6 Good Reasons Why Online Shopping Rocks
12 years ago
Buying online is already second-nature for most of us. But even in the digital world we still tend to have our go-to stores, our oft-repeated gripes and a reluctance to look around the corner. If only someone could give us a good reason to dig around, some sense of which sites are really worth it and tell us what’s new in e-town! So, in the absence of anyone else doing it for us, we’ve dug around to bring you 10 great reasons and some 50 sites (many of them local) to shake up your online shopping experience.
Support Local Designers
There’s at least two great reasons to go local. Firstly you’re helping support the scene in the face of fierce international competition. And if that’s not reason enough, you’ll save a packet on shipping!
Dresstronomy has a great selection of evening dresses and bags designed by young and talented upstarts Tylda Tan and Patricia Teo for less than $100, and there’s even a sale section for those looking for more value-for-money pieces.
For cool, collectible T-shirts that won’t burn a hole in your wallet, 9Fountains (left) features limited edition prints from both established and young graphic designers, starting from just $30. They also boast a capsule collection where you can pre-order special collaboration pieces from noted artists like Singapore-based Steve Lawler, which are produced in very small quantities using premium Japanese cotton. Shana Logic also has a great range of locally designed tees, as well artworks and accessories by new designers. It’s also an impressively convenient site to shop at, with categories organized according to price range.
If you’re already a fan of local brands like alldressedup, Burgundy and Vice & Vanity, you can easily purchase their latest creations via Shop The Mag. Not only are the pieces here the most up-to-date and cohesive, you can also check out other hard-to-find Asian labels like Malaysia’s Khoon Hooi and Thailand’s The Only Son while you’re here.
And if you’d rather shop at these labels’ own sites (with what you pay for going directly to the designers), click on alldressedup for its current Spring/Summer and discounted past season collections of women’s ready-to-wear and accessories, Hansel for designer Jo Soh’s latest vintage-inspired Spring/Summer dresses, and cool men’s tees, shirts and pants from Sifr (right), which are chic, smart and eminently wearable.
Find Cult Labels
Singapore’s a sucker for stuff no-one else is wearing, and shopping online gives you access to a fantastic array of cult, hard-to-find labels that are not stocked at physical stores here.
For menswear, new multi-label site Haven is one of the best, carrying lesser known brands like emerging shoe specialist Diemme, funky streetwear-influenced Human Made and casual wear brand Nonnative; while Hong Kong-based Concept Shop is great for past season collections and one-off collections of brands like Head Porter, Visvim and Number Nine. Mr. Porter (left), the menswear offshoot of the legendary Net-a-Porter site for designer womenswear, and only launched a couple of months back, also comes highly recommended for its collection of close to 100 designer brands, including Lanvin, Jimmy Choo, Bottega Veneta and Maison Martin Margiela, with pieces exclusive to the site. Ditto Oki-ni, which carries the complete ready-to-wear collections of brands White Mountaineering and Raf Simons, previously unavailable here.
For womenswear, we love Shop It To Me, which even has a personal shopper component and close to 900 labels to choose from—take your pick from everything from Alexander Wang to Zac Posen. Ladies will also love the range of the clothes at La Garconne and Opening Ceremony, the former chockfull of brands like Proenza Schouler and in-house brand La Gaconne Moderne, and the latter great for brands like Rodarte which cannot be found in stores locally.
Be Your Own Tailor
Once you’ve worn a custom-fitted suit, there’s only one thing that’ll make you go back to the rack: price. Yet, strange as it may seem, a number of online retailers have developed innovative platforms offering made-to-measure services at high street (or less) prices.
Both Indochino and Light in the Box (above) provide step-by-step video guides to assist you in quickly setting up your measurement profile—the former specializing in men’s shirts and jackets, the latter in haute couture and wedding gowns. For the men, Indochino offers sexy chambray shirts (from US$79 [$100]) that allows you to customize your collar type, cuffs, and even monogramming your initials at no extra charge. Choose a myriad of dresses from Light in the Box from US$198 ($250) and get them customized for a small fee of US$30 ($38).
For shoes and bags, we love Timbuk 2 and Timberland which allow you to completely customize your item. Timbuk2 takes customization to a whole new level, allowing you to choose from your preferred bag type and size, colors and fabrics (50 options available), binding, lining and logo colors from US$39 ($50).
Keep It Discreet
No matter how old you get, there are some things you’d rather not have people see you buy. One such example is the Universal Sex Swing Stand ($450) from Mr & Mrs Smith The Couple Store, a free-standing steel support that can hold up to 400 pounds of weight. The same store also stocks great gift ideas like their Sweet Celebrations Box ($219), which can easily pass off as a case of potpourri but actually contains vanilla-scented massage oils and body soufflé, delicious-sounding lubricants and even a large puff containing sparkle dust—charming.
If you’re on the quest for something more portable, both Shop Intimates and Sensual Lifestyle stock a fantastic range of sex enhancers—if you need them, they’re bound to have them.
Amazing Savings On Books, Beauty and More
Sure, we all know that shopping online is cheaper, but you might be surprised by just how much. And it ain’t just clothes.
For 30-70 percent savings on designer bags and accessories, go straight to Reebonz (right), which holds periodical sales (just sign up and you’ll be notified through emails and newsletters) for labels like Burberry, Chloe, Miu Miu and Valentino. A signature Chloe Paraty shoulder bag costs close to $4,500 at regular stores, but over at the site, they’re available for just $3,295. Pieces are mostly one-offs so you’ve got to act fast—but hey, that’s a small price to pay for huge discounts like that.
Two of our favorite Singapore-based online bookstores Open Trolley and NoQ are also great for hugely discounted books, averaging 20-40 percent cheaper than from physical stores.
For beauty products and supplements (why not buy them online? An eye blusher is an eye blusher, after all), head to Best Buy World, Luxola. The Supplement Warehouse which offer a great range of cosmetics and health and fitness products for both men and women, averaging 20 percent cheaper than at the stores. Spend more than $35 at Luxola for example, and you’ll get an additional 35 percent off. Now that’s healthy shopping.
Spare Your Shoulders
Beds, bikes and bookcases might not be the first buy you think of buying online, but let’s face it, when was the last time you enjoyed a trip to IKEA? Save on traveling time and shop for bulky items from the comfort of home and have them delivered right to your doorstep. Beds and furniture can be purchased and delivered via Beds and Furniture Mart. Think designer bed frames, coffee tables, television consoles, kitchen cabinets and even bar furniture—all without breaking a sweat.
For cycling and sports enthusiasts, you can shop for vintage-inspired items like the Flying Pigeon bike available through the good folks at Deki Bike. Choose from a gent’s bike (from $151) or lady’s bike (from $196) complete with hi-ten steel painted frames, U-shape steel handle, front and back mudguard, back carrier and chain cover.
Even limited edition art pieces and original works are available for purchase online. Local art gallery Vue Privée offers you prints and original artworks from just $80, featuring works from artists like Burton Machen, Olivier Henry and Inga Beckmann that will look great in the living room.
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Initiated by a former fashion designer who fell in love with ancient Thai skincare folk remedies and techniques, Erb repackages grandma’s secret beauty treatments and recipes for a modern lifestyle. Their secret is to create high-end skincare products that utilize natural, local ingredients with hidden restorative benefits. 
From The Body Shop-style packaging you might think this was yet another imported brand, but Gla skincare products are 100% Thai and made from Asian herbs and natural essential oils. Their best selling items are their shampoos, designed for four different hair types, a body moisturizer with shea butter and rice bran oil and an aloe vera lip balm.
Starting out with a range of natural rice bran oil soaps a decade ago, Harnn is Thailand’s leader in spa/skincare products. While they still sell soaps, their product range has now expanded to include massage balms and bath oils, shampoos, conditioners and more, all utilizing natural ingredients from pepper and green tea to jasmine and lavender. 
Available at luxury spas and stores across the world and featured in top magazines, including Vogue, Pañpuri’s success comes from blending centuries-old Thai wellness traditions with fine ingredients and elegant design. The result is a wide range of world-class spa products. Exclusive body and facial treatments are also offered in two private rooms hidden in their flagship store at Gaysorn. 
Handmade and chemical free, Soap Villa’s range of soaps contain rice bran and coconut oils and are made using a cold process which takes up to six weeks but ensures the finished product is long-lasting and creates a rich lather. Current options include tomato, mung bean and mangosteen. They also do body lotions and lip balms and some nice gift sets.
Initially known for its aromatherapy-focused spa products, like scented candles and oils, Thann has now expanded to include skincare products, facial serums, lip balms and even their own range of herbal teas.
The Toyota Fortuner now comes in “super white” (yes, it’s a color), but only for the 2.5 G and 2.5 V models. As for the new in-car navigator, you’ll have to splurge on the 3.0 Navi V to get it. Still running on benzene and diesel, the 16-valve engine produces up to 163 horsepower in its 3-liter version. The new front light, tail light, console and front grille, give it a more minimal yet sporty design. Available in white, silver, dark grey, dark steel, black, gold and super white at Toyota showrooms nationwide. Try Phithan Toyota, 292 Surawong Rd., 02-973-1268-9. Open daily 8am-5pm.
After the successful launch of the 2008 Honda City, Honda finally rolls out a minor update. Still running on E20 fuel with a 16-valve engine producing 120 horsepower, this facelift is all about looks. The model comes with a new front grille, front and rear bumper, and a new tail light, for a sportier, more current look. The interior too has undergone some changes such as the new chrome color console as well as the redesigned speedometer with a more futuristic look. Available in black, white, metallic, silver, and two new colors red and brown at Honda showrooms nationwide. Try Phra Ram 3 Group Honda Automobile, 358 Narathiwas Rd., 02-285-2244. Open daily from 9am-5pm.
This Nissan Teana revamp makes better use of the interior space and offers a more driver-friendly interface. Still supporting the E20 fuel with 24 and 16 valve engines producing up to 182 horsepower, changes on the exterior include a new front grille, tail light and fog light. On the inside, there are more compartments, a new speedometer design, multi-information display and a new air-conditioning and stereo system control design. Available at Nissan showrooms nationwide. Try Siam Kolakarn Trading, 2236 Petchburi Rd., 02-718-0691-3. Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm.
On paper, the new Toyota Prius sounds pretty exciting. The new LED headlights are more durable, use less electricity and come with a headlight wiper for snowy days or off-road driving (useful in this town). The LED taillight gives it a sportier look, as do the 15-inch alloy wheels. But what we love is the multi-information display on the console which has all these little animations of how your car is creating or storing energy in real time. The new Prius also comes with traction control and an electronic gear shift. It produces 136 horsepower. Available in white, light blue, silver, black and blackish red at The 2012 Motor Expo and Toyota showrooms nationwide soon. 1.8 liter; B1.19-1.36 million. Available at Phithan Toyota, 292 Surawong Rd., 02-973-1268-9. Open daily 8am-5pm. 
Korean car manufacturer Hyundai rolls out its latest model, the 2012 North American Car of the Year, the Hyundai Elantra. Producing 150 horsepower with a 16-valve engine, the Elantra comes with 17-inch race edition alloy wheels and a curvy design. Inside, you get front electric seats adjustable in 10 directions, a futuristic looking console, button start system and an illuminated speedometer. Outside, the body structure is made of ultra high tensile strength steel, which is both strong and lightweight. Available in white, silver, black, red and light blue in 1.8 liter; B899,000-1.198 million at Hyundai showrooms nationwide.
Mitsubishi launches its first eco car, the Mirage, with a 22 km/liter fuel consumption. Apart from the small 12-valve engine, the Mirage compares favorably to bigger models: seven-inch DVD player and navigation system, automatic air conditioning (GLS Ltd model only), keyless operating system (GLS Ltd only) and an automatic head lamp shutoff system. Other interesting features are the use of high-tensile steel for the light-weight body and a new gearbox that lowers resistance when shifting. Available in eight colors such as white, yellow, green, red and black at Mitsubishi showrooms nationwide. Try Mitsu Sathorn, 40/1 North Sathorn Rd., 02-633-8092-5. Open Mon-Sat 8:30am-5:30pm.
The first sedan eco car in Thailand, uses a special platform design that’s lighter without compromising solidity. Looking like a blend between the Teana and the Tida, the Almera is pretty big on the inside. Producing 79 horsepower with a 12-valve engine, the highlights of the Almera include the idle stop system that automatically disengages the engine transmission, automatic air-conditioning and the engine start system—nice options in this price range. Available in bronze, silver, black, white, red and blue at Nissan showrooms nationwide. Siam Kolakarn Trading, 2236 Petchburi Rd., 02-718-0691-3. Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm.
It might look like nothing much has changed, but this little rascal packs a newfound punch. Producing 94 horsepower with its 16-valve engine (pretty impressive for an eco car), the Swift’s surprisingly roomy interior boasts a speedometer and consoles that look much better than the competition’s. The new Swift is also packed with an improved suspension system. Available in red, blue, copper, black, white, silver and grey at Suzuki showrooms nationwide. Siam International Corporation, 5/15 Phayathai Rd., 02-245-1171. Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm.