Available in Singapore at Cumulus for SGD220, don’t forget to also take advantage of their 20% off any 2nd item purchase promo, which kicks off today till 19 June 2011.

Image: Jack Spade

It was never about the size either. Suitably massive, it can hold your MacBook Pro, files, a change of clothes and still have space for a kitchen sink. But I jest. It was never about ease of use either. Besides the handles, it also comes with a shoulder strap, so you can carry it one of two ways.

And then it hits me. It was always about the colour. While previous seasons’ colours tended to be a little more conservative, the ones from S/S11 are bright and bold, in stunning combinations that would make even the Céline Cabas blush. Besides the Grey/Red combo above, I spotted a Navy/Coral combo, and another in Blue/Orange at Cumulus.

Simply put, it’s time to commit.

Image: Jack Spade

Without further ado, here are 10 Valentine’s Day gift ideas for the man in your life.

Monocle
If the only thing he reads every day is the sports page (along with what’s going on in the stock market), it could be time to introduce Monocle to him. Providing a global perspective on international affairs, culture and design, it is your gift to him to help bim become more well-rounded, socially aware and hopefully, a better man. All for just SGD155 for a year’s subscription.

Lab Series MAX LS Age-less Face Cream
As much as I want everyone here to use SK-II and have crystal clear skin, deep down I know that’s not possible since not everyone would want to spend that much on skincare. So what’s the next best thing that’s also pretty affordable? The new Lab Series MAX LS range, of course, which includes the Age-less Face Cream, Overnight Renewal Serum and the Instant Eye Lift. I have been using all 3 products religiously for 10 days now and so far it has been pretty smooth sailing, with no major outbreaks. And it’s fragrance-free too! From SGD82 to SGD118.

Mulberry Reno 8 Card Wallet
Retailing for GBP153 (around SGD315) is the Mulberry Reno 8 Card Wallet, a fuss-free leather wallet with 8 slots of cards, a cash sleeve for notes and 2 more hidden slots inside for yes, more cards, though I wouldn’t advise it because I won’t want it to end up looking like a stuffed turtle. Or check out Mulberry at Hilton Shopping Gallery and Takashimaya Department Store for more sensible, well-priced options.

Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Blemish Gel
As affordable as it may be (SGD10.55 to be exact), the little tube works wonders. Containing tea tree oil, the Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Blemish Gel gets rid of any pimples that erupt out of nowhere, and by the very next day, they are gone. Sure it smells like medicated oil from Axe Brand, but it is something I’m willing to put up with to get rid of those pesky pimples. Besides the blemish gel, also check out the Tea Tree Daily Facial Wash (SGD18.35) that’s pretty good too.

Louis Vuitton Astropil
Available in Damier Ebene or Damier Graphite is the Louis Vuitton Astropill, a car key holder that’s pretty useful as well. Has he ever fumbled in the car looking for the ignition key hole? With the Astropill in hand he need not fret anymore, as it comes with its own battery-operated light that comes on whenever you press the centre square. Priced at SGD455, get it at Louis Vuitton boutiques island wide.

Uniform Wares 300 Series Chronograph Wristwatch
One of the coolest watches you can buy is the Uniform Wares 300 Series Chronograph Wristwatch, which features aircraft grade stainless steel in matt black PVD, an exceptional Swiss chronograph movement and fine Italian calfskin for its watch strap. And, it’s beautiful too. Get it from A Curious Teepee for SGD880.

Jack Spade Embossed Anchor Credit Card Holder
It’s Jack Spade, it has little embossed anchors, and it’s something that comes in useful for business cards or for days when all he needs is a couple of cards and some cash. The leather is thick and comforting (I’ve got the billfold myself), and for USD80 (or around SGD102), you really can’t complain, can you? Get it online at Jack Spade, or try Kate Spade (Raffles City Shopping Centre) or Cumulus (Wheelock Place) in Singapore.

Jack Spade Leather Stud Box
Another item from Jack Spade, more specifically the Leather Stud Box that promises to keep all your man’s little bits and pieces safe and sound. Is he always losing cufflinks, or has he misplaced his wedding band more than once? Keep this box on the top of the vanity and ensure nothing goes missing again. Measuring 10 cm by 10 cm, get it online at Jack Spade for USD200.

Hermès Tie
Stop wasting money on nonsense pieces from generic brands and invest in a quality Hermès tie for him. Besides being available in a wide variety of colours and designs, you’ll slowly but surely notice that extra spring in his step whenever he has one of these ties on. I don’t think so, I know so. And if you check them out for yourself in person, you’ll realise that they are not too expensive either, starting from SGD240 and up.

Apple iPad
I own one and I love it! Really, need I say more? From SGD728.

Images: A Curious Teepee, Apple, Hermès, Jack Spade, Lab Series, Louis Vuitton, Monocle, Mulberry & Thursday Plantation

YOU SHOULD SEE: 10 Valentine’s Day Gifts She’ll Love!

Measuring almost 40 cm across by 33 cm, it is also large and roomy, not small or wussy at all. You can comfortably fit in any laptop up to 15″, plus the odd file or two. Best thing, it comes with that all-important shoulder strap, useful when you need to be hands-free. Retailing for SGD730 at Cumulus (located within Wheelock Place), get 10% off when you mention ‘Bagaholicboy‘ while paying for your purchase till Sunday (19 December 2010).

In fact, the promo applies to all brands available at Cumulus, including 78%, Fabrix, Hasso, Poketo, SAGLiFE and Veja! Go!

Image: Jack Spade

I’m also loving the Jack Spade Madras Long Handle Brief, which is now almost 50% off and retails for USD147.50. Perfect summery colours for tropical Singapore, don’t you think?

And if anyone knows what happened to the Jack Spade merchandise that was formerly sold at Kate Spade Raffles City Shopping Centre, do leave a comment here. As far as I know, Jack Spade has been pulled from the boutique. So does that mean the end of Jack Spade in Singapore, or is the distributor planning to open a stand-alone store soon?

Images: Jack Spade

Image: Jack Spade

Additionally, it comes with a shoulder strap as well as tote handles, so you can carry it one of 2 ways. The price ain’t bad either, retailing for just SGD280 which is really decent for those looking for a casual weekend tote.

My only gripe? If you order it direct from the online site you will only pay USD72.50 (or 50% off the list price due to the fact that it’s already on sale). Which only proves my point about Jack Spade locally. Not only are we getting past seasons’ collections, we are faced with having to pay for those pieces at full retail prices. It’s no wonder then that more and more fans of Jack Spade are buying it online instead.

Image: Jack Spade

This one puts a smile on my face everytime I look at it; reminds me of a pair of boxers I still own. The Jack Spade Linen Plaid York Brief is basically a document briefcase, though I think it is only appropriate for those who work in the creative fields. The price is reasonable too, at just USD275.

Last but not least we’ve got the Jack Spade Waxwear File Keeper (USD195), a file folder/folio of sorts. It will also come in handy for some notebook computers so for those looking for something similar you should check this out as well.

Images: Jack Spade

Still I do hope we will have our very own stand-alone Jack Spade boutique one day. And when that happens, the retail prices of Jack Spade here would also come down a little. No it isn’t very expensive now, but I do hope it could be a tad lower. Take the Jack Spade Soft Nylon Work Tote (shown above) for example. Priced at SGD370, it’s a tad too much in my opinion, given the fact that the design is rather simple. What do you think? Yay? Or nay?

Image: Jack Spade

Related post:
01. Fall-Winter 2009 Mens Jack Spade – 15 June 2009

I don’t expect any apparel to be readily available anytime in Singapore soon, so let’s focus on the bags and SLGs for now. Suede is very big in the upcoming collection, including the travel wallet (USD115) and card holder (USD65) in Biscuit and Blue respectively (shown above). I also adore the Jack Spade Embossed Anchor Bill Holder in Light Blue (USD125), and if you recall I actually got the same one but in Brown which I got many moons ago.

Now on to the bags. The Jack Spade Nylon Canvas Gym Bag makes another appearance this season as well, but this time in Smokey Blue. Measuring over 50 cm across, it retails USD275. The Jack Spade Felt And Leather Wolf Duffle (USD395) ain’t bad either, though not having a shoulder strap makes it clearly a disadvantage.

And no, I am not done just yet. The Jack Spade Soft Nylon Work Tote is smart enough for those who are studying/working in creative fields and it comes with all the usual bell and whistles, including a removable shoulder strap. It is also more affordably priced (USD195), which gives you even more reason to get it.

Finally, my personal favourite. I have not owned any messengers for the longest time, and nothing in my current collection comes even close which only piqued my interest more. The Jack Spade Felt And Leather Topo Messenger (USD350) may not be that cheap, but it certainly more than makes up for it in style. I like!

All items featured above are staggered for release in different months (July, August and September), so keep an eye out for the ones you’ve got to get!

Images: Jack Spade