Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
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Fashion Fridays: Preppy Vintage & Equestrian Chic

January 16, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments


Before the year of the horse officially comes to a close, I thought I’d take the opportunity to channel equestrian chic with a preppy vintage ensemble and my little unicorn clutch. I particularly adore the perfect mix of girlish
allure and preppy charm embodied in this outfit. It’s feminine without
being saccharine sweet and tomboyish without being masculine.
I actually packed
this outfit for my Hong Kong trip in December, but for some reason, it
never saw the light of day during my vacation. I would have gone ahead and put on some over-the-knee boots to complete the look if not for the fact that our weather in Singapore doesn’t quite allow for it. There’s a fine line between dressing up and overdressing and as much as I love my boots, I wasn’t prepared for strange stares and beads of perspiration.
 Instead, I slipped into my Valentino Noir Rockstud Pumps, my current go-to shoes, to add a touch of edginess to the overall look. It may not look it, but these shoes are really comfy despite the height. Now, I’m determined to get the nude version when it’s relaunched (I heard there’s a possibility some time next season!).

 


Hat from Forever New
Shoes from Valentino

I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of Fashion Fridays! If there’s a certain style or look that you would like to see here, drop me a comment or e-mail me at regina.chow@gmail.com and I’ll see what I can do to make it happen.

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Fashion: Timeless Style with Luca Ruca

January 13, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

I have been incorporating more basic pieces into my wardrobe recently because they’re so wearable and will never go out of style. Everyone needs these wardrobe essentials and I couldn’t be happier when I discovered that Luca Ruca‘s collection offers just that – classic pieces with a twist that you can wear again and again without looking dated. 
Luca Ruca is headed up by two fashion savvy European designers, Anastasia Buchinskaya and Belinda Alice Jacobs, both of whom have worked for big names in the fashion industry, including Versace, Red Valentino, Vogue Italia, Matthew Williamson, John Rocha and Ted Baker.  
What struck me most about Luca Ruca is that their designs exude an air of sophistication and quiet confidence. Today, I am going to share with you two of my favourite pieces from their collection.
Basic dresses such as this Dazed Side-Knot Dress are a breeze to style. Slip into a pair of loafers for a casual weekend look or dress it up with red accents in the form of a pair of heels and leather cuff like what I did here. I couldn’t resist adding a whimsical unicorn clutch to keep the overall look casual chic, but you can always choose to amp up the glam factor with a luxe purse.

 Dress from Luca Ruca
Shoes from Zara
Cuff from Hermes
Bag from Taobao
I don’t know if you noticed, but I actually wore this dress differently from the model below. Instead of tying the knot on the left, I decided to tie it on the right instead. And there you have it, with this cute little striped number, you can achieve two different looks with just one dress! Rules are meant to be broken sometimes and it’s perfectly fine to set your own rules and let your creative juices flow.

The Granite Twist Top is yet another versatile piece from Luca Ruca’s latest collection. Again, you can choose to dress it up or down depending on the occasion. I’ve worn this with ripped jeans for a casual, edgy look, but did you know that you could style it with a pencil skirt for work as well?

What I love most about this timeless top is the unique twist details at the shoulders and its cotton/lycra mix material, which gives it a more structured silhouette. 
Simple accessories would do the trick here. I completed the look with a classic diamonte Chanel brooch and Valentino Noir Rockstud pumps.

Top from Luca Ruca
Bag from Givenchy
Pumps from Valentino
Brooch from Chanel

 If you need more styling inspirations, here are some pictures from Luca Ruca’s lookbook, photographed in New York City. This gorgeous top comes in a vibrant Mango shade as well, so if you’re looking at injecting some colour into your wardrobe, that would be an excellent choice.

 
All my lovely readers will also be entitled to a 20% discount from now till 31st Jan. All you have to do is to key in the code “LucaRucaXmas” upon checkout.
 Happy Shopping ladies!


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Shopping for Luxury Designer Brands Online

January 5, 2015 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

Those of you who shop online may already be familiar with websites such as net-a-porter, shopbop and mytheresa. These are some of my favourite online stores for luxury designer brands as they stock the latest collections at slightly lower price-points than what you would get at brick-and-mortar stores.
These stores are great if you’re on the lookout for classic designs or products from the designers’ current season. I don’t know about you, but there are times when I get so busy that I end up missing out on highly coveted seasonal items. I personally don’t mind past season collections as well, and even better if they come at a steep markdown. 
The Outnet
That’s where The Outnet comes into the picture. The Outnet is my idea of factory outlet shopping from the comfort of your home. A pretty amazing idea, isn’t it? .
Did you know that The Outnet is actually the sister website of net-a-porter and it belongs to the same parent company?  There’s no need to worry about product authenticity and the best part is, you can now snag designer labels at factory outlet prices!
Needless to say, I was completely swept off my feet when I first stumbled upon The Outnet 2 years ago. Granted, sizes can be limited (or they may sell out really quickly!) for the more popular designs, but it isn’t difficult to find good deals. After all, everything is at least 40-50% off regular prices!
Here’s what I bought from The Outnet recently:
I adore Charlotte Olympia’s designs and when I saw this Capri Cats rubber slippers, I had to buy not just 1, but 3 pairs (the other 2 were for friends)!  At 55% off, it is almost a no-brainer. Plus, these rain-proof shoes are just perfect for the rainy weather these days.

Brian Lichtenberg never fails to put a smile on my face with his line of humorous parody t-shirts. I have seen these t-shirts on other websites retailing for over S$100, so you can imagine my delight when I saw the Homies (parody of Hermes) t-shirt in my size at just S$41! The material is so soft and comfortable, I can foresee myself wearing this t-shirt to death.
Here’re a few other items that I am eyeing at the moment:
Considering that my favourite Frame Denim jeans costs more than this pair of Saint Laurent ones, I have to say that this wardrobe staple is an absolute steal! The cutting looks great too.

 
I bought a pair of leather over-the-knee boots from Zara for about S$300, but over at The Outnet, you can get a pair of Guiseppe Zanotti leather knee boots (with heels too!) at S$488. Not exactly cheap, but if you were to compare it to my Zara ones, I would say this gives more bang for buck.

I’ve always liked T by Alexander Wang for its basic wardrobe pieces with a twist. This dress may look simple in front but it has an open-back that adds an element of surprise. Love it! Alas, unfortunately for me and fortunately for my wallet, they’re out of my size.
Here’s yet another interesting interpretation of a basic tank by T by Alexander Wang. I love how their designs will always stand the test of time. And at 65% off, it is pretty tempting! 
I know, Christmas is over, but indulge me just this once please? These whimsical holly suede and patent leather flats by Charlotte Olympia have been around for a while, but now, they finally have it in my size! 
I love versatile, easy-to-match leather shoulder bags such as this one by Tory Burch, especially when it is priced at 50% off regular price.
International Shipping  
 
Express shipping to Singapore costs £16.50, which is relatively reasonable if you were to share the cost with a few like-minded girlfriends/boyfriends. 
On a brighter note, your items will only take 4-5 days to arrive at your doorstep! In fact, based on previous experience, they usually arrive in about 3 days.
New Arrivals Thrice A Week
 
With new arrivals in-store every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice. 
And don’t say I didn’t warn you, fastest fingers first! All the popular sizes get snapped up really quickly, so be sure to sign up on the mailing list to receive the latest updates!
Happy Shopping!
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Fresver Beauty PTF Plus Face Treatment

January 3, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

 I couldn’t be happier when Fresver Beauty proposed that I undergo their PTF Plus face treatment because my skin has always been plagued by pigmentation and clogged pores. Recently, the pigmentation around my upper cheeks seemed to have darkened significantly  after my Maldives trip and I noticed clusters of whiteheads have emerged along the sides of my face. 

What is PTF Plus Face Treatment?
PTF
Plus face treatment is an innovative light and heat technology
targeted at hair removal, acne, skin rejuvenation, pigmentation and
vascular skin. This technology, which hails from Japan, produces various
spectrum of lights that penetrate the skin to address different skin
problems. To put it in layman terms, PTF Plus is an improved and more
intense version of IPL, hence you can expect effective, immediate and
longer-lasting results.

The best part about this treatment is that it is painless and effective, with absolutely no downtime.


  Background of Fresver Beauty
Established in 1988, Fresver Beauty is a beauty and wellness brand that offers a wide variety of facial and body treatments with the aim of improving your immunity, increasing your vitality and rejuvenating your cells.
It has 3 branches in Singapore, located at Hougang, Tampines and Orchard. I visited the Tampines branch, which is within walking distance from Tampines MRT. 


The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere put me at ease instantly. I was a little early for my appointment, but there was barely any waiting time. 

 Personalized Consultation

In fact, I was immediately ushered to the consultation room where I filled up my personal particulars and skin concerns. A personalized consultation and skin scan was also conducted by a manager as Fresver Beauty believes in customizing every customer’s facial treatments based on your skin’s needs. 

My pigmentation and clogged pores are usually not noticeable in photographs, but these issues were easily picked up during the scan. 

I typically use make-up removal wipes to remove any traces of make-up and sunblock when I travel before I use a facial cleanser, but I was told that my cleansing routine was not thorough enough and could well be the cause of my clogged pores since I was on the road for a prolonged period of time in October. In place of cleansing wipes, my therapist recommended that I should use a cleansing milk for makeup removal instead.

I ended up purchasing a cleansing milk from Dr Grandel, a German skincare brand exclusively carried by Fresver Beauty. After using it for about a week, I noticed that no new bumps have surfaced and my pores feel much cleaner too. It looks like my therapist was right!

PTF Plus Face Treatment for Skin Rejuvenation

I was recommended the PTF Plus Face Treatment for Skin Rejuvenation. To prepare for the treatment, I was led into one of the therapy rooms where I changed into a comfy robe.

What are the benefits of PTF Plus Face Treatment for Skin Rejuvenation?

PTF
Plus light penetrates the skin to re-activate fibroblast to boost collagen
production and elastic fibers. It also promotes blood circulation and wakes up
lazy cells to smooth wrinkles and refine enlarged pores. If you have dull and
listless skin, you’ll be happy to know that this treatment helps to restore
your skin’s natural glow. I love treatments that have multiple functions as
this would translate into both cost and time savings. 
The face treatment began like a typical facial. Double-cleansing, steaming, extraction, followed by a gentle neck-shoulder massage as well as hand and leg point massage. I was particularly impressed by the extraction process as my therapist did an excellent job of clearing most of my white heads. Before extraction, my therapist administered a Pore Refining Treatment through the application of a comedone softening essence to dislodge stubborn blackheads and whiteheads for a clean and thorough extraction. Practically all the bumps along the sides of my face were gone immediately after the facial.

After extraction, the PTF Plus machine was used to soothe the redness and brighten up my skin. The treatment was quick and comfortable, with pulses of light delivering mild heat to the surface of my skin.  

A cold hydrating mask was then applied at the end of the treatment to further soothe any redness and boost my skin’s hydration level. I have dehydrated skin that is oily at the surface, hence the therapist also recommended that I stick to water-based moisturizers.

Finally, here’s how my bare skin without any make-up after the treatment. I was initially afraid that my skin would end up looking red and inflamed  after the treatment, but as you can see, all my worries were in vain. There was a natural glow and radiance to my skin and the pigmentation on my cheek bones appeared to have lightened as well.
Most of the whiteheads were gone, leaving me with smooth, supple and healthy skin. It has been more than a week since my treatment, but my skin is still glowing and free from bumps.

Here’s a close-up before and after comparison for your reference.

Promotion for readers of “Shopping Queen’s Haven”

If you are interested in trying this treatment, Fresver Beauty has very kindly offered a promotional price and additional exclusive perks for all my lovely readers! 
Here’s what the offer entails:
  • PTF Plus Face Treatment at a promotional price of S$58 for a limited time
  • Quote “Regina-PTFPlus” and receive 3 complimentary Youthful Eye Treatments when you book a PTF Plus Face Treatment
  • Purchase the PTF Plus Face Treatment before 31 January 2015 and receive an additional M5 localized Body Drainage treatment (read more here) free of charge!
  • Extra freebies and samples will also be given to all my blog readers
Sounds good right? To book your appointment, call 9011 1234 from Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. 
Remember to quote “Regina-PTFPlus” when you book your appointment! 
Fresver Beauty Outlet Locations

Hougang

840 Hougang Central 

#01-04 Singapore 538757

Tel: (65) 6100 1513

Orchard

14 Scotts Road #05-18

Far East Plaza Singapore 228213

Tel: (65) 6100 8108 

Tampines

5 Tampines Central 6 #01-23 Telepark 

Singapore 529482

Tel: (65) 6100 1030
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Fashion Fridays: Culottes & Normcore

January 2, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

As a result of the rainy weather and lower temperatures, I find myself reaching for my Frame Denim jeans and culottes a lot more these days. They are perfect for keeping warm, but more importantly, they are so amazingly comfortable, it feels like you’re wearing next to nothing. 
Why culottes? They’ve been in trend for a while now and I absolutely adore the loose cutting and relaxed fit. Depending on the fabric used, culottes have the ability to transform your look from casual chic to sleek and glamorous.
Take my navy satin culottes from Love Bonito for instance. At a glance, it looks so much like a maxi skirt (thanks to its gorgeous sheen and A-line cutting) that you wouldn’t even notice that these are culottes until upon closer inspection. I don’t know about you, but I’ve always wished that I could wear a skirt and not have to worry about the way I sit. With culottes like these, I can finally have my cake and eat it!
 

That said, believe me, the word culottes initially struck fear in me because these bottoms aren’t exactly the easiest type to style. Due to its cutting, it can make even the thinnest of ladies look bulky. I have come to realize that the best way to counter this problem is to pair them with form-fitting tops as this enhances the feminine silhouette and makes your waistline more visible. 
If you prefer to pair them with loose knits, be sure to tuck in your top for the same reasons I mentioned above. I wore mine here with a light merino wool sweater in a shade of grey as I wanted my navy culottes to stand out more. 

Top from Uniqlo
Culottes from Love Bonito
Necklace from Xanna Reis
Bag from Valentino
Shoes from Christian Louboutin

Without accessorizing, this will most certainly pass off as a Normcore outfit. 
What’s Normcore? 
In layman terms, it’s a unisex style that is all about wearing simple and basic pieces such as jeans, t-shirts and casual, plain shirts.
It’s a minimalist trend that I find rather interesting and would personally like to emulate, but knowing me, I just couldn’t resist prettifying this seemingly normcore ensemble with a pop of pink, a dose of accessories and a dash of glitter.

 Vintage perfume bracelet from Select 18 in Hong Kong
Special thanks also goes out to Xanna Reis for the intricate necklace in gorgeous shades of pastel pink and pistachio.

 If you follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg), you would probably find this necklace familiar.  I love how it instantly dresses up the bare neckline and jazzes up the otherwise plain outfit.
It is currently sold out on the site, but you can still get yours via backorder here.
 
Happy shopping and hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of Fashion Fridays!
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3 Ways to Start the New Year on a Positive Note

December 31, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments
2014 has been a tough year, judging from the number of aviation accidents, the worst flood in Malaysia in the last 40 years, Ebola epidemic, ISIS, and the list goes on. Against the backdrop of negative events and an uncertain global outlook, we have blog wars in Singapore and an exposé. What we have going on in Singapore’s blogging scene right now is really miniscule in comparison to these life-threatening global events and instead of jumping on the bandwagon to share my viewpoints on such issues, perhaps we can all take a step back, breathe and think about how we can protect ourselves against negativity as we strive to welcome the new year on a positive note.
Because after all, life is full of ups and downs and learning how to defend yourself against negativity is a life skill that can and will vastly change your quality of life. 
Here are a few tips that I’ve put into practice and internalized during the past year and I hope these would help you just as much as they have helped me:
1. Hang Out with Positive People (or try to influence your peers to be positive!)
I know for a fact from first-hand experience that hanging out with friends or family who enjoy complaining about every facet of their lives has a damaging impact on your thoughts and perspectives. Pessimism only breeds more pessimism, and when you are constantly surrounded by negativity, you will naturally be conditioned to think that that is the way to go. Negativity is contagious and it leads to a dangerous downward spiral.
JW
is my source of positivity. He is grateful for everything he has in
life, sees meaning in his work and actively pursues activities that makes him happy. When you are
surrounded by people who are positive, driven and contented, your mind will be conditioned to think likewise.
  
Do you ditch the people around you if they happen to be negative? Well, sometimes people complain because deep inside, they are actually pleading for help. Before jumping to conclusions and judging them for their actions without truly figuring out what’s wrong, show them a little concern and support. It is always easier to overcome negative feelings when you have the support of loved ones.
2.  Change The Way You Think
Our thoughts are entirely within our control and we have the freedom to choose how we wish to think. More often than not, it’s the way in which we react to an event that makes it negative. In every situation, no matter how hopeless, there is a silver lining. I know it sounds easier said than done, but as cliche as this may sound, it is really all in the mind. 

 There was one point in my life when I was literally complaining about everything. Fortunately for me,
I have JW to thank for giving me a reality check and making me realize
that complaining is NOT normal and wouldn’t change anything. It’s a complete waste of time, unproductive and at the end of the day, you end up unhappy. Does it change the situation that you’re in? No, so what’s the point?
Now, I constantly remind myself to focus on searching for solutions and resolving problems instead of harping on what went wrong and complaining about issues or people that I cannot change because some of these things are just beyond my control. 
When you think positively, it changes your behaviour and attitude. It allows you to pursue activities that bring happiness and opens up your mind to opportunities that you never thought existed.
3. Pursue A Hobby
 I firmly believe that aside from work and family, we all need hobbies that we are passionate about to keep us sane. A hobby is a welcome distraction in times when you just need to take your mind off things that are bothering you. When you’re doing something that excites you and gives you happiness, negative thoughts are less likely to invade your mind. For me, blogging, styling and photography do just that. Do you have a hobby too? If not, perhaps it’s time to pursue one.
 I know it isn’t easy to stay positive amidst all the negativity, but we can all start somewhere and take baby steps as we go along. 
Always remember to let your smile change the world, but never let the world change your smile.
Here’s to a positive 2015!
 
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GROHE Rainshower Flower Collection

December 31, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments
 GROHE is a brand that is synonymous with quality and style when it comes to luxury bathroom fittings. Commonly found in some of the best hotels around the world, many of us would have had the opportunity to experience GROHE during our travels. Being able to replicate GROHE’s unique sensory experience in the comfort of my home has been on my bucket list for a while now, and with GROHE’s new Rainshower Flower Collection, I am finally a step closer to ticking this off my list.
Inspired by tulips, sunflowers and orchids, GROHE’s Rainshower Flower Collection is bound to set your hearts aflutter. An extension of the brand’s popular Rainshower Icon series, this collection features a petal-shaped bumper around the shower head in addition to the trademark halo shower head design and coloured spray face. 
If you love flowers or simply wish to inject a splash of colour to your day, this would be the perfect addition to your bathroom. This fresh take on shower heads would resonate well with children and young adults too.
 

There are six colours for you to choose from, so you can easily pick one that matches your bathroom decor. The “Tulip” model comes in vibrant shades of red and yellow, while the “Sunflower” version combines cheerful shades of orange and yellow. “Daisy” is a mix of white and yellow while its sweeter counterpart, “Orchid”, is the epitome of femininity with a pastel pink halo and white edges. If you prefer darker colours, “Lily”, which comes in white and purple, and “Bluebell”, a combination of white and dark blue, would fit the bill. 
I picked “Bluebell” as it complements my bathroom’s grey colour scheme. I love how the flower shower head adds a touch of playfulness to the otherwise sombre surroundings. It definitely perks up my mood in the morning and after a long day at work.
On days when I prefer something different, I can also choose to remove the petal-shaped bumper to reveal GROHE’s signature halo shower head design.
Design aside, my shower experience has also improved by leaps and bounds. My bathroom is equipped with a rainshower that was installed separately, but it pales in comparison to the GROHE Rainshower Flower. Personally, I feel that the water flow from GROHE’s shower head is much gentler and more soothing. 
Listening to the pitter patter of raindrops as they give my body a pampering massage is such a relaxing and indulgent experience, I can certainly foresee myself taking longer showers from now on. 
All Rainshower Flower Collection models are manufactured using GROHE’s DreamSpray technology, which is the same technology used in all its Rainshower variants. They also share the GROHE StarLight chrome finish, which ensures that they will retain their sheen for many years to come. 

GROHE’s Rainshower Flower Collection is now retailing at S$177 at all authorized GROHE outlets.
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Fashion Fridays: Frame Denim Review

December 27, 2014 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

I am a day late for my Fashion Fridays post, but I’m sure many of you would agree that it’s better late than never. The festive season never fails to put everyone in a holiday mood, and everyday feels as if the weekend has arrived. I’ve finally awoken from hibernation for a much needed stretch, which explains the lack of blog posts, but I’m now back in action. 
Today’s Fashion Fridays post centers around my new found favourite denim brand, Frame Denim. I came across this cult brand that originated from the US only very recently, during my trip to Hong Kong. Although Frame Denim was only established in 2012, it has fast secured a strong cult following among trend setters, including celebrities such as Mirander Kerr and Cara Delevingne.
Friends of mine would know that I hardly rave about denim jeans, and I have to admit that I was in two minds about this pair of Frame Denim jeans when the store assistant first picked it out for me. Granted, this was a pair of ripped skinny jeans, in white no less (I’ve been looking around for one like that), but I own several pairs of jeans, so how different could this pair of jeans be? It’s just another pair of jeans right?
 I have been proven wrong on many occasions recently, and this was yet another occasion. Never judge a book by its cover, they say, and in this scenario, you should never judge a pair of jeans by its appearance. 
I swear I have never worn a pair of jeans that’s more comfortable. It feels like second skin and fits like a glove. A look in the mirror was all it took for me to realize that the most amazing characteristic about this brand’s skinny jeans (also known as Le Skinny de Jeanne) is that it provides a slimming effect which elongates your legs and makes you look taller than you are. 
I was hooked. 
If you were wondering, this is the Le Skinny de Jeanne distressed mid-rise jeans, and I ended up buying this in black as well. A good friend had to stop me from getting more from net-a-porter, which stocks an extensive collection of Frame Denim jeans. 
I have been wearing both my white and black jeans a lot these days, and from the way things are panning out, more of these skinny jeans will be making their way into my wardrobe soon.

 Le Skinny de Jeanne distressed mid-rise Jeans from Frame Denim 
Clutch from Givenchy
Sneakers from Korea 
Vintage Perfume Ring from Select 18 (Hong Kong)

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


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Maldives Travelogue: Cocoa Island by COMO

December 23, 2014 by Regina Chow 1 Comment
When JW suggested that we make a trip to Maldives, I wasn’t
particularly excited because based on all the photos I saw online, it
looked like just another beach resort to me.
Well, I couldn’t be more wrong.
In reality, “heaven on earth” is probably the only phrase that does justice to Maldives, and if you haven’t been there yet, I would urge you to head there at least once in your lifetime. I have travelled rather extensively in the past 10 years or so, but not once have I stepped foot on an island that feels so magical. If there was a God, he certainly spent a lot more time on Maldives than anywhere else in this world.  

I wish I could tell you that a picture says a thousand words, but in this case, pictures simply do not do any justice to this paradise whose beauty is truly unrivaled. 

The Resort 

We picked Cocoa Island by COMO, which is renowned for its tranquil surroundings and excellent food. If an idyllic, castaway holiday is what you are after, this is the place for you. If you practise yoga, the resort offers daily yoga classes as well.
 
There are only 33 villas on this small island and you will hardly see anyone around, even during meal times. We were utterly mesmerized and blown away by the resort’s serenity and untainted beauty. Cocoa Island by COMO felt like my very own private island and gave me my much needed dose of solitude. Peering at the colourful fishes and reefs in the crystal blue waters while  the grains of sand gently brush between my toes has got to be the most wonderful feeling in the world.





 


 

 


The Villa

Each villa comes with a private sundeck that overlooks the ocean. A few steps down the stairs is literally all it takes to have the ocean at your feet. I love to frolick in the water alongside colourful fishes in the day and watch the sun dip into the horizon in the evening.

 

 


The Food 
Ufaa may be the only restaurant on the island but the food is nothing short of amazing. My opinion wouldn’t change even if I were to be stranded on this island forever. 

We had room service about half the time that we were there, but whenever we felt like dining at the restaurant, we would choose to sit at the outdoor area to enjoy the spectacular view and feel the cool sea breeze caressing our faces.


 

The fish in particular, stole my heart as it is the sweetest and freshest I’ve ever had. It didn’t take me long to find out from the friendly staff that the restaurant stocks only the freshest catch from the sea.


Breakfast is JW’s favourite meal of the day and the options here clearly didn’t disappoint. In fact, they far surpassed our expectations. The waffles are crisp and topped with delicious fresh fruits while the french toast, which JW proclaims is the best he has ever had (even better than all that we have tried while we were staying in Australia), is toasted to perfection and absolutely flavourful. 

 


If you prefer something savoury, their eggs benedict is a good bet. All the flavours from the different ingredients – the eggs, hollandaise sauce, all the way to the lightly toasted buns, blended together seamlessly to bring out the essence of the dish. It was just phenomenal. 

Although the cuisine here is largely fusion or western, the chef does a splendid job of springing surprises on guests every now and then. We were treated to a sushi feast during one of our lunches and I spotted Thai cuisine on the menu on a separate occasion too. 

Rediscovering Life

Maldives is made even more beautiful by the wonderful companionship of your loved ones. Being able to go into your own cocoon and withdraw from the rest of the world with your soul mate is an experience that I relish and cherish. 
In Maldives, we had the luxury of time to reconnect as a couple, forge stronger bonds and just bask in the companionship of each other as we subtract all the negativity in our lives to make way for a positive future.
*******
 
For my previous updates on Maldives, do read the following posts below:








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Fashion Fridays: Braun Buffel Raises Awareness for Very Special Arts Singapore (VSA Singapore)

December 19, 2014 by Regina Chow No Comments
A couple of months ago, Braun Buffel very kindly extended an invitation to a small group of bloggers for a hands-on leather crafting session.

Different types of leather to choose from for leather crafting
German premium leather goods brand, Braun Buffel,has always been an avid supporter of the arts and philanthropy, both of which are long-standing themes of the brand since it was founded by Johann Braun.
Braun Buffel is active in several community-building programs and charitable initiatives globally through corporate donations as well as partnerships with cultural institutions and non-profit organizations. In Singapore, Braun Buffel is a patron of the arts for da:ns festival; a programme partner with Very Special Arts Singapore (VSA Singapore) and a supporter of Community Chest.

To reinforce its philanthropic efforts, Braun Buffel launched the “Buffel Art Project”, its inaugural charity event in Singapore this year. VSA Singapore was chosen as the beneficiary. For the uninitiated, VSA Singapore is a charity launched in September 1993 to provide people with disabilities with opportunities to gain access to the arts for rehabilitation and social integration. VSA Singapore offers platforms to integrate individuals with disabilities into mainstream society through the Arts and also helps these individuals to gain financial assistance and independence through arts-making.
As part of the “Buffel Art Project”, two key fund-raising events, namely the Buffel Art Competition and Buffel Art Auction were held earlier this year. Both events centered around the brand’s distinctive logo, the Braun Buffel bull. Artists were given free rein to let their imagination and artistic flair run wild for the benefit of charity. 
In line with these initiatives, Braun Buffel specially invited its German craftsman to demonstrate the art of crafting Braun Buffel leather products through a series of workshops.
Leather Products
It was great fun crafting my very own leather product from scratch but it was also a relatively daunting task for me as I discovered that art and craft clearly wasn’t my forte. I have never done home economics in my secondary school days as I took Music as an ‘O’ level subject instead, and I never quite saw the need to pick up sewing and the likes.

Creating my very own Braun Buffel leather product from scratch
I was at a total loss when I saw these tools in front of me. Nonetheless, I tried my best to follow instructions and observe what my peers were doing. Thank goodness I finally got the hang of it after what seemed like an eternity.
Maybeline fared really well and she was the first among us to complete her masterpiece. 
Amazing Maybeline

After fumbling a couple of times and seeking advice from the very strict yet professional German craftsman, I was done with my iPad mini pouch which doubles up as a clutch. I felt an incredible sense of accomplishment upon unlocking this achievement. Never in my life have I sewed a button, much less a pouch!

Final product

Here’s the final product, complete with a Braun Buffel tag. Does it look good enough to be sold in retail shops?
Achievement unlocked, thanks to Braun Buffel!

Thank you once again to Braun Buffel for the amazing experience. It was certainly an honour to be a part of their meaningful efforts to raise awareness for Very Special Arts Singapore.
Have a good weekend ahead!

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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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