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Singapore Part 1: Retail Therapy

For those following my Instagram and Facebook, you will know that my trip to Singapore wasn’t without its dramas.  In a nutshell, I arrived at the airport with hubbie and the kids only to be told I could not travel as I didn’t have six months validity on my passport (I had 3 months).  The airport staff assured me that if I turned up first thing the following morning at the Passport Office, I should be able to have a new one in time to board the same flight the next day.   I sent the family off, not without a teary goodbye and then took the taxi ride of shame back home again.  Anyway, the planets somehow aligned, I made an emotional plea at the Passport Office (with a quick visit to the new H & M store in between) and sure enough arrived in Singapore the following evening. Some might say that it was a desperate attempt at getting some child-free time!

We had a fantastic eight days of sight-seeing, swimming, and shopping (well due to the crazy prices, this was mainly the window kind).  I wanted to share my retail highlights and Part 2 will feature some of the incredible gardens I came across.

Orchard Road:

I was so excited to see that one of my favourite stores, Tory Burch, had come to Singapore and was located near our hotel.  I am a little bit obsessed with their shoes, but at the Singapore prices, I just had to admire the always beautiful store fit out.

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The store is divided into ‘rooms’ that have a glamorous but homely feel through the use of furniture such as consoles, bench seats and sofa lounges.  Mr Merchandiser in this next shot was not happy for me to take any more photos as the store was not deemed “ready”.

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On a true mission, I managed to sneak in these other ones.  The purple leopard X benches were divine, you can see the co-ordinating wallpaper in the photo above. I love the mix of grasscloth on the console and lucite trays used to merchandise.

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I got a glimpse of the fitting rooms too. More grasscloth on the walls, and the logo details on the railing……

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 The Missoni Home store had a lovely paper lantern in the window.

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Not to mention the extensive range of gorgeous towels.

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Always love the colour Kate Spade uses in her stores and products.

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These upholstered stools in the next photo were a fun way to merchandise.

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Another homewares and furniture favourite of mine is Crate & Barrel which had a few gems.

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This dining table caught my eye, Carrara marble top with white-washed oak legs.

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As did this linen upholstered bedhead with nailhead trim, and oval side table.

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The Tommy Bahama store was a bonus find.  Again, the clothing prices were expensive but I have always loved their poured tin candles.  The tin themselves have great summery motifs.  A Grapefruit Splash 3 wick made its way home with me!

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Cluny Court:

Outside of Orchard Rd there was still a lot to see.  Near the Botanic Gardens was a small boutique ‘mini-mall’.  I came across a gorgeous homewares and interiors store called Bungalow 55.  It is a mix of Hamptons and Coastal style.  Apparently the Australian owner sources her products from all over the world.  I can see why this store would be a hit with the ex-pats.  Even the street frontage is enticing.

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I loved this very glamorous gold lantern.  It was hard to know where to look with all these beautifully selected accessories. Lots of hurricane jars and glassware.

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The smaller lantern in silver was beautiful.

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The furniture pieces that I loved were from Stuart Membrey.  This Bungalow bar cart was so unusual.

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Loved this zebra printed cowhide ottoman too.

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Chintatown:

After experiencing these higher end western stores, I was keen to see some of the true Singapore culture.  Although filled mainly with the usual market-style Chinese paraphernalia, Chinatown’s pastel coloured buildings were a real attraction.

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This brightly coloured Hindu temple towered above the market stalls.

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Little India:

We were probably pushing our luck visiting Little India straight after Chinatown.  The girls were not so keen to immerse themselves in any more Asian culture in the heat, and the ‘exotic’ aromas of Little India did not help!  Needless to say, we caught a glimpse and then headed back to more familiar territory.  This building was the highlight for me.

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Department Stores:

So what advice would I give to anyone visiting Singapore keen for some retail therapy?  Unless you are looking for high end designer brands, for me, the department stores were where I found a few gems.  Robinsons was my favourite.  It had a great range of different clothing brands and I also liked their homewares section.

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Tangs was another department store where I managed to pick up a few cheap blue and white bowls for my little collection.

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I love how diverse shopping in Singapore is and if you don’t mind going in and out of heat and air conditioning, it is a true eye-opening experience.

I would love to know if anyone has visited any of these stores?  If so, what did you think?

Finally, Aussies, please check your passports before you travel and make sure you have at least six months validity!  I would hate for anyone to have to go through my ordeal.

Belinda XO

 

 

 

 

 

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