I stumbled upon Paris Home one day as I was on the lookout for a baroque style sofa to replace my old, worn-out sofa set. What started off as a chance encounter eventually wound up to be a blessing for me. I fell in love immediately with the pictures of their sofa sets online and deeper research revealed that the furniture are all made of mahogany or teak wood which are prized for their durability.   

More importantly,
the company also has its own factory in Indonesia and is able to
custom-make practically anything in your wildest dreams without you
having to bear any middle-man costs. With Paris Home, you can now get
quality, well-designed furniture without breaking the bank.   

Sounds too good
to be true? I decided to make an appointment with the lady boss,
Michelle, at their Binjai Park shopfront to check it out for myself.
Located beside popular Peranakan restaurant Ivins, the shop is pretty
easy to find and relatively accessible, especially if you live in the
West. Michelle was very friendly and patient, as she took pains to
answer all my questions about the sofa frame and foam density. I would highly recommend that you contact Michelle if you have any queries. Also, it’s best to visit the shop on weekdays as it can get pretty crowded on weekends. 

Here’s what I chose eventually:

Some of you may have already seen my new sofa set on my social media platforms. I changed the frame of the Rococo Luxury Sofa to glossy black and swopped the PU leather fabric for a luxurious black velvet material instead. You can also customize the size of the sofa to suit your living room.

Besides sofa sets, Paris Home also offers a wide selection of bespoke furniture ranging from beds, cupboards, shelves to coffee tables and chairs. Given that the furniture is custom made, don’t be surprised if you can’t find most of the items on the website on display at their shopfront. There are a few pieces of furniture on display for customers to get a better look and feel of what to expect. The quality of the furniture speaks for itself and is very evident, even from the small collection on display. 

Should you be unsure of the
measurements or installation process required,  I would also suggest
that you consult your interior designer or contractor before heading
down as that would save you some time.

I am so pleased with my purchase that I wish I had found out about Paris Home 4 years ago when I first started renovating my house! For those of you who have done your research,
you would know that it is difficult to come across affordable baroque
and french style furniture with quality workmanship. 

It is a little too late to turn back the clock now, but here are a couple of my choice picks if I were to redecorate the rest of my home:

1) Regency Collection Dining Set

2) Antique Library Bed

3) Le Rochelle Vanity Set

 

4) Victorian Belle 4-Doors Armoire

 Aren’t they beautiful?

If you are
planning to renovate your new home or revamp your current abode and you adore baroque and french furniture like me, remember to check out Paris Home! You may also wish to follow them on Instagram (@frenchfurniture) for more pictures of their latest designs.

For my international readers, you’ll be happy to know that they ship internationally too!

Paris Home


Address: 
23 Binjai Park Singapore 589828

Tel: 
+65 6748 8740

Mobile:
+65 9722 7857

Website:
http://www.parishomeonline.com

Instagram:
@frenchfurniture

Tokyo Bust Express kindly extended an invitation to me to experience their bust treatments at City Square Mall recently, to which I readily agreed as I have heard from fellow bloggers who have undergone Tokyo Bust Express treatments that only natural ingredients are used and the results are instantaneous, even with just one treatment! It sounded so miraculous that I thought I ought to try it for myself.

What struck me the moment I arrived at the Tokyo Bust Express branch at City Square Mall was how thoughtful the company is. The name of the shop was discreetly etched behind the reception counter against a neutral backdrop to protect the privacy of its customers and prevent curious stares from passersby, a very telling gesture that speaks volumes about how customer oriented the company is.

Upon stepping into their branch at City Square Mall, I was greeted by the warm and affable staff who made me a cup of delicious fruit tea while I waited for my consultation to begin.  I also loved the cozy ambience which put me at ease immediately.

Taps Designer Handbags is a one-stop shop that showcases the latest designer bags and accessories fresh off the runway, ranging from dazzling clutches, luxury totes to trendy accessories in a wide array of styles and brands. Adding the finishing touch to any outfit has never been easier!    

Located in the heart of town at Far East Plaza,  Taps Designer Handbags is a reseller that you can trust as it obtains its products directly from Europe and US. Authenticity is guaranteed and prices are typically between 20% – 50% below retail prices!

The retail store is excellent for shoppers to try on the latest designs before making a purchase, but what I love most about Taps is that I can enjoy the
convenience of being able to shop in the comfort of my home through
their online portal as well!

I was invited to their Far East Plaza shopfront recently and I was amazed by the myriad of designer brands that it stocks under one roof. This is a dream come true for every handbag aficionado! Can’t decide what goes best with your wardrobe? Just try on any bag that catches your eye and take your pick! 

 While Taps specializes in mainly Saint Laurent, Celine and Prada, you can also find a good selection of other designer brands including Givenchy, Mulberry, Proenza Schouler, Givenchy, Fendi, Dior and even Hermès. All the bags on display are brand new and unused, except for the Hermès Kelly and Birkin bags.

Many designer shops in Singapore have limited stock for popular designs which are highly sought after. For instance, Hermès accessories are so hot these days, they literally fly off the shelves the minute they hit the stores locally. For many of us, disappointment is inevitable because thanks to our fast paced society, we simply do not have the time to pop by the shops in time.

 With Taps’ Preorder and Concierge Service, all you have to do is place your orders, then sit back and relax while the little elves at Taps work their magic to make your wishes come true!  Preorders are conducted for brands such as Hermès, Chanel, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Proenza Schouler, among others. 

  Check out their Facebook Page here to find out more about the current preorder. You can also contact them directly here to place your orders.  All preorders will arrive in 2 weeks. 

Bags aside, Taps also carries accessories from the various brands including Hermès as well as a small collection of Ferragamo and Kartell shoes.

Now, for the good news! 

Taps will be having a multi-brand clearance sale (up to 65% off!) this weekend, from 11 Oct (Friday) to 13 October (Sunday).    

You can either check out their physical store or head to their website here for more details on the sale items and prices. Local shipping is free and international shipping is at a flat rate of S$20! Definitely sounds like a good deal to me. 🙂

I was given a sneak preview of the products that would be featured in their upcoming sale. To whet your appetite, here are just some of the brands and designs that will be on sale this weekend:

1) Proenza Schouler PS1 Satchel

The Proenza Schouler PS1 Satchel catapulted to cult status almost immediately after its launch and it is certainly not hard to see why. Functional, edgy and effortlessly stylish, this bag is great for both work and play. It also comes in different leathers and colours to match your mood and outfit. 

My pick would be this vibrant yellow version as it adds a striking pop of colour to any outfit.

Just look at how it brightens up my all white outfit instantly! I also love how it lends a touch of edginess to my feminine ensemble.

  

2) Saint Laurent Cabas Y Bag

Saint Laurent’s Cabas Bag is a classic design that never goes out of style. It is also very sturdy and roomy, which makes it the perfect bag to take you from the board room to a holiday destination of your choice. 

The brown and black versions make great wardrobe staples and are extremely popular with celebrities. For me however, I prefer to push the envelope a little and opt for bolder colours such as pink and red.

Don’t you think the red and pink versions add an element of fun to your wardrobe without compromising on style? They are also less common so the chances of you bumping into someone on the streets with the same bag are much lower!

3) Fendi 2Jours

The latest It bag from the house of Fendi, the Fendi 2Jours exudes elegance and sophistication. Its versatile and practical design has captured the hearts of many, including mine. In particular, I like the fact that this bag comes with a detachable shoulder strap as it
gives me the option of carrying it in different ways.

Fendi has reworked this lovely bag in a variety of colours every season, but my favourite has to be this daring shade of orange.

4) Miu Miu Matelasse

The buttery soft leather and handy size are just two reasons why I love the Miu Miu Matelasse bag. The size of the bag fits well on my petite frame and yet it is spacious enough to store everything that I need when I head out. 

The black is a safe bet, but if you are looking to perk up your wardrobe, the yellow version is a wonderful choice!

Are you tempted yet? If you have been thinking of adding any of these bags to your collection, this weekend will be the best time to succumb to temptation, because these items (and more!) will be marked down by up to 65%!

Mark those dates down in your calendar (11-13 Oct!) and head on down to Taps for your dose of guilt-free retail therapy!

Taps Designer Handbags

Address:

14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, #03-39, 

Singapore 228213

Opening Hours: 

Mon – Fri: 1230 – 2100 hrs

Sat-Sun: 1300 – 2100 hrs

Tel:

6735 6510

Website:

http://www.taps.com.sg

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/taps.sg

Email: 

taps@live.com

As the name suggests, there is an element of surprise as the items in each mystery bag are selected by ClubCouture. 

All you have to do is to select your size, add a mystery bag to your shopping cart and leave it to ClubCouture to deliver the goodies to your doorstep! 

Vanilla Mood Purity Lace Dress , previously featured in my blog post here.

 Tiffany Strapless Dress, previously featured in my blog post here.

ClubCouture’s Mystery Bags were launched just yesterday, but they’re selling out really fast, so if you haven’t already grabbed yours, be sure to do so now!

Have you ever been to Singapore’s Army Museum or SAFTI
MI? I had a chance to visit both places recently at the invitation of Mindef, who organized an event titled “Think About Our Boys!” for female bloggers to better understand and appreciate what the average Singaporean male has to go through during National Service. It was not easy waking up early in
the morning but it was worth the effort in retrospect.

 

I went along with Karen because we were both curious about the event. Upon arrival at the
Singapore Discovery Centre, we found ourselves strolling along a quiet
lake amidst lush greenery in an idyllic setting. 

 Did I mention that we were both dressed in military themed outfits too? Here’s what I wore:

 Top from Forever21
Shorts (not shown in pics) from Editor’s Market
Shoes from Korea
Bag from Chanel
Kelly Dog from Hermes
Cap from random store in Singapore

 To complement our outfits, the thoughtful organizers made personalized dog tags for each and every one of us.

They also roped in professional manicurists who treated us to military-themed
manicures. 

While I really loved my 1 year stay in Sydney as it has so
much that Singapore doesn’t have, I have also come to realize that Singapore is
where my heart is, because it has formed a part of me – my memories, my
bonds and my beliefs. 

That is why I hope that we can all love Singapore
for who she is, and recognize the sacrifices by our NS boys in our own
little ways. This event reminded me again of the need for national defence to
protect this place where we call home, and to never take peace for granted.

Especially Escada Elixir is a new fragrance in the Especially Escada family. I had the opportunity to try the Especially Escada perfume previously and I loved how it lends a touch of old-world 1920s, Great Gatsby glamour to any occasion. I have been using it regularly, even on my overseas trips, hence you can imagine my delight when Especially Escada Elixir was introduced.

 

 More intense than its predecessor, Especially Escada Elixir features prominent rose notes fused with a unique blend of ingredients, resulting in a sensual, long-lasting scent that is perfect for an enchanting evening.

All it takes to capture that extra touch of mysterious, rosy scent is a little spritz during that magical hour at dusk, just when the day ends, and the evening begins.

 Did you know that 4,000 kg of roses are needed to produce just 1 kilogram of rose oil? Damask roses from Turkey are one of the few roses that can produce rose oil for use in perfumes. These roses create a mysterious and sensual scent, which make them a wonderful base for the Especially Escada Elixir fragrance. The rose notes are further enhanced with ambrette seeds, which give off a woody and musky fragrance similar to Musk. Musk was originally sourced from the Musk Deer, which is now banned. 

To balance the intensity of the base notes, Especially Escada Elixir is infused with oriental elements such as Vanilla and Ylang Ylang from Madagascar, both of which are known to calm nerves and aid relaxation. Finally, for that element of fun and surprise, which to me is what sets the Elixir apart from its counterparts, blood orange (my favourite fruit!) is used to add a clean, crisp and citrus scent to this luxurious fragrance.

Rouse your senses and add a touch of opulence and glamour with this sensual, evocative fragrance, the perfect accessory for your evening escapades!
 

 I was invited by Celevenus Wellness & Aesthetics to try out their anti-ageing aesthetic treatments recently. Helmed by Dr Dylan Chau, who is able to blend science and artistry to bring out the best in his patients, Celevenus specializes in aesthetic treatments to reverse the effects of aging, achieve clearer, more radiant skin as well as improve facial contours and features. 

I was certain that I was in good hands as Dr Dylan Chau has 9 years of experience in medical aesthetics and is well versed in resolving dermatological problems as well as administering anti-aging treatments. He is also a Sculptra trainer for doctors. Sculptra is one of the latest and most revolutionary treatments in the realm of anti-aging treatments.

Age has taken its toll on me now that I am past 30, and I can feel that my skin is beginning to lose elasticity and firmness. One of the most noticeable telltale signs of aging on my face has manifested in the form of more pronounced nasolabial folds, and I have been thinking of doing fillers for these deep lines.

Nasolabial folds are the lines that run from the sides of your nose to your lips, also more commonly known as smile lines. Did you know that
nasolabial folds deepen over time because our cheeks sag with age?
Smiling and facial expressions are contributing factors too, but they
are most certainly not the main cause.

Nasolabial folds
can make one look older than he or she actually is, and they are a pain
to get rid of because unlike wrinkles, topical creams or moisturizers
have no effect on these stubborn lines. The most common way to minimize
their appearance is through aesthetic procedures such as fillers. 

I was a little nervous during my consultation session with Dr Chau as I have never done any aesthetics treatments previously, but Dr Chau put me at ease instantly as he listened patiently and attentively to my concerns about my deepening nasolabial folds before going on to explain how fillers could be used to plump up the folds and improve their appearance. I liked how consultative and informative the entire session was. He also gave a detailed explanation of what I could expect after the treatment. As my cheekbones are pretty high and I have rather full cheeks, Dr Chau candidly shared that my nasolabial folds would not go away completely. Nevertheless, there would still be a visible difference.

I also took the opportunity to ask Dr Chau for his expert opinion on my facial proportions. He felt that my features were generally fine, but if I wanted to, I could add some height to my nose bridge and sculpt the tip of my nose. In addition, I could also consider botox to reduce my slightly squarish jaw for a sharper face shape and Sculptra for my tear trough. I have to admit I was tempted to try out all these procedures, but given that I have never done any aesthetic treatments previously, I decided to take it slow and address my nasolabial folds first.

As I had an important event to attend shortly after my consultation, I scheduled another appointment for the procedure to be done on a separate day. If you like, you can go ahead with the procedure immediately after consultation.

This is a ‘before’ picture of myself on the day of the procedure, after the approachable and friendly staff at the clinic prepped my nasolabial folds with numbing cream.

Here I was, all numbed up and ready for the procedure.

Dr Chau used the latest Juvéderm® VOLUMA® Lidocaine for my treatment. The addition of Lidocaine reduces pain and provides additional comfort during and after treatment. 

Juvéderm® VOLUMA® with Lidocaine is hyaluronic acid facial filler specifically made to restore lost facial volume in the cheeks, cheekbones and chin. It uses hyaluronic acid, a sugar that
occurs naturally in our skin, to add fullness to areas that need more support or enhancement. Developed to be smoother than other hyaluronic acid facial volumizers, it is also easier to inject during filler treatment. Juvéderm® VOLUMA® with Lidocaine was developed with VYCROSS™ technology to deliver a natural look and feel that can last up to 18 months.

Most importantly, Juvéderm® VOLUMA® is unlikely to result in lumpiness or product migration, both of which are common side effects of other facial fillers.

I was told that the nasolabial folds are one of the more painful areas for injection but Dr Chau administered the procedure expertly and skillfully with utmost precision, resulting in minimal pain. In fact, the filler injection felt more like tiny ant bites. 

Dr Chau also chatted with me throughout the entire duration of the procedure, which was very reassuring and comforting.

The following pictures will give you a better idea of what to expect during the procedure. Essentially, the fillers were injected directly into my nasolabial folds at three different points on each side.

As I bleed easily, Dr Chau shared that I am likely to be more inclined to bruising. The key to reducing bruising is to apply pressure at the injection site immediately after injection.

And there, my right nasolabial fold was done in the blink of an eye. Can you tell that the fold is almost gone?

My left nasolabial fold is much deeper in comparison, partly due to the way my lips tend to curl up towards the left when I smile, hence a larger quantity of JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA™ was required to plump it up sufficiently.

Now, here are the final results. The photo on the left is my ‘before’ picture and the one on the right was taken immediately after the procedure.

I went out immediately for an event after the procedure as I did not experience any swelling or bruising till the end of the next day. The clinic called me the very next day to check on me as well, which I felt was a very thoughtful gesture. The bruising lasted a couple of days, but all I needed was a touch of foundation and concealer.

Here’s another comparison of my ‘before’ picture with the final results after 2 weeks:

Before

After

Pictures say a thousand words. I like how my cheeks look lifted now thanks
to my less obvious nasolabial folds, which also contributes to a more
youthful appearance. 

 What I really liked about the treatment was that it naturally enhanced my looks without drastically altering my overall appearance. My friends and
family could not tell that I had anything done to my face,
but many of them commented that I looked fresher and younger. Just so you know as well, the pictures in this post were not digitally enhanced.

I am very satisfied with the final results and I know I have Dr Dylan Chau to thank for reversing the effects of aging and restoring my youth. I would highly recommend Dr Chau for any of your dermatological or aesthetics concerns. In fact, as you are reading this, I have already made plans to head back to Celevenus for a round of laser treatments to address my skin pigmentation issues. 😉

Celevenus Wellness & Aesthetics

Address: 
391B Orchard Road

#16-03/04 Ngee Ann City Tower B

Singapore 238874

Tel: 
+65 6410 9621 / +65 6410 9622
 

Email: 
beauty@celevenus.com.sg

Website:
http://www.celevenus.com.sg/

Mistress of Glam (MOG) is where creativity blossoms into exquisite works of art that exude individuality and where jewellery lovers revel in the fine craftsmanship that goes into each and every piece of jewellery.

 

Established in 2007 by owner and designer Queena, Mistress of Glam (MOG) remains a breath of fresh air in this day and age where mass production reigns. Unlike the typical run-off-the-mill jewellery stores, what Mistress of Glam offers is a specially curated collection of jewellery that is exclusively designed and handcrafted by the designer herself. 

Queena shortlisted some of her lovely jewellery for me to review and this necklace is one of the pieces that I selected. 

The intricate details and delicate composition of pearls, roses and crystals  exude a sense of femininity and grace, as well as a vintage charm that makes it the perfect accessory for accentuating soft, cascading dresses or jazzing up a plain neckline. The workmanship is fabulous and even my hubby, who usually does not pay much attention to what I wear, commented on how beautifully made the necklace is.

Necklace from Mistress of Glam (MOG)
Top from Korea
Skorts from Liz Lisa
Shoes from Pazzion
Bag from YSL

I love how every design at MOG is
inspired by gems, crystals and pearls, infused with a touch of vintage
glamour.  Feminine, stylish and glamourous, these are the very traits
that many ladies aspire to be associated with. 

And now, you can fulfill
these aspirations with their one-of-a-kind creations which
are handmade with love from quality materials that are either imported
or hand carried by the designer Queena when she travels abroad. Some of the materials, such as the beautiful clay flowers and owls, are also exclusive to MOG as they are painstakingly handmade by Queena’s equally talented sister. All the accessories that you see on MOG’s website are quality assured as they are made from 14K gold plated and rhodium plated materials which do not tarnish easily. 

  No outfit is complete without jewellery accents and customized jewellery that reflect your personality. Customized jewellery also make treasured keepsakes to commemorate special occasions. MOG provides jewellery customizations for weddings,
bridesmaids or even for yourself, so let Queena work her magic and add
that extra sparkle to any occasion!

  
Queena’s artistic flair is
evident from many of her signature pieces where vintage parts are
juxtaposed against semi-precious stones to retain an old world charm,
coupled with a contemporary twist. 

 Here are some other pieces that I personally adore:

Rings

Necklaces

Earrings

Bracelets

 Other
than jewellery, MOG also offers an exclusive selection of apparel that
are specially handpicked by Queena during her overseas trips. I love shorts sets which are so popular right now, hence no prizes for guessing what my favourite pick from MOG’s apparel collection would be. 

This Mint Martini shorts set is so chic yet whimsical! Complete the outfit with one of MOG’s quirky bracelets and you’ll look impeccable for afternoon tea or weekend brunch with the girls.

 If you prefer a more romantic look, the Black Romance Peplum Top would be perfect. The alluring peek-a-boo lace details and baroque motifs lend an air of mystery and elegance without compromising on femininity and versatility. You can pair this top with pants, shorts or even a pencil skirt to take you to work!

 

 Now, here’s the good news!

Mistress of Glam (MOG) is offering a discount to all my blog readers from now till 30 November 2013. All you have to do is type Regina08 upon checkout to receive an 8% discount off your total bill, applicable storewide (including the sale section) !

Free registered post is also provided storewide (including apparel and sale items), so head on down to Mistress of Glam (MOG) now for your dose of retail therapy!

  
I enjoy sharing my outfit posts regularly and today, the outfits that you see in this post are from a new online shop called OutfitOTD.  OutfitOTD stands for Outfit Of The Day, and as the name suggests, it aims to bring inspiration to to your daily outfit choices with quality, self-manufactured apparels.
 
I have a soft spot for cream lace dresses as they epitomize femininity in a subtle and elegant manner. The Grace Lace Overall Dress does just that and is extremely versatile too. I love its tailored shift silhouette, which offers a clean minimalist look that is perfect for work. You can also experiment with bold accessories to create an edgy yet stylish vibe, like what I did here with a floppy hat, striped persplex clutch and leopard print heels.

 Grace Lace Overall Dress from OutfitOTD

Made of thick, quality lace that is slightly stretchy, the dress accentuates the female silhouette and the cutting is very figure flattering. I particularly adore the slightly flared sleeves, which enhances the overall shape of the dress. Being able to perfect little details like that shows how much thought went into the design of this gorgeous number. 

This lovely dress also comes in 3 different sizes (S, M and L) and size S fits me perfectly.

 

I was very impressed with the workmanship of the dress as well. If you ask me, the quality rivals that of my favourite Japanese fashion labels. In fact, my hubby, who takes most of my outfit pictures, asked if this dress was from a Japanese label that I love!  Well, the good news is, you are able to get the same quality at just a fraction of the cost at OutfitOTD. 😉 

The Emma Embellishment Dress is another dress that I would recommend from OutfitOTD. A cascading chiffon dress with a sparkly gold embellished neckline, this dress has a flattering A-line cutting that conceals any figure flaws. 😉

This dress is made from smooth, quality chiffon and is lined with satin, similar to the material used to manufacture gowns. Again, the workmanship is wonderful and quality is assured. 

 Accessories were kept a a minimum for this look as I did not want to steal the limelight from the beautiful neckline. All I did was to throw on a red cuff to add some contrast.

In my opinion, the apparels from OutfitOTD are worthy investments as their excellent workmanship and classic designs will certainly stand the test of time.