Tumi makes sleek suitcases, but it’s the utilitarian Alpha Bravo carrier, made with super-tough ballistic nylon, featuring useful compartments, that we’re lusting after this season. $570 from #B1-127 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave., 6222-1611, www.tumi.com.

In a beautifully veneered walnut shade, Ciseal’s molded plywood tablet stand holds up your iPad, Kindle, books, magazines and every possible reading material for easy viewing. $130 from Hip Van (www.hipvan.com).

They say good things come in small packages. Percy & Reed’s miniature hair products in the Marvelous Moisture gift pack is a brainless stocking stuffer that promises to keep hair hydrated, soft and glossy. $30 from Sephora (#01-05/06 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-8255, www.sephora.com).

Gloster Cloud Dual Height Coffee Table, $1,700 from Danish Design Co.
Lift-top panels can be raised to dining table height so you or your guest won’t have to stoop too low to dine in front of the TV.

Seleti Sending Animals Shelf, $9,987 from Fred Lives Here
This kitschy cow-shaped storage unit holds your kitchenware and even features a small flip-down countertop for food preparation.

Foscarini Solar Low Table, $2,172.10 from Xtra
Designed by Jean-Marie Massaud, this gorgeous hemispherical table is also a floor lamp that can be tilted (while remaining stable) at different angles to create different moods.

Stockholm Sofa Sleeper, $4,710 from BoConcept (#04-01 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6736-0777)
Turn your couch into a comfortable bed for overnight guests with this convertible and customizable two-seater.

Gateleg Dining Table, $549 from Crate & Barrel
Seating up to four people when fully extended, this classic slim piece is just 24cm wide, making it easy to stow away till your next party.

I am, by and large, a very optimistic person. Being enthusiastic and positive towards everything life throws at you is something my parents instilled into me.

As a kid, I wanted to be a policeman. I ran around wearing a small plastic British policeman’s helmet!

My dad was in the British Army, so I grew up moving from one country to another, never spending more than two years in one. I made friends, lost some and had to adapt to new environments constantly.

I knew my varied experience with different environment and cultures would provide me with a good start in my career outside of England. I found myself thriving in new roles and in different geographic locations.

When people ask me what it feels like to be such a successful entrepreneur, I never fail to mention that it is always lots of fun!

The Singapore property market is extremely dynamic and exciting, but at the same time, it can be quite baffling even to the most experienced of property investors.

Sometimes I see signs of complacency and arrogance creeping into PropertyGuru and it scares me. If we are to continue to succeed we’ll need to constantly improve, learn and innovate.

Chilling out is hard for me, but I am getting better! Weekdays are consumed by work. I read fiction on my Kindle at night to switch off, have dinner and drinks with my wife and friends on Friday or Saturday nights, and devote as much time as I can to my kids on the weekend.

My wife would say that I am collecting grey hairs!

I’ve been living in Singapore for eight years now, the longest I have lived anywhere. I love the weather, the people, the culture, the food and the quality of life.

Poverty and sickness, especially involving kids, is particularly upsetting for me. Having seen kids and families with no fresh water, no electricity, no education and basic food in our travels made me realize how incredibly fortunate we are.

This is why every year, our company focuses on giving back to society.

If I had to choose between love or money, it would be the love of my family, for sure. Money has never been that important to me, but I’m truly grateful that we now have more than we need.

Follow your dreams and do what you are really passionate about. Set out to create something that will change the world. Be prepared to take risks, make lots of mistakes and work without or with a low income for a few years— as I did. You’ll experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, sometimes all within the same day, but it’s all worth it.

ALESSI   
• 15% savings storewide   

APIVITA 
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
• Receive a S$20 voucher with a min. nett spend of S$100
Voucher is valid for use on next purchase with a min. nett spend of S$100 only. Other voucher T&Cs apply.

ATLAS SOUND & VISUAL
• Receive a S$50 voucher with every spend of S$1,000
Limited to a maximum of S$500 vouchers per American Express Card. Other voucher T&Cs apply.

BENJAMIN BARKER 
• 10% savings on "Made-to-Measure" Tailoring Services
Valid at Cineleisure Orchard #03-01 & Wheelock Place #02-11 only.

CAPITOL OPTICAL
• Receive a S$50 voucher with every spend of S$500 on frames and/or sunglasses in a single receipt
Voucher is valid for use on next purchase only. Other voucher T&Cs apply.

CITIGEMS  
• S$50 savings with every spend of S$500 in a single receipt
Valid on all jewellery including selected discounted items except Best Buys, 999 gold & standard chains.

CLUB MONACO  
• 10% savings on regular-priced items   

COSME DECORTE  
• 10% savings on Cosme Decorte AQ MW Repletion 4D Facial Lifting Serum
Valid at Cosme Decorte counters at Takashimaya and Isetan Scotts Beauty Hall Level 1. While stocks last. Kindly present your American Express Card at the beauty counter before payment at the cashier.

DANISH DESIGN CO
• Receive a S$50 voucher with every spend of S$500
Voucher is valid for use on next purchase with a min. spend of S$100 only. Other voucher T&Cs apply.

ECLARITY DIAMONDS 
• 15% savings storewide   

EPILIFE  
• 15% savings on Harmon Kardon products
Valid on all Harmon Kardon-branded products, unless otherwise stated. While stocks last.

ESCENTIALS 
• Receive a S$50 voucher with every spend of S$500
Voucher is valid for use on next purchase only. Other voucher T&Cs apply.

FURLA 
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at Changi Airport T1 Departure/Transit Lounge East #02-56.

GOLDHEART JEWELRY
• Additional 10% savings on gem-set jewellery, including sale items
Valid on gem-set jewellery at Goldheart ION Orchard & VivoCity only. Not valid on Great Value Buys, 916/999 gold products, nett-priced jewellery & standard chains. Other T&Cs apply.

HARRODS
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at Changi Airport T2 Departure/Transit Lounge South #026-115-01.

INTEGRATED EYECARE CENTRE
• Receive a S$50 voucher with every spend of S$500 on frames and/or sunglasses in a single receipt
Voucher is valid for use on next purchase only. Other voucher T&Cs apply.

KENKO REFLEXOLOGY & SPA
• 15% savings on Kenko Body Massage   

KIPLING  
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at Changi Airport T2 Departure/Transit Lounge South #026-115.

KIPLING/EASTPAK
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at Changi Airport T1 Departure/Transit Lounge West #02-29.

KOSÉ  
• 20% savings on KOSÉ INFINITY Realizing White XX, Lotion XX and Serum XX
Valid at all KOSÉ counters at major department stores: Takashimaya, Robinsons, Isetan, Metro, BHG, OG & John Little Jurong Point. While stocks last. Kindly present your American Express Card at the beauty counter before payment at the cashier.

LA PERLA 
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at Changi Airport T3 Departure/Transit Lounge South #02-25.

LEE HWA DIAMOND PROMENADE 
• Additional 10% savings on gem-set jewellery, including sale items
Valid at ION Orchard #B2-58 only. Not valid on 14K jewellery range, Fashion Indulgence range, Dazzling Solitaire Sale range & standard chains. Sale items are non-exchangeable and refundable.

LEE HWA JEWELLERY 
• Additional 10% savings on gem-set jewellery, including sale items
Valid at Parkway Parade #B1-96/97/98 only. Not valid on 14K jewellery range, Fashion Indulgence range, Dazzling Solitaire Sale range & standard chains. Sale items are non-exchangeable and refundable.

LESPORTSAC
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at Changi Airport T2 Departure/Transit Lounge North #026-095-01.

NATURE’S FARM®
• 15% savings on regular-priced housebrand health supplements
Valid on all regular-priced housebrand health supplements under Nature’s Farm, BioScience, Royal Essence, FoodSource, Power System, Slim Max, and Happy Kidz. Not valid for the purchase of foodstuff, beverages, manuka honey & selected items.

OPTICS MUNICH
• Receive a S$50 voucher with every spend of S$500 on frames and/or sunglasses in a single receipt
Voucher is valid for use on next purchase only. Other voucher T&Cs apply.

PAUL & SHARK
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at Changi Airport T1 Departure/Transit Lounge West #02-30 & Changi Airport T2 Departure/Transit Lounge North #026-092.

PROMOD
• Receive a S$20 voucher with a min. spend of S$100
• Receive a S$50 voucher with every spend of S$500
Both privileges cannot be used simultaneously. Voucher is valid for use on next purchase only. Other voucher T&Cs apply.

SHINAGAWA OPTICAL
• Receive a S$50 voucher with every spend of S$500 on frames and/or sunglasses in a single receipt
Voucher is valid for use on next purchase only. Other voucher T&Cs apply.

SPAYURI 
• 15% savings on Spayuri Body Massage   

SPECIALIST EYECARE CENTRE
• Receive a S$50 voucher with every spend of S$500 on frames and/or sunglasses in a single receipt
Voucher is valid for use on next purchase only. Other voucher T&Cs apply.

STUDIOTANGS/MARTINA PINK
• 15% savings on regular-priced items
• Additional 10% savings on sale items
Valid at TANGS Orchard Level 2, TANGS VivoCity Level 1 & Great World City #01-05.

SULTANS OF SHAVE
• 10% savings* on all products and services
• Receive a S$50 voucher with every spend of S$500
*Not valid on purchase of Store Credit Packages [S$500 Deluxe Package or S$1,000 Sultan’s Package] or purchase of gift vouchers.

TAKA JEWELLERY
• Additional 10% savings on selected sale items
Valid on sale items with 50% discount only.

TANG+CO
• 15% savings on regular-priced items
• Additional 10% savings on sale items
Valid at TANGS Orchard Level 2 & 3.

THE DIAMOND ATELIER BY LEE HWA JEWELLERY
• Additional 10% savings on gem-set jewellery, including sale items
Valid at VivoCity #01-193 only. Not valid on 14K jewellery range, Fashion Indulgence range, Dazzling Solitaire Sale range & standard chains. Sale items are non-exchangeable and refundable.

THE EASTERN WATCH
• S$25 savings with every spend of S$250 on regular-priced items
• S$50 savings with a min. spend of S$500 in a single receipt
Both privileges cannot be used stimultaneously.

THE OPTIQUE
• Receive a S$50 voucher with every spend of S$500 on frames and/or sunglasses in a single receipt
Voucher is valid for use on next purchase only. Other voucher T&Cs apply.

TIANPO JEWELLERY
• Additional 10% savings on sale items
Valid on items with discounts up to 40%. Not valid with purchase of 916, 999 Gold, Hearts On Fire, Marco Bicego, Yvel & standard chains.

TOMMY HILFIGER 
• 10% savings on regular-priced items with a min. spend of S$300 nett in a single receipt
Valid at Changi Airport T3 Departure/Transit Lounge North #02-47.

W OPTICS
• Receive a S$50 voucher with every spend of S$500 on frames and/or sunglasses in a single receipt
Voucher is valid for use on next purchase only. Other voucher T&Cs apply.

Discover the joys of Christmas with American Express Selects® from now to 31 Dec 2013 at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands®.

6FIVE BARCODE 
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B1-145.

7 FOR ALL MANKIND
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B2-109 & ION Orchard #B1-07.

ANNE FONTAINE
• 50% savings on selected items
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #01-25 & Scotts Square #01-01/02. Valid on items with a “50% savings for American Express Card Members” sticker on the price tag only.

BREAD & BUTTER
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B2-14 & Mandarin Gallery #01-10 & #02-11.

CAMPER
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B2-13 & all stores islandwide.

CHARRIOL
• 15% savings on timepieces and jewellery
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #01-55A & all stores islandwide.

CHOCOLATES.CANDY.DELICATESSEN  
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B2-57.

CRABTREE & EVELYN® 
• S$20 savings with a min. spend of S$200 nett on regular-priced items
Valid from 19 Nov - 31 Dec 2013 at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B2-17A, VivoCity #01-09 & Suntec City #01-320 only.

EPICENTRE
• 15% savings on Harmon Kardon products
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B2-60 & all stores islandwide. Valid on all Harmon Kardon-branded products, unless otherwise stated. While stocks last.

EVISU 
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B2-110 & Paragon #02-19.

GNC 
• 20% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B2-58 & all stores islandwide. Not valid on foodstuff & selected items.

JUICY COUTURE
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B2-86/87 & Takashimaya Shopping Centre #B1-41/47/48.

KENKO REFLEXOLOGY & FISH SPA
• 50% savings* on 2nd session of Fish Spa purchased.
• 15% savings on Kenko Body Massage.
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #01-15 & all Kenko Reflexology & Fish Spa outlets only. *Valid when Fish Spa is purchased for 2 persons, with 1st session purchased at full price only.

OPI STORE
• 15% savings* on regular-priced items & a la carte services^
• Receive a S$20 voucher# with a min. spend of S$100
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B2-K4 & all stores islandwide. *Not valid on promotional items & service packages. ^Valid at Millenia Walk P3-25 & Forum The Shopping Mall #02-26/27. #Voucher is valid for use on next visit only. Other voucher T&Cs apply.

PAUL & SHARK
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B1-80 & Scotts Square #01-08.

PIERRE BALMAIN
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #01-22/23/24 & Scotts Square #01-11.

ROYAL SELANGOR 
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B2-92 & all stores islandwide, except at Takashimaya & TANGS. Not valid on limited edition items.

SHANGHAI TANG 
• Receive a S$50 voucher with every spend of S$500 on regular-priced items in a single receipt
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B1-12, Ngee Ann City #03-06/07 & Raffles City #01-28/29. Voucher is valid for use on the next purchase with a min. spend of S$200 on regular-priced items only. Other voucher T&Cs apply.

SPECTACLE HUT
• 20% savings on selected frames and sunglasses 
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B1-81A, #B2-45 & all stores islandwide. Not valid on price-controlled items. Please check in-store for more details.

TRUE RELIGION 
• 10% savings on regular-priced items
Valid at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B2-111 & all stores islandwide.

Womenswear

hansel
Jo Soh’s quirky label turns 10 this season and the designer is celebrating this milestone with a quintessentially Singaporean collection. Full of kitschy charm, it features prints of hand-drawn HDB buildings set against a backdrop of happy hues like sky blue and sunset yellow. Classic, feminine cuts and lightweight fabrics keeps clothes practical. $99 upwards at #02-14 Mandarin Gallery, 6836-5367, www.ilovehansel.com.

In Good Company (IGC)
The tailored-minimalist aesthetic has been the defining look for IGC since the beginning but, this time, the label’s founders-designers have gone a step further with new fabric treatments. Hemlines and edges are cleaner, thanks to a bonding technique that gives soft cottons structure without adding bulk. $89 upwards at the IGC pop-up store, TANGS Orchard, 310 Orchard Rd., 6737-5500, www.ingoodcompany.asia.

YOUYOU
One-year-old local label Youyou’s third collection for fall is, fittingly, named light. Breezy, luxurious fabrics are pleated and twisted and ruffled to inject volume to boxy silhouettes, while pastel colors and shimmering fabric complete the overall feminine look. Not too big on color? Play it safe with their comfy, black and white staples. $59 upwards at Threadbare & Squirrel, 660 North Bridge Rd., 6396-6738, www.iloveyouyou.com.

Menswear

Foon Foono
Visual artist Foon, who has been crafting leather bags since 2011, is now onto menswear, and his recently launched first collection is steered in a different direction. While there are echoes of a sharp, fuss-free aesthetic like his pared-down accessories, the new collection steals the show with surreal prints of sea creatures on its T-shirts. $89 upwards at Matchbox, #02-20 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6884-4396, www.foonoart.blogspot.com.

Reckless Ericka
The color palette for Reckless Ericka’s latest collection may be subdued, however the clothes are anything but. Inspired by the film The Grey and Japanese animation Princess Mononoke, the label’s signature suiting is given a softer, quirky spin with rope details, drapes and a slightly exaggerated silhouette.  Just perfect for the fashion-forward dandy. $139 upwards at The Reckless Shop, #02-08/09 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6338-8246, www.recklessericka.com.

Coupé-cousu
Head honchos Alex Yeo and Xie Shangqian put the fun back into classic tailoring with geometric patterns like herringbone and polka dots, cast in gradient hues from bright to dark on shirts. Completing the look are dress pants and blazers, some of which even feature edgy patchworks. $79 upwards at PARCO next NEXT, 2/F Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., 6595-9100, www.coupecousu.com.
 

How can you improve sound quality at home without purchasing new gadgets?
If you are playing your digital music on your phone or laptop, make sure that the audio file is ripped in the highest quality. Carpets, curtains and soft wall coverings absorbs sounds so it doesn’t bounce off the walls

What about setting up a home-theater system?
The best option is to get a professional set it up for you since there are a lot to consider, like the size of the space. But if you’re doing it on your own, take note that speakers should be at ear level, or playing towards ear level. Subwoofers should preferably be location in the front of the area. The quality of the center speaker is very important as it plays all the vocals and speech.

Does size matter?
Yes, bigger speakers are typically better than a smaller one, because of the size of the cabinet and the speaker drivers. A bigger interior space also requires a more powerful sound system, like a bigger car needs a more powerful engine. It’s physics, really.