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BEST BUY 2

ELECTRONICS At Funan-The IT Mall, 109 North Bridge Rd., you can find computers and accessories-there are many, many shops, each with special offers and deals, so compare when you shop. At Sim Lim Square, 1 Rochor Canal Rd., not only can you find computers, but office and home electronics as well. Bargain hard here-prices are not marked.

If you're in the market for photographic equipment, the best place to go is Cathay Photo, #01-05, #01-07/08, #O1-11/14 Peninsula Plaza, 111 North Bridge Rd. ( 65/6337-4274).
EYEGLASSES Eyeglasses? Why would anyone want to buy eyeglasses on his vacation? Because in Singapore they're dirt cheap, that's why. For the price of one pair of frames with prescription lenses in the United States, I can get a pair of rescription glasses, a pair of prescription sunglasses, contact lenses, and even have my old frames relensed. If you can beat that at home, do it. If not, take advantage while you can.

They're so inexpensive because the government does not have as strict regulations on optometry as do countries in the West. However, I assure you the larger prescription firms are very good at what they do, and many shops carry the latest frames from international designers. At Capitol Optical you'll get the best price on generic frames, but not cheap quality in the lenses. Centrally located branches are at #03-132 Far East Plaza (65/6736-0365); #01-77 Lucky Plaza (GS/734-4166); and 435 Orchard Rd. #03-39 Wisma Atria (65/ 732-2401).

FABRICS Exquisite fabrics like Chinese silk, Thai silk, batiks, and inexpensive gingham are very affordable and the selections are extensive. If you have time, see if you can have something tailored. There are many fine men's tailors for suits and slacks made to fit. For women, the ultimate souvenir is to order a cheongsam, the Chinese dress with the mandarin collar, frog clasps, and high slits up the side. Ready-made ones of lesser-quality silk and sateens are really cheap and kitsch, but a tailored full-length dress from rich Chinese silk makes for an elegant addition to your formal wardrobe.

On another note, if you've ever dreamed of owning a sarong or sari, you can get them in Singapore for great prices. A suggestion: I buy the traditional Asian prints and have them tailored into Western designs for my own East-meets-West styles.

Most fabrics are sold by the meter and there is no standard width, so make sure you inquire when you're purchasing off the bolt. Silk dealers are in almost every mall in the Orchard Road area.
You should also check out Arab Street. I love the selection of silks from India, Thailand, Japan, and Europe at Poppy Fabric, 111 Arab St. (65/62966352). Buy modern batik fabrics at Basharahil Bros., 101 Arab St. (65/ 6296-0432), and be sure to take a peek at their batik silks in the back-just gorgeous! For bolt batik cottons in traditional patterns, the following shops have good selections: Hadjee Textiles, 75 Arab St. (65/6298-1943); Bian Swee Hin & Co., 107 Arab St. (65/6293-4763); and Aik Joo Textiles, 68 Arab St. (65/6293-7580).

For other finds, a few shops along Serangoon Road in Little India have some Fine Indian silks. "I'he largest selection is at Mohd Mustapha & Samsuddin Co., Pte. Ltd., more commonly known as Mustapha's, 320 Serangoon Rd. (65/6299-2603).
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