Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
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Beauty
Lifestyle
Personal Thoughts
Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
  • About Me
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Fashion

Channeling Song Hye Kyo’s Casual Chic Style in Descendants of the Sun

June 22, 2016 by Regina Chow No Comments
Effortlessly chic. That’s how I would describe Song Hye Kyo’s style in Descendants of the Sun. Her wardrobe staples include easy to wear pieces such as breezy shirts, light linen shorts, A-line skirts and casual t-shirt dresses. If you’re interested to find out more about the outfits, bags and accessories that the Korean star wore, you can check out my previous post here.
Perhaps I was subconsciously influenced by her style because when I threw on this minimalist jacket set, my hubby immediately exclaimed “That looks like something from Descendants of the Sun!”. I was in total disbelief till I looked in the mirror and even then, I still thought my eyes were playing tricks on me.
So anyway, to cut a long story short, this confirms that while we may not look like Song Hye Kyo, we can certainly replicate her easy breezy summer style (and hopefully steal the heart of someone like Song Joong Ki)! The oversized BF jacket looks similar to what Song Hye Kyo wore when she first arrived in Uruk.  I am all for jacket
sets as you can break them up and wear each piece separately. Plus, the minimalist aesthetic ensures that you get plenty of mileage.
 My only regret –  I wasn’t able to complete the look with the Singapore Air Show as my backdrop. Just kidding. Give me Nanjing’s Laomendong district any day. Not only does it look photogenic, you’ll also find quaint little shops and cafes at every turn. I had fun exploring and adding touches of modernity to the ancient Chinese architecture with this outfit.
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Fashion

Styling Pleats with Pleatation

June 15, 2016 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

Singapore brand Pleatation first caught my eye at Fashion Steps Out@Orchard in 2015. The gorgeous pleats and flowy silhouettes were hard to miss. Timeless, effortlessly chic yet gracefully feminine, what’s there not to love about this homegrown label?

This all-in-one dress is versatility personified. Dress it up with heels or dress it down with sandals or flats. Either way, you’ll be sure to draw stares wherever you go with that sexy backless design. Don’t even get me started on the variety of looks that you can create with just one dress. I counted, and wow you can actually get 10 amazing looks! Simply tie the strings in a different way and voila, a fresh new look is born. Take a look at the instructional video at the end for details.

Sounds like the perfect dress for traveling too, isn’t it? I packed this with me for a weekend trip to the city of Nanjing. Temperatures were soaring and I knew this silky number was just what I needed to paint the town red without breaking into a sweat. It worked like a charm and I had an amazing time flying the Singapore flag in a foreign land.

If you love pleats, you’ll be happy to know that besides dresses, Pleatation also specializes in pleated stationery, home and lifestyle products. Pleats are timeless in my opinion, and coincidentally, they happen to be a major trend this year too. So yes, don’t you think it’s about time to “compleat” your wardrobe with this lovely pleated dress?
In other news, I’ll be back in Singapore soon, so do drop me an e-mail for collaborations!

 

 

 

 

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Beauty

The Wellness Clinic Aesthetics Review

June 11, 2016 by Regina Chow 2 Comments

If there is one feature on your face that you could change, what would it be? I am actually pretty contented with what I have but if there is something that I could change, that would be my skin!  I’ve been plagued by pigmentation on my upper cheeks for ages (I conceal it with CC cream so you can’t tell) and most of the aesthetic clinics that I have visited in the past told me that it would be challenging to get rid of it completely.

Well, that was until The Wellness Clinic (TWC) Aesthetics came into the picture. When I had my first consultation with Dr Ram, he gave me the assurance that it is possible to address my pigmentation issues with a comprehensive treatment plan. Wow, I can’t believe I nearly gave up hope and was almost resigned to the idea that these dark spots will stick with me for life. Thanks to Dr Ram and TWC Aesthetics, I can finally see some light at the end of the tunnel.

Dr Ram’s affable and easygoing disposition put me at ease right away. He is a wonderful listener who pays careful attention to what your needs and preferences are instead of simply promoting his products and services. I have met doctors who gave me the “only I know what’s good for you” vibe, but with Dr Ram, you wouldn’t get any of that. He also goes the extra mile to ensure that you are comfortable with his suggestions every step of the way, which is why I knew right from the start that I would be in safe hands.

He recommended that I undergo a series of laser treatments supplemented by oral medication after I return to Singapore for good later this year. Meanwhile, a suitable skincare range is also of utmost importance to prep my skin for the treatments that lie ahead.
 I have been using this range of skincare products exclusively manufactured by Dr Ram for about 3 weeks now and while my pigmentation is still there, I do notice that some have gotten slightly lighter. That to me, is a good sign!
I love the gel-based products as they glide on to my skin effortlessly and feel absolutely feather-light. These are just perfect for brightening my skin while keeping it hydrated in our humid climate.

 

As Dr Ram was aware that I would be traveling for a couple of months and my skin was already looking dull and tired after months of traveling, I was treated to a session of double-yellow laser treatment that helps with skin rejuvenation before I took off again last month. My skin was much smoother and more supple after one session. It took just 15 minutes and the process was very comfortable. There was no pain, no shocking pulses of light, and no downtime. The effects are similar to that of a facial without extractions. This is a great lunchtime treatment as you can pop in and out of the clinic, grab a quick bite before heading back to the office with beautiful, glowing skin!

I am not going to lie. The fact is, treatment for pigmentation is a long-drawn process. One laser treatment is not going to make those spots disappear forever but I did have very smooth baby soft skin that lasted more than just a couple of weeks! Patience is key, and hard work matters too for optimal results. I don’t deny that there are times when I neglect my skincare routine because all I want to do at the end of the day is jump right into bed. Then my skin goes out of whack, turns completely dull and horror of horrors, the dark spots appear darker thanks to my duller complexion. Prevention is better than cure. So remember, always be conscientious when it comes to skincare. 😉
I can’t wait to get back to Singapore to kick start the series of laser treatments. Everyone’s skin reacts differently to the same treatment and I hope what has worked well for most patients would work equally well for me.For more real-time updates and to keep track of my skin’s progress, do follow me on my instagram account (@reginachow_sg).

*****

Two Complimentary Consultations at TWC Aesthetics Clinic

Quote my name “Regina” when you call +65 6887 3073 to book an appointment with Dr Ram and you’ll enjoy two complimentary consultations!
*****

 

 

 

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Travel

Where to go for a Vintage Old Shanghai Themed Photoshoot

June 7, 2016 by Regina Chow No Comments

I did a vintage photo shoot recently with an Old Shanghai theme and I really love how it turned out.

Where? Where else, China of course. If you’re traveling to China and you love having your photos taken, this is an enjoyable and relatively inexpensive activity (if you pick the most basic package) that you can add to your bucket list. Be prepared to draw lots of oohs and ahhs from all your friends and family when they see your photos!

There are two spots where you can do this in Nanjing:
1) Laomendong; and
2) Nanjing Museum
Nostalgic Photo Studio at Laomendong, Nanjing

 

Both attractions have a vintage photography studio. You can be a cheapie like me and just go for the most basic studio photoshoot package where you’ll get 1 hard copy of a photograph similar to the ones above for 70 yuan or about S$15 (inclusive of a simple hairdo, accessories, clothes and professional lighting equipment). You are also allowed to take your own photos in the shop, so be sure to bring along your own camera too.These are some photos taken by my hubby:

Waiting to elope with my secret lover

 

Laomendong, Nanjing (China)

If you prefer the full works, you can opt for the most comprehensive package which includes an elaborate vintage hairstyle, make-up and several backdrops and poses. You’ll get to keep an album of photos too. This would set you back by 1680 yuan or about S$350.

 

The full works
These photos give you a flavour of what the backdrops look like. On hindsight, I should have styled my hair in the series of photos below to match the gorgeous Old Shanghai setting in Nanjing Museum. With the right makeup, hairdo and backdrop (plus some editing), anyone can transform into an upper class woman of leisure sipping tea in a retro tea house or a cute schoolgirl waiting to elope with her secret lover. 

Retro tea house in Nanjing Museum
Cinema from a bygone era at Nanjing Museum
Streets of Old Shanghai at Nanjing Museum
If you prefer the DIY route, it is possible to ace this shoot with your Instagram boyfriend or husband by wearing your own cheongsam, styling your hair yourself (check out tutorials on pinterest & youtube) and bringing your own props.It’s a really fun way to spend an afternoon and you can expect the end results to be nothing short of spectacular!

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Lifestyle

5 Reasons To Own The Casio Exilim ZR3600 Camera

June 3, 2016 by Regina Chow No Comments

 

 I have always been on the lookout for a fuss free point-and-shoot camera that can help me fulfil many functions, especially on days when I want to give the DSLR camera a break.

And I think I finally found it.

The Casio Exilim ZR3600 fits the bill perfectly.

In this internet age where visuals speak a thousand words, there have been many times when I will wonder, “What an amazing photo! How did the person get such an awesome shot!” A professional DSLR camera and good camera lenses definitely play an important role but  I am sure you would agree that it really isn’t the most convenient thing to carry around when you are traveling overseas. It also takes time to adjust the settings to get that perfect shot, which is why I would occasionally turn to a point-and-shoot camera that has the ability to capture beautiful shots without the hassle.

Especially when time isn’t on my side.

If you are also like me, or if you want to achieve great photos without the tech stress, the Casio EX-ZR3600 is like a dream come true.

 

 

Casio Exilim ZR3600

Casio is famous for its selfie functions, beautifully brightening and unblemishing faces in what I describe as a natural automatic photoshop function.

If you see here, the ZR3600 has enhanced the ease of selfies even further by adding a 180 degree flip screen so you can view the screen while taking a photo (and adjust your face and hair accordingly haha).

What’s so convenient too is the button in the front where your forefinger can easily press while holding the camera, a really common gripe of selfie lovers that Casio has wonderfully addressed. What’s more, there’s also the “wave” function where you don’t even need to press a button. Just wave your hand in front of the camera and it’ll automatically take the photo!

The even more awesome news is, this camera doesn’t just take great selfies. It has so many other  amazing functions.

Without further ado, I’ll let the photos during the media trip to Penang do the talking.

Note: All images featured in this post are unedited.

1. Capture Close-up Details without Compromising on Image Quality

There is no need for filters with this camera. All the images come out crystal clear, even when you use the zoom function. Seriously, just look at this.

I zoomed right into the dragon perched on the roof of the temple. All the vibrant colors against the bright blue sky were completely captured.


Look at this magnificent sunrise. The striking orange hues and the gorgeous golden yolk were beautifully captured up close with minimal noise.

This was taken at sunset, when the skies turned into cotton candy shades of pink and purple.

2. Achieve Great Shots with Minimum Time & Effort

 

 

 

This was taken in a rush, walking along a street when I saw these flowers randomly growing by a colorful fence. See how well the colours turned out, even when I literally stopped and snapped the photo in 3 seconds!
 

 

 

And this “Of Parallels and Opposites” photo was another 3 second snap, the words of which poetically came to mind while I was rushing down the same street. Mid-street, in between the houses and the bustle, this space just seemed to call out for a shot.

The camera is also able to capture details well. The famous street murals in Penang are a must-see for many tourists and locals, and here are a few in various sizes and intensity of color: the one similarity? They all turned out beautifully with just a simple click of the camera!

This is one giant cat that spans the width of 10 people!

This is one mini cat that is one human head width.

This was at a non-descript, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it area along the street. It was also shaded by trees so the mural appeared darker and less obvious. However, look at how gorgeously rendered it is as the camera picks out the light and shadows!

What I term the “Penang Powerpuff girls” photo 😂 Can you see how the textures and even the paint peeling off the walls are so alive and 3D in the photo?

Look at the detail of the dragon scales, even in this quick sideways shot!

As the afternoon faded and we were leaving the area, we spotted a shophouse that stood out from the rest with its interesting patchwork curtains and lamps.

Here’s one of the great moments when I said hi to a durian seller uncle. He was sitting in his chair as everyone passed him by. I was intrigued by the durians in the boot of the car, and told him so. It was a brief connection of two strangers, with a warmth and heartfelt poignancy as we smiled at each other. Sir, I wish you well!

And I love this shot with another very different uncle! Uncle Motorbike (that’s what I secretly termed him) was reposed in this position when I saw him, leaning forward on his bike with a devil-may-care expression on his face. Thug Life personified, he was all nonchalant and badass – this was his exact pose in front of the street mural when I walked by. In another world and time, this would be Penang’s James Dean: older, weather-beaten, world-wearied.

P.S. Yes the mural behind him says “kah lu kong hokkien” (teach you speak hokkien).

Coincidence?

 

3. Achieve Bokeh (Blurred Background) Automatically Without Adjustments RequiredI love how the camera automatically blurs the background while retaining sharpness in the foreground, making the subject come alive instantly. There’s no need to fiddle around with the aperture mode to do this (although there is an option for you to do so if you wish). The bokeh effect may not match up to my usual DSLR camera, but for a regular point-and-shoot camera, this is pretty commendable!

Just look at this snake! Did you know that I was also the only female in the group who mustered enough courage to place this snake around my neck? It may sound frightening, but it really wasn’t!

The food images look fantastic too, again bearing in mind that these photos have not been post-edited in any way. I would consider bringing this camera with me for my food tasting sessions in future.

There are many other functions including a selfie art mode, art mode, and even full HD video recording!

I’m sure Casio’s selfie art mode needs no introduction, but here are a couple of selfies that I took with three of my favourite scene selections. You can choose from a total of five scene selections to achieve different moods and effects.

4. Get Flawless Skin with the Selfie Art Mode

~ Beauty shots with “Selfie Art Mode – Elegant” Scene ~

 

 ~ Dreamy Selfies with “Selfie Art Mode – Foggy” Scene ~
 

 ~ Natural Vignette with “Selfie Art Mode – Nostalgic” Scene ~

 All I had on my face was sunblock, a touch of blusher, eyeliner and lipstick. Don’t you think my skin looks absolutely flawless?

Selfie art mode aside, you can also achieve various photo effects with the camera’s art mode. Here is a series of photos that I took with my favourite art mode scenes (you can choose from a total of 12 scenes) to give you a better idea of how your photos will turn out.

 

5. Get Instagram-Worthy Shots with the Art Mode

 

~ Dreamy Photos with the “Art Mode – Soft Focus” Scene ~

This is the equivalent of the Selfie Art Mode – Foggy Scene. You can achieve soft, dreamy photos without any editing. 

 

~ Instagram-worthy Photos with “Art Mode – Toy Camera” Scene ~

Instagram-worthy shots are now possible without having to manually add in your own vignette and filters. I foresee that I’ll be using this a lot for flatlays.

 

~ Enhanced Bokeh with “Art Mode – Miniature” Scene ~

This function makes large objects like buildings look miniature-sized in photos, but I used it to selectively focus on the Laneige lippie while enhancing the blurness of the background. Pretty impressive results for a point-and-shoot camera!

~ Artistic Shots with “Art Mode – Crystal Ball” Scene ~
As the name suggests, the subject is displayed in a “crystal ball”. It is amazing how creative shots like this can be achieved simply with the click of a button.
~ Photos with a touch of sparkle with “Art Mode – Sparkling” Scene ~
The camera automatically adds a touch of sparkle to the brightest points in the photo. This would be great for glitzy events and the festive season. I know I will be whipping out this camera this Christmas for sure.
~ Vintage lifestyle shots with “Art Mode – Light Tone” Scene ~
The scene fades the colour tones and brightens the surroundings. If you love beautiful, vintage-looking lifestyle shots like I do, this would be your go-to mode. With so many creative functions that cater to every occasion right at your finger tips, what is there not to love about this camera? Oh and it is WIFI-enabled as well, so you can easily transfer the photos to your phone and then upload them to your social media platforms. How very thoughtful and convenient!
I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly sold. In fact, I went ahead and got the Pearl White one (thanks to Isabelle!) before this post was even written by the both of us. 😉
*****
Camera Specifications:
12.1 Mega Pixels
12x Optical Zoom, 24x Multi SR Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom
ISO (still images): Auto/ISO80/ISO100/ISO200/ISO400/ISO800/ISO1600/ISO3200/ISO6400
Battery Life – 425 photos/1 hr 30 mins video recording time
Casio Exilim ZR3600 is available in three colours (Pearl White/Pink/Lavender) and retails at S$599 at all Casio Authorised Retailers from March 2016
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About Me

Hi! My name is Regina and I am a style, beauty and travel enthusiast who enjoys writing, photography and letting my creative juices flow.

My blogging journey has been nothing short of exciting. I was recently named the winner of Her World Magazine’s Estee Lauder Style Superstar Awards 2016. My blog was also awarded Best Fashion Blog (Grand Winner) at the Singapore Blog Awards 2014. The year before that, it won Best Online Shopping Blog at the Singapore Blog Awards 2013.

Additionally, it is listed as one of the 10 interesting blogs on Singapore by AsiaWeb Direct (http://www-singapore.com/blogs.htm). I was also featured on both local and international mainstream media for my views on style, fashion and online shopping:

The Straits Times (14 Oct 2014)

The Business Times (14 Oct 2014)

My Paper (13 Oct 2014)

CNBC ("Pricey Singapore: Savvy shoppers go online" - 28 Dec 2014)

For advertorials/partnerships, feel free to contact me at regina.chow@gmail.com.

Thank you!

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Recent Posts

  • Cute Press Intensive Renewal Skincare: Restore Your Youth in 14 Days
  • Review: Pico Laser for Pigmentation at Clifford Clinic
  • Review: Profhilo at Clifford Clinic
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  • BottomSlim Review – Firmer Thighs after 1 Session!

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