The 5 toe separator flip flops

My darlings,

I came across this product and it freaked me out.

 No offense to the Japanese inventors, I am sure they had good intentions and they're probably very comfortable. But they just look like shoes for aliens. 

I keep envisioning a skinny green alien, with those on.

And here's a little about these alien flip flops:

Look at those toes and how they're sticking out separately! hahaha..

What a delightful piece of footwear.

My favorite phrase would have to be "...delightful sense of oneness..." Could this be the national symbol or the national mascot or footwear for the next national campaign promoting "Oneness" and togetherness and unity.

(Picture credit: http://sg.bestbuy-world.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=103&products_id=8592)

Men at sales

I often wonder if this is a Chinese, Indonesian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Singaporean thing, that the guys are just whipped by their women? Never have I seen, in any other culture or race or country, where the women make their men stand outside the sale store, waiting for them or stand in line at the cashier while the woman carries on shopping. In fact, the men will handle every thing from holding the clothes, to lining up, to paying for the stuff, to carrying the shopping bags. 

I just don't know what those guys are thinking. I completely understand the woman controlling her man, but hello guys. Wake up?

Even though the shop's already reached it's maximum capacity, women are shoving and snatching things, the men are just taking up space, following their woman around like a pet. And they're going "Excuse me.." "Sorry..." as they navigate their way through the crowd.

MEN, WAKE UP! You deserve a say in this. Or am I wrong to think that they don't really want to be there? Could these men be enjoying it because they get to ogle at a sea of women while their woman is completely occupied with deciding which cardigan to try on? I have seen the guys check the other women out. It just makes me feel uncomfortable, a man in a female territory. It's like a woman going into the men's section. Guys do feel a little violated.

-SB

It's getting veeeeery dangerous out there!

Platform heels are everywhere! Sprouting like mushrooms and to my horror, I saw platform clogs among the platform heels. 

 

Imagine this, but without the peep toe. Platform clogs are by far the most hideous looking platforms out there. 

I gotta say, the usual platform heels aren't too bad looking, they're pretty nice if done right. 

However, I have to admit, nothing freaks me out more than seeing platform shoes. 

Is it getting really dangerous out there that women have to wear a form of weaponry to defend themselves? Cause those shoes could kill! I don't think any guy would ever mess with a woman in platforms, coupled with killer heels. We're talking a big whack between the legs with the platform sole and once you're down, a deep stab in your eye with the pencil thin heel, and you're a goner. Down long enough for the woman to get away from you or to teach you something you'll never, ever forget!

(credits: clog - http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/mules-and-clogs?fts=jeffrey+campbell+shoes, heel -http://www.charleskeith.com/shop/productinfo/SL1-60280013/hwindex.htm#)

Winter bride or the wicked witch gets hitched?

I came upon this window display at Ion Orchard a couple of days ago... 

I can't decide what the theme of this window display really is. I'm thinking "Winter Bride"?  Or "The wicked witch gets hitched on Christmas"? What do you think darling?

Either way, the little fake Chihuahua is quite adorably malicious. 

SB xx

The stamp cards

Hello darling,

I want to talk about the ever so popular stamp cards that shops love to give out as a form of loyalty marketing. "Get a stamp for every $30 spent!" And four stamps later, you land on a circle that entitles you to a $10 voucher. 

How fun is that? You look at the card and think "Only one more to go to a $10 voucher! :D"

Now my dears, before we get too excited about this, let's not get carried away. What are we really getting back here? After spending $120, (Four stamps of $30) you get $10 back? That's 8.33%. Would you seriously shop in a place that gives you a rebate of 8.33% after visiting them four times?

I'm not saying it's bad, but have you ever stopped to realize this?

TANGS gives its members a 6% rebate with each item you purchase, regardless of price. And during special sales that happen quite a few times a year, members get a 12% rebate. And that is exactly why I am a TANGS member.

-SB 

Velvet in the tropics

Hello my darling,

I was shocked to see a collection of different colored velvet slacks and pencil skirts in a particular shop that has outlets in many places in Singapore. (Velvet in tropical weather? It's true that this brand isn't local, but did they not bother to do any market research?) Unfortunately, I was unable to take a picture of this nightmare for your entertainment. Oh no, don't get me wrong, I'm not mistaking corduroy for velvet. The slacks and skirts I saw were velvet darling, VEL-VET.

I like velvet sweatpants, I think they're fun and comfy. But velvet slacks and pencil skirts are just passe. Has been. Finito.

And as I walked out of the store, to my horror I saw a collection of shocking, electric, hot pink long sleeve tees, tank tops and turtles necks. The long sleeve tees had a very shiny, silver threading tracing the round neck collar. Erm, honey, blinding much?

This shop will from now on, affectionately be known to me as the little shop of fashion horrors.

Till next time my darling.

Shopping Biatch

Tis the season to be fancy

Hello my love,

And the Christmas season is here, malls and Orchard Road are decked in glitz and glamor. No such thing as a simple Christmas, oh no, the glitzier, the better.

I gotta say, Orchard Road, the deep pink, shiny wind chime looking things that hang off each Christmas tree wire formation that line the road, twinkling in the light as the wind blows at them, along with the silver....Wait a minute, is this Christmas or Deepavali decor? (Purple Christmas tree picture credit: http://hoflich.com/Peter/blog/)

Metro at City Square Mall has several Christmas tree displays, lavishly decorated according to different themes. And how is it that the trees have not fallen under the weight of the over the top decorations? There's always tasteful and the other extreme, gaudy.

The trees are covered with ornaments and streamers, pretty large ornaments, glittery balls and masquerade masks just to name a few. The first thought that struck me was - Oh My God. Simple as that. Who puts masquerade masks and feathers atop a Christmas tree?

Oh puhlease, I'm no prude. But feathers, masquerade masks, big bells, streamers, glass balls - All on the same tree at the same time. There are just no words....

Happy Holidays my darlings, don't forget the glitter nail polish. ;)

Shopping Biatch XOXO

Battle of the nail polish

Hello my darlings,

As you know, nail polish is a staple in a woman's beauty regime. We all yearn to have a nice, wide array of colors to choose from - Same philosophy for lip gloss.

But lately, there have been, I feel, a madness for overpriced nail polish which are obviously overpriced because of its high demand due to branding.

I've never been a strong believer of the school of thought that expensive stuff is good stuff. I'm more concerned about looking for value for money. If the expensive stuff really is better, then I'm getting my value for money. But if it's just grossly overpriced, then I'll most likely give it a pass.

So what I'm trying to say here is, the overpriced nail polish isn't bad, but it isn't worth its value.

Let's take for example, Revlon. I was so unimpressed with the thin brush, lousy consistency of the polish and it chips after just one day! The nail polish is so thin and the thin, stiff brush results in lousy application.

OPI is all the rage now. Great stuff, but the matt colors disappoint. They are clumpy and too thick. Very difficult to apply. The issue I have with OPI is the crazy price. Going at $23.50 per bottle on an average. That's as much as a bottle of nail polish from Estee Lauder, which by the way, isn't impressive.

I tried nail polish from MAC and though the colors were great (as expected), the consistency was way too thick and it took forever to dry.

I got sick and tired of these expensive, over priced nail polish (I even saw a Japanese brand, half the size of an OPI bottle, going for S$18! At Far East Plaza. Now that's day light robbery)and decided to give the cheaper contenders a try.

What I really am looking for and what is really important in looking for a good nail polish is color, consistency, richness, brush, lasting anti-clumping abilities and fast drying.

THEFACESHOP has awesome value for money nail polish going at S$2.90. Great selection of colors. However, the consistency becomes awful after 3 applications.

Etude house - Good stuff! It isn't cheap, but it isn't expensive either. It's a reasonable price of $5+

I couldn't stop myself when I went to Aries and looked at the amazing selection of colors for their house brand and one called "Bisque" with beautiful packaging! Ironically, Bisque did not have a shade of bisque.

Aries wasn't bad for the price of S$2.90. But what really blew me away was Bisque.

It was only S$2.90 and the brush is soft and of the right size. The consistency is amazing! I bought a pale purple. With just 1 coat, I was able to have a nice rich color. And it was so smooth and so easy to apply, it looked as thought I grew purple nails! Amazing stuff. I bought two other colors - a light pink and a dark, tinted brown. Beautiful consistency. Just beautiful.

The darker colors can last up to 4 days without major chipping and the light pink lasted about 3 with major chipping.

I'm not saying that all the cheap stuff is great, I've tried some pretty bad, cheap crap. But you shouldn't give the cheap contenders a miss. You might just find a rose among the thorns. Your true answer to getting value for money.

SB out.

My October entry

Hello my darlings,

Yes, it has been a while. A long while. Believe it or not, I decided to give malls a rest. That's right. I wanted to refresh my mind, rid of all the comments and feelings I had, from the very beginning I started this blog.

But do not fret my shopping darlings, I am still THE shopping biatch. Rest assured, the bitching will keep flowing. For as long as I am passionate about shopping, I will keep nagging about the flaws and praise the well deserved praises to the high heavens. Nothing excites me more than to find something to sing praise about! And yet, nothing makes me madder and more sarcastic, than to come across something that disgusts me.

The shopping biatch is back. XO

-SB

The importance of window displays

Window displays make or break a shop and its collection. A good one can really push sales for certain featured items. I feel a stab in the heart when shops do not take their window displays seriously - not that it should be taken TOO seriously. You catch my drift.

I'm not talking about spending a bomb on window displays or putting in too much effort all year round, a simple and meaningful one can do wonders.

Here's the inspiration for this entry....

What on earth?! How did this happen? How could this happen? Why did this happen?!

At the rate this shop is going - they might as well not display any mannequin at all. Look at the choice of clothing on the mannequin. The tousled tuft of hair is one thing, the choice of clothing is horrific!

Ugh, I am disgusted and upset. It's no laughing matter - I don't think anybody wants their kid dressed like a 30 year old man.

SB out!

Probably the worst sale ever!

It's that time of year again my darlings - time for the Great Singapore Sale (GSS).

It's shit. And I'm being lenient in saying that. Here's why:

If it's a "GREAT" sale, then it should live up to its expectations. "Great" is just one level below "Fantastic" and not synonymous with "Shitty".

This year, local shops and overseas brands alike have sale sections and nett sections - simultaneously in the store. More often than not, the nett section takes up more space than the sale section. The sale section is not more than 30% off for decent merchandise and 50% off for clothes so bad, they might as well be rags.

You can't even begin to imagine the sheer disappointment I felt when I went shopping week after week since the GSS started, only to feel that the sale is meant to get rid of clothes not worth buying, even at a low price.

Really retailers! Toss out the nonsense and bring in the good stuff at good prices. Now that's a "Great" sale!

The only sale that was worth going for, was the Mango sale. Well done. For the rest - Shame-On- You! The Mango sale was great because they had extremely decent clothing at very low prices and the entire shop was on sale! No nonsense with the nett section and sale section thing. The whole damn shop was on sale. That's just how it should be and no other way.

Other retailers had 50% off torn clothes, stretched out/worn out clothes, stained clothes etc. These shouldn't be 50% off, they should be tossed out or sold at 90% off. And horror of all horrors, I saw stuff that I had seen at a previous sale months ago.

The problem is that there's a trend going around amongst the retailers to have a sale section in the shop all year round. So when the GSS comes around, they don't have anything good to put out on sale! So they take the left overs and pass them off as GSS sale items.

Where's the incentive to pay retail if you're gonna be on sale all year round? I might as well wait a couple of weeks or two months and that thing I wanted would be in the sale corner of the shop.

Can't tell you how many times I've paid retail for something only to find the price slashed by 30% two months later. Whatever items that can't be sold during a turn over (fresh arrival of new designs), should be kept until the GSS or end of year sale.

Till my next post my darlings - The GSS couldn't be more disappointing.

Sales people that say too much

Hello my darlings,

I find it necessary to address the issue of certain sales people saying too much. If you're in sales, please, PLEEEEASE ... never do this...

So I was at the Body Shop looking at some products on sale, particularly the face masks. A plump, bespectacled young sales lady, with her hair all tied up in a pony tail, including her fringe, she had porcelain skin and rosy cheeks, came up to me and insisted that I try the mask right then and there on my hand. I declined - big mistake - she went on for a full five minutes about HER experience using the different masks. From how often she uses certain ones, to why she likes certain ones, to which ones suit her on which day. And in between, she managed to shove in a secret - "Let me tell you a secret ok?", "yea?" I asked, to which she replied "Don't tell anyone but, I use a different mask every day." Followed by a giggle.

Thank you for the heartfelt session darling...here's my secret: I WISH YOU CAME WITH A MUTE BUTTON.

After she was done yapping away, she says, "Ok lah, don wan to disterb you." (Translated into proper English: I don't want to disturb you) and walks off.

A little too late for that isn't it darling?

And boy did she not mean what she said. I wish she meant it with as much sincerity as when she was telling me about her facial mask routine, because as I was paying for a purchase at the counter, she happened to be the cashier at that point in time (I always have such impeccable timing) and she went on and on about the wonderful latex sponges sold at the Body Shop and how I MUST get one because they're so good, oh the wonderful latex sponges sold at the Body Shop, I MUST get one, they're sooo good, oh the wonderful latex sponges...YOU GET MY DRIFT!

She shouldn't be wearing a name tag, instead, she should be wearing a tag that says "BEWARE- I YAP"...B-IY for short?

Just so you know, yapping does not sell - I didn't buy any facial masks or latex sponge.

Ciao my darlings. SB out.

My short reflection

Here's a question for you: Can you honestly go shopping without buying anything. Anything at all. Not even lip balm. Can you?

The restraint is impossible to maintain! What is it about shops and malls that make you want to buy something every single time you head out to one?

I say this because whenever I'm broke, I stay far away from any retail outlets. A trip out to a mall or shop must end with a bag of something, or I can't leave.

I need to learn the art of restraint in this area. It's a long and possibly impossible road to take.

But you know how it is, if you can't fight it, embrace it!

Love. SB.

Shopping hazards..3..2..1.

Hello my darlings,

I wanna address the issue of people being shopping hazards.

Nothing can be more unpleasant than coming across inconsiderate shoppers who make you want to do very unpleasant things to them. Here's my Shopping Hazard Top 3 Countdown....

Shopping hazard 3: The women with the big shopping bags

Yea sure I get it, you're splurging, having a great time, but being hit by your bags because you expect everyone to move out of your way - makes me want to do very unpleasant things to you. I've been scratched numerous times by the sharp edges of those fancy paper bags. To these women: It really ISN'T all about you.

Shopping hazard 2: The women with the redundant boyfriend/husband

Why do women bring their boyfriends or husbands to a sale?! Where's the logic in that? Ok, maaaaybe he handles the expenses and you need him to foot the bill - then get him to join you at the cashier. Don't drag your husband or boyfriend around the sale like he's your pet. We don't even have enough space to move about in a sale, last thing we need is someone redundant hanging around.

Shopping hazard 1: Attention seeking, noisy biatches

Really darlings, no one wants to know how you feel about a certain piece of clothing, bag or pair of shoes. NO ONE. So when you and your girlfriends start bitching or raving about something, keep it to yourselves. This means the following - no screaming, no screeching, no jumping or hopping about on the spot.

Silence is gold, shopping in peace and enjoying the ambient music is part of the shopping experience. Already, having to deal with the shoving and snatching isn't pleasant, the last thing any sane shopper wants is a screeching airhead or bunch of them.

I think I really need to reiterate this (since it's at the top of my list) - NOBODY CARES WHAT YOU THINK.

Disclaimer: These opinions are personal, general and for the sake of entertainment. They are not meant to offend anybody, just meant to highlight issues that need to be addressed.

Return of the Maxi Dress

Really darlings, is it time to see it again? Our friend the Maxi Dress?

Just a little over a year ago, it was "hot". Then came the short hiatus and now it'ssssss baaaaccckkk...

The problem is, like I said before, that if a trend has a short hiatus and finds it way back again, it just looks passe. It doesn't look new or refreshing. It just gives me the feeling of "oh, it's back." as opposed to "cool! It's actually back"

However, the good news is, designers have been refreshing the maxi dress and giving it a new look with new types of fabric and cuts. I'm talkin' chiffon and linen (not together on the same dress), although there are the typical cotton and rayon types. The upper part of the dress is no longer the usual spaghetti straps or tube tops - they're now available with fluttery straps, short butterfly sleeves and some with princess sleeves.

More printed materials are used and plain maxi dresses are almost non-existent. The prints are not quite the typical bohemian nor are they leaning towards the curtain type flower prints. The prints seem whimsical.

Even the tube top maxi dresses aren't just with plain smocking. They come with strings to fasten at the chest or an extension of the material to tie a bow with at the back.

So really, after all my bitching about this passe piece of clothing, passe as it may be, it has been reinvented. Just like a brownie with whipped creamed but instead of being topped with a cherry, it's topped with a blueberry.

Ciao my darlings. SB out.

Disappointing shopping trip

Hello my darlings,

I am utterly disappointed at the clothing shops at Far East Plaza. It used to be the place to go to for the coolest stuff. Casual, cheap clothing that's funky and fashionable.

But what did I see tonight when I was there? The same old stuff in every single shop. It's the kinda stuff you can find being sold on the local blog shops. It bores the hell out of me: Tailored dresses, frilly tops, see through tops, over embellished tops and dresses...What the hell is going on?!

I went there with every intention to buy cool casual wear. I'm talkin, cotton tanks, ribbed or non-ribbed, with awesome prints on them. Or casual tees. But what did I find? Stuff made for women who wanna look like dolls. Come on! Even the shorts had frills and little embellishments sewed onto them.

The only cotton tanks and tees were basics/plain and the usual little miss collection and vintage prints...like those don't get old (I say that with sarcasm. It's so over. Why don't they get it? It's so, oooverrr)

So that was one disappointing shopping trip to Far East Plaza. The whole damn place screams korean fashion, come shop for dolly clothes. Ugh!

Can't say that Mango's latest collection was any different. Frills, lace, tailored dresses, flower prints, ribbons, bows! MORE LACE!!

Looks like the lace, frills, bows and hideous flower prints are here to stay...for another season at least.

I've definitely seen enough of those....will someone please pass me a plastic bag? I feel sick.

Ciao my dears. - love, SB

The $9,400 Kinokuniya guys

Hello my darlings,

I was at Kinokuniya today at Ngee Ann City. I picked up a mothers' day gift and a birthday present for my sis.

I was at the cashier, paying for the books when I heard a woman saying..."Nine Thousand, Three hundred and Forty-Six". I turned to look, and there were two African men whipping out thousand dollar bills, hundred dollar bills and fifty dollar bills. I looked at the amount shown on the cash register...it really was $9,346. I couldn't believe my eyes, nearly 10 grand on books?! And they were paying it all in CASH?! Cold hard cash!

There was a whole pile of a wide variety of books sitting on the counter. I didn't observe what kinda books they were, I was way too distracted watching all that cash coming out of the man's wallet.

Now that's one crazy situation I'll never come across again in my life.

Till next time darlings, happy shopping.

Training for the Great Singapore Sale

One thing men would NEVER understand: Why women get so violent during sales.

The Great Singapore Sale is THE sale of the year. And I was at a mall the other day when I saw women training...in the mall...for the Great Singapore Sale. Well apparently, here're a few things you need to know to have a successful shopping experience...meaning...getting the great bargains and making sure you get what you want - not letting that gorgeous bag leave with some other woman! The only woman leaving with THAT bag...IS YOU!

You'll thank me for this...courtesy of Amore fitness...:

Step 1: Get ready to charge for that bag, sitting there on the shelf..only one piece..












Step 2: Some biatch got to the bag first! It's punch time...aim anywhere. Just make sure it'll hurt enough for her to drop THAT bag!












She's still clutching onto it.

Step 3: Knee her ... anywhere!












Step 4: Brace yourself for a counter attack...biatch, bag, hitting the crap out of you..DEFEND!













Sale's in June, you've got a month to train..all the best. Remember, it's not the strength..it's the technique! ;)

*This article was meant for the purpose of entertainment only and for no other purpose. Actual activity in the pictures was a Tae Bo demonstration by Amore fitness at City Square Mall.

Orchard Central vs Ugly Skirt

Hello my darlings,

Long hiatus...

I was planning to talk about Orchard Central (OC), about my experience there, checking it out, seeing for myself ... why all the bad publicity... here's what I have to say about OC: scary, trapped, anxiety, panic, acrophobia, sweaty palms, sad, buzz kill, glass labyrinth, claustrophobic and boring.

I was all up for talking about OC until I saw this SKIRT!! Totally overrides OC.

Hokay, when you go shopping and see a skirt like this...you know it's horrific enough to be stuck in your mind for a couple of days. So many questions come to mind, lookin at this skirt.

But the biggest question of all is WHY!:

1. Why was it designed
2. Why is it sold
3. Why was it approved for production
4. Why would the designer think it was fit for human use

WHY!

I wouldn't even wear it in the dark. I'd rather be naked.

TSB (The Shopping Biatch) out!

Charles & Keith

I take pride in talking about our successful local, high street fashion brand Charles & Keith. They sell sunglasses, belts, wallets, bags and shoes.
They have improved so much over the past 3 years, I applaud their taste and foresight.
What's great is that they have something for everyone in two age groups: The young lady and the slightly more mature woman.
The designs are "designer" and the quality is well worth the money you pay. The prices are so affordable you don't think much before buying that shoe or bag that you feel you can't carry on with your week without.
The store layout is classy and chic. The sales representatives are friendly and helpful.
I need to find something I can bitch about or this wouldn't be an entry for this blog.
I'm sorry C & K, but I have to do this.
So one of the things I feel could be improved, is some of the over the top designs, which I feel are a little scary. They look experimental and no doubt, they're on the sale racks and don't seem to be leaving them. So why do they keep designing stuff like that every collection?
It's not just Charles & Keith, but every brand seems to have some oddly designed pieces or weird eccentric ones. Why? Because we could live without them. Although I must admit that these pieces do provide a dose of comic relief while shopping. Wouldn't it be boring if everything was just so "nice" with nothing to laugh at or make fun of?
Ta my darlings. Kiss kiss.

All the rage & what's on the sale racks

I right now bring you a fashion update:

What's all the rage?

• Horizontal stripes. They're back...I know...already? I didn't miss them.
• Sailor style.
• Grungy - faded denim, washed out prints on cotton, skirts or shorts with no hems, frayed bottoms, ripped denim.

What's STILL here?

I'm afraid floral prints or clothes that look like they're made from curtains - HAVE NOT LEFT US YET. Unfortunately. As you know, I detest them. The possibility could be that fabric warehouses are having a major sale on such fabric and design houses and brands are snapping up these fabrics at dirt cheap prices and have decided to pass them off as latest fashion to make a quick buck.

What's on the sale racks?

Oddly shaped mini or knee length skirts - over the top, over accessorized, bubble skirts, patchy skirts. You know, whatever looks unconventional. Clearly meant to create a statement or to attract second glances...mostly in disgust, I must admit. I haven't seen one to my liking yet. They don't seem to be leaving the sale racks either, even at 50% off. Thank god people care about style more than price. Bravo!

I love a good window display

Hello my darlings,

I'm not that passionate about window displays in malls. Not to the point where I'd say that boring or ordinary window displays bore me. I don't go all out searching for the best window displays and neither do I compare. I'm very passive about it. Window displays don't determine whether I would enter a shop or not.

However, a good and fascinating one really captures my attention and I LOVE IT!

Take a look at these: ( I was at Vivocity over the weekend)



The first one was at Pull and Bear. So disturbing and warped, but amazingly creative and eye catching. The shower head had water coming out of it and falling into the container below. That's the cool part - it was in motion. The window display kinda came alive. They could've not made the shower head work but the fact that they did, went this extra step ahead.
I admire the designer who came up with this idea.

The second one's from Esprit/edc. They used real sand.

I love how some shops are getting so wild about window displays and going all out. Not afraid of doing a little extra to head towards "crazy". I love it.

"The Clone Wars"

Hello my darlings,

Shopping is becoming a bore in Singapore.

Although there are malls every where: In every housing estate, on Sentosa and not to mention downtown where we literally have a whole stretch of malls right next to each other. Kilometers of them. It's something that's so unique to our tiny island. However, it doesn't take one long to realize that it's the same old brands in every mall, over and over. Mango, New Look, Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Esprit, Charles & Keith (local brand), BYSI (local), Topman, Forever 21, Zara, Guess, Cotton On - Those are just the more popular high street fashions brands available. As for the luxury brands: Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Armani (A/X, Emporio), Tod's, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfigher. As for departmental stores: Tangs, Robinsons, Metro (all local).

It's "THE CLONE WARS"! Clones of each of these brands every where. Invading our retail space. These are the "giants" that have swallowed the quaint shops. They are all warring brands, rivals in the industry. It's "The Clone Wars" happening in the Singapore retail market and we're caught in the midst of it.

Unfortunately, it's not a very exciting war.

I was so disappointed to see how this new phenomenon called "New Look" (a UK high street fashion brand) has invaded our shores. I was recently at Suntec City, hoping to check out Mango there, low and behold, New Look was in its place. It was a mega store that took over both Mango and Novo (shoe brand owned by Royal Sporting House).

I am going to be honest, and tell you that New Look does not cut it. They do not have the collection that can support the sudden expansion. It's the same old trashy stuff over and over. I would appreciate it more if they had a different theme for each outlet. It'll give a person a reason to go to a particular outlet. Moreover, there's really no need for a mega store. Why create a hyper mart of clothing? It works for food and factory outlets, but such a concept for a single brand? I'm not so sure.

Anyway, I thought I'd give you an update on the latest scores of the "The Clone Wars":

Forever 21 - New 4 level outlet at 313 @ Somerset. 2 other big outlets existing.

Zara - New 3 level outlet at 313 @ Somerset. Several other outlets existing (more than 4)

New Look - New mega outlet at 313 @ Somerset and another at Suntec City.

Cotton On - Mega outlets at 313 @ Somerset and Suntec City. (numerous other existing outlets)

Till my next post my darlings, enjoy the numerous year round sales and discounts resulting from the consequence of "THE CLONE WARS".

Did you say Camouflage?

It pains me to bring you some disappointing fashion news. Apparently, as the retro trend's finding it's way to the sale racks, high street fashion brands are thinking - Bring on the Camouflage baby!
Oh the horror! Army green is a nice color but passing off Camouflage as fashion?
I used to think it was cool 6 years ago, when it was in fashion. But, why is it back so soon? That's my biggest question.
A friend of mine reminded me, that fashion happens in cycles. Yeah, I know this one. But the cycles usually happen after a decade at least or from a different era. Not something that was trendy 6 years ago.
I want to share some fashion philosophy with you right now my darlings:
Whatever comes back, that's not a decade old at least, is passe. PAS-SE. You see, when retro came back, that was fine. It was from at least a decade ago, in fact, it was from a whole different era. Designers took that and revamped it, added some modern, sleek cuts and re-prints and re-touching and you get a whole new style, starting a whole new trend.
But seeing something come back, only after 6 years of absence, it's not trend. How could designers be out of ideas already?
I'm trying to sound more disappointed than harsh in this post.
Maybe a designer would be inspired to add some flowers to the camouflage. Ooooh that's a whole different story.
(Picture credit: http://www.gap.com/Asset_Archive/GPWeb/Assets/Product/696/696631/main/gp696631-00p01v01.jpg)

Everyday is Christmas

... ...Do you feel my pain?!
Lately, I've been seeing these over-sequined womens' clothing that're just blinding. Eye catching, no doubt, but I'd say more towards making my eyes bleed.
It is really no wonder, that these cosmic outfits are flooding the sale racks and not leaving the stores.
Thank God! I say. Thank God! These clothes should NEVER leave the stores. I'm so glad that women living in Singapore are not buying them and that they have the decency to know that it's not cool to walk around looking like disco balls or looking like "EVERYDAY IS CHRISTMAS!!"

313 @ Somerset Saga: Parte Cinco

Hello my darlings,

I re-visited 313 @ Somerset, as promised, to check out the four leveled Forever 21 and the three leveled Zara.

First of all, Forever 21 has completely thrown taste out the window. Style is very present in the collection, but taste...I...don't...know. The queue on each level for the fitting rooms was horrendous. There were only five rooms per level. The crowd matched their clothes - lack of taste. The crowd was unpleasant and strange. Nonetheless, the brand has kept their promise of affordable fashion.

Zara was like a whole different world. No queues, no rude crowds and had tasteful clothing. However, I found the clothes either a tad bland or gaudy. Gaudy with the frills and upholstery looking prints.

I had dinner at Marche. Lovely. It was just lovely. The excellent ambience that was made up of authentic swiss wood, antiques and milk maid looking uniforms for the lady hostesses at the entrance and exit and the toilets were so quaint. They were quaint with a hi-tech touch. The entrance of the toilets have an auto, wooden door that swings open once you're about a meter away from it. The taps, flush and soap dispensers were all activated by motion/touch sensor. The food was excellent.

So I guess this pretty much concludes my 313 @ Somerset Saga. It took five parts. I hope you'll find as much fun in shopping as I do.

GAUDY, GAUDY, GAUDY

It pains my heart to notice that shops are still carrying gaudy prints and passing them off as the latest fashion.

How are clothes that look like they're made from table cloth, upholstery, curtains or madly printed material, latest fashion?

Every where I go, window displays are screaming at me, "GAUDY, GAUDY, GAUDY!"

It doesn't help that it's right now the Chinese New Year period, which "ups" "Gaudy" to the max. Bring on the bright red, matched with gold. Bring on the "over chiffoned" tops that make you look like you're either a giant wedding cake or the top is swallowing you whole.

Gaudy music follows this gaudy trend along with gaudy hand soap at the Plaza Singapura ladies' toilets - Fluorescent pink. It looks like toxic slime, that will corrode your hands.

Gaudy, gaudy, gaudy my darling. Gaudy!

Shopping biatch OUT!

When Singaporeans will queue and when they won't

I was at the Ikea at Alexandra Road, just doing some window shopping. As usual, I couldn't leave without eating some Ikea food. You know how the food is so unique, it's simply "Ikea food". One of a kind.

It was 8:45pm, on a Sunday night. What I saw, shocked me, beyond words. There were AT LEAST 30 people queuing for food. Why? And how is that possible. Shouldn't the 10th or 15th person think "Nah, I'll come back later"? How did the queue stretch to at least 30 people? And I swear, there wasn't any free food or a free Ikea sofa to be given away with every plate of six Swedish meatballs purchased.

Just so you know, I just stood there with my mouth open in disbelief. I left Ikea disappointed that night.

I had an epiphany this morning, as I was thinking about this experience. Singaporeans: They have no qualms, no issue AT ALL about queuing for food, toys, special closed door sales or simply to enter Louis Vuitton. But they will never EVER queue to get on the bus or to get on the subway.

It seems that Singaporeans understand the concept of queuing, but the act of queuing only extends to certain situations. Maybe we should start selling food on the subway to get people to form a line!

Crocoholics

I mentioned in my previous blog, that I would like to address a certain addiction that fascinates me. The title of this entry speaks for itself: I am talking about the addiction to Crocs.

Crocs are cute. They're cute to look at. They're cute on kids. But they're not cute on a grown man, dressed in slacks nor are they cute on a woman wearing a dress.

Crocs are not cute on adults. Period. Some adults are absolutely nuts about Crocs. They have them in different designs, an array of colors and wear them for almost every occasion. Now that's what I call LOVE. I guess there could be a fine line between love and addiction. Some live through the addiction by buying an array of Crocs for their kids.

I like the concept of Crocs. They're fun. I can understand some people's addiction to these shoes. Actually, I don't even think they should be called shoes. They should be catagorized under a more general term like: Footwear.

Here's why: The definition of "Shoes" at http://dictionary.reference.com is:

"An external covering for the human foot, usually of leather and consisting of a more or less stiff or heavy sole and a lighter upper part ending a short distance above, at, or below the ankle."

Crocs do not have the necessary "sole" to be called a shoe. If you consider them to have soles, then the entire footwear should be called a sole because the entire footwear's made in the same material as the sole.

And that is all my darlings.

(Picture credit: http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/2008/07/23-End%20of%20Month/crocs%20suck.JPG)

Plumage on a mini; Terrycloth flip flops

Hello my darlings!

I write with much enthusiasm in this entry as I saw something so fascinating, I am ecstatic to talk about it.

I can tell that local brand Mphosis is "Mphosising" on being different. First of all, they have plain clothing in usually, five different colors. They are all about going back to basics. I like that. And that's made them so successful. Like I said in one of my earlier entries, classics and basics should always make up most of a woman's wardrobe.

However, as of late, they have been trying to steer towards the High Fashion category. The prices are not that of High Fashion, yet. But, they have certainly gone up for "basics". I was shocked to see a thin,black, cotton blazer going for more than $100. Anyway, I say that they're going towards High Fashion because I noticed that they have been adding more and more oddly cut/shaped clothing or baggy/flowy pieces to each new collection. It's their way of standing out from the masses.

As I breezed through Mphosis, I came across a mini skirt with feathers. The plumage was not real, of course. My dears, it wasn't JUST little strings of feathers on the mini, it was a mini covered in feathers! I literally had no thoughts when I saw that skirt. I wasn't sure what to think. You know how you get one of those speechless moments in your life? That was mine. I didn't know how to feel about it. I still don't.

I had a quick look at their latest flip flops and I saw flip flops made of Terrycloth. Can someone please explain to me why they had the idea of making flip flops with Terrycloth? I know Singapore's a very humid country, but we don't need flip flops that absorb our feet sweat. If those flip flops are meant for the pool, I get it. Just call them "poolops" or something. But if they aren't meant for the pool, can you just imagine wearing those flip flops all day, walking around. It would feel like you're constantly stepping on a towel or a bathroom mat.

Catch my next entry, on a possible addiction I'd like to address.

Till next time my darling. Ciao ciao.

Cupcake daughters & Giant plastic flower beanies

The things people think, can sell, never cease to amuse me. A very recent retail display at a childrens' store introduced me to a whole new level of child abuse - Mothers buying for their children and then forcing them, daughters especially, to wear the most awful clothes and accessories.
It's just a personal opinion, that the following items are NOT cute:



It is child abuse to make your daughter wear a netted, frilly skirt that makes her look like a bimbotic cupcake or to put on a beanie for your baby or child, with a GIANT synthetic flower, the size of their head.

Honestly, does that baby in the picture look happy to you? Is it just me or does that baby look like she wants to cry? Either way, whatever you can interpret from that picture - That baby does not look happy.

Children have rights my darlings. The right to not look ugly is one of them.

Curtain dress & Upholstery sleep wear

Hello my darlings,

I have to express, how much I hate it when I see "retro" clothing being sold in stores. Some how, brands have the idea, that if a dress looks like it's made from table cloth or a curtain, it's retro.
Check out this dress:

Two things come to my mind: Either the dress was made with a curtain or the material used to make that dress, could be used as a curtain.

Speaking of household items, Cotton Body has a sudden explosion of sleep wear in their outlets that look like they were made from UPHOLSTERY! It makes me wonder, if they are getting their fabric supplies from upholsterers.

I know it's sleep wear, I'll be wearing it in bed, but that does not mean I have to look like I'm part of someone's furniture.

Do think of me the next time you decide to wear one of those to bed my darlings.

Revenge of the Ugly Panties!!

I was walking by Cotton Body when the most jarring thing caught my eye... ... ....





Are those REALLY panties to be worn inside one's clothes? Are those REALLY panties to be worn? At all?

Ladies, if you're looking for panties to make a statement in bed...Cotton Body's got a whole array of them in their latest collection.

And it seems that Cotton Body's not the only one selling these unbelievable panties! Topshop has it's own range as well. Could it be? Really? Could it really be?!! Revenge of the Ugly Panties?!!

The Topshop wedding dress; Let's go braless!!

Hello my darlings,

I've noticed that the fashion now a days is getting way..too..girlie. I do not appreciate that. One of the main reasons being, I don't look good in such clothes. All that lace, bows, empire cuts, frills, flowers - just too over the top!
It wasn't difficult to come across the dress I now speak of. This white, lace dress sold at Topshop (left), is the prototype of what's too girlie out there.

The first thing that came to my mind – Women who are dying to get married, the type that have been fantasizing about their wedding since the day they were born, I've found your cheap alternative to an actual wedding dress, for you to play dress up with. To stand in front of the mirror with your bouquet of plastic flowers, practicing saying “I Do”. To tempt you even more, I'm pleased to announce that the dress is right now on 20% discount! :D

And I right now take pleasure to share with you that the latest thing to hang on the racks is basic, cotton, spaghetti strap tops with "built in" bras! Ladies, it's time to hang loose. I gotta say, kinda like that idea. A bra can be really annoying after wearing it for six continuous hours or so. It gets even more annoying on a very balmy, sunny day.

I can't wait for my next entry, which I swear is a fact - Revenge Of The Ugly Panties. Up next.

Men & their GF's purses; High humps and Women's jeans

Hello my darlings,

For years and years, a phenomenon has plagued malls in Singapore: Men who carry their GF's bags. I don't need a picture to illustrate this. You KNOW what I'm talking about. Notice I said "GF" and not "Wife". First of all, a girl who proclaims that she loves her BF to death, and then makes him carry her little pink purse, or Louis Vuitton shoulder bag while he walks around, holding her hand in a mall, in public, is a HYPOCRITE. Where's the love? If you love someone, don't you want the best for them? Do you really think it's best for your BF to be seen carrying your purse and shoulder bag?
And honestly, I've never seen a married man carry his wife's purse or shoulder bag. Just a warning to women who make their BFs carry their purses - This feat ends after you guys say your "I Do's".

Second of all, I have always wanted to know the girl's reason for not wanting to carry her own little purse or shoulder bag.

Third of all, to all men in such a relationship, you have the right to INSIST on choosing your GF's next handbag, purse or shoulder bag since you will be sharing it with her.

On a totally different subject, have you noticed how high and narrow the humps are in the Bugis Junction carpark? These dangerous, potentially whiplash causing, suspension wrecking humps are present almost every other few meters. One thing these humps have taught me: To be effective, you have to terrorize. After all, psychiatrists have said that personal traumatic experiences are the most vivid of all types of human recollection. After I accidentally/carelessly rushed through two of those humps, I was nervous around the car park and was extremely cautious to look out for the next one. That place is like a mine field! They're more like BUMPS than HUMPS.

And good news for women who love wearing jeans! (Myself included). I have noticed that the prices of women's jeans have dropped. They've become a lot more affordable, with good fit, good designs, good range of colors (apart from the usual shades of blue) and are of very decent quality. This is all thanks to the numerous and large American, British, Australian and Spanish High Street Fashion chains that have been sprouting around Singapore like a thriving Mushroom field.
Gone are the days of relying on Levi's, GUESS, A/X and other up market brands to get a decent pair of jeans.

313 @ Somerset Saga: Part Four

The food court at 313 @ Somerset is one of the Food Republic outlets and it's excellent! The place is comfortable and classy with a good selection of food. I love the fruit juice stall. They do fruit juice cocktails and "boosters" at a very affordable price. I had the mango, guava, strawberry mix and it was blended with ice - absolutely refreshing. The sweetness of the mango and strawberry coupled with the fresh taste of the guave, with the crushed ice to soothe the throat. Great stuff!
Overall, would I return to 313 @ Somerset? Absolutely. Not only because I need to go back to check out the multiple leveled Forever 21 and Zara outlets, but I actually saw some restaurants with very enticing menus.

Bear with me my darlings, but I'm afraid there's going to be a 313 @ Somerset: PART FIVE
(pic credit: http://www.orchardroad.sg/shop/malls/images/313_somerset.jpg)

313 @ Somerset Saga: Part Three

The most prominent store at Basement 2 (B2) was the British, high street fashion/fast fashion chain, New Look. It was nice. The selection of clothing and shoes were good. I have to say, it's an excellent alternative to River Island. The fashion is similar and it's definitely more affordable. However, what really puzzled me was the row of knee high winter boots for sale at the store! This is Singapore! Why the row of knee high winter boots? Moreover, they had these clothing racks that were so low, I had to kneel to browse through the mini skirts and shorts hanging on those super low racks. Why on earth are they making their customers kneel to look at clothing?
Speaking of high street fashion shopping, there was a nice Mango store at the mall and I have to say, I am impressed with Mango's latest collection. I absolutely love it. And what I love even more, is how much more affordable it has become. I have discovered through the labels, that the clothes are now being made in Vietnam, Pakistan and Indonesia. This helps to bring down the manufacturing and logistics costs significantly, which is a plus for us customers.
And another thing I noticed, royal blue/marine blue ladies' tank tops are all the rage! You can't escape them, just like a Lady Gaga song.
The food court was next...to be continued... (pic credit: http://img.shopping.com/jfe/popular/blue-tank-tops.jpg)

313 @ Somerset Saga: Part Two

I was at 313 @ Somerset last Sunday when I came across an elderly Caucasian woman. Clearly, she was a tourist. She was wearing a Batik dress, with beaded sandals, chunky, beaded necklace and slung around her shoulder was a sling bag made of woven wool. My point is, every other elderly, Caucasian, lady tourist I see in Singapore is dressed in Batik and beaded necklaces. They seem to have this idea that being in Southeast Asia, we all dress like this to go out on a daily basis. Maybe it's their idea of being on holiday - wearing Batik clothing with beaded sandals and a beaded necklace puts them in the mood. It screams "NAIVE TOURIST!" as loudly as Japanese tourists walkin around with a camera, permanently hanging around their necks, coupled with a giant visor on their heads or a giant, floppy, sun hat.
Once I was done exploring the top floors, I headed to the basement. There were two. B1 was quite disappointing, mainly because the choice of tenants there made me feel like I was shopping in a mall in an HDB estate. The shops in B1 could be found in those malls and the sales people were of the same kind. I can safely say, I prefer the top levels. I have nothing against shopping at HDB estate malls, in fact I do shop there from time to time, but when I go to Town to shop, it's for the "Town" atmosphere. It made me realize that the choice of tenants in a mall play a big role in creating a certain atmosphere.
I wasted no time in heading down to B2...to be continued...

313 @ Somerset Saga: Part One

So I went to check out the new mall at Somerset last Sunday, called 313 @ Somerset. I checked out Uniqlo. I was at the entrance of the fitting room area, holding on to a blue tank top I wanted to try and was horrified to see shoes, neatly placed in front of each fitting room door. I couldn't believe that I had to take off my shoes to enter the fitting rooms! I complied and low and behold, the fitting room was carpeted. The first thought that came to my mind was, "Oh my god, the TJ (Toe Jam)!" Just imagine, thousands of people, with smelly feet, walking all over that small little square of carpet. I'm not even a fan of Uniqlo to begin with, but that totally put me off. All that accumulated TJ over the day. Gross. What's their point of carpeting the fitting room anyway? I know their intention of telling customers to take off their shoes before entering is to maintain the carpeted floor, but why on earth are they inconveniencing customers for their own convenience? Well Uniqlo, just to let you know, I can live without the carpeted fitting room floor, but not with the fact that I'm stepping on tons of other peoples' TJ.
I continued walking around the mall after that incident and just as I was walking past another clothing store, I cringed. Someone had walked right by me and a trail of sour odor followed! It wasn't just one incident, there were several smelly people at the mall that day. Smelly people should never go out in public. Why are they so inconsiderate? How could they possibly expect anyone to put up with their bad BO (body odor)? I regard this as a socially irresponsible act, just like spitting and littering. Why can't we impose a fine on smelly people? Just like how fines are imposed on socially irresponsible acts like spitting and littering. If you're smelly - FINE $10.
I'm not being mean, but I think it's good to encourage good personal hygiene.
Speaking of people, I came across an elderly Caucasian lady - clearly a tourist...to be continued...

The TANGS recruitment ad

Hello my Love,

This morning I saw a recruitment ad in the papers, looking for sales associates for TANGS. Have you been to TANGS lately? If you have, you will realize that there ISN'T a shortage of sales associates. As a matter of fact, that place is overflowing/teeming with sales associates.They're just standing around, chatting with each other or looking bored. Or worse, following you around as you browse, chiming the usual, "This one got 3 cah-lers (colors)" or "This one new arriver (arrival)".

Even if TANGS decided to open a new store, they would have enough sales associates to go around without having to recruit any new ones, given the current situation. And if they stopped hiring, it could make my shopping experience less irritable and much more pleasant.

No hard feelings TANGS, I love your stores and I even have your loyalty card.


(Pic credit: http://www.tangs.com.my/images/cm_flifestylecard.png)

Frills galore; giant shoulder pads; and skin tight pants

I went shopping on Sunday, desperate to find a pair of classic, long, black pants and a classic white, long sleeve shirt (both for work). It was so difficult to find anything like that! It was frills galore, sparkle galore, giant shoulder pads, lycra black pants or tight fitting cotton/lycra pants with giant buttons or waaaayy too many buttons.

What is going on?! I get it, it's the trend now. The 80's are back. Bring on the shoulder pads, the extra frills, the sparkles and sequins, the ridiculously tight pants and lycra pedal pushers. But that's just trend. Trendy things should never make up majority of the market. Classics should always remain, classics should always be the majority of the market.

Trends are something you wear, take a picture, and look back at the picture 10 years down and think "Wow! That sure was a different time."

I can't possibly be filling up my closet with trendy clothes like shoulder padded dresses, sequined or frilly tops. Sure I could have 3 or 4 of them, not more. It's ridiculous that if I want to buy a pair of black jeans or pants now a days, they're "skinny". Don't get me wrong, I'm not fat. I'm actually a size UK 8.

BRING BACK THOSE CLASSICS PLEASE! I know they're out there, but they've become increasingly difficult to find. I've honestly had enough of dresses that look like they've been cut out of table cloths, over-frilling, shoulder pads on every other top or dress, skin tight pants or dresses that look like stuff my grandma used to wear when she was in her 20s.

Credits: white frill top (http://www.fashionchicks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/fashionchicks.co.uk/2007/11/paulandjoeblouse.jpg) , dresses (http://www.americanchic.net/blog_images/balmain_runway_dresses.jpg), black pants (http://www.sweetspot.ca/uploaded_images/F09_Fashion_PinkTartanPants1.jpg), grandma dress (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IeYq_GlVY8M5wE7DV_AuL0JbNc8DMZgOEN6s8Ddph4P9uuG7QNsov8xWwg3WJous975fTsC9V2MtJMk5XEvjtY_ZMBc6C2PmIxBzNZB_9ic_JaWta9RCuJYPEdaF4DVoDQOKvz_dXKI/s400/purple+grandma+dress+2.JPG)