Buys - NEW brands to STAND UP TO

Stand up (in your three inch heels) for Singapore’s flailing economy. Yeah, so the GSS is over but that has not stopped some NEW brands from hitting our shores! Go SHOP…

Check out LULU AUSTRALIA at Holland Village. It’s trademark is its clear PVC plastic that holds-in hardwearing retro fabrics. Trendy, durable and functional, this is the ultimate bag store. Find handbags from $48 onwards and a range of totes, overnighters, diaper bags, coin purses, pouches and eco-friendly shopping bags in stripes, bubbles, flowers, all dramatically eye-catching. Just launched --a range after own own hearts called 'Fabulous'! Where: #03-18, Holland Avenue, Holland Road Shopping Centre. Tel: 64677236. See: www.luluinternational.com.au

Zara fans! You can say you heard it here! Their sista brand, BERKSHA will open at ION! Hurray!! I first found it at Tsing Yi's Airport Express Mall in Kowloon and it was love at first sight - spaghetti tops, dresses, cargo pants, Indian cotton, Summer prints ... lets just say I bought with little reserve. And at the changing rooms, a friendly sales girl with an accent just like mine, politely asked "BTW, are you Singaporean?" and there it was that I found out that Bershka will open at ION, soon, if not already opened. See their look book: www.bershka.com/en/camp

Also at ION, follow the white rabbit and join the Mad-hatter's tea party at VERY WOOONDERLAND where the fashion mantra is colourful, quirky and fun. Find underground labels like Dr Denim and EDWIN, RVCA, Sixpack, Boxfresh, Dirtee Hollywood, Jack Spade, Ambiguous, Outpost, Palmer Cash and Ringspun, BBDakota girls from California, Supreme Being from UK and InCase a range of cases and sleeves for your iphones, laptops and the like. Opens: 21 July at ION Orchard unit B3-12, Tel 67380002. See: www.very.com.sg

What do internationally acclaimed Chefs Paul Bocuse, Thomas Keller and Joel Robuchon cook with? The answer is STAUB® which launches it first exclusive flagship counter at Takashimaya Basement 1. French made, these technically-advanced cast iron products are made to last a lifetime and possess a matte black enamel interior that prevents discolouring, is highly indestructible and chip-resistant. Oven-proof, these beauties retain heat beautifully and keep dishes warm long after they are taken out of the oven or off the stove. Check out the La Cocotte ($168-$488), Sauté Pan With Cast Iron or Glass Lid ($328 to $598), Square/Rectangle Grill with Silicone Folding Handle ($188 TO $218) as well as the Chinese-style Cultural wok ($478)

And meanwhile.. online, you can shop global but support local, check out: THE NATIONAL LIBRARY launches http://shop.vpost.com.sg/libraryshop/ where you can buy ‘giftable’ books, collectibles, accessories, t-shirts and stationery with a delivery service at attractive rates, overseas destinations included. BYSI, our own local fashion label also launches an online shopping portal for local and international fans. Goes ‘live’ at the end of July – watch this spot for best buys: http://shop.bysi.com/

- Elaine