Oh, designer clothes. We sure do love them, but they sure are expensive, and we sure do feel a pang of guilt sometimes after spending the equivalent of a small country’s GDP on a clutch we just cannot live without. All those problems are about to be fixed, however, by the triumphant return of Singapore Committee for UN Women’s Buy To Save sale.
The 11th annual pre-loved pop-up fashion sale takes place at the basement of Forum The Shopping Mall from Friday Nov. 4 to Sunday Nov. 6 from 10am to 8pm. About 2,500+ gently used designer goods, which were collected through Club 21’s Style It Forward fashion donation initiative, will be sold at Buy To Save. Style It Forward, which encourages customers to clear out their closets for a good cause, has been the partner event to Buy To Save since 2009.
This really is a win-win kind of shopping experience. Not only are the luxury items being sold at massive discounts, but 80 percent of net proceeds will go to support the Singapore Committee for UN Women’s advocacy campaigns right here in Lion City, while the other 20 percent will go to help our sisters in the Philippines via UN Women’s Safe Cities Programme in Manila.
Let’s all take our overpriced hats off to THAT! Sold? Here are 12 must-have items from the sale, just in case you need a bit more persuading.
Moschino Let’s Twist Again Dress: SGD80
Only the baddest and boldest fashionistas can pull off Moschino, so if you’re going to give it a shot, it makes sense to test the waters on the cheap. This kooky UK size 8 “Let’s Twist Again” dress from Moschino’s Cheap and Chic line is about as understated as this luxury Italian fashion house gets. Dare to be out there!
Vivienne Tam Geometric Printed Tunic: SGD50
China-born New Yorker Vivienne Tam does not shy away from controversy when it comes to fashion, having styled a line with humorous images of Chairman Mao in 1995 and another featuring Buddha in 2001. However, this cute (large size) black and mustard tunic offers argument-free classic Asian geometric design at a snip.
Prada Platforms: SGD50
You can team this bad boy VT tunic with a pair of Prada platforms if you come to the Buy To Save sale (and happen to have 37.5 size feet). The open-toed platform never seems to go out of style – as hard as the Spice Girls might have tried in the 90s – and the young calfskin uppers on these little beauties will stay looking fresh for a lifetime.
Prada Floral Print A-Line Dress: SGD150
While we’re on the subject of Prada, how about this utterly awesome floral print dress? The European size 40 stunner will look fab on a lady with some curves to swerve, and the blue and white Hawaiian-style print will brighten up even Singapore’s smoggiest days.
Manolo Blahnik Kitten Heels: SGD30
If they can afford it, every woman should own a pair of heels made by Spanish master shoemaker Manolo Blahnik, who literally carves the sole of every single one of his prototypes by hand. This chic pair of pale blue kitten heels could be yours for just SGD30. Again, they’re size 37.5. It’s going to be a good day for that Cinderella.
Marimekko Floral Print Tunic: SGD60
If you’re going to go for bold floral prints, Marimekko is who to do it with. The Finnish homeward and clothing brand, noted for its contribution to fashion in the 1960s, is renowned for its bright designs. One of its two signature styles, this Maija Isola pink and white tunic is an absolute showstopper that anyone who knows their stuff will spot a mile off.
Salvatore Ferragamo Nude Sandals: SGD40
A Hollywood favorite since the 1920s, Salvatore Ferragamo made his first pair of shoes at the age of nine, after which he knew he’d found his calling. He is credited with inventing both the cage heel and the wedge, and was dedicated to ensuring his creations both the look and feel amazing. Nude heels work with practically any outfit, and you won’t get anything even remotely close to these for SGD40. (UK size 7.5)
Kate Spade Medium Tan Canvas Shoulder Bag: SGD10
Top off the outfit with this bargain of a Kate Spade shoulder bag, just perfect for stuffing all your sale purchases in. Having originally launched in New York in 1993 as “Kate Spade Handbags”, you know these guys aren’t going to let you down on the purse front. And at SGD10 you really can’t go wrong.
Chanel Sleeveless Blouse and Neck Bow: SGD80
A brand that needs no introduction, Chanel revolutionized haute couture with understated but elegant women’s staples. This silk sleeveless blouse and accompanying cotton neck bow are the epitome of French style and the brand itself. The timeless twins will be casually floating around the Buy to Save sale in a Euro size 38.
Prada Tabacco Boxy Handbag: SGD100
Thought we were done with Prada, huh? Not yet! And you outfit isn’t done either until you have something totally on fleek to carry your MRT card in. This tan calf leather Tobacco Boxy will do just fine, thanks very much.
Derek Lam Mid-Length Tulip Dress: SGD80
Known for his calculated simplicity, US designer Derek Lam is the kind of man you want in your wardrobe (not literally). This 100 percent seta-silk red tulip dress will look the business on any lady lucky enough to be a UK size 8.
Christian Dior Mini Clutch: SGD10
Wait, what? Yep, that adorable baby of a Christian Dior clutch is indeed going for just SGD10 in the sale. We really have nothing more to say. Consider our case rested.
And you can get your hands on all this quality swag and more for EVEN LESS if you do a truly great thing and sign up at Buy To Save for a membership with the Singapore Committee for UN Women or join the Monthly Donor programme. A 5% discount will be offered for a three year membership signup or a monthly donation of SGD10, a 10% discount will be given for monthly donations of SGD15, and there will be a 15% discount for monthly donations of SGD25.
The sale will run from 10am-8pm from Friday Nov. 4 to Sunday Nov. 6. See you there, thrifty fashionista fundraisers. Phew!
Coconuts Singapore is media partners with Buy To Save.
