Buys - The Age of the Ankle Boot

Q: What is Different and yet Similar about these two shots? 

A: Different = Picture 1 is for Humans and Picture 2 is for Dogs. 

Similar = both are IN this season!

This Picture - Ankle Boots from Hogan

Well, what do you know - the ankle boot is back! ... Think back to the incorrigible, energetic and early 80s where dressing in beggar fashion matched with ankle boots, red lipstick with a head of mop ridden curls held back by an elastic head band was actually passed off as fashionable gear to attend what we then called 'functions'! I thought I would not see the day dawn so soon and so fast but what do you know ..  before I could stop to breathe deep, the gladiators made their debut and now have planned their timely exit from Summer .. just in time for Autumn/Winter 2010's latest fashion faux paus, the eligible ankle booty to come steadfastly marching in.. 

This Picture - Neoprene Dog Boots (2 of 4) 

On a recent visit home to sunny Singapore, I visited my pet loving sister in law who had her brood all geared up to take on walkies. And she is not alone. Asian pet lovers are buying theirs custom made and ordered specially from the US and the UK at the moment but I am sure that it will only be a matter of months before China has their paws on the prototypes to make copy Pradas for pets. Seeing is believing! 

- Elaine

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Buys - Quirky but Useful Fathers' Day Gifts

Quirky but useful gift ideas that we have received for Fathers Day (20 June). Have a look at our picks ....

RAINBOW CLOCK - no more fumbling in the night for glasses to scrutinise the time as this clock from Oregon Scientific at HK$898 has a sharp amber digital display against a black screen that enables him to read the time clearly from a distance. There is an outdoor temperature display for those who live in a seasonal climate and the clock creates mood lighting in the bedroom at night via a light that runs in loops just like having a vivid rainbow in the bedroom or it can also be set to a still mode. If he likes to go to bed with music in the background, the clock connects to the iPod and most Mp3 players. In the morning, he can opt for the radio alarm to wake him or a selection of 8 sounds from nature - the sound of the breeze, ocean waves, bird chirpings, rustling trees etc. See: http://hk.oregonscientific.com/eng/cat-Time-and-Weather-sub-Designer-Clocks-prod-Rainbow-Clock-.html

NIKE + iPOD SPORTS KIT - your man likes to run or walk or gym. Whatever it is, his iPod and Nikes can now team up allowing him to literally see the minutes tick by, watch the miles unfold and hear real-time voice feedback. All to his favorite music — including his power song - the one song that always gets him through the home stretch. Nike+ iPod Sport Kit only S$55 at www.apple.com/sg/ipodnano

HOGAN Tees - I recently read a book on colour therapy that says that colour has an influence on how you are perceived. Red for passionate, Blue for calm and collected, White for purity and trustworthiness and the list goes on. Colour code his day with these newly launched Summer tees from Hogan. See: www.hoganworld.com

And our unrivaled favourite is definitely this one: The TODS MAN BAG. -  this definitely takes a certain kind of guy to carry off this bag as part of his wardrobe no matter how metrosexually inclined he is. This lightweight calf leather hand carry in canary yellow makes a bold and 'ballsy' statement for the man who dares! See: www.tods.com

- Elaine

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Buys - Loafing around!

There has never been a better reason and season to loaf around. New shoes abound and we show you what we've found (gee, that all rhymes)... 

From TIMBERLAND .. these  Earthkeeper boatshoes come in Navy and Brown Nubuck at S$179 and use environmental materials such as eco-leather and recycled rubber. An inside tag dismantles the shoe when pulled, and the various parts of the shoe can be returned to Timberland’s factory in Dominican Republic to be reused and recycled for future footwear. Imagine that in terms of being earth-friendly! 

The ever-adorable Castille Ballerina pump in Bone or Taupe shades at S$139 has an outsole made from 42 per cent Green Rubber specially recycled from used car tires to reduce global rubber wastage. These chic flats will allow you to be environmentally light-footed with a 50 per cent PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) lining, made from recycled plastic containers and bottles which can be further reprocessed after its product life. For both shoes see: www.timberland.com 

From TODS .. the Gommino and Marlin Hyannisport loafers from S$610 are perfect both for casual walks. See: www.tods.com

From HOGAN .. take a look at the brand's new collection developed in conjunction with Karl Lagerfeld. See: www.hoganworld.com

From PUMA .. the brand has partnered first with Italian shoe maestro Sergio Rossi to launch this totally amazing collection of sports shoes gone chic.  

And also with the late Alexander McQueen for some seriously slick designer kicks. See: http://www.puma.com

- Elaine

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