Best used in small doses, they instantly lift any otherwise drab outfit and give you that extra bounce in your step (or so I would like to believe). Remember, less is more, unless of course you want to look like a tower of Mandarin oranges come Lunar New Year, which may not be a bad thing as well. But only during CNY, please.

Clockwise from top left: DVF Small Lytton in Neon Orange, USD295, Mulberry Polly Push Lock Small Wallet, GBP200, The Body Shop Candied Ginger Bath & Shower Gel, SGD14.90, Emilio Pucci Python Box Clutch, GBP1110, Karen Walker Patsy, USD180, Jimmy Choo Agnes Patent-Leather Pumps, GBP335, Marc by Marc Jacobs Stardust Embossed iPad Case, GBP45, Bottega Veneta Tangerine Orange Tie-Dye Scarf, POA, Jil Sander Origami Leather Clutch, GBP275, The Row Wrapping Wayfarer, USD445, Goldheart Mode Pendant, POA

Images: Barneys, Bottega Veneta, Goldheart, Mulberry, Net-A-Porter, Shopbop & The Body Shop

Introducing the Marc by Marc Jacobs Mr. Marc Money Clip, which is on sale now at SSENSE at USD49. And yes, they do ship internationally. Would you buy it? More importantly, would you actually use it?

Image: SSENSE

Enterprising Singaporeans (and those around the region) can chose to either turn to friends heading to those countries or turn to eBay, whichever is more convenient.

So what’s coming up in 2011? For starters, check out the Marc by Marc Jacobs Ski Bag, an absolutely huge nylon tote that retails for just USD35. I owned the earlier version myself, which had a beach-themed motif, so I can attest to the amount of stuff it can hold.

Another tote that’s worth a second look is the Marc by Marc Jacobs Laminated Cotton Tote, which should fare better than the previous ones that was just regular canvas. The design is nice, the colour is subtle and the price is right (USD35). What more can you ask for?

Other items in the new collection include these plastic keyloops, similar to the metallic or leopard-print ones they had before, but at a much higher price of USD9 a piece.

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Flag Patch Key Ring is also nice. Made of rubber, this patriotic little number retails for a mere USD4.

If it is a new wallet you’re looking for, look no further than the Marc by Marc Jacobs Rubz Zip Billfold, which is somehow giving off a Rick Owens vibe. Retailing for USD29, it also comes in the longer Zippy Wallet shape (think Louis Vuitton and you’ll know what I mean) for USD38.

I could go on and on, but I shan’t. Just head over to the Marc Jacobs site online and have a look yourself. Now that’s what I call cheap and chic. Literally.

Images: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Measuring 30 cm by 17 cm, it is definitely one roomy bag even though the specifications might not seem that way. I’ve looked into some Baby Groovee bags and I’ve seen the usual suspects (you know, wallet, card case, phone, pouch 1, pouch 2, pouch 3), along with a mini water bottle and a small foldable umbrella tucked snugly inside.

What’s more, you can carry this baby three different ways, which is always a bonus, either by way of the removable shoulder strap (over the shoulder or across the body) and sitting pretty in the crook of your arm.

I especially love the one  in Dark Blue I just spotted on Net-A-Porter which retails for GBP251 (around SGD520 before shipping), or check out the ones in Hickory or Cashew at Shopbop, where they cost USD348 each (around SGD458). Shopbop also offers free international shipping for orders above USD100, which pretty much means it makes more sense to purchase from Shopbop online.

In Singapore, you can check them out at Marc by Marc Jacobs Mandarin Gallery and Ngee Ann City.

Image: Net-A-Porter

I wanted to do up a gift guide with a difference, and not pull anything out at random. Because I know at the end of the day, these gifts will definitely bring a big smile to the recipient’s face.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Jumble Logo Laptop Case
A ‘star’ item in this selection would be the Marc by Marc Jacobs Jumble Logo Laptop Case, which retails for just SGD90 each (insert gasp here). Available in 15″, other colours besides Black include Hot-Pink, Marigold Yellow and Turquoise. Never mind if your recipient doesn’t have a laptop either; he (or she) can use it as a clutch portfolio which I think will work just as well. Check it out at the Marc by Marc Jacobs flagship at Mandarin Gallery.

Envirosax Oasis Blue Dots
No stranger to Envirosax, I’ve personally amassed a huge collection and used them for everything imaginable, from grocery shopping to jaunts at the beach, and even when I was shopping in Cebu. Just SGD14.50 each, or get them in a set of five for just SGD65. Get them online, or head down to the TANGS Orchard or Takashimaya Departmental Store.

Kate Spade iPhone Hard Cover
Available in different sizes for both the iPhone 3G and iPhone4, each SGD75 hard cover is a certified hoot, with a rotary dial as the design on the back of each case. Available in Red and Green, get them from Kate Spade stores in Raffles City Shopping Centre and Takashimaya Departmental Store.

Havaianas ZoukOut Flip-Flops
With ZoukOut 2010 just round the corner (11 December 2010 to be exact), this could make a great early Christmas gift for him or her. Priced at SGD40 a pair, the limited edition Havaianas ZoukOut Flip-Flops are not only pretty to look at, they are super comfy as well (I would know, I’ve got 4 pairs of these babies myself). Best thing, each pair also comes in a black drawstring bag printed with the same design that you can use at ZoukOut for all your party essentials.

Swatch Gent Collection
Covered in a previous post, and still one of the items that’s on my personal wish list. Besides being really affordable, the Swatch Gent collection comes in 10 different colours. Suitable for guys and ladies who likes their watches oversized, check them out at all Swatch outlets and distributors island wide where they retail for SGD99 each.

Goldheart Giovanné Flash Drive
You can spend so much more and pretty much get the same thing, so why not check out the Goldheart Giovanné Flash Drive (4GB) instead? Stylish and perfect for the man on the go, it retails for just SGD88. Encased in stainless steel and hanging from a chain, your man can wear it like a pendant and use it to store your snapshots (or Justin Bieber song collection) close to his heart. Available at Goldheart boutiques island wide.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Hearts USB Keyring
Another thumb drive, but definitely one for the fairer sex. Retailing for GBP30 on Net-A-Porter, the Marc by Marc Jacobs Hearts USB Keyring packs in 2GB worth of storage. She can use it like a key fob, or as a bag charm; either way you can’t go wrong with this adorable little number.

Smythson ‘Thank You’ Cards
If your friend is more old-school than high-tech, then give the gift of paper. I still love getting handwritten notes and cards from time to time; they somehow still say more when compared to an email with exactly the same content. Case in point? I personally respond to feature requests and product reviews better when the requests come handwritten on a card. Check out the pack of 10 cards from Smythson that are priced at GBP38.30 a set at Net-A-Porter.

Cote et Ciel iPad Diver Sleeve
I’ve been flogging this since I got to know about this brand, and I’ll be talking about it for months to come. I truly love this brand, and the Cote et Ciel iPad Diver Sleeve is just one of the items I adore. If you’re serious about keeping your friend’s iPad safe and secure, the neoprene sleeve will do just the job. Available in a wide array of colours (check out Cumulus at Wheelock Place for all 7 colours), they retail for just SGD60 each.

Louis Vuitton City Guide
I used my Paris City Guide when I was last in France, and more recently checked out my friend’s copy when I was in Tokyo. Trust me, these guides are really useful, chockful of interesting places to eat, shop and sight-see. And at just SGD48 a copy, this is perhaps the most affordable item you can ever get from Louis Vuitton. Choose from 2011 editions covering cities from New York to Paris, Tokyo and more.

So there, my pick of the 10 best Christmas gifts you can give this season that are under SGD100 each. And if you’ve got more gift ideas under a hundred bucks each, leave a comment in this post to let me know (include details like price and where you can get it in Singapore).

The 3 best gift suggestions will win you guys an Envirosax tote each.

Images: Cote et Ciel, Eco-Rhapsody, Goldheart, Havaianas, Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Net-A-Porter & Swatch

Why, the Marc by Marc Jacobs Camo Shopper, of course. Available in Olive (shown above), or Blue, get yours from My-Wardrobe today which does ship internationally.

Image: Marc by Marc Jacobs

And after you’re inspired by Vogue and start having dreams of being a fashion designer one day, check out the Fashionary. Touted as the fashion dictionary-cum-sketchbook, this SGD39 hard cover Moleskin-like journal comes with blended figure templates, quick guides (can’t tell the difference between patterns like the nailhead check and the chalk stripe?) and promises endless hours of creative expression. Check out them at Cumulus Wheelock Place.

Elmo. As a tote. In bright orange with his cute mug right in the middle. Introducing the Envirosax Sesame Street Elmo Tote (USD9.95). Need I say more?

If we can’t beat them, join them, but do it in style at least. Retailing for only USD11 a pair (or around SGD15), get a friend coming back from the States to pick up a pair of the Marc Jacobs Flip Flops for you.

Big big fan of all things D&G? Don’t forget to check out the latest in Jap mag freebies from Spur, which comes with a printed canvas tote inspired by their F/W10 X’mas runway collection. Expected to retail for around SGD30 or so, your best bet is to hound Kinokuniya now for availability and reservations.

Images: Eco-Rhapsody, Fashionary, Marc Jacobs, Spur & Vogue

Available at Marc by Marc Jacobs stores at Mandarin Gallery and Ngee Ann City as well as counters within Isetan Orchard, TANGS Orchard and Robinsons, the box set gives new meaning to the phrase ‘gambling your time away’, doesn’t it?

Image: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Why, a spanking new case for it of course.

And seeing how I will be using the MacBook when I’m out and about in town or when I’m travelling overseas, I’m also looking for a case that’s lightweight, easy to use and fashionable, of course.

I haven’t done all that much research yet, but a few favourites have surfaced. Take for example the Incase AnOther + Colette Sleeve that’s designed by Gareth Pugh. Retailing for just USD79.95 (now that’s really affordable), this limited edition 13″ sleeve features a quilted cushioned interior and durable form-fitting construction.

Another option by Incase would be this: the Incase Neoprene Sleeve Plus (USD39.95) that comes in a wide variety of colours including Purple (shown above). And now for the good news, Incase does ship internationally as well. Just drop them an email with your order and they’ll get back to you with the shipping charges before the transaction is confirmed.

Another option that’s really cute is the one from Marc by Marc Jacobs. Available now for purchase at stores in Mandarin Gallery and Ngee Ann City, they come in dual sizes along with 2 different designs. And if I recall correctly, the larger of the 2 retails at just SGD150 each.

Mulberry actually launched a sub-collection last year focusing on cases and bags for Apple products, and one that I liked (and still do actually) is the Mulberry Bayswater Sleeve 13″ in Blue. Retailing for GBP350 online, it is also the only piece so far in this line-up to be made of leather. I’m not very sure if you can get it locally though you can always order it online instead.

And last but not least we’ve got Louis Vuitton. Ever since my last update way back in May 2009 they have launched new variations, including another in Damier Graphite (shown above) and Damier Geant. Available in 2 sizes (13″ and 15″) at SGD1000 and SGD1070 respectively, all 3 (including Monogram Canvas and Damier Ebene are currently available at ION Orchard). What I like about them is the fact that they come with a protective foam-lined interior that’s embossed with LV’s insignia, which is a nice touch. The one in Damier Geant also comes in 2 sizes but is a little bit more expensive at SGD1040 and SGD1110 respectively.

Now folks, here’s my big question for you. Which one should I get?

Images: Apple, Incase, Marc by Marc Jacobs & Mulberry

And for the boys, check out the new Marc by Marc Jacobs Fist Duffle, which also comes in 6 different colours. Besides Brown, Gray, Black and Khaki, it also comes in my favourite shades Olive and Navy. For just USD28 each it’s pretty spartan and straightforward, with the most minimal of finishings that’s great for the gym or short weekend trips.

Images: Marc Jacobs