While most people have actual hobbies like spin classes, being an aspiring influencer or queueing up for overrated food in Singapore, I don’t. Whenever I have free time, I find myself trawling through Singapore’s malls—and there are plenty. 

I get lost for hours enjoying awesome music at Cotton On, comparing price tags on discount racks and touching products on display. I also enjoy the free aromatherapy from the smell of freshly printed books at Books Kinokuniya.  

Shopping alone is one of Singapore’s greatest luxuries and you don’t need an indecisive companion to delay your expedition by asking, “Does this make me look fat?”

Singapore malls are not just a means to an end

Recharge at our 4-storey H&M, a quiet sanctuary in the heart of the city   

For most people, the mall is where you go to get something you need. However for me, the mall is an end in itself. It is what Buddhists would call nirvana, Christians would call heaven and I simply call a magical place on planet Earth.

All your basic dreams can come true at TYPO

I go to malls as a respite from the hot weather. I browse the shops as an avid art lover would in the Louvre. Singaporean malls are museums where you can probably afford what you break (unless you shop at Rolex). They abound with treasures and not just crappy souvenirs you stick on the fridge.

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Watching A Movie Alone For The First Time Helped Me Appreciate My Loneliness

Our shopping malls are world-class attractions

Singapore does many things excellently, like chicken rice, chendol (sorry, Malaysia) and reclaiming land. What most people don’t realise is that we also build some amazing malls! 

And I’m not just talking about Jewel Changi Airport, which doesn’t have much to offer despite its hype. I don’t need a waterfall or a ton of greenery in a mall for no reason. We can leave that for Jurassic Park when we successfully clone dinosaurs.

Having shopped in New York, Tokyo and Sydney, I dare say Singapore’s malls have perfected the art of cramming the most joy per square foot, under one roof. The cobblestones of London’s Soho or Champs-Élysées in Paris seem romantic but in our malls, you don’t have to risk having your Louis Vuitton loot snatched by masked men on motorbikes.

In Singapore’s malls, you can leave home without leaving home. Enjoy a gondola ride and plenty of shops with names you can’t pronounce at Marina Bay Sands. 

This ‘European setting’ might even make you a tad homesick. But a local franchise like Toast Box with its gentrified kaya toast and kopi siew dai gives you a taste of home, especially if you can’t afford to eat at CUT by Wolfgang Puck because Balenciaga ate up your salary.  

Our neighbourhood malls elevate our living experience

While MBS and Orchard Road are destinations in and of themselves, our neighbourhood malls are no less stellar. 

No matter where they are located, our malls are designed to fulfil all your basic Singaporean desires. In Junction 8 alone, there is LiHO, KOI, Tuk Tuk Cha and other ‘indie’ bubble tea brands to fuel our favourite obsession. 

What would Ang Mo Kio be without Ang Mo Kio Hub? And would Serangoon be what it is if not for the behemoth of a mall called NEX? Not only are there dog and water parks on its top floor, it is also equipped with a 24-hour gym, supermarket and a library. 

You can even get your ears pierced for only $3 there! 

Tourists love off-kilter attractions like Haw Par Villa, historical sites like Chinatown and glorified parks like Gardens by the Bay. But for people who bleed five stars and a crescent moon like me, the malls are what keep me thankful for our independence. 

Shopping Alone Is Singapore’s Most Underrated Pastime

We cruise through our malls to ransack NTUC without giving much thought to them. However, shopping overseas has made traversing these spaces something I never take for granted. 

Overwhelmed by all there is to see, smell and touch at LUSH 

You can choose to splurge on yourself or just enjoy the sights, textures and smells without spending a dime. Have you ever walked into LUSH just to be overpowered by its bath bombs although you don’t own a bathtub?

Sometimes, I prance around Aesop deciding if my imaginary new home should smell like oud or cypress. Shopping alone allows you to stay connected to society while maintaining your individuality. 

Shopping alone is its own reward even if you don’t end up buying anything.  

Cover illustration and photography by Asher Mak.
This article was first published on 7 October 2019 and last updated on 24 February 2024. 

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6 Unspoken Struggles Every Extrovert Faces That Show Why It Sometimes Sucks To Be One

The post Why Shopping Alone In Singapore Is The Best Form Of Therapy appeared first on ZULA.sg.

If you’re an avid Disney+ or Korean drama fan, you’re in for a treat. Disney will be holding their content showcase on 30 November 2022 at MBS, and has invited celebrities from around the region to take part in their Blue Carpet Moment for the event. 

The showcase

The event will be held at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (outside Mott 32)
Source

The Disney Content Showcase will feature brand new and upcoming 2023 projects, including streaming and theatrical works. There will also be highlights of the APAC Originals on Disney+, which will be accompanied by narration by storytellers. 

Some Korean stars on the blue carpet will include Heo Sungtae who acted in Squid Game
Source

During this event, there will be a Blue Carpet Moment , which is probably the highlight of the evening. Some stars walking down will be Lee Donghwi, director Kang Yunsung, and Heo Sungtae, or better known as Jang Deoksu the Squid Game villain. 

Other Korean stars include my personal bias, Jung Haein, who acted in Snowdrop.

Ko Kyungpyo and Kim Hyejun will also be in attendance at the event. 

Yuya Yagira who acted in Hokusai will be coming as well
Source

Additionally, celebrities from Japan are heading to the blue carpet as well. They include Yuya Yagira, Riho Yoshioka, and Shinzo Katayama, director of Siblings of the Cape. 

Upcoming superhero series Tira actress Chelsea Islan will attend the event
Source

Indonesian actors Deva Mahenra, Chelsea Islan, and Wedding Agreement The Series actor Refal Hady will be gracing the blue carpet event on Wednesday too.

If you’re a fan of Pixar, Peter Sohn, the director, animator, storyboard artist, and voice actor from The Good Dinosaur is coming to represent his new film Elemental. Ready your cameras to  capture the moment while you bask in the Disney atmosphere. 

The Disney Content Showcase Highlights 2023 Shows & Celebrates Asia’s Entertainment Scene 

If you have some free time on your hands, head down to MBS to check out a glimpse of these celebrities on 30 November 2022. The event continues on 1 December 2022, but will be a closed door affair. Who knows, you just might lock eyes with your oppa and have your very own K-drama moment. 

Disney Content Showcase Blue Carpet Moment 

Date: 30 November 2022
Time: 8pm to 9pm
Venue: The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
(outside Mott 32, db Bistro & Oyster Bar, Roberta’s and Sen of Japan)

Cover: source, source, source 

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You Can Now Meet Jackson Wang At A Private Event At ION Orchard & Take Photos With Him

The post Korean Stars Like Jung Haein & Heo Sungtae Are Coming To MBS For Disney’s Content Showcase appeared first on ZULA.sg.

Japan might have us beat in the themed wedding game with Pokemon weddings, where Pikachu will visit your ceremony, and sailor moon wedding dresses. However, those of us in Singapore can now lay claim to the Hello Kitty x Marina Bay Sands Wedding Plushies. 

From March to June, Marina Bay Sands will be releasing the kawaii plushies on a monthly basis. The collection will see Hello Kitty and her beau, Dear Daniel, in 4 different wedding sets: Chinese, Malay, Indian and English. 

The plushies 

First up, the Chinese Wedding Set. Chinese New Year might have recently ended, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add this all red get-up to your Sanrio collection. It is available from now till 31 March 2021. 

If Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel’s romantic sampan ride date dressed in their wedding ensemble has got you envious, then look forward to the release of the Malay Wedding Set. It will be on sale from 1 to 30 April 2021. 

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Sanrio & SG Coffee Brand Hook Coffee’s Drip Bags Let You Add An Extra Shot Of Kawaii To Your Morning Brew

The pair continues their Singapoliday in May. This time, Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel are decked out in traditional Indian wedding garb. The set will be on sale from 1 to 31 May 2021.

Of course, we can’t forget the classic suit and tie and white wedding dress. The English Wedding Set will be sold from 1 to 30 June 2021.

Hello Kitty x Marina Bay Sands Wedding Plushies Are An Adorable Take On Singaporean Culture

If you’re an avid Sanrio and Hello Kitty fan, be sure to check out the Hello Kitty x Marina Bay Sands Wedding Plushies. This is your chance to snag some kawaii Hello Kitty products with a uniquely Singaporean twist. 

In order to get your hands on the Hello Kitty Wedding Plushies, you will need to purchase them from the MBS Hotel Gift Shop located at the lobby of Tower 2. Each set is retailing for $89.90. The collection is exclusive to Sands Rewards LifeStyle members. You can sign up for a free membership on Marina Bay Sands’ website. 

All images courtesy of Marina Bay Sands. 

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The post These Hello Kitty x Marina Bay Sands Wedding Plushies Will Be Your New OTP appeared first on ZULA.sg.

Previously, we explored LASALLE College of the Arts to see how the cool kids are dressing these days. This time, we made our way to Marina Bay Sands and met a bunch of stylish individuals who served up some serious sartorial inspiration.

1. Jiong Ling, 20, Student

Beanie: Urban Outfitters
Glasses: Owndays
Shirt: Urban Outfitters
Tank top: Uniqlo
Belt: Vans
Sneakers: Vans
Tote bag: Fred Perry

Jiong Ling’s androgynous look caught our attention. With a preference for a slouchier silhouette, she wore an oversized shirt and a pair of relaxed fit jeans. Her style fuses streetwear with utilitarian workwear, so it’s no surprise that Carhartt, Dickies and Vans are a few of her favourite labels.

As someone who shops consciously, Jiong Ling visits thrift stores rather often. On a recent trip to JB, she “found a Carhartt jacket for RM30 (~S$9.81), which is insane. You get classic pieces at a better price, they look a little worn in and you don’t contribute to fast fashion.”

2. Pearl (@patchoulipearl), 20, Student

Earrings: Guess
Necklace: Hardware store in Chinatown
Top: Collusion at ASOS
Dress: Unknown
Shoes: Zara
Bag: Desigual

Pearl, Jiong Ling’s girlfriend, is just as stylish. Her everyday outfit revolves around the colour black, but here, she’s layered a vibrant top under a velvet lace-trimmed slip dress for an interesting pop of colour.

The couple frequents thrift stores together and as of late, Pearl has been repurposing her items in a creative manner. She looks for clothes that are comfortable and fit her body well, such as the pieces from Issey Miyake’s Pleats Please collection, which she hopes to purchase some day in the future.

3. Zara (@zarajones), 37, Teacher

Scarf: Flea market
Watch: A gift from her parents and relatives
Top: ASOS
Pants: ASOS
Bag: ASOS
Socks: ASOS
Shoes: Zara

Citing Gigi Hadid and Victoria Beckham as her style influencers, Zara’s outfits are often simple and classic. Her all-black ensemble is chic and sophisticated, offset by her lilac scarf and confetti-dotted socks.

As a mother and teacher, Zara rarely has time to head out for shopping sprees. Instead, she does her shopping online, frequently browsing ASOS and Zara for new wardrobe additions.

4. Sabrina (@iams4bby), 17, Student

Beret: TEMT
Top: H&M
Pants: H&M
Ring: Bugis Street
Necklace: Lovisa
Shoes: Twee
Bag: Her brother’s

Channeling French-girl chic, Sabrina donned a black beret and a blouse with billowy sleeves. Her high-waisted plaid pants lend a masculine touch to her outfit, while her heeled patent boots pull her entire look together.

Subtle jewellery like her star cuff chain earrings and crescent moon pendant add a festive sparkle to her look. As a student, Sabrina’s favourite places to shop are Cotton On and H&M. Occasionally, she thrifts at Lucky Plaza.

Also read:

Singapore Street Style: Orchard Road, Somerset & Dhoby Ghaut (August 2019)

5. Jolin (@karrywang622), 17, Student

Scarf: Dior
Blazer: A gift from her mum
T-shirt: Uniqlo
Pants: A gift from her mum
Ring: APM
Bag: Burberry
Shoes: Gucci

Mixing menswear and streetwear, Jolin threw an oversized grey blazer over a plain white tee and black jeans, topping it off with a pair of Gucci trainers. Instead of using a regular tie as an accessory, she went for a silk scarf in classic shades of cream and navy.

If you’re looking to switch up your manicure, take a page from Jolin’s book and try a mid-century modern colour palette. Mix rich mahogany tones with golden mustard and forest green to play up your nails. A dazzling ring helps to complement your nails too.

6. Zoey (@zoeyy.chau), 18, Student

Top: Balenciaga
Necklace: Tiffany & Co.
Ring: Unknown
Skirt: Unknown
Shoes: Y-3
Bag: Balenciaga
Phone case: Ambush Design

Virgil Abloh said the 2020s will mark the end of streetwear, but with youths like Zoey around, we think otherwise. Sticking with the oversized silhouette of the streetwear, she plays up the lengths of her clothes with a midi-length skirt and high socks.

To add a nice textural contrast to her outfit, she wore a pair of alien-esque Y-3 sneakers and slung on a leather crossbody bag. Her platinum blonde hair and grey phone case break up her all-black outfit without sacrificing on style.

7. Sirapat Panclurbtong (@taotaotao0037), 20, Student

Earrings: Lunarlike
Top: Uniqlo
Dress: Vintage
Socks: Uniqlo
Shoes: Birkenstock
Bag: Baggu

Wearing a quirky vintage dress with a backpack slung over her shoulder, Sirapat looks like she just stepped out of a Hayao Miyazaki film. She puts a modern twist to her floral frock by layering a white high-neck T-shirt under it. Her black shoes and socks appear like combat boots, giving her feminine outfit a bit of an edge.

“I like going to places that sell secondhand items because they’re more unique. I don’t like wearing clothes that are similar to other people,” she tells us. Her small hidden tattoos, such as this cute crab on her arm, add to her effortlessly eclectic style.

Street Style Snaps At Marina Bay Sands

We weren’t sure what to expect when we headed down to Marina Bay Sands, but these stylish individuals pleasantly surprised us.

We hope to see you at our next street style hunt!

Photography by Sebastian Tan & Wong Xin Hui

Also read:

Singapore Street Style: Orchard Road, Somerset & Dhoby Ghaut (August 2019)

The post Singapore Street Style: Marina Bay Sands (December 2019) appeared first on ZULA.sg.