Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
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Qoo10 Shopping: Fashion Haul from G Lovely Shop

June 13, 2013 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

I love fashion, and you would probably know that by now if you visit this humble space of mine regularly. That explains why my first transaction on Qoo10 had to be fashion apparel from G Lovely Shop.
As shared in my previous post on Qoo10 Online Shopping & My Fashion Buys, I had a wonderful shopping experience with G Lovely Shop. The products are reasonably priced and they reached my doorstep 3-4 days after payment was made.




1) Two Piece Chiffon Dress
The 2 piece chiffon dress came with a lace outer top and a sheer tulle camisole slip. It turned out as pictured and the material is pretty decent to boot. However, do note that you would have to wear a skirt/pair of shorts underneath the tulle camisole slip as it is too sheer to be worn alone.  

What I also like about this set is that the top and camisole slip can be worn separately. You can easily pair the top with shorts or use it as a beach cover-up. The slip, on the other hand, can be layered with another top or worn underneath a dress.

Hat from Forever New
Shoes from Dip Drops
Bag from MyJotterBook

My Rating: 4/5
2) Black Blouse

I love the design of this top, especially the sleeves, but I would prefer the material used to be slightly thicker. Other than that, I think it is classy and suitable for both work and after work functions.
Skirt from Dip Drops
Shoes from Charles & Keith
 
My Rating: 3/5
3) Lace Top

This top is one of my favourite purchases from this haul. It looks exactly the same as pictured and I love the quality! It is definitely value-for-money as I’ve seen this on blog shops selling for at least double the price listed on Qoo10.

Jeans from Mango
Shoes from Vincci
Bag from MyJotterBook
My Rating: 5/5

4) Pink Lace Blouse
I was attracted to this blouse because of the lovely lace sleeves and the sweet shade of peach pink that it came in. Plus, this is a blouse that I can wear to work as well as on weekends. Imagine my joy when it arrived in the mail, as pictured!

Skirt and shoes from Dip Drops
Cat Clutch from MyJotterBook
My only grouse is that it is slightly loose for me, but the problem is easily resolved by tucking the blouse into my skirt. 😉


 My Rating: 4.5/5

5) Black Maxi

Last but not least, here’s my last purchase, which is also my favourite out of the lot. The material is wonderful, and the design is so versatile, it can be dressed up or down with a change of accessories and footwear.

I wanted it to be a casual summer maxi dress, hence I paired the dress with my comfy red Chanel flats to add a pop of colour to the all black palette.
Again, this is a steal as I have seen the same design retailing elsewhere at 3-4 times the listed price on Qoo10! Many of my friends who met me that day thought I was going to attend a formal dinner function, which further attests to the quality and workmanship of this alluring piece. 
In fact, all of them were shocked to learn that this dress cost only about S$12 and everyone exclaimed that it is such a fantastic bargain! 😉
Bag and shoes from Chanel
Accessories from Hermes

While I usually turn to designer labels for bags and shoes as they have proven to be more durable and lasting, I tend to favour clothes with pocket-friendly price tags as I have come to realize that with good workmanship, they can look just as good as their designer label counterparts. I enjoy mixing and matching designer and non-designer labels in my outfits to  lend an element of surprise and diversity.

My rating: 5/5
Hope you enjoyed this fashion haul review! Before you embark on your next shopping spree, remember to check out Qoo10!

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RouletteQ on Qoo10
Now, I’m going to share a fun way to receive free discount coupons, Qstamps and Callpoints by playing RouletteQ on Qoo10!


First, scroll down the Qoo10 homepage until you see “Lucky Lounge” at the right hand corner.

Click the red button on the attendance card to play. Now, you can start spinning the wheel!

These are some of the items that I’ve won! You stand to win discount coupons that can be used to offset against your purchases too.


Qticket allows you to participate in events on Qoo10. For more information on Qticket, click here.

What are Callpoints for? Callpoints can be used for high quality international phonecalls on Qtalk, a mobile communication app that can be used on Android phones and iPhones.
Here are the features of Qtalk:
1. Qtalk(FREE) – HD voice quality call service working with wifi, 3G and 4G 

2. Qphone – best price high quality global phone service, much better than Skype, must to install for international travelers

3. GroupTalk (FREE) – the most advanced mobile conference and group
call solution, enables calls between Qtalk and PHONE users, cool features
such as Invite and messaging during mobile conference

4. Qmessage(FREE) – simple and easy messaging and group chat solution, supports message while talking
The best part is, you can play RouletteQ everyday to increase your chances of winning a prize! 
Good Luck! 😉

You may also wish to check out more deals on Qoo10’s Facebook Page !

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Qoo10 Online Shopping & My Fashion Buys

June 9, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments

Shopping these days has never been easier. All you need to do is log on to the internet and the world of online shopping is unveiled before your eyes. I cannot begin to express how much I enjoy shopping and retail therapy, to the extent that window shopping alone gives me such immense joy. As with most ladies out there, shopping is one of my favourite pastimes, hence it comes as no surprise that I browse online shops and shopping platforms everyday just to keep abreast of the latest trends and bargains. 

One of my favourite online shopping platforms is Qoo10. Previously known as Gmarket, Qoo10 offers a wide assortment of products ranging from fashion apparel, beauty products as well as digital and household items. 
At first glance, the vast amount of information on the Qoo10 website may come across as overwhelming, but trust me, the site is actually not all that difficult to navigate and you can easily find the items that you want.
Today, I’m going to share with you how you can easily browse Qoo10’s website and hunt down the best shopping deals regardless of what type of shopper you are!

Have you ever thought about what type of shopper you are? Are you the type who knows exactly what you want and just wants to quickly get the job done? 

If that rings a bell, then you’re the Grab & Go Shopper!

For Grab & Go Shoppers, here are two time-efficient and effective ways for you to go about shopping on Qoo10:

1. Browse by Category
All you have to do is to ascertain the category that the product you are looking for falls under, and click on that in the header.

Browsing by category allows you to see the Bestsellers for that particular category at a glance, which makes it easier for you to make your shopping decisions.

2. Use the Search Function

 If you are looking for something even more specific, key in the product in the search function at the top of the Qoo10 website and it’ll give you a complete listing of the product.
For illustration purposes, I searched for “iPad mini”. Turns out there aren’t any ipad minis for sale, but if you’re looking for a iPad mini case or screen protector, there are tons for you to choose from!
What about sellers’ ratings and reviews? I usually like to check out the seller’s past reviews before making a purchase as it gives me peace of mind. 😉
Qoo10 allows buyers to review what they bought, and sellers with higher ratings generally have better reviews and are hence more reliable. 
 Did you also know that Qoo10 rewards buyers for every review that they submit?
The reward for each review comes in the form of Qstamp. Sometimes, sellers include Qstamp as an added benefit upon purchase as well. 
Here’s everything you need to know about Qstamp:
What I love about collecting Qstamp is that you can use them to exchange for discount coupons, which can be used upon checkout!
  
If you love to shop when items are on sale, then you are the Bargain Hunter! 

If you just enjoy window-shopping and browsing shopping sites to find out the latest deals and sales promotions, here’s how you can do it on Qoo10 too. 

1. Today’s Sale

Under Today’s Sale, you will find two types of sales promotions for the day:

1) Time Sale


Time Sale items change every 6 hourly, and many of the items are heavily marked down, with discounts ranging from 50-90%! 

If you are interested in a Time Sale promo, do remember to take note of the time.

2) Daily Deal


Besides Time Sale, Qoo10 also offers Daily Deal, where you can take advantage of discounts throughout the entire day without any time restrictions.

2. Group Buy

Did you know that Qoo10 offers Group Buy too? 
To locate the Group Buy icon, just scroll down to the middle of the Qoo10 homepage.
  I am sure all Singaporeans are familiar with Group Buy, which is essentially collective buying  and a minimum number of buyers is required for the deal to be in effect.  

When the “Deal is On”, you can say hello to massive discounts!
I hope you have a better idea of how to navigate the Qoo10 website after reading this guide. I will be sharing more on how you can get the best deals and savings in my subsequent posts, so please stay tuned!
Now, it’s time to go shopping!!

As a finalist for Qoo10 Best Online Shopping Blog at the Singapore Blog Awards, I was given S$100 credits to go shopping on Qoo10. Thank you Qoo10!
After receiving the credits, I immediately went online to check out the Daily Deals. 
The first shop that caught my eye was G Lovely Shop.

G Lovely Shop is also a Bestseller in the Fashion category.

If you’re wondering why the interface looks somewhat different, that’s because I was using the Qoo10 Mobile App on my iPhone5, which I will share more about in my next few posts. 😉
Now, back to my purchases. Here’s what I bought from G Lovely Shop:

 
Thanks to the Daily Deal offer, there was a S$1 discount for every item that I purchased and the total bill for 5 items was only S$57.90, which works out to be less than S$12 a piece!
I have seen a number of these items selling on blogshops, and was absolutely thrilled that I could get them at a much lower price here on Qoo10.
G Lovely Shop also offers free normal shipping for purchases over S$50. I opted for registered mail instead, and the total shipping came up to just S$2.24 with the co-shipping discount, which I thought was very reasonable.
I was very impressed with the shipping too. My items were shipped out the very next day and they were delivered within 3-4 days.
I will be doing a review of these items in my next post, so do keep a lookout for it!
Meanwhile, you may also wish to check out more deals on Qoo10’s Facebook Page !
*******
If you like what you see on my blog, I would be very grateful if you could

&

2) Vote for me under the Qoo10 Best Online Shopping Blog Category here:
You can vote for me once everyday.  
Thank you for your support!

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My Favourite 60s Fashion Trends and Style Icons

June 8, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments
The 60s was an era of fashion revolution defined by a kaleidoscope of new and unprecedented fashion trends. Peter Pan collars, Mini skirts, shift and A-line dresses and bell bottom jeans were just some of the trends that broke the traditional mold and took the 60s by storm. 

The 60s also saw the emergence of evergreen style icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Jean Shrimpton, Twiggy and Jane Birkin. It is amazing how till today, designers, stylists and fashionistas still look up to these ladies for inspiration.

As a finalist for Levi’s Best Fashion Blog at the Singapore Blog Awards, I have to write about something or someone from the 60s who inspires me. In this post, I’m going to share some of my favourite 60s fashion trends and style icons, as well as my interpretation of these trends through my outfits.

Peter Pan Collars – this childlike trend associated with children’s storybooks was first introduced in the 60s and is probably the most replicated 60s trend today. It is not hard to see why this stylish, preppy chic trend has stood the test of time. Peter Pan Collars not only add a touch of femininity, grace and playfulness to a dress or top, but they also complement work shirts and blouses beautifully without compromising professionalism.

Credits: Vogue UK

Jean Shrimpton, widely dubbed as the first supermodel and also “The Face of the 60s” is one of my favourite style icons as I adore her classic, feminine style. She looks immaculate in this peter pan collar shirt and her demure, doll-like features complement the innocent charm of the peter pan collar perfectly.

Peter Pan collars aside, Jean Shrimpton also kickstarted the mini-skirt craze when she turned up in a white shift minidress at the 1965 Melbourne Cup and caused a furore with her never-ending legs.

Credits: Daily Telegraph, Australia



Just like peter pan collars, mini skirts have never gone out of style since. I, for one, have so many minidresses and skirts in my wardrobe, they’ve almost become a staple! Depending on the cut, style and length, the mini skirt can suit anyone!

Taking a cue from Jean Shrimpton, I incorporated both the peter pan collar and mini skirt in this outfit of mine. For a more timeless look, I went with a monochrome palette to balance out the cute appeal.

The pleated flared mini skirt lends movement and volume to the dress, while maintaining a sense of decorum. I also love how the lovely peter pan collar and intricate lace details add the finishing touch to the soft, feminine silhouette.

Dress from random shop in Singapore
Bag and shoes from Japanese Label Dip Drops
Beret hairband from Talisman

A simple dress like this is what I would usually wear during the weekend for tea with my girlfriends. In line with the 60s theme as well, this particular set of photos, courtesy of my photographer friend, KC Wong of TinyDot Photography, were taken at Tiong Bahru, a neighbourhood with well-preserved architecture from yesteryear. Did you know that the buildings here were designed to resemble cars, trains, ocean liners and planes with smooth aerodynamic lines and curves?

 
A-line Silhouettes and Shift Dresses, better known as the mod dresses, were a hit with the fashion savvy British of the mid 1960s, along with boyish hairstyles and waif like figures (think Twiggy!). With such a forgiving silhouette, it is so tempting and incredibly easy to swing back to the 60s to adopt this trend.
Twiggy, probably the most famous supermodel of that era, brought the mod dress to a whole new level with her high-fashion take on the A-line silhouette. Touted to be Jean Shrimpton’s successor, Twiggy broke all boundaries and catapulted to fame in the mid 60s with her boyish pixie haircut and androgynous figure. Needless to say, she is another one of my favourite style icons of the 60s.
The revival of the mod dress was especially prominent in this year’s Spring/Summer runway shows, with the A-line silhouette coming back in full force. Here are just some examples from the Spring/Summer 2013 collections of Jenny Packham, Charlotte Ronson and Moschino.
 Credits: Fashionising.com
Now, here’s my take on the mod dress. If you haven’t already noticed, I am a huge fan of vintage style and the 60s is a golden age where I draw a lot of my inspirations from, which is why I aim to retain that nostalgic factor whenever I style my outfits.
 

Blouse, pinafore and bag from Japanese label Dip Drops
Socks from Sydney
Pumps from Zara
Mustard beret hairband from Talisman
I love how airy and light the A-line plaid pinafore feels. The plaid pattern accentuates the alluring lines of the silhouette and exudes a preppy, schoolgirl vibe. For this outfit as well as the previous one, I updated the 60s look and gave it a breath of modernity with ankle socks and pumps.

Effortlessly chic and sexy, English actress and singer Jane Birkin is also the original Boho chick and a 60s style icon that I admire very much. Her signature look in the late 60s includes a white breezy top, bell bottom jeans and her trademark straw bag. 
With a surname like Birkin, it is not difficult to guess that the highly sought after Hermès Birkin bag was named after her. Jane Birkin carries her straw bag wherever she goes, from the 60s right up to the 80s, but it toppled one day and left her struggling to replace the contents when she placed it in the overhead compartment of a flight that she was on together with Hermès executive Jean-Louis Duma. When she opined that she couldn’t find a weekend leather bag of the right size, Duma designed the Birkin Bag just for her. 
 
 Jane Birkin’s 60s boho style is a breath of fresh air. I especially love her carefree spirit and energy. Oh, and who would have thought that a simple straw bag could go with anything and everything?
Her 60s boho chic style is an inspiration for many of my weekend outfits, which is why I  decided to show you two interpretations of this style. Both interpretations revolve around authentic vintage 60s pieces, denim jeans, straw bags as well as photography locations that hold many memories of Singapore in the past.

My first interpretation is similar to what Jane Birkin wears when she’s out at sea – a feminine lace top paired with jeans and a straw bag. 
Denim jeans are a staple not just for Jane Birkin, but for many of us as well. Hence, my Levi’s jeans took centrestage in this outfit post. Paired with a lacy batwing top, floral crown, comfy wedges and a vintage Aigner straw bag, I was all prepared to relax with the wind caressing my face at the balcony of my Fullerton Hotel room. These photos were taken at the beautifully restored Fullerton Hotel, which served as a government office in the 60s.

Jeans from Levi’s
Lace top from Hong Kong
Floral crown from Sydney Glebe Markets
Platform wedges from random store in Singapore
Vintage Aigner Straw Bag from Dustbunny Vintage

 

My second interpretation features a vintage bell bottoms jumpsuit from Dustbunny Vintage. The ruffle tube top and straw apple wristlet add a playful, whimsical charm to the entire ensemble. It’s the perfect outfit for a day out at the Botanic Gardens.

Denim jumpsuit from Dustbunny Vintage
Straw apple wristlet from Kate Spade
Ruffle hairband (gift from my girlfriend)
The bold psychedelic prints of the 60s have also made a dramatic comeback in the Spring/Summer 2013 collections of Moschino, PPQ and Versus. There was an explosion of geometric prints, whimsical hearts and paisley prints in vibrant hues all over the runway. Flower Power is back with a vengeance!   
Credits: Fashionising.com

To complete the flower power style, a bouffant hairstyle is the best option. Here’s my spin on what this style entails.
If you find bold primary colours and graphic prints too daring for your lliking, you can always opt for feminine floral prints in bright shades of pink, like this vintage 60s number from Dustbunny Vintage. To finish the look, I put on a wig to achieve that tousled, bouffant hairdo. Now, I can strut off to an evening function or a dinner party! 
If I were back in the 60s or off to a 60s themed party, I would also throw on a few plastic bangles and a dash of red lipstick!
Flower Power Vintage 60s dress from Dustbunny Vintage
Wig from Girlhairdo

Out of these four 60s fashion trends, which do you like the most? Are your outfits inspired by any of these trends?

I hope you enjoyed this post as well as my interpretations of the 60s fashion trends! 
If you like what you see on my blog, 

&

2) Vote for me under the Levi’s Best Fashion Blog Category here:
 You can vote for me once everyday. 
Thank you!
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The Beauty of Tiffany Blue Hues and Sweetheart Necklines

June 5, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments
Tiffany Blue is a shade of blue that is synonymous with a brand that every lady loves – Tiffany & Co., of course. 

The trademark blue box in robin egg blue never fails to delight and brighten up anyone’s day.

Similarly, when a dress is made in the very shade that everyone adores, its allure and popularity soars. Instead of the typical black or jewel shade dresses, which are a dime and dozen at functions and dinner parties, why not go for an eye-catching tiffany blue dress, like this one from ClubCouture?

Tiffany Strapless Dress from ClubCouture
Clutch from Forever New
Accessories from Korea
Put a gorgeous Tiffany blue hue with a gorgeous Grecian style maxi dress, and there, you have the perfect dress to put you at the centre of attention.
  
The sweetheart neckline highlights the soft, gentle curves of the female silhouette as it gives the illusion that it is covering less when it is actually covering more. 
Choosing the right accessories to complement the sweetheart neckline is of utmost importance as it can make or break the look. With a neckline like this, simplicity is the best policy and I would usually go without accessories. 
But if you intend to amp up the glam factor for an evening function, I would suggest a simple drop necklace that draws attention to the beauty of the neckline in a subtle and elegant manner.
 Alternatively, we could take a cue from the lovely Kate Hudson by giving the sweetheart necklace all the limelight and dressing up the ensemble with a pair of exquisite chandelier earrings instead.

 
  Which look do you prefer?
Regardless of your choice,anyone would be a stunner in a dress like this. 🙂
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Mad Men Swinging Sixties Outfit & OMY Singapore Blog Awards 2013

June 1, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments

Femininity, grace and decorum. These three words pretty much sum up what the Mad Men style, or 60s style, is all about. Characterized by a ladylike aesthetic and restraint, the razor sharp tailoring and polished silhouettes are unrivaled in this day and age, which is why designs conceived during the 60s often remain timeless classics that never go out of style.
A distinctive feature of the dresses that belong to that era is the A-line skirt with a fitted waist. I love it because it flatters most body types, given its unique ability to accentuate your curves while camouflaging unsightly bulges. No wonder everyone is so smitten with the dresses on Mad Men.

If you love vintage dresses as much as I do, you have to visit Dustbunny Vintage. Of late, I also spotted a couple of vintage-inspired dresses at high street fashion brand, Miss Selfridge and to say that I have been obsessed with its collection of sweet, girly apparel is probably a huge understatement.

One of the sweetest vintage inspired dresses that I bagged from Miss Selfridge recently is this gorgeous mint number sprinkled with pink flowers. Unlike its vintage counterparts which usually extend beyond knee length, this pretty little dress is shorter and thus more current.

Dress from Miss Selfridge
Carla Pumps from Salvatore Ferragamo
I especially adore the smaller cutting that Miss Selfridge offers, which caters to petite girls. I can find clothes in UK Size 4 over here and they fit me perfectly without any alteration.

Do you remember my earlier post on my Alice in Wonderland book clutch by MyJotterBook? Well, here’s another book clutch that I got from them. This, in my opinion, is my best buy as its aged appearance gives it character and enhances its versatility. Wardrobe decisions are a breeze as it goes with practically everything.

Lolita Book Clutch from MyJotterBook
Vintage inspired ring from Diva

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OMY Singapore Blog Awards 2013


I’ve always been a fan of 60s fashion, and coincidentally, the 60s is also the theme for OMY’s Singapore Blog Awards 2013. 🙂

I registered my blog for 4 categories this year, and was pleasantly surprised to be nominated as a finalist for 2 categories!

1) Levi’s Best Fashion Blog (Main Category)

2) Qoo10 Best Online Shopping Blog

I would like to thank each and every one of you for reading my humble blog throughout the years. I feel really honoured that my efforts and contributions in this little space of mine has been recognized, but more importantly, I’m extremely appreciative of readers like you who have been showing your support through encouraging emails and facebook messages. Without you, I wouldn’t have had the tenacity and resilience to keep this blog going for such a long time. 🙂

I hope that you will continue to support Shopping Queen’s Haven (Regina Chow) by voting for me at the Singapore Blog Awards. Voting contributes to 30% of my total score, while the remaining 70% will depend on how impressed the judges are with my blog.

In line with the 60s theme and the 2 categories that I’ve been nominated for, you will be seeing more shopping and fashion posts in the coming weeks as well!

To vote, just register at http://sgblogawards.omy.sg/2013/register/

 You can vote for me once everyday under both categories! 

Thank you once again for your support!


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Positively Teal: Ovarian Cancer Media Event

May 28, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments
I was invited to the Positively Teal media event recently at the Canele branch at Plaza Singapura. 

The aim of the
Positively Teal initiative is to generate awareness of ovarian cancer as well
as to encourage women to be more aware of the symptoms. 


Did
you know that Ovarian Cancer is the 5th most common type of cancer in
Singapore? It is also the deadliest gynecological cancer among
Singaporean women. 
In fact, 1 in 80 women faces ovarian cancer in their lifetime. 

The panel discussion with Dr Timothy Lim, media personality Ms Diana Ser, cancer survivor Ms Pauline Ng, and former radio personality Ms Desiree Lai, provided more information on early detection, high risk groups, and the treatment of ovarian cancer.

 

To remember the symptoms of ovarian cancer, all you have to do is remember the word TEAL (also the international colour for ovarian cancer):
Toilet habits changing
Energy levels decreasing
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Many of us are likely to be stricken with one or more of these symptoms at
some point in our lives as these are very common ailments, but if you have experienced most or all of the
symptoms, it is advisable that you go for a thorough check-up. 

Remember, early detection is
important to increase the chances of survival!

Cancer survivor Ms Pauline Ng was brimming with optimism and the positive vibes that she gave off made her an inspiration to everyone present.

All the participants were also treated to a feast, complete with teal macarons and delicious finger food like mini burgers, bite-sized sandwiches and lovely chocolate cakes, all courtesy of Canele!

It
is always important to stay in the pink of health, especially in a fast
paced environment like ours, which is why I think it is wonderful that
health organisations are stepping up their efforts to increase awareness
of diseases so that we can stay vigilant at all times!
Everyone ought to know more about ovarian cancer and early signs, so share the love with all your friends and family! 
For more information on ovarian cancer, you can also participate in the following events:

Date Event Organiser Details
28 May (Tue) Mini Carnival KKH Time: 10 am – 3 pm
Venue: KKH, Level 1, Women’s Tower Podium
31 May (Fri) Teal Day Mini Carnival NUH, NCIS Time: 11am – 2pm
Venue: NUH Main Building Lobby B
2 Jun (Sun) Public Forum KKH Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm (Registration starts at 10.30am)
Venue: KKH Auditorium (Training Centre), Level 1, Women’s Tower
8 Jun (Sat) Combined Public Forum SCS, KKH, NUH, NCIS, NCC, SGH English Session : 10am – 1pm
Mandarin Session: 2pm – 4pm
Venue: Singapore Polytechnic Convention Hall (Near Dover MRT, East-West line)Click here for more information and to register.
8 & 9 Jun (Sat/Sun) Macaron Workshop NUH, NCIS Morning Session: 10.30am – 1.30pm
Afternoon Session: 3.00pm – 6.00pm
Venue: ToTT Store, Studio 2, 896 Dunearn Road 01-01A, S(589472)
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Hunter Valley Gardens

May 27, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments
We woke up to a splendid morning with azure blue skies and a blanket of huge, fluffy clouds. The clouds looked deceivingly 3-dimensional, and for just a split second, I actually contemplated reaching out my arms to touch them.
The plan for the day was to visit Hunter Valley Gardens, home to 10 feature gardens spanning over 25 acres. We love taking long walks in the park and admiring the glorious blooms while taking in the alluring scents and captivating sights. Flowers are natural mood lifters and we felt instantly refreshed. 


One garden that I particularly liked was the Formal Garden. Infused with French and English influences, this magnificent garden features beautifully manicured hedges and lawns. It brought back fond memories of our travels in Europe, where we used to spend at least a month out of the entire year in our favourite continent. 
Wanderlust is an incurable addiction, and as I am penning this post, I am reminiscing about Versailles in Paris, Eagle’s Nest in Austria, Sagrada Familia in Spain and Cesky Krumlov in Czech Republic. There are many parts of Europe left unexplored, and I hope to return soon to visit Switzerland and Greece.

Daydreams aside, I remember it was an absolute joy to be surrounded by abundant flowers, shrubs and trees. The picturesque gardens make spectacular photography backdrops, but nothing beats being there in real life.

This trail of poppies was a hot favourite among avid photographers, who stood there for what seemed like an eternity, trying to perfect each and every shot. As you can tell, I was more interested in using the lovely poppies as my backdrop haha.

The Rose Garden was probably where I belonged that day. My outfit was completely unplanned and coincidentally, the rose on my sleeve is just as huge as the real roses in the garden!
Cherry Blossoms are a familiar sight in Australia in Spring too. I remember the road leading up to my apartment was lined with glorious cherry blossoms from September all the way till about early November. Ah, the perks of living in a country with four seasons.
I am infatuated with dandelions too. I know they are pests, but I would marvel at these fuzzy, cottony plants with childlike wonder without fail, every time. I love blowing on them, seeing the little seeds take flight and parachute to the ground.

Before I entered Hunter Valley Gardens, I heard about its Storybook Garden, where you’ll find characters from Alice in Wonderland and other fairytales as well as nursery rhymes. That piqued my curiosity and the long walk through the other feature gardens only served to build up my excitement as I waited eagerly in anticipation for the storybook characters to be unveiled.

A huge storybook stood with its pages open, marking the entrance of the garden.

On the other end
of the entrance sat a pile of equally ginormous books stacked carelessly
in a haphazard fashion, one on top of the other. Cuteness overload!

The childlike spirit in us manifested as we hopped from one nursery rhyme display to another, with silly smiles plastered on our faces, completely oblivious to our surroundings.

Humpty Dumpty was the most popular display and it was perpetually surrounded with children attempting to climb on top of its egg of a head. LOL.

I loved the Jack and Jill display as I thought it captured the essence of the nursery rhyme. The expressions on the statues’ faces are priceless!

Hey diddle diddle,
The Cat and the fiddle,
The Cow jumped over the moon,
The little Dog laughed to see such sport,
And the Dish ran away with the Spoon.

 JW really looks like he’s running away with the dish and the spoon! Can you see the spoon looking at him with adoring eyes? Haha

Finally, here’s the Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter’s Tea Party that I was so looking forward to!

 Can you spot me?

There we were, playing the fool and pretending to bite into the rock hard chocolate cake! It was quite a surreal experience to be a guest at this fairytale tea party. 😉

Words can’t express how much I love the set, so if you are a fan of Alice in Wonderland (like me!), remember to visit this garden when you’re Hunter Valley!

Top from MDS
Jeans from Mango
Shoes from Rubi
Bag from Louis Vuitton
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Hunter Valley – An Unforgettable Stay

May 26, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments
Time flies. Within the blink of an eye, JW and I have been back in Singapore for quite a while now. We’ve been so caught up with work and family commitments that it took a while for us to realize that we’ve left Australia for 6 months. It’s strange though, because it feels like we were just there yesterday.
Looking back at the photos taken in Australia inevitably brings back lovely memories and a sense of longing for the relaxed, idyllic lifestyle which we once enjoyed. If you would like to read more about what I did last year in Australia, click here.
We had several short getaways while we were in Australia, but our stay at Hunter Valley was by far the most unforgettable.
 
We stayed at the Leisure Inn Polkobin, which was enshrouded in lush greenery and serenity. I absolutely loved waking up to this beautiful view everyday.  
The cozy decor of our one bedroom house made us feel right at home. I can’t quite explain it, but there was something about the sense of tranquility here that made us feel unbridled and carefree.
In fact, JW loved this place so much, he kept telling me he wanted to buy it. LOL
We decided to take it slow on our first day at Hunter Valley, and having a leisurely lunch at highly acclaimed restaurant, Amanda’s on the Edge, was the perfect way to start the day.

Amanda’s on the Edge is a quaint fine dining restaurant perched atop a hill overlooking sprawling vineyards and a luscious green garden. Just look at the surroundings! I couldn’t resist taking some outfit shots here.

 

 We were the first to arrive that day and had the whole restaurant to ourselves!

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. I don’t know what the Romans do these days, but when in Hunter Valley, you have to order wine. 😉 Moscato for me, and red wine for JW.
I had prawn linguine, which was cooked to perfection with fresh herbs and juicy, succulent prawns. A squeeze of lemon was all it took to complete the dish.
JW had the eye fillet steak topped with a generous cube of creamy herb-infused butter. Tender and oozing with juicy goodness, it was nothing short of wonderful.

Besides a smorgasbord of appetizers and main courses that will certainly tantalize your taste buds, Amanda’s on the Edge also offers a delectable selection of the finest desserts, so be sure to leave some room for them!
 We went with the Hot Chocolate Fudge Brownie with Tiramisu ice-cream, which was highly recommended by the server. We loved the rich, dark chocolate flavour of the brownie, coupled with its delightfully crunchy texture. The tiramisu ice-cream complemented the brownie very well and lent an interesting dimension to the dessert.
Both of us have a soft spot for creme brulee, so whenever we chance upon it on a dessert menu, we have to order it. We are hopelessly drawn to the gorgeous, caramelized sugar crust, just like bees are to honey. 
It is hard to go wrong with creme brulee, and I love breaking the tortoiseshell sugar disc on top to reveal the rich, smooth cream that’s waiting to ooze into my spoon. Yummy!
At the end of the meal, JW was almost drunk. He has a terribly low tolerance for alcohol and almost always ends up talking at the top of his voice after drinking a glass of wine. Yes, one glass is all it takes.

To save us from embarrassment, we politely asked for the bill and left. LOL

After a short nap, it was time to indulge in a cheese platter with drinks while we catch the glorious sunset and wind down for the day. 

No prizes for guessing who had coffee this time. 😉

Isn’t it beautiful? Bliss is being able to enjoy these quiet moments at sunset with your loved one. 🙂

More on Hunter Valley Gardens, cheese factory tours and wine tours in a bit!

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My Jotter Book: Alice in Wonderland Book Clutch

May 22, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments

Have you ever lusted after the lovely book clutches by talented designer Olympia Le-Tan?  I love browsing net-a-porter’s website and have been tempted on many occasions by the outstanding designs. Thankfully for my wallet, the practical side of me has thus far triumphed over my impulsive, shopaholic side.

 I love big, roomy bags, which is why I hardly purchase clutches that can fit nothing else other than a mobile phone and some cards, unless of course, they are reasonably priced. 

Then one fine day, when I was reading Karen’s blog, I found out about this wonderful site called My Jotter Book that stocks gorgeous book clutches at pocket friendly prices!   

I couldn’t resist buying a couple of them at a go, and at just S$89.90 a pop for an exclusive, well-made clutch, it is not hard to see why. In this post, you will see the first book clutch that I decided to bring out with me for tea at Loysel’s Toy. It had to be the whimsical Alice in Wonderland clutch.

Alice in Wonderland Book Clutch from My Jotter Book

Accessories from Accessorize (what a mouthful!)

 The clutch bag is roomier than I thought. It fits my mobile phone, cards and cash, along with necessities such as my eyedrops, falsies glue, lipgloss, among other knick knacks!

Unfortunately, the Alice in Wonderland clutch is currently sold out, but you’ll be happy to know that the lovely girls at My Jotter Book have opened up a backorder till 26 May for this here .

I like these book clutches so much that I’ve been using them during the weekends. They’re the perfect accessory to any outfit and match my vintage dresses beautifully.
You will be seeing other book clutches in my outfit posts soon, so do keep a lookout for them! 😉

Vintage Blue Ruffle Dress from Dustbunny Vintage
Disclaimer: This is not a paid advertorial or sponsored review. 🙂

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Power Over Cervical Cancer Campaign

May 20, 2013 by Regina Chow No Comments
Cervical Cancer is one of the most common cancers that Singaporean women are afflicted with, and what is frightening about this disease is that there can be few or no symptoms at the early stages of cervical cancer, making it difficult to detect.
In the later stage of cervical cancer, symptoms could include:
1) Abnormal bleeding inbetween periods
2) Abnormal bleeding after menopause
3) Abnormal bleeding during intercourse
4) Watery or Bloody Vaginal Discharge
5) Lower Abdominal Pain during Intercourse
Cervical cancer is a disease in which cells in the cervix grow abnormally and almost all cervical cancers are caused by a virus called HPV, a common virus that is typically spread through sexual activity. It is estimated that at least 80% of all women will get infected by HPV at least once in their lifetime. In the event that our body is unable to clear the virus and the HPV stays in our cervix, there is potential that it would become cervical cancer.
In line with this year’s Power Over Cervical Cancer campaign,there is a Power to Challenge initiative that everyone can participate in to drive awareness for cervical cancer!
 
Follow the 3 simple steps below and stand to win great prizes when you qualify for the grand lucky draw dip for the POWER TO CHALLENGE!

Step 1
Register online at http://goo.gl/woANJ or get your Challenge cards at the Participating Merchant stores.

Step 2
Complete at least 4 of the tasks and receive a stamp of completion from the participating merchants. Check out merchant deals at http://goo.gl/U7sHs

Step 3
Drop off your completed Challenge cards on May 26 at Power to Enjoy Retail Therapy Event at SCAPE warehouse before 5pm or mail back the completed Challenge Card to 112 Lavender street, Far East Refrigeration Building #03-02 by the 20 May 2013 to qualify for the Grand Lucky Draw.

The Grand Lucky Draw will be held during Power to Enjoy Retail Therapy on the May 26 at SCAPE warehouse.

Here are more details of the event on May 26:
Join now and have fun! Learn more about cervical cancer today!
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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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