VMFP: Balenciaga Men Must-Haves!!!

If there is one thing that we must clarify in regards to this blog, it is the fact that we ARE still interested in fashion and luxury every one bit. But since it is Summer, should not we all forget about the work and play more? Yes, the logic of Summer is such that concessions must be made to conserve energy for us bloggers and find an avenue for spiritual release and creative input. That is why, in this one month, our input sure hasn't found its way through to the blog. Therefore, apologies for the neglect that we have placed on this humble little blog! We do hope you, our readers (not that many, from what we can observe from Technorati), understand the importance of a vacation time away from the computer.

Anyway, we digress from our topic of interest now: Balenciaga!!! The brand known for their motorcycle bags which can exude rocker chic, casual yet elegant vibes depending on how you dress up. For example, with the Weekender, a day out with man (or the lady if you are a guy with bold fashion choices) for a picnic or a night out to the movies/theater. And now, instead of catering too much to the female clientale, Balenciaga has finally unleashed its creative juices to produce really interesting and adaptable designs! But of course, with such a selection, we are spoilt for choice! So we started observing the styles in terms of the colour and the materials used, which are mostly great. But what had capture our eyes are two really interesting bags with flattering tones!

The first one, which is the Classique Bridge Bag in leather, has this really interesting blue-ish hue. Looks a lot like the colour from Proenza Schouler's PS1 in Midnight! But more understated if paired with loud tones and grey layering (again, depending on how you layer the different greys), this bag will take the Fashionisto from school to uptown in no time! Versatile and lux!


(Sorry for the lack of an image, we will fix this as soon as possible!)



The second one, which is this shoulder bag in leather and canvas, has a really casual look when paired with khaki pants/shorts and oxfords, ideal for the man who prefers casual styles than the rigidity of office colours and conventions. But then again, who's to judge when it could actually go well with a suit?


We are definitely going for the former when it hit the stores!




Xoxo






Image courtesy of balenciaga.com

Hobo Shoulders

Fashionistos, rejoice! There are definitely a lot of bags going around in the Fall/Winter 2010/11 collection for the stylish men of our era. We are definitely spoilt for choice when we realised that no matter what designers produce, a sea of tote bags that seem more feminine always end up on the shelfs of respectable brands and exclusive departmental stores. Utilitarian might be rigid, but it really does not take a lot of brain juice to see why that remains a popular characteristic that men look for in bags. Therefore, in our mission to find the perfect bag for the men with a bundle of responsibilities, the online luxury store that we look for in search of THE bag has to be Luisaviaroma.com.

This Autumn/Winter 2010/11 bag by Givenchy seem to fit the bill perfectly! The understated elegance matched with the utilitarian chic sensibilities of its design sure allows the user to go from the workplace to casual days out!




Without being too feminine with the hobo feature in the handle, this bag has indeed surpassed all to be a great addition to your classic bags collection! Excuse the fact that Givenchy came up with ridiculous and unoriginal designs seasons after seasons (no thanks to Richard Tisci), this bag has (partly) given the brand its credibility back!


Maxi Hobo Bag by Givenchy (£669.08)

Available for pre-order!



Xoxo




Images courtesy of Luisaviaroma.com

Summer Booties

For the Ladies, whenever Summer beckons, the wedges comes out and the summer frocks play out a sultry melody to bring out a blazing Sun. But what if the dark clouds starts playing peek-a-boo with the Sun and cools the day down? That's when the high-heeled booties come out to play.
Ever wondered if such shoes should be a staple in a fashionista's Summer wardrobe? Look no further for the answer: these shoes will do.

This pair of Louboutin booties are to die for. Just look at that streamlined tip! Exuding sexiness without being too risque, it's a the perfect accessory for Summer and when it gets a little bit too wet for comfort, comes in handy (just like comfort food).

Belle 85 leather ankle boots by Christian Louboutin (£560)

This ankle booties by Stella McCartney is sure to be a hit with the sleek strap at the ankle and the black toe accent to give an added contrast to any dark outfits or rocking jeans.



Faux-suede ankle boots by Stella McCartney (£475)

Both booties available at net-a-porter.com.



Xoxo




Images courtesy of net-a-porter.com

Glammed up Summer

Ladies, this Summer might be a drag with its array of casualwear and summer dresses. But why not increase your wardrobes' variability by including this gorgeous hair band to your accessories collection? The embellishments are a definite ode to the glam-azon who wants to flaunt their "fierce-ness"! Pair it up with a rocking t-shirt/blouse and washed jeans for a casual rocker-chic look! Or just pair it up with your less elaborate summer dresses. 3.1 Philip Lim has absolutely done it again for us!



Bead-embellished hairband(£125)



Available at net-a-porter.com




Xoxo





Images courtesy of net-a-porter.com

Lanvin Trenchie

For the Gentlemen, the time has indeed come for Summer's showers and we think the best bet is to let yourself free of dreadful situations such as getting drenched from head to toe in your stylish gear. Therefore, the first thought when we see this trench coat is the amazing length and detail of its craftsmanship and thoughtfulness. Of course you cannot leave without an umbrella, it is after all an essential accessory to every fashionisto's wardrobe when they are out and about.

Indeed, it is time to introduce this delectable trench coat by Lanvin:






Trench Coat by Lanvin (£399)
Available in Yoox.com

Loving the drape under the cape at the back of the trench coat! By cinching the waist, a chic day out could be in the cards at anytime without ruining your outfit! This gets our stamp of approval!



Xoxo




Images courtesy of Yoox.com

Print it Bold!

Though we were never a fan of Gucci in terms of its quality of bags (just look at the bags every season and you'll know what we were talking about here), the fact that their ready-to-wear remain strong in churning out pieces after pieces of statement apparels really impresses us time and again. Just look at this printed shirt! It has everything a fashionisto with a penchant for vintage glam could wish for. The bold prints really captures the 70s well but yet has a modern, uptown look about it. Pair it up with sleek black trousers/jeans and leather jacket for a "Saturday Night Fever" look or just tone it down with an wool coat to surprise your friends!






Printed shirt by Gucci (£128)

Available at matchesfashion.com




XOXO





Images courtesy of matchesfashion.com

Alaia-gasms

Ladies & gentlemen, we know it has been a long time since our last blog entry. But fret not, this post is meant to introduce you to the delightful Design House known as Alaia!

Alaia has had a long history in the fashion industry as an innovative house. The talents of their designers can be said to be top-notch and whatever they do seem to come off flawlessly as one-off pieces for those adventurous with fashion!



Just look at the snake skin print and the detailed applique added to this shoe. It is definitely a work of art and the intensive craftmanship cannot be ignored and can be discerned even by the least fashion-savvy person! The black strip lined with white crosses evidently added a new dimension to an otherwise overworked shoe. The intricate detail of the smaller white strip also manages to contrast well against the whole look, giving a fresh perspective! This is indeed a signature Alaia heels that needs a home in the wardrobe of a Fashionista!










Python heels by Alaia (£ 365.00)
Available at Yoox.com



In fact, the magic of Alaia can be seen in the most recent footwear collection of this celebrated French Fashion House. Just look at the beauty of this wedge heels! Perfect for summer, but nonetheless available to be worn throughout the whole year, whether you are sipping Pina Colada at the beach or going to a party! The versatility and the intricate laser-cut sandals from the same collection also adds a hint of playfulness! Fashion is indeed never too serious!


Leather wedge sandals (£1,110)


Maybe towards the "fierce" side of things but this sandals sure rock the chainmail out of every fashionista's armour!


Chain-linked leather sandals (£1,555) (Net-a-porter.com)


Structural but never too eager to please, these statement pieces sure speaks for itself! For years to come, such is the wearability of Alaia apparels and accessories such that it is comforting to know that there are designers out there who do not snipe on craftsmanship and design to deliver! Just the way these leather belts mould the body into a beautiful statement sure did the perforated laser-cutting some justice! Lovely for day and night!


Broderie Anglaise peaked leather belt (£785) (Net-a-porter.com)


Perforated leather waist belt (£690) (Net-a-porter.com)



This skirt also portrays the design house's ability to deliver the "tres chic" attitude of the French! From the succinctly tailored frame of the skirt to the "invisible" branch-like design on the skirt, there is no reason why this remains a clear winner for the fashion-obsessed. This skirt defines what opulent style is about: unrestrained but clean-cut! Elegance with a touch of loudness indeed!


Skirt by Alaia (£ 572) (Yoox.com)



Xoxo




Images courtesy of Yoox.com and net-a-porter.com

We love Style Steals!

For all the exam stress that might affect us all and for the majority who had to deal with deadlines in the office, there is a little "demon" in us that is tempted to bring us some retail therapy and relieve our wallets of the cash (and max out credit cards too!). But then somehow, we will want some sales to bring out the willingness to spend even more strongly! Which is what Matchesfashion.com have in stall for us every week. With alternating weeks selling styles at affordable prices for both women and men, what's not to love?


We love the few items below:


This knit jumper by this stylish fashion house sure has lots to offer. With the reflective sheen in the jumper at every angle, this style piece is an investment worth checking out!

Fine knit jumper by Yves Saint Laurent


Not having enough basics to cover your summer warbrobe? Fret not for this shirt that is ready to dazzle us with its clean form and casual silhouette! Taking you from day to night (just wear a blazer to go), it is a versatile piece indeed.

Stripe shirt by Marchand Drapier



A coat which has shiny buttons and a belt to add some chic deserves a a place in any fashionistos' warbrobe!

Black Mac by Dunhill



This shoe by Jil Sanders is tres chic with the wooden soles and the minimalistic shape with its round tip. Pair it up casual for a garden party! We recommend it for office use too, if you love to mix and match with colours!

Calf leather penny Loafers by Jil Sanders



While dark colours is the theme for this season, which this jacket fits perfectly into with its texture and drapes, the fact that you can pair this off with eye popping neon coloured clothes and accessories should be a good enough reason for faith in this piece!

Suede Jacket by Maison Martin Margiela





By the way ladies, do not miss on the last chance to grab some affordable style steals!

This sleeveless leather jacket from Acne should get you excited! Rock chic never looks this easy!

Sleeveless Leather Jacket by Acne

This jeans and top by Alexander Mcqueen and Burberry Prorsum are two really stylish pieces to add to your wardrobe collection. Tuck the top in or out to bring on a different interpretation of casual chic and rock with it!



Black Leather effect Trouser by Alexander Mcqueen



Frilly front tank top by Burberry Prorsum


Enjoy your day!



Xoxo




Images courtesy of matchesfashion.com

Oki Doki ni

If there is one online retailer that I would go to for the latest in Menswear and timeless pieces, it has to be Oki-ni.com. Their love for quirky style and never-ending pursuit of originality impressed us a lot with an awesome selection of mainstream designers and contemporary ones alike. From the extreme creativity of the Japanese (e.g. Kolor) to the minimalistic and grunge tendencies of Northern Europe (e.g. Raf Simons, Jil Sanders, Acne), to emerging designers such as Satyenkumar and Mr. Hare, all that oki-ni.com seem to offer are exclusive and innovative in their own right. They also stock a pretty good collection of street styles such as Superga and collaborations which are hard to find and are one of a kind! That is why it never fails to amaze us everytime we return.

Raf Simons is the name for contemporary design with mainstream flair. This blazer from his S/S 10 collection dazzles with adequate amount of grunge and impeccable tailoring. A stylish alternative to all the designers with their usual offering of boring cuts and conservative tendencies.

Raf Simons Jacket

This t-shirt with strong bold lines in the design has ignited the minimalist in us. Just imagine pairing it off with a pair of skinny jeans or black trousers with hi-top sneakers and shoes.

Long - Chronology Black Tee

Love this ring set already! What more to diversify your wardrobe with this flexible accessory! Wear it together or separate in any amount you fancy!

Martin Margiela Rings set

If this does not already win you over to the delectable Kolor collection, then we do not know what else can. This shoes made with the most luxurious materials will travel far with you and complement any extreme outfit or toned down chic!

Kolor Cowhide details loafers

Quirky frames add a touch of fun in any outfit. This collaboration between Linda Farrow and Damir Doma will blow your mind. The attention to detail is an added bonus to anyone who value craftsmanship and timelessness.

Linda Farrow X Damir Doma

When we say Oki-ni.com has surprise in stored for us everytime we check it out, it is the ability of coming up with the most interesting items to cheer us up in times of that tickles our fetish for innovation. Just like how the eye-popping colours from this camera convey the aesthetics of the store.

Lomography Diana Mini HP500 Camera

It is not just the update of new items and innovation that impress us, the fact that their sales are worth checking out always keeps us anticipated. The select pieces from the sale are definitely gems which cannot be found anywhere else except on Oki-ni.com! We love so many of the sale items that we were hardpressed to present the best of the best!

We made no mistake when we say that Raf Simons always have something immaculate to offer. It is not just the mixture of youth subcultural undertones with European aesthetics, it is the way that the collections convey which fascinates us. This blazer is a winner indeed!

Raf Simons Neoprene Blazer (£378)

Update your Summer wardrobe with more colours with this long sleeve t-shirt by Gaspard Yurkievich. Such intensity of the colours when contrasted, a staple in all experimentalistic fashionisto's wardrobe!

Gaspard Yurkievich Roll neck (£80)

Who says drop-crotch pants are only for the tall and long-legged? Even average fashionistos can rock this trousers! With the

Multi-pleat pants by Satyenkumar (£78)

Minimalistic or not, this pair of Linda Farrow X Raf Simons Oki-ni.com exclusive is to die (for)! Great for this season's grey and dark colour themes and an investment piece for years to come!

Special Edition sunglasses by Linda Farrow X Raf Simons X Oki-ni.com (£74)

Add a dash of pizzazz with this subtle brooch by Damir Doma. A great accessory to any dressy event!

Silver Button Brooch by Damir Doma (£166)



These two pairs of footwear are sure to fire your summer up a notch! Just look at the sleekness of this Ato sandals and the subtle two tones of the Jil Sander trainers! Summer is never going to be the same again!

Ato Sandals (£128)

Two toned trainers by Jil Sanders (£98)

Xoxo

Images courtesy of Oki-ni.com

Strategic Boot-ing

After a few days of boots-searching, we've come to the conclusion that we would never find a pair that we would cherish with our life or wear it out til its heels wear off. So while doing some online store browsing, we chanced upon this beautiful boots by Strategia. They say mens fashion should be subtle and sensible. But what happened to being flashy and outrageous? Being creative with your outfit should be a given right and designers should understand that not everyone wants to conform to the traditional sense of sartorial pulchritude. That is why it is so hard for us to choose a particular designer to follow because in one way or another, we know that some seasons would not fulfill this undying need for innovation. But of course, up-and-coming designers should be given a chance to expand beyond traditional tailoring and be creative, from coats down to the basic T.

Therefore, when we came across this highly covetable piece of fashion jewel, we knew that it would impress us. The materials used in these shoes: trends such as studs mixed with weave belt and buckle, scrumptious leather and suede to enrich the Lux factor. The last season's use of added heel height is here to stay, absolutely helpful for those without confidence in their height. Fierce yet easy to wear from casual day to debaucherious night out. Our vote for style and wear for years to come!




Retails for £397.80 at Luisaviaroma.com.



Xoxo

Images courtesy of Luisaviaroma.com

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Louboutin Barbie

For all you ladies whose inner child still lingers in your heart, this is for you! This Christian Louboutin-Barbie collaboration will blow your mind away! Just look at her uptown sophistication, dressed in green satin with a dash of purple and her accessories. Her amazing tousled hair sure gave it a glamourous touch. Of course, to match up to her glam-azon style, four pairs of shoes (comes with a box, how much of real life can this get?) designed by the veritable shoe designer are included to accompany her (your) mood. Unleash your inner socialite right now! Limited Edition only, will sell out faster than you can say "UH, I can't wear these shoes anyway".


Barbie by Christian Louboutin

Retails at net-a-porter.com for £100. Comes with a stand and is presented in a brown designer-style box with a copy of Christian and Barbie's travel journal.



Image courtesy of net-a-porter.com

Introducing........ Sunny side up part 1

Many people have been experiencing this urge to venture out into the glorious warmth of the sun, no matter how glaring it is. Of course the right outfit has to accompany the occasion: shorts, straw hat, singlets, dress (maxi or not, for the ladies), loafers, flats, floral prints and bright colours to complement Nature. But what is the most essential would be the ones that would protect your eyes from the UV rays that abound at this time of the year. That's right, sunglasses! In this post and the next few posts as promised, the range of products that we offer will be introduced in due course. But for the time being, do indulge yourself in these two fine pairs of sunglasses from Dior Homme and Fendi!


Dior Homme Sunglass: Slightly tinted, Brand New! Retails for £130, comes with care instructions, cleaning tissue and case. Ideal for the corporate execute on the go. Complements most face types and a definite style mover.









Fendi Spy Detail Sunglass X2: Brown tint, Brand New! Retails for £150, comes with care instructions, cleaning tissue, authentication card and case. Great for Fendi lovers, the side detail has the signature Spy bag's intricate weave. For an all-round summer style, impeccable and irresistable!

Packaging & Postage charged at $4. For more information (especially if you are undecided or need more pictures) regarding these products, please contact us at opulentstyleliving@gmail.com .

Images courtesy of our Nikon Coolpix of course! :)

Xoxo