Editor’s pick: Favourite shopping sites for retail therapy

“My favourite shopping site is Lazada, and during the pandemic, it was probably my most-visited site to buy cooking utensils and gadgets when restaurants were closed and I had all the time in the world to explore recipes. However, learn from my mistake and check your measurements (rather than selecting the cheapest option on the site), as I have ordered a pan the size of my palm, as well as a gingerbread house cookie cutter that resulted in a gingerbread house the size for ants.”

- Katelyn Tan, senior writer, Tatler Dining Malaysia

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"YesStyle carries a great selection of wigs and other fun hair pieces. It can be daunting to buy them if you're unfamiliar with brands and don't want something that looks cheap but still want to jazz up an ensemble. Reviewers take precious time and effort to leave honest reviews so you always know what you're in for. It's also a great source for certain K-beauty products, although be sure to cross-check they aren't already on the Malaysian market for cheaper through official Shopee or Lazada stores."

- Kiran Pillay, senior writer, Tatler Malaysia

“My favourite shopping site is Zalora. I’m mainly based in Johor, and shopping options can be limited, so I was thrilled when Zalora started stocking COS, which is where about 80 per cent of my wardrobe comes from. Zalora also offers overnight delivery, often has sales, and returns are a breeze, so I must admit I spend more time (and money) on it than I really should.”

- Jennifer Choo, regional managing editor, Tatler Homes

“My favourite shopping site is ASOS. I don’t frequent the site as much as I used to anymore but I love being able to get my hands on clothing and items that aren’t available in brick-and-mortar stores in Malaysia, especially from their roster of house brands. ASOS has released some pretty cool, exclusive collaborations—The Simpsons, Crayola, and Walls Ice Cream, to name a few—and they frequently have pretty good deals in their sale section as well! The only setback is their delivery and return options since they ship from overseas so it can either be a longer wait than usual (as compared to local e-commerce sites) or a bit of a hassle returning something.”

- Lainey Loh, digital director, Tatler Malaysia

“My favourite shopping site has to be SSENSE. Not only do they have an extensive selection of both luxury and emerging designer brands—many of which are some of my top favourites—but they also regularly host huge sales throughout the year that I can never resist. Not to mention, I also have access to their private sales. I was able to get my hands on an Ottolinger dress with a huge discount, and it’s still my absolute favourite purchase of all time. On top of that, they also do exclusive collaborations with some of the brands they feature, and these drops are always a hit. I have the SSENSE x Venczel Elan Flash bag, and it still gags me every time I look at it. Although most of the time I’m only window shopping on the app, just looking at some of the styling is pure eye bliss.”

- Phyll Wu, style writer, Tatler Malaysia

“I know this is an incredibly basic pick, but I love Shopee, and I’m not afraid to admit it. I haven’t paid for shipping in ages! Almost all of my skincare comes from the official Shopee stores of the brands I use most, and with hefty discounts. The options on Shopee are virtually limitless. I’ve gotten funny graphic t-shirts, bag organisers, lip liners, coffee mugs, and even live plants. When I garden and need an emergency supply of potting soil, I make a quick order on Shopee. It’s also the site I visit the most when I need kitchenware or appliances. Where else can you find a milk frother for less than 5 ringgit?”

- Chelsea Rozario, writer, Tatler Dining Malaysia

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“A treasure trove of some of the best brands in the world alongside exceptional editorial content, Mr Porter is an excellent reminder of the things I can’t have in life, like a Brunello Cucinelli camp-collar suede shirt (approximately RM27,561) or an Elder Statesman striped cashmere blanket (approximately MYR23,202). Every now and then, my late-night weekends will consist of me scrolling through the Mr Porter app or website, with a Netflix show playing in the background while I add impossibly expensive and nice things into my cart. On that off chance that I do pull the trigger and go through with the purchase, I love how the items arrive in a sleek, aesthetically pleasing white box, and the package includes a card with my name written in cursive, adding a personal touch that feels special.”

- Sim Wie Boon, digital editor, Tatler Malaysia

“I first discovered APOC Store on Instagram Shops and found myself doom-scrolling because all the pieces were visually intriguing, and we love a good platform that supports emerging and independent designers! The site itself features a carefully curated selection of independent designers and brands, while committing to their ethos of sustainable and ethical practices, making it easier for consumers to make eco-friendly choices. Aside from the unique one-of-a-kind clothing items, there’s plenty of household items and sculptures that add to an otherwise boring IKEA-filled apartment. Though slightly on the pricier end, it puts my heart, and wallet, at ease knowing that I’d be supporting young creatives whose work I wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else.”

- Quinny Tan, senior social media executive, Tatler Malaysia

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