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Fashion: Jun Ji Hyun's Style in Korean Drama "You Who Came From TheStars"

March 30, 2014, 6:00 pm
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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


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

D&G Scalloped Lace Skirt




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.
 

D&G Floral Print Dress





Burberry 

Burberry Bow Back Silk Gown


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!



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Naoki Yoshihara by Ash: The Hair Care Salon Solutions Treatment by Shiseido

June 19, 2014, 8:00 pm
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Naoki Yoshihara by Ash very kindly invited me to be the model for their new Hair Care Salon Solutions hair treatment by Shiseido when it was first launched. I was very thankful for the opportunity as my tresses were in dire need of pampering given my frequent colouring sessions. 


I was also travelling pretty often for work during that period and was constantly exposed to hard water. Did you know that hard water is rich in minerals and causes your hair to be dry, rough and breakable? Well, I literally found out the hard way (pun unintended) when my hair became stringy and running my fingers through my locks became a near impossible task. Fortunately, things took a turn for the better after the hair treatment and the results were instantaneous, as you can see from the pictures above.

Before I begin my review, here are the products used for The Hair Care Salon Solutions Treatment:






What can you expect from The Hair Care Salon Solutions Treatment?

The first step of the treatment was to cleanse my scalp of impurities and dirt to prepare it for a proper detox later on. Whipping up a fluffy lather was essential for this purpose.




Next, it was time for deep cleansing and detox, but first, the stylists had to assess if my hair belonged to the high damage or low damage category and customize the treatment based on my hair condition.Travelling had taken a toll on my hair then and it naturally fell into the high damage category.

The purpose of detoxing is to thoroughly remove calcium ions and minerals that are present in the water we use to wash our hair. I was duly impressed as most hair treatments do not include this step, and this happened to be exactly what I needed after all that exposure to hard water!



 
Another interesting fact that I learned during the session was that steaming should only be done at the onset during the detox stage, before treatment solutions and repair agents (steps 2-4 below) are massaged into your hair. 

The reason for this? Steaming opens up the pores and allows nutrients to be readily absorbed and sealed in. It is similar to facials, where we usually steam our faces at the beginning to open up our pores before extraction and mask application.

The application of the triple-layer micro-coating in Step 4 here is the equivalent of a hair mask. Mask application closes up your pores and locks in all the nutrients. If you were to reverse the steps and leave steaming to the end, your pores will open up and all the nutrients will be gone. 



What I liked about this treatment was that it tamed my hair instantly, leaving it soft, silky and almost beautiful enough for a shampoo ad.To prove my point, here's my shiny, lustrous hair after the treatment, without any styling. The effects lasted about a week after, and the condition of my hair generally improved as well.




If you have badly damaged hair like me, perhaps you could consider trying this treatment to restore moisture and shine to your hair. 

From now till 30th June, Naoki Yoshihara by Ash is offering a 30% discount to customers who are trying this treatment for the first time!


Naoki Yoshihara by Ash

Address: 
177 River Valley Road
Liang Court  #02-15/16
Singapore 179030
Tel:
6333 5662


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Fashion Fridays: Audi Star Creation 2014

June 20, 2014, 8:00 am
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  I will be sharing some of my favourite designs from Audi Star Creation 2014 in today's edition of Fashion Fridays. If you are interested in my outfit of the day (OOTD) for the runway showdown, do refer to my previous post here.

 The theme for this year's regional design competition was "The Asian Perspective", and I had a fabulous time watching the runway showdown and taking a guess at each designer's inspirations as towering models strutted down the stage in their beautiful designs.  

One of my favourite pieces is this cut-out shirt designed by Hye Ra Rhee of Korea. She wasn't one of the winners, but her feminine designs inspired by the beauty and resilience of nature's flora definitely won my heart.


Here's another cut-out design that I absolutely adore. I especially liked how she sprinkled the cut-out floral motifs all over to add dimension and interest to an otherwise minimalist style.


These effortlessly stylish pieces designed by Rebecca Corrine Lam, who was one of the 3 winners that evening, were some of the other designs that caught my attention. Rebecca's designs, while reminiscent of traditional paper cutting which is closely linked to Asian culture, have a modern contemporary vibe and a touch of edginess, making them extremely wearable. In fact, I can see myself wearing every design in this collection.



 

Vietnamese designer Tu Nguyen Hoang's designs were very fascinating as well. Hoang pushed the boundaries by marrying 3D technology with meticulous craftsmanship, taking fashion design to a whole new level. He may not have been a winner at the competition, but his innovative and futuristic designs were certainly well-received by the audience.




  That about sums up my favourite designs at this year's Audi Star Creation. Which of these designs do you like best?

Meanwhile, have a great weekend ahead!


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Fashion: Checks & Stripes

June 22, 2014, 9:03 pm
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As you can probably tell, I have developed a liking for mixing prints and patterns of late, and in today's outfit of the day  (OOTD), checks and stripes take centerstage. Both patterns are rather bold and can look a tad overwhelming when paired together, but a general rule of thumb for me when it comes to the print-on-print trend is to make sure that the two prints are of different sizes for better visual harmony.

In this case, my striped skirt has thick, bold lines that are narrowly spaced, while the checks on my white top are spaced slightly wider apart and drawn with thin lines to balance out the overall look. It also helps that the top I chose is primarily white as that neutralizes the bold black lines on my skirt and really binds the whole look together. 

What I love about prints is that all you need is a dose of it to add interest to any outfit. They're so fun to play around with and should definitely be in everyone's style arsenal. The trick is to find two prints that go well together and yes, they don't necessarily have to match!




Arm Accessory from Hermes
Bag from MyJotterBook
Top, Skirt and Shoes from random shops



To complete the outfit, I slipped on a pair of ankle-high strappy wedges for greater visual impact. I got these from Far East Plaza many years ago, and was afraid that the soles would fall off as I've neglected them for a while. Well, and just as I expected, they came off as soon as I took these pictures! 

I was quite crestfallen when that happened but I'm determined to get them fixed. Fortunately for me, I also had another pair of shoes in the car to prepare for wardrobe malfunctions.

Shoes aside, I would also like to bring your attention to this lovely cigar box bag from MyJotterBook, which stocks exclusive handcrafted bags. Lishan, the owner, usually brings in these bags in limited quantities, so the chances of you running into someone on the street carrying the same bag is almost zilch. I personally adore the rocker chic vibes that this bag exudes, complemented by a touch of glamour thanks to the diamonte studs adorning the edges of the bag.

What do you think of this look?

Here's wishing everyone a great week ahead! Don't let the Monday Blues get you down. ;)



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Selling Your Pre-Loved or Unused Designer Goods Online with My DreamWardrobe

June 23, 2014, 6:30 pm
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http://mydreamwardrobe.com.sg/


My Dream Wardrobe is a wonderful online platform for selling your pre-loved or unused designer goods. If you have been reading my blog regularly, you would probably have read my post about the launch of My Dream Wardrobe at the end of last year.

What do you do with designer bags that you hardly use?  

Seasons and trends come and go, and in the process of updating our wardrobe with new bags, the older ones get pushed deeper into the back of our closet till they slip into the depths of oblivion.

Instead of letting them sit in the darkness of your wardrobe, selling them not only helps you to finance new purchases, it also allows you to make room for them. In other words, yes, you can finally have your cake and eat it!

There are many ways to go about selling your pre-loved or unused designer goods. Second-hand consignment stores are one avenue, but the high overheads are usually transferred to consumers, resulting in less gains. Hence, online platforms such as My Dream Wardrobe are probably a better choice.



Here's what My Dream Wardrobe offers:
  
  • With their search functions, you can rest assured that your advertisements will never be missed.
  • Buyers have more confidence in purchasing from advertisers using their site thanks to their contact information verification system!
  • You may upload up to 10 pictures at a time. Supported file formats are gif, bmp, png, jpg, jpeg.
 http://mydreamwardrobe.com.sg/fashion_directory.aspx

My Dream Wardrobe's Fashion Directory

Besides potential buyers and sellers like you and I, My Dream Wardrobe also collaborates with established designer goods consignment shops and bag cleaning service providers such as Richards Bag Spa. For greater transparency, the complete list of consignment shops and their corporate profiles can easily be found under the "Fashion Directory" tab. Whether you are looking to buy/sell your bags or treat them to a much-needed bag spa, My Dream Wardrobe has everything under one roof and is the one stop shop for all your luxury needs!




I spring-clean my wardrobe regularly to make way for my new purchases and during my recent spring-cleaning, I came across a couple of designer bags that I have cast aside and have long forgotten about. It would be such a waste to throw them away given that they are still in excellent condition, though I doubt I would use them again. Since I firmly believe that one girl's trash is another girl's treasure, selling them on My Dream Wardrobe would definitely be a better option! 

 What about you? Do you have designer bags that are not well utilized? 

You might want to do yourself a favour and put them up for sale on My Dream Wardrobetoo!

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    Fashion & Beauty: Chacott & Freed of London

    June 25, 2014, 12:34 am
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    Chacott and Freed of London, two of the most highly regarded labels in the ballet world, have set up their first South East Asian flagship store in Mandarin Gallery. This is the first store in Asia, outside of Chacott's home country, Japan.

    Some of the world's best handcrafted pointe shoes are produced by these two labels, making them the go-to brands for professional ballet needs.These brands are also represented by renowned Dance Ambassasdors and ballet dance troupes from Japan, Switzerland, USA and even Singapore's very own Singapore Dance Theatre.




    Chacott and Freed of London have also garnered a loyal celebrity following over the years, including Margot Fonteyn, Vladimir Malakhov, Sylvie Guillem, Nina Ananiashvili, Darcey Bussell, Wendy Whelan, Natalie Portman (lead actress of Blockbuster movie, Black Swan), Suri Cruise, the late Amy Winehouse, Sarah Jessica Parker.

    Most recently, Chacott has expanded its product range and expertise to include fashion-forward, premium yoga wear in the Chacott Jazz Dance & Yoga Line, which I personally am very interested in. If you follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg), you may have noticed that yoga is now an integral part of my life and I would definitely love to have the opportunity to try out Chacott's yoga wear. 

    I have yet to share about my exercise routine or love for yoga on my blog, but if you are interested, I frequent Updog Studio at Grandstand for my weekly dose of hot yoga. Even as vast amounts of energy are expended during each hot yoga session, leaving me exhausted and spent, there's something liberating yet stimulating about yoga that makes it so addictive. Words alone can't express my fascination, hence I have been urging my friends to give it a try to find out for themselves.

    Sorry for the slight digression. Now, let's get back to Chacott, shall we?

    Did you know that Chacott also has a wide range of make-up, under the Chacott for Professionals brand name? Originally created for the needs of the ballet stage, Chacott for Professionals has since gained popularity among stage performers, celebrities and professional make-up artists.

    Made in Japan, the Chacott for Professionals makeup range is quality assured. The products are formulated for professional use and are resistant to sweat and liquids, which is perfect for Singapore's humid weather. 

    You'll also be happy to know that it is suited for HDTV and contains UV protection (non-chemical SPF/PA). It uses vegetable extract, natural colorants and is also fragrance-free, colour-free and mineral oil-free, which makes the entire range gentle to the skin and suitable even for children. 

    How does this range of make-up fare? I attended a make-up demonstration by Chacott at Rosebullet recently, which I will share in a separate post soon, so do stay tuned to this space for more updates.



    Beauty Direct is the appointed official distributor and local representative for Chacott (ballet, rhythmic gymnastics, ballroom dance, jazz dance & yoga) and Chacott For Professionals.

    Chacott For Professionals is presently available at Chacott Freed of London, SG,Plaza@Cosme 100AM, John Little Plaza Singapura.
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    Fashion: Valentino Inspired White Lace Dress from Seoul Closette

    June 27, 2014, 10:32 pm
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    A breezy white dress is a summer essential that never goes out of style, and as I was scouting around for one to refresh my wardrobe, I came across this Valentino inspired lace dress from Seoul Closette, an online store that carries a beautiful collection of apparel and accessories curated and sourced directly from Korea.

    It has everything that I love in a dress - intricate lace details that are subtle yet sophisticated, a fit-and-flare silhouette that is absolutely feminine yet flattering, and most importantly, it is made of a light-weight cotton material which is just perfect for the humid climate in Singapore.


    I could hardly contain my excitement when I received the dress in the mail. I was smiling from ear to ear, like a child who couldn't wait to unwrap her Christmas present. My fingers touched the parcel and my heart started pounding as I was a little worried that the dress would turn out different from the pictures online, but my fears were immediately allayed when the envelope opened, revealing the gorgeous dress in its full glory. 

    Korean fashion is everywhere these days, and it can be difficult to ascertain from stock pictures alone if an online store's apparel are truly from Korea or simply knock-offs from China. 

    The litmus test lies in the quality of the material and the overall workmanship. As Seoul Closette only brings in apparel and accessories from Korea, the workmanship of the dress did not disappoint. In fact, it looks just as charming in real life as it did in pictures, and my photographs are testament to that. 








     

    Dress c/o Seoul Closette
    Shoes from Christian Louboutin
    Socks from Japan


    Versatile, chic and elegant, this lovely number has easily become one of my favourite summer dresses and I can foresee that it will be one of my wardrobe staples too. 

    *****


    Seoul Closette has kindly extended a 5% discount to all my readers. All you have to do is mention my name "REGINA" when you make your purchase (valid from now till 12 July).

    Seoul Closette will also be participating in the For Flea Sake flea market on 5 July (next Sat) at Gardens by the Bay (Bay, South) Silver Garden from 9am - 5pm, so do pay them a visit too!

    *****

    I will be sharing another designer inspired dress from Seoul Closette next week, so do keep a lookout for it! 

    Meanwhile, have a great weekend!



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    AFC Kidachi Detox and Diamond Vision Health Supplements Review

    June 30, 2014, 1:39 am
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    AFC Kidachi Detox and Diamond Vision are two health supplements that I have incorporated into my daily routine for about a month now. 

    Kidachi Detox aids digestion and detox while Diamond Vision protects our eyes from UV rays and blue light emitted from computers, mobile phones, television and LED lights. Both supplements target common issues that manifest in this digital age, where we are constantly embroiled in a whirlwind of activities. Being connected 24-7 means that checking our emails on our laptops and mobile phones while we are on the go has become a norm, and sometimes, we get so caught up with everything that's happening around us, we end up neglecting our health.

    There have been several occasions where I had to skip meals or eat at irregular hours simply because I have deadlines to meet, and I'm pretty sure I'm not just speaking for myself here. Busy is a drug that we have all become addicted to.

    While it is difficult to change our current lifestyle, incorporating exercise (like yoga!) and health supplements such as AFC's Kidachi Detox and Diamond Vision into our daily lives helps us to take baby steps towards better health and fitness.

    Kidachi Detox


     What is Kidachi Detox?

    Kidachi Detox is a high potency all-natural formula, with active Kidachi aloe, 10 billion Lactobacillus plantarum and prebiotics (inulin and oligosaccharides) to promote healthy digestion, restore gastrointestinal health and strengthen immunity.

    Kidachi Detox is recommended for those with:
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Constipation

    • Poor digestion & gastric health

    • Diet rich in processed food

    • Bad breath &  body odour

    • Skin problems such as acne & allergy

    Did you know that our stomach is responsible for 75% of our digestive functions? Our digestive system is home to 100 trillion bacteria (both beneficial and pathogenic) and forms the foundation for stronger immunity and overall health.

    Indigestion occurs as a result of food processing and cooking methods which destroy vital food nutrients and enzymes required for digestion. You may also get indigestion from eating at irregular hours.

    What are the symptoms of indigestion? Common symptoms include a bloated stomach, gastric pain and heartburn.



    I am very prone to indigestion and I often feel bloated due to my irregular eating habits. I also fall prey to indigestion and constipation when I travel overseas, as a slight time difference is all it takes to cause my body clock to go haywire.

    Thankfully for me, AFC's Kidachi Detox came just in time for my Hokkaido trip in early June. I packed it in my luggage as I knew it would definitely come in handy, and it sure did. My stomach started to feel bloated a few days into the trip and my bowel movement was affected as well. 

    That was when I decided to whip out my bottle of Kidachi Detox. 

    Recommended Dosage 
     
    The recommended dosage of 6 caplets per day and you can either take all 6 at a go or split it up the dosage throughout the course of the day. For ease of convenience, I usually just take all 6 caplets in the morning or before I head to bed. I tend to have difficulties swallowing large pills, but these caplets are relatively small, smooth and easy to swallow.



    Why should you choose Kidachi Detox?

    It is 100% natural and formulated with active Kidachi aloe, a premium species of aloe exclusively found in Japan that naturally restores the pH level in our stomach and aids in the breakdown of sugar and fat to relieve discomfort. It is widely recognized as a medicine in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia as Anthraquinone is present in this species. Anthraquinone is known for regulating and improving bowel movement without any side effects.

    It is also the only aloe supplement in the market that contains 10 billion Lactobacillus plantarum and prebiotics to restore digestive health. The Lactobacillus plantarum used are specially treated to withstand high heat, such that it can survive in acidic stomach conditions and prevent harmful bacteria from affecting the absorption of nutrients.Prebiotics, on the other hand, promote the growth of good bacteria.


    Was Kidachi Detox effective for me?

    I was mindful that Kidachi Detox is meant to be a dietary supplement and not a miracle drug, hence I didn't expect the results to be immediate. However, after taking the supplement for just 3-4 days, I realized that my stomach was less bloated than before and my bowel movement became more regular. It has been almost a month since I embarked on my journey with Kidachi Detox and I am happy to report that I hardly feel bloated anymore. This is one supplement that I would personally recommend and will continue to take in the long run.





    What is Diamond Vision?

    Diamond Vision is an all natural supplement scientifically formulated to provide crucial nutriental support to safeguard the well-being of your eyes by reducing accommodative stress from prolonged work at near focal length. Harmful blue light and oxygen radicals that are harmful to the eyes are neutralized. Key ingredients include 4 super carotenoids for eye health, namely Astaxanthin, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Bilberry Extracts.  


    Diamond Vision is recommended for those who:
    • Experience eye fatigue with near point tasks or after prolonged work on computer
    • Constantly exposed to UV and strong lighting
    • Read from gadgets such as tablets and smartphones frequently (that's like every one of us!)
    • Experience difficulties in adjusting between different focal points



    Did you know that blue lights emitted from electronic devices such as smartphone, laptops and tablets create a by-product called free radicals that damage our eyes? 

    Exposure to blue lights and UV rays over time can lead to premature eye problems such as blurred vision, dry eyes, eye strain and macular degeneration. 

    I personally suffer from dry eyes and eye strain as I am always clearing work on my iPhone or laptop. It doesn't help that I wear contact lenses for extended periods of time as well. To reduce the discomfort, I always carry a bottle of eye drops with me wherever I go, and I try to give my eyes a break every hour or so by giving them a gentle massage.


    However, old habits die hard and there are times when I either get carried away or my work schedule requires my eyes to be glued to my electronic devices all the time. That's where Diamond Vision can then play a role in mitigating the negative effects these gadgets have on my eyes. 

    Recommended Dosage 

    The recommended dosage is 2 softgels per day. These softgels are just as easy to swallow. In case you were wondering, yes, you can take both Kidachi Detox and Diamond Vision together. 



    Why should you choose Diamond Vision?
      
    Diamond Vision provides comprehensive protection for the eyes against blue light and UV light through the use of Natural Astaxanthin, Lutein and Zeaxanthin. It also improves visual acuity, blood flow in the eyes, and delays age-related vision deterioration. This would be an excellent product for your aged parents too.


    Was Diamond Vision effective for me?
     
    Having taken this supplement for about 2-3 weeks, I do notice that my eyes feel less dry and tired than before. I also feel good knowing that my eyes are now protected from blue lights and UV rays. That said, prevention is always better than cure and I still make it a point to put on my sunnies and use a brolly when I'm out in the sun. I also try to take more short breaks when I am working on my computer. 

    *****

    Thank you Lifestream Group for these supplements! 
    There's a discount on both Kidachi Detox and Diamond Vision right now, so if you are interested in purchasing, do click on the links below for more details:




    Hope you enjoyed this review! Meanwhile, have a great week ahead!





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    Fashion Fridays: D&G Inspired Tropical Print Dress by Seoul Closette

    July 3, 2014, 6:30 pm
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    https://www.facebook.com/seoulclosette/photos/a.298712816955673.1073741838.282162215277400/298712826955672/?type=1&theater


     

    Seoul Closette brought in a similar dress that comes in both the original blue shade worn by Jun Ji Hyun, and a sweet pastel pink hue, as seen in this series of pictures.

    Tropical and floral prints are the talk of the town this summer, and this lovely dress is bound to make a statement with its bold exotic prints, coupled with a figure flattering cut that enhances the female silhouette.

    You can choose to wear the dress on or off-shoulder but I chose the latter to bring out the flouncy sleeves which exude a flirty, vintage vibe. To keep the look feminine yet elegant amidst the busy prints, I did away with accessories and also kept my hair away from my face by clipping it up into a low bun.


    Dress c/o Seoul Closette
    Clutch from Saint Laurent
    Shoes from Pazzion



    There's something special about the explosion of tropical prints and mishmash of floral and fauna motifs that instantly makes you feel like you're on a holiday. I guess that's the reason why I have been on the lookout for dresses with tropical prints and this dress definitely came at the right time. 
    Thank you once again to the very thoughtful owners of Seoul Closette who read about my fascination with this dress in my post about Jun Ji Hyun's Style in "You Who Came From The Stars" earlier and decided this would be perfect for me. This, and the Valentino inspired white lace dress which I wrote about last week, are two of my favourite summer dresses!

    *****

    If you love Korean fashion, do take a look at what Seoul Closette has to offer. Remember to quote "Regina" to receive5% off your purchases from now till 18 July!
    And if you haven't made plans this weekend, perhaps you could check out Seoul Closette's pop-up store at Gardens by the Bay on 5 July (that's tomorrow)! 
    Here are the details:


     Happy shopping and have a great weekend ahead!


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    Fashion: Sporty Chic Casual Outfit & Singapore Blog Awards 2014!

    July 6, 2014, 4:58 am
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    Embracing athleticism and fitness has become a way of life for me. The turning point came when I went for a hot yoga free trial at Updog Studios and fell head over heels in love with it. It was love at first trial and there's no turning back now. 

    There are many ways to embrace athleticism. You can either pick up a sport like I did, or express it in the way you dress, through a sporty chic outfit for instance. The incredible thing about fashion is that it allows you to project various aspects of your personality and interests,or even assume a different persona. You can look sweet and demure today, stylish yet edgy tomorrow or sporty chic the next day. The possibilities are endless.







    The sporty luxe trend that took off earlier this year is one trend that I really adore, especially when tropical prints and floral motifs are incorporated into the designs. In this post, I attempted to put together a casual sporty chic attire (complete with my favorite prints at the moment - tropical prints) that is perfect for running errands in our sweltering hot climate.

    I also brought along one of my current go-to jackets from Adidas in the event that it rains and the temperature dips. The weather is so unpredictable these days, you'll never know when dark clouds decide to descend upon us. 









    I am not sure if you have noticed, but Adidas has taken on a different look this season with the influx of floral and tropical prints, thanks to their collaboration with Brazilian company The Farm Company. I love the sportswear in this series as everything looks so effortlessly chic and fashion forward without compromising on functionality. The Adidas floral series literally flew off the shelves like hotcakes the minute it was released, and it took me quite a while to find this floral jacket. 

    I would have gotten the shorts or pants as well, but they were already completely sold out island-wide. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they'll bring these popular pieces back. Meanwhile, I'm also keeping my eyes peeled for more sporty chic apparel from their upcoming collections!

    Tank Top from Stradivarius
    Denim Skirt from Pull & Bear
    Sneakers from Korea
    Jacket from Adidas
    Bag & Accessories from Hermes


    Have a great week ahead!

    ******

    Vote for me at the Singapore Blog Awards 2014!

    I've been selected as a finalist for Best Fashion Blog at the Singapore Blog Awards 2014! 

    If you enjoy reading my blog, I would be very grateful if you could vote for my blog, Shopping Queen's Haven by clicking on this link.
     

    You can vote once a day, from now till 31st July 2014.  Voters also stand to win some amazing prizes!

    I have to thank my patient hubby, JW, for taking all my OOTD photos even when he has absolutely zero interest in photography (although I think he does have a knack for it). I would also like to thank all of you who have been following my blog regularly for your support, without which I probably wouldn't have come this far. As for those of you stumbled upon my blog by chance, I hope you like what you see. I will continue to work harder to develop more interesting content as I move along. 

    Do feel free to give me your feedback on what you'll like to see more of on my blog! I would love to hear from you. 

    Just drop me an email at regina.chow@gmail.com. :)

     


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    Fashion: Black, Cut-outs, Pearls & Bangs

    July 11, 2014, 7:00 pm
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    Black is a perennial favourite in everyone's wardrobe because it never goes out of style. I have a lot of black in my wardrobe, but my latest obsession comes in the form of black tank tops with cut-outs. A simple black tank is instantly transformed with fashionable cut-outs that reveal just a hint of skin and add an element of surprise. 

    As the title suggests, black, cut-outs and pearls take centerstage in the ensemble that I am sharing with you today. This is an outfit that I wore to a weekend lunch date with my in laws at the Raffles Hotel. The hotel's architecture provided a beautiful backdrop for my outfit shots and as you can probably tell from this series of photos, my photographer cum husband was a little more enthusiastic than usual.



    What I really like about this simple tank top with cut-outs from Ohvola is that it can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It has certainly proven to be a versatile addition to my wardrobe. 

    I could have worn this with shorts and flats for a casual look, but I was in a dressy mood then and pairing it with a statement pearl necklace and a polka dot pencil skirt from MDS seemed like the perfect choice. Instead of going all out with pointy pumps and a jacket, which would have made this completely work appropriate, I chose to tone down the look by going down a different path with a pair of edgy peeptoe mules I picked up at Charles & Keith recently.
     













     Did you notice my fuller bangs in my recent posts? I had them cut because I foresee that I will be having my hair up more in the coming weeks and I like how fuller bangs frame the face. I can have my hair up in a ponytail or a bun and still look put together, which is really important these days given my work schedule. 

    There are days when I end up dozing off on the sofa while working on my laptop when my hair is still wet, which is not a good idea but trust me, when you are clocking just 4 hours of sleep per day and you need to dash out of the house in a flash everyday, the last thing that you would think about is your hair. A low-maintenance hairstyle like this suits my current lifestyle without compromising on style. Just what I need to tide over this busy period. ;)
      
     







    Top from Ohvola
    Skirt from MDS
    Shoes from Charles & Keith
    Bag from Chanel




     Thanks for reading! Now, excuse me while I get back to work. 

     Have a good weekend everyone!
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    Fashion: Stylish in Shorts

    July 19, 2014, 7:00 pm
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    Shorts set from Theory of Seven
    Shoes from Charles & Keith
    Bag from Givenchy
    Hair & Make-up c/o Laneige


    Stylish shorts is a term that comes across as a misnomer at first glance. How one could look stylish in a pair of shorts used to be unfathomable to me, but my mind changed ever since I chanced upon well-tailored shorts sets like this particular one from Theory of Seven (they're having a massive sale now!). Looking immaculate without compromising on style and convenience takes all but 2 minutes with shorts sets thanks to the structured silhouette. If you are in the creative industry, this is probably an outfit that you can pull off for work too.

    I love wearing jeans and pants too, but shorts is really the most practical option for our climate, especially if you're going to be out and about the entire day. That very day, I had a makeover session courtesy of Laneige earlier in the day (more details in a separate blog post) and a couple of errands to run after that. Speaking of which, I absolutely adore the glamorous make-up that the lovely Korean make-up artist at Laneige did for me. The braided crown hairstyle added the finishing touches to my overall look and now, I'm on the hunt for a hair tutorial video to replicate this hairstyle.

    On a totally irrelevant note, I had originally intended to write a post titled "Breaking Back" in view of my recent back problems. The resemblance of the title to the popular drama series "Breaking Bad" cracked me up and I always believe a little humour is perfect for alleviating pain and stress. I have terrible posture and while my back is better now, I have been told to stay off certain poses such as downward dog during yoga and to sit less. In fact, I was told by my doctor that I should stand up every 15 minutes! 

    My penchant for large bags doesn't help too as I love to bring my entire house with me wherever I go, and that exerts unnecessary pressure on my back. Obviously. So yes, I will be sticking to smaller bags like the Givenchy Mini Antigona which was a gift from the hubby recently. He immediately insisted on getting me a new bag after my doctor's appointment. You know, sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve such a wonderful man.

    I was still in a little bit of pain when this series of photos were taken (again, by the lovely hubby), and I switched to flats right after just to be cautious. I love my heels, and to give them up would be a mammoth task. That aside, I know the hubby is secretly gloating at my misfortune, because now, I can't tower over him in my high heels anymore! :P

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    Fashion: OOTD Instagram Recap

    July 22, 2014, 8:21 am
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    Instagram is a wonderful repository for photos and videos and a huge source of inspiration for me. The motivational quotes, fashion and ootd ideas, food updates and travel inspirations never fail to keep me entertained. 

    Through the motivational quotes, I am able to gain insights into life. They set me thinking and serve as a constant reminder that I should always remain true to myself to avoid living a life filled with regrets. 

    Food pictures and travel updates allow me to live vicariously through the lives of others. To have a taste of their joy and sense of adventure, I make a checklist of places and restaurants that I would love to visit with my loved ones, and I am happy to report that I have already ticked off quite a number of places on my checklist.

    Fashion posts, on the other hand, give me styling ideas, allowing my creative juices to flow and my imagination to run wild. I love styling and experimenting with trends, and the ability to exchange ideas through instagram makes me indescribably happy. The fashion industry is often associated with materialism, but in reality, my source of happiness stems primarily from styling and less from the acquisition of designer labels or material goods. Being able to express my individuality by putting together an outfit that reflects my personal style gives me utmost satisfaction.

    I have always believed that your level of happiness defines how successful you are in life, and  today, I want to share my dose of happiness with you through a recap of some of my favourite ootd posts on my instagram account (@reginachow_sg) over the past few months. 

    You can also find more details and photos of each outfit in the links that I have included below.

     Crop Tops & Prints

     







    Outfits from my Hokkaido Trip in June 









    SIA Cup
















    Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed the photos!


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    65daigou: USA Online Shopping

    July 23, 2014, 8:45 pm
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    If you shop frequently on Taobao, 65daigou is probably no stranger to you.  

    Some of my friends have been using 65daigou as an agent to purchase items from Taobao for as long as I can remember and they have nothing but praises for 65daigou's service.

    However, aside from shopping on Taobao, do you know that you can now use 65daigou for US shopping websites too?

    Victoria's Secret, Forever21 and GAP are just some of the US brands that I adore and while they are readily available in Singapore, the selection here is limited and the prices are much higher as well. In view of the lower prices and wider selection online, it definitely makes more sense to purchase from these brands' US websites. However, I get put off by the high international shipping costs especially when I buy from multiple merchants and I am pretty sure that I am not the only one who feels this way.

    Why Should I Use 65daigou?

    Not only can you enjoy lower prices on US websites, you can also combine your purchases from a few merchants in one single shipment to save cost. 

    And if you happen to chance upon a US website that does not provide international shipping, fret not because 65daigou can easily take care of that.

    To illustrate my point, let's take a look at GNC Women's Evening Primrose Oil 1300. 

    It is priced at S$59.95 on the GNC Singapore website.


     On the GNC US website, you will find the same product at just US$18.99! The only catch is, GNC's US website does not ship internationally, but we can easily resolve that with 65daigou.




    Here's a comparison of the cost savings that I can enjoy if I were to purchase 10 bottles of GNC Women's Evening Primrose Oil from GNC's US website as compared to its Singapore website:


    As you can tell, I can enjoy savings of more than 50% by buying off GNC's US website via 65daigou, even after including agent and international shipping fees. Pretty incredible, isn't it?

    Let's check out another example. 

    Victoria's Secret ships to Singapore, but if you were to purchase through 65daigou, you'll receive more savings.



    In this case, the savings may not seem as significant as compared to the previous example, but every little bit adds up especially if you are buying in larger quantities or from different websites.  


    65daigou also physically repacks your purchases from various merchants into one parcel so you'll only have to pay a one-time fee for international shipping! 

    Full insurance of up to S$2000 is also included for each package, which means you will never have to worry about your items getting lost in the mail. 


    How do I use 65daigou's service for US websites?

    All you need to do is to copy and paste the URL of the product that you wish to purchase into the blank space at the top of the 65daigou website here.



    An order form will pop up automatically thereafter. The site is really easy to navigate and the process is absolutely fuss-free.

    I know I'll definitely be using 65daigou for my next US online shopping spree! 

    For more details on 65daigou, check out their websitehere.

    For real-time updates, like their Facebook Page and follow them on Instagram (@65daigou) too! 

    Happy Shopping!


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    Fashion Fridays: The Great Gatsby Style (with a Twist)

    July 24, 2014, 7:03 pm
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    The excitement over The Great Gatsby may have died down in recent times, but my obsession with the 1920s style continues to live on. I love vintage trends, especially the glitzy beaded details, art deco jewellery and opulent headwear that are characteristic of The Great Gatsby style. 

    While it may be a little over the top to be clad in glamorous flapper dresses on a normal day out, you can easily jazz up your everyday wear by incorporating elements and bits and pieces of this classic style into your wardrobe. Mixing up contemporary and vintage trends also allows you to create unique looks that stand out from the crowd. 





    I attempted to pair the 1920s flapper style with one of the hottest trends this season, crop tops. I don't know when it started, but crop tops have since become my weekend staple. Crop tops are typically pigeon-holed into the edgy style category, especially leatherette crop tops like this one from MDScollections, which you may have seen in my previous post on Crop Tops and Prints .

    As much as I love the chic, edgy vibe, there are days when I prefer a more feminine touch to my dressing and my challenge this time was to think a little out of the box with this trendy leatherette crop top by giving it a romantic twist.






    To play up the dainty, feminine vibe of the ensemble, I kept to neutral colour palette with powder pink and beige hues. Scallop hems softened the look further while beaded embellishments added sparkle and an old-world charm reminiscent of the 1920s. The juxtaposition of old and new worlds, of past and present, always creates fresh perspectives that appeal to me visually.




    Beaded shrug from Forever New
    Leatherette Crop Top from MDScollections
    Shorts from Snidel (Japanese)
    Accessories from Hermes
    Shoes from Pazzion


    I hope you enjoyed today's edition of Fashion Fridays. Meanwhile, here's wishing everyone a wonderful long weekend ahead! I will be headed for a staycation with my lovely girlfriends and I'm looking forward to spending quality time with them over high tea, shopping and slumber parties!


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    Korean Skincare & Cosmetics: LJH Cosmetics Oxygen Bubble Brightening Pack & Vital CC Cream

    July 29, 2014, 7:34 pm
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    I have always been a fan of Korean cosmetics and skincare because they are formulated to suit asian skin and usually come with relatively affordable price tags.

    There are so many Korean brands in the market to cater to your every whim and fancy, but did you know that LJH Cosmetics (otherwise known as Lee Ji Ham Cosmetics) was the first Korean company to develop and introduce cosmeceuticals, a combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, to promote healthy skin? Such beauty products are hard to come by, and it was this key value proposition of LJH cosmetics that piqued my interest in their products.

    I was first introduced to LJH Cosmetics through HKC Plaza, a factory and aesthetics beauty clinic chain in Korea with over 38 brands and 6,000 beauty, fashion and lifestyle products under its wing. Through HKC Plaza, I also had the opportunity to review two of LJH Cosmetics' top selling products, namely 1) Oxygen Bubble Brightening Pack and 2) Vital CC Cream. In today's post, I will be sharing my thoughts on both products with you.



    The Oxygen Bubble Brightening Pack is LJH Cosmetics' all-time bestseller and it is certainly not hard to see why. I have been using it as a deep cleansing and whitening cleanser twice a week now, and not only is it a fun product to use, it actually works. 

    The key benefits of the product include:
    1) Improved overall skin tone
    2) Instant whitening effect
    3) Removal of dead skin cells and impurities

    The cleanser also comes in a handy pump bottle which is great for preventing contamination. I especially love how it transforms from a translucent gel consistency to a thick, silky rich foam lather upon seconds of contact with the skin.



    Once you see the bubbles forming, give your face a gentle massage to dislodge all the grime and impurities from the surface of your skin before rinsing with water thereafter. 

    Here's a before and after comparison of my face after using LJH Cosmetics' Oxygen Bubble Brightening Pack:


    As you can tell, my skin looks brighter and fairer immediately after. Although both pictures were taken under yellow lighting, you can also tell that my skin tone in the 'after' picture is less yellowish. 

    Besides its brightening effect, I really like this product's ability to deep cleanse without the use of microbeads or acids unlike most exfoliating cleansers, making it perfect for sensitive skin. 



    All-in-one beauty products are a must for my hectic lifestyle and LJH Cosmetics' Vital CC Cream has since become my ideal beauty companion. It works like a dream when it comes to concealing imperfections, yet it also contains sunscreen (SPF 30) and vitamin C essence in its formulation to ensure that your skin is adequately nourished and protected from harmful UV rays. Those of us with sensitive skin will also be happy to know that LJH Cosmetics' Vital CC Cream is clinically proven to be hypo-allergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.

    When I first applied the product on to my skin, I was initially a little taken aback by its pasty, greyish white appearance. I was worried that I would end up looking ghastly, but after spreading it evenly over my face, I came to realize that it actually blends seamlessly with my skin tone.  





    Can you tell the difference before and after? I tested it on my hand and put both hands together as a comparison. On closer look, you would notice that the veins on my right hand became less obvious and my skin tone was half a shade fairer as well.

    Here's a before and after comparison of the product on my face:


     I have pigmentation on my upper cheeks and it looks even worse as a result of a recent zit which caused redness in the surrounding area. However, after dabbing on LJH Cosmetics' Vital CC cream, my skin looks almost flawless. It gives my skin a nice glow as well, which is pretty amazing if you ask me.

    How does it feel on my skin? Products that do a good job of covering imperfections generally have a thicker consistency which leads to caking, but the Vital CC cream is just the opposite. 

    Not only does it feel extremely feather-light, there is also no icky, greasy after-feel. It looks and feels just like second skin, plus it has all the benefits of skincare. Isn't it wonderful to know that beautiful complexion is just one CC cream away?

    *****
    Special privileges & discounts for blog readers


    If you are interested in purchasing these products, you will also be entitled to a 10% discount by keying in my VIP code: SB01000JAD upon checkout!

      



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    Fashion Fridays: Front Slit Pants & Crop Tops

    August 1, 2014, 8:55 am
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     I have always been a skirt or dress person, but pants have started to infiltrate my wardrobe recently. It is rather strange but I only just discovered how carefree I feel whenever I wear pants. I don't have to pay as much attention to the way I walk or sit, and I don't have to worry about my skirt flying up when the wind blows. It sounds as if I am exaggerating here, but believe me, there were several times when I had to hold on tightly to my skirt just to make sure I didn't end up doing a Marilyn Monroe.

    This front slit pants from Carrislabelle is one of my favourite pants to date. The key highlight of this pair of pants lies in its double slits at the front which result in an interesting peek-a-boo effect. I love how you can show just a hint of skin and leave the rest up to imagination.



     These are the perfect statement pants and they look especially amazing when you walk. The lower half of the pants open up, just like how a butterfly would open its wings.




     I wanted the pants to be the centre of attraction in this ensemble, hence I kept the rest of my outfit simple with a plain white crop top with pearl accessories. I should have gone for a strappy pair of heels as well, but I really couldn't resist slipping into these gladiator heels from Sophia Webster to add a touch of edginess to the clean lines.

    I wore this outfit on the last day of my staycation with the girls. JW had just returned from a rockclimbing trip in KL as well, and we had a lunch reservation at Gunther's, my favourite restaurant for french cuisine now. If you follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg), you would probably have caught a glimpse of the dishes that left a glorious impression on us. 


    Top from Young Hungry Free
    Pants from Carrislabelle
    Shoes from Sophia Webster (Available at On Peddar)
    Bag from Givenchy
     
    I hope you enjoyed this week's edition of Fashion Fridays. Thanks for reading and have a great weekend ahead!


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    Food at The Clementi Mall: Tori Q

    August 6, 2014, 6:30 pm
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     I live in the west and Clementi Mall is a mall that I frequent regularly because of the numerous food and shopping options available. 

    Directly linked to Clementi MRT Station at Level 3, Clementi Mall is always bustling with life. Frankly, with a total of 142 shops in Clementi Mall, including 16 restaurants and cafes, it isn't hard to see why. 

    Some of the shops that I visit to top up my beauty essentials and for grocery shopping include FairPrice Finest, Watsons and Guardians. I often head there for dinner too and one of my favourite places to dine in is Tori Q (#B1-19), which serves delicious yakitori with Japanese rice at affordable prices.




    As Clementi Mall is situated in the heart of the Clementi neighbourhood, which is just a stone's throw away from key tertiary institutions such as NUS, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic and SIM University, I always see hoards of students and young adults queuing at Tori Q, in a bid to fill their tummies after a long day at school.

    You can either go for the set meals or ala carte options at Tori Q. For ease of convenience, I always go for the yakitori set which comes with 4 types of yakitori and Japanese rice topped with seaweed.



     Tori Q presents a myriad of yakitori options, leaving me spoilt for choice every time. On occasions when I'm feeling greedier than usual, I would also order additional sticks just to satiate my hunger.



    Their quail's eggs and asparagus wrapped in pork are just some of my personal favourites. 

    I have a penchant for quail's eggs and can have them everywhere and anywhere. The asparagus wrapped in pork, on the other hand, is superb and an absolute delight to savour. The well-marinated pork is the perfect accompaniment to the fresh, juicy asparagus. I love it!

    The seating capacity at Tori Q is rather limited but I really enjoy dining at the cozy bar counter. Thus far, I have never had any difficulties finding a seat as the turnover is brisk. That, I guess, is the beauty of fast food.

    I usually end off my meal with a durian pancake at Four Seasons Durian (#B1-K10), but as fate would have it, I came across a relatively new joint called Crepe Signature (#B1-K17) that very evening and decided to give it a go instead.



    I was craving for the banana nutella crepes that I've had on many occasions when I visited Bangkok and also during my recent trip to Phuket with Karen and Raphael. I have never seen such crepes being sold on our sunny island, so you could imagine how excited I was when I realised banana nutella crepe was on Crepe Signature's menu! However, I was already bursting at the seams from the satisfying dinner at Tori Q and was lulled into sharing a strawberry nutella crepe with the hubby instead. Yes, my hubby loves strawberries.






    The crepes here are much crispier than what I had in Thailand. I personally prefer the softer and less crisp version found in Thailand and I also wish the stall could have been more generous with the nutella spread. But that is just my personal preference. On a more positive note, this version is less sinful and it definitely made me feel less guilty about devouring it!



    Food aside, Clementi Mall also offers a phlethora of renowned fashion and specialty stores such as Charles & Keith, Cotton On, Rubi Shoes and Young Hearts. 

    I will be sharing more about shopping in Clementi Mall in my next post later this week, so do keep a lookout for it!






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    Asian Skin Solutions

    August 7, 2014, 6:53 am
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    I had the pleasure of visiting Asian Skin Solutions at Park Mall recently for a much needed pampering facial treatment. It has been a while since I last had a facial and now that I am past 30, I figured it's about time I showered my skin with a little more tender loving care. 

    The last time I went for a facial was probably more than 5 years ago. The reason? I never liked extractions and somehow, my skin always ended up looking worse. Smooth, radiant, glowing skin after a facial was something that I have never quite experienced till I came across Asian Skin Solutions, specializing in Asian skin. In fact, I was pretty impressed after just 1 session and was tempted to sign up for a package thereafter.

    What's different about Asian Skin Solutions?
     
    Asian Skin Solutions develops facial treatments targeted at common skin problems faced by Asians, such as acne, pigmentation and large pores. Each facial treatment is customized based on your skin's needs to get to the root of the problem and restore your skin's overall balance. 

    I was also very happy to learn that only mild extractions are performed at Asian Skin Solutions as they believe that extractions will actually enlarge pores over time.

    Before each facial treatment, the therapist will conduct a comprehensive skin analysis to analyze your skin's current condition before recommending a suitable treatment. 



    What happens during the Skin Analysis?

    After filling up a questionnaire about my medical background and lifestyle, I was ushered into a cozy consultation room for a skin analysis. My skin was tested using a handheld device for moisture level, oiliness, pigmentation, roughness, wrinkles, pore size and sebum production.






    Here's a photo that I took before the facial treatment started.I had nothing on except for sunblock and eyelash extensions and my skin generally looks fine. However, on closer inspection in real life, you will realize that I have pigmentation on my upper cheeks. Pigmentation is one of my main gripes and I am pretty sure mine is hereditary as my mum suffers from it as well.

    With Sunblock and Eyelash Extensions

    Unfortunately, the skin analysis revealed that my pigmentation problem is pretty serious.


    As I have not been using a moisturizer on a regular basis for years until recently, I also have dehydrated and oily sensitive skin that is prone to occasional breakouts. This was further confirmed by the skin analysis.

    I was told that the optimal moisture level is at least 60% and when your skin is dehydrated, it tends to secrete more oil, which leads to oilier skin. 




    The overall results showed that my skin only fared well in terms of smoothness, as can be seen from the red circle in the middle. The more red circles you have in the middle, the better your skin condition is. To be honest, my results set off some alarm bells and left me feeling a little panicky!


    Anyhow, I was told that with regular treatments and better care (I have to remember to moisturize!), my skin condition should improve and that put me at ease. Based on my current skin condition, the therapist at Asian Skin Solutions recommended that I try out the Repairing Collagen+ Treatment. This treatment helps to boost hydration and hasten the cell renewal process.


    As we age, we lose collagen, which provides the structural support and foundation for our skin. As a matter of fact, we begin to lose collagen from the time we hit 18 years of age and the collagen degradation rate increases exponentially later on when we hit our 30s. Eventually, our skin loses its elasticity and wrinkles set in. Hence, taking good care of your skin is of paramount importance to prevent premature aging.

    What can you expect from the Repairing Collagen Treatment?

    Before I take you through the treatment process, here are some photos of the VIP treatment room. I really appreciate the small sink next to the treatment bed as I usually prefer to remove my hard contact lenses before facials so that I can catch a few winks and also enjoy the face and eye massage.



    After removing my contact lenses, I changed into a comfortable robe and slipped under the covers while I waited in anticipation for the treatment to commence.

    In case you were wondering, the entire process took a little less than 2 hours, which I thought was just about right.



    Step 1: Cleansing and Exfoliating

    The therapist first removed my make-up with cleansing milk, followed by a double cleanse with a cleansing gel and a light scrub. My skin felt thoroughly cleansed and I really enjoyed the gentle facial massage that accompanied the cleansing process.



    Step 2: Mild Extraction

    Next, the therapist applied their in-house X-Lotion to soften my skin as she noticed that I had some oil seeds and blackheads which would require extraction. A facial steamer was also used to open up my pores to smoothen the extraction process. 


    I didn't experience much pain during extraction as it was only done selectively on areas that warranted immediate attention. 

    Step 3: Application of Collagen Essence with Cryotech Machine 

    A thick layer of collagen essence was then applied onto my face after extraction, followed by the use of a Cryotech machine to enhance the penetration of nutrients.  


     You will feel an icy cold sensation when the machine touches your face, which I personally felt was very therapeutic and refreshing. This step also helped to calm any post-extraction redness.

    Step 4: Face & Eye Massage

    My favourite part of the treatment was the face and eye massage. My eyes are constantly tired and strained as I am in front of the computer most of the time, but the eye massage around my eye contours instantly melted away the tension, leaving me with a glorious feeling of rejuvenation. 



    Step 5: Collagen+ Double-Mask Application
    My skin was treated to a luxurious double mask thereafter,which includes a hydrating mask as the base layer and a collagen mask on top to seal in the goodness. A shoulder and back massage ended the session on an even sweeter note, as the therapist expertly kneaded away all the aches and knots from my intense hot yoga session the day before.

    How did I find the overall experience and was the facial treatment effective?

    The overall experience was absolutely indulgent, relaxing and gratifying. More importantly, my skin felt silky smooth and soft to the touch immediately after and the effects lasted for about a week. Even my husband felt that my skin was much smoother.


    Here is a picture of me right after the facial treatment. The redness from the extraction earlier had subsided and I could head out without any make-up. I remember looking hideous after facials in the past, complete with red marks all over and some swelling, so this was definitely a welcomed change.

    Immediately after the facial treatment at Asian Skin Solutions
     Subsequently, I was brought back to the consultation room for another round of skin analysis after my facial treatment.  To my delight, my skin moisture level improved by leaps and bounds from 46% to 63%, which meant that my skin was now in the healthy zone in terms of hydration. While a higher moisture level is usually expected after facial treatments, this dramatic improvement (by about 20%) truly came as a surprise.






    Based on my overall results, my wrinkles also appeared to be less severe after just one treatment. I am pretty confident that there will be significant progress in my skin's condition over time if I embark on a package of 10 facial treatments with Asian Skin Solutions.



    If you are interested to try out Asian Skin Solutions, you will be happy to know that the salon has kindly extended an exclusive promotion for my blog readers!

    Asian Skin Solutions is offering readers of "Shopping Queen's Haven" a special promotion:

    Simply answer the question below to enjoy for FREE:

    Repairing Collagen+ Skin Treatment and Asian Skin Formulated Skin Essence
     (Total worth S$268!)





    Asian Skin Solutions

    Branches:

    Park Mall9 Penang Road #11-04
    Singapore 238459

    Bugis Village154 Rochor Road
    Singapore 188429


    Tel:
    6767 0077  

    Opening Hours:
    Mon to Fri: 11am - 8.30pm
    Sat: 10am - 7pm
    Sun: 11am - 7pm





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    Fashion Fridays: Mitju Tick Tack Shoes

    August 8, 2014, 6:00 am
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    In today's edition of Fashion Fridays, I will be showcasing Mitju's Tick Tack Shoes series which was recently launched in end July. As I was unable to attend the event organized by The Influencer Network, William very kindly met up with me on a separate occasion so I could pick out a pair. Thank you for the sweet gesture!



    Mitju's Tick Tack Shoes collection is a new range of ladies footwear centered around 3 basic shoe fabrics (patent, suede and leatherette), complemented by a selection of over 60 shoe accessories. The aim of Tick Tack Shoes is to empower anyone, young or old, to assemble and customize your bespoke footwear based on your individual style and personality. The idea of mixing and matching shoe accessories to recreate different looks has certainly taken shoe-shopping to a whole new level.

    All you have to do is to first select the shoe fabric of your choice, and then select from a range of fancy, feminine accessories to go with your shoes.  The basic shoes without accessories are affordably priced at S$26.90 while the accessories are priced between S$6.90 -S$14.90.

    I chose a pair of yellow patent pumps with two sets of accessories, namely 1) red plastic bows and 2) white floral motifs.




    Thanks to the two sets of accessories, I can now have two different pairs of shoes to go with different outfits for various occasions. The red bows give the yellow pumps a cute, retro vibe while the white floral motifs lend a touch of femininity and an air of elegance. 



    Ballet flats have become my footwear of choice due to my recent back problems, and Mitju's Tick Tack shoes are the perfect addition to my shoe collection. And now, instead of going out to buy yet another pair of shoes to match my new outfit, I can just head over to Mitju to purchase new accessories for my shoes for a quick makeover.

    To give you some ideas about how you could match these beautiful shoes with your wardrobe, here are two of my OOTD posts with Mitju's Tick Tack shoes.

    My first outfit is a vintage-inspired red and white ensemble that's perfect for the upcoming National Day festivities. I love how my yellow pumps with white floral motifs add a pop of colour to the girly look.




    Dress from Liz Lisa (Japan)
    Bag from Kate spade




    The second outfit has a sporty chic vibe with retro elements. Instead of pairing it with sneakers as I usually would, the yellow pumps with plastic red bows did a great job too.


    Top and Skirt from Ching
    Popcorn Bag from Young Hungry Free








    Mitju's Tick Tack Shoes are currently available at Mitju ION Orchard and Plaza Singapura.

    You can also purchase them online at Mitju's Official Website later this month. 

     Happy shopping and have an enjoyable long weekend ahead!

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