Pants from Topshop
Jacket from BYSI
Leatherette Crop Top from MDS 
Cuff from Diva

I was initially a little reluctant to experiment with two of the most popular trends right now, namely the print-on-print trend and the crop top trend. Reason being, both trends can be rather tricky to pull off. You could risk looking totally uncoordinated with the print-on-print trend and you will look really skanky if you bare too much of your midriff with the crop top trend.

Having said that, I have to admit that both trends are fun to play with and absolutely fashion forward.  In this look, which I wore to the Audi Fashion Festival After-Party, I attempted to combine both trends based on a couple of tips that I read about:

1) Play with proportion and match your crop top with high waist bottoms to expose just a silver of skin.

2)  Throw on a blazer to cover your shoulders if you still think it’s too revealing.

3) When matching two prints with similar patterns, make sure that only 1 is graphic while the other is more tame. 

In this case for instance, the busy-ness of the prints on my white-based jacket is played down by the bolder prints on my black pants. I particularly love how the solid white crop top unified the clashing prints and pulled the whole look together. Instead of my usual curls, I kept my hair straight and neatly tied up in a side ponytail to balance out the prints and keep humidity at bay too.
 
When two worlds collide and synergies are harnessed, the results are pretty amazing, isn’t it? Hope you like this look as much as I do.

Have a great weekend! I was supposed to head to Bangkok this weekend, but the recent coup declaration has foiled my plans. Talk about bad timing!

Some of you may have noticed that I have started a new series of posts titled “Fashion Fridays” on my blog. By dedicating Fridays to fashion on my blog, I aim to bring you an OOTD (outfit of the day) or fashion-related post every Friday from now on. That said, I will still be posting OOTDs throughout the course of the week if time permits.

This bold kitschy poufy dress is the highlight of my OOTD post today. I was a little skeptical when I first saw it on the rack, but the moment I put it on, it completely blew me away. I was surprised that the unexpected combination of vibrant colours, fruits and stripes actually works!

The poufy structure of the dress exudes a unmistakable vintage vibe which really sealed the deal for me. On the other hand, the midi length and fun prints give it a contemporary twist and make it right on trend.

I might be able to take preorders for this dress, so if you are keen, please drop me an e-mail at regina.chow@gmail.com. This comes in two sizes, size M (fits UK 6-8) and L (fits UK 10-12). The cutting is smaller than usual, hence I’m wearing a size M.  

Price: S$59.90

Shoes from Charlotte Olympia

Bag from Kate Spade

Hope you had a great weekend and here’s wishing everyone a wonderful week ahead!

I have been wearing a lot of shorts during the weekend as they seem to be the only logical choice given our hot and humid weather lately. 

On days when I prefer to look a little more groomed and dressed up, I would turn to tiered lacy shorts, such as the one I wore in this series of photos.

What’s remarkable about these shorts is that it gives you the illusion that I’m wearing a dress. I personally think that this crochet top from MySpringFling is the perfect match for these shorts to channel a vintage boho chic vibe. A dainty gold hair band and a vintage tapestry bag which I got from a flea market in Sydney were all I needed to complete the look.

As you can probably tell from my recent posts, I have been wearing my Sophia Webster Electra heels really often these days as I feel that they add a distinctive edge to any outfit. Juxtaposed against the sweet ensemble that I put together, these heels instantly lend a touch of edginess to the overall look.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures! Have a great weekend ahead!

I attended the launch of Sophia Webster’s “Supa Dupa Fly” Spring Summer 2014 collection at On Pedder recently, where I got the opportunity to meet the designer herself. I have been eyeing Sophia Webster’s covetable designs ever since she launched her first collection, so you can only imagine how excited I was to finally meet her in person!

She
is such a warm, friendly and affable lady. Despite being five months
pregnant at the time of her visit, she was a picture of radiance in her
playful monochromatic ensemble. 

Pardon my goofy smile here. We were laughing about how difficult it was to find a suitable spot for her autograph because of the limited space on the soles. And if you were wondering, yes, that pair of gorgeous butterfly-inspired gladiator heels are now mine.

You would probably have seen a close-up shot of my beautiful Electra heels if you follow me on my instagram account (@reginachow_sg).

I put them on the very next day for a day out with my hubby and it was such a breeze to walk in. The heels may appear reed thin, but they are by far one of the most stable and comfortable pair of heels that I have in my wardrobe.

 

The “Supa Dupa Fly” collection
is inspired by insects such as butterflies and beetles, and it is amazing how Sophia Webster transforms something as unexpected as
butterfly wings or beetle wings into delectable statement heels that are
instant conversation starters.

In fact, every pair of Sophia Webster shoes creates a fashion statement and takes you to a fairytale world, where everything is sweet, pretty and nice. Think fluttering butterflies, candy floss colors and polka dots. If you love shoes that embrace femininity with a touch of quirkiness, you’ll fall head over heels in love with Sophia Webster.

The whimsical style of Sophia
Webster’s’ first collection in SS2013 immediately captured the hearts of many
and won her the British Fashion Awards for Emerging Accessories
Designer. The former design assistant to Nicholas Kirkwood may be a new kid on the block, but she has already garnered an impressive celebrity following, from the likes of Rihanna, Angelababy, Sarah Jessica Parker and Chloe Moretz.

Rihanna in Sophia Webster (credits:Cosmopolitan)

 

Sarah Jessica Parker in Sophia Webster (credits: Vogue)

 

Chloe Moretz in Sophia Webster (credits: Coolspotters)

Here are some of my favourites from the “Supa Dupa Fly” collection:

The future certainly looks
bright for Sophia Webster. She is always full of surprises and I
honestly can’t wait to see what is up her sleeve next! 

Pastel shades are my favourite colours, but primary colours (think red, blue, yellow) would definitely come in a close second if this was a competition. Bold, eye-catching and absolutely summery, primary colours ensure that you stand out from the crowd. These lovely hues are perfect for summer and would easily brighten up your day.

There are so many ways to wear these colours. Colour blocking with a basic top, bottom and jacket would perhaps be the most effortless way to style primary colours. If you are feeling edgy, go for loud prints and a pair of fierce looking heels in primary colours. Alternatively,  mix it up a little and incorporate some secondary colours too! 

In this outfit post, what you’ll see is a mish mesh of colours, including secondary colours like orange and pink.  I know, one of the rules in fashion is to stick to just 3 colours, but sometimes, rules are meant to be broken and I couldn’t resist these beautiful kaleidoscope of colours (not to mention those pop-up 3D flowers on my blouse that resemble sakuras!). 

To a large extent, the white base was the key to pulling the look together by creating a sense of balance.

If you follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg), you would probably have gotten a preview of my new pair of electric blue shoes from Zara. 

 

I personally think that blue is the new black as it jazzes up an ensemble instantly and is versatile enough to be paired with both monochromatic tones and bright, bold hues.

If you were wondering, I bought this top and skirt set from a random shop near my office. I look like I’m wearing a dress when I wear the full set, and what I love most about sets like these is the flexibility of mixing and matching the pieces separately. You get a lot of mileage as you can easily create different looks. The possibilities are endless!

Credits: Dramafever

I don’t usually keep up with the latest Korean dramas but everyone’s fascination with popular Korean drama series “You Who Came From The Stars” really piqued my interest. Why was everyone talking about this drama and what was all the hype about? 

My curiosity got the better of me eventually and it didn’t take long before I jumped on to the bandwagon. To be completely honest, what got me started on this drama was Jun Ji Hyun’s designer clothes and fashion style, which I have read and heard so much about from magazines and newspapers. Fashion aside, the witty dialogues and chemistry between Jun Ji Hyun and Kim Soo Hyun kept me glued, which really surprised me because most Korean dramas are unable to sustain my interest. To cut a long story short, the drama took me through a whirlwind of emotions and I was constantly entertained. I was laughing uncontrollably at one point and at the next moment, tears would be welling up in my eyes as the ill-fated star-crossed lovers (pun intended) looked into each other’s eyes and wept.

Anyway, before I digress any further, the real purpose of this post is to share the effortlessly stylish outfits donned by lead actress Jun Ji Hyun in her role as Cheon Song Ee. 

Here are some of my favourite ensembles from the drama series. I have also included the links below, in case you’re tempted enough to purchase them!

Gucci

Gucci Silk Beach Ball Print Pleated Dress

I love the beach ball prints which exude a quirky vintage vibe that will never go out of style. The modest length also makes it a versatile piece for both work and play

 

Gucci Kimono Silk Cady Jumpsuit

In this show, even her pajamas look chic enough to be worn out on to the streets! I love the kimono sleeves of this jumpsuit. Although it does resemble comfy pajamas, all you have to do is add a dose of statement accessories and some edgy heels to take this outfit from home to tea with the girls.

Valentino

 I wasn’t able to locate this dress and headband set from the Valentino website, hence I assume that it is not up for sale under the ready-to-wear section yet. 

I absolutely adore this cute ensemble from Valentino’s Spring/Summer 2014 Collection. The medieval prints and studded headband bring out an old world charm while the contemporary silhouette retains a sense of modernity, making it wearable for all occasions.

 DSquared2

I couldn’t take my eyes off Jun Ji Hyun when I saw her wearing this shirt and skirt ensemble from Dsquared2. What I like about this shirt is its tailoring. It may look somewhat manly, but just look at how flattering the cut is on Jun Ji Hyun. A white shirt is a wardrobe staple, but it takes time to find “the one”. Thankfully for Jun Ji Hyun, I think she has found the perfect white shirt.

 

Dsquared2 Ubaldo Shirt

Dsquared2 Wool Skirt

Being a fan of vintage clothes makes me more attuned to apparels that give off an unmistakable vintage vibe. That was what attracted me to this well-tailored wool skirt from Dsquared2 which is so on trend. The structured silhouette of the wool midi skirt also makes it the perfect complement to the Ubaldo shirt as it adds a touch of femininity without being overly girly.

D&G is one of my favourite designers. The designs are distinctly feminine, with fresh interpretations of vintage elements such as baroque prints and 50s-style tailoring.

This is one of my favourite 2-piece sets in the drama series as I can totally see myself wearing this gorgeous ensemble. If you have been reading my blog for a while, I guess it wouldn’t come as  a surprise that I am a huge fan of baroque prints and lace.

D&G Silicia Print Boxy Top

This adorable floral print dress is another piece that I would add to my wardrobe if I had the chance. It looks completely ordinary when you view it on the website, but when worn (as seen on Jun Ji Hyun), you will realise that its uniqueness lie in the flutter sleeves and the overall vintage vibe that it exudes. This ultra feminine dress is simply perfect for weekend dates or shopping with the girls.

Burberry 

Credits: Beatuscorner.com

I love dresses with an element of surprise. In this case, the surprise comes in the form of a back bow that drapes over the back like an elegant gift. Simple yet sophisticated, this is yet another classic that will stand the test of time.

Which is your favourite outfit? Frankly, these are so many other outfits from this drama series that deserve to be mentioned. All I did was to narrow down to a couple of my personal favourites to whet your appetite, so if you love fashion as much as I do and you have yet to catch “You Who Came From The Stars”, perhaps it’s about time you do so!

When I was planning for my wedding 5 years ago, it took me a while to find the perfect shoes to go with my bridal and evening gowns. I wish someone had told me about Sinderella, a shoe boutique located at Delfi Orchard (#03-04) that customizes wedding shoes and glitzy evening shoes. That would have saved me a lot of trouble!

Well, it’s better late than never because I realized recently that Sinderella customizes work heels and heels for special occasions too. If you want to stand out from the crowd and add a dash of individuality to your work ensembles or dinner party outfits, Sinderella could very well help you to achieve your objectives.

I already had an idea of what type of work heels I wanted when Sinderella kindly invited me to their shopfront to get a pair of work heels customized. A simple pair of pumps in a solid colour would be perfect. 

However, my heart literally skipped a beat when I saw the dazzling array of glamorous heels in a myriad of designs and colours as I simply couldn’t take my eyes off those with feminine lace and gem embellishments.  

I will show you my customized shoes nearer the end of the post, but meanwhile, let me share a little about how you can go about customizing the heels of your dreams.

 The designs here are all ready-made, but modifications such as the heel height, type of heel, embellishments, material and colour can be done to tailor to every customer’s needs.

 

I generally prefer covered pumps for work and functions because I feel that they look more formal and presentable. At Sinderella, you can choose between pointy pumps or round toe pumps.

Pointy pumps are excellent for elongating your legs but as I have bunions since birth, I personally find round-toe pumps more comfortable. I fell in love with the Gisele Pumps the moment I laid my eyes on them.

 Peep-toe and open-toe heels are great for showing off your beautifully pedicured feet. I love to wear strappy open-toe heels for evening functions and dinners as they go really well with gowns and cocktail dresses.

Step 2: Choose the Material and Colour

Besides the typical bridal colours such as ivory, off-white, beige and silver, Sinderella also offers more than 100 choices of colours and materials for you to take your pick from. 

I particularly love colours like silver and gold because they can complement most colours, but if you prefer eye-catching shades like fuschia or sky blue to match your evening gown or outfit, these are readily available too.

Step 3: Choose your Embellishments

Trust me when I say you’ll be spoilt for choice, especially when it comes to embellishments. Add that extra sparkle to your evening shoes with a little bling in all shapes, designs and sizes.

For an elegant bridal day look, you can also add subtle lace or crystal details to your shoes. Bridal shoes aside, these details would go beautifully with a pair of work heels too.

If you like bows and flowers, I am sure you will be drawn to Sinderella’s collection of delicate bows and floral embellishments.

As I was browsing through the wide variety of choices, I also came across these swarovski crystal heel rings. Heel rings look just like the rings that we wear on our fingers, except that they are meant to dress up your heels instead. All you have to do is to slot the rings into the heels of your shoes. It is removable and thus gives you the option of varying your looks. I especially love the versatility of this accessory as you can easily take your shoes from day to night by adding a touch of bling.

As mentioned earlier, I fell in love with the Gisele Pumps hence my original plans to customize a simple pair of work heels got derailed. I decided to customize this design in a shade of champagne gold as it would complement most of my outfits anyway and I could easily pair it with both my casual dresses for weekend catch-ups with the girls and formal outfits for work functions. For added height without compromising on comfort, I eventually chose thicker 4 inch heels and built-in platforms.

It took about 3-4 weeks for my customized heels to arrive, so if you are planning to customize a pair for your wedding or a special occasion, do remember to plan ahead!

Every pair of customized heels comes in a transparent Sinderella shoe box with a handle at the top, which makes it very convenient for you to carry around should you wish to change out of your shoes for photo shoots or events.

Finally, here are some photos of my gorgeous customized Gisele Pumps.

I wore it out immediately the next day for lunch with my hubby and he had nothing but praises for this beautiful pair of heels.

*****

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I usually post casual weekend outfits because I don’t have the luxury of time on weekdays to document my work outfits. But I figured it’s probably about time I ventured beyond casual wear and share more work outfits, since we spend most of our waking hours at work and being able to look professional in such a hot and humid climate is one of the greatest challenges faced by corporate executives in Singapore.

Pencil dresses with structured silhouettes are my work wear staples. Truth be told, I have never considered bodycon dresses work appropriate because they are far too figure-hugging. Little did I realize that it is actually possible to turn a bodycon dress into a work wear staple.

The easiest option is to throw on a blazer, but layering in this heat is hardly a good idea especially if you take the public transport. Choosing a bodycon dress with the right cutting, print and length would probably be more ideal in our situation.

To balance out the form-fitting silhouette and transform it into a modest work piece, go for a bodycon dress that has longer sleeves (instead of the sleeveless ones that show off more skin) and length (ideally, a midi length would be great). Such dresses look amazing in solid colours as they form the perfect canvas for accessorizing with statement necklaces and you will be surprised by just how elegant the overall look is. However, if you
are feeling more adventurous, go all out with prints. 

Prints can be a
little too gaudy for work but it is acceptable as long as you stick to a
monochromatic colour palette. This dress from Topshop totally fits the bill. 3/4 sleeves, midi length and bold monochromatic prints – you get the idea. What I love about printed dresses is that it saves you the hassle of having to accessorize, which is great given that we don’t have much time to doll up before leaving the house during the rush hour.

To pull the look together, a pair of pumps always does the trick. Covered toe shoe always look more professional, even if you always get your pedicures done. 

I would usually have reached out for a pair of black pumps to complement a dress like this, but I thought these electric blue pointy pumps added a pop of colour and interest to the whole ensemble. It also helps that these are wedges and a lot more comfortable to walk in than stiletto heels.In fact, this is probably the best type of work shoes for rushing into trains and chasing after buses!

Dress from Topshop

Shoes from Pazzion

Bag from Chanel

Cuff from Hermes

Hopefully this post gave you some inspiration on how you can transform bodycon dresses into work appropriate pieces. I hope to post more work outfits in time to come, if time permits, so do keep a lookout for them! 

When we think about Korean style make-up, images of flawless, dewy complexion and barely there make-up always come to mind. If your complexion is less than perfect, which is the case for most of us, you can easily achieve the no make-up look with Laneige! 

While I only use sunblock on my skin on most days, there are times when my skin needs that extra boost and that’s when Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion comes to the rescue. It gives my skin a radiant, healthy glow immediately upon application. The effect is so natural, I look like I was born with naturally flawless skin. If you are interested, you can also read more about my review on BB cushion here.

Eyeliner is one of my make-up staples and if you follow Korean make-up trends, a common way of eyeliner application is to extend the eyeliner and wing it out so your eyes look bigger and more elongated. I personally love this style of eyeliner application as it really opens up my eyes.

I usually use black or brown eyeliner, but whenever I feel a little more adventurous, I would turn to Laneige ArtPlay Waterproof Eyeliner in Deep Green and Forest Green. It is dual sided, which gives you the flexibility to transform your look from day to night with the flick of an eyeliner. I have come to realize that green is actually a really versatile colour too.

When the rest of your face is fresh and nude, all it takes is a bold lip to brighten up your face. Orange lipstick was something I would never have considered in the past, but Laneige’s Silk Intense Lipstick in Spangle has since become my go-to lipstick shade.  Unlike red which gives off a mature vibe, orange actually exudes youthfulness and a tinge of playfulness.

The Laneige Silk Intense Lipstick in Spangle is highly pigmented and a little goes a long way. It glides on very smoothly and the hydrating formula which includes collagen peptides ensures that lips stay moisturized throughout the day. 

Here’s the final look that I created with these 3 products from Laneige:

And finally, here’s my outfit for the day. I went for a monochromatic look to bring attention to the bold orange lips. 

T-shirt from Dip Drops

Skirt and necklace from random shops in Singapore

Bag from Chanel

Cuff from Hermes

Hat from Venice

Shoes from Pazzion