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!

I have always had a fascination with the vending machines in Japan as you can buy practically anything and everything (not just beverages!) with the touch of a button. For years, I was wondering if this interesting shopping concept would ever be adopted in Singapore and now, I’m happy to report that it is finally here! 

Japanese retail company, Satisfaction Guaranteed, launched its state-of-the-art  digital vending machines just last month, giving us immediate access to an exclusive and diverse mix of Japanese fashion, cosmetics and lifestyle products without having to fly all the way to Japan! In fact, Singapore is the first and only country outside of Japan to have intelligent digital vending machines like these.

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

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

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

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

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

These vending
machines are now available at The Cathay, Liang Court and 100AM. 

All the items are priced at either S$10 or S$12 each, which is pretty reasonable for quality products that are made in Japan.

Happy Shopping!

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

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

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

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

I will show you my customized shoes nearer the end of the post, but meanwhile, let me share a little about how you can go about customizing the heels of your dreams.

 The designs here are all ready-made, but modifications such as the heel height, type of heel, embellishments, material and colour can be done to tailor to every customer’s needs.

 

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

Pointy pumps are excellent for elongating your legs but as I have bunions since birth, I personally find round-toe pumps more comfortable. I fell in love with the Gisele Pumps the moment I laid my eyes on them.

 Peep-toe and open-toe heels are great for showing off your beautifully pedicured feet. I love to wear strappy open-toe heels for evening functions and dinners as they go really well with gowns and cocktail dresses.

Step 2: Choose the Material and Colour

Besides the typical bridal colours such as ivory, off-white, beige and silver, Sinderella also offers more than 100 choices of colours and materials for you to take your pick from. 

I particularly love colours like silver and gold because they can complement most colours, but if you prefer eye-catching shades like fuschia or sky blue to match your evening gown or outfit, these are readily available too.

Step 3: Choose your Embellishments

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

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

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

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

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

It took about 3-4 weeks for my customized heels to arrive, so if you are planning to customize a pair for your wedding or a special occasion, do remember to plan ahead!

Every pair of customized heels comes in a transparent Sinderella shoe box with a handle at the top, which makes it very convenient for you to carry around should you wish to change out of your shoes for photo shoots or events.

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

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

*****

Facebook:

I usually post casual weekend outfits because I don’t have the luxury of time on weekdays to document my work outfits. But I figured it’s probably about time I ventured beyond casual wear and share more work outfits, since we spend most of our waking hours at work and being able to look professional in such a hot and humid climate is one of the greatest challenges faced by corporate executives in Singapore.

Pencil dresses with structured silhouettes are my work wear staples. Truth be told, I have never considered bodycon dresses work appropriate because they are far too figure-hugging. Little did I realize that it is actually possible to turn a bodycon dress into a work wear staple.

The easiest option is to throw on a blazer, but layering in this heat is hardly a good idea especially if you take the public transport. Choosing a bodycon dress with the right cutting, print and length would probably be more ideal in our situation.

To balance out the form-fitting silhouette and transform it into a modest work piece, go for a bodycon dress that has longer sleeves (instead of the sleeveless ones that show off more skin) and length (ideally, a midi length would be great). Such dresses look amazing in solid colours as they form the perfect canvas for accessorizing with statement necklaces and you will be surprised by just how elegant the overall look is. However, if you
are feeling more adventurous, go all out with prints. 

Prints can be a
little too gaudy for work but it is acceptable as long as you stick to a
monochromatic colour palette. This dress from Topshop totally fits the bill. 3/4 sleeves, midi length and bold monochromatic prints – you get the idea. What I love about printed dresses is that it saves you the hassle of having to accessorize, which is great given that we don’t have much time to doll up before leaving the house during the rush hour.

To pull the look together, a pair of pumps always does the trick. Covered toe shoe always look more professional, even if you always get your pedicures done. 

I would usually have reached out for a pair of black pumps to complement a dress like this, but I thought these electric blue pointy pumps added a pop of colour and interest to the whole ensemble. It also helps that these are wedges and a lot more comfortable to walk in than stiletto heels.In fact, this is probably the best type of work shoes for rushing into trains and chasing after buses!

Dress from Topshop

Shoes from Pazzion

Bag from Chanel

Cuff from Hermes

Hopefully this post gave you some inspiration on how you can transform bodycon dresses into work appropriate pieces. I hope to post more work outfits in time to come, if time permits, so do keep a lookout for them! 

When we think about Korean style make-up, images of flawless, dewy complexion and barely there make-up always come to mind. If your complexion is less than perfect, which is the case for most of us, you can easily achieve the no make-up look with Laneige! 

While I only use sunblock on my skin on most days, there are times when my skin needs that extra boost and that’s when Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion comes to the rescue. It gives my skin a radiant, healthy glow immediately upon application. The effect is so natural, I look like I was born with naturally flawless skin. If you are interested, you can also read more about my review on BB cushion here.

Eyeliner is one of my make-up staples and if you follow Korean make-up trends, a common way of eyeliner application is to extend the eyeliner and wing it out so your eyes look bigger and more elongated. I personally love this style of eyeliner application as it really opens up my eyes.

I usually use black or brown eyeliner, but whenever I feel a little more adventurous, I would turn to Laneige ArtPlay Waterproof Eyeliner in Deep Green and Forest Green. It is dual sided, which gives you the flexibility to transform your look from day to night with the flick of an eyeliner. I have come to realize that green is actually a really versatile colour too.

When the rest of your face is fresh and nude, all it takes is a bold lip to brighten up your face. Orange lipstick was something I would never have considered in the past, but Laneige’s Silk Intense Lipstick in Spangle has since become my go-to lipstick shade.  Unlike red which gives off a mature vibe, orange actually exudes youthfulness and a tinge of playfulness.

The Laneige Silk Intense Lipstick in Spangle is highly pigmented and a little goes a long way. It glides on very smoothly and the hydrating formula which includes collagen peptides ensures that lips stay moisturized throughout the day. 

Here’s the final look that I created with these 3 products from Laneige:

And finally, here’s my outfit for the day. I went for a monochromatic look to bring attention to the bold orange lips. 

T-shirt from Dip Drops

Skirt and necklace from random shops in Singapore

Bag from Chanel

Cuff from Hermes

Hat from Venice

Shoes from Pazzion

I fell in love with this red checked bodycon dress from Topshop the moment I laid my eyes on it. The form-fitting cut flatters the female silhouette without being too curve-hugging, just the way I like it. Most of the bodycon dresses these days are Herve Leger inspired and a little too revealing for everyday wear in my opinion.

While I have always been a fan of Ms Selfridge due to their feminine designs, I have now set my sights on Topshop’s lovely bodycon dresses, which fit me to a T (I’m a UK Size 6). If you are petite like me and prefer bodycon dresses that are more wearable, perhaps you could consider those at Topshop too.

As this was meant to be a casual weekend outfit, I styled the dress with edgier accessories and booties. However, you can easily transform the dress into a work appropriate outfit with a tailored blazer and pointy pumps. Don’t we all love versatile pieces like this that can take us from weekdays to weekends?

I bought another bodycon dress together with this red checked one, which I will likely feature in another outfit post. Meanwhile, I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for more bodycon dresses from Topshop.

Dress from Topshop

Bag from Chanel

Booties from Sydney

Accessories from Taiwan

Have a great weekend!

Dry and brittle hair ends are probably the most common complaint among those of us who undergo chemical treatments on a regular basis. But did you know that healthy hair actually begins at the scalp? The root of many hair problems stem from poor scalp conditions and yet, many of us tend to neglect our scalp until hair problems begin to surface and hair loss becomes an issue. 

As the old saying goes, prevention is always better than cure, hence taking good care of my scalp has always been my top priority. I have tried various scalp treatments and one of the most effective scalp treatments that I have tried thus far is the Dr Scalp Treatment from Naoki Yoshihara by Ash.

Masa-san from Naoki Yoshihara by Ash has been taking good care of my crowning glory for the past few months and I have to thank him for introducing me to this wonderful treatment. I love Japanese products and services because they are always at the forefront of technological advances and innovation.

Dr Scalp Treatment hails from Japan and it entails the use of a scalp care machine that combines light diode and gentle LED light to stimulate your scalp and support healthy hair growth without harming your skin. This unique, one-of-a-kind treatment incorporates the use of scramble pulse, radio frequency waves, EMS and electroporation technologies. As the skin on the scalp is twice as sensitive as the skin on our face, Dr Scalp ensures that only high frequency radio frequency waves that do not damage our skin are used.

 Dr Scalp is also incredibly effective in treating hair loss problems. Whether you are in your 30s and starting to experience thinning hair (see picture below) or in your 50s with visible bald patches (see picture above), Dr Scalp guarantees fantastic results in just a span of 3-6 months. As you can tell, these before and after photos certainly speak for themselves.

Hair essence is first sprayed evenly over your scalp, followed by a scalp massage using the Dr Scalp scalp care machine. The machine can also be used at the back of the neck for a gentle massage and also to stimulate circulation.

The hair essence has a refreshing, minty scent that invigorates your senses after a long day at work.

Here’s what the Dr Scalp scalp care machine looks like. The tips of the probes that come into contact with your scalp are coated with titanium, which is very gentle and works well with all skin types, even sensitive skin.

When the Dr Scalp scalp care machine is activated, it emits a bright red glow and a very therapeutic tingling sensation is felt when the probes come into direct contact with your scalp.

The scalp machine also enhances the permeability of the hair essence and stimulates hair growth. Indeed, my scalp felt instantly rejuvenated and well cleansed after the treatment as all the dirt and grime were lifted from my pores.

Masa-san then applied two other scalp treatment products, namely Sparkling Spa Shower and Sparkling Gelee, to top off the treatment.

Sparkling Spa Shower promotes blood circulation and has anti-inflammatory properties as well. I was particularly fascinated with Sparkling Spa Shower because instead of spraying the product directly onto your scalp or dispensing it onto your fingers, all you have to do is to press the sponge tip of the bottle onto your scalp slowly. 

A cooling sensation is felt every time you press the sponge tip on to your scalp as you can actually feel a burst of cold air being released. It is really refreshing and since this product contains only natural herbal ingredients, you can be assured that your scalp is in good hands!

 Sparkling Gelee on the other hand, works just like a leave-in conditioner to seal in the moisture in your hair. As it is made of 100% hyaluronic acid, it can be applied directly to the scalp, hair and even on your skin.

My scalp tends to be a little oily and itchy, especially if I choose to wash my hair on alternate days, but after undergoing 3 sessions of Dr Scalp Treatment, I can feel a great difference in my scalp condition. 

My scalp is no longer as oily as it used to be and there is more volume at the crown. My girlfriend
Karen has tried a few sessions of Dr Scalp Treatment too as her scalp
has become rather sensitive after her frequent overseas travels.  If you have a dry and sensitive scalp, it is recommended that you do the Dr Scalp treatment once a week for a start until your condition stabilizes.

I love how
Masa-san goes the extra mile to recommend suitable treatments for my hair every
time I visit the salon. And it is amazing how my hair always looks shiny
and smooth in spite of all the chemical treatments I do every month.
Thank you, Masa-san! All the credit goes to you!

I have been recommending Masa san to many of my friends as well, and all of them love what he did with their hair.  Masa-san currently shuttles between Japan and Singapore for work, but here comes the good news – he will be relocating to Singapore in April this year!

Naoki Yoshihara by Ash

Address: 

177 River Valley Road
Liang Court  #02-15/16
Singapore 179030

Tel:

6333 5662

  

I wish I started my collection of midi skirts much earlier on. After all, there’s a feminine, vintage vibe about midi skirts that is right up my alley. They are also extremely versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on what tickles your fancy.

I’ve always had a soft spot for tulle skirts, and this tulle midi skirt from ClubCouture is like a dream come true for me. In a delicious shade of cream, this airy fairy skirt looks like it came right out of a fairytale.

Top from Zara

Skirt from ClubCouture

Shoes from Miu Miu

Hair Accessory from Korea

For a casual weekend look, I decided to amp up the vintage vibes and went for a nautical themed ensemble with a comfy blue striped t-shirt and quirky pink accessories for added contrast.

This whimsical magazine clutch from MyJotterBook (sorry to disappoint you, but this is no longer for sale!) completed the look and served as an instant conversation starter.

JW takes all my outfit shots, and in this series of photos, he experimented with a new photography style, which resulted in a dreamier and more mysterious interpretation of my surroundings.

 I can think of so many other ways to style this lovely midi skirt,
so if you are interested, do keep your eyes peeled for more outfit
posts that will be coming your way in this humble space of mine.

Meanwhile, have a good weekend ahead!

Apples are the protagonists in my latest gelish manicure with Niu Nails. It took me a while to decide on this design as I wanted something simple yet unique and festive for Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.

Inspired by my cute little Kate Spade apple bag (can you spot it in the background?), I scouted around for apple nail designs and this was the final design that I chose. I love how it complements my bag perfectly and how incredibly versatile the design is. It adds a touch of quirkiness to feminine and vintage outfits, which are my wardrobe staples for weekends. The simplicity of the design also ensures that it is subtle enough for work.

Manicures
are pampering treats and those of you who have tried gelish manicures
would probably agree that they are the best invention ever. Not only do
your nails remain chip-free and shiny for at least 3 weeks, the nail
polish looks just as fresh as the day they were painted on.

Again, I had my gelish manicure done by Serene of Niu Nails in the comfort of my home about 3 weeks back. and my nails still look as perfect as they did on the first day. This was my second gelish manicure with Niu Nails, a home-based salon in Hougang. 

What I love most about Niu Nails is that the owner, Serene, is able to travel to your home, which is perfect for those of us who find it hard to make time to do our nails thanks to our hectic schedules!

If you are interested, you can read more about my first experience with Niu Nails here.

If you were wondering, this gelish manicure with apple nailart costs S$40. Now that Chinese New Year is over, perhaps it’s about time to give your nails a fresh coat of polish or a new design!

Special Privileges for Readers of “Shopping Queen’s Haven”

In collaboration with Niu Nails, all readers of “Shopping Queen’s Haven” will also be entitled to a 10% discount on gelish manicure/pedicure services at Niu Nails!

All you have to do is quote “Reginachow” or “Shopping Queen’s Haven” when you make  your appointment to enjoy 10% off!

For more details on Niu Nails and Serene, do check out their website and social media platforms below:

Facebook: 

www.facebook.com/niunails
 

Website:  

www.niunails.com
 

Instagram: @Niunails

 

Contact No.: 

8113 6741