Louis Vuitton x Murakami Pop-Up Hits SG – Southeast Asia’s Only Spot

Are you ready to immerse yourself in a world of vibrant colors, playful motifs, and iconic designs? Because I sure am! The highly anticipated Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami pop-up has arrived in Singapore.

This collaboration celebrates the 20th anniversary of Murakami’s iconic partnership with Louis Vuitton. Fortunately for us, this is the only stop in Southeast Asia, running until January 19, 2025 at 72 Joo Chiat Place. And the best part? Admission is free! Yes, you read that right.

I’ve already snagged my spot online, and you should too! Book your spot here. Nonetheless, walk-ins are welcome.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Image Credits: louisvuitton.com

The pop-up is divided into four unique zones, each offering something special for every fashion enthusiast and art lover:

#1: RETAIL AREA

Explore Louis Vuitton’s beloved Monogram Multicolor collection, featuring iconic bags like the Speedy, Dauphine, and Alma BB. Accessories such as belts, wallets, silk scarves, and shoes also flaunt Murakami’s signature style.

Keep an eye out for exclusive pieces adorned with his Superflat Panda and Superflat Garden artworks, like a limited-edition skateboard, jigsaw puzzle set, and a Singapore-exclusive cardholder.

#2: CARE STATION

Already own a Louis Vuitton x Murakami treasure? Bring it along! The care station offers complimentary cleaning, part replacements, and even canvas and metal restoration. Watch Louis Vuitton artisans work their magic live!

#3: CINEMA ZONE

Take a breather and dive into the creative world of Murakami through specially curated films and videos. It’s a perfect way to soak in his artistic journey and vibrant universe.

#4: PINK CAFE

End your visit on a sweet note at the Murakami-fied cafe. Sip on coffee (with free cookie) under a stunning transparent roof decorated with the Monogram Multicolor, surrounded by plushies and dreamy vibes. Trust me, this is an Instagram-worthy moment waiting to happen.

BONUS!!!

Feeling lucky? Every purchase at the pop-up store comes with a token to play Louis Vuitton’s exclusive vending machine. Prizes include sticker sets, Tamagotchi toys, and ultra-rare trading cards. Who knows? You might just hit the jackpot!

When booking, keep these private event closures in mind:

  • Jan 8: 5 PM – 8 PM
  • Jan 9: 5 PM – 8 PM
  • Jan 10: 5 PM – 9:30 PM
  • Jan 13: 7 PM – 8 PM
  • Jan 17: 11 AM – 1 PM

Image Credits: facebook.com/iPossibleSG

As someone eagerly counting down the days to step into this colorful dreamscape, I couldn’t be more excited. See you at the Pop-Up at 72 Joo Chiat Place, 427789, Singapore!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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15 Mocha Mousse-Inspired Products You’ll Want in Your Life This 2025 (All Under S$250)!

New year, new trends! With 2025 on the horizon, it’s time to embrace the it color that’s taking over the world of fashion, beauty, and home. Say hello to Mocha Mousse: a warm, grounding shade of brown with a soft pink undertone, crowned by the Pantone Color Institute as the Color of the Year.

Whether you’re styling it for a chic outfit or incorporating it into your home decor, Mocha Mousse is here to stay. Ready to start the party? Here’s our curated list of 15 must-buy items, all under S$250, that celebrate this timeless shade.

1. Maison Margiela REPLICA Coffee Break Eau De Toilette
Price: S$220.00, 100 ml

Picture this: a cozy winter day, warm coffee in hand, and the comforting hum of a bustling coffee shop. That’s exactly what this scent delivers! It’s a creamy, dreamy coffee experience in a bottle, which is ideal for days when you crave a little comfort.

Find it here: Sephora

2. Mocha Woven Heeled Slides by Rag & CO.
Price: S$27.00

Step into the new year in style! These mocha-toned mules are effortlessly chic, with a woven design that screams understated elegance. Perfect for your next celebration.

Shop now: Zalora

3. NeXtime Edge Wood Dome Wall Clock (35cm)
Price: S$47.84 (20% off)

Add a touch of elegance to your home with this silent beauty. Featuring a wooden print and dome-shaped glass, this clock is perfect for creating a cozy, natural vibe.

Snag it here: Tangs

4. Men’s Regular Fit Jacket in Dark Brown by H&M
Price: S$99.90

This classic jacket is your wardrobe’s new MVP. With its soft fabric and timeless silhouette, it pairs seamlessly with any outfit for an effortlessly cool vibe.

Grab it here: H&M

5. Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth Sustain Water Bottle (Mocha)
Price: S$27.90

Stay hydrated in style with this mocha-toned water bottle. Durable, eco-friendly, and sleek. What’s not to love?

Image Credits: zalora.sg

Available at: Zalora

6. Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color in Rich Cocoa
Price: S$60.00

A lipstick that feels like a balm? Yes, please! This rich cocoa shade gives your lips a naturally stained effect while keeping them moisturized all day.

Shop here: Takashimaya

7. OHHGRANNY Coffee Bear Bear Pouch
Price: S$21.90

This adorable handmade pouch is perfect for stashing your essentials—keys, coins, or headphones. Each one is uniquely crafted, so no two are alike!

Find it here: Takashimaya

8. Lumena M3 Table Lamp Package (Dark Brown)
Price: S$199.00

This elegant lamp brings poetic lighting to your space. Its timeless design ensures it fits beautifully in any room.

Shop now: Takashimaya

9. MÄVINN Vase (Brown/Ceramic, 19cm)
Price: S$39.90

Minimalist and earthy, this handmade vase is the ultimate decor piece. Whether it’s holding fresh blooms or standing solo, it’s a stunner.

Image Credits: www.ikea.com/sg/en

Get yours: IKEA

10. Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth Bronzer (Mocha Mami)
Price: S$53.00

Add a natural, sun-kissed glow to your look with this versatile bronzer. Use it for sculpting cheekbones, jawline, temples, or nose to add an overall warmth.

Buy here: Sephora

11. Farah Ribbed Knit Midi Dress in Clay by Love, Bonito
Price: S$40.00 (38% off)

This soft, curve-hugging dress is your new go-to for events or hangouts. Whether layered under a blazer or worn solo, it’s effortlessly chic.

Shop here: Love, Bonito

12. LUSH Posh Chocolate Body Wash
Price: S$26.00 (100g)

Indulge your skin with this luxurious chocolate-scented body wash. It’s hydrating, soothing, and smells absolutely divine!

Get it here: LUSH

13. LITO D6 Acoustic Speaker (Brown)
Price: S$159.00

Bring rich sound and timeless style to your space. With Bluetooth connectivity and 8 hours of playback, this speaker is perfect for music lovers.

Shop now: Tangs

14. Nescafé Milk Coffee Can Drink (Mocha)
S$7.87 (6-pack)

Your caffeine fix just got more delicious! This mocha-flavored coffee is rich, satisfying, and a healthier choice with less sugar. Let it be your 2025 workplace companion.

Available at: FairPrice

15. Happycall Alumite Ceramic I.H Die-Cast Stock Pot (Brown)
Price: S$99.90 (50% off)

Upgrade your kitchen game for the upcoming year with this high-tech ceramic pot. It’s durable, versatile, and perfect for whipping up hearty meals.

Order here: Takashimaya

Image Credits: takashimaya.com.sg

Which of these Mocha Mousse-inspired finds will you snag first? Let us know your favorites on the comment section below!

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Hidden Perks When Shopping for Luxury Items

If there’s one thing I adore, it’s luxury shopping. Many high-end items are not just splurges but smart investments that can be cherished forever or sold in the future.

Personally, Chanel and Dior top my list for makeup and fragrances, Louis Vuitton is my go-to for bags and small leather goods, and I gravitate towards Gucci for shoes. Given the hefty price tags, I’m always on the lookout to make the most of the freebies and perks these luxury brands offer.

Here’s a rundown of some fantastic opportunities you can take advantage of:

CHANEL

When you shop on Chanel’s website, you receive two complimentary samples with every fragrance, makeup, or skincare purchase. You get to choose from a variety at checkout. For better deals, you might consider shopping at duty-free stores; I snagged my favorite 50 ml Coco Mademoiselle EDT for S$162 at the Hong Kong airport, compared to S$165 in Singapore stores.

If you’re traveling soon, don’t miss the CHANEL Summer Club pop-up at Changi Airport Terminal 1, running until July 1st. Here, you can explore fresh, amber, or woody fragrances, radiant makeup products, and skincare essentials. Plus, you’ll receive a free Chanel postcard and badge.

LOUIS VUITTON

Building a good relationship with your Louis Vuitton sales associate can lead to delightful surprises like free perfume samples. My husband and I often receive free chocolates and champagne when we shop, thanks to the strong relationship we’ve built with our associate. He also shares his recommendations and helps us set appointments.

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a returning customer, Louis Vuitton offers complimentary hot stamping on both new and pre-owned authentic items purchased online and in select stores. I recently had my luggage tag and pocket agenda personalized with unique city stamps and my initials. In Singapore, for example, you can get a special Merlion stamp. You can also collect exclusive city stamps (see samples here), such as the Manila Sun and Stars in the Philippines, Hachiko in Japan, or the Taipei 101 stamp in Taiwan.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Additionally, when you order Louis Vuitton fragrances online, you receive a complimentary sample to try before committing to a full bottle.

DIOR

With Dior, after placing your first order, you receive a redeemable code for an exclusive Deluxe Miniature Gift with your second purchase. This code can be found on your order confirmation page and in your email. Simply enter it at checkout to claim your gift.

Dior also offers a loyalty program packed with perks. Every S$1 spent earns you 1 point, and reaching the highest tier, Dior Platinum, requires accumulating S$4,000. Benefits include complimentary samples and services, birthday bonuses, exclusive event invitations, and a variety of gifts throughout the year.

GUCCI

Gucci offers complimentary embossing and engraving services. Whether you’re picking up an order in-store, bringing in an item purchased online, or buying directly from a boutique, you can personalize your purchase with numbers, symbols, or letters. These services are available at Gucci Marina Bay Sands, Gucci ION, and Gucci Paragon.

Additionally, Gucci hosts events where you can receive free samples. Go to Gucci Beauty store* in Raffles City (#01-40A) by June 30, 2024, to receive a complimentary exclusive Gucci Beauty 8-piece discovery kit, while stocks last (*terms & conditions apply).

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Luxury shopping doesn’t have to be all about the hefty price tags. By taking advantage of these perks and freebies, you can elevate your shopping experience and enjoy some delightful extras along the way. Happy shopping!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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7 Things You Should Absolutely Buy for Yourself

As Miley Cyrus sings in her song “Flowers,” “I can buy myself flowers, write my name in the sand, talk to myself for hours…” Let’s be real! Like her, you probably have a long list of things you want to buy for yourself, and there’s no reason to feel guilty about it.

Here are some of the best gifts to treat yourself with, including some of my personal favorites and a few items on my wish list.

#1: ORAL-B ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH

Investing in your oral health is always a smart decision. My husband swears by his electric toothbrush because it cleans so much better.

Priced at S$269 at Watsons, the Oral-B iO Series 5 Limited rechargeable electric toothbrush is an excellent choice. This toothbrush offers five cleaning modes—daily clean, intense clean, sensitive, super-sensitive, and whitening. It also features a two-minute timer, three brush heads, a travel case, and an AI-powered app to track your brushing habits. This powerful toothbrush will make you feel like you’ve just left the dentist every time you brush!

#2: AIRPODS MAX

Experience audio excellence with the AirPods Max, priced at S$813.90 in Apple’s website. These high-fidelity headphones deliver an unparalleled listening experience with their advanced noise cancellation and immersive sound quality.

Whether you’re commuting, working out, or just relaxing at home, the AirPods Max will enhance your audio experience.

#3: PIQUE KIMONO BATHROBE

Lounge in ultimate comfort with the Pique Kimono Bathrobe from H by Frette, a brand known for supplying linens and towels to the world’s top hotels since 1899.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Priced at S$135 on hbyfrette.com, this robe brings the luxurious feeling of hotel robes into your home. Perfect for those who believe that loungewear is overrated, this bathrobe is an indulgence worth every penny.

#4: AESOP RESSURECTION AROMATIQUE HAND SOAP

Treat your hands to the luxurious Resurrection Aromatique Hand Soap for S$55 at Tangs. Known for its delightful fragrance and gentle cleansing properties, this hand soap is a perfect addition to your self-care routine.

It’s an everyday luxury that adds a touch of elegance to your home.

#5: DYSON V15 ABSOLUTE CORDLESS VACUUM

Unless specifically requested, gifting someone a vacuum can be misinterpreted. However, if you still don’t own the Dyson V15 Absolute Cordless Vacuum after your holiday haul, it’s time to gift it to yourself.

Priced at S$1,299 at Harvey Norman, this vacuum offers powerful suction, advanced filtration, and intelligent optimization, making cleaning effortless and efficient.

#6: FITBIT INSPIRE 2

If your 2025 New Year’s resolution is to get healthier, consider investing in a Fitbit Inspire 2. Priced at S$150 on Amazon, it features everything you need to track your health and fitness goals.

With a 24/7 heart rate monitor, activity tracking, sleep tracking, and a daily readiness score, this water-resistant device helps you stay on track without constantly needing to charge it as it has a 10-day battery life.

#7: DIOR ADDICT LIP MAXIMIZER

I recently received a compliment on this lip gloss at an optical store, with someone saying it looked so natural. I couldn’t agree more!

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The Dior Addict Lip Maximizer provides genuine hydrating and plumping care for your lips. Infused with cherry oil and hyaluronic acid, its formula is composed of 90% natural-origin ingredients. Priced at S$61 at Dior, this gloss is my absolute favorite, with its pigmentation and smooth application making it a must-have in any beauty routine.

 

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5 Sneaky Tactics Retailers Use to Boost Your Spending

Ever walked into a store or surfed through an online retailer with a shopping list, thinking it’s a simple pick, pay, and go scenario? The reality is, the retail world is a maze of cunning strategies designed to nudge you towards making those unplanned purchases.

Before you begin your shopping spree, whether at the mall or behind the screen, it’s crucial to be savvy to the sly tricks crafted to part you from your hard-earned cash.

COLOR PSYCHOLOGY

Shopping is more than just choosing items, it’s a journey through a kaleidoscope of colors strategically picked to sway your behavior. The color of a product or its display has the power to evoke specific emotions. Take red, for instance – often associated with sales because it triggers action and stimulates interest. Even the sales staff, dressed in attention-grabbing hues like red, can influence your choices.

Watch out for falling in love with a product just because it looks pleasing and make sure it genuinely aligns with your needs.

POWER OF TOUCH

Ever wondered why some items are placed just where you can’t resist picking them up? It’s not a coincidence, as it’s a strategy. Research shows that the act of touching an item increases the likelihood of buying it.

Stores carefully position products in areas where customers are likely to reach out. Think about your experiences – faced with neatly folded items, there’s a hesitation to disrupt the arrangement. You’ll feel a different way shifting thru the clearance rack.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Remember, the more time an item spends in your hands, the more likely you are to add it to your cart. Be choosy about what you touch, focusing only on items you genuinely plan to take home.

PLAY ON YOUR SENSES

Stores aren’t just selling products…they’re selling experiences. From enticing scents to free tastings and the overall feel of the environment, retailers play with your senses to make you stay longer and spend more.

Stay on guard and, if needed, bring a shopping buddy to help you navigate these sensory tricks consciously.

POTENCY OF FREE SHIPPING

Online retailers have a powerful weapon in their arsenal – the word “free.” The promise of free shipping can be a tempting bait, leading you to throw more items into your cart just to meet the threshold. In most cases, those extras aren’t really necessary.

So, remind yourself that the allure of free shipping shouldn’t dictate your purchases. Stick to your needs and resist the urge to overspend just for the sake of free shipping.

PRODUCT PLACEMENT

Supermarkets are like chessboards where the pieces are more expensive items strategically placed at eye level, creating an illusion of value. They might even position pricey items right at the store’s entrance, making everything else inside seem like a bargain.

Watch out for the “add-on” tactic near cash registers – seemingly cheap items that can tempt tired shoppers standing in line. Stay aware and resist the impulse to make last-minute, unnecessary purchases.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Now that you’re armed with this insider knowledge, navigate the shopping landscape with a mindful approach. Avoid falling prey to the subtle manipulations that retailers use to boost your spending. Your wallet will thank you!

Sources: 1,2, & 3

 

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