The Guide: Trusting the Classics

An essential video from Close Up and Private’s Sergei Sviatchenko. My sentiments exactly.

The Item: Eastpak x K. Van Assche Backpack

One thing you should know about me is that I'm a value shopper. Yeah, I occasionally dabble in more expensive brands, but by and large, I'm a cheapskate at heart. That's why I was thrilled to see this backpack designed by Dior Homme Creative Director Kris Van Assche for Eastpak. For a fraction of the price of this handsome Dior Homme bag, I can now get a Van Assche piece that was made even better with the functionality of Eastpak. Plus, I'm getting tired lugging just totes around anyways. I think this purchase may just be what the doctor ordered. Yes, a justification.

What first attracted me to the bag was the rich caramel color

But then, the back - an interplay of parachute, canvas, and leather that sealed the deal.

Details like this detachable keychain are aplenty. It even has a detachable laptop case inside!

The Item: Bape x Mark McNairy Brogues

The king of collabs is back at it, y'all! After mashing up with Doc Martens a few months back to make some sick saddle shoes, Bape has now turned to Mark McNairy to bring us these killer longwing brogues. One look and you'll see both sides are represented quite well - Bape with its penchance for camo and McNasty with his sturdy suede construction and red brick sole. It would have made for a great first McNairy pair for me, but with the steep S$719 (around P24K) price tag, I've no choice but to sit this one out. Still, can't hurt to visit it every once in a while though!

I love shoes like this that mesh street and sophistication seamlessly.

It's even tastier up close. If only the price wasn't as jacked up, Mark!

The Item: uniform experiment Watch Strap

You remember the J.Crew x Timex military watch I bought a few months back? What I loved most about it was the versatility it offered because of its changeable strap. Well, I just fulfilled its potential a tad bit with this new band I bought from Japanese brand uniform experiment. Originally intended for the brand's collaboration with Benrus, I think it looks just as dashing with my J.Crew version. The red, white, and blue stripes gives a sportier look than the olive one I had and at a sale price of only S$35, frankly, I'm quite tempted to take a close look at the other colors too.

Yes - red, white, and blue again. What can I say, my favorite color combination!

The Women: Anne Curtis' in Rogue Magazine

Yeah, she's been on the cover before, but is anybody really complaining? The lovely Anne Curtis is back and - for some unfair reason - even better in this month's Rogue. Man, if there's one mag I wish we had here, it's this. Such fine taste in style and as you can clearly see below, women.

Some things never change. Left, July 2008. Right, October 2011.

The Item: Andy Warhol x Incase Accessories

Of all the countries in the world, I don't think anyone can top Singapore when it comes to iPhone penetration. Kids, teens, working class folk, hell, even grandma's playing with one, making it hardly the spectacle here. That's why choosing the right accessory is crucial if you're looking to differentiate yours from all the rest. If I may suggest, do check out these Incase x Andy Warhol cases at A Curious Teepee. A far cry from your basic protective shells, these limited edition pieces feature two iconic works from one of the most celebrated artists of all time. Yet another collaborative gem from Incase which brings pop art and protection together in one product!

The window display at A Curious Teepee, the exclusive distributors of the cases

The pop art camo is my first choice. S$79 but well worth it in my estimation.

The banana's a sweet alternative too. I think it'll blend well with my white phone!