Tuesday, November 30, 2010

everyday needs







 Some favourite pieces from Katie Lockhart's new venture, Everyday Needs.
American Modern Pitcher, designed by Russel Wright // Bath Towel // Martino Gamper 'Arnold' Stool // Kamaka Pottery Hanaire with Interned Top by Estelle Martin // Tony De Latour Lion Candlestick // Straw Trivet

Everything has a very interesting story and is simple and beautiful.

Where is she now?




The thrift gods were watching over me during a recent trip to Salvation Army when I spotted this little cotton-canvas tote for 99 cents.



I'm not sure what I like most about it. The raw edges and perma-creases. The stripes. The colours that seem to go with everything I wear nowadays. Lying flat and folded it forms a perfect crayon-like point. Standing tall it liberates a lunch bag-sized vessel I can fill with all my daily essentials.



Of course I also like that it was made by a lady named Marion Webster 'especially for me'. I wonder who she made the bag for, and when. I admire her crisp edges, fraying ends and jaggedy stitches. And boy was she good at matching up stripes. Where is MW now?



The Material Boy #425


Below: Another to covet Reed Krakoff bag... the Boxer Clutch is beckoning out to me! Love this moss green
(KO/Fatigue) caviar grain version! (USD 590)


Below: In sexy black viper and burnished glovetan... what's not to love? (USD 990)


Below: Shrunken grain and vachetta, pure and modern... (USD 590)


Reed Krakoff Boxer Clutch

I have been a fan of Reed Krakoff's functional and yet industrial aesthetics. And one of his bags from his Fall Winter 2010 collection, the Boxer tote tops my wishlist. (FYI, Mr Krakoff is Coach's creative director)

Well, today, another of Mr Krakoff's creations crept its way up my 'bags-to-covet' list... a smaller cousin of the Boxer family... the Boxer Clutch.

I just love the strap wrap that gives its distinct design feature. Non reliant on huge logos, all design and pure... this clutch serves its functional with such finesse! Simple and understated, but not boring, I love the Boxer Clutch. Perhaps I will find one to examine up close and personal in Tokyo...I hope I do! Who knows, this clutch might just come back with me to Singapore! The moss green (KO/Fatigue) colour is my absolute favourite... drools.

Dimensions: Height: 6.5IN 12.2IN Depth: 1.4IN (Perfect size even for guys!)

Source: Reed Krakoff

Retail price: From USD 590. Where to buy: Reed Krakoff

My MANy Bags News #287


myMANybags In Tokyo And Hokkaido!

Yes, the time has come for Kevin to venture into the ultimate land of retail therapy, delicious ramen and sushi, the home of Hello Kitty... JAPAN for the first time!

Today I will be off to Tokyo, then Hokkaido (So it is not all about shopping! To prove I am not a 'shallow' traveller and only does shopping:-P). My new trusty Panasonic Lumix GF1 Camera will finally be put to the field test. Hope I will bring you the sights and sounds of this amazing country in the 11 days I am there! Will blog and share my retail adventure each night:-)

Sayonara... See you guys in Japan and then some!

Source: Flickr

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2010











Here are some of the photos I took at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show back on November 10th in New York-- I'm really excited to see it on TV tonight!

My MANy Bags News #286


Below: A new Hermès Birkin combination for Spring Summer 2011? Like it or nay for you?



Hermès Spring Summer 2011 Birkin

Anyone for the latest Spring Summer 2011 Hermès Birkin in bi-material of calf leather and lizard skin trimmings?

Stunning or letdown? What do you guys think? It's a contemporary colour combination, luxurious and modern...but does it lose the essence of this bag's classic appeal?

Source: Hermès

Monday, November 29, 2010

princess diaries

Have you seen the latest issue of I Love You? It's pink, and dedicated to princesses; with instructions on how to make a fairy tale castle wedding cake and a list of princess' must-haves.

Ad Campaigns And Catalogues #179


Below: New designs for Céline's Summer 2011 bags. This Clasp Calfskin Shoulder Bag is understated and sophisticated...



Below: Interesting triangular shape for these new Zip Around Shoulder Bag with Chain Link Handles... a great companion for evening affairs:-)


Below: For the new colours, cognac is my favourite! The pale yellow Croco Box Shoulder Bag is also looking promising:-)


Below: Python and croco skin updates on the highly coveted Box Shoulder Bag...


Below: However, not all Céline updates on their classics look appealing... This Knit Luggage Shopper is just messy and impractical for summer time. Yikes!


Below: Céline's take on Leopard prints. I love the bi-material cabas!



Below: Python and calfskin...


Below: Croco skin may be luxurious, but these look like they could have come from fast fashion chains...



Below: This new Clasp Calfskin Cabas could be Céline's answer for a more secure way to hold the contents...


Céline Summer 2011 Bags

What new bag designs have Phoebe Philo come up with for Summer 2011? That is the question a lot of Céline fans are keenly awaiting. Wait no further, here's a look at the upcoming offerings from the hottest luxury label now...

To be honest, I am a little disappointed about this new collection. There are some noteworthy new designs, but they are not that outstanding to ignite an instant lust. As for updates on the classics (Box shoulder bag, Luggage Tote and my favourite Leather Cabas), the result is a mixed of good and bad.

What I most like about the collection is the colours. Primerose, Power pink, Cognac, Burgundy are really nice shades that adds colour without overpowering. As for shapes, the new triangular Zip Around Shoulder Bag and the Clasp Calfskin Shoulder Bag are nice additions with just the right amount of hardware. Chain handles on the Zip Around Shoulder Bag exudes a sophisticated feel, glamourous and ideal for evening affairs.

As for the updates on classic designs... I am underwhelmed with the new prints and materials. Worst of the lot is the Knit Luggage Shopper which is messy and impractical for summer season (wool for summer?!?!). Looking like a home DIY project gone wrong, I am surprised this actually came from Céline which stood for clean and minimal aesthetics. The Leopard Canvas and Leather Cabas and Luggage Tote fortunately saves the day, presenting an on-trend take on the classics while remaining functional and easy to mix and match. There is also a croco print version of the leather cabas in beautiful black and burgundy, but those can be mistaken for what is sold at fast fashion chains. A new variant of the leather cabas is also offered, with the introduction of a metal clasp to close off the top of the tote. For fans who had been wanting a more secure way to safekeep their belongings, this could be the answer:-)

All in all, I have not been as excited with this new Céline Summer 2011 Collection as I had with the past seasons. There is simply something lacking and the surprise factor perhaps have eroded over time.

Source: Céline

summerland

I love this online store, which is the brainchild of clever Megan Hart (one-half of Cat Party). Here are some favourite things of mine - there is a nice balance of vintage, objects and new things from Karen Walker, Dear Creatures and more. Enjoy!








annie monroe































Organ player and singer for The Like, Annie looks like she just stepped out of a Godard film.

Images all from here, by James D. Kelly.