Need a quick wardrobe update on your lunch break? These shops and stores in the CBD will give you your quick retail fix
In a bustling area dominated by skyscrapers, fab restaurants and bars for the working crowd, you’d think that shopping in Singapore‘s CBD is an anomaly. We prove you wrong. While the CBD doesn’t exactly rival the famed retail streets of Orchard, it’s got its fair share of boutiques and hole-in-the-wall gems for the time-strapped shopper. We did the legwork and uncovered eight places to shop in the CBD for luxury bags, jewellery and designer dresses. Nothing like squeezing in some retail therapy between work!
MDS
Hands up if you’ve had a hot date or major event on your cards with nothing new to wear; not to mention, no free time to shop (boo!). Oh we’ve felt that agony, and thankfully, gotten rid of it with furtive lunchtime trips to this homegrown label’s Chevron House outlet. If you love your usual suspects of high street stores like H&M, Topshop, and Forever 21, MDS will be right up your alley with collections of the most trendy fashion brands at affordable prices. Who can say no to that?
MDS, Chevron House, #02-29, 30 Raffles Place, Singapore 048622. Opens Mon-Fri 11am-8pm.
Willow and Huxley
It should come as no surprise that we’re devotees of this multi-label womenswear boutique. Located a mere walk away from our Telok Ayer headquarters, the store offers trend-driven pieces derived from exclusive international, local and designer labels. Gorgeous tailoring and unique style aside, the store’s personal styling services makes getting ready for that company D&D or upgrading your work closet a breeze. Pro tip: That dress you were eyeing? Snap it up, ’cause only limited pieces are brought in per collection.
Willow and Huxley, 20 Amoy Street, Singapore 069855, p. 6220 1745. Open Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 11am-3pm.
Madam Milan
Designer goods at a knockdown price? We’re sold already. Madam Milan is on our side, ladies. Founded out of the belief that timeless style and quality need not cost an arm and a leg, the boutique offers authentic bags from labels like Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Chanel. Both classics and latest models can be found here, in a range of colours, styles and materials. Best of all, you can expect savings of between 20 to 70 per cent.
Madam Milan, 5 Raffles Place, #B1-47, Singapore 048618. Open Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 11am-3pm.
Q Menswear
Want to dress to impress? Then Q Menswear is the way the go. The menswear label, which was founded just four years ago, offers ready-to-wear casual apparel, accessories, and grooming tools. But if you’re looking for something more personalised, they do bespoke too. Pop in during your lunch break and get measured for a sharp suit, made with only quality fabrics and immaculate tailoring.
Q Menswear, 116 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068585. Open Mon-Fri 11am-730pm and Sat 11am-330pm.
Jermyn Street
Dapper chaps, this grooming Mecca is far more than just a purveyor of spiffy fades and clean shaves. Befitting its reputation as a gentlemen’s destination, the space on Amoy Street offers everything for the dandy dresser: bespoke tailoring and handmade shoes, accessories like cuff links and tie clips, as well as fragrances and exclusive pomades for perfect pompadours.
Jermyn Street, 108 Amoy Street, Singapore 069928, p. 6220 4010. Open Mon-Fri 11am-9pm and Sat 10am-8pm.
Curated Editions
You’ve been missing out if Curated Editions was lacking from your list of go-to jewellery stores. The multi-label online boutique brings together an array of globally sourced accessories, as well as designer pieces. Look out for ALT, the store’s in-house brand conceived by founder Angie Lai-Tay; the pieces range from understated to statement-making and handcrafted by local artisans, as a result of collaborations with fair trade organisations in Southeast Asia.
Curated Editions, Showroom is located at 112-116 Amoy Street, #04-00(A), Singapore 069935. open Mon-Fri 11am-3pm.
MDreams
Tottering around the CBD in stiletto heels can be exhausting – we’ve been there, done that (and still resignedly do from time to time). Fortunately, we’ve pinned down the best cushiony saviours for our feet, which includes the incredibly comfortable Melissa shoes. The original “jelly” shoe brand isn’t just about adorable ribbon-topped ballet flats either – take your pick from wedges, booties and even work-appropriate heels.
MDreams, One Raffles Place, #01-11/12, Singapore 048616, p. 6535 7546. Open Mon-Sat 10am-9pm.
Carl & Oak
Defining the essence of timeless style and refined quality, Carl & Oak offers the perfect ‘his and hers’ shopping experience with its range of luxury leather footwear, bags and other accessories for both men and women. Aside from the brand’s own range, the store also carries renowned brands like Rockport By Adidas, Mathey-Tissot, and Lucca Vudor.
Carl & Oak, One Raffles Place, #04-22, Singapore 048616, p. 6438 4168. Open Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 11am-4pm.