Wardrobe staples
While most of us won't be hard-pressed to devise justifications for retail therapy, you can bet your bottom dollar that there is no better time to tackle that bout of spring-cleaning than during the Great Singapore Sale. Held from 23 May to 20 July 2008, this much-anticipated nationwide event is assuredly one where you won't want to be caught trimming your sails. The first order of business in spring cleaning – making the most of your classic wardrobe staples. Revamp your wardrobe with everything from discounted big-ticket finds to bargain bits-and-bobs with this handy cheat-sheet from CATALOG and MasterCard.
Girls
1) Shades – Since life ought to be lived through rose-tinted glasses, it pays to go with the oversized vintage-inspired option popularised by Jackie Onassis and Gang. Just bear in mind that the ideal pair of sunglasses has a shape which is directly opposite to that of your face. For example, a person with angular features will do well to pick frames that are round.

2) Sling bag – The more streamlined and stylish answer to the boxy messenger; the sling bag takes you straight from work to play with minimal hassle. For maximum mileage, be sure to opt for versatile finishes, as shown on this buttery leather number from local retailer Front Row.

3) Neckpiece – If you can't tell avant-garde from a popsicle, abandon all attempts at haphazard layering and instead jazz up an understated solid tank or blouse with a statement-making neckpiece. This chic find from Baylene, for starters, also doubles up as a nifty collar.

4) Little black dress (LBD) – Need we say more? With a staple this timeless, it'd be foolish to just stop at one.

5) The work bag – Even though organisation may not be your strongest suit, adopt the very image of competent professionalism with a smart, structured tote which enables you to catalogue everything from paperwork to your gadgets with ease. Weekenders with additional attached straps make dressing down a cinch for casual post-work fetes.

6) Shirtdress – A mainstay in the boardroom as well as for nights out on the town, the shirtdress is a favourite of both traditionalists and edgier fashion hounds for its cleverly androgynous yet effortlessly versatile look. Choose one with a nipped-in waist, or pair your find with a polished belt for a flattering, fitting silhouette.

7) Waistcoat – Granted the vest has emerged as the most sought-after trend of the previous year, but there's no better time to cop yourself one (or ten) of these gender-bender pieces than during the Great Singapore Sale. And its mind-boggling array of cuts, colours, and lengths may very well mean that you'll never have to worry about accessorising at least half your wardrobe ever again.

8) The all-purpose tank – Instead of skimping on these all-essential basics and having to fish your shredded tanks from the wash every couple of weeks, take advantage of the upcoming sale to stock up on slightly pricier but quality options from the likes of Michael Stars or D&G.

9) Classic pump – This all-time favourite has spammed two popular styles – the ballet flat and the court heel. Channel impeachable elegance with black satin and velvet, or opt for comparatively fuss-free finishes such as distressed leather that only look better and get more comfy with age.

10) The white frock – The modern, streetwise foil to the LBD, the summer frock is primed to become the new piece de resistance of every closet. Make like a hippie with the use of lightweight fabrics (such as broderie anglaise) and comfortable empire cuts that accentuate the waist while allowing for easy movement.

Guys

1) Classic watch – Where accessories are concerned, it's easy to see why functional, basic watches have steadfastly stood the test of time. Classic timepieces, like this one from CK Watches, exude understated, refined elegance when dressed up or down.

2) Jeans – Get a leg up in classic denim jeans in traditional shades of robin's egg blue as pioneered by Levis Strauss. Darker washes such as black or charcoal, on the other hand, let you get away with donning denim at more formal events.

3) Lace-ups – For an added pop of colour, cast aside regulation options like white canvas and opt instead for iridescent detail, like these indigo leather high-tops by cult Australian label Material Boy.

4) Travel bag – A must-have for any die-hard globetrotter, these roomy duffels by Agnes b. are made for utility and easy storage. For something a little more rigorous, choose from the extensive variety of suitcases and garment bags coined by luggage go-to guys Samsonite.

5) Shades – These never really did go away, but this doesn't mean that you can't set yourself apart from rest of the wayfaring populace. Set your phaser to charm with quirky plastic-framed aviators such as those available from vintage stores like The Attic and Déjà vu Vintage.

6) Messenger Bag – This heather-grey messenger by Brooklyn-based label CARGA certainly hits all the right buttons. Eschew that ratty backpack for a capacious carry-all which is sporty, masculine, and sartorially on-point.

7) White shirt – Stocking up on these workday basics is now certainly no shirt off our backs – these easily go at a dime a dozen during the Great Singapore Sale. This may also be an opportune moment to invest in more eclectic uptakes on the classic white shirt, like this studded creation from Playhound at TANGS.

8) The plaid Oxford – More Kerouac than lumberjack, the plaid button-down is your winning ticket to off-duty versatility. Smarten up with a dinner jacket or a preppy sweater, or kick back with an open front, a white tee, and worn-in jeans.

9) The dress shoe / classic loafer – Originally designed for driving purposes, the classic loafer has instead proven itself to be truly multi-functional, superseding even the trusty sneaker as the all-encompassing footwear of choice as seen on the runways of Etro and Paul Smith.

10) The polo – This one-time country club staple is now no longer just for the elite. Retailers such as Fred Perry, Ben Sherman, and Ralph Lauren have seen that we get our polo-tee fix at the fraction of the price of membership.
Lest you think we're all cleaned out, keep your eyes peeled and your purse strings on the ready as CATALOG continues to bring you more shopping pointers in sportswear, beauty, and home and living in upcoming editions of our Great Singapore Sale special. Keep tabs on www.mastercard.com.sg/gss and www.catalogmagazine.com for bi-weekly updates and even more tips on shopping during the Great Singapore Sale.
All recommendations and all other information contained in this section is the view of Catalog magazine and not that of MasterCard. Readers should make their own independent assessment. MasterCard accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss whatsoever arising from any use of the information published herein.