November 2012 – Page 2

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Miami State of Mind: Top 5 Things to Do in Miami

November 7, 2012 by Regina Chow No Comments

I should really start on my research for our New Zealand trip this December, but my infatuation with beaches led me to google “Miami” instead.

The last time I visited the US was more than a decade ago. Then again, I only visited Hawaii, Las Vegas, L.A and San Francisco. Hawaii stole my heart. I was besotted with Waikiki beach even as a teen, and that experience ignited my love for beaches. Why, what’s not to love about crystal clear waters and soft white sand?

My girlfriends and I were supposed to visit Miami last October, together with a host of other cities, but luck wasn’t on our side and our plans didn’t materialize. Fast forward 1 year on, and I’m still in a Miami state of mind (New York too, but we’ll save that for another day).

Here’s a list of things that I would do in Miami:

1. Relax on South Beach

South Beach is the place to be seen in Miami and it certainly lives up to the typical Miami stereotype. Who knows, you might even be lucky enough to catch some models or celebrities basking in the sun.

2. Take a stroll along Art Deco Ocean Drive

Home to the world’s largest collection of Art Deco architecture, Ocean Drive is the perfect place to start the tour of the Art Deco district in Miami. Immerse in the beauty of over 800 flamboyant buildings, painstakingly preserved to reflect their past glory.

The Versace Mansion, which has since been converted into a hotel, is on my list of buildings to visit.

The entire strip comes alive at night as the buildings light up in bold shades of neon against the backdrop of palm trees swaying gently in the sea breeze.

For a better idea of what Ocean Drive looks like by day, check out this Ocean Drive flash mob video from the “Step Up 4 – Miami Heat” movie trailer!

3. Explore Little Havana

Did you know that 80% of the Miami population is Cuban? Many Cubans sought asylum in Miami in the 1960s after communist leader Fidel Castro came into power.

Well then, what better way to get to know more about Cuban culture than to visit Little Havana, a quaint neighbourhood reminiscent of Cuba? Apparently, the buildings and restaurants that line the street are very similar to what you would see in Cuba.

4. Visit the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Vizcaya Museum is a piece of Italy, or more specifically, Venice. Certainly, a few gondolas in the river would complete the imagery, wouldn’t it?

This opulent Renaissance-style mansion was built in the 20th century and is a treasure trove full of antiques and paintings dating from the 16th-19th centuries.

An avid fan of European interior design, I wouldn’t miss this for the world.

5. Attend the Art Basel Exhibition

Art Basel is the world’s leading art show for modern and contemporary art, and the Art Basel Exhibition in Miami Beach is the most prestigious exhibition in America. Art collectors, curators, dealers and enthusiasts alike congregate on Miami Beach every year for this spectacular showcase of artworks.

There’s so much to do on Miami beach, but these are my top 5 picks for now. A trip to the US will not happen any time soon, although I wish I could scoot off to Miami right away!

Credits: Timeout, Wikipedia

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How to make your Hair Colour Last Longer

November 6, 2012 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

I’ve had coloured hair for close to 10 years now (gosh I’m old!). For those of you who’ve known me for a while, you will realize that I’m especially drawn to light brown/ash shades. Unfortunately, such colours are very prone to fading and require higher maintenance as touch-ups are needed every 4-8 weeks. After seeking advice from hairstylists, doing research on the internet and learning through trial and error, I decided to compile some tips to make the most out of your colour by prolonging its life. They’ve worked well for me, so I hope you’ll find them useful too!

1) Do not wash your hair 1-2 days prior to your colour job

Natural oils from your scalp not only protect the hair shafts, they also smoothen the colour application process as the hair absorbs the dye much more easily.

2) Always invest in colour safe shampoos and conditioners

After spending a bomb on your beautiful tresses, you wouldn’t want to wash your money down the drain by using hair products that strip your hair colour at home. The key is to find products that are suitable for your hair and scalp.

Expensive products don’t always work (e.g. Kerastase causes my scalp to itch). On the contrary, I find drugstore brands just as effective, if not better.

I started on Marc Anthony’s Colour Shampoo and Conditioner (S$16.90 each from Watsons) a couple of weeks ago, and I’m happy to report that it makes my hair soft, shiny and manageable. More importantly, my hair colour remains vibrant and I don’t see any signs of discolouration at all. Although these are colour enhancing products, their hair volumizing properties are especially apparent, an additional perk that left me pleasantly surprised! I have very fine and limp hair, so any volume is greatly appreciated.

The entire range of Marc Anthony products was developed by World Champion Hair Stylist and Celebrity Hairstylist Marc Anthony. The shampoos and conditioners also come with broad spectrum UV protection and Vitamin C, important ingredients that prevent discolouration and promote healthy hair growth. With hair products that are choke full of goodies, everyday can be a good hair day!

3) Use a colour save leave-in conditioner with UV protection

We all know how important UV protection is for our skin, but did you also know that exposure to sunlight will dry out your hair, leaving them lifeless and dull? To complement my shampoo and conditioner which already come with UV protection, I also use a colour save leave-in conditioner with UV protection. I skipped this step previously as I was lazy, but I’ve turned over a new leaf and am a lot more hardworking these days.

Why? Because this step probably makes the biggest difference to retaining hair colour vibrancy, especially since sun exposure is practically inevitable thanks to our tropical climate.

I discovered Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Color Save Spray Conditioner (S$21 from a neighborhood shop at Bukit Timah Plaza) recently and I have never looked back.This is a salon exclusive product but I’m sure it retails online too.

The BC Bonacure range promises to renew the strength and elasticity of your hair with its signature Amino Cell Rebuild technology. I have tried several leave-in conditioners prior to this, and besides being fragrant, none of them really did anything to my hair except weigh them down.

I particularly like the lightweight formula of this leave-in conditioner as it gives me tangle-free and silky smooth hair without weighing down my hair at all. I have a lot of baby hair, and this is the only product that could tame those flyaways, making my hair look shiny and well-conditioned all day. The best part is, I have been using this for a couple of weeks now and my coloured hair still looks fresh out of the salon!

4) Do not over shampoo. I actually find it difficult to follow this rule because I prefer to shampoo everyday. Unfortunately, the lather in shampoos washes away both your hair’s natural oils and your artificial colour as well. Now, I try to shampoo only on alternate days to extend the life of my hair colour.

5) Be cautious about the water temperature when rinsing your hair. Hot water is damaging not only to your hair shaft, but to your hair colour too as it causes the colour to fade much faster. It’s best to use lukewarm water to rinse off the shampoo, followed by cold water to close the cuticles on your hair shafts.

Are there any other tips that worked for you too? Do share them here! 🙂

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How to Wear a Basic Tee

November 4, 2012 by Regina Chow No Comments

Miranda Kerr

My friends would know that I’m probably the last person on earth to take a liking to basic tees, simply because I am such a huge fan of details, especially feminine details like lace, tulle, crochet and floral prints.

Well, things have changed. I recently added two plain basic tees (nude and white ones) to my wardrobe because I’ve finally come to realize how incredibly versatile they are.

Not convinced? Let’s take a cue from the celebs!

Vintage

Eva Mendes

If you love vintage style (like me!), you can pair a plain white tee with a retro print maxi skirt for a more feminine look, just like what Eva Mendes did. Cinch your waist with a statement belt to pull the entire look together.

Work Chic

Kate Bosworth

The basic tee can take you to work too! Wear it with a high waisted skirt, like what Kate Bosworth did over here for dress-down Fridays or throw on a jacket and you’re all set for the boardroom. 😉

Cute & Whimsical

Gwyenth Paltrow

Wear a simple tee with bright colours to amp up the cute factor for the weekend! I like how Gwyenth Paltrow threw on a pair of printed platforms, lending a whimsical touch to the entire ensemble.

Rocker Chic

Ashley Simpson

An oversized graphic tee with jeans/leggings, complete with pointy pumps and a leather jacket can never go wrong, which explains why it’s so commonly seen on the streets! To stand out from the crowd, add a splash of colour (check out Ashley Simpson’s green sling bag) and bold prints (leopard print pumps in this case).

Finally, ladies and gentlemen, here’s how I have been wearing my basic white tee these days.

Tee from General Pants

Pink ribbed blazer and neon necklace from Forever New

I like to wear my basic tees with casual cotton blazers or brightly coloured ones that add an unexpected pop of colour to the otherwise neutral palette. I tried on this pink blazer from Forever New recently and I’m bent on getting it!

The other great thing about plain tees is that you always have room to dress it up with statement necklaces and accessories, so let your creative juices flow and unleash the fashionista in you!

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Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi Beach & Tamarama Beach

November 2, 2012 by Regina Chow No Comments

Sculpture by the Sea is an annual sculpture exhibition on the eastern coast of Sydney. Beautifully crafted sculptures line Tamarama Beach and Bondi Beach, injecting an artistic vibe to the coastlines!

Beach culture is prevalent all over Australia, which works in my favour because I love hanging out at the beach! I know it’s hard to believe that someone like me, who shies away from the sun and doesn’t swim at all, can actually take a fancy to the beach, but there’s something about the crashing waves and soft, pristine sand that sets my heart aflutter.

I adore art exhibitions as well, simply because it is interesting to see how creative ideas are transformed into works of art. The fruits of labour are often unexpected, or even incomprehensible in some cases, but the element of surprise is very intriguing indeed.

This dome installation is one of my favourites. Who would have thought of rolling up colourful t-shirts to create roses? The enchanting visual impact is a testament of the artist’s ingenuity!

Here are some of the other artworks that caught my eye:

We parked at Tamarama Beach and walked all the way to Bondi, enjoying the sights along the way. Sydney has no lack of gorgeous beaches, but Bondi beach is definitely the place to be seen. It is no surprise that it is the most crowded of all beaches, because this is where all the action is!

We were there on a Wednesday, but look at how crowded the beach was!

Time to quench our thirst on a scorching hot day!

What more could you ask for when you have a spectacular view of the beach and its glorious waves?

This is my idea of a perfect afternoon. Sipping on fresh juice and gazing at the vast ocean is so relaxing and therapeutic, I feel like I’m in paradise.

Now that the weather is warmer, I’ve been heading out more often for a spot of beach therapy! I always feel rejuvenated after a day at the beach.

What about you? Do you love beaches too? 🙂

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Fabulous Hair with Invogue Singapore

November 1, 2012 by Regina Chow 2 Comments

I was invited to try out the hair services at Invogue Singapore a while back. Nestled in the Tampines heartlands away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Invogue Singapore is a gem waiting to be unraveled by hair fashionistas out there!

Invogue Singapore prides itself for its quality rebonding and hair dye services. My hair is naturally very limp and straight, so rebonding was out of the question for me despite all the rave reviews the salon received. However, I was very excited try out their hair dye service because I wanted to dye my hair ombre.

I fell in love with the salon’s decor the minute I stepped in. It was recently renovated in a dreamy Mediterranean style, complete with a fresh coat of blue paint accented by white picture frames and shelves. It felt just like a holiday resort, and I was more than ready to indulge in an afternoon of blissful pampering!

I made a new blogger friend at the salon too! Miyo was there to get her hair checked before she proceeded with her rebonding treatment the following week.

Honestly, how many hair salons these days would bother to do a thorough check to ensure that their client’s hair is suitable for certain chemical treatments? We were both very impressed by Invogue Singapore’s utmost dedication and professionalism!

Here’s my stylist, Kalvin! Don’t be fooled by his youthful looks. Kalvin has 7-8 years of experience as a stylist, so you can rest assured that your hair is in good hands.

I wish I was adventurous enough to try out bright colours, just like that bold streak of blue that he had, but alas, I decided to go with Kalvin’s recommendation to dye it brown and ash ombre.

Unlike most hair salons where the hair stylist leaves the dye application work to his assistant, Kalvin painstakingly mixed the hair dye before he deftly applied the colours on to my hair with skilled precision. His dexterity and attention to details are highly commendable as he could instantly deliver the exact colours that I wanted.

I’m sure many of you have had frustrating experiences with hair salons that couldn’t achieve the colour that you chose at the onset. With Kalvin around, you can cast your worries away and relax, knowing that your precious tresses are in the hands of an expert.

Did you know that there is a mini TV screen beside every seat at the salon? I thought that was very considerate, especially since chemical treatments usually take hours and customers like me would either browse magazines, fiddle with smartphones or doze off. Now, we can watch television programmes to occupy our time!

Time flies whenever I watch TV, so I was done with the colouring process in the blink of an eye!

Hair treatment is essential after colouring as it locks in your hair colour, making it last much longer. Of course, it also ensures that your hair is well-conditioned and silky smooth!

Check out my lustrous locks after Kalvin worked his magic with a flat iron! The ombre effect is even more obvious when my hair is beautifully curled.

Here’s the front view of my freshly dyed and curled locks. I love how the finished look complements my personality and style. Thanks to the hair treatment, my hair texture has also improved tremendously.

Parting shot with Kalvin.

I usually patronize salons in town (and whenever I’m in Tokyo!) and the hairstylist I used to frequent in Singapore is a Korean, but in all honesty, I feel that Kalvin is just as
good, if not better than all the hairstylists that I’ve gone
to. I’ve always believed that the hallmark of a talented hairstylist
lies in his/her ability to recommend hairstyles and colours that
complement your overall personality and dress sense. Kalvin is amazing
at that, and thanks to him, I am now the proud owner of beautiful, luscious, shiny locks!

Close-up of my hair after a long day of bridesmaid duties. The temporary curls are looser and more tousled, but the colour still shines through. In fact, even after several washes, my hair colour still looked as fresh as when it was first dyed! Thank you Invogue Singapore for a job well done!

Invogue Singapore

Address: Blk 139, Tampines Street 11, #01-18, S(521139)

Contact No.: +65 9229 3989

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InvogueSingapore

Do you like my hair makeover?

Invogue Salon is now having a promotion, so do give them a call to book an appointment!

Hair Dye (includes haircut and treatment): $59 (Short), $79 (Medium) and $99 (Long)

Rebonding: Prices start from S$170

Invogue Singapore: http://www.streetdirectory.com/invoguesingapore/

Page 2 of 2«12

Miami State of Mind: Top 5 Things to Do in Miami

How to make your Hair Colour Last Longer

How to Wear a Basic Tee

Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi Beach & Tamarama Beach

Fabulous Hair with Invogue Singapore

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