We all love to shop, but the frantic sales season can be overwhelming! Tracy Phillips has stellar tips on how to hit the shops and get what you really want without blowing your budget, or your cool…
Move over CNY; any fashionista worth their salt knows the highlight of the year in Singapore is the GSS. With retailers discounting original prices by anything up to 70%, you’ll find great deals on just about everything, including some of the most lust-worthy labels and covetable accessories from local and international designers. From the bright lights of Orchard Road to the unique boutiques of Bugis, wherever your shopping mecca, you’ll want to whip out that plastic to bag some of the hottest deals around. To see what all the fuss is about we caught up with style icon Tracy Phillips who, armed with a loaded UnionPay card (card number starting with 62), the official card of GSS that will secure you even further discounts, recently hit the shops in search of the biggest GSS bargains. Here’s the lowdown on her best buys, where to shop, and top tips on how to make the most of the GSS.
Hi Tracy! You are one busy lady, wearing many hats as a radio presenter, creative consultant, writer and influencer (in all areas of music, fashion and art). Can you walk us through an average day (week) in the life of Tracy Phillips?
I do like to mix things up to keep life interesting! My main job is running Ppurpose, an agency focused on creating culturally evolved programming for brands and spaces. If we’re not on-site on a project I’ll be in the office four days a week, with half the day spent in meetings or on calls. On Fridays I work on The Lush Life capsules (99.5FM), heading into the studio to record for the week ahead. As Buro 24/7 Singapore’s contributing editor I meet with the team bi-weekly on Mondays and co-curate the featured playlists every Wednesday. I recently scaled back to writing two stories a month (instead of every week), as it felt like I was trying to do a bit too much!
Where are your favourite places to shop in Singapore?
There’s a few local brands I like to check out, like Ong Shunmugam, In Good Company and, as well as edgier multi-label stores like Superspace and Club 21B.
Are there any hidden gems we need to know about?
I don’t think anything can stay hidden in Singapore for long… But I wish I remembered to check out Manifesto at Capitol Piazza and Kapok at National Design Centre more often, as they carry an interesting mix of indie labels that don’t get stocked elsewhere. Also Japanese label, Christian Dada, has opened a flagship here on Orchard Road, tucked between Knightsbridge and Heeren but it’s easy to miss, as the rest of the mall doesn’t look like it’s open.
What have you been saving up to buy on sale at the GSS?
I’ve been very conscious about shopping in the last year after learning more about the impact that fashion has on the environment. I try not to buy something unless I can see myself wearing the item at least 30 times. So for GSS I was looking at a few items that I could see myself wearing for an upcoming summer holiday and for many years more.
What is the best thing you have ever bought at a GSS?
Probably my ankle boots designed by Junye Watanabe for Comme de Garcon. They go with almost everything in my wardrobe and I have worn them to death.
And this year which purchase are you most chuffed with?
Probably my spiralizer from Tangs. I’ve wanted to get one ever since I did the Whole30 program and started cooking more. It helps to shred vegetables like carrots and zucchini into ribbons to be eaten in place of pasta or grains. Think it’s going to up my salad game too.
We all love a good bargain! Where what did you score the biggest discounts?
Bimba Y Lola, Robinsons and Tangs, in that order. There are some serious deals to be had this year!
You’ve got a great eye when it comes to selecting the perfect loot. What are your three top tips for getting GSS deals and steals?
Before sale season hits, check out your favourite stores and see what’s still available. If the items you like are from the current season, chances are they will be going on sale and you can wait to buy them if you don’t think the regular price is justified.
Do some research on what you’re looking for, be it electronics, apparel or cosmetics and narrow down the stores you want to go to. You’ll have to deal with harried crowds and can very quickly forget what you were trying to get in the first place.
Don’t let sales make you irrational and buy something you otherwise wouldn’t just because it’s a good deal. It should be about quality not quantity, buying things to last and to use the words of master organiser and author, Mari Kondo, only keep (in this case buy) things that spark joy, the rest just becomes clutter.
This year’s GSS official payment brand is UnionPay, a global payment network that serves the world’s largest cardholder base and has presence in 160 countries and regions. With one UnionPay card in hand, you’ll have access to heaps of discounts and giveaways AND bargains on jewellery, hotels, tourist attractions, restaurants, and more! Check out this list of participating retailers.
Don’t have a UnionPay card? Visit their website for information on how to apply for one.
This article is sponsored by UnionPay International.