I am not one to be seen in branded togs and this is true also of my lack of knowledge in designer labels. I stopped looking at the Haute Couture Magazines such as Vogue to catch up on labels and have regressed in my knowledge of various spin off of brands.

I tell you of a true encounter when I was at Ion Orchard, years ago.

I saw the signage on the store and it was "Armani|Xchange" - I walked in thinking it was a 2nd hand store and simply asked the retail assistant if this was the case. I swore I can see the retail assistance giving me a sneering look with eyeballs rolling so hard that she could see the back of her head!

She replied me "Of course not! This is another Armani brand"

I was sheepish. I did not dress like a Lady Of the Lords and was in my sports shoes, simple Garfield T shirt and shorts.

Then recently I went to Pearl Optical Shop at People's Park Complex as Dr Clever is trying to help me sort out my eye wear. I have a hard time trying to find the right optometrist to provide me with the ride mix of corrective eye degree to allow me to work on the computer - basically I need a pair of computer eye wear.

I had to pick a pair of frames. The shop was filled with frames, wall to wall over an expanse of 2 shops. I do not know how to pick frames and simply took the first one I saw. She said it was Gianni Versace and I rolled my eyes and told her "Noooooo....cannot afford this and I don't even want to know the price! Cheapest please!"

She handed me another pair and I saw the label as "Versus" - My little pigeon brain, devoid of latest branded items update in my CPU, assumed it was a "fake version" of Versace and said ok, "I will take this pair!" - 5 minute decision, darn, I am pretty efficient LOL!

So the day came for me to collect the eye wear last wednesday and I trotted up to get the pair. The owner of the shop (80 year old man, but sharp and spry in physique) attended to me.

I said, "Can I have my fake eye wear please!"

The Owner said, "No, now fake. I cannot sell fake designer items and this is a genuine Gianni Versace - Versus!"

Sheesh. When will I ever learn.

I own now a pair of designer eyewear - Versus.

Years ago I was given 2 Louis Vuitton leather wallets as gifts from a suitor. We broke up and the 2 wallets are in pristine condition with me as a memento of that short but sweet courtship period.

Other than knowing the brand Rolex and Cartier for watches, I know nothing else.

I stopped learning after knowing names like Bogetta, Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade (because a Member Of Parliament carried this bag and was chided by her constituent for being so rich whilst they are poor! She suffered a set back but she was fast to sell the bag and donate the proceeds to a charity. So this was how I got to know Kate Spade), Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss and that ends the list of designer togs for me to know of.

I think I will never buy a branded designer tog as I am practical and frugal - buying more for utilization purpose instead of a showpiece. I once used the gunny sack of a basmati rice bag as a handbag. It was novel and useful. I am different and I guess people can chide me as being "cheap" but I prefer to think of it as Chic & Bohemian lifestyle. Be happy in my own skin and neither a borrower or a lender be!

I cannot imagine ladies parting with tens of thousands of dollars for a Birkin bag! I am happy with my parachute material backpack and $35 sling bag from American Tourister!