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5 Top-rated luxury perfumes under $100 for ladies

We know that purchasing a fragrance is usually a very personal decision and there is no such thing as a correct perfume. This is because what may resonate with one person may not necessarily appeal to another. But having an idea of how a lady in your life is like can help you choose a suitable scent that will stick around for a long time to come.

Consider these 5 top-rated luxury perfumes under $100 you can get for her this festive season.

#1: Bright Crystal Eau De Toilette by VERSACE

Price: from S$32

An alluring and sensual scent that epitomizes what it means to be a Versace woman. This fragrance is suited for glamorous ladies who are confident in their beauty and femininity. It is a revitalizing concoction of cooled yuzu and pomegranate combined with comforting peony, magnolia, and lotus flower, sweetened with musk and amber undertones.

#2: Signature Eau De Parfum by CHLOÉ

Price: from S$38

This light, airy floral perfume is reminiscent of an exquisite powdery rose. The scent is stylish, inviting, and completely captivating. Freshness is embodied in the base notes of freesia, lychee, and pink peony. Rose, magnolia flower, and lily of the valley can be found at the core of the fragrance while amber, honey, and cedarwood come together to create an end product of luxurious sophistication.

#3: Daisy Love Eau So Sweet Eau De Toilette by MARC JACOBS FRAGRANCE

Price: from S$58

Daisy Love Eau So Sweet Eau De Toilette embodies the addicting and captivating essence of Daisy Love with a delightful crispness. This enchanting scent provides a tantalizing mood that lives up to its name. A subtle musk and faint flowery airiness will envelop you in the richness of the instant while sparkling white raspberries will aid in unveiling your dazzling charisma.

#4: Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Eau De Toilette by DIOR

Price: from S$75

Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Roller-Pearl is a gem for fuss-free fragrance touch-ups or quick perfuming. Designed with no wastage in mind, the glass bead tip provides the ideal quantity of scent whenever you apply it. This product pays homage to Christian Dior’s infamous floral obsession. The gentleness of a peony and Damascus rose is complemented by white musks and a citrusy Calabrian bergamot essence. Makes a great gift for a charming Miss Dior who can appreciate a springtime floral note.

#5: Oud Wood Eau De Parfum by TOM FORD BEAUTY

Price: from S$99

Last but not least, we have this remarkable artisan-crafted aroma with traditional woods and Tom Ford’s signature oud. Oud Wood Eau De Parfum has one of the most uncommon, valuable, and premium ingredients in a perfumer’s arsenal. Enjoy a smoky composition of exotic oud wood, sandalwood, and vetiver and feel the touch of warmth and sensuality provided by amber and tonka bean in this genius creation.

When Should You Add To Cart?

With all the advertisements on social media and all the Christmas promotions along the Orchard Road, we are constantly bombarded with visions of owning new things. The marketers know how to push our buttons and how to make us click “buy now”.

Pause for a while! There are ways to tame our desires. Wanting is an emotional response to being unsatisfied with what you already have. Satisfying wants can give you a temporary high, but it wears off. Consider the following factors when deciding to purchase something or not.

#1: PRICE

The first question to ask yourself is whether you can afford the item or not. This question is not as simple as it sounds. If you can afford the item, you must ensure that the money is coming out of your budget and not from your credit card. Do not spend money that you are expecting to get.

Lastly, you can save money for a big purchase if you cannot afford it now. Asking money instead of gifts for your birthday or wedding can be doable too.

#2: OPTIONS

Study your options before adding the item to your cart. This will give you time to ponder about the purchase. You can either do window shopping in the nearby shopping malls or browse different online shops. Consider what you already have and weigh the costs of the possible purchase.

#3: QUALITY

Know the quality of your purchase by reading the online reviews. What do others think about the item? Ask your friends for their opinion regarding the item too. They may give you tips on where to get the most affordable and durable option.

More than the style or the brand, consider if the functions of the item will last you for a long time. Unless what you already have is obsolete, buying a similar item is wasteful.

#4: PURPOSE

Distinguish whether what you aim to purchase is a want or a need. If you do not need the item, you may want to reconsider the purpose of your purchase. You can save money to make room for the things you want.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

On the other hand, a need is a requirement or a necessary duty. Buying what you need should be a priority. Adjust your budget to fulfill your daily needs. Always try to get the best value for your money.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

13 “Oraegage” to visit the next time you hit the streets of Seoul

Taking advantage of the vaccinated travel lane (VTL) scheme that started on 15 November to travel to South Korea soon? You must be researching what to do in Seoul.

If you don’t already know, Seoul is a metropolis that is always evolving. In the pursuit of urbanization, low-rise buildings and old infrastructures have been bulldozed, skyscrapers have sprung up everywhere, and historic lanes have been substituted with straighter routes. The Seoul you’ve seen a few years back could have been very different by now.

But still, some businesses have existed for a long time in the fresher, wealthier districts south of the Han River, which are more renowned for high-end restaurants and upscale shops with designer items. These are the spots filled with years of meaningful memories right around the corner of Seoul’s flashy complexes.

That is why before you urgently book a train to Busan or a flight out to Jeju, you will want to visit these newly added “Oraegage” or “Historical Stores” in Seoul’s southeastern areas.

Worthy of its title

Image Credits: Seoul Metropolitan Government

Stores with a heritage of over 30 years in the Seoul area, have been passed down for two or more generations, and where experts and craftsmen practice their specialty are accorded the status by the city government. Since 2017, about 100 over spots have received the worthy label.

Here are the recent “Oraegage” or “Historical Stores” added this time:

Guro District: Jinsun Audio
Dongjak District: Apple House
Songpa District: Myungga Tteokjip
Gangnam District: Manna Dang, Manna Snack, Motungijip, Sangsindang, and Gembros
Seocho District: Doosung Paper, Seowoo Confectionery, Ewha Myeong Joo, Hill String, and Dongyang Korea Oriental Instruments

The metropolitan area has grouped the 13 locations into 4 themes and offers 4 itineraries in which travelers can visit the stores associated with each concept.

#1: Rediscovery of Market

Image Credits: Seoul Metropolitan Government

This tour takes you to shops in a market and a mall in an old apartment block that has retained its attractiveness for decades.

You will be visiting Manna Snack, a snack bar at Eunma Shopping Center that has been selling noodles and spicy rice cakes since 1990. You will also stop by Myeongga Tteokjip, which started in 1980 and is famous for its fist-sized glutinous rice cakes with red bean paste at Saemaul Market in the Songpa District of Jamsil area.

#2: Rediscovery of Walking

Image Credits: Seoul Metropolitan Government

If you book this package, you will be in the compounds of Bangbaesai-gil and Naebang. Enter Ewha Myeong Joo, a hanbok store that has been retailing Korean traditional apparel since 1978 and has seen many foreigners as its customers. It is located in Seorae Village, which is recognized as a French enclave consisting of stylish restaurants and boutiques.

You will also make stops at Apple House, a snack shop that started in 1986 serving spicy fried dumplings, and Seowoo Confectionery, which has been operating since 1980, selling cookies consisting of overcooked rice crust with garlic.

#3: Rediscovery of Emotions

Image Credits: Seoul Metropolitan Government

Connect with your artistic side via this tour. Jinsun Audio in Guro District is recommendable for individuals who like the rich and detailed tone of vinyl recordings. You can also get your hands on some valuable handmade turntables from the store, which first opened in 1988.

Thereafter, head to Ationery, a stationery and office equipment business established by Doosung Paper in 1982 that sells high-quality paper products. Hill String, which has been selling Western instruments since 1967, and Dong Korea Oriental Instruments, which has been producing and retailing traditional Korean instruments since 1991, are among the stores you will see too.

#4: Rediscovery of Gangnam

Image Credits: mangoplate.com

On this journey, the locals will show you diverse views of Gangnam Station and Garosu-gil in Sinsa-dong. The journey begins at Motungijib, a little snack business just around the bend from Gangnam Station that has been serving spicy fish cake rice rolls wrapped in seaweed since 1988.

You will also get to witness for yourself Sangsindang, a business that has been creating stamps and seals since 1977; Gembros, a jewelry store that started in 1984; and Mannadang, a place that has been selling Korean traditional sweets since 1963.

We heard that there is more information on these rediscovery-themed travel packages at Tripadvisor so do an online search over there if you’re curious! Have a safe trip.

Some considerations to note before purchasing a luxury bag

The choice to spend lavishly on a luxury bag can be loaded with lots of pre-considerations.

Whether you’re spending a fortune for the first time or are unsure if luxury bags are a worthy investment, there’s no disputing that these thoughts are a notch up from your regular handbag purchase. That’s why you will want to ensure the bag you buy has all of the features that make it deserving of that big swipe.

Here are some considerations to note before purchasing a luxury bag to guarantee that you get the most out of your purchase.

Think about practicality

An excellent luxury bag must be able to justify its hefty price. We’re referring to how it should be both stylish and practical. It ought to be large enough to store everything you need, but not so bulky that it obstructs your style and overall stance.

Chain straps that may be worn on the shoulder or across the body offer a bit of glamor to the look. Card slots, side pockets, and magnetic clasp are thoughtful details that allow quick access to regularly used belongings. Most importantly, it should go with almost any ensemble in your closet and can be worn at practically any function.

Pay attention to the color, design, and material

Image Credits: designerbagsblog.com

People typically believe that they should only invest in bags with classic designs and timeless colors. However, if you enjoy flashy, eccentric, or elaborate patterns, go ahead and invest in one that meets that criteria and that you will adore using.

Another point to consider is its material. Exotic skins and premium leathers are highly treasured not simply due to their rarity, but also because they require professional expertise to handle and construct. Lambskin is a famous leather for luxury bags because of its weight, fine-grain texture, and ultra-soft touch. You will be in for an ultimate treat if you can get one with an aniline finish.

Decide on your possession period and research its potential resale value

Although everyone’s tastes vary, you should have a broad notion of how current or timeless a luxury bag is. Of course, our likes and inclinations vary with age and we may rethink our opinions, but it’s alright to purchase a trendy bag with the goal of reselling it later.

If you intend to purchase a bag and carry it until it falls apart, you’re unlikely to consider reselling it. However, if you’re searching for a contemporary piece to sell after a few seasons, you need to be more mindful of how you maintain it. Dustbags are included in every transaction for a specific purpose! Try doing some research on the prospective resale value before buying would be a smart step most would recommend you to take.

Visit These 5 Places To Buy Real Christmas Trees & Decorations In Singapore

All of us have different memories of Christmas that we hold close to our hearts. As time passes, our relationship with the Yuletide season evolves. However, one thing remains the same. There’s nothing quite like the smell of Christmas in your home to lift your holiday spirit.

What exactly, is the smell of Christmas? Fresh wreath and trees of course!

For newbies, take this friendly words of advice. If you want to score a fresh tree, you must get it early. Don’t worry about the upkeep because these trees normally last the whole season. Little fading may occur due to being in the tropics. Check out our top picks to buy one in Singapore.

#1: PETITE FLEUR

Spruce up your home with a Christmas wreath meant to be hung on your front door or in the living room to welcome guests and loved ones. Boutique florist Petite Fleur’s 26cm Christmas wreaths will make you stand out from the crowd as it is carefully arranged for you. No two wreaths look exactly alike!

Apart from this, they are selling mini pine trees measuring 30cm to 60cm. These mini-Christmas trees come with fairy lights and fresh decorations.

Image Credits: petitefleursg.com

Price: S$120 for wreaths and S$120-210 for trees, excluding 7% GST

Order online at petitefleursg.com and get free delivery.

#2: IKEA

IKEA not only houses the famous Swedish meatballs and DIY furniture, but also the Vinter 2021. The Vinter 2021 consists of live Christmas trees that retail for S$59 to S$79 at their Alexandra store. Accompany it with a tree stand for only S$25.

Image Credits: Image Credits: ikea.com/sg

Price: S$59 for a 1.6m tree and S$79 for a 2m tree

Purchase at the IKEA Alexandra store. Delivery rates range from S$15 to S$70.

#3: FAR EAST FLORA

When traveling along Thomson Road, it is hard to miss the Far East Flora. Far East Flora is known for its massive selection of flowers and plants. Local plant enthusiasts should be aware of its existence and its huge nurseries. Quickly visit to see their selection of noble fir trees, which were imported from Europe.

Trees that measure 2 to 2.5 meters come with a tree stand. It costs about S$379.45 including GST. If this is beyond your budget, consider purchasing smaller trees or mini trees to bring home the holiday spirit.

Image Credits: facebook.com/FarEastFlora

Price: S$379.45++ for 2-2.5m tree with a tree stand

Location: 565 Thomson Road, Singapore 298184

Purchase online or in store, with a delivery fee of S$25.

#4: SING SEE SOON

Searching for affordable Christmas trees that are as tall as you? The search is over. Sing See Soon has Fraser fir Christmas trees that range from 1.52m to 1.83m, which are sold without a stand. Due to its straight horizontal branches, these Canadian variety of fir trees are pleasing to the eyes.

Image Credits:
singseesoon.com/collections/christmas-tree/products/faser-fir-christmas-tree-5-6ft

Price: S$188

Location: 5 Simei Lane, Singapore 528710

Get yours online or in store, with a delivery fee of S$30.

#5: WONDERLAND BOTANICALS

You don’t have to sacrifice the festive decorations just because you live in a smaller space. Rather than putting your items in the storage area, you can opt for a tabletop Christmas tree. Join a tabletop Christmas tree workshop on 17 Dec to learn how to make your own tree. This 2-hour workshop costs about S$150.

For those who want to save time and money, you can simply buy a Christmas wreath decorated with classic berries for S$135 or a bouquet of nobilis fir branches for S$25.

Image Credits: wonderland.com.sg

Price: S$25 for the bouquet, S$135 for the wreath, and S$150 for the workshop

Location: 1M Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168641

You can order online and get it delivered to your doorstep!

Sources: 1 & 2

Worthy of its title

#1: Rediscovery of Market

#2: Rediscovery of Walking

#3: Rediscovery of Emotions

#4: Rediscovery of Gangnam

Think about practicality

Pay attention to the color, design, and material

Decide on your possession period and research its potential resale value

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