Happy New Year!!

If
you don’t already know by now (I’m guessing many of you do if you’re
following me on instagram @reginachow_sg), I have been shuttling between
Singapore and China in the recent months as JW is currently based in
Nanjing.

Over these few months, I had the opportunity to explore Nanjing and new cities such as Hangzhou (courtesy of Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou – do watch out for my review soon), Suzhou, Kunshan. I also revisited Shanghai, one of my favourite cities in China.

The Bund, Shanghai

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

Beautiful autumn foliage in Hangzhou

Much to my surprise, my experience thus far has been fairly pleasant. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone yells at the top of their voices (these are usually farmers from the rural areas) and the habit of cutting queues is also fast-becoming a phenomenon of the past. I am honestly very impressed by how civilized they have become in just a matter of years. The service quality, especially in restaurants, is excellent. We have been getting the royal treatment, and I am not even exaggerating. I am also particularly drawn to the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage as it gives me deeper insights into my ancestry and roots. Of course, it helps that the scenery doesn’t disappoint and is particularly mesmerizing during autumn. 

West Lake, Hangzhou

Autumn in Nanjing

Xiema Bridge Ancient Village, Kunshan (Read more about it here)

The past year has also taken me to Bangkok, Gold Coast 

(courtesy of Scoot who sponsored the SAF50 bloggers contest winners – click here to read more about my adventures in Australia), Copenhagen (click here to read more about my trip) and London. 

Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast

Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Burger & Lobster, London

Traveling is a big part of my life and I truly believe that traveling together with your partner and loved ones helps to forge closer bonds. Uncertainties abound when you step foot in a foreign land and to overcome these challenges as a unit while still managing to have fun is no mean feat.

 For 2016, my key priorities are to travel and to lead a healthier lifestyle. More traveling
awaits in 2016. My first stop is Tibet in end January with JW before
jetting back to Singapore for Chinese New Year, and then to Bangkok in
February for a short getaway, followed by girly
trips in April and July. The other months are blank canvases for now,
but a little spontaneity never fails to spice up our lives right? In a bid to lead a healthier lifestyle, I
have been attending yoga lessons, attempting to eat clean by
including more organic food in my diet and trying very hard to go to
bed earlier (still not happening unfortunately).

What about you? What are your priorities? 

Whatever your priorities may be, may you be blessed with good health, happiness and a fruitful year ahead!

 Having lived in Australia for about a year previously, I have personally witnessed how Emu Oil effectively nursed my dry cracked skin during the wintry months back to its former glory. Natural Emu Oil is hard to come by, even more so in Singapore, hence when natural skincare label Wild Harvest Care decided to bring its Emu Oil skincare collection to our sunny island, my heart literally skipped a beat.

(L-R) Wild Harvest Care Cool Moisture Body Lotion with Emu Oil Extract (S$32.90) & Pure Emu Oil (S$39.90)

I brought two of Wild Harvest Care’s star products, Pure Emu Oil (Lavender) (S$39.90) and Cool Moisture Body Lotion with Emu Oil Extract (S$32.90), along with me to China and I couldn’t be more grateful to these gems for keeping my skin soft, supple and moisturized during winter.

I don’t blame you for asking that question because this very same question popped up in my mind when I was first introduced to Emu Oil.

Highly prized for its anti-inflammatory properties and high amounts of vitamins E and A as well as omega 3, 6, 7 and 9, Emu Oil works well as a natural moisturizer and can be used on both your face and body. It also promotes the healing of wounds, burns, bites, blisters, sunburn, relieving pain and itching while reducing the possibility of scars forming. 

Here’s what Emu Oil can do for you:

Multi-tasking
products rank high on my beauty list because I travel frequently, and
while I prefer to travel light, I do not wish to compromise on my
skincare regime. Wild Harvest Care’s Emu Oil products suit both my lifestyle and beauty needs perfectly, plugging the gap beautifully.

Only 100% natural and chemical-free ingredients are used, which makes their products suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, children and even pregnant women. 

In fact, Wild Harvest Care uses Emu oil derived from free-range Australian Emus which feed on a healthy diet of natural grain, without additives or hormones. The Emu oil is then processed at a world standard rendering plant that complies with Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) standards, HACCP and GMP certification. With Wild Harvest Care, you know you are in safe hands.

  Did you know that
the best time to moisturize your skin is immediately after a shower?
Applying body lotion when your skin is still damp helps to lock in
moisture, keeping your skin well hydrated all day long.

To ensure that this doesn’t slip my mind, I always keep my Wild Harvest Care Pure Emu Oil (Lavender) and Cool Moisture Body Lotion within easy reach.

Loving the lightweight body lotion which absorbs readily into my skin

I start off by applying the Cool Moisture Body Lotion all over my body. Its lightweight texture is a godsend for Singapore’s humid climate as the lotion absorbs instantly, leaving a veil of moisture on your skin. In addition to Emu Oil, it is formulated with certified organic aloe vera and a blend of carefully selected natural ingredients including Vitamin E. It also contains Mandarin Cold Pressed, Grapefruit Pink and Lavender essential oils, which give it its amazing scent.

 My skin itches in dusty or cold environments and I find that this body lotion works remarkably well in relieving itch and rashes too. 

Smoothing on an additional layer of Pure Emu Oil in drier environments

When I sleep with the air-conditioner switched on or when I travel to temperate climates, I smooth on an additional layer of Pure Emu Oil to further enhance moisture absorption, giving extra attention to dry spots such as my legs, knees and elbows.

Formulated with Emu Oil as its main ingredient, it is further enhanced with a delicious concoction of Lavender, Bergamot Calabrian and Patchouli essential oils to nourish your skin and leave you smelling absolutely divine.

With all the upcoming year-end festivities, give yourself (and your loved ones too!) a well-deserved treat and pamper your skin with the natural goodness of Wild Harvest Care Emu Oil products.

*****

Exclusive Discount for All Readers

You’ll also be happy to know that Wild Harvest Care has kindly extended an exclusive discount to all my readers. 

Key in the code “REGINA5OFF” upon checkout to get 5% off all your purchases! Offer is valid from 26 December 2015 – 16th Jan 2016.

Wild Harvest Care

Website
http://www.wildharvestcare.com/

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

  Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/wildharvestcare/

Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/wildharvestcare/

2. Sweaters with a Twist

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

3. Blanket Scarves

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

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

Link: Grey UStriped Fringe Scarf (US$20)

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

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

New Zealand is one of my favourite destinations for scenic hikes and although I have only been there once back in summer 2012, its beauty remains fresh in my memory. The skies and lakes come in a beautiful shade of turquoise, and you can always find snow-capped mountains all year round. I was just reminiscing about my vacation through the many photos that were taken and today, I thought I’d share some photos (all unedited!) taken during my hike up Queenstown Hill to prove my point.

The hike up Queenstown Hill is a rather steep and physically demanding one, which could leave you feeling breathless, but all you have to do is bite the bullet and you’ll be handsomely rewarded with glorious, breathtaking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu right at the top. I highly recommend this hike as Queenstown Hill is located right in the heart of the city and it takes all but 2-3 hours to complete the hike. 

Although I am very much a city girl at heart and certainly possess an appreciation for the finer things in life, there are times when I crave to be at one with nature and to enjoy Mother Nature’s creations in their full glory. 

As you may already be aware, I will be traveling extensively in the next year. I will be heading to China again very soon and am beyond excited to be spending next weekend in Hangzhou. Tibet beckons in January, and while I am a little apprehensive about the possible onslaught of altitude sickness which apparently worsens in winter (not forgetting the lack of proper toilets too!), I cannot deny that a part of me is secretly jumping for joy in anticipation of the many adventures that lie ahead.

For real-time updates on my travel adventures, do follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg).

Meanwhile, here’s wishing everyone a wonderful weekend! 

Christmas is just around the corner, and we all know what that means – the season of giving is here and it’s time to go shopping for your loved ones!

If you have yet to decide on a gift for your girlfriend, colleague or that special someone in your life, I will be sharing some wonderful gift ideas from The Body Shop today.

Before we go into the details, let’s take a look at the lovely hamper that Body Shop gifted me this Christmas:

 Now, here’s the good news. I will also be giving away some of these products in another hamper worth S$150 so do read on to find out how you can participate in this giveaway.

This year, The Body Shop is also partnering with international charity organisation WaterAid to help transform lives through access to safe water. Every gift that you buy from The Body Shop will provide a family in Ethiopia with one day of safe water.

Swing into plum temptation with The Body Shop’s new Frosted Plum Body Care range, the highlight of this season’s collection. Indulge your senses with the sweet, sophisticated extracts of plum from the orchards of Turkey. Infused with elegant ripe plum, magnolia and peony notes, this special edition fruity-floral range is a pampering treat that will instantly put you in the Christmas mood.

Some interesting products to look out for in this line-up include: Shimmer Mist (S$21.90), Bath Fizzers (S$39.90), Sugar Scrub (S$36.90), and Scented Candle (S$36.90).

 Your escape to paradise begins right at home with The Body Shop’s most luxurious range to date – Spa of the World bodycare range (S$209.90) which consists of a unique blend of fine, natural ingredients from four corners of the globe. Scrub, massage and moisturize your skin to restore its glow and luster before the holiday season begins. I have to admit that I was highly attracted to its sensual yet invigorating scent.

 The Oils of Life Skincare Collection (S$121.90) is enriched with three precious seed oils, namely black cumin, rosehip and camellia. This is the perfect gift for skincare lovers.

 

The buildable formula allows you to dial down your eye makeup for an easy everyday look or dial it up to achieve sultry, smouldering eyes for all your year-end parties. The colours in both palettes are very wearable and versatile, giving you free rein to create a variety of looks.

Here’s what the lucky winner will be receiving:

Frosted Plum Body Wash

 Frosted Plum Shimmer Lotion

Frosted Plum Sugar Scrub 

Strawberry Festive Picks

Eyeshadow Palette in Grooving Gold

To participate in this giveaway, follow these 3 easy steps below:

Click here to Like my Facebook Page

Like and Share my Giveaway on Facebook

E-mail me at regina.chow@gmail.com and tell me which product is your favourite!

**Extra bonus points if you follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg) too!**

Do note that this giveaway is only for Singapore residents. The deadline for this giveaway is 6 December 2015.

Good luck!

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

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

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

1) Investing in basic pieces with a twist

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

2) Throwing on a beanie or hat with unexpected details

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

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

*****

 

If you enjoy reading my blog, you might wish to click here to Like my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram (@reginachow_sg) too!

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

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

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

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

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

Special Discount for Readers of Shopping Queen’s Haven

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

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

International shipping is free.

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

 *****

 Sudio

Facebook: 

 https://www.facebook.com/Sudiosweden
 

Instagram: 

@SudioSweden

Official Website: 

 www.sudio.se

*****

If you enjoy reading my blog, you might wish to click here to Like my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram (@reginachow_sg) too!

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Sleek White

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

 2. All Black

Credit: Sweetappleandplumblossom

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

 3. Denim

Credit: Pinterest

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




4. Leather

Credit: Dramacap

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

5. Tweed

Credit: Sweetappleandplumblossom

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

  

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

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

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

 

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

Here’s what I wore:

Minimalist chic with a twist (background: Xiema Bridge)

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

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

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