#03-12A Mandarin Gallery, 333 Orchard Rd., 6333-6630.

What started out as a smallish push-cart store has evolved into a boutique space that stocks rare vintage finds. Déjà Vu Vintage, founded by owner Kelly Yeo a few months ago, has undergone a royal makeover. More chi-chi and quirkier than ever, the new store stocks 1940s to 1980s clothes, bags and handmade accessories imported from the US, Europe, Australia and Japan. Yeo travels to these countries to source for the pieces herself, so shoppers are assured that each piece is special and one-off. Look hard enough, and you will find vintage pieces from Carolina Herrera, Dior and even sports brand Asics. Are you ready to step back in time?

#01-60 VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, 6270-5665.

This is probably the hippest eyecare store in Singapore. The 4,000 sq. ft. Integrated Eyecare Centre (IEC) stocks around 3,000 styles of eyewear pieces, but what we like about it is the fact that they are all arranged via to suit different types of individuals. Sporty types can check out the wide array of Oakley range from the Sports section, while the more fashion conscious must visit, where else, but the In Style corner, featuring brands like Dior and Gucci, among many others. There’s even designated in-store boutique corners for brands like the brilliant and extensive range for Alain Mikli, Cartier and Chanel. What’s more, monthly themed display and fashion shows will be held in the store—Alain Mikli is already booked for a show sometime next year. How hip can you get?

Over our 11 years of eating our way through our city’s restaurants, we’ve noticed a trend in diners. Particular restaurants seem to draw a particular type of clientele, who are not defined by age or race, but rather, by something more intangible. We spent some time checking them out and discovered there are five types of Singapore diner. So what type are you?

Glamour Puss

Someone who likes to be seen at the latest hot spots, to drop the names of the most fabulous restaurants, and who personally knows the owners everywhere. These are people who have already been to the choicest and most chic new restaurants before you’ve even read about them, and will like to brag about how they thought “the foie gras at so-and-so weren’t as good as the oysters at such-and-such.”

What gets them in: Any place that’s hip, new and happening is a magnet for the glamour puss. Typically these are the restaurants with the coolest interiors, slickest look, most awesome views and, of course, are filled with the most beautiful people.

Oh, and anywhere where there’s a dress code and bookings are essential may also very well make it into the list. They go to all those places we’ve all heard about: Some of us may have been to a few, but very few of us have been to them all.
Most probably seen at: Il Lido, Graze, PS Cafe.

Power Suit

Like the Glamour Puss, the Power Suit has usually been to most of the hottest restaurants in town, just often with a larger budget. Bankers, traders and business people are some of the best dining experts in town and know all the best restaurant menus like the back of their hands. But unlike the transient and uncommitted Glamour Puss, they entertain so much that they’ve been around, and know a really good meal when they see it, rather than being enticed by the beautiful surrounds.

What gets them in: Any place that’s decent enough to entertain clients, has a strong wine list and serves really top notch cuisine that will impress. As well as checking out the new players, Power Suits usually like to go where the food is consistently and reliably notable. Having spot-on service usually helps too.

Most probably seen at: Saint Pierre, La Strada.

Old School

A.k.a. Food Snobs. These are people who don’t care about what the place looks like, what the service is like, or where the restaurant is located; they will go anywhere for good food. They know which hawker stall in which centre sells the best this or that, they refuse to eat at anywhere that’s not on their list of the best of the best and they will wait for hours for their food, always somewhat smugly imparting their culinary critique on the meal at the end.

What gets them in: One thing and one thing only: Truly amazing food. If it’s not the best you’ve ever had, they won’t be there. And be very careful about recommending something to a Food Snob. If it’s substandard, they’ll tear it apart. In fact, expect any meal with them to be accompanied by a constant stream of commentary. For example, “The nasi lemak is OK lah, but needs more coconut and there’s too much ikan bilis.” And the more out of the way, inaccessible and unheard of, the better. Old School foodies don’t care about what’s hot or not, so fashion doesn’t effect them (in fact, they think they get a bit of kudos if the restaurant is an unknown), and they tend to have their faves that they return to again and again.

Most probably seen at: Ristorante Da Valentino, Jason’s Penang Cuisine and many others that they won’t tell you about.

Penny Pinchers

OK, so tight wads are funny about money in all parts of their lives, but we do think they’re particularly annoying when it comes to restauranting. They might be hard to spot at first (you may even go though a whole meal before you realize you’re dining with one) but they consistently spoil any dinner out by making a fuss over the cheque. We know we’re not all made of money, but these are the kinds of people who’ll quarrel over splitting the bill evenly because they ordered vegetarian food rather than meat, who are always quick to point out they should pay less because they didn’t order a dessert, and who just make an overall dining experience with them damn unpleasant.

What gets them in: Anything that’s value for money. The cheaper the better. They particularly favor buffets (they’re the ones with their plates piled high with seafood) and hawker centres and their first response to an invitation out is to ask “how much?”. Avoid like the plague.

Most probably seen at: NUS Canteens, any ulu neighborhood hawker centre.

Food Philistine

These people don’t read I-S Magazine for the dining section, don’t know spaghetti from noodles and think that defrosting something from 7-Eleven is an adequate meal. These are people who are not foodies. They think the best burgers come from a fast food chain, they don’t question the presence of sausage in a pizza crust and they place no importance in a meal whatsoever. Whether they eat potato crisps or truffles for dinner, it makes no difference to them.

What gets them in: Usually they dine wherever is most convenient. Anywhere that doesn’t have a queue and isn’t too expensive will do, lah. While these unfussy eaters might be easy to please, for the true foodie, eating with them is frustratingly disappointing. They never get excited over their meal and they never go into ecstasies about the dessert, which all makes for a rather unsatisfying restaurant experience.

Most probably seen at: 7-Eleven, Cheers, the stall with the shortest queue at the hawker centre.

1. Visual Design

If you’re looking to add a little pizzazz to your living room, you don’t have to get funky artworks. Instead, pick up something from the new line of a TV sets from Taiwanese electronics outfit Hannspree. The collection of flat-screen 9.6” to 23” LCD sets, which comes in three categories, is looking to revolutionize the way we look at TV with cool and weird designs. Prices start at $599 and the sets are available at the Hanspree Concept Store (#02-K5 Funan DigitaLife Mall, 109 North Bridge Rd., 6333-3339).

2. Pod Out

Attention all you iPod nuts! On top of other cool Apple stores in Singapore, now there’s also the EpiCentre@Suntec (#02-179 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Blvd., 6835-8168), the first iPod-focused concept store in Singapore. The new outlet boasts the latest and largest selection of iPod products in town, as well as other essential services like upgrading your old iPod for the latest model. Coolest of all, the store also allows you to design your own personalized iPod skins.

3. Getting the Skinny

A plain old PC? Boring! If you have one of HP’s Bryce Pavilion s7500 series Slimline PCs, you can spruce it up a bit with 17 exclusive CoolSkinz designs, including one limited edition design of the cool cartoon character To-Fu Oyako, created by the popular Devilrobots team from Japan, that’s limited to just 100 pieces. The other 16 designs, created by local designers, come in four themes—Psychedelic Art, Fashion Art, Tattoo Art and Surreal Art—and retail at $49 each. The Devilrobots skin retails at $69. Get your PCs “skinned” at the “Rewards Link” Redemption Centre (#04-36 The Adelphi, 1 Coleman St., 6339-2923).

4. Dock It

Philips has unleashed the CD Micro System MCM108D ($179)—a cool new micro hi-fi system that includes a docking option for iPod users. Coming in a stylish, minimalist design, the system also boasts sweet features like MP3/WMA-CD playback compatibilities, Dynamic Bass Boost and Digital Sound Control for some great sounds. Pick this baby up at Best Denki (#09-06 Great World City, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, 6319-9922).

Before you grow tired and exasperated at the same old fashion labels at different shopping malls, hit the bazaar Rapunsale. Organized by online boutique epilogue.com and rooftop bar Loof, this event features cool clothes, accessories, lifestyle products and Christmas gifts. Browse over edgy stuff, and take note, this is definitely not just another neighborhood pasar malam.

12 notable shops are involved in Rapunsale, of which include Antipodean, Asylum, BooksActually, Epilogue, Fling, Felt, Granny’s Day Out, Iyna Haava, Patiorockhouse, Simone Irani, Venue and White Dog Bobby. When asked about the selection of the labels setting up shop at Rapunsale, Lin Chan, one of the partners of Epilogue quips, “I handpicked only my favorite boutiques and labels for the event. They are all retailers with sass and spunk who’ve made a name for themselves with their unique collection of apparels, accessories, novelties and collectibles.” Bargain hunters can also look out for great discounts as well. “While we’re not a bargain basement event, we’re offering sales of up to 70 percent off. Prices will likely range from $15 to $350,” adds Chan.

With such an outstanding slew of labels in store, are there plans to make Rapunsale a regular event? “Yes, perhaps quarterly or bi-annually if this round proves a success,” says Loof’s Marketing Manager Gary Tan.

On the day, watch out for DJ NDC who will be dishing out downtempo electronica, funk and soul music. House pours are at one-for-one, while vodka jelly shots are available at three for just $10. Shoppers can enjoy pub grub such as lamb racks, bacon scallops and crayfish too. Housing a terrific lineup of homegrown labels, good food, music and wonderful drinks, Rapunsale is a must for fashionistas and music lovers.

(Top, Left to Right)

Strike a pose in this gorgeous Raf by Raf Simons Maroon shirt, which comes with a graffiti-inspired photo patchwork on its sleeves. $399 from Venue Berlin

Hypnotize your friends when you put on this NYNE checkered shirt from NewUrbanMale.com $129

Street-Stylers will fall head over heels for this simple and chic white shirt by cult Japanese label, Neighborhood. $340 from Ambush/Surrender.

(From Left to Right)
This inspired twist from a regular men's shirt, featuring a Chinese collar and beautiful detailing from Woods and Woods, is a must for the initiated. $520 from Front Row.

Step back in time and beyond with this vintage white tuxedo shirt replete with red, white and blue ruffles. $109 from Oppt Shop

You can't go wrong with this classic black piece embellished with striking threads from Cheap Monday. $99 from Queen's Couture

(From Left to Right)
They say pink is the new black. Have the best of both worlds when you wear this chic Gaspardy Urkievich shirt. $299 from Inhabit.

You won't get boxed up even if you try when you put on this Energie shirt featuring boxy prints, $329

(From Left to Right)
Bring out the cowboy in you in this black nudie shirt featuring tattoo inspired embroideries. $269 from Style:Nordic.

Check out the cool red trims and extra tail in this pseudo tuxedo from homegrown label, Stray. $259 from White Room

Address Book

• Ambush/Surrender, 119 Devonshire Rd., 6732-2744.
• Energie, #02-01/02, The Heeren Shops, 260 Orchard Rd., 6738-2927.
• Front Row, 5 Ann Siang Rd., 6224-5502.
• Inhabit, #B1-03, Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd., 6235-6995.
• NewUrbanMale.com, #04-08/K4 The Heeren Shops, 260 Orchard Rd., 6738-8329.
• Oppt Shop, #04-36, The Heeren Shops, 260 Orchard Rd., 6733-9406.
• Queen’s Couture, #04-01, The Heeren Shops, 260 Orchard Rd., 6737-3125.
• Style:Nordic, 39 Ann Siang Rd., 6423-9114.
• Venue Berlin, #01-05, Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd., 6732-6140.
• White Room, #37 Haji Lane, 6297-1280.

Celebrate Christmas Italian-style at La Gritta (Sukhumvit Soi 19, 02-255-7350. Open daily 6am-11pm). On Dec 24-25, feast on light Italian lunch buffet (B690), featuring fresh oysters, antipasti, smoked salmon, Parma ham and meat carving stations. The Feast of the Seven Fishes (B1,500) takes place at dinner, when you are served a five-course set menu including antipasto, your choice of seven fish main courses, as well as refreshing sherbet.

At Japanese steakhouse Amapola (72/1 Sukhumvit 51, off Sukhumvit 49, 02-258-7077. Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 6pm-12am), all this month they’re offering a seven-course Christmas set menu (B2,940)—appetizer, soup, salad, two main courses (Kobe sirloin steak and grilled seafood) and dessert as well as welcome Champagne and coffee or tea. Through Dec 31.

Book a luxurious meal on board the Manohra Cruises and feast on a Thai set dinner (B4,500). The boat takes off from the pier of Anantara Riverside (257 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-476-0022 ext 1416) on Dec 24-25 at 7:30pm and returns at 10pm.

The Peninsula (333 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-861-2888) has everything for everyone at its outlets on the Christmas Eve, Dec 24. Enjoy a seven-course set menu (B4,600) and performances by Radklao Amaradit, carol singing and Santa Claus at its Lobby Terrace, while lovers should stroll down to The Pool for a seven-course dinner, inclusive of welcome Champagne and a selection of wines, in a romantic private Thai pavilion (B15,000/couple).

The Landmark’s latest addition Rib Room & Bar, a.k.a. RR & B (31/F, The Landmark, 138 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-254-0404 ext 7777. Open daily 6-11pm) dishes out an X’mas Eve set lunch (B3,800) and set dinner (B4,500) on Dec 24-25, and a seven-course set dinner (B20,007/couple) on Dec 31. Both Christmas and New Year meals are inclusive of a free-flow cocktails and Champagne before dinner.

Vertigo (61/F, Banyan Tree Bangkok, 21/100 South Sathorn Rd., 02-679-1200. Open daily 6:30-11pm) whips up a posh nine-course wine dinner along with panoramic views of Bangkok at B13,900. Through Jan 31, the rooftop restaurant also opens for breakfast serving its special Champagne sunrise breakfast (B650 for Continental breakfast, B750 for American breakfast) to early birds.

It’s a festive month and Crystal Jade (G/F, Siam Paragon, 991/1, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9363. Open daily 11am-3pm, 5:30-10pm) is ready to serve you with its year-end special set. At B1,200, a six-course menu includes diced fish with Osmanthus, braised shark’s fin soup with crab roe and sautéed prawn coated with salty egg yolk. Then finish the course smoothly with yummy ground almond cream for dessert. Through Jan 31.

We all know that the online world is filled with weirdoes, and if you don’t believe us, clearly you’re only wading in the shallow end of the internet pool. But if you think that those bad jokes and silly comic strips your colleague has been circulating via the office email are the extent of it, you’re in for a surprise.

With the recent advent of community-driven internet video hosting sites—the three most popular being YouTube, Google Video and Yahoo! Video—the nut jobs have come out of the woodwork, with some hilarious results. We decided to brave the insanity and explore what these sites have to offer. Be warned though—you may never want to return to conventional television after checking these out.

Treading New Ground

Much like how indie Brit band The Artic Monkeys broke out because of internet word-of-mouth, indie band OK Go shot to fame thanks to their rather unique video for the track “Here It Goes Again,” which you may have already seen on your favorite music channel. Featuring the band doing a series of synchronized dances on treadmills, OK Go released the video onto YouTube, resulting in the band becoming a commonly emulated cult success—and changing the way the world looked at treadmills forever. Check it out via their YouTube profile.

Milli Vanilli Complex

There are just some people out there who don’t seem to understand how ridiculous they look when they’re lip-synching along to their favorite tunes. It only gets worse when these same people post movies of themselves online. The most popular of these is of a rather chunky young man shaking and grooving along to that infamously annoying O-Zone track “Dragostea din Tei,” better known as “that Numa Numa song” (go to Google Video and search for “Numa Numa”). The video became such a huge phenomenon that it’s actually still being ripped off by other shameless online denizens today.

Illegal Downloading

We’ve all been subjected to those anti-piracy advertisements that equate piracy with other heinous crimes like carjacking. These ads often overdo it so much that they unintentionally come off as more comical than anything. The guys at Awkward Pictures decided to turn those commercials onto their head, by spoofing the ads and exposing just how over-the-top and ineffective they really are. Head on to their Yahoo! Video profile and check out the Public Service Announcement (PSA) videos.

Hard Time

Some things just can’t get lost in translation, no matter how much you want them to. Originally getting his start in various Japanese TV variety programs, Razor Ramon Hard Gay (more popularly known as HG) became an online phenomenon when word of his antics spread on YouTube. The premise of HG is simple: A rather flamboyant young man, dressed in a kinky leather S&M get-up, struts around the streets of Tokyo, dry humping anything (and anyone) in sight and frightening the natives with hilarious results. Pay a visit to the HG site, which has a list of YouTube links to check out.

Busted!

Ah, the wonders of technology! With a webcam, no matter how far away you are from your loved one, you can still say goodnight face-to-face. Unfortunately, this means they can also get an eye-full of the other man that accidentally walks into your room, wearing only a towel while you’re having your video conversation. Check out this brief, but hilarious, video at Google Video—search for “caught.” (Trust us: It’ll be the first one that comes up.)

Weirdsville

Astonished by the sheer strangeness that can be found online? Well, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Online video sites are quite addictive—and not just for these oddities either. There are clips like stand-up comedy routines, music videos and snippets from your favorite TV shows. Natural phenonomena previously unknown to scientists—such as the explosive reaction of Diet Coke and Mentos candies—are being captured by amateur naturalists the world over (just do a search for “Coke and Mentos” on YouTube). And these sites are not just for geeks. Contrary to the examples we’ve listed, internet video sites aren’t just about silliness. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker looking for an audience for your work, a blogger interested in making the jump to the latest trend of video blogging, or you simply want to impress your future employer with a video resume, the only limits to the uses for these sites is what you make of them.

1. Every girl deserves her Little Black Dress, and this cute edition, which comes with stones and beads, is an inspiring find. $125 from Mango. (#B1-38/39/40/49, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd, 6736-2027)

2. Cute little Lolitas will look even more irresistible in this red bolero jacket that will go with just about anything. $125 from Nicholas (#02-04 Stamford House, 39 Stamford Rd., 6339-0223).

4. No girl will say no to this gorgeous pair of Lulu Guinness heels, embellished with luscious gold colored straps. $599 from Sole 2 Sole (#03-28/29 Mandarin Gallery, 333 Orchard Rd., 6836-3230).

5. Fall in love with this lovely and lush white furry throw from Marciano that is especially apt during this festive season. $409.90 from Marciano (#02-04/05, Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6333-8078).

6. There is nothing more decadent for the modern woman than this attractive Fendi Palazzo bag, which draws its inspiration from the Roman Empire. $2200 from Fendi (#01-32 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd.,6887-5981).

7. For a classic gift for the ladies, look no further than this black, checkered trench coat from Gap. $119 from Gap (#01-129-131 Vivocity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, 6376-9870).

1. You can’t go wrong with this stylish navy blue Fred Perry polo shirt for guys. It’s a classic. $249 from Asylum (22 AnN Siang Road, 6324-2289).

2. Denim lovers will relish in this redloop slim fit pair that is both sexy and comfortable. $199.50 from Levi’s Flagship Store (#01-11/12 The Heeren, 260 Orchard Rd., 6736-3501).

3. Break your piggy bank and impress your friends when you bestow on them this valuable artwork “Winter 1998” by russian artist Yuri Gorbachev. $76,900 from Opera Gallery (#02-1211 Ngee Ann City 391 Orchard Rd., 6735-2618)

4. Trust us, this pair of pf Fred Perry Tipped Cuff Plimsoll is a definite must for the modern man. $179 from Asylum (22 Ann Siang Rd., 6324-2289).

5. Any guy aged between 18-81 will look dapper in this attractive striped Raoul shirt. $109 from Raoul (#02-02/03 Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Rd., 6737-0682).

1. Limited to 99 pieces worldwide, with each caseback signed by Mr. Raymond Weil himself, this ultra limited edition Shine watch is the perfect gift for the well-heeled. And at $39,500 per piece, this is a rare and precious find indeed. from Raymond Weil (#02-09 Raffles Hotel Shopping Arcade, 1 Beach Rd., 6339-3218).

2. This beautiful Hermes scarf, embellished with a horse motif, makes a perfect decorative piece or a modern accessory. Price on application from Hermes (2/F, Takashimaya,Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6735-5228).

3. Look like a million bucks when you put on this handmade necklace embellished with ribbons and pearls from homegrown label Nicholas. $59 from Nicholas (#02-04 Stamford House, 39 Stamford Rd., 6339-0223).

4. Get on your high horse with this one-off Silver keychain with an attractive horse motif. $330 from Uomo (#03-K1 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6732-9671).

5. Spoil your friends with this Cirque ring embellished with 140 diamonds and white gold. Price on application from Roger Dubuis (Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Rd., 6262-2828).

1. Seduce your other half with the timeless Chanel No. 5 intense bath oil that will certainly set the mood. $130 from Tangs (310 & 320 Orchard Rd., 6737-5500).

The classic CK One fragrance gets a makeover just in time for the Christmas season. The CK One Electric is funkier and zestier, and with a new bright green colored bottle to boot. $77 from Tangs (310 & 320 Orchard Rd., 6737-5500).

2. Whoever says cufflinks can’t be stylish. This Raoul piece even comes with a watch and a compass for guys on the go. $149 from Raoul (#02-02/03 Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Rd., 6737-0682).

3. This handy unisex black Porter bag is stylish, spacious, portable and the perfect fit. What more can you ask for? $277 from Porter International
(#03-07/08, Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Rd., 6235-2103).

4. Samsung phones are all the rage right now, and the ultra cool and black Ultra SGH-D830 is certainly the one to get. $698 from Hello! @ Orchard (#01-01 Crown Prince Shopping Centre, 270 Orchard Rd., Hotline 1610.

5. Get this killer hi-fi and DVD set, the Sony DAV-DZ720, for the tech savvy. Its sleek design and thoughtful finishing should do the trick. $749 from The Sony Gallery (#04-01 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Rd., 6733-1876).

Teen Spirit

Mooks has printed 500 limited-edition T-shirts ($69) to celebrate its 15th year as a successful streetwear label. The tees feature colorful repeats of classic Mooks graphics. If you’re a collector, lucky you! Some have made their way to Singapore. Get them quick at #03-13 The Heeren Shops, 260 Orchard Rd., 6732-8206.

Smart Casual

Business shirts and formal wear need not be stuffy and boring. CYC the custom shop has made-to-measure classic wear that exudes a fashionable flair. Inspired by architecture, the current collection focuses on bold details, lean lines, heavy contrasts, smart removable collars and cuffs for men. For the ladies, designs are inspired by the curved lines of columns resulting in feminine shawl collars, puff sleeves and Victorian finishes. Available from #02-12 Raffles Hotel Arcade, Beach Rd., 6336-3556; #01-21 Republic Plaza II, 9 Raffles Place, 6538-0522.