GLITZY new malls, as you know, are the rage. Exciting retail concepts, spiffy decor, trendy wares -- what more could a fashionista want?

Why, less jostling and more variety would be nice, methinks.

Which is why I believe in seeking alternative shopping haunts. The heartlands is a good place to start with its myriad of options ranging from humble HDB shops to friendly suburban malls.

Before you head out, though, I suggest planning ahead. You don't want to get lost in the maze of housing estates, which can overwhelm the uninitiated.

Here is my battle plan:

1) I trawl shop directories of suburban malls (all listed online), and check out the GSS official website at www.greatsingaporesale.com.sg/2009 to find out what are on sale. I set my eye on no more than two malls per day.

2) I go to www.hdb.gov.sg/where2shop to chart my route.

3) I pick up my wallet and get ready to conquer the shops.

The HDB website is a godsend. Launched on July 2001, it lists more than 10,000 heartland retailers - from teh tarik stalls to lingerie shops.

Zoom in on your desired neighbourhood and, with a few clicks, you get a directory of shops in the various town and neighbourhood centres, along with directions on how to get there.

Thanks to the Internet, I also found a shop called Cache Cache Paris in Tampines 1.

Listed on the GSS site, the store stocks cute camisoles and dresses at 70 per cent off.

I also like Diva, a fashion jewellery chain found in suburban malls such as Parkway Parade that stocks on-trend costume baubles.

Other gems that I've uncovered include The Fireplace, a lovely lifestyle shop-cum-cafe at 268 South Bridge Road that stocks everything from designer clocks to hip fashion.

So veer off the beaten track once in a while. You will be rewarded with one-of-a-kind items at unbeatable prices, I promise.