Stuffed up again?

Words & Photography / Musing Mutley

When you've failed so many times that you've lost count.
The shame of it. The self-disgust. What do you do?
Stay down and wallow in your self-pity or get up and try again?

Imagine a man sentenced to death for a heinous crime. He did the deed. There's no denying it. He's been proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. "Have mercy, have mercy!", he wails. But its no use. He committed the crime and the law demands his life in return. Think of the desperation. The long sleepless nights before his execution. Think of the grieving family.

Now imagine, just as this guilty man walks out to the gallows in front of all his family and friends, the King pardons his crime and sets him free. From the mouth of the grave this guilty man is saved. Not because the law changed. But because the price of his crime was paid by another. The life of the King's one and only Son. Can you imagine the elation? The freedom? The heaviness that dogged his entire body being lifted? Think of the joy. Think of the eternal gratitude.

This is amazing grace. And the good news is, it's available to us all. We just have to receive this gift by faith. Yet what is faith? It's the confident assurance that what we hope for will happen. It's the evidence of things unseen. Faith can move mountains. Faith can change your life.

So whatever you've done or whoever you've disappointed, have faith. God's grace is enough. It's more than you need. Get up. Dust yourself off. Try again.

What are you believing for this year?

Alicia, 29 / Fashion Editor

"Financial freedom; no more debt"

Necklace, Vice of Vanity (Singaporean label)
Dress, Alpha60 (Australian label)
Shoes, Depression (Singaporean label)

Bryan, 22 / Sales Person at Asylum

"To study Fashion Management at Lasalle College of the Arts and to get a part-time job"

Shoes, Rick Owens

Bridget, Undisclosed / Artist & Owner of Stevie General Store

"With each passing year, I feel I get more childish. Age is really just a number. So this year I've just joined the Cloud Appreciation Society, so that might help shed some light on my current disposition and beliefs."

Necklace, Self-made
Shorts, Winnie The Pooh (that I cut off 'cos it was too long)

Man-Bin, 33 / Works at a Japanese Restaurant

"I want to pray more this year"

Broom and Wellingtons, Local Chinese Store

Sharon, 32 / Account Manager at Front Row

"To develop and take the brands I represent to another level"

Shirt, The Only Son (Thai label)

Shoes, Ely Kishimoto (English label)

Its the End of the World ...

Text & Photography / Musing Mutley

... as we know it. But do you feel fine?

It's a pretty gloomy outlook if you focus on the negatives: European sovereign debt crisis, Mayan calendar heralding the apocalyptic end, venal government officials perverting justice, or more pressingly, not being able to find insect spray to exterminate that annoying family of roaches living in your apartment? Just saying.

But we soldier on. Despite the crap and uncertainty, we hope. Heck, our resolutions for a leaner, healthier, and more disciplined future are based on hope. Why? Because staying still and waiting for the end is really just existing and not living isn't it? How boring.

They say you should only work on one resolution at a time if you want to succeed. Clearly a rule for under-achievers, I've decided to focus my efforts on five: develop intimacy with God, get fit, get to stuff on time, save money, and learn the acoustic guitar to become a YouTube sensation. Yeah, you heard me.

Man, I live on hope. Not because I'm deluded and naive (which may or may not be true depending on who you ask) but because it injects purpose and passion into my bones. It makes me strive for a better life. It makes me wanna wake up in the morning. Hope continues forever. Without it, we're really just restless zombies. We're just dead.

This New Year I resolve to ...

Ci En, 30 / Writer & Web Editor

"Care less about what I should do and more about what I could do. Because rules are imaginary."

Firdaus, 29 / Air Steward

"I want to be more disciplined in whatever I dabble in. I can be complacent in following through with personal goals."

Putri, 21 / Writer

"To finally develop a machine that allows me to eat but makes someone else fat. Why? Because nothing feels as good as going for a guilt free gastronomical adventure!"

Desmond, 35 / Fashion Editor & Stylist

"Be kind to yourself. 'Cos half the time we allow ourselves to be in situations that we know we will later regret or be treated in a certain way."

Shi Chen, 31 / Writer

"My New Year's resolution is to enjoy life's quieter pleasures. Spend more time with friends and family, travel to New York to see the Prada and Schiaparelli exhibition, start a blog, and catch up on enough reading to sound reasonably intelligent when I start my Masters in English Literature later in the year."

Why do you buy stuff?

Text & Photography / Musing Mutley

Have you ever thought about it?

I'm not talking about buying milk or band-aids or superglue to repair your vintage Ray-Ban Clubmasters you hipster. It's pretty clear that you're meeting some tangible and practical need there.

I'm talking about a beautiful pair of double monk strap shoes from Church's, a hand-painted piece of art from Goyard or a stunning automatic watch from IWC. You know, the "wants" rather than the "needs".

But when you think about it, it kinda is filling some "need" isn't it?
The "need" to reward yourself.
The "need" to be up with the latest trends.
The "need" to buy quality and craftsmanship.
The "need" to distinguish yourself and create your own persona.
The "need" to show the world that you've "made it" or you have "good taste".

Clearly this list is not exhaustive. But clearly, however you phrase it ... aren't all these "needs" just different ways of validating ourselves? Aren't they all different ways of loving yourself?

As humans (warning: emotional discourse imminent) we all need to be loved. And when we buy beautiful things its because we are filling this love "need". Think about it. I'm not saying that just because you buy luxury goods you're this love devoid junkie; just that shiny overpriced and immaculately wrapped goods dispensed in glistening glass and marble boutiques are your drug. It's your vice and you're addicted. Guilty. Hey, at least its not illicit or illegal right?

The funny thing is, like any drug, you'll feel good for a while but soon you're out "window-shopping" or surfing the online shops for your next hit. It doesn't last.

We're a complicated bunch us humans. I don't think buying beautiful things is bad (I mean, it's soooo beautiful) just as long as we recognize it's not a substitute for the real thing ... meaningful relationships.

All tote bags below are from MUJI where you can personalize them with ink stamps for free. Bonus.

"Brand Flasher"

Shirt / Dior Homme
Bow tie / Band of Outsiders

Because you grew up in a village and worked hard to climb that corporate ladder and its about time people took notice damn it.

"Beauty Buyer"

iPad cover / Cherchbi

Because its so bewt-tee-full and even though you don't have an iPad, you might one day, so you might as well get the cover for it now.

"Quality Snob"

Loafers / Gucci

Because you're so sophisticated and savvy that you only buy pieces of art (not just stuff) hand-made by the most skilled artisans in Italy or France, and you're a sucker for a good story about provenance and family history of the brand yada yada yada.

"Market Hunter" or "Try Hard Hipster"

Cufflinks / William Griffin
Key chain / From some souk down some laneway in Dubai

Because you're so impossibly hip and happening and all your finds are from impossibly random markets and you have an irrational fear of shaving or taking regular showers.

"Impulse Shopper"

Tie / Alexander Olch

Because you just had a shocking day at work and need a pick me up but 3 cups of coffee with an almond croissant hasn't done the trick and you're about to start crying uncontrollably.

Favourite Things

Text & Photography / Musing Mutley

I haven't had the time to wander the streets this month I'm sorry.
So, since I've never turned the camera on myself, I thought I'd feature a few of my favourite things instead. Okay, not the same, but almost ...

Home bound for four entire days due to an impacted wisdom tooth extraction - hang on, can I just say that this was alarmingly barbaric in nature. We're in the 21st century people, yet dentists still use pliers to yank out teeth? Anyway, I digress. With nothing to do except chugging down chicken porridge, I found myself watching the entire season of Downton Abbey (Brilliant! My new favourite show) and Game of Thrones (way too violent and explicit but strangely captivating). Once I exhausted those shows, and checked facebook and gmail for the tenth time, I headed into dangerous territory ... online shopping.

Warning bells sounded but I proceeded anyway. Mr Porter, Oki-ni, Revolve Clothing, Urban Outfitters, ASOS, you name it, I was all over it. But I didn't stop there. A friend was over in Hong Kong for a press junket so I ordered myself a Goyard "pouchette" as well!

Damage done. Bank account depleted. I present you my favourite things.

Glasses
(clockwise from top)
Retrosuperfuture Flat Top / Havana Glitter
Persol 649S / Matte black 
Ray Ban wayfarers / Matte black
Persol 714 / Foldable tortoise
Retrosuperfuture Ciccio / Black & Gold
All available from www.eyegoodies.com

Bracelets
(top down)
Bottega Veneta / Sterling Silver & Black leather
Copper Bracelet (Freemantle Market, Perth)
Swatch Watch / White dial with grey straps
RM Williams  / Australian Saltwater Crocodile
 

Shoes
Florsheim by Duckie Brown / Blue Leather Longtips
Available from www.asos.com
Trickers / Tan Leather Longtips (Camberwell Market, Melbourne)

Bags
(Clockwise from top left)
Billykirk No. 165 Medium Carryall / Striped Canvas with Black Leather Trimming
Billykirk No. 235 Tote / Golden Brown Leather
Both available from www.billykirk.com
Filson Original Briefcase / Green Waxed Canvas and Brown Bridle Leather
Filson Tote Bag / Tan Waxed Canvas and Brown Bridle Leather
Both available from www.filson.com

Shirts & Ties
(Clockwise from top left)
+J by Uniqlo / Blue Linen Button-Down Shirt
Polo Ralph Lauren / Silk Summer Tie

Uniqlo / White Oxford Button-Down Shirt
Polo Ralph Lauren / Black Knitted Silk Tie

Polo Ralph Lauren / White and Blue Button-Down Shirt
Ralph Lauren / Woolen Yellow Repp Tie

Uniqlo / Camel Oxford Button-Down Shirt
Paul Smith / Woolen Knitted Tie

Polo Ralph Lauren / Blue Button-Down Oxford Shirt
A.P.C. / Green and Navy Repp Tie

Available from www.uniqlo.com and www.mrporter.com

Richer & Poorer / Yellow Hunter Socks
Available from www.oki-ni.com

American Apparel Large Clutch / Green Leather
http://americanapparel.net
Oliver Peoples Deacon Spectacles / Black and Clear Acetate
www.oliverpeoples.com

Billykirk No. 153 Passport Wallet / Tan Leather
Billykirk No. 92 Card Case / Brown Leather
Both available from www.billykirk.com
Goyard Medium Pouchette / Black Chevron Linen with Tan Leather Trimming

Fantastic Man / www.fantasticman.com
Monocle / www.monocle.com

Leica X1 Camera / Black Leather and Aluminium
www.leica.com

In The Bag

Text & Photography / Musing Mutley

Who are you anyway?

Yes, so your business card says "Consultant" or "Marketer" or, once in a confusing jumble of words, "Food Engineer" (do you mean chef?), but they're all just titles with pigeon-holed meanings. I want to know what makes you tick? I want to know what your guilty pleasure is, why you'd sacrifice 400 calories to eat that muffin when you just ran for 45 minutes "to lose weight", and why you'd even think of wearing those clothes outside the house? As Catherine Tate would say, "I'm not trying to be funny or anything, but have you seen what you're wearing?"

Clearly, these answers can only be answered in time. You know, by investing into relationships and "getting to know" one another. But I know what you're thinking ... www.drainer.com/time_consuming; so I propose a quicker method. Grab their bag and have a cheeky gander inside.

And this is exactly what I've done. In my new tropical home, aka Sweaty Singapore (oh, relax ... I love it already) I took a sneak peek into the bags and clutches of my fellow colleagues at August Man Magazine (go get yourself a copy now!*) all in the name of mateship. Eclectic mix, but serious style cats. I feel like I've crossed some imaginary line of personal intimacy and I can't go back. Oh well, one big happy family now!

*If your local supplier of fine publications has erroneously omitted to stock August Man, tell them to order the Singapore version quick smart. 

P.S. Many have queried whether August Man refers to the eight month of the year. Well, I did some digging and found out that it refers to the old English meaning of the word "august" which actually means "respected and impressive"; like you're in august company. 

Yes, yes you are.

Amelia, 25 / Writer

A travel-sized copy of British Esquire from London

Because it’s a better read than gossip magazines or fluffy women’s titles and is an idea generator for new articles.

A pair of headphones

The in-ear ones never fit my ear and music is one thing I can’t live without. I’m always singing or there’s a perpetual tune in my head.

Makeup pouch

That’s my entire face in one pouch. I’m generally fuss-free and only doll up if I have to, but that pouch ensures I portray a certain level of human decency daily.

MM: Gregarious and animated, Ams' style is aptly characterised by colour and accessories. Note: accessorizing the watch. Do it.

Darren, 29 / Managing Editor

Dunhill scarf / In case I need to dress myself up a little. 

Ray Ban Aviators / ‘cos Singapore is eternally sunny.

Paul Smith Wallet / A favourite.

Briefcase / Snakeskin. Custom made. 

MM: It should come as no surprise that an editor of a magazine is at home with non sequiturs. Except not jarring but fluid and impactful. Like broken sentences. Powerful. Pauses.

Janie, 30 / Fashion Director

Honey Lemon Eumenthol Jujubes from Hudson's

Love the taste and the packaging, just like what my grandparents used to carry around.

Notebook

Light, utilitarian and in a cheerful shade of green for jotting down notes and ideas and stuffing in scrapes of interesting bits and bobs.

Nava red leather name card holder

Which is getting a little scruffy round the edges as I carry it around with me everywhere and have sat on it on occasion but I love the colour and the envelope-style shape.

MM: The fact that Janie is carrying an unbranded, and gulp, canvas bag speaks volumes about her sense of security. Especially as a Fashion Director of a magazine ... in Singapore. Who needs calfskin when you have cotton? Answer: The Italian artisans working their butts off to make a living. Well, when you put it that way ...

Jerald, 32 / Art Director

Wallet, phone, shades / My essentials. I usually just bring what I need.

Chilli sauce / Left-over from lunch.

MM: Clearly a simple guy.  Not high maintenance like that new writer who brings two changes of clothes in to work; citing humidity and overly active sweat glands. Hang on. Chilli sauce? Joker!

Once more, with feeling ...

Text & Photography / Musing Mutley

I was listening to my cousin practice the piano in Singapore the other day, and although she's brilliant, I thought she sounded rather matter-of-fact.  Almost too perfect.  When asked what the piece was meant to evoke, or why it was written, she simply shrugged her shoulders and replied bemusedly, "I don't know".  What?  Isn't music suppose to inspire?  Later I found out that she's been practicing the same handful of musical pieces the whole term as they're the ones being examined at the end of the year.  Interesting.  Apparently the Singaporean education system whips their students into shape by making them practice examination pieces all year long; whether that be music or mathematics.

It is this mentality and focus on efficiency that has made Singapore one of the richest nations in the world.  In fact, Singapore boasts the highest number of millionaires per capita.  Great, but aren't we missing something here?  What about critical thinking, constructively challenging the status quo, creatively pushing the boundaries?  What about simply playing the piano with feeling?

Singapore gets full marks for cutting and pasting.  Walk down Orchard Road and you'll spot multiple Pradas, Louis Vuittons, Guccis and their ilk sporting their wares.  In short, franchises abound.  Each store may stock slightly different merchandise, but all in all, if you ignore the Singaporean accent of the shop assistants you could be anywhere in the world. 

However, creative hot spots are emerging in this meticulously organized island city state.  Embryonic as they may seem, independent local labels and artists in Haji Lane and Ann Siang Hill (just to name a few) are re-defining the Singaporean shopping scene and fueling a growing appetite for design and the arts.  It will be this next generation that will elevate Singapore to another level.  No longer just a collage of brands, but a more cultured and Singapore-specific shopping experience. 

This tiny nation has built enviable economic strength by capitalising on its central South East Asian location and tailoring its policies to attract the brightest minds in the region.  Yet, moving forward, it will need to encourage its population to colour outside the lines.  Afterall, painting by numbers is boring.

[BELOW: I decided to stroll down Haji Lane to capture some fashionable folk and ask them what they thought the Singapore fashion scene needs moving forward.]

Florence, 18 / Student

"It's better than Malaysia, so it's not too bad"

Yuki, 24 / Hair Stylist

"Ummm ... it needs to be more creative"

Stephanie, 18 / Student

"Blog shops* to be eliminated"

*Blog shops are run by individuals who sell items featured on their blogs.

Zi Yang, 21 / Designer

"More local designers instead of bringing in foreign labels"

Han, 20 / Tattooist
Zina, 22 / Student

"Better advertising and communication"

Clera, 20 / Theatre Student

"Something more daring"

Chapel Street

Text & Photography / Musing Mutley

Chapel Street.  What does it mean to you?

(a) Designer labels
(b) Chic cafes
(c) Boys doing "chap laps" with some heinous sound blasting out of their car windows
(d) Pretentious broads strutting in heels whilst hiding behind dark sunglasses
(e) All of the above

For me.  None of the above.  All I ever remember is stern self-chastening along the lines of, "why-did-you-drive-down-here-now-you're-stuck-behind-a-tram-stopping-every-10-metres-with-no-chance-to-overtake-you-fool!"  That and, "Oh, wouldn't it be cool if the Jam Factory was still a jam factory?"

I digress.  

If you haven't been reading your papers or watching the news or simply haven't noticed the fact that everyone is still on sale, then here's an update: we are in the midst of what is being heralded as the worst trading conditions for the Australian retail sector in the last 20 years.  Borders and Colorado have gone bust, David Jones reported a record sales slump, and Just Group just announced that it may shut 50 stores if conditions don't change - there is no doubt the Australian retailer is struggling in a climate of increased competition (think the introduction of Zara and growing popularity of online shopping) and increased consumer frugality.  Saving is the new black.

So, in light of all this doom and gloom, I decided to take a leisurely stroll down one of Australia's "premium shopping destinations" to ask the locals what exactly is it that the Australian retail sector needs?

My opinion?  A re-focusing on craftsmanship.  Quality basics done well.  Emphasis on a range that enhances personal style rather than following the flippant tides of fashion.  Someone invest in me already!

John, 40 / Architecture and Transport Business Owner

"I think it definitely needs more colour and more shops"

Keira, 25 / Make-up Artist

"The Australian retail industry needs to have more variety"

Ennis, 27 / Advertising

"I would like to see better men's shoes"

Shannon, 38 / Personal Trainer

"It should have more unisex stuff that both men and women can wear.  I like that sort of boyish look."