It’s Christmas eve! What treats have you decided to bestow upon yourself to reward a good year of hard work? 

Here’s mine! I finally got myself a bag that I have been wanting since last Dec. Yes, the Loewe Flamenco Knot Bag in medium size is finally in my bag collection. And instead of the classic regular version, I got one that is more and displays the expertise in leather techniques of the brand. Welcome my new Loewe Flamenco Knot in tan/camel from their interesting marquetry collection. 



So what’s the difference between the classic and this marquetry version? The most obvious of course, is the colour block effect that you instantly see on the front panel. My tan colour version features a tone on tone camel lambskin leather panel against the tan calfskin, creating a timeless colour play effect. Nothing too outrageous and yet adds a different visual dimension to the bag. But if you observed closely, the colour block panel is not printed or stitched over the overall calfskin leather. It is a leather piece that is meticulously aligned and sewn into an inset space on the front. That is no easy feat to have the stitching done so perfectly, with minimal gaps equal all around. The leather inset and the space to be cut and placed on precisely in order to align so seamlessly. And Loewe indeed display it’s craftsmanship to be able achieve this with flawless result. I am impressed. This is what Loewe’s marquetry in leather collection is all about. (Marquetry is traditionally applied on furniture to create intricate details as insets on surfaces but Loewe adopted this technique for their leather crafts.) 


The other significant difference is the inside of the bag. Instead of being lined in a off white cotton line fabric, the marquetry version is lined in suede. I prefer the suede interior as it is darker colour to resist dirt and feels more tactile and luxurious. With all these added details, the marquetry collection version costs SGD400 or €200 more than the single colour version. Well, the work involved definitely justifies this price increase. I appreciate the colour blocking effect, gives me 2 ways to wear the bag and is more unique. I can show off the front if I want more colour or the back if I want a single hue. 

The Loewe Flamenco Knot bag itself is a slouchy drawstring style bag that allows for a casual versatile look perfect for everyday. The grained calfskin is soft and yet semi structured to give the silhouette body. The roomy interiors has zip and slit pockets which keeps you organised. What I love most, however, is the clever adjustable leather strap that shortens the bag to be a messenger style or hobo style. (The hobo style is great for ladies. So my mum can use my bag if she wants:-) The messenger style is however most perfect for guys, as does the size of 32x28.5x15 cm. (Do you know the flamenco bag takes more than 6 hours to craft?) You are definitely buying into hand crafted luxury. Love it! I am all set for Christmas and new years! Happy holidays everyone! Leave comments on what you got yourself this Christmas. Or tag me on instagram @mymanybags:-)
Design ★★★★ 
I have to admit, I am bias when it comes to Loewe. I just love Jonathan Anderson’s designs which is unconventional and innovative. The Flamenco Knot bag in tan colour has been wish listed since last Dec, so to get one and one with the colour block marquetry technique is even better. It is unique and showcases expert leather workmanship while having a classic colour and interesting silhouette. The drawstring style is casual for weekends and can pack a good amount without visually weighing you down. The transformative length of the strap allows for more than 2 ways to carry, hobo and messenger which is a bonus. The knot details is distinctive without having to blatantly showing the logo. I also love the Loewe’s leather and colours. The tan is the most beautiful I have seen other than Hermés. Workmanship is superb as well. So I give it top ratings!

Pricing ★★★☆
Not exactly inexpensive. But the design and workmanship speaks for itself. The leather is of such good quality, and yet do not warrant Hermés pricing is a huge draw for me. Although this marquetry version is slightly more expensive than the regular version, I love the added contrast colour and leather types. Soft lambskin with grain calfskin.. 


Ratings:
★★★★  Excellent. Highly recommended
★★★★  Great. Deserving a thumbs up
★★★★  Good. Fulfill its promise
★★★★  Mediocre. No surprises

Anyone who frequents Bangkok, Thailand would have at least once on their trips dine at the famous Greyhound Cafe. An offshoot of business for the acclaimed Thai fashion label, Greyhound (known for its avant garde and wearable basics with a twist),  the cafe is loved for its innovative thai-western fusion that translates flavours of thai cusines to contemporary Italian and western dishes. Think Tom Yam style pasta with a spicy twist. But beyond satisfying your palette, Greyhound Cafe is an inspiration for all interior decor fans. The very playful and unexpected decor of their cafes is definitely an attraction of its own. I am always a fan of its eclectic mix of industrial modern and local design touches from the environment to even the cutlery and menu design.




So when I heard Greyhound cafe is opening an overseas branch in Singapore (after Hong Kong), I definitely jump for joy at the thought of being able to enjoy my favourite thai style fried chicken wings and river prawn pastas close to home! The new Greyhound cafe in Singapore is located at the ground level of Paragon, tucked at the back which quiet and shields you away from the busy shopping crowd. The cafe is not an enclosed space, more like an open concept dining corner in the midst of the walkways of a mall. So do not expect full blown artistic interior design as per what you see in Bangkok. But there are still touches of Bangkok’s design in this Singapore branch. Most memorable are the subway tiles marked with alphabets forming the brand. Cleverly arranged, they somehow still read Greyhound cafe in any direction despite the ‘chaotic’ arrangement.

The industrial modern elements are also present here. There is a ‘house-like’ black metal structure anchoring the space, bringing attention through an eye catching element despite the restricted footprint. The use of wood and metal, a mix of high chairs and tables or leather tufted banquette seating are comfortable and reflects the casual smart attitude of the space. What I truly love is the use of plants to liven up the space. Greenery in an industrial style setting prevents the design from getting too cold and hard.
And now the most important part many of us are curious about... Is the menu the same as Bangkok? What about the pricing? Well, to all greyhound cafe fans, I will say most of the popular menu items are available. My favourite ‘pink cooler’ healthy cocktail, tom yam pasta and the most delicious fried chicken wings are all there. From what I have been told, there might even be Singapore exclusive specials coming soon. So rest assured, you may not have to travel to Bangkok just to have your favourites. That is if you are willing to pay more than in Bangkok.

To be fair, Singapore is an expensive place to setup an F&B business especially in the heart of prime retail land in Orchard Road. So price increases are to be expected. The drinks costs a range of SGD14 for the healthy fruit cocktails and SGD12 for the Thai milk tea granita. And most pasta and rice dishes are priced in the mid SGD20s level. So be prepared to spend about SGD40 for a basic main and drink combination (and that is exclusive of GST and service charges.) Thankfully, the flavours justify the price. My Tom Yum Seafood Pasta still got that spicy kick and the generous serving crab meat fried rice is a delight too. However, the major complaint I had was that the prawns for my pasta. It  was featured with a huge shelled river prawn on the menu imagery but I got baking soda soaked prawns in reality instead. The artificially enhanced crunchy baking soda soaked prawns is a no no for me. Greyhound Singapore should refrain from doing prawns this way as it taste artificial and does not bring out the freshness of the ingredient. In Bangkok, you always get perfectly seared fresh prawns. This is a disappointment which I hope they will rectify.

Greyhound cafe opens in mid December, (if I am not wrong) 15th will be the date. (I had the privilege to have a preview trial dining last weekend. Service was good and they are ironing out any problems during this period to ensure smooth operations when the cafe officially opens.) 

Ambiance ★★☆☆
The cafe despite being an open concept space has nice interiors that reminds you of their branches in Bangkok. The industrial style is modern and yet cosy with warm woods and comfortable leather seating. The menu and cutlery also has creative graphics that delights you while you dine. However, if you want good instagram opportunities, it is limited. Especially with the enclosed interior lighting which can be quite harsh for foodie pics. But for a cosy get-together for food, it is quiet and non restrictive.

Flavour ★★☆☆
The dishes we tried taste like what we remembered in Bangkok. Still very delicious. Except the disappointment in the way my prawns were cooked. Baking soda soaked prawns decreases my ratings by a star. Hope they use fresh prawns in the future! 

Pricing ★★☆☆
It is at least 30% more expensive than Bangkok. But since you saved on the airfare and you can dine in the comfort of  your own home country... It is acceptable. But I feel as an open concept F&B space (not a proper shop space), the price is a bit steep even in Orchard Road. Be prepared to spend average SDG40 for a drink and main.

Ratings:
★★★★  Excellent. Highly recommended
★★★★  Great. Deserving a thumbs up
★★★★  Good. Fulfill its promise
★★★★  Mediocre. No surprises

  
Greyhound Cafe Singapore
Paragon
290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859
Nearest Train: Orchard/Somerset

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With the appointment of Johnny Coca to take Mulberry into a new direction, the brand has undergone a welcoming revolution. Not only is the brand image getting updated with a simpler, more stylised logotype and new green packaging, but most importantly the bag designs have been refreshed and streamlined.  You definitely do not feel a frumpy old man style with the new Mulberry. Minimal details and contemporary silhouettes is very reflective of Johnny Coca’s previous stint at Céline. The use of a discreet gold stamping on the new bags has a very Céline-ish flavour. But Mulberry’s heritage of their superb grained leather and classic colours are all taken into consideration despite the change. The result... a good balance of old and new. 



I especially love the new mens small leather goods. Now reduced and purge of excessive details, the silhouettes of the new collection is more compact and feels sharper. The long coat wallet is a favourite of mine. Traditionally, long wallets are thicker and more bulky. But Mulberry’s version feels slim, light and yet packs a whopping 14 card slots, 3 notes pocket and a zip coin compartment. The slots are well sized and allows your cards to slip in and out effortlessly (Very important!). The exterior comes in either Mulberry’s well-loved classic grained leather or an embossed croc polished leather, but all are lined with tactile and soft nappa! I love nappa leather, it is lighter and feels luxurious unlike other brands who usually prefer stiffer box calf.

And if you are looking for a card case that hold a good amount of cards and yet feels compact, I recommend Mulberry’s. The card case may have only 3 slots, but they are well sized to be able to hold more. I have used them for receipts as well and they maintain their shape well without becoming unsightly bulky. The snap button closure is great to secure your contents while the gorgeous grained leather exterior is timeless.

There are many other small leather goods such as a tri-fold compact wallet which is ideal for people with a lot of cards! Check out the collection in store or online at www.mulberry.com


Design ★★★☆ 
Slim, compact and functional. Mulberry undergoing this design refresh, gets a big nod from me! The small leather goods are designed with minimal silhouettes, very modern and appealing. In my opinion, they are classics in the making. They also hold more than the slim silhouette allows them to be. I also love the new discreet Mulberry branding with thoughtful design of compartments. The design indeed speak for themselves. Mulberry is known for their classic grained leather which is now softer and lighter in timeless oak, black or chocolate hues. I am a fan of soft nappa lining which makes them more exquisite. In summary, these are well-made and designed leather goods which felt more expensive than it’s price tag.

Pricing ★★★☆
Very well priced! The croc embossed leather coat wallet is SGD530 or USD380 which came as a surprise (similar long wallets from other luxury brands are usually priced over SGD700). The soft oak grained leather card case is SGD200 at full retail.  Considering the quality and workmanship, these price levels are a steal. I highly recommend getting them before Mulberry consider raising prices after the first revamped season (As seen previously at Céline). 


Ratings:
★★★★  Excellent. Highly recommended
★★★★  Great. Deserving a thumbs up
★★★★  Good. Fulfill its promise
★★★★  Mediocre. No surprises

In a bustling metropolis like Bangkok, you always feel oppressed by the overwhelming traffic, crowds and skyscrapers constantly invading your space. However, if you know where to go, there are hidden spots within the city that offers a chance to escape, chill and slow down.

When I travel to the City of Lights, Casa Lapin X26 is that escape. Casa Lapin is a popular chain of hipster cafes in Bangkok known for its inviting atmosphere, industrial loft style of high ceilings, wooden floors and red brick walls. My favourite is the branch at Sukhumvit Soi 26, a hidden gem along a quiet street but yet a short walk from EmQuartier and Phrong Phrom BTS station. (It’s on the same street as DoubleTree Hilton).

At Casa Lapin X26, the industrial loft theme carries through with aplenty large windows that brings in soothing natural light. As I have always been a fan of loft style interiors, the exposed brick wall, wooden and cast iron finishes, instantly strikes a chord. When you step into the cafe, you feel like you are transported to New York’s TriBeCa area where beautiful 19th century warehouses becomes coveted living spaces. Loft style design always bears historic details: iron, leather and wood finishes that see the passing of time create a new-old character. Casa Lapin has plenty of that flavour as the designer sourced a mix of materials and furnishings in flea markets instead of using only brand new.

While the menu may not be revolutionary, they do offer some of the most delicious breakfast selections and most importantly very good coffee. Perfect for a cozy morning cuppa and breakfast or a chill afternoon to browse Kinfolk and Frankie magazines. For me, Casa Lapin X26 also allow for some creative Instagram opportunities.

The spacious cafe compound is shared by a florist ‘One Day Wallflowers’ at the front, a hostel, restaurant and co-working space, ‘One Day Pause and Forward’ that are all connected. So be ensured that there are many unique corners to capture interesting shots. The good amount of natural light are also your allies to help craft your well composed imagery.


Ambiance ★★★★
This is one space I would replicate for my home. It’s unpretentious, cozy and filled with plenty of personality. So many areas to capture beautiful shots for instagram while allowing for quality chill time with friends. As it is located along a quiet street, the peaceful atmosphere is much welcomed from busy Bangkok. When you are finally ready to brave the crowds, the new EmQuartier mall and Phrong Phrom BTS station is just a short walk away. How much more convenient can this get:-)

(I plan to stay in the hostel’s private room in the near future. The interior spaces look very promising for great instagram shots and only accessible to guests.) 

Flavour ★★☆☆
 I wouldn’t rate the menu offerings as outstanding. They have very good coffee and barista can be cute to admire. But the menu selection is not exactly surprising. Having said that, they are tasty and worth dining in. I always go there for breakfast. Hearty cereals, egg benedict and toasts all gets a thumbs up. 

Pricing ★★★☆ 
The usual hipster cafe price levels in Bangkok. But when compared to Singapore, they are very well priced in view of the quality of food, service and atmosphere you are enjoying. (Starbucks in Singapore would probably cost more.)


Ratings:
★★★★  Excellent. Highly recommended
★★★★  Great. Deserving a thumbs up
★★★★  Good. Fulfill its promise
★★★★  Mediocre. No surprises



Casa Lapin x26
Sukhumvit Soi 26,
Bangkok, Thailand
Area: Phrom Phong
Nearest Train: BTS Phrom Phong
Opening Hours: Daily 7:30am-10pm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CasaLapin/
Website: http://onedaybkk.com/home.html