Of all the lessons we have learnt from our moms, none is as crucial as multitasking. Never mind scientists have attempted to dismiss it as a stereotype – that women are better than men at multitasking – but women have shown in various tests to be more organised under pressure.
They can therefore be depended for a gig like motherhood, with a job description that covers role-modelling to managing (both macro and micro). Oh, did we mention that you don’t get paid – in dollars and cents, at least – for being a mom? In fact, many women in Singapore juggle it with one that pays.
Many things have been done in Singapore over the decades to help make the going easier for moms – flexible working hours, housing priority, subsidies for your child’s education, etc. – but we know better. If multitaskers need any help, we’d go out and seek it now.
We expect the same versatility from our arm candy. Coach and Kate Spade make this season’s cutest carriers but they aren’t just for showing off. With their clever features and thoughtful craftsmanship, these bags also evoke your dreams and hopes for your youngsters. Make a pit stop at Raffles City Singapore.
Coach, with celebrity moms Jennifer Lopez, Andie MacDowell, and Ciara Wilson leading its campaign that spotlights the positive impact of mothers on our lives, offers a reminder to spend time with our loved ones.
Its latest Field Tote 22 is a lovely carryall to see every mother through busy weekdays to fun-filled weekends. Crafted with lightweight signature chambray and buttery soft glove tanned leather, this can also be worn on the shoulder or as a crossbody to suit different outfits and occasions.
For this season, too, Coach has updated its archival Ergo and Willis silhouettes from 1990s. The former is a snug hobo bag now in lightweight jacquard fabric; the latter, a compact top-handle bag, features quirky embroidered fruits and stitched-on veggies.
Kate Spade, meanwhile, conjures up joyful memories of beachfront holidays with hues of green jay, sesame yellow, tamarillo orange, peach melba and a spectrum of blues. Take a moment to indulge as playful prints such as dots, checks and stripes unfold against fabrications like wicker, canvas, nylon and jacquard.
Knott is the one ladies on the go will love. Its soft, roomy proportions accommodate daily essentials such as wallet, smartphone, sanitiser kit and even a tablet, with multiple pockets on the inside for delicate items like sunglasses and your favourite lipstick. Distinguished by the clever knotted sides (hence its name), this is offered as a satchel, tote, and two crossbodies, and available in pebbled leather or woven gingham canvas.
Smaller in size but just as big in style is Smile. Shaped like a grinning mouth, this shoulder bag in eye-catching gingham print comes with card slots on the interior so you no longer need to fumble around for the occasional lost item.
This article is part of a 12-part series on style, art and culture, published in collaboration with Raffles City.
252 North Bridge Road, Singapore 199103; instagram.com/rafflescitysg; facebook.com/rafflescitysg