If someone told me that the secret entrance to the magical world of Narnia was hidden somewhere in Cat Socrates, I would give it some serious consideration. This fabulously named shop is a charm assault on the eyes, tucked away in the Bras Basah complex and jam-packed to the rafters with delightful, magical curious. With everything from inspirational reading, shabby-chic homewares, playful collectibles, postcards, pictures and stationary, fabrics, footwear and fashion, bags, ribbons, cameras, crockery and cacti.. phew! the list goes on and on. More importantly, or rather MOST importantly, they have a fine little collection of moustaches. Little teacups with moustaches, an Iphone cover with moustaches, and so really, I was rather sold just on that alone. Looking around Cat Socrates feels like looking in to someone’s memory vault of everything they have ever liked or wanted and I have to say, that person’s head is a lovely place and one...
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I’ve never considered myself much of a girly girl, but there’s something about the boutique Soon Lee situated right at the end of Haji Lane, that makes me want to skip and twirl through a field of flowers, singing Disney tunes, wearing a pink, ruffled ra-ra skirt! If you’re a fan of girly chic then consider this your home from home but if you’re not, don’t discount it, it could melt even the most tomboy of hearts. Carefully curated trinkets, chic fashion choices and stylish homewares nestle side by side in this beautifully put-together store. But what makes it that bit extra special for me, is that they also stock a small but intelligent selection of books. From fashion journals to literature classics, I appreciate the sentiment…we want you to look good whilst being smart and enlightened. Style with substance. Soon Lee showcases designs from Hong Kong, Korea and...
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Truth be told, I can be enticed to most openings with the promise of a glass of champagne *hangs her head in mock shame*. However an exhibition opened just recently which made me all tingly with happiness, so much so that no lure of bubbles was necessary. Korla Home, an inspiring new textile brand just launched their first collection. But what makes them really stand out from the crowd is the inspiring initiative they have taken, in collaborating with LaSalle College of the Arts Faculty of Design. Conscious of Singapore’s vibrant, undiscovered, design talents, Korla Home approached the LaSalle College of the Arts Faculty of Design to initiate a collaboration between student and designer. Geometry in Repeat is the result of that partnership. The exhibition features the fabrics conceived by the fashion textiles students in response to their given brief: create an Asian-inspired print suitable for the most stylish...
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There is nothing greater than that intrepid feeling when you stumble upon a hidden treasure, it’s what we do here at City Nomads! But I must confess, when I recently discovered a genuine vintage and second hand furniture expert, it was a case of woooohoooo! followed by…..do you accept cash or cheque? and when can I come visit? Significantly, this is not remodelled or refurbished vintage. Jennifer’s Vintage and Antique sell pieces as found, which means that what you get is a pre-loved, honest heirloom. I was so enamoured with her selection that I am now proud owner of a 1960’s Singaporean, hand-crafted teak and glass display cabinet. It’s beautiful, it’s unique, it’s authentically Singaporean and I love it so. I am so utterly delighted with it that I wanted to spread the word about Jennifer’s Vintage and Antique – or Many Lovely Things – as her eBay store is known....
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There is nothing more inspiring than talking to someone who really loves what they do. Except perhaps when the thing that they love, is to bake cupcakes which it just so happens, I also love. Well…….. that’s a bit of a lie, not to bake, more to eat! So, let’s just say that when I met Alia, founder of the new Gourmet Cupcake Bakery ‘Swirls’ in Robertson Quay, I was happier than a fat kid given a huge cupcake…..oh, hang on…… Swirls has only been open a month but it seems I am not the only one drawn to the little parcels of buttercream and spongey goodness. Whilst I am hovering over the counter trying to decide which delicious flavour to go for, there is a continuous stream of contented-looking customers. So far, so promising. I sit down at one of the tables outside with my Iced Lemon Tea and...
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They say 2 heads are better than one, so what happens when you put 4 creative minds together? Strangelets in Tiong Bahru is what happens folks. An eclectic, mish mash of beautiful and intriguing things. This impressive shop is the brainchild of three interior designers, architects and a banker – but we won’t hold that against them…this is obviously a banker with impeccable taste! The shop itself is light and airy with almost a gallery feel to it. It’s full, yet looks considered and spacious allowing the stars of the show to be the compelling curious that seem to whisper ‘buy me, buy me’. Sleek, minimal objet d’art sit alongside kitsch florals, desirable jewellery pieces and toys for playful grown-ups; the juxtaposition aptly reflecting the feeling that this store is not a slave to one look or feel. It does seem just like you’re peeking in to the minds...
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In Singapore we think A LOT about what’s new, the up and coming. All around us is new development….the promise of a bold, bright future, but while we are focused on the future, it’s easy to forget the past. As shophouses get pulled down for new gleaming towers, precious treasures get destroyed and gradually Singapore’s artisan skills are forgotten. While we covert modern, sleek items found in fine furniture shops dotted around town, it’s funny to think that these designs often take inspiration for furniture found in our Granny and Grandpa’s homes. Thankfully it hasn’t gone unnoticed and vintage furniture appreciation is gathering momentum, quietly yet steadily supported by Belle and Cheu, the founders of likethatone. Visiting their warehouse store is a lesson in vintage chic. Each piece has been thoughtfully modernised whilst preserving it’s unique characteristics. For them, restoring or re-purposing vintage Singaporean furniture means preserving history and...
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Meandering down Haji Lane and it’s veritable treasure trove of boutiques, it’s easy to run out of steam – or more likely, out of spending-money before you reach the opposite end. With so many temptations and treats, it takes a thoughtful and restrained shopper to check out all there is to offer before diving head first in to the goodies. With this in mind, I’d like to introduce you to one of my favourite shops, tucked around the corner on North Bridge road, because folks……it’s definitely worth holding back until you get there. Just be warned – you may want to purchase EVERYTHING! Thoughtfully put together in a conservation shophouse, the owners of Threadbare & squirrel, Adrian and Val clearly have an eye for detail, the kind of quirky, unique and fun detail that makes me girlishly happy. Everything is delightful, from the curios for sale, the eye-catching merchandising,...
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