Friday, June 10, 2011

30 Day Handbag Challenge: Day 01 - Your Favorite Handbag

In a world full of awesome designers, endless list of supple materials and a plethora of colours and textures, it is definitely a great challenge to pick out just ONE favorite handbag. It would be easy to choose from my own collection since it's not such a huge one. It would have definitely been my trusty YSL Downtown, but I am feeling more of a dreamer today hence I will give myself a hard time and pick one from my many favourites. They don't call it a challenge for nothing.

I personally have a few favorites now from Alexander Wang to Celine, Philip Lim and Gucci but I want to save the rest for the remaining 30 days of this challenge. And so, without further delay, I shall pick none other than the Lady Dior.

This handbag is one of the best classics ever designed on the world of handbag fashion. Sure, most would probably choose a Chanel 2.55 over this one any day but that is what makes me love the Lady Dior even more - it's exclusive clientele. Not everyone relates to my lust for this bag and I like it that way coz I was never one to conform.

The fact that this handbag was named after one of the most inspiring women of our time, Princess Diana, is just a freebie.

Just have a look at the intricacy of its "Cannage" stitching, the glow of its gold / silver "D.I.O.R" hardware, the sleekness of the patent leather and the suppleness of its lambskin equal. It's intoxicating.

Each season the Lady Dior is reinterpreted to cater to latest trends and looks of the brand's collection. And every time, it still looks exceptional and exquisite - far above the rest of its peers. The latest masterpiece from the Christian Dior luxury house is the Lady Grey, a double-strap patent leather handbag in the understated shade of (you know it) grey.


Shot in London with this final photo atop the London Eye, this is the final episode of the handbag's 2011 campaign featuring French actress and singer, Marion Cotillard. She appeared in 3 other Chapters shot in Paris, Shanghai and New York.

View the latest video here.

The Lady Dior: my personal favourite and of an iconic handbag.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

30 Day Handbag Challenge


In a desperate attempt to keep my handbag obsession within sanity level, I have decided to release all this leather-induced tension in my muscles through a simple fashion rehab I found online.

A little over a million fans "Like"d the Facebook page for "30 Day Song Challenge". And while I, myself, am a lover of all things harmonic (having been dubbed as a walking lyric book by friends), I can't say the same for my want to belong.

Ergo, in the spirit of not belonging to the group of people who a) posts songs they don't actually understand but want to seem they do; b) posts songs of bands they don't actually listen to but want to seem they do; and c) posts songs of artist they don't actually recognize but want to seem they do, I am taking the rules of the said challenge and tweaking it according to my fancy instead.

Presenting, the 30 Day Handbag Challenge.

day 01 - your favorite handbag
day 02 - your least favorite handbag
day 03 - a handbag that makes you happy
day 04 - a handbag that makes you sad
day 05 - a handbag that reminds you of someone
day 06 - a handbag that reminds you of somewhere
day 07 - a handbag that reminds you of a certain event
day 08 - a handbag that you know very well
day 09 - a handbag that you can dance with
day 10 - a handbag that makes you want to sleep
day 11 - a handbag from your favorite designer
day 12 - a handbag from a designer you hate
day 13 - a handbag that is a guilty pleasure
day 14 - a handbag that no one would expect you to love
day 15 - a handbag that describes you
day 16 - a handbag that you used to love but now hate
day 17 - a handbag that you often see online
day 18 - a handbag that you wish saw online
day 19 - a handbag from your favorite season's collection
day 20 - a handbag that you look at when you’re angry
day 21 - a handbag that you look at when you’re happy
day 22 - a handbag that you look at when you’re sad
day 23 - a handbag that you want to see at your wedding
day 24 - a handbag that you want to see at your funeral
day 25 - a handbag that makes you laugh
day 26 - a handbag that you can pair with any outfit
day 27 - a handbag that you wish you can pair with any outfit
day 28 - a handbag that makes you feel guilty
day 29 - a handbag from your childhood
day 30 - your favorite handbag at this time last year

There might not be as many handbags in the world as there are songs but any lover of fashionable carriers can name 30 handbags with their eyes closed. Ladies and Gents, welcome to rehab.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Covetting: Celine Luggage Tote

Some people call Phoebe Philo a genius. What with her transforming French luxury fashion house Céline from a second league brand into a front runner, especially after its unfortunate dip since Michael Kors. But when I saw the Luggage Tote, I don't think she deserves to be called a genius. For me, she is a Visionary.




The simple aesthetics, spacious compartment and sturdy form of this lush-leather beauty adds up to one handbag that can only be described in one word: timeless. The small hot-stamped logo in gold completes the look of the bag perfectly. It is a sophisticated and elegant way of putting the artist's signature on a masterpiece without making it seem like it's screaming "Look at me! Look at me!" (Yes, dear Monogrammed LV, I am talking to you).




With the use of suede, leather, and texture pattern stamps, the versions of this handbag has caught the attention of many Hollywood A-list stars and top supermodels. I am no A-lister nor am I a top model but boy, do I wish I were one now (more than ever) if it would mean I'd have enough money - $2850 to be exact - to get one of these... or two... or three.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Spotted: Reed Krakoff

Just when you thought Coach is becoming more and more forgettable in the world of Luxury Handbags, they pull a fast one and kicks us in the ass with a new-born baby, Reed Krakoff.


The designer and brand namesake is Coach’s Creative Director, more fondly known as RK.


With 20 years of design experience under his belt, RK debuted a full-line collection that includes women’s ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes and jewelry in Fall of 2010.

With the irresistible combination of supple leather, cutting-edge designs and a modern take on texture mixes -- the debut of this new player marks a new class in modern luxury fashion!

Pressed and stressed in my silly insistence on making a choice, my personal favorite would have to be the PUNK BOXER I, one of the brand's signature pieces.

Crafted out of approximately 190 pieces of a variety of luxurious materials, this handbag is a perfect mix of utility and femininity – ideal for today’s modern woman. Its smart combination of glovetan, canvas and python is both chic and edgy and it simply screams BUY ME NOW!

I am also a fan of the ART BOXER (shown below) because of its unusual blend of colours and textures that works amazingly well.

The AUCTION II amazes me – a big satchel and a detachable clutch in one, simply genius! (shown below)http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif


And how can you not love the 510 TOTE II? The Ostrich Skin version looks so supple, I would trade the comforts of my bedroom for it (maybe even trade-in my boyfriend, but if it were an option, I'll save him for an Hermes or Valentino - I would never dream to sell him short! Don't tell him I said that.)! As I can't steal the photo online, I am linking you to the said handbag, just in case you wanna take a peek. Click on the handbag name mentioned above.

As you've probably guessed, I am making my online selection as we speak :) Have a look at www.reedkrakoff.com and tell me which is your personal favourite!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

My Love-Affair With Handbags: The Origins

Before I could even afford to purchase branded handbags, there was only one brand of luxurious ridiculosity that I coveted, wished and hoped to purchase…

It might seem laughable, pathetic, and slightly diminutive, and may muster a couple “sheesh”es from some. But without a hint of shame, I confess my lust-worthy fantasy handbag brand: none other than Cream of the Huge-Amounts-of-Money-Generating, Luxurious-Cow-Skin-Carrier-Producing Crop, the grandfather of quality Italian leather goods, PRADA.


(Collective sighs of irritation.)

To understand my admiration for Prada, I have to take you all back. Back to when I was but a mere pre-adolescent teen, and the most branded item I’ve owned was probably that pair of Nude Suede Loafers from Hush Puppies, given by my mum in an attempt to be one of those hip mothers of her time. Or it could also be that green and navy plaid Ralph Lauren backpack that literally hurt me so much to carry (what with all my notebooks and textbooks), but which I kept using anyway as it was a definitive proof of my not being the typical student who knew not of designers.

Fast forward when to when I was in Sixth Grade, my older sister rented the movie “10 Things I Hate About You”. A teeny, romantic comedy starring a young and very alive Heath Ledger; a then-popular Andrew Keegan; and a conveniently-forgotten-to-wear-a-bra-today-no-everyday Julia Stiles, among other casts.


In the movie, Julia Stiles portrayed the role of an elder sister to clueless teen named Bianca (played by Larisa Oleynik). Bianca has a best friend who is equally as clueless as her, if not more. Both chicks delivered a dialogue, which you’d think I’d immediately dispose from my brain, but stuck to me like glue instead.

Bianca: There's a difference between like and love. I mean I like my Skechers, but I love my Prada backpack.
Chastity: But I love my Skechers.
Bianca: That's because you don't have a Prada backpack.

After much research on the word “Prada” in the local library, an obsession was born. Naturally, to rally a pair of Skechers from my parents was a piece of cake. But to even try asking them for a Prada backpack when I was in sixth grade was a scary thought. Hence, I gave up the love altogether and settled for the like.

13 years later, I am transformed from a 12 year-old fashion emergency to a yuppie who dreams of working in the Fashion industry, and everyone on the streets of Singapore owns a Prada handbag, even my sister and copycat flatmate. I could now well-afford one, but on judgment day, I was swayed by Yves Saint Laurent in a form of a supple leather number called Downtown.

So the obsession continues…

One fine day, dot-com luxury haven, Reebonz (Sign up now!), announced a contest entitled Reebonz Spring Clean Blogger Contest where one can win for herself a handbag from a selection of six, and one of those handbags was a Prada Tessuto Impuntu chain-strap handbag in emerald. I simply had to take the chance.


Full of hope and Prada-lovin’, I went online-window-shopping and revived my long-forgotten Photoshop skills. Completing my entry just in the nick of time, I waited a month for the results, but not expecting too much.

My Fairy Godmother did not disappoint! A rep from Reebonz emailed me to inform me I had won my coveted carrier! In a few more days, I am due to receive my first introduction to my first Prada handbag! Free from Reebonz and all because of Reebonz!

As soon as I found out, I posted this status on Facebook: I’m so excited, I might pee my pants! Thank you, Reebonz.

People say I’m lucky. Well, maybe. But I like to think it’s fate.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

A cage I wouldn't mind me locked up in

I think the craze for cage sandals came about when one of my favourites, Yves Saint Laurent, came up with this creation:



The YSL Cage Boots first graced the Spring 2009 catwalk and immediately mesmerised celebrities like Beyonce, Ciara, Leighton Meester, Kim Kardashian and Tilda Swinton.



I, personally, am not too big a fan of this particular model but as other designers and brands explored the idea of this metallic-heeled wonder, it started to evolve to something so decadent, you rich kids would want to eat it with the golden spoon you came out of your mother’s womb with.



There’s the suede, silver-heeled version from Giuseppe Zanotti; the buttery leather lace-up variety from Manolo Blahnik; the shorter, more wearable bootie adaptation from Michael Kors; the subtle mesh rendition from Rock and Republic; and a whole lot other choices! But I would have to say that my personal favourite would be the Jimmy Choo Glenys Cage Platform Sandals that you see below.



And at USD 995.00 a pop from Neiman Marcus, you can imagine I bought a pair of each colour… not!

Paupers like me need to succumb to sample sales and outlet malls. But seeing as the top fashion designers in the world took inspiration from one shoe and gave birth to creations beloved even more by others, I figured sooner or later, someone affordable will come along. And so cue Charles and Keith!

This Singaporean shoe generators gave birth to a pair of cage shoes that looks so much like that of Jimmy Choo’s but with a little more edge chipped-in by its silver-coloured platforms and heels. And to top it all off, they are as comfortable as running around in sneakers, except you’d run in this one with more poise and fashion sense, of course!

Naturally, a girl can’t stare, drool and walk away. Nah –uh! That’s reserved for bratty little kids outside the Willy Wonka factory. So I zoomed in on my prey like the leather (or faux leather) predator that I am, asked for my size and swiped my card to 5% of what Jimmy Choo was charging for these beauties. I always believe it is nice to share, hence, see below my little caged toes :)

Monday, February 28, 2011

Spring in My Steps!

My love for shoes has taken over me.

I have recently promised my boyfriend and myself that I will stop shopping for shoes due to the fact that my room is now overflowing with them. To date, I have numbers uncountable and am quite ashamed so. I know I shouldn't be, but it gets quite worrying when the cash in your wallet has been replaced by platforms in your shoe cabinet. I am afraid that I will one day literally be the old woman who lived in her shoe.

I’ve been quite good in keeping this promise and in trying to kick the habit until my sister decided to buy me a pair of Aldos just because. Being the pauper that I am, I would only spend up to $100 on a pair of shoes and not a dime more than that. I don’t have pairs of Manolos or Maglis lying around at home so you can imagine my hesitation on getting another pair dissolving instantly as soon as the sis offered.

I’ll be posting pics of that swanky pair of heels soon but first, to more pressing matters. After I shopped for that Aldo pair, I decided to walk around and window shop while my sister grabs a bite to eat. I soon came upon Forever21 and saw this:



And as you would have guessed, I bought it in a heartbeat (those are my feet wearing them).

The Floral Print Platform Pumps from Forever21 is divine. It is literally a Spring Garden on a pair of heels! Armed with enough charm to kick the Annual Rose Parade in the ass, this 5inch platform is just too irresistible for a rehabilitating addict – even if their smallest is a size bigger than my little 5s (if you look closer at the photo, there is space at the ankle area and front top part).

Regardless, it is comfortable and chic – the two C’s I look for in a pair of walkers. I’m sure you guys are itching to get yours too! Go on, I won’t tell if you won’t :)

Saturday, February 26, 2011

This Just In: Prada Tessuto Impuntu

A brand referred to by most people as a "status symbol", Prada has stayed true to its form since the company started almost a century ago, in 1913. Well-recognized for their leather goods and most especially for the lush handbags under their belt, Prada has gone on to create more luxurious items using premium fabrics and opulent materials. One of those items being the Prada Tessuto Impuntu handbag in Emerald.

Rarely do you come across a handbag that goes with everything. Although most would probably beg to differ, I believe this to be true until recently -- and we have the Spring trends of 2011 to thank!

During the recent New York Fashion Week, lots of prints and bold colours were seen strutting in heels down the runway. Many of which showed great bravado through combinations we once thought unimaginable. To showcase my take on Spring 2011 and its splendid result to bold medleys, I am daring to create 3 outfits based on this season's trends paired with one gorgeous Prada Tessuto Impuntu. Brace yourselves!

My first is an outfit perfect for a sunny day out. Summer is around the corner, so work on the tan before anyone gets theirs. Always remember, set the trend and make everyone follow forth! And that's exactly what you'll accomplish with a great outfit and a knock-out handbag.


Classic Cami Dress, Paker. Red Patent Leather Sandals, Miumiu. Red Classic Wayfarer with Polkadots, Ray-Ban. Ancient Egyptian Bangles, House of of Harlow. Green with Envy Statement Ring, Forever21. You know where the bag is from :)

Casual Fridays at work and Cosmos Fridays at night? Not to worry, this outfit promises to wow both parties. The quirky shoes paired with the lush handbag will make your girlfriends and colleagues green with envy! That's alright though, their colour of jealousy will go nicely with your Prada :)


Mustard Tie-side Tee, Moto Floral Patch Vintage Wash Skinny Jeans and Frog Ditsy Necklace, Topshop. Yellow Print Pumps, Miumiu. Peacock Bracelet, Forever21. Flower Bangle, Saks Fifth Avenue. Tortoise Wide Frame Sunglasses, Alexander McQueen. And once again, our dear Prada handbag.

Popularized by one of my favourite fashionistas, Serena van der Woodsen, the Suno Peach Wide Pants is a great introduction to this season. It's yummy colour makes it too cute to be formal yet the lustrous fabric makes it too fabulous to be casual. Goes perfectly with a plain or printed top and is punctuated elegantly by the Prada Tessuto Impuntu! Don't forget to accessorize!


Peach Wide Pants, Suno. Bright Floral Scallop Tiered Tee, Topshop. Nude Patent Leather Pumps, Prada. Verdigris Green Bangle Set, Lulu's. Embellished Turquoise Earrings, Saks Fifth Avenue. Faux Gemstone Ring, Forever21.

As promised, three outfits with one bag. Now, all one can hope is to own a wardrobe as wonderful as this, at least I do! Sigh... the Prada Tessuto Impuntu -- makes you wanna be a better person through fashion!

PS - Reebonz, I will keep hoping for this bag :)

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Gossip Girl Turned Reality – and it bites!


“NYC Prep is a reality television program on the Bravo channel. NYC Prep chronicles the lives of six teenagers in Manhattan's private school scene. NYC Prep will follow six Manhattan teenagers in their daily lives as they attend events such as weekend parties, fashion shows, shopping sprees, charity events and dinner parties.” NYC Prep is a show with a cast of six silly and pathetic teenagers who dare to think that they are the real-life equivalent of Chuck, Nate, Blair and Serena.

I’m a bit upset Wikipedia did not include that last sentence!

I don’t know what’s gotten into Bravo channel and their ridiculous ideas for reality shows. You have one with aging housewives who has Botox fetishes and a knack for catfights, acting like they haven’t finished living out their cheerleader dreams since High School. Then there’s that other one where they have celebrity has-beens and wannabes act all Posh Spice and battle it out with needle and fabric to launch their own clothing line. And now, this!

Looking at the casts’ photo posted above, I have a feeling the blonde one is their Serena (and that’s the only similarity between the two), the brunette in the red satin blouse is the closest they can find to casting as Blair, the other brunette on the right side in yellow cardigan, they’re probably passing off as the loser Blair bullied in Constance, but don’t get me started on the wide-eyed girl with poop on her hair (third from left).

As for dissecting the guys, the brooding, emo, eye-liner loving, Adam Lambert look-alike in the middle should be their version of the dreamboat that is Chuck, while the blonde Beiber Admirer is probably Nate gone bad.

Obviously these kids were born with silver, perhaps even gold spoons in their traps and they might be swimming in coins like Uncle Scrooge in Duck Tales but unfortunately what they have in dollars, they lack in looks.

What say you kids leave it to the professional actors and actresses to live your lives on TV? That way, we don’t waste perfectly good rolls of video tape. Or I can also suggest you gather those big bags of moolah and splurge them on a good surgeon! Ask those crazy bastards to wave their magic knives and needles to make you look like the GG cast.

You know you love me. xoxo

Prada Raso Pietre Clutch: Disappointing!



Seen above on the left hand side of the photo is the new Prada Raso Pietre Clutch in Arancio (or in layman’s term, Coral. In pauper lingo, reddish orange.)

Now, I’ve been a big, if not, huge fan of Prada since I discovered my love for fashion the 90s. They’ve always delivered luxurious handbags to Fashion Week’s doorstep and never fails to show creativity in their designs be it in the selection of colour of fabric. Granted, they have had their share of faux pas in the past (red: Chandelier Dress and Shoes on Rita Wilson, 2010 Emmys), but I think they would know better than to charge $2,100 on this sad looking excuse for an evening bag.

As soon as I saw this clutch, I immediately remembered Sex and The City’s 3rd episode on season 6. The part when the four gals went to visit a friend who just went thru a break-up and apparently “discovered” that she’s “Fendi” – yes, I stress the open and end quotes. Refer to the photo on the right, the similarity is uncanny!
Well, maybe not that uncanny but it’s just as unfortunate. Come to think of it, it kinda looks like this too:



Hey, maybe I can also be a bag designer. I just need a glue gun, some fabric, acrylic beads and I’m all set!