Staycations in Singapore are perhaps the best alternative to traveling overseas. JW and I are addicted to staycations and we are always on the lookout for unique experiences. While we certainly appreciate well-established luxury 4-5 star hotels, there are times when we prefer to take the path less travelled.

Today, I will be sharing some staycation ideas that will invoke a sense of nostalgia by transporting you back to Singapore in the old days and are equally instagram-worthy too.

1. Kam Leng Hotel

I have always been intrigued by old Singapore architecture and shophouses. Conserved buildings are rare in Singapore, much less conserved buildings that serve as hotels. Kam Leng Hotel was established in 1927 (I bet some of your grandparents weren’t even born yet!) and was apparently a hot favourite among tourists then.

It reopened in 2002 as a heritage budget hotel (prices can be as low as $90 and below). Although it has been refurbished, the interior still reflects an old-world charm reminiscent of the 1920s. Thanks to the no-frills amenities (with the exception of a flat-screen TV and air-conditioning), the entire back-to-basics experience is pretty authentic too. I felt like I was instantly transported back to the 1920s as I walked along the dimly lit corridors, complete with peeling walls and vintage paintings.

It is not exactly the best place to go if you intend to live it up, but the rooms are neat and clean. If you love vintage decor or photography and don’t mind roughing it out just a little, you would love it!

2. Petain Road

 There are some noteworthy shophouses that you can book via Airbnb. We booked a retro themed apartment in this gorgeous 4-storey shophouse along Petain Road recently.

Every room has a different theme, but you know me, retro rocks my boat any day.

Dress from Acne Studios

The rooms are very spacious and extremely photogenic. We definitely had a very comfortable stay here. Oh and did I mention that every room is equipped with Netflix?

You can stay in and cook if you want to, or better still, pop over to the Punggol Nasi Lemak stall or the famous Lavender Wanton Noodles stall around the corner to satiate your hunger pangs. For the best coffee in Singapore, I would highly recommend The Pourover Bar at 3 Petain Road. They share the same premises as Ollella, a cafe that serves up delicious chouquettes.

3. Hotel 1929

Hotel 1929 is another heritage hotel where the old and new coexist in harmony. Located right in the heart of Tiong Bahru along Keong Siak Road, there are 32 individually designed rooms in 5 room categories. Tiong Bahru is one of my favourite districts in Singapore as there are many lovely cafes housed within conserved heritage buildings. For those of you who would love to make a trip down memory lane, you might want to consider staying here.

Image Credit: Hotel 1929

4. New Majestic Hotel

New Majestic Hotel is probably one of the more luxurious heritage hotels in Singapore. Located in bustling Chinatown, it has a strong focus on design, local culture and the Arts. Think colonial furniture from Singapore in the 1920s – 1960s, restored vintage Compton fans and a mix of designer and vintage furniture in every room. In my opinion, this is the epitome of heritage chic.

Image credit: New Majestic Hotel

5. The Scarlet Singapore

Known as Singapore’s first luxury boutique hotel, The Scarlet Singapore is housed within an original 1924 Art Deco Building along vibrant Club Street, where you’ll find specialty shops, cafes, wine bars, art galleries and antique shops. Every room is dressed in jewellery-inspired colours and evoke passion, splendour and opulence. Prefer something even more luxurious? Book one of their 5 individually themed suites!

Image credit: The Scarlet

I hope this post comes in useful, especially if you’re planning a staycation soon and wish to experience a different side of Singapore! Meanwhile, have a great weekend ahead!

*All images belong to the author, unless otherwise stated*

It may be summer in Singapore all year round, but we can still get into the mood for fall without throwing on knee high boots and sweating buckets.

To help you along, here are some fall shoe trends we can actually wear on our sunny island:

1. Suede Heels

Suede is one of the most coveted textures for fall. A pair of classic, nude heels in suede is your perfect companion this season, simply because it goes with anything and everything.

2. The 90s “V neck” Sling-back heels

  The 90s trends have made a comeback. It’s time to stock up on these V neck sling-backs which will complement your work wardrobe.

3. Ankle Booties

Ankle booties are the best alternative to knee high boots in our climate. Get these to amp up your style factor this season.

4. Lace-up Platforms

The lace-up trend is here to stay. Reinterpreted with a 90s vibe and in suede no less, this pair is bound to be a head-turner.

5. Loafers

Loafers take you from work to play without compromising on comfort and style. You’ll be on point with this burgundy pair.

6. Metallic Flatforms

Combine atheleisure with the 90s trend and you’ll get flatforms. Plus, metallic shades are always a fall favourite.

7. Snakeskin Sandals

Sandals are a necessity in countries where the sun shines all year round. This is probably one of the bolder trends to try this season, but if you intend to up your sandals game, get a pair in snakeskin to stand out from the crowd.

*All shoes are from Aldo’s Fall 2016 Collection which are now out in stores.*

Enhance, not mask, that’s what Shu Uemura’s minimalist approach towards maximizing beauty is all about. Those of you who have been dreaming about achieving perfect, radiant skin without layers of foundation, bronzers and highlighters, it’s time for you to rejoice!

You can finally achieve the skin of your dreams with just two simple steps – 1) Shu Uemura’s Stage Performer Block: Booster Primer and 2) Lightbulb Aerial Sheer Compact Foundation.

1. Shu Uemura Stage Performer Block: Booster Primer (SPF 50+++, S$65))

Most of us probably do not wear primer, but believe me, this multi-tasking product will change your opinion.

Here’s what it does:

• Blocks harmful UV rays (both UVA and UVB) and environmental elements such as pollution
• Boosts moisture and skin tone; and
• Corrects imperfections

I love how it simplifies my skincare routine as it doubles up as a sunblock (SPF 50+++ with protection against both UVA and UVB rays) and acts as a powerful shield against pollution. The texture is amazingly lightweight and it glides onto my skin effortlessly while keeping it sufficiently hydrated. It also lends a natural glow to your face without oxidizing at all thanks to its light-reflecting properties, a result of the Colour Boosting Gel and True Colour Powder technology.

Selected botanicals, namely peony, corn and water lily, are included for their anti-oxidant, anti-flammatory and hydrating properties.

It comes in three shades – colourless (translucent finish), natural beige and fresh pink. I picked natural beige to even out my skin tone.

2. Lightbulb Aerial Sheer Compact Foundation (S$60 for refill, S$12 for case,  S$8 for sponge)

You can wear the primer on its own, but if you prefer additional coverage, pair it with the Lightbulb Aerial Sheer Compact Foundation to boost your skin’s radiance. Formulated with crystalline pearls to reflect spectrums of colour, it brightens up your skin tone instantly.

I am a huge fan of powder foundations and I can assure you that this compact foundation is one of the very few in the market with powder that is so fine, it feels as light as air when applied. The aerial sponge deserves much credit for this as well. It feels luxuriously soft on your skin and delivers a sheer finish.

My verdict

I am officially a convert. The reason? My hubby hardly ever notices any difference when I change up my make-up routine (as with most men), but he actually complimented me on my glowing skin the very first time I applied these two products on my face. Here’s an unedited selfie and you can tell that there is a slight glow on the high points of my face.

 And you know what’s even more miraculous? He said my face looked naturally radiant, as if I had no make-up on.  That was definitely reason enough for me to fall head over heels in love with these new products. I mean, who doesn’t want flawless skin?

Shu Uemura will be launching these products on 1 September 2016, so if you’re looking to achieve healthy-looking, beautiful skin without the hassle, be sure to add these products to your beauty routine!

Are you a coffee drinker? Do you love your spicy or dark food? Or do you melt at your favourite celebrity’s dazzling smile?

Most of us have dietary habits that cause our teeth to darken or turn yellow, but isn’t it so difficult to resist that caffeine boost for the day or that delicious dish in front of us? And we have all seen the benefits and charm of a beautiful smile – imagine if you were watching a drama and  getting shocked when the leads flashed not-so-pearly-white teeth!

While we all wish to have a set of attractive white teeth, the cost usually puts us back and make us reconsider if we really need it. While there are more affordable options like home-based teeth whitening, they seem too much of a hassle and don’t really seem to work. But, that is not the case anymore!

Introducing iWhite, a Belgium-based purveyor of teeth whitening solutions under its parent company Sylphar NV. Buoyed by the scientific breakthrough that is the triple action whitening complex, iWhite’s solutions promise amazing results all in the comfort of your own home. Sounds amazing? It is!

iWhite’s triumvirate of teeth whitening solutions — iWhite Instant Whitening Kit; iWhite Instant Whitening Toothpaste; and iWhite Instant Whitening Mouthwash — can effectively reverse effects of teeth stain caused by coffee, drinking or even smoking. Its instant, triple action whitening technology is buoyed by three active ingredients: phthalimidoperoxycaproicacid (PAP); bioactive crystals; and bioavailable calcium deposits.

With iWhite’s teeth whitening solutions, you can achieve an enviable set of white teeth and strengthen your enamel at the same time.

It is also Hydrogen Peroxide free! A common ingredient in many teeth whitening solutions then, hydrogen peroxide is known to cause gum irritation, teeth sensitivity and in more serious cases, throat soreness. But iWhite’s range of products were among the first teeth whitening solutions in the market that do not contain hydrogen peroxide.

Importantly, not only do you see visible results, it is also 100% safe, convenient, and affordable. Available now at all Guardian and Watsons stores, start your journey to pearly whites today!

iWhite Instant Whitening Kit $49.90

iWhite Instant Whitening Mouthwash $10

iWhite Instant Whitening Toothpaste $9.90

The new Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer has taken social media by storm. Touted to be a game-changer with its revolutionary technology and a jaw-dropping price tag of S$599, all the stylists at Toni & Guy couldn’t stop raving about it when I popped by to style my hair recently for a photo shoot with Kerastase and Dyson. Is it truly worth the hype and the price?

I decided to put it to the test, not just for a day, but for an entire week, just to monitor if there are any significant changes to my hair texture.

Before I give you my verdict, let’s check out some of its features.

Intelligent Heat Control

I was told that thanks to its intelligent heat control (which measures air temperature 20 times every second!), the hair dryer doesn’t go beyond 100°C even at the highest heat setting, unlike conventional hairdryers which end up overheating and damaging your hair follicles. It keeps your hair healthy and shiny, even if you dry and style it every single day.

Faster drying time

And you know what’s even more amazing? Despite the relatively lower heat setting, your hair takes less time to dry as compared to a regular hairdryer. Ladies with long and thick hair like me, this is your holy grail! I usually take at least 15 minutes to dry my hair completely, but with this baby, my hair dries under 10 minutes.

Credit goes to the Air Multiplier technology which creates a high-velocity, high-pressure jet of air that exits the amplifier, tripling airflow. Negative ions are also included to reduce static.

Engineered for balance

I have to admit that it was the beautiful design that first caught my eye.  Do you know the secret behind its sleek, minimalist design? To achieve this, Dyson went against the grain and put the motor in the handle instead of the head which rebalanced the weight and shape of the dryer.

Styling simplied with magnetic attachments that stay cool throughout

It also comes with 3 magnetic attachments  – a smoothing nozzle, styling concentrator and diffuser (yes, all magnetic!), making styling an absolute breeze. These attachments stay cool throughout, so you’ll never ever have to worry about hurting yourself while you blow your hair!

Lower noise level

Unlike its counterparts which can be as loud as vacuum cleaners, Dyson sounds more like a high speed hand dryer. It is possible to carry on a conversation when it is being used, but you might want to avoid using it when light sleepers are around.

My thoughts

 After using this continuously for a week, I realized that it brought my curls back to life. I had a perm done many months back and my curls were fast fading into oblivion (thanks to traveling) until I started using Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer.

I usually have to set my hair with sponge curlers before I sleep to achieve bouncy curls, but with this hairdryer, my hair looks effortlessly styled without any styling required. My frequently coloured hair also looks shinier and feels smoother. How miraculous.

Honestly, it’s going to be tough for me to go back to my conventional hairdryer.  If you need to blow dry your hair on a daily basis to ensure that it dries completely (like me because my hair is relatively thick) or if you style your hair regularly, I would say it is a worthy long-term investment to protect your tresses from heat damage. After all, a hairdryer usually lasts for years.

Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer is definitely in a league of its own. You have to try it to believe it.

I have to admit that I’m pretty late in the lace-up game. Call me a prude, but I just can’t see myself taking the plunge with lace-up tops that dip right down to your navel. Forever New must have read my mind because their version of the lace-up top reveals just a sliver of skin while keeping it classy.

What’s even more amazing is that you can actually pull this off for work if you’re in an industry that doesn’t require you to be suited up all day. Wear it with high-waist tailored pants like I did or pair it with a high-waist skirt to amp up the glam factor. It fits right in with my primarily minimalist wardrobe thanks to its clean lines and it can be dressed up or down (try wearing this with high waist shorts!) depending on the occasion. I’m all for wardrobe workhorses like this beautiful cropped lace-up piece which is now available at all Forever New stores in Singapore!

If you’re petite like me, you’ll be happy to know that this beauty comes in a UK size 4 too.  That’s what I love about Forever New. 😉

Top c/o Forever New// Pants from Love Bonito// Bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs // Shoes from Miu Miu

To keep the focus on the lace-up details, I kept the rest of the outfit simple with white pants and nude accessories.

You might recognize this Marc by Marc Jacobs bag from my Reebonz Marketplace Giveaway! It’s so easy to match and spacious enough to store all your necessities. If you like it, click here to join my giveaway which ends on 14th August!

Do you like this look? Have you tried the lace-up trend? If you haven’t, go on, give it a try!

Reebonz is a reputable luxury goods retailer that needs no introduction, but did you know besides brand new luxury goods, they have also recently established Reebonz Marketplace, a new platform that gives you access to independent multi-label boutiques, preowned luxury goods merchants and vintage dealers?

Good deals are not to be missed and at Reebonz Marketplace, you can be assured that you’ll get unique designer goods for less. Granted, most of them may not be brand new, but oldies are still goodies. Don’t you just love the indescribable thrill of uncovering a gem of that has since been discontinued or an exclusive vintage piece that adds character to your wardrobe?

 And you know what the best part about Reebonz Marketplace is? Authenticity is 100% assured and every item is insured through the delivery process for absolute peace of mind. Cast all your worries aside and shop with confidence! Most of these preowned items are in pristine or mint condition, and some are brand new or unused too. Yes, you’re not seeing things. Some of these items could actually be brand new!

 Reebonz Marketplace is a treasure trove for fashionistas and I have shortlisted 10 items for my wishlist just to prove my point. Honestly, there’s no better time than to shop now as Reebonz Marketplace is currently running their End of Season Sales from now till 14th August.

To make it doubly exciting, I’m also giving away this versatile Marc by Marc Jacobs bag (details are right at the end of this post) so let’s start the ball rolling now, shall we?

1. Chanel Classic Double Flap Beige Quilted Lambskin Leather Chain Shoulder Bag

I have been lusting after this beige Chanel double flap in luxurious lambskin leather for a while. I just never got around to getting one. Given that this is in pristine condition, this is a pretty good deal.

Oh, and did you realize there’s extra 15% off at checkout too (thanks to the End of Season Sale)? This beautiful bag can be yours at just S$2745.50. What a steal!

2. Chanel Fringe Matelasse Chain Shoulder Bag Calfskin Leather Black Gold

I just love the tassels on this black beauty. Again, there’s an extra 15% discount upon checkout and free shipping too!

3. Chanel Suit Ivory Linen with Navy Trim

You’ll never go wrong with a classic Chanel suit. This timeless suit can even be passed on to your daughter when she’s of age.

A full suit like this is usually comes with a heftier price tag, so if you’re thinking of making a wardrobe investment, this in my opinion is a good bet.

4. Chanel Stainless Steel Black Leather Watch

I guess it’s no secret by now that I’m a huge fan of Chanel huh? I have been eyeing this watch for some time now, and when I saw this, my heart skipped a beat!

5. Hermes Gold Courchevel Leather Kelly 28 Shoulder Bag

Hermes is another one of my favourite brands and it’s no surprise that it has made it to Reebonz Marketplace’s popular brands list too! Can you believe that this beautiful Kelly in mint condition comes with a whopping 25% discount upon checkout?

6. Hermes Rodeo GM Bag Charm

I remember my friends and I had a hard time scouting for these rodeo charms. Well, if you’re still looking for one, get yours at Reebonz Marketplace now!

7. Hermes Canvas Beige Brown Sako Top Handle Shoulder Bag

Have you ever seen an Hermes bag going at just slightly over a grand? Oh wait, it’s actually under s$1K after the 25% discount upon checkout! I love this vintage bag in canvas, another timeless piece that will never go out of style.

8. Hermes Belt Reversible Bourdeaux & Grey

I knew it was love at first sight the moment I laid my eyes on this stunning vintage Hermes belt. It’s almost impossible to find a belt like this in Singapore, but thanks to Reebonz Marketplace, you can now literally scour the earth for precious gems through their preowned luxury store partners all over the world.

9. Gucci Shoulder Bag

We all know that Gucci has made a comeback and its classic embossed GG logo bags are totally having a moment right now. Remember what I said about some items being brand new? Case in point – this Gucci shoulder bag you see here which hails from The Luxury Corner, a multi-label luxury boutique in France. This brand new bag comes with a very pocket friendly price tag too.

10. Louis Vuitton Monogram Keepall Bandoliere

Finally, here’s the last item on my top 10 wish list! I enjoy traveling and I know I can get a lot of mileage (both literally and metaphorically speaking) from a hardy and durable carry-on luggage like this one from Louis Vuitton. This is perfect for short getaways and staycations too!

***Giveaway***

I had so much fun compiling my wishlist from Reebonz Marketplace Wishlist, and to add on to the excitement, Reebonz is giving away this buttery soft Marc by Marc Jacobs sling bag to one lucky reader!

Here’s what you have to do:

For Facebook Users:

1. Like my Facebook Page (click HERE)
2. Register for an account at Reebonz Marketplace (click HERE) with your Facebook or e-mail address
3. Like my Marc by Marc Jacobs flatlay post with the hashtag #ReginaxReebonzMKP
4. Comment on my Facebook post with your full name when you have done all of the above

For Instagram Users:

1. Ensure your instagram account is set to public as private accounts can’t be viewed
2. Follow me on Instagram (@reginachow_sg)
3. Register for an account at Reebonz Marketplace (click HERE) with your Facebook or e-mail address
4. Like my Marc by Marc Jacobs bag flatlay image with the hashtag #ReginaxReebonzMKP
5. Tag 3 friends in the comments section of my instagram post

If you participate in both the Facebook and Instagram giveaways, you’ll double your chances of winning!

The giveaway will be held from 10th August – 14 August 2016. I will announce the winner on 15th August 2016.  Reebonz Marketplace will contact the lucky winner directly to arrange for prize collection.

Good luck!

As some of you may already be aware, I’m one of the top 3 finalists in Her World Singapore’s Estee Lauder Style Superstar 2016 contest. The final winner is determined by public voting and I can’t be more grateful to to my family, friends, readers and followers for your continued support over the past few weeks!

Voting ends on 4th August (just 2 days left!), so if you wish to vote for me, do click on the link here: http://bit.ly/29Cbqb0

You can vote 3 times daily (with facebook or your email address) and the winning voter will walk away with a one night’s stay at Ramada Singapore at Zhongshan Park worth S$365.

*****

Special thanks also goes out to Polo Ralph Lauren (thanks Gary!) for my gorgeous bohemian meets minimalist chic outfit from their Fall 2016 collection, my hair sponsor ToliV Salon for prepping my hair prior to the shoot and adding these traffic-stopping purple and grey highlights to my hair ends without having to use any bleach!

Thank you once again to Niki (@singapore_style), Sha Shamsi (@shashamsi) for my make-up, Clarence from Jeric Salon for styling my hair and Jasper (@j.yu) for capturing these beautiful shots!

It was such an amazing experience to work with these exceptionally talented people and my heart is brimming with gratitude. Remember to follow Her World Singapore (@herworldsingapore) on instagram for the latest fashion and beauty tips too.

Meanwhile, I am finally back in Singapore and I have another exciting shoot coming up. Watch this space for more news soon!

Forever New is one of my favourite Australian fashion labels. Founded in late 2006 in Melbourne, Australia, it is one of the fastest growing Australian brands, with over 250 stores in ten countries worldwide. The epitome of femininity and style, I always find myself walking out of their shops with a dress or two. The brand draws its inspiration from global trends in art, film, music and theatre, as well as haute couture runway shows in Paris, Milan, London and New York.

I have more than a handful of dresses from Forever New because their flattering cut and classic designs will never go out of style. This time, I picked out an adorable lace romper from their summer 2016 collection. The intricate lace details caught my eye the minute I stepped into their Vivocity branch and it was then that I knew it had to be mine. I’m always on the lookout for brands with petite sizes (UK size 4/6) and what I love about Forever New’s apparel is that they fit my petite frame beautifully. Petite ladies, now you know where to head to!

I paired the romper with stunning rose gold accessories from The Peach Box, yet another Australian label that I have fallen in love with. Again, as with most Australian brands, the quality of these pieces is unrivalled and I see myself reaching for these timeless arm candies to up my style quotient day after day.

Check out their gorgeous accessories at http://www.thepeachbox.com and use my code “reginachow” for 15% off your purchases!

Happy shopping!