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Best Places To Buy Affordable Footwear In Singapore

The iconic man behind the red-lacquered soles once said:

“A shoe is not only a design, but it is a part of your body language, the way you walk. The way you are going to move is quite dictated by your shoes.”

I could not agree more with the words muttered by the talented French designer that is Christian Louboutin. More than just for its aesthetic purposes, the right type of shoes take you to the right places. For instance, if you want to survive a 6-hour hike, would you wear heels? Of course not.

Words cannot describe how much I adore shoes. But as much as I am fond of them, purchasing footwear in Singapore can get a tad pricey. Fortunately, there are places where you can find premium footwear at the discounted prices. Check out the list below!

FOR RUNNING SHOES

Since exercise shoes are often subjected to wear and tear, finding factory outlets of quality brands is a must. Consider going to Changi City Point or IMM malls.

At Changi City Point, you can go crazy for discounted running shoes and other sporting goods (e.g., apparel and accessories) courtesy of Nike Factory Store, Adidas Outlet, and New Balance Outlet. Depending on the store, discounts can go up to 70%!

At IMM, you can take advantage of the previous season’s sporting products that are not limited to just one brand. From running shoes to goggles and exercise attire, discounts at Royal Sporting House Outlet can go as high as 70%!

FOR FLIP-FLOPS

As we live in a tropical country, it is unavoidable to be decked out in casual and breezy attire. Complementing this look is a trusty flip-flops or sandals.

For convenient yet inexpensive shopping, go to Lazada.sg. Lazada.sg, one of Singapore’s popular online shopping website, offers a wide selection of flip-flops for both sexes. Men can enjoy sandals that go as low as S$6 with discounts as high as 76%. While women can enjoy it for as low as S$4.90 with discounts as high as 79%.

I was amazed that the famous Brazilian Havaianas is sold at S$22.90 (unisex) – saving you about 43%!

Screen-grabbed from lazada.sg

FOR OFFICE SHOES

Founded by the siblings Charles and Keith Wong, Charles & Keith aims to create innovative and contemporary footwear that are entirely wallet-friendly. Almost every Singaporean owns or at least knows the brand. Ranging from S$30 to 170, their footwear carry sizes up to 41.

Sure you can find this brand at almost every shopping mall in Singapore, but if you want to purchase work-appropriate shoes for a fraction off, visit IMM.

Image Credits: facebook.com/charleskeithofficial

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Money-Saving Fashion Resolutions You Must Keep

1. RECYCLE MORE OFTEN

You can recycle your gorgeously patterned old clothes by sewing it into pillowcases or teapot covers. On the flip side, you can accept mint condition hand-me-downs from family and friends especially those who have baby clothes or infant toys. Do not be too picky! These said items are not utilized a lot since babies grow significantly every day anyway.

2. REFRAIN FROM USING CARDS

A surefire way to save money while shopping is to leave your credit cards at home. Only bring the substantial amount of cash you saved up for rewarding yourself. By doing so, you will only be purchasing things you actually afford!

3. GO BACK TO THE BASICS

If you are aiming to make your affordable clothes appear lavish, it is best to go for the basics and to avoid handbags or clothes that are filled with bargain embellishments or distressed denim patterns. If you want to accessorize, opt for a thick bracelet rather than stacking three little ones to increase the outfit’s impact. Remember: the sleeker and simpler – the better.

4. GET FIT

No! This does not involve spending countless hours at the gym. Instead, it involves purchasing the fitting size for your blazers, bras, hats, and so on

Purchasing the right size entails not having to exchange or return the product. Thus, it will save you effort, time and money. Take advantage of the sales employees who are happy to help you as you fit. Once you found the best size and brand to your physique, become a loyalist (e.g., join their loyalty card program) to enjoy discounts and other perks!

5. DRESS IN MONOCHROME

Since splashing yourself with every color on the rainbow can look cheap, wear one shade or color from head-to-toe. This creates an illusion of supreme quality. For example, you can wear the different shades of black, from Jet-Licorice, to look slimmer and more fashionable.

6. SHOP AT THE RIGHT PLACES

Shopping at the right places brings value to your buck! For instance, if you find yourself blessed with a baby this 2016, consider purchasing stylish and inexpensive maternity and nursing clothes from online shops such as Mummy’s Secret and My Little Angels Maternity. Mummy’s Secret, with a price range of S$9.99-30, offers a wide array of youthful-style clothing line that is as cute as those sold in Korean or Japanese shops.

http://www.99ms.com.sg/maternity/maternity-wear

Image Credits: 99ms.com.sg/maternity/maternity-wear

While My Little Angels Maternity offer diaper bags and infant wear with socks as low as S$2.90!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

5 Books Every Inspired Entrepreneur Shall Read

A good portion of your business decisions are usually influenced by personal experiences. However, as a budding entrepreneur, you will be able to grow by seeking the knowledge and advice of the successful people before you. What better way to start than by reading books that can inspire you?

That said, here are “5 Books Every Inspired Entrepreneur Shall Read”:

1. THE EFFECTIVE EXECUTIVE BY PETER DRUCKER

For Peter Drucker, an effective execute gets the right things done. To do so, he identifies the five practices that are essential to the business, namely: setting right priorities, managing time, making effective decisions, knowing how and where to deploy strength, and choosing what to contribute to an organization.

Image Credits: facebook.com/UnleashUrBiz

Filled with insights and perspectives into seemingly obvious scenarios, this book has been inspiring people for over 45 years.

2. TRIBES BY SETH GODIN

In this book, Seth Godin argues that with our modern world, everyone has the opportunity to start a movement and to bring a group of like-minded people together. He refers to this fanatical group of people as a tribe. Examples of tribes are those who follow the latest offerings of Apple and Starbucks.

Image Credits: facebook.com/tribesbysethgodin

According to him, if you are an entrepreneur who wishes to have a loyal following, a great tool to use is the Internet. Furthermore, he highlights the importance of uniqueness and fulfilling unmet needs to the overall growth of the business.

3. THE INNOVATOR’S DILEMMA BY CLAYTON CHRISTENSEN

“The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail” is a bestselling classic by the businessman and Harvard professor – Clayton Christensen. This book comes from the idea that businesses will decline innovations based on the assumption that consumers cannot currently use them. Thus, these potentially great ideas only go to waste.

Image Credits: facebook.com/HBR

By knowing this dilemma and using it to your advantage, you can be able to beat other businesses in their own markets.

4. TO SELL IS HUMAN BY DANIEL PINK

In this fascinating read, Daniel pink offers a fresh perspective at the science and art of selling. Although you may not consider yourself as a salesman or saleswoman, all entrepreneurs must understand how to sell and this book teaches you how to. It breaks down the stigmas about salesmanship and manifests the uncomplicated strategy for moving others.

Image Credits: facebook.com/ToSellIsHumanTheSurprisingTruthAboutMovingOthers

5. CREATIVITY, INC. BY ED CATMULL AND AMY WALLACE

“Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration” is one of the small amount of prime books about creative leadership and business. It is filled with meaningful insights about what develops, drives, and sustains an innovative culture.

Written by the Co-founder and President of Pixar and Disney Animation Studios Ed Catmull with the help of a journalist named Amy Wallace, this interesting read is a must not only for entrepreneurs but also for business leaders!

Image Credits: facebook.com/CreativityIncBook

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Don’t Be A Wallet Grinch! Here Are 4 Ways To Save During The Holidays

If you are fond of late Christmas shopping and New Year parties, curb your Holiday season costs by following these 4 savvy saving tips:

1. CREATE A LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE

With a desired budget in mind, write down a list of all the people you want to buy gifts for. Go through the names on the list and allocate a specific amount that you are willing to spend on each one. If money is still tight, go over the list one more time and reduce either the names or the designated amount.

For larger families, consider giving one present per married couple. Remember that you are not Santa Claus and it is not your duty to give everyone a present!

2. PULL OUT NAMES FROM A BOWL

Instead of spending a hefty amount on all your family and extended family members, consider the “Secret Santa or Exchange Gift” method wherein everyone will pick a name out of a bowl. After which, you will only have to fuel all your resources for that one gift and that one person. Aside from saving money, you just saved yourself countless hours of shopping.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

3. USE THE MODERN TECHNOLOGY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Shopping for a gift is not always about getting the cheapest item but rather about getting the value for every cent you spend. So if you are undecided on which model or brand has prime quality at an affordable rate, get your money’s worth by searching online for credible reviews first.

For example, you can visit Stuff Singapore for reliable reviews on computers, tablets, games, and other gadgets.

4. REMEMBER WHY YOU CELEBRATE

With all the festivities going on, it is easy to lose sight of what is important. Whether you are planning to have a simple dinner as a family or go on an extravagant overseas holiday trip, you must remember that you are celebrating the joyous holiday season because you are blessed enough to be with the people you love most. And you cannot put a price-tag on that!

Best of all? You can use these tips for the next Holiday season! 🙂

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

5 Christmas Eve Dinner Buffets That Cost S$100++ Or Less

With the festive season soon arriving, it’s time to start planning ahead on where to dine with your families or loved ones during Christmas or Christmas Eve. Eating out during this period can be expensive as restaurants prepare themselves for greater demands for their celebratory feasts. If you want to snag the best deal or a table in a popular restaurant in Singapore, it’s best to start researching now. Some restaurants even offer you an early bird price if you can confirm and make payment weeks ahead of the celebration.

Here is a roundup of 5 Christmas Eve Dinner Buffets that are S$100++ or less.

1. Brizo Restaurant & Bar

We start off with Brizo Restaurant & Bar on our list because it offers one of the most affordable buffet on Christmas Eve. That doesn’t mean a less sumptuous spread though. At $72++ per person, you are getting your money worth when they are offering premium seafood items such as fresh Maine lobsters, oysters and snow crab legs on their Ice Crustacean Bar. Wait, hold your horses, look out for other highlights of the yuletide spread such as the Roasted Whole Suckling Pig, Angus Striploin with Red Wine & Foie Gras and Seafood Paella with Chorizo Sausage.

Highlights: Oysters and Snow Crab Legs, Angus Striploin with Red Wine & Foie Gras

2. Makan@Jen

Nested in the new Hotel Jen at Orchard Gateway, Makan@Jen is a relatively new restaurant that has slowly picked up fans since 2014 — with 79% up votes on Singapore’s no.1 food site Hungrygowhere. Makan@Jen is located at level 10 of the hotel lobby which promises a decent view of the the city, in its spacious and cosy environment. This Christmas Eve, look forward to an abundant spread of international and local favourites. In their festive menu, they also offer the Maine lobsters (Canadian), snow crabs and freshly shucked oysters. In their roast section, there are items such as Roast Australian Lamb with Tandoori Spices and Roast Prime US Ribeye with Rosemary and Herbs. Priced at $88++ per person.

Highlights: Maine lobsters, Oysters, Roasted Australian Lamb, Roast Prime US Rib

Enjoy Early Bird Specials of 15% off when you make your reservations before 22 Dec 2015.

3. Indulge at Park

Have a Citrus Christmas at Indulge at Park! Well, don’t worry you will not be served oranges, lemon and grapefruits. Instead you’ll be in for an unique experience as they prepare to delight you with dishes infused with citrus flavours. Look out for dishes such as Calamansi Scented Salmon Tartar in Martini Glass, Dried Orange Peel Smoked Turkey Carpaccio, 8-hours Slow Roasted Citrus Brine Marinate Christmas Turkey, Tangerine Cheesecake and more. Their seafood section includes items such as Half Shell Scallop and Mussels, King Crab Legs, Boston Lobster, Live Oysters and White Clam. For only $80++ per person, it’s value for your money.

Highlights: Citrus-inspired menu, good spread of seafood on ice, wide selection of international cheese, live carving station and Christmas Dessert House (For the full menu, click here.)

4. Café Swiss

If ambience and settings are important to you, check out Café Swiss. Sitting in the atrium of Swissotel The Stamford, the 210-seater restaurant boasts modern European architecture that sets itself apart from the rest. Its festive menu is priced at $90++ per person and it has a large variety of food including a Japanese counter that serves salmon sashimi, sushi and soba and a Live Station for your Roasted Turkey and Honey Glazed Ham. Price includes free flow soft drink and a glass of Moët & Chandon Impérial

Highlights: Freshly Shucked Oysters (opened live), Japanese Half Shell Scallop, Slipper Lobster, Pan Seared Scallop, Cheese Selection, Festive Desserts such as Chocolate Brandy Log Cake & more. (Download full menu: here)

5. Carousel

Carousel has won the AsiaOne People’s Choice Awards for the Best Buffet Restaurant in Singapore for the sixth consecutive year. Reviews on Hungrygowhere are hugely positive and many praise the good service by the staffs there. Besides commendable services, they boasts a huge (really huge) spread of food. They have a wide selection of sashimi from your standard salmon to Tuna, Tai and Hokkigai (Surf Clam) and more. If you are a fan of oysters, they have the Live Canadian Oysters and the famous French Fine de Claires Oysters. In addition, they also have a live Teppanyaki station, Steamed Boat with Thai Tom Yam Stock, Indian Cuisine and a Dessert Station.

Highlights: 6 selections of fresh sashimi, Teppanyaki Live Station, Fine de Claires Oysters, Halal Cheese, Mediterranean selection, Chocolate Fountain & More.(View full menu: here)

Priced at $92++ per person. Enjoy 10% off when you make your payment with UOB, DBS/POSB, Citibank, OCBC, UnionPay or AMEX credit cards.

Make your table reservation here.

2. Makan@Jen

3. Indulge at Park

4. Café Swiss

5. Carousel

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