'Panic Saturday' set to be busiest 'Day of Christmas Shopping' as Sales Start Early

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose; millions of fevered shoppers battling for bargain buys on overcrowded high streets across the country on “Panic Saturday” – Christmas is a magical time.

The busiest day in the Christmas shopping calendar has landed as shops kick off their January sales early in an effort to lure last-minute bargain hunters.

Around 12.6 million Britons are expected to hit the sales in search of seasonal discounts, according to the Centre for Retail Research, while a mild autumn and unexpectedly low Black Friday sales have left businesses desperate to shift a buildup of stock.

Retailers including River Island, H&M, Sports Direct, Argos and Sainsbury’s are already slashing prices – with many more sales due to kick off against tradition before Christmas.

Those still searching for the perfect Christmas gift can expect discounts of 45% on average, according to accountancy firm Deloitte.

As Christmas falls on a Friday this year, “Panic Saturday” is expected to kick off a £6bn six-day spending spree - 23% more than the same period last year when Christmas Day fell on Thursday.

Jason Gordon, consumer business partner at Deloitte, said: “Compared to 2014, there is already a noticeable increase in both the volume and value of discounts in the run-up to Christmas this year.

“Whilst this is good news for consumers looking to grab a bargain, it is a clear sign that retailers are being faced with what is now an annual uphill battle.”
Credit and debit card giant Visa predicts that shoppers will spend £1.14bn on Visa cards in stores on Saturday, which is up by 3% on last year.

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The Do's and Don'ts of Labor Day Shopping

A Labor Day shopping strategy might not be your highest priority, but if you want to emerge from the weekend with a cart overflowing with new stuff and a wallet that’s still full, maybe it should be.
Follow these do’s and don’ts to maximize your money-saving potential this holiday weekend.

Do: Buy luxury items.Big sale events, like Labor Day, are a good opportunity to splurge on expensive purchases without having to pay full price. Use the weekend’s percent-off promotions to snag that fancy tote or glitzy necklace you’ve had your heart set on.
Last year, Labor Day sales translated into big discounts on designer labels and luxury products. Neiman Marcus took 40 percent off regular prices both online and in-store on seasonal clearance items, while Bloomingdale’s discounted select items by 60 percent. Look for similar offerings again this year.

Don’t: Buy everything that’s on sale.Not every product that’s advertised this Labor Day is a smart buy.
Back-to-school supplies and summer clothes will see deep discounts worth your while, but some sale merchandise – such as toys and fall clothing – are best bought later in the year when their prices will drop even lower. Shop in December for toys and October for fall clothes. Plus, Black Friday, anyone?
The electronics aisle is another area we’d recommend avoiding if you want the lowest prices on major tech purchases. For example, last year Target offered a Samsung 40-inch LED Smart TV for $399.99 over Labor Day. Fast-forward to November, and the retailer’s 2014 Black Friday ad featured a Samsung 40-inch Smart LED HDTV for $327.99.

Similarly, last Labor Day, Best Buy offered savings of up to 25 percent on select HDTVs. On Black Friday, though, the store advertised select HDTVs for over 30 percent off their original prices.

Do: Use your smartphone.

It’s always good to have a friend on your side, especially one who can help you spot the best opportunities to save. This year, that friend is digital, specifically your smartphone. Here are a few ways your phone can aid your shopping ventures this Labor Day:

• Price comparisons. Before you shop, load up your smartphone with price comparison apps like RedLaser. Comparing prices before you make a purchase can save you from spending more than you need to.

• Sale news. Long before you stand in line to buy that new patio set or backpack, sign up for the mailing lists of your favorite retailers. Doing so will alert you to special offers. 

• Coupons. In case you forget your physical coupon at home, your smartphone can save you. Pull up a digital version of the coupon, and ask the cashier to scan the barcode at checkout.

Don’t: Do all your shopping early.

Labor Day sales don’t just happen on the holiday. They take place over the course of several days, sometimes even a week.

Plan your shopping over this extended discount time frame so some of your purchases are made at the end. As sale periods come to a close, retailers will be extra eager to move their remaining stock. This could translate into even bigger price cuts. Last Labor Day, stores like Nordstrom extended their sales several days past the holiday.

Of course, you’ll want to balance this strategy with the risk of stores running out of inventory. Amazon, for example, is marking Labor Day with a selection of deals on movies, TV, books and music. These offerings are available only while supplies last.
Buy any must-have items early (before they sell out), and hold out for the rest.

Do: Stock up on summer steals.Use the holiday weekend to score some serious deals on all things summer. We’re talking about swimsuits, short sleeve shirts, outdoor accessories, grills and the like. You can expect the end of the season to translate into big price cuts.
You may not be able to get much use out of these items this year, but you’ll be thanking yourself when next summer rolls around. For apparel, we recommend looking at retailers such as Old Navy, Macy’s, JCPenney and Sears, all of which hosted impressive clothing promotions last year – in some cases up to 50 percent off.

Don’t: Limit yourself to retail stores.Finally, department stores and big-box locations, such as Wal-Mart and Target, aren’t the only places to grab Labor Day savings. Seasonal discounts can be found on such varied items as amusement park tickets and restaurant meals, and in the past, there’s been Labor Day deals at Discount Tire.
So, before you make any purchase over the long holiday weekend, inquire about Labor Day deals or freebies, and always conduct a quick search for any relevant coupons.

source: http://goo.gl/q3bKcC

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HP goes shopping: Targets Aruba Networks acquisition

Hewlett-Packard Co. could be poised to make one last acquisition before it splits itself in two, with a report from Bloomberg suggesting it’s looking to snap up wireless networking infrastructure technology outfit Aruba Networks Inc.

Bloomberg cites the usual anonymous sources in its report, and says the deal could be announced as soon as next week, if it doesn’t fall through. Neither company would speak on the record when approached, but Aruba is certainly one hot property right now, with the firm set to record $1 billion a year in sales by 2017.

Aruba Networks is also set to announce its Q2 2015 financial results later today, having recorded revenues of $208 million for the first quarter, a 29 percent year-on-year rise.

If the deal does go ahead it would barely make a dent in HP’s overall revenues, but The Register reports it would provide a welcome boost to its poorly-performing networking business, which saw revenues slip by 10.8 percent year-over-year to just $562 million in its most recent quarter.

Rumors of the acquisition surfaced just days after HP CEO Meg Whitman said the company was in a position to make acquisitions again, following a generally disappointing quarterly earnings report. Whitman’s comments saw HP’s stock price take a tumble, but the good news for Aruba Networks is its shares have shot up by 21 percent since Bloomberg’s report was published.

Assuming the deal does go through, it’s likely that Aruba Networks would be absorbed into the new Hewlett-Packard Enterprise company that’ll be born later this year when HP completes its planned metamorphosis into two separate companies. Hewlett-Packard Enterprise is the entity that’ll take over HP’s enterprise, hardware and software businesses. Meanwhile, HP, Inc., will keep the firm’s PC and printer businesses up and running.

Hewlett-Packard Enterprise would gain a much bigger slice of the wireless mobile market if the deal goes through, adding to its own “converged campus networking” gear. It’s a hot market as evidenced by Aruba Network’s own growing revenues, and could become even bigger as businesses switch to Wi-Fi to ease the pressure on cellular networks.
source:http://goo.gl/dVFyub

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December 07, 2014 Shopping » New Orleans Fashion and Beauty

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How to dye your hair platinum blonde 

What to know before channeling your inner Marilyn

By Missy Wilkinson @missy_wilkinson

Slideshow

Few hues are as attention-grabbing as platinum blonde — and none are harder to maintain.
  "Platinum blonde is the most high-maintenance shade of blonde you can choose, says Chrissie Gilberti, hair color director for Paris Parker Salon Group (www.parisparker.com).
  "[Platinum blonde] is a lifestyle," says Alise Lavergne, color director at Glenn Michael Salon (1623 Metairie Road, Metairie, 504-828-6848; www.glennmichaelsalon.com). "It takes money, and it doesn't happen overnight."
  Depending on your hair's natural color and whether it has been colored before, the multi-step process can take anywhere from a few hours to a year to complete. For natural blondes or light brunettes, the process is less invasive. People whose hair is dyed a dark, artificial hue have to remove old color first, a process that might take months. People with dark brown or black hair may sacrifice some length, because processed hair is more fragile.   
  "Anyone can be platinum," Lavergne says. "Some people are going to get there faster than others."

  Hair has three color molecules, Gilberti says: green, red and yellow. Going platinum blonde consists of lifting blue and red color molecules from the hair using bleach, which "chews up cuticle ... like a little Pac-Man," says Glenn Michael, owner of Glenn Michael Salon. Balancing the remaining yellow color molecule with a violet or blue toner gives hair its platinum appearance.   
  Going platinum damages hair and strips its oils, so colorists recommend gentle, nourishing products and low pH shampoos: Gilberti recommends Aveda's Damage Remedy line, and Lavergne suggests the Wella Luxe Oil line. If hair becomes brassy, a shampoo that deposits blue pigment, such as Aveda's Blue Malva, will cancel out warm tones.

  "If your hair feels dry, grab the moisture product," Gilberti says. "If it's brassy, use the blue product. If it feels damaged and fragile, use a damage product. You basically have to feed your hair what it needs."
  Platinum blonde hair also requires TLC. Cut back on blow-drying, lower your flat iron's heat to 355 degrees, and use thermal sealant when heat styling. Hair will be a little drier, so shampooing can be less frequent.
  "I suggest a dry shampoo and not washing every day so the hair doesn't dry itself out," Laverge says.
  Maintenance is essential. Naturally dark hair can show roots as soon as two to three weeks after going blonde.
  "Being platinum is a commitment," GIlberti says. "Is it fun? Absolutely. I think everyone should try it. But you have to invest the time and money to do it right."
source: http://goo.gl/aXki9v

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Shops in security hold area of airport closed

Four shops, including an eatery and a coffee outlet, in the security hold area of Swami Vivekananda airport here were closed down on Sunday morning by civil aviation department as they did not have the requisite security clearances to operate their businesses.

However, after the intervention of airport authorities, they were allowed to run for the convenience of public temporarily for a week during which the necessary security clearances have to be obtained from the civil aviation department. The clampdown on the shops was reportedly ordered by deputy commissioner of security BS Tiwari after he arrived in the city on Saturday.

According to sources, Tiwari ordered Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which runs the security operations at the airport, to close down the shops for not having necessary clearances from the ministry. The shops that were closed included an eatery- Zest-O, Shoppers Stop, Da Milano and a handicraft retail outlet.

Utter confusion prevailed at the airport for sometime as passengers stranded due to delayed flights had nothing to eat or drink inside the security hold area. Some flights were delayed for five hours.

Airport officials on condition of anonymity said letters seeking security clearances had been sent to aviation ministry but there had been no response from them. "Reminders were also sent but no response has been received till date," they claimed.

While airport director Anil Rai refused to comment on the developments, sources said the authorities were perturbed by Tiwari's unilateral decision.

Plans of airport authorities to turn the area into a swank shopping and eating joint, along with a food court and bar outside the terminal building has been jinxed. Permissions to open the food court and a bar near the parking are pending ever since the airport building was inaugurated in 2012 but the state's excise department had raised objections to it. There are virtually no takers for running the bar and the food court due to high licensing fee charged by excise department.

source: http://goo.gl/87LdlC

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Classic handbags get an iconoclastic makeover

The French luxury house Louis Vuitton has a reputation for creating must-have bags via its collaborations with famous artists from around the world – cherries from Takashi Murakami; dots from Kusama and the original blockbuster, the Multicolour monogram from Murakami have all made a name for the brand and become “it” bags.



Now the brand has gone one better, well actually six better, and collaborated with six creative individuals who are known for doing their own thing, these “iconoclasts” have taken the LV icon, the brand’s famous Monogram print in its distinctive brown and gold, and created their very own, very conceptual bags – which we can actually buy!



CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN



Famous for his shoes, Christian Louboutin naturally enough included his iconic colour, red, in his pieces for Louis Vuitton. He felt that he wanted to contribute something that was “unmistakably Parisian” and came up with the caddy – basically the wheeled, pull-along shopping trolley. Apparently they’re everywhere in Paris says Louboutin: “The bag is totally attached to the sight of somebody shopping in the markets of Paris – I once tried to count the numbers of caddies I met in two hours at a Parisian market: 109!” Alongside this amazing – and amazingly expensive – caddy, Louboutin also created two lovely, classically shaped handbags which are much more reasonably priced and easier to use every day.

CINDY SHERMAN


Cindy Sherman has always wanted a Louis Vuitton trunk apparently, so she created her dream version in colours based on her pet parrot and compartments with handwritten labels for things like fake eyeballs and fake teeth. Then to continue the fantasy she added old looking labels to the exterior using her own artwork for the stickers. The useable version is based on a camera bag or messenger bag … much easier for the ordinary person to tote around.

FRANK GEHRY


An architect famous for weird and unusual shapes, Frank Gehry simply thought he’d try to make his own version of a handbag, and was surprised when Louis Vuitton loved it. Although the shape is odd, he worked with the brand to make sure that it could actually be used: “I spent time with Louis Vuitton to talk about the refinement of details, the clasp, the whole of it.” Although this neat little bag looks a bit odd, it’s actually very practical.

KARL LAGERFELD

Kaiser Karl came up with a number of ideas apparently but all of them were boxing related. As to why, well, he quoted Voltaire: “‘Everything that needs an explanation, isn’t worth the explanation.’ So what can I explain?” Yes, well. Anyway … if you want to punch something that’s worth thousands and thousands of dollars you can snap up a Karl Lagerfeld for Louis Vuitton boxing bags; with matching travel trunk, of course. A bit easier on the wallet are the cute little bucket bags that he created to go with it.

MARC NEWSON

Known for his elegant yet practical industrial design, it was obvious that Marc Newson would think about creating something useable for his piece for Louis Vuitton. “I design things that fundamentally I would like to own,” he explains. This time I ultimately thought of the typology myself: a backpack. I wanted to concentrate all of the features that I love and try and put them into the piece.” His backpack is practically perfect when it comes to the blend of practicallity and fashion; it not only looks amazing but it really does its job too … and it comes in three cool colours.

REI KAWAKUBO

The creative brain behind Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo was bound to do something different. Instead of going all crazy and creating something never seen before, the designer “broke” the tradition of a Louis Vuitton tote by adding holes (there’s an interior liner though so all your stuff is safe). “When designing the bag for this project, I was looking for some new design, something that hadn’t been done before, something within the limits of possibility,” Kawakubo explains. In many way this most conceptual of bags is actually the most useable … a great mix of art and design.
resource: http://goo.gl/C4uyqO

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H&M Singapore flagship store gets bigger than ever

The H&M Singapore flagship store set to expand: H&M Orchard Building will soon include a fourth shopping level

H&M Orchard Building. PHOTO: H&M

Love all things H&M? Cheer to hear that H&M is set to expand its three-storey Singapore flagship store at the H&M Orchard Building.

As part of the store's refurbishing works, H&M will add a new fourth level to its current 30,000 square feet shopping space.

It will still be business as usual at H&M Orchard Building, as renovation works will take place in phases at the flagship store.

Expect to see the store's complete new look by early 2014. With the planned expansion, the store revamp will create dedicated floors for both the Men's section and the kid's department.  Presently, H&M menswear and children's fashion are located together on the third floor.

We won't say no to more affordable fashion at H&M: especially when we're shopping for the men in our lives.

resource:http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/hm-singapore-flagship-store-gets-bigger-ever

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Travel 2013: 10 pairs of fun sunglasses inspired by Spring Breakers

Embark on your own spring break holiday - inspired by the movie - with these fun shades in hand. Here are our top 10 picks for you.

In the first part of our four part series on movie-inspired sunglasses, we showed you the 10 pairs of vintage-inspired sunglasses that reminded us of Audrey Hepburn in the wonderfully nostalgic film Roman Holiday.

In this second part, we have the girls-gone-wild movie, Spring Breakers, starring Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson and Rachel Korine.

The film - filled with hedonism and debauchery - sees the stars almost entirely bikini-clad throughout, as they party on during spring break in sunny Florida. Movie plot aside, their vibrant colour-blocked bikinis steal the show but you don’t have to walk around in a skimpy swimsuit all day to feel like you’re enjoying the Florida sunshine.

Instead, wear any one of these 10 pairs of colourful shades - that we can definitely see the girls wearing - to spark off the spring break fever.

resource:http://www.herworldplus.com/microsites/summer-travel-tips-tricks/travel-2013-10-pairs-fun-sunglasses-inspired-spring-breakers

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Lucy Choi arrives at The Outnet.com

Jimmy Choo’s niece, Lucy Choi is a shoe designer in her own right and her eponymous brand of footwear makes their debut on The Outnet.com


The saying “it runs in the family’ certainly rings true in the fashion industry. Donatella has continued her brother’s Gianni’s legacy at the house of Versace and the Missonis have kept the business in the family. Now, the fashion world can add Jimmy Choo and his niece, Lucy to the list of notable fashion families.

Lucy Choi isn’t riding on her famous uncle’s coattails - she worked for Choo as an apprentice in her youth and was also the Managing Director at French Sole. In 2012, she launched her own footwear brand and has proved to be an extraordinary shoe designer in her own right.
With the knowledge and experience she has amassed, Choi’s shoes aims to deliver a combination of designer style and comfort at prices between that of the luxury and high street labels. Her shoes are simple, wearable classics – nothing too flashy but still without a doubt - making a statement with their designs.
Her footwear caters to events from day to night. Girlie flats with bow details are ideal for a busy day in the office while sexy peeptoe pumps in a smattering of fabrics from lace, leather and suede will be perfect date night.
From June 17, 2012, shoppers are able to get their hands on Lucy Choi’s pointed court shoes, shimmering platforms and metallic peeptoes on designer online outlet The Outnet.com.
resource:http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/lucy-choi-arrives-outnetcom

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L’eau Par Kenzo Colors: Limited edition fragrances for the summer

Kenzo Parfums launches two limited edition scents which are perfect for summer

What’s the point of smelling like peaches and strawberries if your other half reeks of sweat and other bodily odours? There’s no way you’re going to make it as the next Posh and Becks or Brangelina if people walk away when you approach them.

That’s why Kenzo Parfums has decided to launch two limited edition fragrances this summer that are the perfect couple fragrance – L’eau Par Kenzo Colors pour femme and L’eau Par Kenzo Colors pour homme.
L’eau par Kenzo, which means “water by Kenzo” in French is the heart of inspiration for the new scents.
With Kenzo Takada’s (founder of maison Kenzo) obsession with giving the usually scentless and colourless water a new twist, he decided to collaborate with perfumers to capture the alluring smells of flowers, fruits and leaves in splashes of water.
Another touch that we thought was particularly interesting -the femme version of the fragrance was developed by male perfumer Aurélien Guichard while the homme version of the fragrance was developed by female perfumer Alexandra Kosinski.

The L’eau Par Kenzo Colours pour femme is a fresh fruity floral fragrance for women with sparkling top notes of mandarin, ginger and white peach. The floral heart note of rose, lily and jasmine petals and a base of cedarwood and white mask, leaves the wearer smelling fresh and feminine.
The male version on the other hand is a fresh spicy, woody fragrance with invigorating top notes of ginger, lemon and coriander leaves. The heart notes of mint, cardamom, sage and woody base notes of cedarwood and white musk keep your man smelling masculine and sexy.
Of course, the icing on the cake has got to be the delightful bottle – which retains the silhouette of the original L’eau Par Kenzo but given a colourful twist in the shape of a rainbow.
So if you’re looking at switching up your signature scents for something lighter in summer, give the L’eau Par Kenzo Colors a go and get one for your significant other at the same time! It's definitely way less cheesy than wearing couple tees.
Recourse: http://www.herworldplus.com/beauty/updates/l%E2%80%99eau-par-kenzo-colors-limited-edition-fragrances-summer

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Puma opens its first ‘Retail 2.0’ concept store in Singapore

A new shopping experience, including a catwalk in the middle of the shop floor, awaits you at Puma’s new ‘Retail 2.0’ store now open at Vivocity

A catwalk in a sports retail store may be a bit unusual but it is part of Puma’s new “Sportlifestyle” shopping experience – a blend of fashion and sports apparel, accessories and footwear.

One of the first of 40 new concept stores rolled out across the world, the Puma store at Vivocity features a catwalk area in the middle of the retail space that will be used to feature lifestyle footwear and seasonal trends from the brand’s various collections. There will also, presumably, be the odd runway show held there.

Puma has revamped their store layout to create a brighter, more inviting environment for you to spend time browsing and trying on the clothes and shoes.

 

The 109 sqm outlet now has a clearer layout; you can easily see the difference between the men’s and women’s sections, which have also been broken down into the various product ranges like Performance (Running, Teamsport and Fitness items) and Lifestyle (Social and Fundamentals items).

Find what you need at a glance by watching product demonstrations on mounted screens above the display shelves and get detailed information on the technology behind the footwear.

Resource: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/puma-opens-its-first-%E2%80%98retail-20%E2%80%99-concept-store-singapore

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Great GSS mall deals

We round up the best bargains for you this shopping season

313@somerset
Till June 30
For every $80 spent in a maximum of three combined, same-day receipts ($50 for Club313 members), shoppers will receive an e-stamp via SMS. This is limited to a maximum of two stamps per shopper per day. Three e-stamps can be redeemed for a $10 shopping voucher for any of the 313@somerset basement stores. Six e-stamps entitle shoppers to $30 worth of shopping vouchers, as well as a chance at a lucky draw with a grand prize of $1,000 worth of shopping vouchers.

Ion Orchard
Till June 30
The first 80 shoppers daily who spend at least $500 in at most three same-day receipts will receive a $30 shopping voucher, and the first 100 shoppers each week to spend a minimum of $1,000 in a maximum of three same-day receipts will be rewarded with a $50 voucher.
Also, on June 15 and 16, the first 50 shoppers daily who spend more than $500 will be invited, along with a guest, to L56 Ion Sky, where they can enjoy massages, makeovers and manicures accompanied by a selection of desserts and drinks.

Mandarin Gallery
Till June 30
The first 400 shoppers to charge at least $400 to any Citibank card in a maximum of three combined same-day receipts can redeem a $20 voucher.
Shoppers who spend at least $300 in a maximum of three combined same-day receipts also get to participate in a lucky draw where 10 winners will receive $500 worth of Mandarin Gallery shopping vouchers. Chances are doubled for Citibank cardholders.
Retailer promotions include 20 per cent off all shoes at Kandee and 20 per cent off regular-priced items such as this watch with a minimum purchase of $500 at Folli Follie.

Orchard Central
Till June 30
For this GSS, the mall has installed eight Volkswagen Kombis and two vintage convertibles on the first floor to house the wares of retailers, such as Rachelshoppe and Tiramisu, for a car boot sale featuring discounts of at least 30 per cent.
Also, shoppers who spend a minimum of $200 in a maximum of two combined same-day receipts can purchase shopping vouchers and selected gadgets, such as a 16GB iPad mini, at a 50 per cent discount.

Palais Renaissance
Till June 17
Multi-label luxury boutique Tyan has set up a pop-up store at the basement of Palais Renaissance and is offering discounts of up to 70 per cent off labels such as Vivienne Westwood, Sonia Rykiel, Jean Paul Gaultier and more. Great deals include the Vivienne Westwood Giant Orb Yasmine Bag going for $400 (usual price $799).

Paragon
Till June 30
Citibank Paragon World MasterCard members will receive $40 in Paragon shopping vouchers when they charge a minimum of $450 to their card in a single receipt. Citi Paragon Platinum MasterCard and other Citibank credit/debit card members who do the same will receive $30 worth of vouchers.
The first 30 Citibank credit/debit card members who spend at least $12,000 in a maximum of three same-day receipts will receive a bottle of Cristal champagne worth $400.
Also, the first 300 shoppers to spend at least $500 in a single receipt will receive a bottle of Deep Sleep Pillow & Body Mist as well as a Divine Calm Massage Oil from The Body Shop worth $49.70.

Wisma Atria
Till July 28
Shoppers who spend at least $200 in a maximum of three combined same-day receipts can enter the Wisma Atria GSS Lucky Draw, where they stand to win the grand prize of a three-day, two-night staycation at the Wow Suite of the W Singapore hotel in Sentosa. A new Samsung Galaxy S4is also up for grabs in weekly draws.
Additionally, mall retailers, such as Pazzion and Lee Hwa Diamond Gallery, are slashing prices by more than 50 per cent.
Resource: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/shop-sales/gss-mall-deals

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Snap up shoes from the Pedder Red Gold Collection

SEE PHOTOS & WATCH VIDEO: Pedder Red has launched a limited edition shoe collection of fourteen styles, all done up in gold and perfect for summer


Sometimes you need to a little subtle bling to your shoe wardrobe but you might not want to splash out too much cash just to ensure you’ve got one of every on-trend style for the season in an on-trend colour. Or maybe you need to add just a dash of metallic to your existing range of looks to bring them up-to-the-minute?
This is why the On Pedder Gold Collection is such a smart idea. With prices ranging from the super affordable – $118 for a pair of flat lace-ups – to the reasonable – $228 for a stack-heeled sandal – you can certainly snap up more than one pair.

Fourteen of Pedder Red’s most popular styles, ranging from basic loafers and flat lace-ups to strappy sandals and pointy-toe pumps, have been reimagined in a variety of gold tones from subtle to bling-bling bright for the collection.
Launched in tandem with On Pedder’s Spring Summer 2013 collections, the Gold Collection even has its own cool short film, Let’s Gold.
WATCH THE PEDDER RED GOLD COLLECTION VIDEO, LET’S GOLD:
The limited edition Pedder Red Gold Collection will only be available in Singapore from the On Pedder Scott’s Square store, so snap them up while you can.
resource:http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/snap-shoes-pedder-red-gold-collection

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agnès b opens outlet store in Singapore

There’s nothing more exciting than news of an outlet store that has just opened in Singapore, especially if the brand is a favourite.
French fashion brand agnès b’s first outlet store in Singapore is located at the IMM Building, and the 2,000 square feet store will stock past season apparel and accessories for men and women from its mainline as well as Sport B., Voyage and Bijoux. Discounts for these go up to 70 per cent off.

The outlet store will also carry its specially-designed Outlet collection that you won’t be able to find at regular agnès b stores, these pieces will go for up to 30 per cent off.

If you think it will be a chaotic mess at the outlet store, don’t worry, because agnès b aims to provide the same level of service as it does at its nine other boutiques island-wide. We’re thinking classy outlet shopping not unlike designer outlet stores in Europe.
If you haven’t checked it out, we recommend you do so; you don’t want to miss out on all the deals going on.
resource: http://www.herworldplus.com/shopping/updates/agn%C3%A8s-b-opens-outlet-store-singapore

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Win a Zanfit Elite Exercise ball worth $59.90

Be one of the 9 lucky winners to win a Zanfit Elite Exercise ball worth $59.90, simply log in (or sign up if you are not an existing member) and fill in your particulars and the promo code found in Her World magazine March issue before April 1, 2013.
Work your abs with Zanfit's Elite Exercise ball. An exercise ball is a must for many fitness routines, such as aerobics. Perfect for all ages and fitness levels, it works several muscle groups simultaneously and improves posture and flexibility. A footpump is included so you can adjust the air pressure to increase or decrease the intensity of your workout.

TERMS & CONDITIONS This promotion is open to all Singapore residents except employees of Singapore Press Holdings Holdings Limited, the sponsor, their media agencies and contractors. Prizes offered are not transferable, exchangeable for cash or any other products. Prizes are subject to stock availability and may be substituted with other items of similar value. Your entry information may be used in future marketing/promotional activities without further compensation to you. SPH Magazines and the sponsor shall not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by you or any party in accepting, possessing, using or consuming any of the prizes or entering the contest. Winners will be notified by post or e-mail.

Recourse: http://www.herworldplus.com/promotion/promotions-months-herworld-magazine/win-zanfit-elite-exercise-ball-worth-5990

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How to dress like a modern Grace Kelly

WATCH VIDEO: Follow these tips from The Outnet to be a modern-day icon of class like Grace Kelly and Jackie O

Unlike the “one day you’re in, the next day you’re out” adage we now hear ad nauseam – thanks to the popularity of Project Runway – Grace Kelly, Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn remain everlasting fashion icons.
These style icons were sensations in their time, and are still considered by many women today to be influential in their everyday style choices.
Pulling off the ladylike look in the 21st century however, is not just about copying Jackie O’s entire outfit right down to her satin elbow gloves – you don’t want to look like you stepped out of a time machine.
This is why we enlisted the help of The Outnet to offer up a few tips on how to be a modern Grace Kelly, and it involves no more than three simple steps. Check out the video below then shop our top picks from The Outnet.
All of the items featured are available from The Outnet; go to www.theoutnet.com for more information.

Video

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Black Friday Frenzy - 7 websites to shop at

From gadgets to designer buys, here's seven sites to visit for some great Black Friday buys

With less than a week to go, stores across the United States are prepping themselves for the most eagerly awaited sales event of the year, Black Friday, when millions of people will be out in force for some serious shopping.
Black Friday is so named because that is when many stores become profitable. It is always on the Friday immediately after Thanksgiving, and this year it falls on Nov 23.
While shoppers in America are known to camp outside their favourite stores, savvy Singaporeans can cash in on Black Friday sales from the comfort of their home. Plus, there is no need to wait in line or jostle with the crowds.
"Singaporean shoppers can look out for deep discounts of up to 80 to 90 per cent by major US retailers during the Black Friday weekend," says Klas Hesselman, PayPal's head of marketing, South-east Asia and India.
Popular items Singaporeans bought during last year's Black Friday sales include the Amazon Kindle, Apple iPad and iPod Nano, and Ralph Lauren apparel.
Websites such as eBay give shoppers access to thousands of US retailers, many of whom do not have a presence here. Some stores ship to Singapore, but for those that don't, consolidate all your shopping from various merchants to one US shipping address provided by an online concierge, such as HopShopGo or Boderlinx or VPost.
Don't fret if you miss out on Black Friday sales. There is also Cyber Monday, the Monday after Black Friday, where prices are expected to be slashed further online.
"As the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend is the busiest shopping weekend of the year and marks the start of the year-end shopping season in the US, there are bargains across categories, and there is something for just about anyone," says Mr Hesselman.
He says popular shopping categories this year include clothes, jewellery, gadgets and home accessories.

Shopbop
Savings on good deals can be dampened by high shipping costs, but not at this site, where shipping to Singapore is free. Purchases arrive no later than three weeks, another reason why Shopbop has become a popular site for local shoppers.
The online retailer offers over 100 brands to choose from. A selection of the items, from shoes, clothes, swimwear and accessories are going at a 70 per cent discount. A Thakoon draped jumpsuit is going at US$277.50, down from US$925.

Nordstrom
It is easy to fill a new wardrobe for everyone in the family with everything from Nordstorm. Apart from men and women sections, the apparel selection is split into kids and juniors too, which makes finding the right items a breeze. The site also has a bed and bath section, and one for holiday decor.
For the best deals, head to the Nordstrom Rack section, where there are bigger discounts, at least 50 per cent, such as a Dalia MacPhee ruffled chiffon cocktail dress for $131.38, down from $339.05. Shipping takes two weeks, which means items will arrive in time for the year-end party season.

Macy's
The department store's online site has made it easy for first-time online shoppers with its Black Friday preview sales, so start browsing now rather than later. Its online sale will start on Nov 24, US time. The site also has a virtual shopping list. Shoppers can add items now and come back later in the week to purchase them.
Some deals are available only online, such as a BCBG Max Azria clutch that is nearly 50 per cent off at $59.99.

Amazon.com
The go-to site for deals for nearly everything under the sky, Amazon sweetens Black Friday sales by offering them from Monday. Kiasu shoppers need not wait till Nov 23 to shop.
Smart shoppers know to sign up with the retailer to receive daily e-mail updates on available deals. We received in our inbox a deal for Alien Anthology on Blu-ray that is 64 per cent off at US$25.
With a wide range of goods available, from clothing and books to electronics and toys, it's possible to spend the whole day here, so it pays to start browsing early.
The deals don't end on Cyber Monday. Amazon is holding a Cyber Monday Deals week from Nov 26.

Overstock.com
This online retailer has begun offering pre-Black Friday deals. There are big items such as leather beds that are going at $620, but keep an eye on smaller items such as a Laura Ashley eight-piece, cotton sateen, 230-thread count bedding set for $225.50. Another good deal is Miss Sixty Women's Faux-fur Hooded Parka for $153, which is likely to cost twice as much in the shops. It is still early, so you can expect more deals to come as Black Friday approaches.

Home Decorators Collection
If the home accessories at the local stores don't excite you, then check out this online retailer. It offers a wide variety of items from furniture to lights and storage options. They also have a selection from Martha Stewart Living, which is not available in Singapore.
What's worth checking out is the clearance section, where some rugs are going at a 50 per cent discount. We spotted a wool rug for US$187.99 (S$230), down from US$549 (S$672).

Kohl's
This is another big chain department store which sees queues during Black Friday sales. Its wide inventory means it takes time to sift through what is available online, so the best way is to head to the clearance tab, which shows items marked down 60 to 80 per cent.
Check out the Vera Wang reversible floral quilted bedspread pieces. A pillow costs US$15.99, down sharply from US$79.99, while the quilted bedspread which originally cost nearly US$260 is now just US$51.99.

Online shopping tips
Comparison shop: Compare prices online before you make purchases. PriceGrabber (www.pricegrabber.com) lets users compare prices across the different merchants.
Beware of shipping costs: You may get a great deal on an item but if shipping charges are high then you lose out. Make sure to check shipping rates before you buy. Some sites offer free shipping if you spend a certain amount.
Know return policies: Many merchants alter their return policies for holiday purchases, prohibit returns or only allow exchanges. Be aware of a merchant's policies before you buy. Keep receipts for online purchases and credit card statements in case you need to make a return.
Never enter your credit card information on a website's checkout page if the URL doesn't have an 's' after http. An https at the beginning of the link means it is a secure site.
This article was originally published on Asiaone on November 19, 2012. For more related stories, visit www.asiaone.com.

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Louis Vuitton makes Mini Sacs cool

Louis Vuitton’s mini-sized bags are super fun for summer; see them on bloggers Hanneli Mustaparta, Elin Kling and Miroslava Duma

When it comes to the size of your purse, bigger is always better it so often seems; however when it comes to Louis Vuitton, small is king … at least for now.
About time too; because the sentiment around the fashion circles is one of fatigue – a general lethargy regarding too-big bags that seemed so cool a couple of months prior.

Louis Vuitton recently welcomed into their leather goods family the Mini Sacs collection, a new leather goods range that comprises of brand new and updated versions of petite-sized Louis Vuitton bags.

There’s the Alma BB Epi Leather in four new colours, the all-new Monceau BB in Epi and Vernis leather as well as the Pochette Accessoires in Monogram Vernis.
There’s so much joie de vivre in the collection, the eye-popping shades of carmin, piment, fuchsia, rose, indigo and vert olive for one; as well as the extra-long straps on the Alma BB and Monceau BB, meant to be worn in a youthful, cross-body style.

And to further push that thought out there, bloggers Hanneli Mustaparta, Elin Kling (pictured above) and Miroslava Duma were all roped in as models for the bright and cheery campaign images that see them travelling across Paris with the bags and nothing else.
The message is clear. For summer, all you need is a Louis Vuitton Mini Sacs bag.
Prices start from $710 for the Pochette Accessoires in Epi leather and go up to $2,010 for a Monceau BB in Vernis leather.
Louis Vuitton is located at Marina Bay Sands, Ion Orchard, Ngee Ann City, Raffles Hotel. For more information, see here.

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Wegmans updates free app to add Android, personalize shopping

Wegmans Food Markets’ newly updated iPhone and Android app allows people to create and edit multiple shopping lists, makes the lists more personal and estimates costs.
Jason Wehle, director of Internet marketing for Wegmans, said in a news release that the improvements were based on customer feedback since the grocery store chain first released the free app a couple of years ago. Among them: compatibility with Android devices and a more personalized experience.
The app soon will work with Amazon’s Kindle Fire and Barnes and Noble Booksellers’ Nook devices, too, he said. All versions can be downloaded at wegmans.com/mobile.
To personalize the app, people now can jump-start shopping lists with past purchases, which are linked to their Shoppers Club accounts. The app also displays Wegmans recipes and can add the ingredients to a list, and it can use a device’s camera to scan bar codes, for example, on an item in a refrigerator, and add those to the list.
The new app estimates the total cost of the items on a list. “Customers have asked us for this feature because it offers more control over spending and planning,” Wehle said.
Multiple shopping lists can be used for parties, or by people who shop for neighbors or relatives, Wehle said. “You can also email your list to someone else who’s doing the shopping, and even add helpful notes,” he said.
The app organizes the shopping list by aisle according to a store’s layout. If people are shopping in a different store than usual, they can switch to that site.
Wegmans also added more nutritional information to the app. In addition, the app offers store hours and locations, prescription refills, cooking videos, blog posts, recipes and a chance to rate and review recipes and products.
At the store, cashiers can point a hand-held scanner at a phone or tablet to get a customer’s Shoppers Club information, so people do not have to carry their cards or key tags.
resource:http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20130110/LIVING/301100043/Wegmans-updates-free-app-add-Android-personalize-shopping

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Updated eBay Apps Further Simplify Buying and Selling

Yesterday, eBay released significant updates to its iPhone and iPad apps, giving consumers a faster, easier and more streamlined experience for buying and selling from their mobile devices.
The updated eBay apps will play an important role in eBay Mobile’s year to come. Mobile shopping continues to shape the way consumers buy and sell, and users have clearly embraced mobile listing. Roughly 1.8 million new customers joined eBay through a mobile device in the first three quarters of 2012, and eBay Mobile currently adds an average of 2.4 million listings per week.
eBay for iPhone 2.7 and eBay for iPad 2.2 enhance the mobile buying and selling experiences by making them as seamless as possible and eliminating nearly all points of friction, giving consumers intuitive experiences that connect them with what they want, when they want it.
For sellers, the app updates integrate the best of mobile devices with the desktop. They can now save drafts of their listings on their smartphones, where it’s easier to upload pictures, and then complete the process from their PCs, which allows them to write longer item descriptions from a keyboard. The reverse process — starting a listing on a desktop and finishing via mobile — also applies. Category, pricing and shipping guidance, the ability to work on multiple listings, and a new photo module for the iPhone app round out the new feature set.
“With eBay’s app updates, selling has never been simpler,” said Kevin Hurst, eBay’s VP of Mobile Products. “We’ve streamlined the mobile selling experience to give consumers step-by-step suggestions for pricing and shipping, and we’ve loaded the updates with new features that let customers seamlessly switch between mobile and PC – to more quickly and easily upload photos and edit listings.
Buyers, meanwhile, will gain access to an improved auto-complete search feature and a shorter checkout experience. The updated apps will also allow users without associated PayPal accounts to  make purchases via the app with a new guest checkout feature. There is also a new single-screen view to review and confirm payments.

The enhancements come at a particularly welcome time for customers, perfectly timed after the holidays when people want to start fresh and sell items they no longer need, and when they can use the proceeds from their sales to fund new eBay finds.
resource:http://ebayinkblog.com/2013/01/08/updated-ebay-apps-further-simplify-buying-and-selling/

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