Givenchy Nightingale

I've been in love with the Givenchy Nightingale for some time but just haven't gotten myself one as yet. It is a good everyday bag to lug your 'life' around town. A bag you'd want to carry on days when you just feel like dressing down and still look effortlessly stylish at the same time. Tomorrow as I stand in front of my closet, I can see my hands reaching for my favorite white t-shirt and faded jeans and it's moment like this that I regret not getting a black Givenchy Nightingale sooner.

Available at DFS Galleria Scottswalk or On Peddar $3490.

Image: Bagdonna

News Flash- Louis Vuitton

If you're a fan of Louis Vuitton, you should know by now their flagship store at ION Orchard is the first and largest global store in Southeast Asia. It is second in the world- after its Paris flagship store located along Avenue des Champs Elysees, one 0f the most famous streets in the world- to carry a full range of products which includes shoes, watches and its mass-appeal leather goods. Prices are also reportedly the cheapest in Southeast Asia.

Come next year, Louis Vuitton will once again make its presence felt by having a standalone boutique that will appear to be floating on the water off the Marina Bay Integrated Resort. The flagship store will be housed in a 'glass-and-steel Crystal Pavilion', boasting a one-of-a kind architecture.

Singapore is projecting itself as the centre for luxury shopping and with it comes a buzz about the whole retail scene here that will satisfy even the most hardcore of shopaholic. I feel lucky to be residing here.

Image: Bagdonna

Prada Resort Collection- Saffiano Fori Boston Bag

Judging by the comments I've heard so far about the Prada Fori line from the Resort Collection, it is going to be a flop. Personally, the colors and all their combinations-- bright orange with pink, pink with yellow, etc -- take some getting used-to. Though they have the traffic-stopping effect, it is so 'unPrada'.

I like the shape of this bag and the perforated calf leather, but the color combination is so wrong. We've been taught never to mix warm color with cool color, right? The white will go a lot better with colors such as black, grey or navy. And I think I am right when I saw a bigger version of this bag in Bagaholicboy and like it instantly. I am going to check it out when I visit Prada the next time. Looks like a good size for an overnighter.

The Prada Saffiano Fori Boston bag retails for $2360.

Image: Bagdonna

Prada 2009 Holiday Keychain Collection

I was delighted to see the Prada 2009 Holiday Keychain Collection while shopping at ION Orchard yesterday. But disappointed at the same time as I was hoping to bring home a pink teddy bear this year which I had missed out last year. As you can see, no pink one this year. On hindsight, I think these teddies are more lavishly dressed up than the 2008 offerings. Thanks to the generous use of hardware and some adorned with sparkling swarovski crystals at the same time. This should more than make up for my initial disappointment. Anyway, I don't have a brown teddy bear yet and the color is so neutral it will match easily.

These are just sample pieces not for sale yet.

In stores soon $330 each.

Image: Bagdonna

Hermes- Fringed JPG Shoulder Kelly Bag

I've not started on a post proper on Hermes bag, Birkin especially, as I wanted to do more research to share more information with my readers. But I was so inspired to write about things Hermes after watching Lady First on Wednesday night - a female shopping & lifestyle program in Taiwan aired on Starhub cable channel 54, hosted by TV mogul Pauline Lan Hsin-Mei(LHM). If, like me, you've been following the program, you'd know by now that she is a big spender at Hermes and have the title VVIP bestowed upon her. Thus the priviledge of seeing the rarest just by being her viewer. That's why I always stay glued to the TV whenever the program features designer handbags. Most of the time, she likes to share with her guests and viewers on her latest acquisitions. Her bags always draw a lot of oohs and aahs from them and I am no exception. I have never been a fan of Kelly bag until I saw LHM's Fringed JPG Shoulder Kelly bag. It is a lot more youthful than the standard Kelly. According to her, it is priced about the same as a basic Birkin. But even if you have the money, you may not be able to get your hands on one as it's reserved for Hermes' VIP customers only.

For her birthday, Hermes got her this (I am holding my breath as I write this) crocodile wallet with perfectly cut diamonds set on the logo which costs a whopping S$30 000+ with her name 'Pauline Lan' stamped on the inside. Actually, I don't really understand when she said Hermes 'gave me this wallet for my birthday'. Is it 'gave me' as in she didn't pay for a single cent or 'gave me' the priviledge to buy a wallet customized to her specifications? If it is the former, then do a mental sum the amount of money she has dropped at Hermes to date.

For last year's X'mas, she treated herself to this holy grail which costs 10x the amount of the aforementioned wallet! Again, unattainable even if you have the cash, unless you're Hermes' VVIP.

Okay okay. Seems like this post is dedicated more to Lan Hsin-Mei than to Hermes bags. I hope she stumbles upon my blog one day and read this post. Not exactly my idol but must say I admire her a lot. Despite her fame and fortune, she comes across as someone very easy-going and humorous. If I ever meet her in person, I will definitely not feel intimidated by her. But by her Diamond studded Fuschia Crocodile Birkin!

Images: Internet

Louis Vuitton Judy PM

I have always liked the Louis Vuitton Judy PM bag but don't see myself getting one any sooner. It's a small bag and thus an evening bag. I hardly attend evening functions and it will probably just sit in my bag closet if I get it now. I have other more practical bags in my wish list that I'd rather get first. Having said that, the Louis Vuitton Judy PM bag is babelicious- I am refering to the white one. It is a cute bag with the the pleated monogram multicolore canvas lending a youthful touch. I like the generous use of cowhide leather and how it contrasts nicely with the canvas. The hardware used should be commended too. I like the the pretty chain with the shoulder rest for carrying comfort; the oh-so elegant brass handle with four little studs on its corners with 'LOUIS VUITTON' and 'PARIS' discreetly embossed on it; bottom studs to protect the bag.

A small-sized bag packed with great detailing.

Also available in M($2880) and L($3300).

At all Louis Vuitton boutiques $2120.

Image: Internet

Chloe Sally

The Chloe Sally bag, I want! It is almost love at first sight. Aesthetically, I can't find any fault with it. My only complain is its weight. But I guess that's signature of Chloe bags as they use thick leather and heavy hardware. Think Chloe Paddington. The Chloe Sally is a structured bag accented by metal frame and textured leather, set off by ultra feminine chains. It is a simple bag with clean lines. I really like that the chains come with the shoulder rest, a case of form meets function. Imagine the sensation of the chains cutting through your shoulder without it. Besides, it lends a nice touch to the chains. As the Chloe Sally has been compared with Chanel 2.55, her chains definitely win her over her Chanel counterpart. Its double flap with separate compartment is another plus.

Available in both calfskin and python leather, it comes in an array of colors. My favorite is the one featured here. The red and beige are equally gorgeous. It is a generous size bag which can take you from day to night effortlessly. And the length of the bag, ending just above the waist, is perfect.

At Chloe boutiques $3350.

Image: Internet

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Nappa Cosmetic Case

I think all bag-obsessed share a common trait. Our obsession extends to wallets, purses, pouches, bag charms and even key rings. For me, I never seem to get enough of them. I have wallets of different style such as long, zip-around, snap-closure type, etc. Then there are purses and pouches that are hardly used but acquired for the purpose of collecting them. In fact, I have a containerful of them (not branded ones, unfortunately) which I collected in my early years. Sometimes I suspect I am more obsessed with purses and pouches than with bags.

The Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Nappa Cosmetic Case is in my bag constantly. It is huge for what it is. So I don't use it as a cosmetic case. I use it to store hard-to-find items in a bag. In fact, it can double up as a clutch bag. It is also available in a smaller size.

I am loving everything about it. The shape, the size and the buttery-soft leather.

Priced at $540 for S and $670 for L.

Get it at all Bottega Veneta boutiques.

Image: Bagdonna

Mulberry Mitzy Hobo

When I first saw the Mulberry Mitzy Hobo, I smiled to myself as Mulberry has done it again. A slouchy shape accented by a short chunky handle with buckle detailing, giving the bag an overall well-balanced feel. Indeed, it is a good- looking bag.

But when I visited their boutique in Takashimaya yesterday, I was a bit disappointed. When I held the bag, it lacks the weight expected of a leather bag. Even the apparent chunky handle does not feel sturdy. Perhaps the handle could have used a thicker leather. Then it would be a different story altogether. I was again disappointed when I saw the cotton used to line the bag. Honestly, I think it cheapens the bag. But at only $1299 for a bag with a luxury nametag made of 100% leather crafted in England that looks gorgeous as well, one can't complain too much.

Image: Internet

Loewe Calle Bag

I am so in love with the Loewe Calle bag, especially this one in the arm of korean actress Choi Ji-woo. She looks so effortlessly stylish. I think she really brings out the beauty of the bag as intended by Stuart Vevers, the brainchild behind this it-bag. Slouchy and oversized, this to-die-for bag is crafted in sumptuous ostrich leather with a distinctive giant padlock, a Loewe signature. Available in nappa leather as well, it comes in bright colors such as fushia, orange, red and yellow.

But my excitement was somehow dented when I saw the same bag carried by Victoria Beckham. My immediate reaction- is she just done with grocery shopping? Yes, this bag was inspired by plastic bags you see at the supermarket checkout but that doesn't mean it should be carried like one. I think this bag should not be stuffed and carried like a top handle-bag, but as a hobo slung casually on the shoulders like Choi Ji-woo did. Nevertheless, I am still in love with the Loewe Calle bag and it is definitely on my wish list.

Prices start from $2690 for a nappa version.

Images: Loewe, Internet

News Flash- Upcoming Malls along Orchard Road

Gear up shopaholics. Two new malls along Orchard Road set to open its doors in the coming weeks.

First up, we have 313@Somerset. Due to open in the 3rd week of Nov, shoppers can expect top notch customer service from shops offering food, fashion and lifestyle treats. Tenants will be mid-range from the likes of Esprit, Mango and Lacoste just to name a few. Zara and Forever21 will have their flagship stores spread over 3 and 4 floors respectively. And the crux of it, Unqlo will open its 3rd outlet in Singapore on 3 Dec from 10am to 11pm. Covering a whopping 17,000sqf in floor space spread across a single level, it is the biggest in SEA. Shoppers can look forward to collections available exclusively in this store such as a limited edition line by famed cult designer Mr Kiminori Morishita; a Baby Collection- a first in SEA; and of course the much anticipated +J Collection by Jil Sander. With prices starting from $29.90 to $229.90, it's a steal. Start the queue at #03-27 to 34.

Next up, we have the Mandarin Gallery delivering "unprecedented street-level prominence" come December. After undergoing a $200m facelift, it will unveil a brand new facade in the form of floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Featuring 6 visually stunning duplexes, it houses high-end international labels such as Montblanc, Emporio Armani, Marc by Marc Jacobs, D&G, Bread & Butter, Vertu, Mauboussin with Y3, Just Cavalli and Terra Plana making their debut in Singapore. This mall will definitely appeal to the younger, affluent crowd.

Mandarin Gallery will be the last of new malls opening this year. In 2010, shoppers can look forward to the opening of Knightsbridge in May, another upscale shopping mall, and the upgraded Heeren Mall.

With a string of new malls boasting iconic architecture and luxury brands wafting into our shore in droves, the revitalized Orchard Road looks set to becoming the magnet for the mass affluent shoppers.

Image: Bagdonna

The Legendary Lady Dior

The Lady Dior bag is, in my opinion, the most classically feminine bag. Made famous by the late Princess Diana, it was presented to her as a gift by former French First Lady when she paid her a visit in Paris. Apparently, it was love at first sight and she reportedly ordered the bag in every color and style. She was subsequently photographed carrying the bag on many significant occasions.

Launched in September 1995, Dior then gave this new model the graceful name Lady Dior, as the bag has become synonymous with the world's most photographed woman.

Available in lambskin, patent leather and exotic skins such as snake and crocodile, the Lady Dior bag features Dior's signature Cannage stitching- a geometric pattern inspired by the Napoleon III chairs once used by Christian Dior in the 1940s- and D.I.O.R charms; described as "a luxurious detail with a feminine and mischievous signature".

Honestly, the Lady Dior is not the most practical bag due to its small opening with metal zipper potentially scratching your watch or jewellery. But I really don't mind owning one just so I can admire it everyday.

If I can have my way, I would want a Lady Dior in Beige quilted patent with gold hardware; a red in quilted lambskin with gold hardware and a Large Lady Dior in black quilted lambskin with silver hardware for everyday use. And the ultimate holy grail of Lady Dior in luxurious crocodile skin with gold hardware in any pastel shade. I could go on forever with this iconic bag.

For now, I'd just have to contend with having the Lady Dior Compact which doubles up as a bag charm.

Prices start from $3330.

Image: Internet

Miu Miu Ad Campaign

If you've been to Orchard Road lately, it will be hard not to notice billboards fronting the facade of malls undergoing rejuvenating works. One such big screen advertisement that caught my eye is Miu Miu. It has to be their most eye-catching advertisement to date. And they have the models to thank for, especially this one. Appearing against a plain background, the model says it all. She has this quiet, somber demeanor that exudes an aura of mystery. I never fail to take a second look at her everytime I walk past the billboard in Paragon. Just can't help feeling she'll be the next big thing. I googled it and yielded the following result- Ilda Lindquist from Sweden. In an attempt to find out more about her, I went into Miu Miu's website and voila! My attention suddenly turned to this bag, which is, well, divine.

Available in both nappa leather and lurex (a type of fabric), the Miu Miu Resort 2010 Stage bag comes with a jewelry strap. Great if it can be detached so it can be worn as a necklace and the handbag converted to a clutch bag.

Seems I can't skip a post talking about bags.

In stores soon.

Image: Miu Miu