Jill Sara ploughs through the elite Tanglin Road enclave for some unusual finds – with a few big-ticket splurges thrown in for good measure 

Once known as the place to purchase antiques and Persian carpets (and only that), this sleepy Tanglin Road stretch – now home to the prestigious St Regis Singapore – has shrugged off its dusty old cloak and taken on a brighter, shinier look. And while the inconspicuous, family-run stores are still around, there’s no mistaking that the ‘OC’ of Singapore is giving one and all plenty of reasons to head down and start shopping. We turn the spotlight on this über-cool zip code. 

Prêt-À-Porter
Thanks to The Link, Tanglin Road’s style status is finally on the up. Stocking high-fashion labels like Catherine Malandrino, Giambattista Valli, Barbara Bui, Roberto Cavalli and See by Chloé, it’s the place where any self-respecting fashionista should shop, albeit one with deep pockets. For the style-conscious on a modest budget, invest $600 and purchase the Barbara Rihl leather bag. The French label’s leather tote does cost a pretty penny, but it’s a much more reasonable purchase when you consider the four figure price tags on display. 

Exotic decor
Stylish and uncluttered, Pagoda House sells a wide range of products that will give your everyday space an ethnic accent. Shiny seashells used by Tibetan priests for prayer calls are a tad expensive ($2,000- $6,099) but sometimes you just can’t put a price on things. You could choose a more affordable option in the form of a magnifying glass fitted with a natural seashell ($135). Or visit Spiritual Antique Land  and purchase a Buddha bust flown in from Burma (now known as Myanmar) for $5,000 and up. 

Tailor-made garments
If you only have 24 hours to find a party dress that will make you look like a million bucks but not leave you penniless, there are a couple options on Tanglin. Gather your tear sheets and head to Mode-O-Day, where uncomplicated dress designs in silk start from $500. For a nicer price, Tanglin Silk Store engages local seamstresses known for their impeccable workmanship. For $200, above-the-knee dresses can be sewn and ready to wear in two weeks, and you can even send them your orders via the internet. A perfect choice if you’re not in a hurry. And yes, they cater to men, too. 

Pretty trinklets
Opalite, the stone of love, hogs the spotlight at SuLin Serio. The signature ‘Serio’ collection centres around the Cancerian birthstone, where one-of-a-kind chunky bracelets and necklaces retail for $500 and under. For other astrological signs, go to Gems of Lanka and pick from an array of gemstones – garnets, turquoise, zircons – mounted on sterling silver. As the stones are imported directly from Sri Lanka, India and Nepal, the attached price tags fall into the slightly more reasonable price bracket of $188-$388. 

Nifty toys
Adorable Folkmanis finger- and hand puppets are flying off the shelves at The Better Toy Store. The range is arguably the widest in Singapore and extremely affordable. Most hand puppets are less than $40, and the finger puppets are priced at $12.90. Attic Pals engages the little ones with markers and a colouring book at $20.50. And here’s why you should buy it: the ‘magic’ markers only work on the special colouring-book paper and not anywhere else – genius! Kiddults can buy Playmobil models from Germany at Action Toyz. Our personal picks? The Transport & Cargo Handling Airport ($199.95) and Magic Castle ($399.95), with add-on accessories ($5.95 and up). 

Pedal power
Step into the phalanx of Trek bicycles parked neatly at Treknology Bikes. Just point and pay; every size, colour, wheel and seat are immaculately laid out for your convenience. For a high-performance two-wheeler, expect to shell out at least $800. For the not-so-avid sporty types, check out the souped-up cruiser by Pimp Garage ($1,699). It’s a great way to tour the city at a leisurely pace, pedal by pedal. 

Home living
Finding it hard to catch enough Zs? Well, don’t hold it against Hästens, with its brand of bespoke handmade beds. Retailing at nearly $30,000 (for a single-size bed), this couture bed is partially made of horsehair, which is said to enhance one’s sleeping experience. Don’t believe us? While we sleep we all lose up to a litre of water, and the natural animal fibres help to soak up the water to ensure you remain hydrated all night long. Don’t want to max out your credit card? Head to Biggie Best for a custom-made sofa or couch, with prices starting at $1,400 for a three-seater sofa (excluding fabric) and available within four to six weeks. For the finishing touch to your home space, find candles of every size, scent and colour at Scandic Wonders. These Scandinavian-made candles ($12- $20) are made of paraffin wax and can burn for up to 160 hours. 

Sweet treats
Revive yourself at Hédiard and treat your taste buds to delicious pralines (see photo); for something ‘healthier’, try the fruit jellies. Available in 26 different flavours, 100g (approximately five cubes) of the jellies go for $12.85. For something more substantial, head down a few blocks to Steeple’s Deli. The folks at Singapore’s first deli have been flipping home-made cheeseburgers and fries at the lean price of $10.90 for longer than any of us can remember. However, the new kid on the block has to be Oomphatico’s. The colourful café is bound to draw hungry shoppers in, with the help of delicious smelling pastries lovingly heaped in shallow baskets at the front counter.