With Chinese New Year (CNY) just round the corner, there is absolutely no time to lose when it comes to shopping for new clothes! Where should you shop at then?
We’d say, forget international brand names. With the onslaught of H&M, Forever 21 and Topshop stores island-wide, you might be faced with the embarrassing situation of “I know where you got your outfit from!” during the numerous home visits.
Instead, why not go for a piece from a local fashion boutique this CNY? We bring you 5 underrated (yet extremely established) local fashion boutiques with gorgeous apparels that are suitable for both the festive season and all-year round!
1. MATTER
Despite being in infancy stages compared to the giant fashion industry, MATTER is already making waves in the local fashion community with its noble cause and unique designs!
The brainchild of world traveller and adventure seeker Renyung Ho, you will be able to find a plethora of traditional-inspired prints and designs to inject some wanderlust into your outfits for CNY!
Transverse from house to house in this breezy The Easy Dhoti + Indus Arrow Red (SGD155.71) piece!
With the easy-to-wear waistband, it means you can snack on those CNY goodies without your pants guilt-tripping you!
Don’t want to seem as if you are overdressing when your relatives and friends come over to your place for visiting? Why not put on The Hitched Hikers + Indus Arrow Red (SGD56.43).
This fun pair of shorts is suitable for lounging yet presentable to welcome your guests!
The quirky designs from MATTER make it extremely versatile for any occasion. Coupled with its comfortable fabric and easy wearing, you will no doubt be falling in love with every single piece.
MATTER
Website
2. SUPERGURL
Back in 2014, We Are Rubbish (W.A.R) rebranded themselves to a less demeaning name – SUPERGURL.
This Singapore-based online store offers a wide selection of trendy apparels at affordable prices.
Ooze some chic-appeal with this beautiful Roses Are Red Bardot Top in White (SGD28). This off-shoulder top features a cute floral embroidery design at the front, making it perfect for CNY.
Similarly, be the show-stopper this festive season with this stunning Lena Lace Dress in Dusty Rose (SGD33). Together with the lace-eyelash hemline, the intricate lace design offers a feminine look to your overall style.
The best part about shopping at SUPERGURL is that you get to enjoy free local postage within Singapore. We suggest that you place your orders quickly for your purchases to arrive in time for CNY!
SUPERGURL
Website
3. Tong Tong Friendship Store
This quirky Singaporean label has reinvented the traditional cheongsam to a more modern and casual look.
Step out like a true elegant lady with this striking red laced Cheongsam dress.
Featuring the traditional high mandarin collar as well as the thigh-high side slit, there is certainly no outfit more apt than this to usher in the Lunar New Year!
Besides apparel, Tong Tong also offers delightful clutches and pins that are in line with the festivities as well! Pair your cheongsam or CNY outfit with this adorable dumpling pouch. With its spacious interior and top zip, it is ideal for keeping those angpaos safe from falling out!
With so many Chinese New Year themed apparels and accessories here at Tong Tong, you will certainly be spoiled for choice.
Tong Tong
Address: 100 Beach Road, #01-04/05 Shaw Towers, Singapore 189702
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 12pm – 8pm
Website
4. Aijek
Aijek was founded in 2010 by self-taught designer, Danelle Woo. Her stunning collections comprise of timeless pieces made using high quality fabric.
Usher in the Lunar New Year with this Confessions Broderie Mini Dress (USD269). Featuring a gorgeous deep red colour, it has panel crocheted shoulder straps as well as cotton lace trim details throughout.
Complement your outfit with a pair of gold-toned sandals and you are outfit-ready for the various house visits!
Alternatively, visiting houses in this bright number will surely bring out the radiant side of you this CNY!
The Ann Broderie Romper (USD249) comes with a unique button detail at the front and is completely lined in nude. The short sleeves certainly make it comfortable and breezy in Singapore’s hot and humid weather.
The apparels at Aijek are slightly on the higher price range as opposed to other fashion retailers. However, given the quality and unique designs, you will definitely be standing out with Aijek pieces this festive season.
Aijek
Website
5. Our Second Nature
Our Second Nature focuses on apparel that are comfortable for everyday wear.
Furthermore, behind each collection is an inspirational story about the highs and lows of everyday life. As Chinese New Year is also about embarking on a fresh start, there is no better place to get your new year clothes than at Our Second Nature.
Beat the heat with this gorgeous Boxy Cropped Top in Red (SGD55). Be it paired jeans or a long skirt, it will certainly be a breezy affair as you travel around for house visits!
The festive period also tend to involve a lot of delectable goodies and sweets, which we are all involuntarily drawn towards.
This Midi Shift Dress in Red (SGD79) will definitely make you less conscious when munching on those delicious tidbits! With the two slits at the side of the dress, it is almost like a modern twist on the cheongsam.
With their selection of simple yet artfully-designed pieces at Our Second Nature, it will no doubt be much easier to mix and match your outfits this Chinese New Year!
Our Second Nature
Website
Whoever said that local fashion and original Singaporean labels do not exist in Singapore? These local fashion boutiques offer premium quality apparels that will certainly check all the boxes of your CNY outfit requirements.
Furthermore, with CNY literally just round the corner, you definitely do not want to be grabbing the same clothes as everyone else. Usher in the Lunar New Year with a brand new wardrobe from these local fashion boutiques today.
(Header image credit: www.blushingkay.com)
Also, read 10 Labels You Need To Know From Singapore Fashion Week 2016
