BUYS - New Stores and More..

What's new out there? They don’t call it fickle fashion for nothing. The seasons are always a-changing and so are the stores. Here are some new brands, new flagships stores and new fashion collections that have caught our eye. If you have a moment this weekend, pop by and see if you can pick up something new to wear to the many Christmas and New Year bashes that you need to show face for:

Stand up for Singapore! Singaporean homegrown fashion designer Jo Soh has set up her own boutique and ready to wear collection under the HANSEL label at #01-02 Stamford House with new styles in every two weeks. Playfulness and understated minimalism come together in a feminine and highly wearable collection in silk cotton knits and spandex. Colours like electric blue and white bring energy to navies, greys and a black palette with snazzy details like oversized bows wrapping a clever day-to-night short sleeve dress, monochrome embroidered ribbon tops with contrast trimmings. All these add a distinct style to her collection. 

The brand also launches a jewellery collection created in collaboration with conceptual jewellery designer, Serene Wong of t 4 3 jewellery featuring enamel pieces in collar pins, earrings and a versatile charm bracelet/necklace in 6 cheerful colours!

From 6 Feb 2010, Hansel also launches The Hansel Retro Spec, a 2 month long exhibition showcase in-store featuring eye-catching hand-drawn illustrations and prints that lay at the heart of each hansel collection. The accompanying collection will include limited edition tote bags, postcards, badges, and prints on tees and dresses.

If you are looking for an affordable time piece as a gift, check out the new Watch Station International opened by Fossil at 313@Somerset at #02-22 offering a wide and comprehensive range of timepiece and jewelry collections from brands like Adidas, Armani Exchange, Burberry, DKNY, Diesel, Emporio Armani, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Michele, and Zodiac.

The folks from Wingtai also add two new flagship stores to their ever growing brand cache:

Karen Millen at ION Orchard #B1-15A with the launch of its Autumn-Winter collection. Think sophisticated and classy this season with ensembles of feminine separates contrasted with perfectly tailored pieces designed to make a statement. Leather is featured heavily in this collection with cuts which play up on the masculinity, resulting in a stylish take on power dressing. The collection is accented with touches of pop colour which add vibrancy to this sensational series.

Warehouse which opens its flagship at #B1-15 over 2,294 square feet of space with a swanky interior with a minimalist design that makes the brand look raw and edgy. The Autumn Winter 09 Collection brings rebel chic (dirty denim, zips and studs) attitude into the spotlight. Hot and teasing dresses effortlessly turn the dresser into a crowd magnet. The collection also includes accessories (leather, suede, studs and tassels).

Something juicy for the shopaholic in you:

From 26 November to 24 December, spend S$60 nett at Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins and Diva or S$120 nett at Ben Sherman and Warehouse and you get a sure win scratch card that will win you movie tickets, tote bags, scarves and the like. Die, die-must buy!