeal or get those cuff hem versions which seem like a hybrid of sweat pants and tailored looks. The possibilities are countless!

I love my carrot pants, having gotten a few pairs myself. Topman has many designs to choose from, in many colours and fabrics, all at a good price (From SGD$83). Of course, for guys who wants the best, top luxury menswear designers are more than willing to offer you their luxurious versions.

What do you think of carrot style pants?

Source: Neil Barrett, Dries Van Noten, Dolce & Gabbana, Topman, Style Sightings

My MANy Bags News #78

Anthony Price For Topman

H&M collaborated with big names of the fashion world (Karl Lagerfeld, Comme Des Garcons, Matthew Williamson etc) for highly successful and sought-after capsule collections. These collaborations became collector's items for fashionistas and fashionistos all over the world. So to my delight, I discover thru Paolosavi's blog that Topman does collaboration with designers as well. Although not as high profile as the big names that H&M taps into, this collection titled 'Priceless for Topman' by Anthony Price is one collection worthy of mention.

Consisting of impeccable slim suits in a range of bold colours like purples and greens, this collection is most suited for clubbing fanatics and party animals. The lean silhouettes ensure you stay sharp and suave. I love the fabrics and colours used. The designs are very wearable. I adore the purple and green suits or even the dove grey one with trimmings on the lapel. The double breasted jacket becomes more contemporary with a leaner and shorter cut:-) As expected, Topman in Singapore do not stock this range.

But it online if they ship to your country:-) Read about Anthony Price here too.

Source: Topman

My Shoe Collection #41 + My Shopping Conquest #63

Below: Love how this guy worked his plaited leather belt:-)

Topman Perforated Leather Plimsolls + Muji Thin Plaited Leather Belt

I am in a white frenzy now. I love to shop colours. So this week, colour of the moment is the purest, most versatile, most pristine WHITE:-)

Apparently, the ultra super high temperatures we are facing in SG now (a high 36 degrees and more!) forces me to want to be dress in light colours. And white is the best hue of them all to help fend off some heat.

And first up the white frenzy, accessories to compliment the clean white look. Something to match up my Mulberry White Eliot Leather Tote. And they are 'cheap' + chic!

Presenting my newly acquired Topman Perforated White Leather Plimsolls and Muji Thin Plaited Leather Belt. The plimsolls is streamlined in shape, very comfortable and the perforated leather adds texture to an otherwise plain shoe. This is great to wear for all occasions, wear it with shorts, pants, jeans...you name it..it will work for you! If you want other styles of shoes beyond the widely seen Converse style design, plimsolls are the next best thing!

Next up, Muji Thin Plaited Leather Belt that matches the shoe or even hold its own:-) This summery style belt is slender and not overpowering, presenting a light-weight balanced to what you wear. Wrapped it around shorts, jeans or khakis, for a casual summery look. And the plaited leather adds subtle texture. Forget about plain leather belts for a while, plaited leather adds just add some visual interest to your waist. One tip, men's belts are often very broad...so thin ones are usually available from the women's range. I got this from the women's belt rack. And if you are up till size 32 in waist...good news, you will fit! Besides white, there is a black and red version. I love it!

Source: Model pic from Sartorialist

Retail price:
1) Topman Perforated White Leather Plimsolls - SGD $69 (I got a 15% discount from my Topshop card!)
2) Muji Thin Plaited Leather Belt In White - SGD $33

Where to buy:
1) Topman Boutique at Isetan Wisma Atria
2) Muji Boutique at Paragon

The Material Boy #271

Below: Marc By Marc Jacobs Plaid Silk Blazer

Below: Topman Blue/White Stripe Blazer

Below: Topman White Razor Skinny Blazer

Marc By Marc Jacobs Plaid Silk Blazer

I have been checking out blazers since last weekend. A gingham checks check that I had originally wanted in Zara was sold out of my size...so frustrating. So now I am scouting the net and the shops to see what is available and where to get them.

My criteria for the blazer is that it has to be fitted, no more than two buttons style, in summery colours, light-weight/airy (Singapore's killer hot weather cannot have thick jackets!) and at a reasonable price (again..Singapore weather do not justify wearing jackets all the time). With that in mind..here's what I have gathered...

1) Marc By Marc Jacobs Plaid Silk Blazer - US $428
2) Topman Blue/White Stripe Blazer - SGD $176
3) Topman White Razor Skinny Blazer - £70

All three styles looks promising for summer. But my favourite is the Marc By Marc Jacobs Plaid Silk Blazer. I think my 'bad eyes' always choose the most expensive of the choices:-( Yikes! I have the silk shorts in the same fabric and the feeling of wearing it is divine. I bet the blazer will be cooling and smooth to the skin as well...and feel almost weightless.

Time to head to the Marc By Marc Jacobs store to see if this is available.:-p

Source: Topman, Saks

The Material Boy #269

Below: Tri-coloured boat shoes lined with tartan fabric - £30.00

Below: White canvas boat shoes - £30.00

Below: Multi-coloured boat shoe - £60.00

Below: White Perforated Plimsolls - £28.00 (or SGD $69, available in Topman Singapore)

Below: Tri-Coloured Plimsolls - £25.00

Below: Yellow Plimsolls - £25.00 (or SGD $69, available in Topman Singapore)

Below: White canvas espadrilles - £15.00 (looks like Hermès...except of those Hermès costs almost 20 pairs of this and better quality:-P)

Topman Shoes...Kevin's Summer Picks:-)

After visiting Topman at Isetan Wisma Atria just now, I had to pull out some of their shoe designs to feature. Cheap + Chic...dun we all love style without the huge price tag.

A few pairs of the fabulous shoes caught my eye...but they have more choices on their website. Unfortunately...we cannot do online shopping here in SG. I would grab not one...but a few of them!

I love me those white perforated plimsolls, and even the yellow canvas ones. These 2 are available in Singapore:-P

Source: www.topman.com

My Shopping Conquest #36

Topman Shawl Collared Black Coated Skinny Fit Blazer

I have a bad habit, once I get obsessed about certain things, I go all the way for it. It was this situation when I got my first Topman Black Tux Skinny Fit Blazer. I found the cuts of Topman's blazer perfect for me. I just had to own more of the styles offered since they fit me well. I want to take advantage of the great cuts offered this season, in case they change them for next season and I would have miss out on owning great looking pieces at such good pricing.

On the day I got my Black Tux Skinny Fit Blazer, I tried on another style of blazer which I passed up the first time. But this Topman Shawl Collared Black Coated Skinny Fit Blazer lingers on my mind constantly and that is a sign that I also love this blazer. I adore the shawl collared design, which is something I do not already have in my wardrobe. It looks fabulously elegant and chic, seeing D&G is doing most of their jacket styles with shawl collars for Spring Summer 2009.

This Topman blazer has a skinny cut with black satin piping running along the collar adding a sophisticated tone on tone effect. I also like the coated linen fabric which will be excellent for Singapore's warm climate. The sheen on the blazer adds a dash of glamour and looks more expensive than it should be. How could I pass up on this great find? So a week later, on the following Saturday (after multiple tries), I went back to Topman Wisma Atria and finally bought the blazer. I was fortunate, most of the sizes were sold out. But my size 38 seems was still on the racks waiting for me to claim it. Ah...fates had decreed that the blazer must belong to me, so I gladly obliged:-) To top off the sweet deal, I use my 10% Topman discount for the first time and the blazer becomes even more of a steal!

Source: Model Pics from www.men.style.com, Blazer pics from www.topman.com

Retail price: SGD $189. Where to buy: Topman at Isetan Wisma Atria

My Shopping Conquest #35

Topman Black Tux Skinny Fit Blazer
(Reveal from 'The Past Sunday's Loot...')

I am a huge fan of the blazer look. I dun carry off the full suit well, but I adore suiting styles. I love sartorial chic and elegance without the restraining feel of a full suit. Therefore, a blazer fits my requirements perfectly.

However, finding a well cut blazer suitable for my build is a challenge. I am tall and slim which often make the body of the blazers too big for me for European/American brands or the sleeves are too short for Asian brands. There are some nice cuts from labels like Marni, D&G and Raf Simons that fits me perfect, but seeing how Singapore weather is consistently hot, I try to refrain from 'investing' too much money on outer wear unless they are super fitting or marked down. I believe a good jacket is hard to come by...so if I spot one, I will usually will end up buying.

Imagine my surprise and delight when I stepped into Topman Wisma Atria at Isetan, last Sunday to try on their suit jackets and blazers. What made me took the effort to even try them on is the 'Skinny Fit' description on the label:-) That is a good clue that these blazers are made for slim people like me. The styles were also very modern, with shorter body length but not short sleeves:-P It was somewhat a match made in heaven for me! I was right with my gut feeling. When I tried the blazer, they fit like a glove! No need for any alterations, I can easily wear them the way as it is:-)

Hurray! I have finally discovered a good place to shop chic and cheap blazers! Such great news.

I picked up 2 styles of blazers to try that Sunday. First one was a more conventional shawl collared style in coated linen. Upon seeing I had chosen a black blazer, the sales person recommended me a more contemporary 'tux style' blazer with a more unique cut. It is of a short cropped style but the bottom of the blazer is done with an angular design instead of the usual straight or round shape. I love the design! Reminds me of Dior Homme's Spring Summer 2009 cropped jackets (Without the ballooning effect)! After putting the 'tux style' blazer on, I look good! The button is fasten not by conventional overlapping way of buttoning, but using dual connecting buttons, it loop from one hole to the other. I thought that was unique! Never seen a blazer done this way:-)

Upon checking the price, I was even more happy. It was very affordable with reasonably good quality construction. I knew I must buy the blazer. After some tough decision making between the 2 designs I tried on ...I ended up with my new 'Black Tux Skinny Fit Blazer'! I was very pleased. Adding to the joy of the shopping experience, I was offered enrolment into Topshop's loyalty programme which offers me 10% off subsequent regular priced items and points redemption rewards as well. Hurray!

Just as Kate Moss loves Topshop, I love Topman!

(I am wearing, Topman Brown Crewneck T-shirt, Balenciaga 'B' Belt, DSquared2 Shorts, Comme Des Garcon Silver Print Shoes, Gucci Ring, Unbranded 'Clothes Hanger and Shirt' Cutout Brass Necklace from Egg3, Scarlet Hotel)

Retail price: SGD $233. Where to buy: Topman at Isetan Wisma Atria