Rocco is a legendary eyewear brand that sold 4 million frames between the 1960s-1990s. It vanished from the market for many years thereafter, but it is now back to wow fans with its signature vintage-inspired designs.

What happened to Rocco during its lost years? Where did it go? 

If you follow me on my instagram account (@reginachow_sg), you would have seen this throwback photo of me paragliding while I was holidaying in New Zealand in 2012. Could Rocco have been there too?

It was said that Rocco hit the road, travelling far and wide to make new friends. One day, it dawned on Rocco that all this travelling seemed transient, lonely and superficial. That was when Rocco returned home to be picked up by people who adore its design, people like us!

I can totally relate to Rocco’s feelings about travelling. Travelling opens our eyes to fresh new perspectives and broadens our horizons, but there will always come a time when we yearn to return home simply because that’s where we truly belong, with our loved ones. While I love travelling and am often a victim of wanderlust, home is still where my heart is.

  Anyhow, Rocco certainly chose the right time to be back. The recent mass flowering in Singapore has transformed the little red dot into a magnificent garden city. Rocco must have been lulled by these breathtakingly beautiful bougainvillea shrubs in my roof garden which resemble Japanese cherry blossoms. What a magnificent sight to behold!

I particularly love the preppy chic vintage vibe that Rocco’s designs exude. This pair of stylish purple frames that I chose is remarkably versatile and would be the perfect accessory to complement both corporate wear and feminine vintage dresses during the weekend.  

 

Rocco is currently distributed by Eye-Trendy, Sin Kwang Group, a reputable distributor of leading international eyewear brands. It has a presence in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. 

For more information on Eye-Trendy, do visit their website and facebook page below:

Want to win a pair of gorgeous purple frames from Rocco, Rocco premiums and a pair of Rocco exclusive tickets to the Ziggy Party at Zouk on 29th May?  

Stay tuned to my blog and instagram account (@reginachow_sg) next week for clues!

I attended the launch of OSIM’s uDiva, where their latest celebrity endorser was unveiled. If you follow me on instagram (reginachow_sg), you probably would find this photo familiar because I shared contest details on how you could win yourself a uSnooz wrap worth S$68 simply by guessing who this celebrity was.

I will reveal who this mystery man is at the end of the post, but for now, let’s focus on the uDiva sofa first, shall we?

Did you know that uDiva comes in 5 gorgeous colours too? Finding the perfect shade to complement your home decor and decorating style is now a piece of cake. 

The lovely people at OSIM also developed some background mockups to give you some home decorating inspirations and to show you how versatile this massage chair really is.

Gorgeous Pink is a soft muted pink that would go well with a minimalist theme where neutral hues take centrestage. This feminine colour is my personal favourite. As this colour complements pastel shades as well, those of you who are mummies could also place the Gorgeous Pink uDiva in the baby’s room so you can kick back and relax while keeping an eye on the baby.

Enchanting Blue is an elegant shade of dark blue that adds contrast to a monochromatic palette and lends a touch of sophistication to your living area or bedroom, providing a wonderful setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

 Luscious Maroon, a dramatic shade of dark red, is the perfect accent colour to jazz up your mood and add a touch of vibrancy to your home.

 Last but not least, here’s Elegant Beige and Stunning Black, classic colours that will never go out of style. 

I really like the
slim and compact design of the OSIM uDiva as most massage chairs tend
to be very bulky. If you are looking for an aesthetically pleasing
massage chair, the uDiva certainly fits the bill.

Over here, you’ll also see the Elegant Black uDiva in its massage mode. 

I love massages! Not only are they pampering, they also help to relieve stress in our daily lives and promote mental relaxation, thereby enhancing our overall well-being.

If you like massages too, you’ll be happy to know that the uDiva sofa incorporates 3D Power-Ball technology featuring Dynamic 3D massage and has 6 massage modes to cater to your needs:

1) Neck & Shoulder – Relieve

This feels just like a head massage that you would get during a hair wash at a salon. It also uses Feng Chi acupressure point massage to relieve headaches and stiff necks and shoulders.

2) Spa – Treat

A favourite among ladies, the spa mode feels absolutely pampering. Besides relieving stress, this mode also boosts cell regeneration and promotes blood circulation.

3) Happy Hour – Mental Relaxation

As its name suggests, this mode was specially created for PMEBs as many of us who hold desk bound jobs suffer from stiff necks, shoulders and sore back muscles. The Happy Hour mode improves blood circulation in your legs, relaxes your shoulders and neck muscles, and uses lower back tapping techniques to relieve the soreness on your back, helping you to achieve mental relaxation after a long day’s work. 

4)  Lumbar

This is a strong massage to loosen and relieve lower back tension.

5) Stretch

If one of your goals is to improve flexibility, you can count on the Stretch mode to loosen your muscles and deliver results.

6) Sleep 

Wind down after a long day and turn on the sleep mode to relax your body and mind for a good night’s sleep!

Besides a preview
of these gorgeous uDiva sofas, we also indulged in an evening of pampering hand massages and gelish manicures at the manicure and hand massage station. I thoroughly enjoyed the hand massage which almost left me drifting off to slumberland while Karen had a soak-off and a fresh gelish manicure done in OSIM uDiva’s Gorgeous Pink hue.

 We were also treated to colourful
cocktail concoctions inspired by the 5 different uDiva colours, courtesy of Mixes from Mars.

Established in early 2013, Mixes from Mars is a pioneer in the bespoke portable bar industry that offers a unique customization concept where every drink can be personalized to your palate, mood and preference. If you are interested in trying out these drinks, you may want to check out their pop-up bar called Mars Bar at 83 Duxton Road (Duxton Hotel).

I personally loved the Elegant Beige cocktail, as it gave a light, refreshing (and alcoholic) twist to flavours found in apple pies. The distinctive taste and unique flavour won me over.

 For more information on Mixes on Mars, you can visit their website and social media platforms below:

Website:

http://www.mixesfrommars.sg

Facebook:

 https://www.facebook.com/mixesfrommars.sg

Instagram:

@MixesfromMars 

#MarsBarSg

And now, after keeping you in suspense the whole time, here’s presenting the new OSIM uDiva celebrity endorser, popular Korean actor Lee Min-ho! 

 My friends and colleagues were so excited when they saw his standee and many of them could guess who he was immediately.

 

For more information about OSIM uDiva and the latest updates/promotions, remember to check out the OSIM website here or download the QR code below.

I never thought that I would get to catch Cherry Blossoms or Sakura in Singapore, hence you can imagine how elated I was when JW brought me to Old Holland Road over the weekend to catch Singapore’s version of Sakura, also know as the Trumpet Tree (Tabebuia rosea). 

We stopped our car along Old Holland Road and took a stroll, marveling at the glorious spectacle lovingly bestowed upon us by Mother Nature. It was absolutely magical and almost surreal. A fairy godmother must have waved her magic wand and sprinkled fairy dust in the form of these pretty pink flowers, paving the walkway with a gorgeous carpet of soft pinks and whites.

The picturesque backdrop set the stage for my outfit shots that day and coincidentally, I was dressed in a floral jumpsuit that suited the theme to a tee.

Floral Jumpsuit from Liz Lisa

Hairclip from Alannah Hill

Shoes from Pazzion

I couldn’t resist taking some scenery shots as well, and here are just two photographs that I would like to share with you. To be honest, I wasn’t in the best of moods that day as I was really tired out from all the errands we had to run, but my mood lifted miraculously after we spotted such a beautiful sight. 

Sometimes, simple pleasures like reveling in the beauty of nature are all we need to rejuvenate our minds and souls.

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!

 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.

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!

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. 

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

 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 

Opening Hours:

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

Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 9am – 11pm

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 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

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.

Burberry 

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!

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.

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!