Camel Beauty @ Gucci FW'11

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The color camel has spilled into Fall/Winter collection again, but this time it's seen on the accessories instead of just on the clothes. Seen at Gucci for FW11/12, some bags collection in camel looks utterly delicious in buttery soft leather. From the tote with the plait handles, to the portfolio and messenger bags carrying the same intrecciato features - camel is indeed a neutral tone that will make it huge for next season.

Another thing I realize is that Gucci keep on continuing their effort to downplay the 'too much logo' branding and opting for the mujirushi concept again. Times and times, any bags awashed with the interlocking double G logos or the one that bears a big 'Gucci' on the center have started to fade, and goes with a bit discreet branding detail like the signature diamante pattern or like these pieces with a very small logo on the bottom side. Too small that you do need to 'scrutinize' the bag, which eventually would lead you to that aha! moment, "oh my, this is Gucci!". Does Gucci finally started to grab the similar ethos like what Tomas Maier did for Bottega Veneta : no brand or logo is needed, instead the craftsmanship of the said item is the one that truly speak out that it is indeed from the fashion house? A brilliant move towards the less conspicuous world.

Btw, I love that camel portfolio. What a succulently tempting clutch...

[pix from gucci]

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A Reason to Clutch

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One accessory that can complete the look is the clutch. Whether it's a laptop case, a wristlet or even a typical portfolio bag; clutch has swarmed into the male counterpart ever since. I love a clutch, coz somehow it creates a comfort factor whenever I went out walking from one point to another. Either going to class, or to a meeting or even to the library - by having things to hold on my hand instead of just berlenggang with none, I feel safer and minimize that awkward feeling.

Previously, my Gucci laptop case is my faithful companion, whereas right now even my iPad case can even considered as my own 'clutch', though it doesn't really fit that bill. Whatever it is, at the recent Fashion Week in Milan and Paris, some are seen with the clutch in hand. Various style, various purposes and various designer labels are aplenty to keep them holding on to something!

A comfort factor, I guess...

Buttery soft... delicious!

Woven? This intrecciato is synonymous with Bottega Veneta.

This is so rustic chic!

This nude color is to die for!

A camo print; must be a Trussardi...

[pix from gq style]

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It's a New Lap at Prada

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Could this new portfolio bags (or laptop cases, if you like) with eyelets and studded stone upped your style level and make you a daredevil who wears Prada? Whatever it is, those lappies are definitely something new to talk about since they're the fiercest lappies that you may carry into your boardroom. If last SS10, everyone's gagging about the saffiano fori portfolio bag from Prada - including me who even called Prada store at New Bond Street asking if they're in stock since it's slashed more than half price during summer sale! - next 2012 I think this is gonna be a massive hotseller again: the saffiano studded and eyelets.

But, if the OTT portfolio is not your cup of tea, then there's always the two-tonal saffiano leather laptop cases in pastels. Suit the mood for next Spring/Summer which is much easy breezy.

Now, gotta save some money for that midnight blue and black one! :)

[pix from style.com]

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Diane Von Furstenberg Laptop Cases

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Something for the ladies.

As the new season starts,adding a bold print is the fastest way to update your look, whether with clothes or accessories. Step up Diane von Furstenberg, whose new diffusion line, Diane, launches this week. What better a time to invest in a piece of DVF? The Stylist office loves these Diane laptop cases, the most chic boardroom accessory ever.Equally daring outfit: optional.

~ Price, £110 ~

[pix and words from stylist mag issue 67]

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Fashion Week Style: It's a Lap!

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You think Fashion Weeks has already ended after London made its curtain call last week? Well, not exactly coz the fashion packs has now gonna redo the thing all over for another cycle when it restarted in Milan, even before London finished. If last January it's all about Milano Uomo and Pitti Uomo, now the tide turns for the womenswear instead, with Gucci has showcased their Fall/Winter 2011 collection last Wednesday. Next stop is Paris... though many have doubts whether Dior gonna make its presence after Galliano's arrest a couple of days ago due to the you-know-what incident. But somehow, what's fashion without its drama too? (I think I might do Amy Winehouse song: They wanna make me go to Dior, I said.. Galliano...no..no.. ahaks!).

Anyway, lets move our attention to something which is equally interesting - the Fashion Weeks style. Previously we've seen tweed making a huge fav among the fashionistos when attending the catwalk shows, from tweed jackets and blazers up to the waistcoats and ties as well. This time, see what they're bringing along with them.

For some fashion packs who think carrying a backpack or totes with them is a big chore (and a major 'workout'), clutching a portfolio folder and laptop cases is another good choice. You not only can store the gadgets and some documents inside, the great thing is it's much more mobile and not too bulky. Chuck things in, zip it (or tab it), clutch it and you're ready to go. And of course, you won't block other people's seats or passageways too when you're sitting to view the show coz they're basically gonna be put on your lap. Easy, right? And a safer bet...

So, if you have the word 'fashionisto' stamped on your forehead, would you be seen in a normal laptop cases? Not unless they're a designer ones. Or at least something quirky cool...

Trussardi?

Thank God your shoes are interesting, coz the lappy is a bit blah...

Ooohhh... in LoVe with this!

Could this be from Ally Capellino? Or no...

This one looks damn buttery soft...

Paul Smith laptop sleeve

Prada or Pierre Hardy?

Mulberry...

This can't be a Bottega. Or is just an Aspinal of London?

It looks like Chinese characters - but it actually spells 'PR'?

[pix from gq style]

Oh, in case you're a diehard fan of Fashion Weeks and always fly here and there to four major fashion capitals in the world, you might wanna get this tee from H&M. It has London, Paris, New York and Milan on it - in reverse - which I think might be an interesting (and crazy) choice for you to wear during the events. Or give it to your intern instead... ha!

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BigFatLove: Ghibli iPython

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One word to describe this iPad sleeve by Ghibli: fantastic!

Finally, I found a slip-on cover for the iPad that's worth buying. It is made of real python skin and looks amazing with the tonal brown/grey color, plus with the irregular pattern of the scales. Love the bigger pattern on the spine which made the whole thing appear symmetrical in design, in addition to the darker shades that add more accent to the exotic look of the real thing. And it looks simple, but never plain.

It also comes in other variations like in multicolor and pink, at a price of just $185. Oh, my... I never found a real python skin that cost this cheap. Oh, so tempting....

The only problem: I need to get an iPad first. Oh, well... think I just wait next Q1 2011 for iPad 2.0 when it's gonna be released. (Psst.. it has dual camera, I heard!)

Size: 21 cm (W) x 25 cm (H) x 0.50 cm (D)

[pix from forzieri]

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SHORTLIST Style: iPad Covers

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[click to enlarge]

[pix from shortlist]

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What a Secretary Want...

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Ever since I've returned to my home soil and back to work, I've been given so many jobs by people around me. Nope... I'm not complaining, I like it though. It's kinda blessing coz the more work I gotta do, the better I am since I'm one person who cannot sit still without anything to do. Kinda workaholic i guess. From the previous emcee thing for the convocation ceremony... to becoming a student advisor, the evaluator for presentations as well as doing my ambassador work for oversea visit. I really love my new bigfat life!

And the latest is when I've been selected to become the Secretary for a big international conference that'll be held somewhere in 2012. (2012? As in, London Olympic year? Yes, it is!) I've jokingly mentioned to my mate, I not gonna be a Secretary General like UN's Boutros Boutros-Ghali or Kofi Annan, but I'm the General Secretary instead. Why? Coz I'll be doing all the jobs of any typical secretary will do. Jotting down minutes of meeting, liased with all the participants for the conference, answering their FAQs and of course being the 'infocenter' for anyone who wanna know anything about the event. Exciting? Erm.. y e s... (that's a reluctant 'yes' btw, ahaks). One thing that I wish - at least all the participants would be delighted to hear my voice when i pick the phone. LOL! :D

Anyway. What would a secretary like me really want in order to do the job well? An iPad of course! Coz my handwriting is damn worse - even worse than a medical doctor. Therefore I would definitely rule out any classic notepad. Instead, iPad would be the perfect help. iPad with 3G and Wifi, that is. Just imagine how easy would it be to have it on my lap or on the table and typing all the important outcome from the meeting and emailing it right that instant. No MS Word? Aha.. you're wrong coz with Documents to Go app, any Word or Excel can be done easily without any hassle.

And to look business, what better to snug the iPad in the Bottega Veneta leather iPad sleeve. So damn hot! Love the color and the simple weave design from the uber fashion house. It'll definitely become a huge talking point in the board meeting!

[pix from highsnobeity]

Or, should I replace that sleeve with Mr Marc iPad sleeve from Marc by Marc Jacobs instead? Nah... I don't think so, coz it looks too kiddy and casual for a business environment. (Unless I'm in a meeting at a record label company. Or in a kindergarten, ahaks!)

[pix from bloomingdales]

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Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Monogram' Laptop Sleeve

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My visit to Marc by Marc Jacobs store at Mount Street, Mayfair last month bound me to 'see' these laptop sleeves which is located on the menswear section. I was so drawn and intrigue by the look of it - so I picked up to hold and feel what's great about it. I know from afar this is not a leather, and I am right coz the material is neoprene; similar to one of the Gucci iPad cases.

What is interesting about it is the design. As if Marc Jacobs has done his own version of 'monogram' ala Louis Vuitton. But look closer, it's not really spelled out his name though - quite a jumbled up words with some of the characters. They're embossed giving the whole 'interesting feel' to this otherwise plain case.

The one that I saw is blue and fit for up to 13 inch laptop. And they also come in black and grey as well. Unlike the other neoprene laptop cases like Cool Bananas, these lots has a little bit laminated or waxy facade giving the rubbery touch. The padded inside gives protection to the laptop or netbook that you're carrying.

Price? Unforgivingly £60 (or £50, I can't recall now..erks!). But if you wanna be in style... why not, right? It may not be in store for too long fyi... :)

Size: 13¼" x 10¼"

[pix from bloomingdales]

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Object of Lust: Prada Saffiano Fori Laptop Folder

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For a couple of seasons, I'm not a big fan of Prada bags. Whenever I went to Selfridges or Harrods for my once-in-a-while snooping, I tried to pass the section and not to see the totes and messanger bags at the Prada concessions in their store coz most of them are nylon. And I hate nylon especially when it's a smooth one, not the nylon twill. To me for a technofabric to cost hundreds of pounds, well... I think it's kinda ludicrous.

But now it seems that I have to reinstate my pledge to Prada after seeing this laptop folder which has been flagged during their SS10 catwalk show. It's Prada Saffiano Fori laptop folder. I know, I know... it looks very simple, but that's what I love about it. Simple but chic. Understated, yet at the same time quite loud (loud coz it's a Prada).

So, what's fori you ask? It means holes in Italian - or in this case, it's perforated. And perforated is always a big trend for spring/summer. This laptop folder is a textured saffiano leather making it a worth buy coz leather aged well with time. When you bring it to the boardroom, don't expect people will go unnoticed when they see you in one. Not to mention to drool all over it!

Oh, the price? Expect to pay more than £700! But hey, it's a Prada; it's what the devil wears... =)

[pix from gq]

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