Too Much Bretons!

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Breton stripes are huge this season. And I do mean HUGE with the capital H. You saw it everywhere - on the catwalk during the Spring/Summer 2011 show, in the highstreet stores, and of course... on the streets. It's stripes galore! Whether it's stripes all the way, or the Jean Paul Gaultier sailor lookalike - Breton is definitely a hot trend that never fail to appear whenever summer comes. I think the way it breathes nautical theme is what charmed people.

Me too has been succumbed into the lure of stripes. My victim of the situation? Absolutely at Asos, coz they got a humungous collection of stripey t-shirts. Either short, three-quarter, or long sleeves; Asos has a burst of Breton this time around in many color choices to choose from. With the price tag that's always dear to the wallet, Breton stripes at Asos is one stop to head down to. Period.

For every tee you see below, I have at least two for each pair coz I have a simple principle: if I like it, always buy two. That's why I have too much Bretons now!

(L) Breton tee in navy-white - Asos : Jeans - Uniqlo : Denim bag - He by Mango : Watch - Calvin Klein Sight

(R) Breton tee in green-dark green - Asos : Wool trousers - River Island : Tweed backpack - Zara : Watch - Nixon

(L) Breton tee in light grey-white - Asos : Jeans - Uniqlo : Grey leather tote - Bill Amberg : Watch - Bench

(R) Breton tee in grey-light graphite - Asos : Jeans - Uniqlo : Suede studded tote - Jimmy Choo x H&M
Watch - Calvin Klein Bold

(L) Stripe tee in green-white - Asos : Chambray trousers - Asos Canvas tote with leather trim - Jaspal: Watch - Skagen

(R) Tee in navy-yellow - Asos : Jeans - Uniqlo : Mock croc tote - Topman : Watch - Nixon Shutter tortoiseshell

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Which Leather Wallet Are You?

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If someone really into psychology stuff, then he or she might've been able to read someone's personality based on their wallet. Wallet is not just a thing to store your money, coins or credit cards - it's also a symbol of style. An epitome of your inner soul which is an evidence how you project yourself. It's also a portrayal your wealth status - how thick is your wallet seldom perceived as someone who is 'loaded', while a thin wallet is erm... quite skint. Yet, this could be an exception though since some 'loaded' people like to go out without any cash notes inside since nowadays the payment system are mostly cashless. Even me myself, I hate to bring lots of cash since it'll make my pocket even heavier to carry!

And about the material, leather or fabric, these could also tell who you are. To me someone who still uses a fabric-type wallet, he's not a true adult. Still kids in his mind, since only teenagers and kids are the one who uses those stuff. Buy a leather wallet instead coz leather is perceived as more serious manner, plus leather tend to age gracefully over the years that make them much supple to touch.

Anyway, which type of wallet are you? Bi-fold, tri-fold, zippered? Or just a card wallet instead? I'm using the long wallet - the Brazza from Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite collection, which is so versatile coz there's everything in there: multiple credit card slots, many cash compartments, plus the zippered case for coins which I think is the best I could get. I love the color which is very masculine from LV signature canvas fabrication (with leather inner lining). It might not be any men's choice, coz so many times it get mistaken as women's wallet. Even my niece used to say, "eeee... macam beg pompuan!" Tak kesah la beb. Maybe next, I probably get the Taiga Brazza, coz the textured leather is very nice. And for casualwear, I like using the leather zipper wallet from Jimmy Choo x H&M. At least it fits well into my pocket unlike Brazza! 

[pix from mr. porter]

My pick for the casual wear? The Jimmy Choo x H&M leather zipper wallet.

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(Bill Amberg x BoF) Limited Edition Totes

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Finally, a love story between two big brands: one is the big name in Brit's bagmaker, Bill Amberg, and the other is a big name in the fashion blogosphere, Business of Fashion (BoF). It seems that the mutual collaboration between the two has produced such beautiful arrays of tote bags in variety of colors and materials - from patent leather to nubuck, woven leather to ponyskin.

Bill Amberg has never shy away from collborating. In previous years, the bagmaker has produced a collection with various looks in their 'Tug' range with the fashion editors and celebrities. This time, it's the fashion blogger, Imran Amed who owns BoF, and previously made famous on his interview with Natalie Messanet, the owner of Net-a-Porter.com about the success of the online shopping business.

This bag collection is somehow quite new. Codename: Calgary, after the Canadian city where Imran was born - the bags were designed and created at Bill Amberg Studios in London, each being handmade by one of their very own in-house leather craftsmen. Don't they all look very simple? Absolutely, coz this is what the true essence of fashion is all about - simplicity - yet with a little twist you can made it stands out. From the material and color used, I really love how practical and no-fuss design they possesed. And ooh... the braided leather handle: THAT is really something to talk about! (Though I wish the color could match the body, so that they look more streamlined).

This unisex, tote-style bag is a balance of fashion and function: stylish and elegant on the outside, functional on the inside, designed to fit the lifestyle of the busy modern gentleman or gentlewoman. Ideal for carrying books, technology and gym clothes over the course of a long day. The bag is entirely padded with neoprene to protect technology, and includes specially designed pockets for Ipad, Blackberries and Iphones.

Oh, did I mention they're Limited Edition? Yes. And there'll be a production run of only 5 pieces, each will come with a certificate of authenticity confirming which number in the run they are and each bag will also have a personalised label inside with the name of the customer and Bill’s signature.

Price? £950 each. (mega yikes!!)

Calgary tote in red patent leather

Calgary tote in black ponyskin (I want this ONE!!)

Calgary tote in orange patent leather

Calgary tote in mock croc leather

Calgary tote in tan woven leather
(I wish there'll be in black woven too)

Calgary tote in brown nubuck

On top of that, there's also a survey on which of these 3 lots gonna make into the production. As they call it 'crowdsourcing', based on highest votes - one of this bag will made its way into the customer's need. Which one should it be? Black, anyone?

Calgary tote in lead patent leather

Calgary tote in brown leather

Calgary tote in black leather

[pix from bill amberg]

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