No matter how much fashion and lifestyle magazines clamor over the S$1000 pair of Christian Louboutin heels, the average person cannot afford to have a shoe rack full of it. Fortunately, you can dress up fashionably without having to break the bank! All you have to do is make the low-priced clothing look more expensive. Try these tips:
1. BACK TO BASICS
The old saying is true: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. This is why you must avoid handbags or clothes that are filled with bargain embellishments or distressed denim patterns. If you want to accessorize, opt for a thick bracelet rather than stacking three little ones to increase the outfit’s impact. Remember: the sleeker and simpler – the better.
2. CHOOSE MONOCHROMATIC
Since splashing yourself with every color on the rainbow can look cheap, wear one color or one shade of color from head-to-toe. This creates an illusion of supreme quality. For example, you can wear the different shades of black, from Jet-Licorice, to look slimmer and fashionable. Although, this does not mean that you will avoid experimenting with color all together. You may suit up with bold pastels or deep jewel tones.
3. CHANGE THE BUTTONS
One of the tricks that stylists do is to replace the inexpensive plastic buttons with pearl or metal ones. You can purchase affordable and beautiful vintage, metal, pearl, and crystal buttons for as low as S$6.93 at Etsy.com.
Image Credits: Erich Ferdinand via Flickr with Creative Commons License
4.SELECT THE RIGHT FABRIC
Cheaper fabrics are always obvious especially if there are loose threads hanging on the side. So, prefer pieces that are made with cotton, linen, and tweed. The prices of these materials may be reasonable but they often seem more expensive.
5. TAILOR EVERYTHING
Tailoring your jeans for about S$5-12 is worth every buck as it can transform your S$13 Forever21 jeans into a designer looking one. It goes the same for a tailored blazer or a tailored dress. Aside from having it tailored by a professional, you can save more money by mastering these simple alteration stitches.
Image Credits: Hillary via Flickr with Creative Commons License Attribution-ShareAlike
Do not let the tight clothing budget fool you into thinking you’re not Vogue-worthy! 🙂
Joey Lim from coupon-cashback site ShopBack Singapore explains how cashback websites are changing the way South-East Asians shop online. ShopBack is one of the largest coupon-cashback websites in the South-East Asian region.
Online shopping has redefined retail and changed the way people spend their money. With more and more online shoppers cashing in on the cashback trend, shopping habits have evolved further beyond simple price comparison between online shops. Shoppers are now counting on the magic combination of letters and numbers that form coupon codes to help them save money on their online purchases.
While cashback websites are not exactly the latest response to the online shopping boom, they are relatively new in South-East Asia where the number of online shoppers is steadily increasing each day, thanks to rising affluence and access to technology. These cashback websites are simple to understand: they partner with hundreds of merchants and secure a certain percentage of cashback for shoppers who click through them. The only change is the point of access to the desired shop page – after that it’s just the wait to see money flow back into your bank account.
Uncertainty and Unfamiliarity
In a BBC News article “Cashback websites: How do they work?”, Burns addresses the doubts of consumers, many of whom are wary and suspicious of the promises that these cashback websites make. In response to consumer accusations of money delay and obscure placement of information, she cites Quidco’s managing director Andy Oldham, who admits that there is cause to reconsider how important details like cashback percentage and timeline are presented on the website. Quidco is one of the biggest cashback sites in the UK, with 2 million members and counting.
“It all sounds too good to be true” seems to be the common consensus amongst online shoppers. Such hesitation and misunderstanding could potentially hurt profits but cashback websites are already one step ahead of consumers; many are doubling efforts to make their website layout as simple as possible to suggest clarity and transparency. Prominently displayed video tutorials, reviews and visual guides are just some of the several methods employed to assuage consumers’ fears and make online shopping more enjoyable.
That being said, we understand how many online shoppers can get overwhelmed by the multitude of choices that the cyberworld of shopping offers – it’s a game of meticulousness, powered by the desire to get the best deal. Price comparison online can be tedious but add another few cashback websites to study and most are ready to give up. To prevent yourself from burning out before you even begin to cash in, Sarah Pennells from savvywoman has collated some of the main considerations when looking for cashback sites, as condensed here:
Percentage of cashback and merchant variety
Possible membership fees
How quickly you’ll be paid your cashback
How much cashback you have to earn before you’re paid
How you’re paid
Not all cashback sites are created equal so it’s definitely worth your time doing a little research to find out which ones are most suitable for your intended purchase. Some collaborate with the same merchant, but offer different cashback rates, so be sure to hunt down the one that will help you save the most.
Shopping Smart but Safe
When in doubt about a certain cashback website, Williams from US News suggests googling for reviews and complaints. Chances are, other people have already used their services and can give an honest review of the site – whether it’s the real deal or just a potato chip bag half-full of air, promising everything but delivering lesser than expected. Another warning from his article – “If you go to a cash-back site once and make a tiny purchase but never shop there again, you may never see your money”. It’s important to understand the math behind the business. Big purchases like plane tickets are guaranteed to give you a substantial amount of cash back in just one bill while shopping for clothes once may not be enough to reach the minimum cashback threshold.
Keeping all this in mind, cashback sites can really help shoppers accumulate substantial savings in the long run, especially those who shop online often. If the bulk of your buys are made online, consider using a cashback site to help you stretch your dollar – you’ll have less problems sticking to your budget because of all the little savings. Results may not be as fast but slowly and surely your savings from discounts will increase.
Everyone’s Cashing In
The steady rise of cashback websites in South-East Asia marks a concrete change in the expectations of local consumers. Regular sales just aren’t enough anymore – people want bigger discounts, better deals and the best price possible for even small purchases. It’s a competitive market but no doubt a lucrative one, if cashback companies know how to manage consumer demands. It’s all about the extra mile now, with sleek user-friendly web designs and excellent customer service to cater to the growing number of shoppers interested in the concept. The challenge for these businesses is to differentiate themselves from others; to constantly renew and improve to stay ahead of competition and meet consumer needs.
The verdict’s out: Cashback websites are here to stay and both companies and consumers stand to benefit. With some foresight for companies and savvy discernment on the part of consumers, the e-commerce cashback industry looks set to get bigger and produce more impressive results. If you’re curious to find out more about cashback rebates, here’s an introductory video on how ShopBack works:
“Emotional Spender: Someone who spends money freely to satisfy his or her feelings at the moment.”
Whether the feelings or emotions are positive or not, letting these dictate your purchases may potentially lead to a disaster. Ask yourself, are you one of them? Another interesting characteristic that an emotional spender has is the regret after spending. This is sometimes due to spending more than one can afford. Fortunately, you can change for the better!
The first step you must take is to identify the problem by figuring out what emotions or feelings trigger your snap financial decisions. Then, use budgeting to guide you as you stop this nasty buying habit.
Here are some of the emotions that may affect your free spending:
1. ANGER
Let us start the list off with Anger. Shopping while you are angry makes you more likely to take risks. This is because purchasing while you are angry can make you feel empowered. For example, if you are angry with your spouse, you can just grab your credit card (i.e., from your joint account) and not care about how much you spend on clothes. An expensive revenge indeed!
Solution: Making yourself feel better by filling the void inside you is not a good move. Instead, lock yourself in a room, play your favorite song, and write down what you feel. Do these things to help you simmer down and avoid emotional purchases.
2. BOREDOM
Having too much time in your hands can make you spend more. Shopping, a very pleasant activity can keep you busy and make you feel occupied. So, it may act as a substitute for other fulfilling and productive activities. For example, if you work from home, it is natural to have a few hours to spare. As leisure, you decided to go on shopping trips since shopping is not only a boredom buster but also an activity you can do alone.
Solution: Find a fun hobby or activity to occupy you when you are bored. You may try cooking different pasta recipes or catching up on your favorite TV shows. Toggle.sg lets you watch episodes of your favorite shows at Channel 5, Channel 8, Channel U, Okto, Suria, and Vasantham – at no cost!
3. HAPPINESS
How can a positive feeling make you splurge your paycheck? Well, it is possible if you want to celebrate a milestone (e.g., promotion, raise, or graduation) in a grand fashion. According to research by Harris Interactive, 53% of people are guilty of celebratory shopping. This goes to show that shopping in a good note is normal but it may come with expensive price tags.
Solution: Celebrate a momentous event within your means. Having an intimate gathering of your closest loved ones is better than having a huge graduation party at a 5-star hotel. It is okay to indulge once in a while as long as you have money to spare. You deserve it!
CONCLUSION
Spending the money you either do not have or you can well spend elsewhere to satisfy your emotional needs only create more problems than solutions. If you set up a budget with a room for reasonable indulgence then, it is acceptable to spend. After all, that is how personal finance should work.
Image Credits: Antoine K via Flickr with Creative Commons License
If you want to avoid shopping crowds and busy stores, why not shop online? You can easily experience hassle-free shopping and still get the best discounts, if you know when and where to shop. If you don’t want to miss out on the biggest discounts of the year, make sure you keep yourself updated with the most popular shopping events in Singapore.
The Great Singapore Sale (GSS)
Dates: 29 May – 26 July
There’s no better time to be a bit more carefree with money than during the Great Singapore Sale (GSS). Acclaimed Singapore’s biggest sale of the year, GSS is one of the top shopping holidays for both retailers and customers. Singapore Retailers Association (SRA), official organiser of the event, teamed up with MasterCard to provide Singaporeans with amazing opportunities to save money during the festival – shoppers are invited to use dedicated coupon codes and discounts on flights, hotel accommodation, fashion, electronics and various online services. The festival is full of attractive events, including Singapore Restaurant Month, International Jewellery Expo or Food Festival. What’s most important though, promotions live up to customer’s expectations – you can get even 70% off on a wide range of products. In addition, customers who participate in the event can enter daily giveaways and stand a chance to win daily prizes (detailed information can be found on the event’s official website).
The Great Online Shopping Festival (GOSF)
Dates: 02 – 04 February
Created by Google, The Great Online Shopping Festival came to Singapore right after its commercial success in India. The idea behind the event was to convince online retailers and shopping platforms to release great discounts in order to push their sales. Google partners with big ecommerce sites and shopping websites who will provide a special promotional offer for these two days only – coupon codes, gifts with purchases, free shipping, extra off sales, competitions and much more. GOSF is also supported by DBS and SingPost who joined the organiser to facilitate the participation in the event. In result, shoppers are spoilt with a massive number of promotion codes applicable via website or mobile devices and are offered a huge range of discounted services and products that are equally satisfactory. The shopping festival lasts only two days but it’s filled with opportunities to save money and win prizes on a daily basis. Shoppers must act quickly not to miss out.
Black Friday & Cyber Monday
Dates: 27 – 30 November
Those two major shopping events and the busiest shopping days of the year originated in the USA and quickly gained great international popularity. Black Friday and its online counterpart Cyber Monday provide retailers with an opportunity to increase sales before Christmas and customers with a chance to save money and do some early shopping on a budget. Even though Singaporeans invented their own version of Cyber Monday – GOSF – these shopping events are still celebrated by a number of local online retailers. Cross-border shoppers should stay tuned and keep their eyes wide opened, especially if they plan to seek bargains from outside of Singapore. Plenty of online retailers release free worldwide delivery codes so that international consumers can also benefit and make some savings during sales period.
Participate in the Singapore’s online shopping craze from the comfort of your home and spoil yourself, as these events will bring you the best that online shopping has to offer.
The impatient bargain hunters can visit Picodi.sg and browse a wide range of online coupons to Singapore’s online stores. The website updates its listing of coupons on a daily basis, so grab a deal and start shopping!
We had all been victims of impulsive purchase/s. And, this Great Singapore Sale (GSS)period where most shops have over 70% off, your power to resist may be tested! The good news is that, you can strengthen your power by following this simple ways:
1. NOTE DOWN A LIST
The oldest trick in the bag can just be the one that saves you! Making a list of the necessary gifts you to buy along with the names of the people you are wishing to give it to can help you avoid the temptation of overwhelming discounts. If you want, you can also dictate a budget per person (e.g., S$10 for a co-worker). No matter what, stick to this list.
2. SCORE GOOD DEALS BY SHOPPING ONLINE
To prevent the enticing visual stimulations, you can skip the malls all together and just shop online. By shopping online, you can not only compare price but also avoid the long queue. Who likes squeezing their way to the crowds anyway?
To get you started with your GSS shopping, here are the premier Singapore online shops you can browse: Lazada, Qoo10, and Zalora. Use coupon codes if applicable.
3. DO YOUR RESEARCH
As the glistening crimson sign of “GSS SALE” is parading across the country, it is good to do your research first before heading to the malls. This research requires you to browse the promotions of various shops and malls before you leave the house.
Having to pay with the money you already have is a wise decision that is accepted by most. Unless your credit card is rewarding you extra for shopping this GSS, you must shy away from it. A wallet full of your intended spending will force you to stay within the budget and prevent unnecessary buys.
5. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF
Before buying anything, ask yourself several questions to help you evaluate if an item is worthy or not. Ask question such as: “Does the item simplify my life?” , “Am I going to feel better months after I buy this?”, or “Do I really need this?”. Be honest as honest with yourself as possible.
6. KNOW YOUR TRIGGERS
You must understand what brings about or triggers your impulse purchases. For instance, if your trigger is fragrant scents scattered in the malls then, shop online instead.
Image Credits: Giuseppe Milo via Flickr
Also, it takes no Jedi mind trick to tell that shopping on an empty stomach will make you tempted for more snacks. So, be sure to shop on a satiated state during the Great Singapore Sale! 🙂
