Recently in Prada Category

I've stared and played with Prada's Fall croc and flame inspired shoes and bags in the showrooms when I was in Italy 2 months ago. Until now, I still don't understand how anyone could consider these stylish.

They look cheap and ironed on - the kind of iron-on badges that you get when you enroll in a summer camp. This season, they seem to inspired by reptiles. But the way I see it, if you're going to be inspired, then go the whole way. I love exotic skin but this croc-inspired appliqué is turning me off.

This looks like some suburban SUV ran over your leather shoes and you couldn't be bother to wipe the grime off. And the color of this burnished leather is a tough one to match; not to mention time consuming. Having to spend more time thinking if my outfit works collectively as a whole is not something I look forward to.

But if you do, you can find this for US$890 at Neiman Marcus.

I like items with color blocks and I think they are a sure-fire way to draw attention and add dashes of colors to your outfit. That said, there should be a cohesive contrast and a harmonious existence of the colors.

This pair of Aviators looks like a regular pair with decent gradient lenses. I wish they would have left it at that but no, they had to make the ends of the arms bright Yellow. Just like the Lego blocks I used to play with as a kid.

This rude burst of color cheapens the overall look of the aviators and it doesn't help when the arms are made of plastic. You would think that US$275 would get you more than just a slap of a designer label and plastic brick road yellow arms. I guess not.

You can find this at Neiman Marcus.

Details are beautiful things especially when they are intricate and understated. When they exist solely just to complement but not steal attention. This pair from Prada hits all the right notes and then some.

The subtle and exquisite perforation of a medallion serves up just the kind of detail you want from all your shoes. It gives an inspired vibe and expect compliments and looks of envy when these are on your feet.

The handsome Grigio (reddish brown) calfskin will take you from work to play and will look stunning when paired with tailored pants.

Now, if only they had this in my size.....

Get this for US$695 at Saks Fifth Avenue.   

I am on the fence on this pair of slip-ons from Prada. They certainly look different with their tri-colored inserts on the toe but I am not feeling the quartz, mauve, beige color. They look a little pasty and pale and not hale or confident like you want your pair of shoes to look.

I am quite certain that I would take a number and join the fan club if the insert pieces were of different colors, preferably darker ones like (grey or navy). I like the tiny V-slit on the middle portion of the shoe. I think it lends a unique, dressed-up vibe to what could be a causal pair of slip-ons. The matt quality of the calf leather compliments that vibe very well. 

Hence, this does not warrant an entry filed under WTF?! but I am only liking half the shoe and the part that I do not like is the very part that is this pair's unique selling point!

If you're on the side of the fence that says 'Give me that!', you can find this for US$850 at Bergdorf Goodman.

This leather five-eye balmoral caught my eye with its simple, clean aesthetic and unique patchwork toe. The soft leather gives off a subtle sheen and the lace-up design makes this suitable for both work and play. This will look great with either jeans or tailored pants. 

Prada has a strong collection out this Fall; with a few key items already on my shopping list. This is one pair I shall be looking out for in Paris! Get this for US$850 at Barney's or at your local Prada boutiques.

I've been looking forward to Prada's Fall line since I saw some shots of the back-buttoning shirts and grown-up bib. I like the contrasting colors of the strips and how un-uniformed they are. Most of all, I am very drawn towards the buttons on the back, it reminds of a straight-jacket but so much more stylish. The grown-up bibs got tongues wagging; it comes with a matching set of visible garter belt. I am very curious about how the bib would look on me; I will skip the garter belt, because it's not me at all. I am a big believer in layering and I would love to play with the bib and think of the options and possibilities.

Another thing you'll notice about the Fall line is the presence of the two-collar shirts. Imagine buttoning on a collar with a t-shirt and topping it off with a skinny tie. I like the idea of duality and the blurring of the notion of male masculinity. I foresee myself adding a few items from this line to my wishlist in the next 10 minutes. Check out the whole collection at Men Style.com.

Call your local Prada boutique for more details.

Enough of tacky faux animal prints already. They don't look exotic neither do they look expensive. So what's the reason? These sneakers don't look like they're from Prada and they are certainly not worth the price tag. And I'm supposed to believe that people will actually wear these and ride their bikes? What's the price of causing a road accident by means of visual assault? It can be found at Bergdorf Goodman for US$520.

Add a dash of style and color to your summer with these trunks. I am in a grey mood these days - I think grey looks good on most everyone. The bright yellow goes perfectly with the grey. With a snap button, zip fly closure and 3 pockets, this techno fabric swimming trunks from Prada is both stylish and functional. Store your credit cards and hotel keys securely while you lounge by the pool. Extra points for Prada. Get them at YOOX for US$174. (There is only size 40 left. I know, but I just had to write about this!)