ootd – Page 4 – Regina Chow

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Fashion Fridays: Blooming Bougainvillea in Singapore

April 10, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

A glance at the numerous photos on Instagram is all it takes for us to know that it is currently the Sakura season in Japan. The breathtaking scenery makes me wish I had planned a trip to Tokyo this year. Oh well, there’s always next year.

A few weeks ago however, one of my girlfriends alerted me to these gorgeous pink bougainvillea trees in Toa Payoh central. I saw her photos on Facebook and wow, they definitely look like the next best thing to Sakura. Curiosity got the better of me and I had to go down to take a look.

To say that I was completely blown away by the sight would be an understatement. I basked in the glorious beauty of mother nature and wondered at the same time why there was hardly anyone around to take in the magnificent view. There were only a handful of domestic helpers enjoying a mini picnic of sorts as they marveled at the beautiful trees and proceeded to snap away on their cameras.

Indeed, photography is the beauty of life captured and photos speak a thousand words.

As you can tell, I was completely besotted. The pictures would have been even more perfect if we had green pastures in place of the tiled flooring.

My outfit for the day was a casual eyelet top and skirt set from Japanese label Liz Lisa, which was purchased last June during my trip to Hokkaido. Before this, it was hiding in the depths of my wardrobe waiting to be discovered. My wardrobe is bursting but I always feel that I have nothing to wear and it doesn’t help that I tend to forget what I have in there. Isn’t this a perennial problem that most of us ladies (and some gentlemen) face?

The Liz Lisa brand is femininity personified. Frills, floral prints, bows and lace are what you can expect in almost every collection.

I find this preppy set very wearable as it exudes tenderness without being too girly. To up the preppy factor, I paired it with a whimsical Alice in Wonderland book clutch in the same colour palette. You can also mix and match the top and bottom separately to create different looks for the weekend.

Top and Skirt set from Liz Lisa

Heels from Pazzion

I hope you enjoyed today’s edition of Fashion Fridays! Have a great weekend ahead!

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Fashion Fridays: Of Pink Highlights and Goodbyes

April 3, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

While I generally favour neutral colours and monochromatic tones, there are times when I shake up my wardrobe by injecting a splash of colours and bold prints. The same principle applies to my hair colour. I’ve never steered away from shades of ash, brown and blonde, but every now and then, I’ll take the plunge and go for colourful highlights. I had purple highlights about a year ago but this time, pink beckoned.

My hairstylist, Michelle Soh, from Jeric Salon at Bugis, gave me vibrant pink highlights without bleaching and as I am typing this post about 2 weeks on, my highlights are not showing any signs of fading. What I love about Jeric Salon is that only Aveda products and hair dyes are used. Unlike most brands, Aveda uses naturally-derived ingredients to ensure that your hair and scalp are well taken care of. With Aveda, I can now achieve beautiful colours without exposing my scalp to harsh chemicals and bleach. Killing two birds with one stone has never been easier!

I love my pink highlights so much that I decided to dedicate today’s edition of Fashion Fridays to an all pink ensemble that spells fun without compromising on femininity. I usually find midi skirts a little too formal for the weekend, but the whimsical prints on this 2-piece set takes the fun factor up a notch and makes it a great weekend outfit.

I wore this eye-catching set out to run some errands before meeting up with my family and visiting my grandmother at her home in Tanjong Pagar. As age catches up on me, my priorities change and I see myself seizing every opportunity to spend time with my family and close friends.

On a more personal note, the month of April also marks the death anniversary of a close friend whom I lost to an accident many years ago. Goodbyes are never easy, but saying goodbye is not the hardest part of losing someone. Having to continue living your life without them is always the hardest. That feeling of emptiness, that very void that is impossible to fill.

Unfortunately, losing our loved ones is part and parcel of life, and something that we have absolutely no control over. Cherish every
moment and treasure every person that you love,
because you’ll never know when they’ll take their last breaths.

If you haven’t made any plans this long weekend, perhaps you’ll like to make some time for your family and loved ones?

2 piece set from Smooch The Label

Bag from Valentino

Hair by Michelle Soh of Jeric Salon (Bugis)

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Fashion: How to Look Classy in a Crop Top

March 16, 2015 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

The crop top. Love it or hate it,
this nineties trend is back with a vengeance. If you read my blog regularly, it
wouldn’t take very much to guess that I am a huge fan of crop tops. No longer
just for teeny-boppers, the crop top has now been bumped up to high-fashion
status as they appear on runways in sleek, modern fabrics, prints and
cuts.

A-listers like Cara Delevingne, Chloe Moretz, Taylor Swift, Rihanna and
Anne Hathaway, Diane Kruger and Karlie Kloss soon took to the revived trend,
which shows no signs on stopping for now. Perhaps it’s about time to make space
in your wardrobe for crop tops!

The modern crop top no longer resembles its trashier counterparts circa
1997 (also known as Britney Spears’ Oops! I Did It Again era). It can look
incredibly classy and stylish when worn correctly. Today, I’m going to share
more about how you can stay classy in a crop top. Pair your crop tops with the
following:

1. A pencil skirt

Here’s how the classy ladies do it on the red carpet: a plain-coloured
crop top (preferably with sleeves) with a midi skirt in a subtle print, a la
Olivia Wilde and Miranda Kerr, or a printed bustier top with a skirt in a
punchy hue. The key is to keep the skirt’s hemline at a modest length, mid-calf
or knee-length. Keep the prints as simple as possible and let the gorgeous
female silhouette take centre stage. Remember: less is more.

2. A-line skirt

A high-waist A-line skirt is a girly complement to a crop top, and it
looks flattering on everyone. At midi length, it lends a modern take on the
lady-like fifties look. Look how Zoe Saldana nailed the demure yet sexy look in
her teal ensemble, paired with nude strappy heels. If you prefer your skirts to
come with some edginess, take a leaf out of Shailene Woodley’s book and go for
leather.

3. Classic White

Who said white is an impractical colour only reserved for weddings? In a
crop top and skirt combination, white is a lovely shade that brings a dose of
spring-worthy breeziness. And you don’t have to stick to pure white. Different
shades like ivory, off-white or even cream are cool alternatives. With
all-white ensembles, it is easy to have fun with your accessories and makeup.
Bring on the lipsticks and blushers!

4. Sleek Trousers

Another way to balance the midriff-baring crop top is by pairing it with
sleek slim-cut trousers. Do as Odette Annable did and go all-black for a
black-tie event, or toughen up an all-white ensemble with strong shoulders a la
Vanessa Hudgens in a Catherine Malandrino crop top.

If you’re after a more laidback look, a dark-coloured cropped tank top
with printed silk trousers will have you looking equal parts chill and sexy,
like the way Diane Kruger does. The A-lister flaunted her abs and gave her
outfit an unexpected jolt of colour with a pair of Prabal Gurung pants. For a
daytime street style, do as French designer, actress, and musician Alma
Jodorowsky did and pair a sweet-looking white crop top with wide-legged jeans,
a salmon-pink cross-body purse and a dark chapeau.

5. Prints

How do you wear a crop top and not look like you’re stuck in the
nineties? Update it with modern prints, that’s how! Chloe Moretz applies her
daring yet classy fashion sense to this Valentino getup, covering up a tiny
black crop top with a boxy printed jacket and matching shorts. Look how her
thin-strapped stilettos elongated her slim legs! Definitely a tasteful grown-up
look for the teenage actress. Likewise, the Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev
opted for a printed crop top and shorts ensemble in a paint-splatter print,
finishing off with a pair of complementary pink pumps and a girly side braid.

6. Choose sleek fabrics

The best way to update your crop top is with lush fabrics and sleek
silhouettes. Flowy fabrics can look sloppy, and plain old cotton can look a
little too nineties grunge (unless that’s the look you’re going for), so stick
to structured, stiff fabrics that hold their shape and boxy cuts that dial up
the drama by enhancing your silhouette. Case in point: the bold, edgy but
elegant looks seen on Rihanna, Cara, and Anne.

Are you a fan of crop tops? How do YOU stay classy in your crop tops?
Share your style tips in the Comments section below!

*****

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Fashion Fridays: Crop Tops & Book Clutches

March 13, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

Today’s edition of Fashion Fridays features one of my typical weekend outfits. I have an obsession with crop tops, if you haven’t already realized, as I think they’re perfect for our sweltering heat (is Singapore getting hotter or is it just me?). I pair a crop top with shorts or a simple skater skirt and off I go to run my errands or catch up with loved ones every weekend.

Book clutches are my go-to bags for the weekend. They’re instant conversation starters, easy to match and never fail to draw attention wherever I go. I have quite a
number of these adorable book clutches in my wardrobe, some a little
more whimsical while others are a little edgier, but I love them all the
same.The size is just right too as I like to minimize the load that I lug around to prevent back pains. More importantly, the likelihood of bumping into someone else with the same bag is close to zilch.

On a more
personal note, I’ve been a little under the weather recently. It could
be the heat, the haze or just fatigue as a result of everything that is
going on in my life right now.

JW and I are in the midst of planning some lifestyle changes, and as much as I would like to reveal more, the details would have to be kept under wraps in the interim (if you were wondering, no I am not pregnant….). For now, all I hope to do when the weekend arrives is to spend time with JW and also spend some time alone to let my body shut down and let my mind wander. I’m a very homely person by nature, and as much as I enjoy the company of friends and family, I relish time alone.

Crop Top from MDS Collections

Shoes from Sophia Webster

Cuff from Hermes

What about you? What will you be doing this weekend?

*****

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Fashion Fridays: Maxi Dresses for Work

February 27, 2015 by Regina Chow 3 Comments

It’s tough to find middle ground when it comes to maxi dresses. They tend to fall into either end of a spectrum, either too casual or too formal.

I have to thank my lucky stars and also Sushi for taking the plunge and placing an order for this lace maxi dress from our supplier because “the one” that I’ve been looking for finally came along. Its shirt dress structure exudes a no-nonsense vibe while the delicate lace material lends a touch of feminine charm. Finally, a maxi dress that I can wear to work without looking underdressed or overdressed.

While it is easy to take a dress like this to work, I would suggest you reserve this either for Casual Fridays or evening functions if your office has a very strict dress code. You can choose to dress up the dress with a pair of heels or slip into a comfy pair of wedges to dress it down.

Generally speaking, with a statement dress like this, there’s hardly any need for accessorizing. But if you really want to, you could cinch your waist with a skinny belt and put on some stud earrings. I picked out a pearl belt from my mum’s wardrobe to accentuate the silhouette and bring out the vintage appeal.

Bag from Hermes

Cuff from Hermes

Shoes from Pazzion

Belt from my mum’s wardrobe

I hope you enjoyed reading this week’s edition of Fashion Fridays. Have a great weekend ahead!

*****

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Fashion: Chinese New Year 2015 OOTD

February 24, 2015 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

One of my favourite outfits for this year’s Chinese New Year celebration is this lovely Covet Vionette Flare Dress from Love,Bonito, which you may have already seen in my previous post on Love, Bonito’s Popup Store.

I love the oriental floral motifs, reminiscent of Chinese porcelain, although I did wish that the motifs could be even more defined to bring out the intricate design. What I really like about the dress is its cutting and the thick woven jacquard material, which enhances the dress’s beautiful fit-and-flare structure. And how could I forget the inner mesh tulle skirting which adds that extra oomph?

I went for a full-on matchy-matchy ensemble with electric blue shoes from Zara and my trusty birkin (just the right size for all the red packets and oranges). Practicality and comfort are of utmost importance to me given that house-to-house visitations often take up the entire day.

We managed to sneak in some time for a coffee break too and as we strolled down one of the back alleys along Little India, JW whipped out our new camera for some quick snaps. It is about time we scouted for some new lenses as we only have one compatible lens at the moment and unfortunately, that isn’t enough to maximize the true potential of our new baby.

Dress from Love, Bonito

Shoes from Zara

Bag from Hermes

Earrings from Korea

Singapore’s back alleys are one of the most interesting places to check out. They’re usually empty but yet there’s so much going on. The long alleys add depth and dimension (read: great for photography) while the varying wall textures, colourful pipes, doors of different shapes and sizes, and signature dark green bins lend interest and character to our concrete jungle. Even Sandara Park of 2NE1 has given her stamp of approval!

Happy Chinese New Year!

祝大家三羊开泰，喜洋洋！

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Fashion: Valentino on Valentine's Day (OOTD)

February 15, 2015 by Regina Chow 2 Comments

Time flies. It seems like only yesterday when we got together but in the blink of an eye, 15 years has passed. Yesterday marked our 15th Valentine’s Day celebration together and while we no longer celebrate it with a big bang complete with a lavish dinner spread and overpriced flower bouquets, JW still makes it a point to surprise me with a restaurant reservation.

We had a private and cozy lunch by the Singapore River at Absinthe. Absinthe may be a French restaurant, but I really like how they did away with the frills and formality of typical french dining, choosing to adopt a more casual and fuss-free approach instead. After our sumptuous lunch, we took a stroll along the river, which eventually took us to Victoria Concert Hall.

Victoria Concert Hall holds many fond childhood memories for me as my mum and I used to bond over SSO concerts held here. It was practically a weekly affair for the two of us as I was taking piano lessons then and was really into classical music.

The Victoria Concert Hall of today looks different from what I remembered it to be, but still, I couldn’t help but marvel at this slice of history. Many of the colonial elements remained untouched but modern touches were added to lend a contemporary air to the newly refurbished architecture.

I couldn’t resist the wonderful photo opportunity and here’s presenting my outfit for Valentine’s Day.

“Who needs a Valentine when you have Valentino?” I came across this witty quip on Valentino’s instagram account and couldn’t help but let out a chuckle because I happened to be clad in Valentino from head to toe yesterday.

I guess I’m greedy and also the perfect example of someone who wants to have her cake and eat it because I need both my Valentino and my Valentine.

Dress from Red Valentino

Rockstud Pumps from Valentino

Swarovski Earrings from Korea

How was your Valentine’s Day? Here’s wishing you and your other half a lifetime of bliss, happiness and love!

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Chinese New Year Shopping at Wisma Atria

February 12, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

Are you all set to celebrate Chinese New Year? It’s barely a week away so if you’ve yet to get your CNY shopping done, it’s time to pull up your socks! To give you some inspiration, I’ll be featuring a couple of CNY-ready outfits from Wisma Atria to help you along.

I love Chinese New Year as it is a tradition to dress up in our new clothes, get a new hairdo and give ourselves a mini makeover to ring in the new year with a bang. What this means is that we have every reason to indulge in a little retail therapy! I’m sure you would agree that comfort is key when it comes to selecting an outfit for Chinese New Year visitations, which makes jeans a popular option for many of us. Instead of going with the flow, I personally prefer to stand out from the crowd with a casual chic romper.

Whole9yards

Make a statement with this gorgeous muted pink romper from Whole9yards. I especially adore the 3d flower appliques that resemble cherry blossoms which are bound to be a conversation-starter.

Paired with these pointed nude
lambskin flats from Pretty Fit and a bright red leather bag from Plinio
Visona, this ensemble will take you through the day in style without
compromising on comfort. Let the romper shine by keeping accessories to a minimum with a geometric cuff and dainty mid finger rings in festive shades of gold.

Lambskin Flats from Pretty Fit

Leather bag from Plinio Visona // Rings from colette by colette hayman

Applique Lady-man Romper from Whole9yards // Cuff from colette by colette hayman

If you prefer something a little more oriental, slip into a Cheongsam inspired dress that fuses oriental elements with a contemporary flair. This beautiful mint dress with intricate lace cut-outs from Whole9yards caught my eye the moment I stepped into their store at Wisma Atria.

The flared A-line cutting reminiscent of the 1950s exudes a vintage vibe while the scallop lace detailing adds to its oriental charm and girlish appeal. This, in my opinion, is the perfect dress for Chinese New Year.

Gardenia Bloom Dress by Whole9yards

Earrings from colette by colette hayman

Pumps from Pretty Fit

What I love most about this feminine number is its versatility. You can easily dress it up with diamonte earrings, gold pumps and a tote bag to make it work-appropriate. For Chinese New Year gatherings, all you have to do is to swap your work tote for a whimsical clutch like this beauty from Plinio Visona and you’re all ready to go!

Leather Clutch from Plinio Visona

Do you have Chinese New Year parties or work functions to attend? This is perhaps the only time of the year when we cast aside our little black dresses and start rocking bold prints and vibrant colours to add to the festive atmosphere.

Turn heads and be the centre of
attention with this satin maxi dress from Future State. I absolutely adore the baroque prints and floral motifs in cheerful
shades of pink, orange and yellow. Bold yet elegant, a dress like this is hard to come by and would be an excellent choice for both formal events during the Chinese New Year period and that romantic Valentine’s Day dinner you’ve been eagerly anticipating.

The best part about such dresses is that you don’t have to accessorize. A pair of dangling earrings and statement heels are all you need to amp up the glam factor.

Earrings from colette by colette hayman

Heels from Pedro

Thanks for reading! I hope today’s post has given you more outfit ideas and inspirations to dress up for Chinese New Year.

If you need to do some last minute shopping, remember to get your dose of retail therapy at Wisma Atria to welcome the new year in style!

You can also like their Facebook page here to receive updates on the latest promotions at Wisma Atria.

Wisma Atria Shopping Mall

Address
435 Orchard Road
Singapore 238877

Contact No.
6235 2103

Website
http://www.wismaonline.com/

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/wismaatria

**Thank you Digital Influenza for the collaboration!**

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Fashion Fridays: Pastels in Spring

February 6, 2015 by Regina Chow 2 Comments

Temperatures are soaring and flowers are in full bloom to welcome the start of Spring. I’m just getting into the spirit of Spring with pastel hues as they gradually emerge from my wardrobe after months of hibernation due to my recent obsession with monochromatic shades.

What I love about pastel colours is that they generally complement one another without stealing the limelight from their counterparts, which makes colour blocking a breeze. The heydays of colour blocking may be over, but in my humble opinion, especially when it comes to soft pastel colours, this trend is here to stay.

Putting together an outfit with 3-4 bold primary colours could be a little too much (and gaudy) for some of us especially when it is no longer in trend to do so. Colour blocking with pastel colours on the other hand, is a different story altogether.

Take this outfit for example, where pink, mint and blue take center-stage. It is less in-your-face, less dramatic, but definitely more feminine and more wearable. This is my idea of the perfect outfit for Spring, against the backdrop of gorgeous blooms.

Dress c/o ClubCouture

Bow headband from Liz Lisa

Bag from Hermes

Shoes from Pazzion

I love this flirty lace panel dress from ClubCouture and I personally think that this would be a great choice for the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities.

The lace panels add an element of surprise and reveal just a sliver of skin without compromising decorum, which to me, is an essential aspect of the dress’s appeal.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend ahead! I’ll be sharing more of my fashion picks for Chinese New Year next week, so do stay tuned for more updates.

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Fashion Fridays: SIA International Cup 2014

January 30, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

What do you wear to the races? My typical outfit for the races would definitely include a fascinator, paired with a glamorous dress and stilettos. In fact, I have a growing collection of dresses and fascinators reserved for such special occasions.

You may have read about my previous experiences at Singapore Turf Club, but what I wore for the Singapore Airlines International Cup & Krisflyer International Sprint 2014 was probably one of the most dramatic ensembles that I have put together to date.

With Karen and Jessie at SIA International Cup 2014

Hairstyling c/o Naoki Yoshihara by Ash

Dress from Dustbunny Vintage

Fascinator from Eskpade

Shoes from Jimmy Choo

Clutch from Forever New

I love black and white dresses, but for special occasions, I generally prefer bolder, more striking colours as I finally have an excuse to let my creative juices run wild without anyone batting an eyelid. I also prefer vintage dresses for special occasions as the designs are unique and one-of-a-kind, which means that the probability of me running into someone else in the same dress is virtually zero.

Many thanks to Jessie once again for inviting me to the SIA International Cup. I had an enjoyable day catching up with friends over a little bubbly and light bites amidst all the adrenalin pumping horse-racing action.

The races only began in the evening but the heavy downpour in the late afternoon proved to be a challenge, which made every race all the more exciting.

Due to the weather, we had a tough time deciding on which horses to place our bets on. With a prize money of S$3 million, the race attracts some of the best horses from all over the world. This time, as some of the hot favourites were probably at a disadvantage due to the wet terrain, the dark horses were given the opportunity to shine and clinch the top spots.

Congratulations to the grand winner from Hong Kong!

Karen and I also enjoyed a
few minutes of fame on the big screen just as we were basking in the
thrill and excitement of the races. We were interviewed earlier that
afternoon and this came as a pleasant surprise. JW, who attended the
event with me, whipped out his camera in the nick of time.

Thank you Singapore Turf Club for hosting us!

If you’re looking for a venue to host your corporate events or VIP guests this Chinese New Year, do check out Singapore Turf Club’s exclusive rooms and Chinese New Year Package!

Page 4 of 8« First...«345 6 »...Last »

Fashion Fridays: Blooming Bougainvillea in Singapore

Fashion Fridays: Of Pink Highlights and Goodbyes

Fashion: How to Look Classy in a Crop Top

Fashion Fridays: Crop Tops & Book Clutches

Fashion Fridays: Maxi Dresses for Work

Fashion: Chinese New Year 2015 OOTD

Fashion: Valentino on Valentine's Day (OOTD)

Chinese New Year Shopping at Wisma Atria

Fashion Fridays: Pastels in Spring

Fashion Fridays: SIA International Cup 2014

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