Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
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Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
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Beauty, Uncategorized

Sponsored Video: SK-II #changedestiny stories – Priscilla

October 12, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

I have always found SK-II’s #ChangeDestiny campaign inspiring. 
You may have read my thoughts on how we can overcome challenges and societal perceptions to change our destiny a couple of months ago. This time, in the video above, renowned Singaporean fashion designer Priscilla Shunmugam shares how she chose to ditch her law degree and pack her bags for London to pursue fashion design simply because she believed that was her calling.

When Priscilla graduated from law school, as per her parents’ plans, she had a bright future ahead of her in the legal industry but deep inside, she knew this was not what she wanted. Today, she owns fashion label Ong Shunmugam. How many of us have the courage to step out of our comfort zone and go against all odds to realise our dreams, just like Priscilla?
A calling makes work and life meaningful. It gives you a purpose in life. Everyone has a calling, but have you already discovered yours? If you haven’t, you are not alone. 
What is your calling?
To find out what your calling is, the first step is to understand the difference between a job and a purpose in life. When the main objective of work is to support your family, the paycheck is what you are going after. That is a job. 
On the other hand, if you are working to further an idea to bring it to fruition, it is important not to let your paycheck, no matter how fat it is, become an obstacle. And this is exactly what Priscilla is telling us in this video.
For more inspirational #changedestiny stories, check out the links below:
SK-II Facebook Page
SK-II Website
SK-II Youtube
**This post was sponsored by SK-II, but as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Beauty, Uncategorized

Sponsored Video: SK-II Manifesto #ChangeDestiny

July 3, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments
According to a study conducted by SK-II, 80% of women feel that our future is predestined and that whatever happens in our lives is beyond our control. 

We are told that we should work for passion. We should take control of our lives by ditching jobs that do not interest us, in the hope of finding our dream jobs. In reality, however, many of us stick on with jobs that we have no interest in because of the way society perceives success, or to ensure that we can put food on the table and have a roof over our heads.
If you have the opportunity to watch your life on playback, just like a movie, do you think it’ll be a movie worth watching?
Can we really change our destinies? How do we overcome our challenges and societal perceptions?

1) Draw up a list of what is important to you 
  
In our quest to ensure that our basic needs are met, try not to lose sight of what is important to you as this gives meaning to your life. Have you always wanted to start a new business? Do you value family time, hanging out with your friends, blogging, swimming, running or climbing? Draw up a list (prioritize please, it shouldn’t be a laundry list) of what is important to you!

2) Lack of time or money is not an excuse
 

We often lament about the lack of time or money to pursue our interests. Make it a point to set aside just 10-15 minutes a day to indulge in your passion. You’ll feel rejuvenated instantly. That’s what blogging does to me. 
No money to pursue a hobby such as traveling? Make it a point to save. Everything comes with an opportunity cost. Cut down on unnecessary purchases, take the public transport and eat at hawker centres. You’ll soon be able to make your travel dreams come true.

3) Be your own agent of Change

 Blogging has always been a passion, and never in my wildest dreams did I think that it would open up so many windows of opportunities for me, especially in terms of sponsorships and advertorials.

I only started blogging actively in my late 20s and you know what, it’s never too late to start. If yesterday was a bad day, try something different today.  

Believe in yourself, be your own agent of change and gradually, you’ll be able to change your destiny. #ChangeDestiny

*****

Through this teaser video starring Chinese actress Tang Wei,SK-II is embarking on its #ChangeDestiny movement that begins this July to inspire women like you and me to change our destinies.  

Watch the video to find out more and stay tuned to Tang Wei’s story (to be launched on July 15).

For more information on SK-II and the #ChangeDestiny movement, do check out the following links:

SK-II Website

 
SK-II Facebook

SK-II Instagram

SK-II Youtube

**This post was sponsored by SK-II, but as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Fashion Fridays: The Little Nude Dress

October 17, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments
The little black dress has and always will be a wardrobe staple, but the often neglected little nude dress is just as timeless, don’t you think? The personification of grace and sophistication, the little nude dress has a softer, gentler side that allows you to make a statement with understated elegance.

One wonderful aspect about this subtle hue is that it gives you free rein to play around with textures and layers. In this case, cascading ruffles are the main focal point of my little nude dress. Details like ruffles lend an inexplicably girly appeal to nude dresses.  On the contrary, imagine if the dress was in a darker shade like black. The striking colour coupled with ruffles would give the dress a more garish persona. If gaudy and overdone are adjectives that you would like to avoid, sticking to subtler shades would be your best bet.

 

To jazz up the plain colour palette, I threw on a pair of fierce animal print lace-up heels from Zara in a similar hue no less. Lace-up heels never fail to add a dose of edginess without compromising on femininity. 
To balance out the edginess, a touch of pearls in the form of earrings and an arm cuff were added to complete the ensemble.


Dress from Yuan (Far East Plaza)
Shoes from Zara
Clutch from Saint Laurent
Accessories from Chanel

This series of photographs was taken at Quayside Isle, one of only places in Singapore that reminds me of Sydney and instantly puts me in a holiday mood. Quality couple
time, fresh air and outdoor activities that do not involve shopping
malls, sprawling beaches and the beautiful harbour – these are just some
of the things I miss. On a totally unrelated note, the one year we spent in Sydney created so many wondrous memories and personal development opportunities, both for us as a couple and for each of us as an individual.
What struck me the hardest was that work-life balance, an important aspect that Singaporeans value but strive so hard to achieve, seemed to come so naturally to those who live in Australia.  The one year in Sydney led me to realize that there is more to life than making a living.
Life used to be all about work for me. I used to be more negative and cynical, frequently complaining about how badly life was treating me. We all need to make a living, but more importantly, we need to create a life worth living for. That nagging thought gave me the impetus to pursue my passion for writing relentlessly, through blogging. 
I write a lot in the course of my work, but creative writing is a different ballgame altogether. Your vocabulary is wider, your sentence structures less restricted, and your thoughts are allowed to run wild, no holds barred. It excites my senses and stimulates every cell in my body. It makes me feel alive. And this is what keeps me going, day after day. 
I might write about fashion today, my travel escapades tomorrow and beauty products the following day, but every single word that is printed on this humble space comes straight from my heart. You cannot believe how thankful I am to each and every one of you out there who continue to read my ramblings, and I hope today’s Fashion Fridays post would serve as a source of inspiration to you, beyond just fashion, to pursue your passion, live your dreams and bring meaning to your lives.
Have a great weekend ahead!
 

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My Favourite 60s Fashion Trends and Style Icons

June 8, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments
The 60s was an era of fashion revolution defined by a kaleidoscope of new and unprecedented fashion trends. Peter Pan collars, Mini skirts, shift and A-line dresses and bell bottom jeans were just some of the trends that broke the traditional mold and took the 60s by storm. 

The 60s also saw the emergence of evergreen style icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Jean Shrimpton, Twiggy and Jane Birkin. It is amazing how till today, designers, stylists and fashionistas still look up to these ladies for inspiration.

As a finalist for Levi’s Best Fashion Blog at the Singapore Blog Awards, I have to write about something or someone from the 60s who inspires me. In this post, I’m going to share some of my favourite 60s fashion trends and style icons, as well as my interpretation of these trends through my outfits.

Peter Pan Collars – this childlike trend associated with children’s storybooks was first introduced in the 60s and is probably the most replicated 60s trend today. It is not hard to see why this stylish, preppy chic trend has stood the test of time. Peter Pan Collars not only add a touch of femininity, grace and playfulness to a dress or top, but they also complement work shirts and blouses beautifully without compromising professionalism.

Credits: Vogue UK

Jean Shrimpton, widely dubbed as the first supermodel and also “The Face of the 60s” is one of my favourite style icons as I adore her classic, feminine style. She looks immaculate in this peter pan collar shirt and her demure, doll-like features complement the innocent charm of the peter pan collar perfectly.

Peter Pan collars aside, Jean Shrimpton also kickstarted the mini-skirt craze when she turned up in a white shift minidress at the 1965 Melbourne Cup and caused a furore with her never-ending legs.

Credits: Daily Telegraph, Australia



Just like peter pan collars, mini skirts have never gone out of style since. I, for one, have so many minidresses and skirts in my wardrobe, they’ve almost become a staple! Depending on the cut, style and length, the mini skirt can suit anyone!

Taking a cue from Jean Shrimpton, I incorporated both the peter pan collar and mini skirt in this outfit of mine. For a more timeless look, I went with a monochrome palette to balance out the cute appeal.

The pleated flared mini skirt lends movement and volume to the dress, while maintaining a sense of decorum. I also love how the lovely peter pan collar and intricate lace details add the finishing touch to the soft, feminine silhouette.

Dress from random shop in Singapore
Bag and shoes from Japanese Label Dip Drops
Beret hairband from Talisman

A simple dress like this is what I would usually wear during the weekend for tea with my girlfriends. In line with the 60s theme as well, this particular set of photos, courtesy of my photographer friend, KC Wong of TinyDot Photography, were taken at Tiong Bahru, a neighbourhood with well-preserved architecture from yesteryear. Did you know that the buildings here were designed to resemble cars, trains, ocean liners and planes with smooth aerodynamic lines and curves?

 
A-line Silhouettes and Shift Dresses, better known as the mod dresses, were a hit with the fashion savvy British of the mid 1960s, along with boyish hairstyles and waif like figures (think Twiggy!). With such a forgiving silhouette, it is so tempting and incredibly easy to swing back to the 60s to adopt this trend.
Twiggy, probably the most famous supermodel of that era, brought the mod dress to a whole new level with her high-fashion take on the A-line silhouette. Touted to be Jean Shrimpton’s successor, Twiggy broke all boundaries and catapulted to fame in the mid 60s with her boyish pixie haircut and androgynous figure. Needless to say, she is another one of my favourite style icons of the 60s.
The revival of the mod dress was especially prominent in this year’s Spring/Summer runway shows, with the A-line silhouette coming back in full force. Here are just some examples from the Spring/Summer 2013 collections of Jenny Packham, Charlotte Ronson and Moschino.
 Credits: Fashionising.com
Now, here’s my take on the mod dress. If you haven’t already noticed, I am a huge fan of vintage style and the 60s is a golden age where I draw a lot of my inspirations from, which is why I aim to retain that nostalgic factor whenever I style my outfits.
 

Blouse, pinafore and bag from Japanese label Dip Drops
Socks from Sydney
Pumps from Zara
Mustard beret hairband from Talisman
I love how airy and light the A-line plaid pinafore feels. The plaid pattern accentuates the alluring lines of the silhouette and exudes a preppy, schoolgirl vibe. For this outfit as well as the previous one, I updated the 60s look and gave it a breath of modernity with ankle socks and pumps.

Effortlessly chic and sexy, English actress and singer Jane Birkin is also the original Boho chick and a 60s style icon that I admire very much. Her signature look in the late 60s includes a white breezy top, bell bottom jeans and her trademark straw bag. 
With a surname like Birkin, it is not difficult to guess that the highly sought after Hermès Birkin bag was named after her. Jane Birkin carries her straw bag wherever she goes, from the 60s right up to the 80s, but it toppled one day and left her struggling to replace the contents when she placed it in the overhead compartment of a flight that she was on together with Hermès executive Jean-Louis Duma. When she opined that she couldn’t find a weekend leather bag of the right size, Duma designed the Birkin Bag just for her. 
 
 Jane Birkin’s 60s boho style is a breath of fresh air. I especially love her carefree spirit and energy. Oh, and who would have thought that a simple straw bag could go with anything and everything?
Her 60s boho chic style is an inspiration for many of my weekend outfits, which is why I  decided to show you two interpretations of this style. Both interpretations revolve around authentic vintage 60s pieces, denim jeans, straw bags as well as photography locations that hold many memories of Singapore in the past.

My first interpretation is similar to what Jane Birkin wears when she’s out at sea – a feminine lace top paired with jeans and a straw bag. 
Denim jeans are a staple not just for Jane Birkin, but for many of us as well. Hence, my Levi’s jeans took centrestage in this outfit post. Paired with a lacy batwing top, floral crown, comfy wedges and a vintage Aigner straw bag, I was all prepared to relax with the wind caressing my face at the balcony of my Fullerton Hotel room. These photos were taken at the beautifully restored Fullerton Hotel, which served as a government office in the 60s.

Jeans from Levi’s
Lace top from Hong Kong
Floral crown from Sydney Glebe Markets
Platform wedges from random store in Singapore
Vintage Aigner Straw Bag from Dustbunny Vintage

 

My second interpretation features a vintage bell bottoms jumpsuit from Dustbunny Vintage. The ruffle tube top and straw apple wristlet add a playful, whimsical charm to the entire ensemble. It’s the perfect outfit for a day out at the Botanic Gardens.

Denim jumpsuit from Dustbunny Vintage
Straw apple wristlet from Kate Spade
Ruffle hairband (gift from my girlfriend)
The bold psychedelic prints of the 60s have also made a dramatic comeback in the Spring/Summer 2013 collections of Moschino, PPQ and Versus. There was an explosion of geometric prints, whimsical hearts and paisley prints in vibrant hues all over the runway. Flower Power is back with a vengeance!   
Credits: Fashionising.com

To complete the flower power style, a bouffant hairstyle is the best option. Here’s my spin on what this style entails.
If you find bold primary colours and graphic prints too daring for your lliking, you can always opt for feminine floral prints in bright shades of pink, like this vintage 60s number from Dustbunny Vintage. To finish the look, I put on a wig to achieve that tousled, bouffant hairdo. Now, I can strut off to an evening function or a dinner party! 
If I were back in the 60s or off to a 60s themed party, I would also throw on a few plastic bangles and a dash of red lipstick!
Flower Power Vintage 60s dress from Dustbunny Vintage
Wig from Girlhairdo

Out of these four 60s fashion trends, which do you like the most? Are your outfits inspired by any of these trends?

I hope you enjoyed this post as well as my interpretations of the 60s fashion trends! 
If you like what you see on my blog, 
1) Please register at:
http://sgblogawards.omy.sg/2013/register/

&

2) Vote for me under the Levi’s Best Fashion Blog Category here:
http://sgblogawards.omy.sg/2013/category/?cat=fashion
 You can vote for me once everyday. 
Thank you!
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Center/Middle Parting Hairstyles

October 9, 2012 by Regina Chow No Comments
Center Parting Hairstyles
The last time I had center parting was probably in secondary school, which was a gazillion years ago (don’t remind me please). Since then, I’ve either gone for bangs or a side fringe. I like bangs but they are a pain to maintain. On the other hand, the side fringe suits practically any face shape but it is so common that every other girl on the street sports the same hairstyle.
If you haven’t already realized, I’ve been blogging about hairstyles more often than ever. Reason being I’ve been meaning to revamp mine after growing it out. I haven’t cut, straightened or permed my hair in the past year and the last time I dyed my hair was about 8 months ago! 

Excuse my sleepy face..this was taken at 7am.
Recently, I started experimenting with the center parting style again and I must say I like it more than I thought I would. I might just try out center parting for a while now, but I’m not quite sure if I should pair that with straight or wavy/curly hair so I’ve been hoping to draw some inspiration from celebrities.


Wavy/Curly Hair
Heather Graham

Mischa Barton
Sienna Miller
Blake Lively
Kim Kardashian
 Jennifer Love Hewitt
 
 Hyuna

Angelababy

Straight Hair

Leighton Meester
 Olivia Palermo
Heidi Klum
 Gwyneth Paltrow
 
I personally like the wavy hair on Angelababy(although with a face like that, she can be bald and still look gorgeous) and Hyuna but Leighton Meester and Olivia Palermo look great with straight hair too! 
What about you? Which styles do you prefer? 🙂
 
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My Grandmother, the Grande Dame of Peking Opera

February 4, 2011 by Regina Chow 4 Comments
Feminism, in my books, refers to the empowerment of women and my maternal grandmother is the epitome of feminism. She always had a fiery maverick streak, and was a sharp, opinionated and determined lady who defied the conventions of her era.
In those days, the role of women was to be a virtuous wife and mother. Nothing more. But my grandmother chose to take fate into her own hands by pursuing a career in Peking opera. The journey, though tumultuous to say the least, eventually led to her resounding success as a top notch Peking opera actress. She was a born performer and could easily memorize her lines although she was illiterate.


Her hard work and resilience paid off. She stayed true to her art for the decades that followed and became a common fixture in the media and the Peking opera scene in Singapore till she retired some years ago. I remember that one of her proudest moments was when she received the Cultural Medallion award in 1992. For years thereafter, she would beam with pride whenever anyone made mention of the award.

I was surprised to find a clip of her interview for the award on the internet. If you’re interested to find out more, here it is for your viewing pleasure:

credits: http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_1364_2009-09-14.html

Now, my grandmother has mellowed with age, in tandem with gradual memory loss. Her memory has deteriorated to the extent that she tends to repeat herself several times during a conversation. Sometimes, she can’t recall if I am already married and on other occasions, she would be urging me to procreate and respond to the government’s plea for a higher birth rate. Nonetheless, the one thing that remains unchanged is that child-like sparkle in her eyes which continues to express her relentless zest for opera and life.


It may be a scary thought to depart from this earth, but to die without having lived is much worse than one can imagine. To follow in my grandmother’s footsteps literally is no mean feat, but I can at least try to abide by her mantra and embark on a path that passion takes me.

Thank you grandma, for being my inspiration.

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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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