The buzz: A new, quite literally underground, vintage retailer next door to The Little Dröm Store.

The vibe: Its inconspicuousness only adds to the intrigue. You might miss it if you’re not paying attention. Green and white walls, parquet floors and neatly arranged racks of apparel bathed in warm lighting greet you at the bottom of two flights of stairs. The spacious layout of the store makes for a pleasant shopping experience, and friendly shop owners Jasmine and Ashley are always ready to offer recommendations.

The goods: We love that some of their clothes are arranged according to themes like colors and patterns, and that items are conveniently sorted into three categories—Thrift, Premium and Vintage. All thrift goods are priced at a pocket-friendly $16.95. A red Ferragamo satchel ($250) and a Christian Lacroix dress hang on the vintage racks, as do unisex vintage items such as plaid shirts ($39.95). Assorted thingamajigs like stationery and love candies are on offer too.

Why you’ll be back: To enjoy rooting out underground treasures, away from prying eyes. Ong Miaw Hui

#B1-01, 7 Ann Siang Hill. Open Tue-Thu noon-9pm; Fri-Sat noon-10:30pm.

Best New Handphone: iPhone 4

Steve Jobs and Co’s fourth iPhone iteration is by far the most impressive we’ve seen, and you evidently think so, too. Despite some minor setbacks at the start (signal strength and antenna issues), its sleek design, speedier processor and new features are hard to fault. Although, by the time you read this, you’ll probably already be playing with your shiny new iPhone 5.

Most Useful Local iPhone App: HungryGoWhere

You’ve got a date and desperately need to suss out the best place in town to make that important first impression. What do you do? Turn on your trusty HungryGoWhere app of course. Featuring over 6,000 restaurants, cafes and stalls with over 40,000 user-generated reviews, you will never go hungry again. www.hungrygowhere.com

Best Tech Store In Town: Challenger

Nineteen locations (and two more coming up) stocking all manner of the latest gadgetry to keep you tech junkies sated. Who else but the island’s biggest repository of all things tech and geeky was going to clinch this award? And from this month on, you will be able to geek out around the clock as Challenger will be the first dedicated IT retailer to open its doors 24 hours a day. Along with making its selection of IT gadgets available after dark, the store provides 24-hour customer service for late night tech support needs. www.challenger.com.sg

Most Overhyped Gadget: Apple iPad

We’re pretty sure most of you got sucked into the hype of a revolutionary new “magical” device, at an “unbelievable” price last year. Yeah. Although most of you probably use it to play Angry Birds or amuse yourselves with Talking Tom, no one can deny that this oversized iPhone has, over the past few months, been a game-changer in the world of tablet computing. Still, without features such as a USB port, Flash support and multitasking, it’s just a shiny paperweight. Sure, the iPad 2 comes with cameras, but there's still work to be done.

Best Camera: Canon Powershot S95

Boasting stellar image quality and professional-level features all in a pint-sized package, it's no wonder that you picked Canon’s Powershot S95 as your new favorite. In addition to boasting the 720p HD video people have long been asking for, the S95 also features an in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode for easily creating those eye-popping shots.

Best Netbook: Sony Vaio Y Series

It’s not as thin or as powerful as some of the other netbooks out there but it sure looks good. In true Sony fashion, the little brother of the Vaio S-series comes in a rainbow of colors and the baked-in Vaio Media Plus software allows you to share media between the laptop and other devices, such as a PlayStation 3 or your TV.

Asia’s Best Airline: Singapore Airlines

Was there ever any doubt? From Bandar Seri Begawan to Barcelona and everywhere in-between (now including Sao Paolo), Singapore Airlines stands tall as one of the world’s premier carriers. www.singaporeair.com

Favorite Budget Airline: AirAsia

Tony Fernandes and company are never short on ideas. In less than a decade, AirAsia has gone from new budget carrier to one of the world’s favorite airlines, budget or otherwise. You know it’s a force to be reckoned with when you see its name on referee’s jerseys and billboards in the legendary stadiums of English football. www.airasia.com

Asia’s Best Hotel: Banyan Tree

With 16 resorts around the world, Ho Kwon Ping’s Banyan Tree chain has redefined the way people view luxury getaways. Private villas, exclusive locations and unrivalled views are hallmarks of Banyan Tree’s properties. Two new resorts in China will open this year, followed by six in 2012 spread across India, Vietnam, Portugal and China once more. www.banyantree.com

Best Boutique Hotel: Wanderlust

Hotelier Loh Lik Peng’s creation, which followed Hotel 1929 and New Majestic Hotel is a tribute to modern design and the theme of each floor here was conceptualized by artists and cutting-edge local design firms. With quirky furniture, rooms separated into categories like Pantone, Mono and Whimsical, an excellent French-ish eatery downstairs, Kiehl’s toiletries and an open-air Jacuzzi, this win is no surprise at all. 2 Dickson Rd., 6396-3322, www.wanderlusthotel.com.

Best Business Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore

While it’s finely placed between Marina Bay and the CBD, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore offers much more than breathtaking views. Great dining options (Summer Pavilion), bars (Chihuly Lounge) and some of the best concierges in the business, the place has it all. 7 Raffles Ave., 6337-8888, www.ritzcarlton.com.

Best Weekend Getaway: Bali

Rabid dogs, overcrowded beaches and traffic jams that Jakarta would balk at haven’t put you off; Bali still comes out tops when you need to take a quick break.

Best Gym: True Fitness

We like the fact that they’ve got fitness facilities for every personality (varying types of gym equipment, a wealth of expertise, all types of dance classes and even separate cardio areas for the ladies) and aren’t ridiculously priced. So, it would seem, do you. #07-001 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Blvd., 6820-9000 and other locations, www.truefitness.com.sg.

Best Yoga Studio: True Yoga

Besides an extensive variety of classes ranging from Yogalates to Bollywood and fusion dance, True Yoga also boasts the most flexible opening hours in Singapore, with studios open daily from 7am to 11pm—perfect for those with erratic working hours. 4/F Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Rd., 6733-9555, www.trueyoga.com.sg.

Best Spa: Spa Botanica

If you don’t have time for a real vacation, this opulent and well-equipped tropical spa getaway on Sentosa island isn’t a bad substitute. A day spent at the outdoor treatment pavilions equipped with their own gardens or in the Royal Spa Botanica Suite is a luxury like no other. 2 Bukit Manis Rd., 6371-1318, www.spabotanica.com

Fitness Trend to Beat: Hot Yoga

It was everywhere this year and despite the fact that it can leave you feeling nauseous and that the room smells like intestines by the time you're done, its popularity shows no signs of letting up.

Best Fragrance: Calvin Klein Beauty

Fit for drama queens, this one’s gentle on the skin yet extravagantly floral—we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Concert of the Year: Singfest

Fifteen great acts for the price of one—including legends like Smashing Pumpkins, Kanye West, Ian Brown and Kool & The Gang. And Katy Perry. www.singfest.sg.

Director of the Year: Royston Tan

The enfant terrible of the local film industry may not have released a feature film since 2008's 12 Lotus, but his directorial debut on stage with Broadway Beng last year and the upcoming adaptation of 881 is testament to his broad appeal and staying power.

Best Band: Electrico

Singapore’s most popular and rocking pop-rock band, ever. www.electricomusic.com.

Best Arts Event: Singapore Arts Festival

From the obscure (Eonnagata) to the popular (Joshua Bell)—the longstanding arts fest is still the grand dame to beat. www.singaporeartsfest.com.

Best Museum: National Museum of Singapore

This is the only local museum which offers a consistent program fusing contemporary art shows (Christian Lacroix), classics (Pompeii) and movie screenings—making it a well-rounded and worthwhile visit every time. 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-3659, www.nationalmuseum.sg.

Artist of the Year: :Phunk Studio

The foursome have managed to bridge the boundary between high art, street art and graphic design—selling their much coveted screenprints from Singapore to Shanghai to New York, and back. Well done, boys. www.phunkstudio.com.

Best Blog: Mr Brown

Mr. Brown is not a ranter or raver, he doesn’t churn out posts about the parties he attends and he doesn’t put up photos of himself trying on clothes in a changing room. He offers his take on the important things that happen in Singapore, whether it’s the Budget, the General Elections, $200,000 stingrays, bringing up kids or, most recently, a purported letter warning NTU hall residents against masturbating in showers. That’s why you love him. www.mrbrown.com.

Favorite Brand: Hansel

Balancing wearability and fun, Hansel’s Jo Soh consistently turns out seasonal collections with gorgeous details, frills and colorful prints that are a hit among the young and fabulous as well as working professionals. Read our interview with the intrepid designer, Jo Soh of Hansel. #02-14 Mandarin Gallery, Meritus Mandarin Orchard, 333 Orchard Rd., 6337-0992, www.ilovehansel.com.

Best International Label: Topshop/Topman

You can always count on British high-street label Topshop/Topman for the season’s choice cuts and trends at affordable prices, and their latest flagship store is the largest outside of the UK and US. #01-05/06 Knightsbridge, 270 Orchard Rd., 6733-8912, and other locations.

Best New Mall: ION Orchard

With choice new openings (Oroton) and classic staples (Dior) still packing in shopaholics, and a slew of lifestyle and dining choices, ION Orchard is Singapore’s best mall in a long, long time. 2 Orchard Turn, 6238-8228, www.ionorchard.com.

Best Indie Boutique: Blackmarket

Proprietor Jasmine Tuan has been peppering her indie fashion store with some of the freshest Asian labels like Nikicio and Sunday since her 2008 debut around hip Haji Lane. Proof of her success: The second, 1,500 sq. ft. space at Orchard Central, with even more new labels and finds. #02-10 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6634-5201, www.theblackmarket.sg.

Best Fashion Trend: Preppy

Chino pants, check. Oxford shirt, check. Madras shoes, check. Preppy is the look of choice for our fashionably forward readers this year.

Best Bookstore: Kinokuniya

The troubled Borders may offer more competitive deals, but it’s Kinokuniya’s wide range of hardcovers, paperbacks and magazines that bowled you over. So what if you have to pay a little bit more? Check back next year to see if Books Actually's move to Tiong Bahru will finally see a triumph for indie retailers in this category. #03-09/10/15 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6737-5021.