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

April 14, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

I may not be a huge beauty junkie, but even I can’t resist entering a Sephora store whenever I pass it by. A haven for makeup lovers, its bright yet cozy shopfront looks so inviting, it beckons to passersby and lingers in the minds of beauty aficionados. Indeed, it is a fantastic one-stop
destination for all our grooming and beauty needs. 

Founded in 1970 by Dominique Mandonnaud, the French beauty giant Sephora
started out as a perfumery, and has since expanded its line into a more
comprehensive one to include tools and products for HTT (that’s head-to-toe in
Tyra Banks speak) gorgeousness. The brand continues to be based in Paris,
though it has gone majorly international, with more than 1,700 stores in 27
countries worldwide, including Singapore.

Now, here are 5 more fun facts about (practically) every girl’s favourite
beauty store!

1. The name Sephora was derived from the Greek word for beauty, sephos.
Combine that with the name Zipporah, the incredibly beautiful wife of Moses in
the book of Exodus, and you get Sephora.

2. Sephora is touted as “the beauty authority”, as it aims to
provide the most comprehensive range of products and service to its
customers. 

Its “Science of Sephora” programme focuses on producing the
most knowledgeable and professional team of consultants in the beauty industry,
by making sure the team understands everything beauty-related, from the history
of makeup to application techniques, identifying skin types to skin physiology,
and the science of creating a fragrance. Phew! That was a mouthful. One thing’s for sure though, Sephora does not take shortcuts!
3. Number crunching time! Sephora carries more than 17,000 products,
employs 25,000 employees (4,000 of whom work in the approximately 300 stores in
France), and receives about 6 million visitors yearly at its
Champs-Elysees flagship store. Wow, that’s more than the number of people who
visit the Eiffel Tower annually!
4. In 2013, Sephora collaborated with the Olsen twins to develop a
fragrance line, and with designer Marc Jacobs to create a makeup line.

Nirvana, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s first fragrance, has been
available at Sephora since December last year.

The collaboration with Marc Jacobs hit all Sephora stores in the
fall of 2013. This collection showcases products that enhance the three features
that the flamboyant designer pays most attention to: groomed brows, kissable
lips and bright eyes.
Marc Jacobs looking immaculate, as always

5. Since its establishment, Sephora has grown into a multi-label
chain store that offers a wide range of products from international labels as
well as its own private label. It carries trusted favourites like Bobbi Brown,
Clinique, Urban Decay, Marc Jacobs, and Asian brands like Kose and Laneige.
If you think it’s hard to extricate yourself once you start shopping at Sephora, believe me, you are not alone. Nonetheless, we all deserve to indulge in a little pampering every once in a while. After all, it’s all in the name of personal grooming!

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Fashion: Summer Outfit Inspiration with Primary Colours

April 12, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments
Pastel shades are my favourite colours, but primary colours (think red, blue, yellow) would definitely come in a close second if this was a competition. Bold, eye-catching and absolutely summery, primary colours ensure that you stand out from the crowd. These lovely hues are perfect for summer and would easily brighten up your day.
There are so many ways to wear these colours. Colour blocking with a basic top, bottom and jacket would perhaps be the most effortless way to style primary colours. If you are feeling edgy, go for loud prints and a pair of fierce looking heels in primary colours. Alternatively,  mix it up a little and incorporate some secondary colours too! 

In this outfit post, what you’ll see is a mish mesh of colours, including secondary colours like orange and pink.  I know, one of the rules in fashion is to stick to just 3 colours, but sometimes, rules are meant to be broken and I couldn’t resist these beautiful kaleidoscope of colours (not to mention those pop-up 3D flowers on my blouse that resemble sakuras!). 
To a large extent, the white base was the key to pulling the look together by creating a sense of balance.

If you follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg), you would probably have gotten a preview of my new pair of electric blue shoes from Zara. 
 
I personally think that blue is the new black as it jazzes up an ensemble instantly and is versatile enough to be paired with both monochromatic tones and bright, bold hues.
If you were wondering, I bought this top and skirt set from a random shop near my office. I look like I’m wearing a dress when I wear the full set, and what I love most about sets like these is the flexibility of mixing and matching the pieces separately. You get a lot of mileage as you can easily create different looks. The possibilities are endless!

  Shoes from Zara
Bag from Kate Spade
Hair clip from Alannah Hill

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Vanity Trove: Get, Snap, Blingo! Project Launch Party

April 11, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments
 
I had the pleasure of attending Vanity Trove’s Get, Snap, Blingo! Project Launch Party at Zouk recently, where Vanity Trove launched their first mobile app. Now, you can connect with beauty influencers and friends and share your beauty and fashion inspirations on the go!

 Thankfully, I didn’t have work meetings in the day and could opt for a more casual, flutter-sleeve lace dress to fit the modern hippie chic theme that night. To complete the look, I threw on a flower head wreath upon arrival.

It was amazing to
witness Zouk’s transformation into a beauty playground, with
hairstyling booths, nail booths and make-up counters to fulfill all your
beauty needs. It was a lady’s night to remember.

These are the partners that Vanity Trove tied up with to make this event possible:
 Reebonz
Quincy by Far East Hospitality
Kwerkee
Nikon
Asia Travel
Benefit Cosmetics
Loreal Professional
Skin Inc
Brands Innershine
Gavio

iFly
Aside from beauty services and products, we were also treated to a sumptuous spread of eggless cakes by Emicakes and premium soy ice-cream by Soyato.
 Thanks to Vanity Trove, everyone who attended the party also got to bring home a goodie bag brimming with beauty products (including some full-sized ones too!). If you are interested to find out what I received, I might do a review of these products separately if time permits.
The beauty box concept is probably no stranger to many of us as its popularity in recent years has led to the mushrooming of beauty boxes all over the world.  
Vanity Trove has come a long way since its inception in December 2011 and has expanded its reach by aggressively acquiring #1 beauty boxes in South East Asia, including Glossybox in Taiwan, Glamybox in Vietnam, Pambox in Thailand and start-ups which have yet to launch their beauty box business in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Indonesia.
Vanity Trove also launched the first personalized beauty box in South East Asia, where consumers like you and I get to choose samples based on our preferences. You can read more about my reviews on Vanity Trove’s beauty boxes here.
  And if you are interested in interacting with like-minded beauty lovers and aficionados, remember to capture and share your beauty moments on Vanity Trove and discover more beauty inspirations along the way!
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White Label Premium Placenta Elastic White Skin Essence

April 7, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments


I have been told that my skin is
very dehydrated based on a skin analysis that I did recently, hence I
have been on the lookout for good serums to boost my hydration levels. Thanks to Beauty Direct, I had the opportunity to try out White Label Premium Placenta Elastic White Skin Essence,
which combines the properties of both essence and toner in one product.
As this works as a toner and essence, all you have to do is to apply it
using a cotton pad or directly onto your hands and then gently pat it
into your skin. How convenient!
 
White Label Premium Placenta is a Japanese skincare range that uses 100% local placenta in its products to enhance the speed of skin renewal and to get to the root of skin problems such as freckles, dullness, wrinkles and dry skin. 


I have heard wonderful things
about the magical properties of placenta, which is the essence of the
organ that connects the fetus and the mother. Known to be rich in
anti-oxidants, proteins and amino acids, it packs a punch and is touted
to be the secret to having baby smooth skin.   

The White Label Premium Placenta Essence has a lightweight texture and absorbs readily into your skin without leaving a sticky after feel. I especially love how my skin feels instantly plumped up and moisturized after use.

I have been using the essence all over my face to lock in moisture and protect my skin from dehydration before applying moisturizer. You can also use this on your neck where the signs of aging tend to be more prominent. 

For those of you with sensitive skin, you will also be happy to know that this product is colourless, odourless and free of parabens, additives and mineral oil. 
 In comparison to skincare products that incorporate placenta as its key ingredient, the White Label Premium Placenta range is also incredibly affordable. In fact, the White Label Premium Placenta Elastic White Skin Essence retails at just S$14.90.
If you are interested in trying White Label Premium Placenta products, you can find the entire range at Beauty Direct, BHG, John Little, Guardian, Nishino Pharmacy and Plaza@Cosme100AM.   
The next two products that I would like to get my hands on are the Elastic White Skin Pack and Dark Eye Circle Tool!

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Yum Cha Restaurant

April 2, 2014 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

Yum Cha (which means “drinking tea” in Cantonese) is a Chinese tradition that is similar to having brunch or high tea, minus the sandwiches, scones and macroons. Instead, yum cha often conjures up images of waitresses pushing wooden carts filled with dim sum laid in piping hot bamboo steamers.

I don’t think I have ever mentioned this, but dim sum is one of my favourite comfort food. The endless varieties leave me spoilt for choice and the fact that they always come in small bite-sized portions make them absolutely perfect for fussy eaters like me who love to try a little bit of everything.  

I especially like dim sum buffets but most of them take place during lunch on weekdays (ending at 2.30pm) and can be crazily crowded. You can imagine my delight when I discovered that the weekday dim sum buffet at Yum Cha Restaurant starts from 3 – 6pm instead. If you want to avoid the lunch crowds and enjoy a slow leisurely meal, Yum Cha Restaurant is the place to go. Plus, you’ll get to savour 60 over dishes out of more than 80 items on Yum Cha’s menu at such an amazing price!

Yum Cha Restaurant is conveniently located in the main artery of Chinatown along the crossroads of Trengganu Street and Temple Street. The restaurant may be situated in the heart of a bustling tourist spot filled with modern shops selling gifts and souvenirs, but it chose to retain an old world charm with marble tables and wooden chairs reminiscent of tea houses from the past. 

A wave of nostalgia hit me when I sat down as it was only then that I realized that the waitresses here continue to serve dim sum the good old fashion way, by pushing wooden dim sum carts from table to table while patrons like you and I peered into the glass display to place our orders.

I had the privilege of trying out an assortment of delicious dim sum from Yum Cha Restaurant during a food tasting session recently.  With a total of over 80 dim sum dishes on the menu, Yum Cha offers a sumptuous spread to tantalize your taste buds. Karen and I had such a satisfying meal, we almost had to skip dinner!
YUM CHA SIGNATURE DISHES
Their
signature dim sum include Xiao Long Bao, Prawn Dumplings,
Shark’s Fin with Meat Dumpling, Fish Roe Siew Mai, Phoenix Claw, Paper
Chicken Wings, Prawn & Mango Sesame Fritters, Baked Mini Egg Tarts,
and Crispy Red Bean with Banana.

Yumcha Prawn Dumpling (S$4.60)
Shark’s Fin with Meat Dumpling (S$3.80)

Fish Roe Siew Mai (S$3.80)

Phoenix Claw (S$4.00)

Paper Chicken Wings (S$4.60)

Xiao Long Bao (S$4.60)
Prawn & Mango Sesame Fritters (S$4.00)
Baked Mini Egg Tarts (S$2.80)

Crispy Red Bean with Banana Pancake (S$3.80)
Among these signature dishes, the fish roe siew mai was probably the most popular dish at our table and it is not difficult to understand why. Made from a tasty mix of chicken and prawn paste, it was bursting with flavours with every bite. 
The Crispy Red Bean with Banana turned out to be a hot favourite too. Fried to golden perfection, it was light and crisp on the outside, yet tender and moist on the inside. I could taste the goodness of the red bean and banana combination with every mouthful. 
TRADITIONAL DIM SUM DISHES
We also tried the usual dim sum suspects such as Fresh Prawn Rice Roll, Century Egg and Lean Meat Congee, Fried Carrot Cake, Lotus Leaf Glutinous Rice, Crispy Vegetarian Spring Rolls, BBQ Pork Buns, Chicken Yam Puffs, Deep Fried Shrimp Beancurd Roll and Custard Buns, Filo Scallop Rolls, Prawn Wanton Crisps, Crispy Silver Fish and Fish Meat Stuffed Beancurd.
 It was difficult for us to pick our favourites as each dish brought its own distinctive flavours to the table. I was personally drawn to the Fresh Prawn Rice Roll and Prawn Wanton Crisps as the
prawns were fresh and succulent. Apparently, choosing the right type of prawns to be used in dim sum is an art in itself and makes a significant difference to the overall taste. We were told that Yum Cha only uses white prawns as this particular breed is best suited for dim sum.
Fresh Prawn Rice Roll (S$4.00)

Century Egg and Lean Meat Congee (S$2.80)

Fried Carrot Cake (S$3.80)

Lotus Leaf Glutinous Rice (S$4.20)
Crispy Vegetarian Spring Rolls (S$3.00)

BBQ Pork Bun (S$2.80)
Chicken Yam Puff (S$3.80)
Deep Fried Shrimp Beancurd Roll (S$4.00)

Custard Buns (S$2.20)

 

Filo Scallop Rolls (S$4.60)

Prawn Wanton Crisps (S$4.00)
Crispy Silver Fish (S$8.00)

Fish Meat Stuffed Beancurd (S$3.80)
Contemporary Creations

Yum Cha also created a series of innovative specialty dim sum dishes to cater to the ever-changing tastes of its customers.
The Squid Ink Dumplings were one of the most unique creations that we tried. I would give this dish top marks for creativity as I have never seen this being served anywhere else. Although I generally have a preference for more traditional dim sum dishes such as xiao long bao, this was certainly a welcomed change.
Squid Ink Dumplings (S$4.80)

The Oyster Siew Mai is yet another specialty dish with a slightly chewier texture than its traditional counterpart.  I have a soft spot for oysters and I really liked this dish.

Oyster Siew Mai (S$4.80)
My favourite savoury dim sum that afternoon came in the form of Yum Cha’s Crabmeat “Sea Treasure” Dumpling Soup, a premium item that is currently not included in the buffet menu. The soup was flavourful and I really enjoyed the generous servings of shredded crabmeat. I would definitely order this again on my next visit.

Yum Cha Crabmeat “Sea Treasure” Dumpling Soup (S$7.80)

Desserts

Just when we were about to surrender after devouring all these delectable dim sum dishes, desserts were served. I am convinced that all of us have separate stomach compartments for dessert, because none of us seemed to have problems woofing down these yummy traditional desserts although we were already so stuffed!

Double-boiled Hashima with Red Dates (S$8.00)
I love hashima for its nourishing properties (and collagen!), hence the Double-boiled Hashima with Red Dates was a natural choice for me. Thankfully, the chewy, soft gelatinous texture of the hashima was easy on the stomach too.
The osmanthus cake was fragrant with just a hint of sweetness and it also had a nice bouncy texture to it. These are perfect as light refreshments.

Osmanthus Cake (S$3.60)
One of the more unique desserts we had at Yum Cha was the Lemongrass Jelly with Fruits. The subtle citrus flavour was absolutely refreshing and the fruits added a delightful crunch to the silky smooth lemongrass jelly.
Lemongrass Jelly with Fruits (S$4.60)


 Well, that pretty much summed up my meal!  Are you salivating yet?

The good news is, you’ll get to enjoy most of these delicacies and more at Yum Cha’s Dim Sum Buffet for just S$21.80++ on weekdays! This is definitely one of the most value-for-money dim sum buffets around and as you are reading this, I have already made plans to head down with my friends and family for yet another feast!

Yum Cha Chinatown

Address:
20 Trengganu Street (Off Temple Street)

#02-01 (Chinatown) Singapore 058479 

Tel:
 6372 1717 

Email: 
 chinatown@yumcha.com.sg

Opening Hours:

Mon to Fri: 11am – 11pm/Dim Sum Buffet (3-6pm)

Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 9am – 11pm
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Fashion: Jun Ji Hyun's Style in Korean Drama "You Who Came From TheStars"

March 31, 2014 by Regina Chow 1 Comment
Credits: Dramafever

I don’t usually keep up with the latest Korean dramas but everyone’s fascination with popular Korean drama series “You Who Came From The Stars” really piqued my interest. Why was everyone talking about this drama and what was all the hype about? 
My curiosity got the better of me eventually and it didn’t take long before I jumped on to the bandwagon. To be completely honest, what got me started on this drama was Jun Ji Hyun’s designer clothes and fashion style, which I have read and heard so much about from magazines and newspapers. Fashion aside, the witty dialogues and chemistry between Jun Ji Hyun and Kim Soo Hyun kept me glued, which really surprised me because most Korean dramas are unable to sustain my interest. To cut a long story short, the drama took me through a whirlwind of emotions and I was constantly entertained. I was laughing uncontrollably at one point and at the next moment, tears would be welling up in my eyes as the ill-fated star-crossed lovers (pun intended) looked into each other’s eyes and wept.
Anyway, before I digress any further, the real purpose of this post is to share the effortlessly stylish outfits donned by lead actress Jun Ji Hyun in her role as Cheon Song Ee. 

Here are some of my favourite ensembles from the drama series. I have also included the links below, in case you’re tempted enough to purchase them!

Gucci

Gucci Silk Beach Ball Print Pleated Dress

I love the beach ball prints which exude a quirky vintage vibe that will never go out of style. The modest length also makes it a versatile piece for both work and play



 

Gucci Kimono Silk Cady Jumpsuit

In this show, even her pajamas look chic enough to be worn out on to the streets! I love the kimono sleeves of this jumpsuit. Although it does resemble comfy pajamas, all you have to do is add a dose of statement accessories and some edgy heels to take this outfit from home to tea with the girls.




Valentino

 I wasn’t able to locate this dress and headband set from the Valentino website, hence I assume that it is not up for sale under the ready-to-wear section yet. 

I absolutely adore this cute ensemble from Valentino’s Spring/Summer 2014 Collection. The medieval prints and studded headband bring out an old world charm while the contemporary silhouette retains a sense of modernity, making it wearable for all occasions.

 DSquared2

I couldn’t take my eyes off Jun Ji Hyun when I saw her wearing this shirt and skirt ensemble from Dsquared2. What I like about this shirt is its tailoring. It may look somewhat manly, but just look at how flattering the cut is on Jun Ji Hyun. A white shirt is a wardrobe staple, but it takes time to find “the one”. Thankfully for Jun Ji Hyun, I think she has found the perfect white shirt.

 

Dsquared2 Ubaldo Shirt


Dsquared2 Wool Skirt

Being a fan of vintage clothes makes me more attuned to apparels that give off an unmistakable vintage vibe. That was what attracted me to this well-tailored wool skirt from Dsquared2 which is so on trend. The structured silhouette of the wool midi skirt also makes it the perfect complement to the Ubaldo shirt as it adds a touch of femininity without being overly girly.

D&G


D&G is one of my favourite designers. The designs are distinctly feminine, with fresh interpretations of vintage elements such as baroque prints and 50s-style tailoring.


This is one of my favourite 2-piece sets in the drama series as I can totally see myself wearing this gorgeous ensemble. If you have been reading my blog for a while, I guess it wouldn’t come as  a surprise that I am a huge fan of baroque prints and lace.

D&G Silicia Print Boxy Top

D&G Scalloped Lace Skirt



This adorable floral print dress is another piece that I would add to my wardrobe if I had the chance. It looks completely ordinary when you view it on the website, but when worn (as seen on Jun Ji Hyun), you will realise that its uniqueness lie in the flutter sleeves and the overall vintage vibe that it exudes. This ultra feminine dress is simply perfect for weekend dates or shopping with the girls.

D&G Floral Print Dress

Burberry 

Burberry Bow Back Silk Gown


Credits: Beatuscorner.com


I love dresses with an element of surprise. In this case, the surprise comes in the form of a back bow that drapes over the back like an elegant gift. Simple yet sophisticated, this is yet another classic that will stand the test of time.

Which is your favourite outfit? Frankly, these are so many other outfits from this drama series that deserve to be mentioned. All I did was to narrow down to a couple of my personal favourites to whet your appetite, so if you love fashion as much as I do and you have yet to catch “You Who Came From The Stars”, perhaps it’s about time you do so!

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Angara.com: Shopping for Fine Jewelry and Wedding Bands Online

March 25, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments
 A piece of
exquisite fine jewelry never fails to make a woman’s heart flutter. However, shopping for fine jewelry online can be a
huge challenge as finding a trusted source on the internet is a daunting task.  
Angara.com is a trusted gemstone online retailer that I came across recently and I thought it would be interesting for me to share more about this store here because not only does it offer free shipping worldwide (for orders over $500), it also has a 30-day return policy if you are not completely satisfied with the product. 
Established in
2005, Angara.com is an online jewelry store based in the US that offers a
specially curated selection of fine jewelry for every occasion. Most of
the jewelry is manufactured in-house and its founder, Mr Ankur Daga,
came from a family that has been in the fine gemstone business for
generations. It has also been featured on Forbes, Harvard Business Review and America’s Next Top Model.


Angara.com specializes in Sapphires, Rubies, Emeralds, Tanzanites, Diamonds, among other precious gemstones. 
I am certainly no expert when it comes to gems, hence I really like how Angara.com put together a comprehensive jewelry guide to make the learning curve gentler. Now, I know what to look out for when purchasing a particular gemstone and am thus able to make more informed choices. If you’re thinking of buying a proposal ring for your girlfriend, you can also find tips on how to determine her ring size here!

Angara.com also provides a beautiful collection of wedding bands in a multitude of designs. Add some sparkle to your finger with a dazzling row of diamonds or gemstones, or if you prefer something simpler, go for a plain wedding band with subtle details. 

What if the size doesn’t fit? Angara.com knows that this is a key concern for consumers like you and me, which is why you have the option of free resizing during your first year of ownership.

If you’re looking for a gift for that special someone, you could also consider Angara’s top 10 best selling pendants. Simple yet elegant, these pieces would instantly lend a touch of sophistication to any outfit.

For more information on Angara.com, click here to like their Facebook Page .
******
SPECIAL PROMOTION!
Angara.com is currently offering 15% OFF + Gemstone Pendant
Free on every purchase!

All you have to do is key in the code GIFT15 upon checkout to enjoy this special offer! 

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VENDOR Satisfaction Guaranteed: Shopping for Japanese Products in Singapore with Vending Machines!

March 21, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments

I have always had a fascination with the vending machines in Japan as you can buy practically anything and everything (not just beverages!) with the touch of a button. For years, I was wondering if this interesting shopping concept would ever be adopted in Singapore and now, I’m happy to report that it is finally here! 
Japanese retail company, Satisfaction Guaranteed, launched its state-of-the-art  digital vending machines just last month, giving us immediate access to an exclusive and diverse mix of Japanese fashion, cosmetics and lifestyle products without having to fly all the way to Japan! In fact, Singapore is the first and only country outside of Japan to have intelligent digital vending machines like these.


Founded by Mr Shunsuke Sato in 2007, Satisfaction Guaranteed began as a fashion label and is well-known in Japan for having the largest number of fans on Facebook, with over 5 million supporters in over 30 countries. Mr Sato then set up Satisfaction Guaranteed Pte Ltd in Singapore in 2010  to introduce a variety of Japanese brands and products to overseas markets.

Thanks to Satisfaction Guaranteed, consumers like you and me can now take your pick from a specially curated
selection of 29 products from 16 companies, including Japanese lucky
charms, nail polish, nail wraps, recyclable bags and a whole range of
other Japanese goodies.

I was particularly interested in the nail wraps, glitter nail polish and hair chalk. In case you were wondering, those little pots of green, red and orange hues are hair chalk and not make-up products. I love how versatile these products are as you can easily transform your look instantly.

These colourful good luck charms and specialty Japanese products are produced by Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, a Japanese handicraft and souvenior shop with over 300 years of history.
These good luck charms, known as Daruma, come in different colours as each colour represents a different blessing. Red represents family peace and well-being, yellow represents wealth, white is for good health, purple for luck and happiness and finally green for academic success.

All these products can be viewed on the vending machine’s digital touch screen. A simple tap on the screen will reveal more information about each product.

I got to try out the vending machine during the launch last month and decided to take this floral nail wrap design from VlliVlli home with me. VlliVlli nail wraps can be found in Laforet Harajuku, Shibuya 109 and Plaza Minipla in Tokyo. Now, 10 of their popular designs are available in Singapore through VENDOR Satisfaction Guaranteed.

These vending
machines are now available at The Cathay, Liang Court and 100AM. 
All the items are priced at either S$10 or S$12 each, which is pretty reasonable for quality products that are made in Japan.
Happy Shopping!
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Sinderella: Customized Shoes in Singapore

March 18, 2014 by Regina Chow 1 Comment
When I was planning for my wedding 5 years ago, it took me a while to find the perfect shoes to go with my bridal and evening gowns. I wish someone had told me about Sinderella, a shoe boutique located at Delfi Orchard (#03-04) that customizes wedding shoes and glitzy evening shoes. That would have saved me a lot of trouble!

Well, it’s better late than never because I realized recently that Sinderella customizes work heels and heels for special occasions too. If you want to stand out from the crowd and add a dash of individuality to your work ensembles or dinner party outfits, Sinderella could very well help you to achieve your objectives.

I already had an idea of what type of work heels I wanted when Sinderella kindly invited me to their shopfront to get a pair of work heels customized. A simple pair of pumps in a solid colour would be perfect. 

However, my heart literally skipped a beat when I saw the dazzling array of glamorous heels in a myriad of designs and colours as I simply couldn’t take my eyes off those with feminine lace and gem embellishments.  

I will show you my customized shoes nearer the end of the post, but meanwhile, let me share a little about how you can go about customizing the heels of your dreams.
 The designs here are all ready-made, but modifications such as the heel height, type of heel, embellishments, material and colour can be done to tailor to every customer’s needs.

Step 1: Decide on whether you prefer Covered, Peep-toe or Open-toe shoes

 
I generally prefer covered pumps for work and functions because I feel that they look more formal and presentable. At Sinderella, you can choose between pointy pumps or round toe pumps.

Pointy pumps are excellent for elongating your legs but as I have bunions since birth, I personally find round-toe pumps more comfortable. I fell in love with the Gisele Pumps the moment I laid my eyes on them.
Gisele Pumps
 Peep-toe and open-toe heels are great for showing off your beautifully pedicured feet. I love to wear strappy open-toe heels for evening functions and dinners as they go really well with gowns and cocktail dresses.

Step 2: Choose the Material and Colour

Besides the typical bridal colours such as ivory, off-white, beige and silver, Sinderella also offers more than 100 choices of colours and materials for you to take your pick from. 
I particularly love colours like silver and gold because they can complement most colours, but if you prefer eye-catching shades like fuschia or sky blue to match your evening gown or outfit, these are readily available too.

Step 3: Choose your Embellishments

Trust me when I say you’ll be spoilt for choice, especially when it comes to embellishments. Add that extra sparkle to your evening shoes with a little bling in all shapes, designs and sizes.

For an elegant bridal day look, you can also add subtle lace or crystal details to your shoes. Bridal shoes aside, these details would go beautifully with a pair of work heels too.

If you like bows and flowers, I am sure you will be drawn to Sinderella’s collection of delicate bows and floral embellishments.

As I was browsing through the wide variety of choices, I also came across these swarovski crystal heel rings. Heel rings look just like the rings that we wear on our fingers, except that they are meant to dress up your heels instead. All you have to do is to slot the rings into the heels of your shoes. It is removable and thus gives you the option of varying your looks. I especially love the versatility of this accessory as you can easily take your shoes from day to night by adding a touch of bling.

 
Step 4: Choose your Heels and Soles
Choosing your heels marks the final step of customization. Thin stiletto heels may fare well in the looks department but honestly they may not be all that comfortable especially if you have to be on your feet all day long. Sinderella understands your concerns and has specially brought in heels of varying heights and thickness to cater to your whims and fancies. 
At Sinderella, you can also choose the colour of your soles to match your shoes. I love the attention they pay to details like this as it really shows that they take pride in their designs.

As mentioned earlier, I fell in love with the Gisele Pumps hence my original plans to customize a simple pair of work heels got derailed. I decided to customize this design in a shade of champagne gold as it would complement most of my outfits anyway and I could easily pair it with both my casual dresses for weekend catch-ups with the girls and formal outfits for work functions. For added height without compromising on comfort, I eventually chose thicker 4 inch heels and built-in platforms.

It took about 3-4 weeks for my customized heels to arrive, so if you are planning to customize a pair for your wedding or a special occasion, do remember to plan ahead!
Every pair of customized heels comes in a transparent Sinderella shoe box with a handle at the top, which makes it very convenient for you to carry around should you wish to change out of your shoes for photo shoots or events.

Finally, here are some photos of my gorgeous customized Gisele Pumps.


I wore it out immediately the next day for lunch with my hubby and he had nothing but praises for this beautiful pair of heels.

Shoes from Sinderella
Skirt from Choies
Top and Necklace from random stores
Clutch from Saint Laurent

 

*****
Sinderella
Address:
402 Orchard Road, Delfi Orchard
#03-04 Singapore 238876 
Tel:
6224 5586
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm – 8pm
Closed on Sun and Public Holidays
Website: 
http://www.sinderella.com.sg
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/sinderellashoes
Blog:
http://www.sinderellashoes.blogspot.com


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L’Oreal EverStrong Hair & Scalp System: 30-Day Hair Challenge

March 15, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments
 L’Oreal Hair Expertise recently developed its EverStrong Hair and Scalp System, which promises stronger, thicker hair in 30 days. If you follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg), you may have read that I gamely took up L’Oreal’s 30-Day Hair Challenge.

It is important to condition your hair ends, which is what we all tend to focus our efforts on to achieve silky smooth hair, but did you know that the scalp is just like our skin and needs just as much tender loving care? Fertile soil is necessary for plants to thrive and flourish. Similarly, a healthy scalp promotes hair growth and is the key to having healthy, beautiful hair.

 What causes scalp problems? Excess sebum production and using the wrong hair products without clarifying the scalp will clog pores and hair follicles over time, leading to scalp problems and hair loss. Our hot and humid weather doesn’t help either as it only makes our scalp oilier.

Well, the good news is, hair thinning and hair fall issues can be easily prevented with the use of proper scalp care products such as L’Oreal’s EverStrong Hair and Scalp System. The use of scalp care products on a regular basis will also help to strengthen hair strands, leading to healthier, more beautiful hair! 

In a day and age where we encounter chemical substances in practically every facet of our daily lives, responsible brands and products that cut down on the usage of chemicals are definitely a breath of fresh air.  

I am sure that many of us are no stranger to L’Oreal Hair Expertise’s range of hair products, which are 100% sulphate-free, silicone-free and paraben-free. The complete suite of L’Oreal
Hair Expertise products includes EverSleek for frizzy, rebellious hair,
EverPure for colour-treated hair, EverCreme for dry to very dry hair and
finally, the latest addition to the family – EverStrong for scalp care
and hair fall control.

 Frequent colouring has rendered my scalp sensitive and somewhat irritable, hence I often turn to in-salon scalp treatments to maintain my scalp health. On days when I don’t have time to head to the salon, L’Oreal’s EverStrong Hair and Scalp System is the most comprehensive sulphate-free scalp care system that I can rely on to care for my sensitive scalp.  These products are also infused with nourishing botanical oils to energize and invigorate the senses.  

The EverStrong range consists of a set of 1) shampoo, 2) conditioner and 3) hair tonic.
When it comes to
maintaining a healthy scalp, you have to be conscientious and patient
because it takes time for you to see results and these results take
place over time.  30 days is just about right for you to see some visible results. Although I have only reached the 1 week mark when this post is published, there are already significant improvements in my scalp condition based on my scalp scan results which you will see later on in this post.


I love shampoos that lather well as I personally feel that my scalp and hair feel cleaner, hence I was initially a little apprehensive when I first tried the L’Oreal EverStrong Thickening Shampoo as I thought it wouldn’t produce much lather, like most sulphate-free shampoos or other conventional scalp shampoos in the market. Surprisingly, it lathers like a dream. Not only does my scalp feel
much cleaner, my hair also feels softer and silkier immediately after
shampooing, which is impressive given that most of the scalp shampoos
that I have tried tend to leave my hair dry and entangled. I also love the fresh minty scent which appeals to both sexes.

If you have a sensitive scalp
like me, it is absolutely important for you to steer clear of hair care
products that include sulphates. Sulphates are typically used in hair
care products to create foam but these chemicals are so harsh, they
strip your scalp of moisture and causes it to be even more irritable
than it already is. L’Oreal understands what is needed to promote a
healthy scalp, hence its EverStrong series is completely sulphate-free and is specially enriched with Rosemary and Mint oils to soothe dry sensitive scalp and regulate sebum production. The formula also includes amino acid complex to strengthen and fortify hair strands.

I use conditioner on a daily basis to keep my hair well moisturized and I have always been told not to apply any conditioner to your scalp as it weighs down the hair at the crown and could also make your scalp oilier. 
You can imagine how shocked I was when I read the instructions behind L’Oreal’s EverStrong Thickening Conditioner and realized that this conditioner can actually be massaged into your scalp. Again, I was quite skeptical. What if it weighs down my hair and causes my scalp to itch? 
Nonetheless, I followed the instructions and dutifully massaged the conditioner into my scalp and hair strands before rinsing. To my utter amazement, there was no greasy after feel. On the contrary, I felt that it gave my roots a natural lift, which contributes to fuller-looking hair. In fact, a couple of my friends commented that my hair looks fuller and thicker recently, and some new acquaintances even thought that I was born with naturally thick hair. I have never received such compliments in the past as my hair is naturally thin and fine, hence I strongly believe the L’Oreal EverStrong Hair and Scalp System certainly has a role to play in this!   
The L’Oreal EverStrong Hair and Scalp System also includes a Thickening Tonic to be sprayed onto your roots directly and massaged into the scalp. No rinsing is required.  I have been using this religiously everyday after shampoo and conditioner and I absolutely love the cooling sensation and minty after feel.  
I can go on waxing lyrical about how wonderful this entire series is, but nothing beats actual evidence to prove that the EverStrong Hair and Scalp System really works. 

Before I embarked on this 30-day Hair Challenge, a few other bloggers and I popped by L’Oreal’s office for a scalp scan. We also did another scan midway through the challenge. Please note that the images that follow may be rather disturbing, but do read on if you are interested to find out exactly how effective the EverStrong products were on my scalp.

 

The whitish, cloudy residue at the roots depicts sebum (or oil) and as you can tell from my ‘before’ and ‘after’ scalp scan results, my scalp is less oily than when I first embarked on this challenge. 

I am so heartened to see these encouraging results and I can totally envision how clean and healthy my scalp will look after 30 days. I will do a final wrap-up of the challenge on my instagram account (@reginachow_sg) after 30 days, so do follow me if you would like to track my progress!

Meanwhile, I am basking in the joy that my hair already looks and feels healthier!

 If you want to have lustrous hair and a healthier scalp, do join me in L’Oreal’s 30-day hair challenge too. 

Here’s what you have to do:
L’Oreal 30-Day Hair Challenge 
(From 15th March 2014)
1. Purchase L’Oreal EverStrong Thickening Tonic and receive a free 59ml set of Everstrong shampoo + conditioner

2. Register your particulars for the Challenge here. L’Oreal will contact you shortly on how to redeem at L’Oreal office. (A ‘before’ shot must be provided.)

3. After redemption, use regime for 30 days. At the end of 30 days, return to L’Oreal office to retrieve $50 hamper incentive, in exchange for a testimonial and after shot. 

For more details on L’Oreal’s EverStrong Hair and Scalp System, remember to ‘Like’ L’Oreal’s Facebook Page here!

Now, you can also purchase L’Oreal’s EverStrong Hair and Scalp System online at Luxola!

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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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