PUBLISHED January 10th, 2013 04:29 am | UPDATED July 22nd, 2024 03:18 pm
If you’ve just about exhausted ION and the surrounding department stores on Orchard Road, heading down to Far East Plaza is nothing short of refreshing. Situated in the heart of the Orchard shopping belt, this mall boasts its own quirky character, as well as containing plenty of fashion forward, inexpensive outlets. Warning: You will be spoilt for choice!
Here are my top shopping picks:
Toilette Boutique
Nestled in a quiet corner on the third floor of Far East Plaza is the Toilette boutique. Toilette, you say? Appropriately named, as it is located next to the male and female toilets. I guess that’s practical thinking for you! The boutique even features a toilet as part of their décor. How about that for a store with a sense of humour?
The deep red colour scheme, dimmed lighting and cozy chairs of Toilette boutique make you feel like you are walking around inside one big, girly wardrobe, creating a fabulous atmosphere for relaxed browsing.
This quirky boutique stocks an absolute powerhouse of eclectic pieces, including vintage-look dresses, novelty bags and statement jewellery. You can also find fur coats and gilets from Korea, and a special collection from Thai Designer Wonder Anatomie, who stock some truly funky 3D necklaces. This store is my go-to if I am looking for a quality, individual piece. Prices range from $35-$250.
Toilette Boutique is located at #04-18/19 Far East Plaza, Telephone: 6737 7628.
Joo Made Boutique
Another favourite shopping haunt, Joo Made boutique, is situated in the far right corner of the third floor of Far East Plaza, and sells a delightful range of clothing at decent price points.
The lovely shop owner Jojo goes on regular buying trips to Hong Kong to pick out and hand select her stock, so each time you visit there is new stock to check out.
Visit Joo Made to pick up versatile dresses in funky prints. Also, I’ll let you in on a style secret: she stocks the best quality stretch leggings I’ve found yet in Singapore. In fact, her boutique is so popular that she often has stylists from local publications and the media coming down to source pieces for photo shoots. How about that for exclusive! Prices range from $35 to $150.
Joo Made Boutique is located at #03-42(2) Far East Plaza, Telephone: 9236 9285.
Saigon Beauty
There are such a vast amount of shops to visit in Far East Plaza that it’s quite easy to get lost for a good half a day browsing. If by the end of it all you’re feeling all shopped out and would like a place to relax and unwind, there are probably about 10-15 different beauty shops within Far East Plaza to go to for a good pampering session.
The problem you then face, is how to choose where to have your treatments! There are those with large and glamorous looking shop fronts, such as Pink Parlour (a large chain in Singapore – and FYI, they also offer spray tans!) or IPUTA nails, both located on the third floor.
The little Saigon Beauty Work, located on the first floor, is my personal favourite. Book yourself in for a mani/pedi combo and enjoy a decent hand and foot massage to boot. Also, if you’re looking for a place to get your eyebrows tidied or shaped, the girls at Saigon do a top-notch job every time. Prices range from $7-10 dollars for eyebrow shaping, $17 for a full manicure, $35 for a full manicure and pedicure.
Saigon Beauty Work is located at #03-36 Far East Plaza. Telephone: 6333 6346.
Above all, shopping in Far East Plaza is an exciting experience but can be overwhelming if you are new to the mall. Because there are so many boutiques selling similar fashion styles, it becomes difficult to decide where to spend your hard earned cash! My advice would be to look around first – trawl the shops on each level, then decide on your own favourites and make those all-important purchases.
Written by A Fashionable Leo