Shopping, anyone? Off the beaten Orchard track

Susanna Tjokro, Contributor, Jakarta

Singapore is heaven for shopaholics, with an endless row of shops offering 1,001 things, from fashion to books to electronics.

What about a unique shop that sells, say, cute merchandise made from beautiful kimono fabric with antique patterns? Or a shop dedicated to beach sandal lovers? Or a secondhand shop where you can buy cool retro bags at a reasonable price? Where can you buy a digital camera at 3 a.m.?

Let's take a tour:

Kokon Tozai

Meaning past/present and east/west, Kokon Tozai has a variety of handmade accessories in antique-patterned kimono fabric, like handmade bags, pouches, scarves, purses and wooden sandals. Everything is made in Japan by Kyoto craftsmen, and uses only high-quality kimono fabric. There's something for everyone, with prices starting at about S$10 and going up to $100. For example, a denim-kimono bag goes for $54.90, while a silk purse costs $49.80.

Kokon Tozai's oh-so-cute acrylic accessories in candy colors are made from fabric soaked in glass acrylic, with pretty bangles priced at $44.90 and rings at $24.90.

Aside from accessories, the boutique also offers other unique vintage kimono-print merchandise, such as clocks, card holders, mouse pads, cushions, silverware and postcards, just to name a few. Kimono fabric bookmarks are $6.90 each.

If you're looking for unique, colorful gifts with a Japanese twist, Kokon Tozai is the right shop for you. A word of warning: you might believe you're in Tokyo.

Collector's World

This is an Aladdin's cave for bargain hunters. While the store stocks brand-new merchandise, it also has secondhand goods, mostly in very good condition. Toys, guitars, collectible porcelain figurines, retro decorative items and antique telephones are among the items on display.

At the same time, fans of Donald Duck, Smurfs, Hello Kitty, Mickey Mouse, Snoopy, E.T., Zorro, The Lion King, Barbie, The Little Mermaid, Spider-man, the Simpsons -- you name it -- can find their favorite animated characters and action figures here.

And what a bargain -- a brand-new Princess Leia Organa from Star Wars goes for $10, while old vinyl albums like Paul Anka and Abba go for $10 to $15.

And for comics lovers, the store is a treasure trove, with new comic books, like The Silver Surfer and The Punisher priced at $1 each.

"I bought this unique, small Coca-Cola bottle, which is still in its original box, for only $8. It's quite cheap, considering that it's from The Salute to Folk Art limited edition collectibles -- and it's gorgeous!" said Suzy, a happy shopper.

NUM flipflops.com

Beach sandal lovers can most certainly be spoiled silly by this store's wide selection of chic, comfortable and durable flip-flops -- which is all this shop sells.

All thongs are from Havaianas (pronounced ah-vai-YAH-nas and which is Portuguese for Hawaiian), a Brazilian brand that claimed to be the favored footwear of fashionistas. "Born" in 1962, Havaianas have been spotted on celebrities like Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock and Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen. The 2003 Oscar and Grammy award nominee gift baskets apparently included a pair of Havaianas studded with Swarovski crystals.

The store carries flip-flops for children and adults in various colors, designs and styles, including trekking sandals and the Havainas high, which look like platform flip-flops. For surfers, Havaianas created the Surf Bamboo, with molded arch and softer strap. The cheapest one, "basic" Top flip-flops, goes for $19.90, while Havaianas for children are $16.90 per pair.

Fond Hugs

How different is Fond H|gs from other clothing stores in town?

Well, first of all, it sells clothes made in Nepal, and second, many of them have a hint of Bohemian flair, particularly the groovy long skirts.

Not to worry -- Fond H|gs also offers clothing with a modern look and ethnic feel, like long skirts made of blended cotton and silk. Meanwhile, its pretty tube tops in vivid colors will brighten up your day.

A cotton spaghetti-strap camisole and stylish beaded sandals are both about $30, while silk pants costs about $70.

The store carries accessories that are worth a look, with bead necklaces starting at $26. Fond H|gs also offers colorful embroidered and beaded bags, and its friendly shop attendants are the icing on the cake.

Mustafa Centre

If you've had enough of bargains but you want goods at fair prices, Mustafa is your spot.

This four-story gigantic department store covering 70,000 sq ft in Little India has almost everything you need, from electronics to vitamins, food to kitchen goods, from basketballs to clothing and apparel. Mustafa also sells pricey jewelry, such as full-set diamond and ruby necklaces.

All of the goods have a fixed price that are the lowest in town. According to its website, Mustafa says this is possible because of its huge turnover -- the double benefit of this is that it also makes it possible for the owner to import goods directly, thus eliminating middlemen and their commissions.

For example, the Sony Memory Stick is cheaper at Mustafa than at any other electronics outlet in Singapore. Furthermore, the center also has a 24-hour travel agent, money changer and the Mustafa Hotel.

If you hate crowds, however, it's better to visit after midnight. During the day and early evening, this place is packed.

"Look at this sale package -- two 500 mg bottles of Evening Primrose Oil from Blackmores, 90 capsules each, only for $31. That's way cheaper than any other store!" said Ambar, a friend, who then proceeded to buy several bottles.

Happy shopping!

Addresses:

Kokon Tozai
One Raffles Link #B1-16
City Link Mall
tel: (65) 6835 9927

3 Lorong Liput #02-20
Holland V Shopping Mall
tel: (65) 6463 4240
fax: (65) 6352 9051
www.kokontozai.com.sg

Collector's World
3C River Valley Rd #02-21
Clarke Quay
tel: (65) 6333 9422

NUM Flip-Flops.com
The Heeren Shops
260 Orchard Road 04-K4
tel: (65) 6738 8329
www.numflipflops.com

Fond Hugs
Great World City #01-64/65
1 Kim Seng Promenade

Wisma Atria #B1-12
435 Orchard Road

Suntec City #01-112
Suntec Tower 2
2 Temasek Boulevard

Mustafa Center
145 Syed Alwi Road
tel: (65) 62955855
fax: (65) 62955866
www.mustafa.com.sg