Places like Orchard Road have a host of edifices filled with promises of a grand shopping experience. Don’t be distracted by their marble walls and bright lights, the devil is really in the details of these department stores. With brands and labels from all over the world, the international fashion scene is literally at your doorstep. From bargain basement deals to high priced fares, this once plantation location of the merlion city has responded to the increasing spending power of the average Singaporean and the all mighty tourist. With more than 1 million shoppers visiting such locations on a monthly basis, more and more department stores have risen up, with brands all the way from Japan, Korea, New Zealand the even the fashion factories of Russia and other European power houses.

For those with the shoe string budget then there are options like Far East Plaza or even Peninsula Plaza which have urban wear and budget brands for the teenagers or those not willing to spend for clothes. I mean sure, there are people who view wear as nothing more than utilitarian, who cares if colours don’t match at all. But the again, grunge and hip hop fashions from the alleys of New York, Las Angeles and even Cuba has made their appearance in these department stores in larger than life fashions, bright colours and funk wear that addresses the needs of the niche, the young and the hip at heart. With a mixture of sportswear and no name shoe brands, there is something for everyone with a mean budget in these places, department stores that are cramped full of choices because they need to save space. You would be surprised at wat you can find in these places – after all fashion is an original statement, not a carbon copy.

Don’t ask what is the best department store but ask yourself what department store is the best for you and your needs. Orchard Road, Scotts Road are just some of the places you can go to, but don’t forget the hidden gems and cul de sacs of some shopping centres and malls in Singapore. With such a great interconnected transport system, sometimes, a bargain you have always been waiting for is just one station away. The best department store can even be in some dungeon like basement in some westerly corner of Singapore – you never really know.

The labels just don’t stop especially with places like Takashimaya and Wisma Atria shopping centre, boasting names like Karen Millen, or Bebe or even Calvin Klein. These expensive boutiques are a combination of the best materials, the most creative minds and the best cuts you will ever find. Fab is back when it comes to these fashion boutiques in Singapore and be sure to have your credit card at the ready when you enter this world of colour, swirl and fashion high art. If your tastes are that much higher then you can run over to Paragon or even some of the shopping centres located along Orchard role that carry names like DKNY. Versace or Prada. Even these high life labels are not exempt from the discount bug and depending on the seasons, there will be specials that no one should miss out on.

But sometimes we have to come back to earth and spend within a means that is more traditional and less flamboyant. Labels like U2, Giordano, Fox and ESPRIT carry fashion that is down to earth, grungy, chic and modern – just right for the young and the young at heart. These labels are affordable and they are stylish, just the tools you need to survive in this style art world. There are many other labels abound, sportswear, urban wear and many others. Huge department stores like ISETAN at Scotts and Robinsons carry a whole host of local and international brands that are affordable and easy on the eyes.

But don’t fret if your budget is air tight. Places like Far East Plaza has clothing lines with prices that start at even below $20 and they do not look their price. This is a favourite haunt for teenagers and twenty somethings when looking for casual clothes for everyday occasions and even cute outfits for that night out with the girls. Its all about what you want and what you need and how much you want to spend. There is a price for everyone and when the Great Singapore Sale starts to hit town, then go wild – because the shopping bug will about to bite you hard.