Gentlemen's Espadrilles -- Phillip Lim Leather Espadrilles from Spring 2011

My First Ever Espadrilles

(Below) Finally, a show box that I don't wanna throw away

because it's beautiful and functional.

(Below) Wearing Band of Outsiders Shorts

& Dries Van Noten Shirt

(Below) Dries Van Noten Fall 2010

On a recent trip to New York,  I tried on this espadrilles at the Phillip Lim store at SOHO and instantly fell in love with it. While I was getting bored with the mediocre spring cloths and disappointed by the spare men's collection, I spotted this espadrilles lying innocently on the display table. Believe or not, I was going to make fun of its odd shape and the fact that it is...em....well.... an espadrilles. 

As an ethnic minority, I somehow developed a dislike for clothes that are too ethnic. My style, if I have any, has been more of urbanized preppy. Among all the colorful and bold prints, I thought espadrilles are "too ethnic" for a "city mouse" >< But my friend insisted that I should try it on since he's more of a "country mouse".

Well, you never know! I'm not sure if it's the buttery soft leather or the plaited rope sole, but my feet has never been this comfortable. I just couldn't hide my fondness for the shoe and with "deliberation", I decided to get it when it's still available. The city mouse couldn't be more embarrassed for his pragmatic opinion about espadrilles... so are you a city mouse or a country mouse? 

Camouflage That You'll Never Miss -- Prada Classic Briefcase Camouflage-Printed Saffiano Leather

I love camouflage! I love its quiet subtleness hiding behind this seemingly chaotic of shapes and colors. I love its military influence, with a hint of street-ness, and now, a twist of high-end luxury. The take on camouflage by Prada is very satisfying. Preserving the edginess of camouflage, the texture of their classic  Saffiano leather gives camouflage an upgrade that is long overdue.

The detachable shoulder strap, also in printed Saffiano leather, and the many credit slots and a portfolio document holder makes it stylish and functional. How could I resist? .....

Weaponized--Phillip Lim Spiked Berry Wristlet and Caramel Colored Leather Backpack 2011

Sharp spikes! Carry with caution.

(Below) I missed all the spiky fun with Christian Louboutin

And finally, I got myself sharply equipped ><

(Below) Meet Mr. Glass-is-half-full!

And I'm serious thinking about going back to school because of him.

(Below) An afternoon sunbath is good for the skin...

(Below) I love everything in Caramel!

Wearing Lanvin Trainers and Topshop Low Clutch Jeans

"Street punk" is so very in trend. From all the spiky sneakers of Christina Louboutin to the studded biker jackets of Burberry Prorsum, everyone is sharpening their shiny spikes for the coming fashion riots. As much as I enjoy the punk influence and the occasionally S&M implication, I just don't think I can pull of anything with sharp edges.

However, I'm having a fatigue of my "well-trimmed and clean" look of myself (did I just say that - -!) So I got myself this Phillip Lim spiked Berry Wristlet, actually for women, to spice things up. I haven't carry it out in the public since I got it, but I do enjoy the "pain" whenever I play it alone with my hands. (You're sick ....><) Anyway, the clutch comes in many colors: black with black spikes, grey with silver, brown with silver, purple with silver, are some I've seen. If you're looking for something to accentuate your outfit as well as a weapon in case of emergency, this the one! They're sold out at most places and only a few available at ssense.com


Oh, and the backpack? A treat for the inner schoolboy of mine that craves everything in caramel!