When Singapore’s Melissa Chor shares go-to shops along Orchard Road, shoppers in the know listen.

That’s because Chor, the author of Born to Shop and a 23-year resident of Singapore, is an expert shopper, sharing her insight with clients of Image Harmony, her image consultant firm.

“I always tell my clients when they are traveling overseas to buy local labels,” Chor says. “I think it’s more valuable to have something in your wardrobe that’s unique and reflecting another country’s culture.”

Also important is dressing for the occasion before heading out to shop. In hot and humid Singapore, that means ultra-casual shorts and sandals, according to Chor. “A shawl or light cardigan is more than sufficient to keep you warm in the air-conditioned malls,” she said.

Luxury shopping haven Orchard Road features more than 20 malls stretching nearly a mile and a half on the one-way road. The malls boast more than 5,000 brands, including the largest Prada flagship store in Asia Pacific.

“You can definitely walk from mall to mall, either through the underground links or via the outdoor sidewalks,” Chor says. “There are benches along the sidewalks for people to rest under the shady angsana trees.”

Travelers will recognize top labels — including Armani, Dior, Burberry and Kate Spade — from the get-go when taking on Orchard Road. At its front is ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn. This magnificent eight-level structure (four shopping levels above ground, four below) looks like something out of an architect’s space-age dream of an orchard, flowing and blossoming upward. It also includes an expansive art gallery.

As a creative dresser, Chor said she likes to mix and match labels from high-end to bargain. To reflect Singapore in that mix, she recommends checking out the following shops.

The jewelry at Moshi Moshi Jewellery, located at Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Road, features mostly bold sterling silver designs and has collections for men and women with engraving and customization options.

Mazzario, The Cheongsam Shop specializes in elegant, modern fashion inspired by traditional attire. The clothing is made to measure in the Singapore studio. Mazzario has a location at Centrepoint Shopping Centre, 176 Orchard Road, but plans to move down the road to Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road.

Lifestyle gift company RISIS is known for its depictions of orchids. It features unique, locally inspired and artistically made jewelry, figurines, collectibles and décor items, many of them made with gold and other precious metals. The gift store has a location at Centrepoint as well.

Be sure to stop by the food courts in ION Orchard Basement or Wisma Atria (level four) for more local flavor, Chor said. Here you can sample Chinese, Malay and Indian fare, including Hainanese chicken rice, Hokkien prawn noodles and roast pork with rice. Chor adds, “Besides shopping, eating — or, as the locals say, ‘Makan,’ — is Singaporeans’ favorite pastime!”