Don’t we all dream to be that woman who wakes up with messy bed hair but somehow still ends up looking effortlessly chic and sexy even with a simple white t-shirt and a pair of well-fitted jeans. The whole “I woke up like this” look is characteristic of the French woman who never tries too hard and always appears put together at all times. 

What is the secret to dressing like the French? Well, it’s actually very simple. The French woman loves basic pieces, and they have to be of good quality. She believes in investing in timeless pieces that she will get the most wear out of, which makes perfect sense. 

As you would know by now, minimalism is my cup of tea. The minimalist style, a classic style that makes dressing up a breeze for anyone, probably best describes the French woman.  T-shirt and jeans are great for summer, but when temperatures are cooler, a tailored shirt and black pants or overalls (like the one pictured here) are my go-to ensemble.

 Some of my favourite brands that do great simple basics include American Vintage, Majestic Filatures and Toupy, to name a few, all of which can be found at Rue Madame. 

 This
French fashion boutique houses many brands and each collection has a
distinctive Parisian flair to it. Not only do they have quality basics
at affordable prices, you can also find playful, vibrant, feminine
pieces that add a quirky touch to your wardrobe staples. I’m currently obsessed with boxy silhouettes and I have my eye on this two-tone cut-out sleeveless dress from Tara Jarmon.

Tara Jarmon Two-tone Cut-out Sleeveless Dress

The cut-out details at the side add an element of surprise to the clean, minimalist look. I love how sophisticated the collection is and the amazing thing about Rue Madame is that it only carries exclusive, one-of-a-kind pieces that maintain a sense of individuality.

Rue Madame has recently launched their online store, which is so exciting especially since summer is just around the corner (fine, for Singaporeans, it’s summer all-year-round)! But yes, whatever the season is, check them out to get some Parisian inspiration and lovely festival wear with several boho, gypsy style brands that are all the rage right now!

Black, grey and neutral shades form the foundation for a minimalist wardrobe. I used to think neutral colours such as beige were boring, but I couldn’t be more wrong. 

Just as how grey comes in 50 shades (or more), beige too doesn’t disappoint where the colour wheel is concerned. I came across this simplified colour chart from fellow blogger Glam and City, and gosh, just look at how many neutral shades there are!

  It is amazing just how many looks you can pull off when you have a wardrobe filled with pieces in these colours. You’ll never look like a clown again, even if you decide to pick out an outfit with your eyes closed. 

Take this outfit that I put together over the weekend as an example. I paired my tan culottes with a nude top that came with choker-like details and an asymmetrical hem, not forgetting my trusty New Balance sneakers in beige. 

Not too shabby an ensemble isn’t it? The tonal contrast added dimension to the nude-on-nude outfit while the little details and tailored silhouettes amped up the style factor.

It is no secret now that I am a minimalist convert, and if you need more reasons to convince yourself to make the switch, perhaps you may wish to read my previous article on minimalism here:

Why I Adopted the Minimalist Style 

*****

 In other fashion news, one of Singapore’s largest fashion festival, Samsung Fashion Steps Out @ Orchard 2016 begins today! 

It is unfortunate that I can’t participate in this event as I am currently overseas, but if you are in Singapore right now, be sure to catch this six-week extravangaza that lasts till 8 May 2016.

Here’s what you can expect this year:

Star-studded Orchard Fashion Runway (26 March 2016)

Happening tomorrow, the biggest outdoor fashion show curated by Singapore’s fashion doyen Daniel Boey will be kicking off the fashion festival in style. As with previous years,  the stretch between Scotts Road and Bideford Road will be closed to traffic and transformed into Singapore’s longest fashion runway.

This is also the first time that an entourage of more than a dozen personalities, influencers and artistes from Singapore and around the region will join the Orchard Fashion Runway. They include JJ Lin [Singapore]; VJ Daniel [Indonesia];  Min Chen [Malaysia]; Laureen Uy [Philippines]; Aisyah Aziz [Singapore], Sheila Sim [Singapore], Hayley Woo [Singapore] and more!

Fashion labels to look out for at the runway show:

Fans of Asian pop icon Jay Chou will have something to look out for this year. PHANTACi, Jay Chou’s label, will be making its debut at the Orchard Fashion Runway. 

Raffles Privato, Thomas Wee and UNIQLO Lifewear are also participating for the very first time.

Fringe Activities (now till 8 May)

     

Adeline Khoo, Knit in the City [15 Apr – 8 May] at Wisma Atria, Atrium B1

My sense of style has evolved dramatically over the years, and as I gradually approach my mid 30s, it is not uncommon to see me ditching cute lacy dresses in favour of a minimalist aesthetic that is not just age appropriate in comparison but also ranks higher in terms of versatility.

 

Why go minimalist?

The minimalist style is all about monochromatic shades of black, white, grey and neutrals, coupled with tailored cuts and modern silhouettes. More importantly, mixing and matching is a breeze and there are endless recipes for creating fresh new looks without having to constantly expand your wardrobe.

The minimalist style goes hand in hand with a minimalist wardrobe. So yes, there isn’t a need for a huge wardrobe to look presentable. Besides having more wardrobe space, I find that I am less restricted by fashion trends as this style is timeless. When you focus on quality instead of quantity, you will also get more mileage out of your wardrobe. Packing for trips, which used to be a time-consuming affair, now requires less time as my wardrobe is less cluttered and more organized.

How do I maintain a minimalist wardrobe?

In keeping with the minimalist style, whenever I come across something that I fancy these days, I’ll always ask myself these three questions:

“Will I still wear this 6 months or 1 year down the road?”

“Can I match this with at least 3-4 items in my wardrobe?”

“Can I rewear this a few times in a fortnight with different tops/bottoms/accessories without giving others the impression that I have no clothes to wear?”

These questions help me to stay focused when I shop and the likelihood of making an impulse buy is greatly diminished, much to the delight of my husband who is of the opinion that I already have more clothes than I would ever need in my lifetime.

Isn’t minimalism boring?

To be honest, this was exactly what I thought of minimalism when it first made headway in the world of fashion. How is it possible for anyone to look effortlessly chic by just putting together a few simple, basic wardrobe essentials? As cliche as this may sound, the beauty of minimalism lies in its simplicity. Simple does not equate to boring, and based on my personal experience, here are a few examples of how you can go about jazzing up the minimalist style.

1) Play with proportion

Think cropped tops paired with long skirts or culottes. You can choose to reveal just a sliver of skin to elongate your silhouette, or if you are feeling self-conscious after feasting during the festive season,  matching your cropped tops with high waist bottoms would do the trick just as well.

 It
is still possible to make a statement (without compromising on the
minimalist aesthetic) by adding a simple choker, a pair of reflective
sunglasses or edgy footwear to your outfit.

Not
a fan of accessorizing? Interesting silhouettes like an asymmetrical
hemline or off-shoulder/toga neckline will up your style quotient
instantly. I have worn this grey asymmetrical dress as a top paired with ripped jeans previously too. To amp up the glam factor, throw in a choker and put on some heels.

If
you follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg), you might have found these
pictures familiar as these were the outfits that I packed for my recent
trip to Bangkok.For the record, I took about 20 minutes to pack everything that I needed for the 6-day trip! I guess it is not hard to see why I am such a fan of the minimalist style. What about you? Do you like this style too?

 Happy New Year! 

Being
away from home always makes me appreciate what I have back in Singapore. It makes me treasure family ties and friendship even more. Although I
am very much an introvert and am perfectly happy being alone (yes,
believe it or not, I can entertain myself without feeling bored most of
the time), it is comforting to return to warm hugs from friends and
family, as well as engage in free-flowing, no-holds-barred conversations
with these very same people whom I have known for decades. 

They
say familiarity breeds contempt, but if you delve deeper, the beauty of
familiarity lies in how it gives rise to close, intimate relationships
that are unfaltering and able to stand the test of time. I love how I
can be completely honest with close friends and family without having to
worry if anything I said has crossed the line, simply because there
aren’t any lines to begin with.

Needless to say, it gives me boundless joy to be able to bask in the company of my family and friends as we enjoy the new year festivities. It is also a relief to finally be able to head outdoors without all that extra weight on my shoulders (literally), having been bundled up in layers for many months in Nanjing thanks to winter. This lovely cut-out number hails from Forever New’s Kendall x Kylie Kardashian collection which was
released some months ago and is now completely sold out.I have been a fan of Australian label Forever New for many years now and would highly recommend them for work wear and evening wear. Their quality material, flawless workmanship and timeless designs never fail to impress. I was tempted
by more than just one design in this collection and I wish I had
followed my heart then

What about you?  What did you wear for Chinese New Year and what are some of your favourite labels? 

 Hope
you enjoyed the long new year weekend and here’s wishing everyone good
health, happiness and success in the year of the monkey! I am in the midst of packing for my next trip out of Singapore as you are reading this. I’m taking a short trip this time to the land of smiles and as it is, thinking about it is already making me smile from ear to ear.

2. Sweaters with a Twist

Link: Grey Long Sleeve Contrast Lace Knit Sweater (US$26.78)

3. Blanket Scarves

Blanket scarves instantly add interest to any outfit as they can be worn both as a scarf as well as a shawl.  These make wonderful gifts as they are so incredibly versatile. 

I wore this soft and cozy blanket fringe scarf from SheIn as a shawl over a black lapel double breasted coat to lend a rocker chic vibe to the otherwise casual ensemble.

Link: Grey UStriped Fringe Scarf (US$20)

Alternatively, you can also jazz up a classic winter jacket with the same scarf for a more elegant, polished look. 

Inspired by these gift ideas? You might want to check out SheIn and get those fingers clicking while the Christmas sale is on!

Normcore is most certainly not a new fashion trend. It may have taken me a while to make a complete transition in favour of baggy boyfriend-esque tops and bottoms, not to mention giving up on accessorizing, but I was surprised at how liberating it felt to embrace simplicity in fashion.

Normcore, in my opinion, is a subset of the minimalist style. Comfortable basic pieces in baggy, over-sized silhouettes and sneakers form the core of this anti-style which happens to be ideal for the frequent traveller who wants to travel in style without compromising on comfort.

In many ways, normcore sounds bland and boring, but it is possible to spice up your normcore outfits by: 

1) Investing in basic pieces with a twist

Culottes are a wonderful alternative to boyfriend jeans as they instantly amp up the style factor.

2) Throwing on a beanie or hat with unexpected details

 Keeping it simple is the key to mastering the normcore style, but nobody said simple had to be boring. In this case, I kept the rest of my outfit simple but I injected an element of surprise by throwing on a beanie with pointy kitty ears. The minimalistic design and shape of the beanie are still very much in line with the normcore style, but a new dimension is given to the outfit.

If you have other ideas to spice up a normcore outfit, do share them with me! Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of your weekend!

*****

 

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Music has always been a part of me, my life and my existence. Just like how a painting says a thousand words, music speaks where words fail. It brushes away the dust that everyday life has cast on my soul. 

You’ll be amazed by how therapeutic it is to listen to music on the go, especially when you have a good set of earphones like my trusty Sudio Vasa.

My first encounter with Sudio earlier this year left me in awe in terms of both its design and quality. This time, the Swedish company has taken it up a notch with its premium Vasa earphones (compatible with Android and iOS devices) which allows you to listen to every detail and every instrument in every song, as if you were in the recording studio. 

An unforgettable
audio experience is what you are in for. I enjoy listening to both pop
and classical music, and being able to identify the different instruments in
orchestral music gives me inexplicable joy.

Aside from its sound quality, I am drawn to its sleek, clean minimalist design with rose gold accents. It blends functionality with style and is the perfect accessory for all my outfit choices.

Special Discount for Readers of Shopping Queen’s Haven

If you would love to get your hands on this gem, you’ll be happy to know that Sudio has kindly extended a discount to all readers of Shopping Queen’s Haven.

All you have to do is key in REGINA15 upon checkout to enjoy 15% discount on your purchase. 

International shipping is free.

Sudio Vasa retails at S$110 and is available in White, Black, Pink and Blue.

 *****

 Sudio

Facebook: 

 https://www.facebook.com/Sudiosweden
 

Instagram: 

@SudioSweden

Official Website: 

 www.sudio.se

*****

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We all know that striped shirts play an integral role in achieving the Parisian chic style, but do you know what actually makes a striped shirt French? 

 

Interestingly, striped shirts used to be the official uniform of the French navy and the first designer who took inspiration from this uniform was no other than Coco Chanel. Chanel’s striped (also known as Breton stripes) top was designed to be worn with flared trousers and the result was an effortlessly stylish look that has stood the test of time.

 What about berets? Like striped shirts, berets too originated from the French army. No wonder striped shirts and berets are associated with the quintessentially French style. 

In today’s edition of Fashion Fridays, I took a leaf from Coco Chanel and put together a Parisian chic ensemble with a striped top, flared jeans and a beret. 

This could have been a casual weekend outfit if I had paired it with sneakers or loafers, but I chose to glam it up a notch with a pleather jacket and ankle fringe boots instead.

What I love most about berets and striped shirts is their classic appeal. You will never have to worry about them going out of date and it is hard to go wrong with them because they go with just about anything. Just pick a striped top, match it with any bottom of your choice and chances are, you’ll look great. 

No time to do your hair? Put on a beret and you instantly transform into a fashionista.

If you don’t already own a couple of striped shirts and berets, perhaps it’s time to add them to your wardrobe. If you have other ideas on how to style them, do share them with me too!

If you keep up with K-pop news, you’d know that Jessica Jung, one of the most integral members of the wildly popular girl group Girls Generation, was recently ousted from the group for wishing to pursue her passion in design.

It takes not just courage, but also sheer determination and tenacity to go against the tide to pursue your passion. Why should anyone be penalized for that? Jessica is highly talented (she was one of the lead vocalists) and was one of the most dedicated employees (she’d trained with the company since she was 12 years old). I find it strange that the entertainment company she was with had to resort to such a drastic decision.

Nonetheless, Jessica’s astute fashion sense and eye for design will take her places. I believe this is definitely not the last we will see of her, especially since her label Blanc & Eclare is poised to break into the Asian high fashion market. This ambitious trendsetter is just about to embark on a new chapter in her career.

With Jessica’s unceremonious departure from Girls Generation, I thought I’d do a post that showcases her OOTDs. As there were just too many hits from the Korean-American beauty, and I’ve been meaning to share my take on the cropped pants trend, here is a list of the girly fashionista’s five best looks in cropped pants:

1. Sleek White

 Together with her younger sister Krystal, Jessica appeared in the July 2014 issue of 1st Look Magazine in a set of MCM Spring/Summer 2014 crop top and floral-trimmed pants, paired with an MCM Munchen Cute Monster cross-body bag and electric blue heels. She looked very much at home on the streets of New York City, where the photo shoot took place.

 2. All Black

Credit: Sweetappleandplumblossom

Jessica’s airport fashion has always garnered appreciation from fans and fashion critics alike. Her sleek, professional look at Gimpo Airport in March 2014 is befitting of a career woman in her prime. Her Balmain Jacquard double-breasted blazer, structured Hermes Kelly handbag (adorned with an Hermes Twilly scarf) and French tips pumps are modern yet classic pieces that she is obviously a fan of. If you noticed, her personal fashion label is big on this clean-cut yet feminine look too. I love how the scarf adds a jolt of colour in this black-and-white ensemble. This look is perfect for the elegant businesswoman on the go.

 3. Denim

Credit: Pinterest

Aside from the polished, professional look, Jessica sometimes dresses down to thaw her ice-queen image. Case in point: this smart casual denim and chambray outfit. The chambray shirt and cuffed boyfriend jeans contribute to a breezy summer airport style, while Jessica adds a touch of her usual modern sophistication with ankle-strap pumps and a clutch. The result is an effortlessly chic ensemble that can be easily put together by you and me.




4. Leather

Credit: Dramacap

After taking part in a photo shoot with Nylon Magazine, the Jung sisters were spotted at a Jimmy Choo event in Los Angeles, flaunting their model-esque figures and flawless fashion sense. While Krystal went for a modern business-casual look with a blue blouse and subtly patterned black pants, Jessica opted for an edgier look with a sleek crop top and leather cigarette pants. Needless to say, good genes run in the family.

5. Tweed

Credit: Sweetappleandplumblossom

 
Jessica goes for a glam, luxe look in this boxy wool-blended tweed jacket from Marc Jacobs, juxtaposed against dark brown leather pants and opulent black and gold T-strapped suede pumps from Yves Saint Laurent. This stylish preppy chic outfit instantly sets her apart from the crowd, and that Louis Vuitton clutch adds the perfect finishing touch.

Are you a fan of Jessica’s style? How do you wear cropped pants? Do share your thought on them with me!

 

Today’s Fashion Fridays post marries both my love for travel and fashion. Traveling around China for the past 2 months has given me a glimpse into the lives of the Chinese, their thoughts and reflections on how they are progressing in the global arena, and more importantly, what their dreams and aspirations are.  

This is one of the reasons why I enjoy traveling for an extended period of time. I relish the opportunity to live among the locals and
truly immerse myself in a completely different culture and environment, propelling me to open my eyes and mind to fresh, new perspectives.

For
the average man on the street here, traveling overseas remains a dream,
and in their quest to better their lives, you can feel
their hunger and drive for success, a commendable quality that seems to
be fading into oblivion in Singapore. It appears that we have forgotten how privileged we truly are in the grand scheme of things and have
begun to take our nation’s stability and prosperity for granted. Sometimes I wonder, have we transformed into frogs in wells?

Perhaps
it is time for us to step out of our comfort zones and experience
living (and not just traveling for a week or two) in a less privileged
city. Perhaps only then will we be able to appreciate what we have back
home. Go back to basics and live in a rural town, or travel to preserved ancient villages, some of which are still occupied by villagers. 

  

Preserved ancient villages are popular tourist attractions in China. I much prefer ancient villages to museums. Not only can you marvel at the beautiful architecture that reflect rich historical and cultural roots, taking a stroll in these villages gives you a peek into ancient China and transports you to a bygone era. 

Xiema Bridge village is an ancient village located in Jia Chuan Town in the city of Kunshan. One of the 120 preserved villages in Kunshan, it was formerly known as Wang village and was a bustling trading hub. 

Buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Xiema Bridge built by war hero Han Shi-zong and the 500 metre long flagstone road are all painstakingly preserved in Xiema Bridge village.

 

Unlike
its more touristy counterparts, Xiema bridge is an oasis of
tranquility. A few villagers still live here and there are hardly any tourists around, hence you can soak in
the beauty of this slice of history at a leisurely, unhurried pace. 

Here’s what I wore:

Minimalist chic with a twist (background: Xiema Bridge)

I have been checking out several Chinese designers via Taobao recently and Have Rice饭馆 is one of my favourites. Its selection of basic pieces with a twist, such as this unique cross-over panel culottes, caught my attention immediately and the fit is great for petite ladies too. I am officially a fan!

Now, who said greys and blacks had to be dull and boring?

I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of Fashion Fridays! Have an amazing weekend ahead!