March 2012 - Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle & Travel Blog

Essie French Affair and Nice is Nice

Saturday, March 31, 2012

I love pastel colours, even more so when I see them on my nails. I'm usually pretty lazy when it comes to painting my nails, but these p...

Saturday, March 31, 2012

I love pastel colours, even more so when I see them on my nails. I'm usually pretty lazy when it comes to painting my nails, but these pastel shades from Essie gave me the impetus to be a little more hardworking when I was in Australia.

I've come to realize that Essie is probably the only nail polish brand that offers such a wide selection of beautiful pastel colours. The pastel pink shade is called French Affair while the Lavender hue is called Nice is Nice. Both colours are from the Essie 2011 Spring Collection.

I saw the mini sized nail polishes at an Asian cosmetic shop at just $5 each, decided I couldn't resist such a good deal and brought them both home with me. They may not the latest colours, but they're gorgeous nonetheless!

DressAffection

Friday, March 30, 2012

DressAffection is one of the few online retailers around that offers apparel from established designer labels as well as up and coming n...

Friday, March 30, 2012

DressAffection is one of the few online retailers around that offers apparel from established designer labels as well as up and coming new designers from Asia. Unparalleled quality and workmanship are key characteristics present in every new collection. The best part is, each design comes in limited quantities to ensure exclusivity, so you'll never be caught dead in the same dress as someone else!

This lovely Black & Orange Pleated Dress sports a classic design in bold contrasting colours by Hong Kong designer Ju's. You may not be able to tell from the pictures, but the quality of the material is absolutely superb!

The cut may look simple but the expert tailoring is the reason behind the evenly distributed pleats (extremely difficult to come by these days) and cascading flared skirt, which falls gradually before it opens up like a blooming flower, enveloping the female silhouette in a graceful manner.

I received nothing but praises when I wore this beauty out in Sydney. Great minds think alike, which explains why it's currently sold out! Fret not though, for you can always click on the "bring it back" button to add it to your wishlist. ;)

Head on down to DressAffection today for more fantastic buys!

People Modern Cafe & Espresso Bar

Thursday, March 29, 2012

My aunt took us to one of her favourite places for pancakes at Cammeray before I returned to Singapore last week. The food there was absolut...

Thursday, March 29, 2012

My aunt took us to one of her favourite places for pancakes at Cammeray before I returned to Singapore last week. The food there was absolutely sumptuous and I've never seen pancakes that looked this smooth in my life. Lightly dusted with sugar icing, the pancakes looked airbrushed to perfection.

The fish and chips as well as the salmon teriyaki were very delicious too. Fresh, succulent and flavourful were just some of the words that came to mind as we savoured the dishes. Oh, and before I forget, the blueberry cheesecake was to die for! I've never been a fan of cheesecake, so you can imagine how enthralled I was. Sadly, there's nothing like this in Singapore. :(

Sigh, I can't wait to return to Sydney for another round of feasting!

Versatile Blogger Award

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Here's a shout out to Izzy of metallic paws who gave me the versatile blogger award! I hardly do this, but Izzy is such a sweet lady ...

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Here's a shout out to Izzy of metallic paws who gave me the versatile blogger award! I hardly do this, but Izzy is such a sweet lady with amazing style (do check out her blog if you haven't already done so).

Plus, I figured it'll be fun to try it out. ;)

The rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you and link to their original post.

2. Share seven things about yourself.

3. Nominate 5 newly discovered blogs and let them know that they have been nominated.

7 things about myself:
1) I've been hooked onto investment books for a couple of months. Mid-life crisis? Maybe.

2) On a more bimbotic note, I love Japanese fashion magazines, especially Vivi!

3) I'm terrified of all insects, regardless of size and appearance.

4) I used to play really violent computer games like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter when I was younger. Yup, there was a time when I preferred computer games to clothes. Really. Haha.

5) I eat everything but I don't know where the food goes to.

6) I love hawker food very much, especially satay, char kway teow, chicken rice, chwee kuey and carrot cake.

7) I've always wanted to pursue a career related to fashion, arts or media. One day I will. :)

5 blogs I nominate:
Popblush of Popblush Beauty
Karen of Renzze.com
Prisca of Mocacchinoland
Clara of Dblechin

Elaine of Ribbons, Rainbows and Pixiedust

Letoile Cafe

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Some time earlier this year, I met the girls at Letoile for late brunch on a Saturday afternoon. I've passed by the cafe several times b...

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Some time earlier this year, I met the girls at Letoile for late brunch on a Saturday afternoon. I've passed by the cafe several times before and it looked like a wonderful place to relax on a lazy weekend.

Much to our disappointment, the food turned out mediocre. My peking duck sandwich and strawberry shortcake were the only saving grace.

With the mushrooming of so many new indie cafes in Singapore, I guess this is another one of those cafes where only the drinks and desserts are up to the mark. It's a great place for taking photos though. The upper floor, in particular, has interesting pieces of furniture that make instant conversation starters. It was terribly crowded while we were there, and given the size of our group, we had to settle for a table on the first floor.

I still recall that poor JW was tied up with work that day due to a crisis, so I rose to the occasion and took over his role as the photographer. :P He hardly had time to eat!

Lacklustre food aside, it was our good fortune that Leo was with us that day to cheer us up. Needless to say, he automatically became the centre of attraction. He looked exceptionally smart in his crisp white shirt. Such a charmer, isn't he?

Finally, here's a parting shot of the girls before we went our separate ways. I posted my outfit shot a while ago, but if you're interested, here's the link.

Vanilla Cafe

Monday, March 26, 2012

Besides massage and shopping, checking out new cafes was another item on our Bangkok trip agenda. I meant to visit Vanilla Cafe on my last...

Monday, March 26, 2012

Besides massage and shopping, checking out new cafes was another item on our Bangkok trip agenda. I meant to visit Vanilla Cafe on my last trip in June but time wasn't on my side then, so I was really excited when Karen suggested going there this time!

Nestled amidst lush greenery at 53 Ekkamai Soi 12, Vanilla Cafe is a quiet respite away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Housed in a beautifully decorated bungalow, the setting is non-pretentious and cozy, definitely a great place for tea and desserts.

We had lunch there as well, but trust me, the food was nothing to shout about and almost everything was too salty. The drinks and desserts are fabulous though, so if you intend to drop by, just go straight for the desserts. The desserts here are so popular, they literally sell out in a matter of seconds. In fact, there was hardly anything left when we ordered, but thankfully we managed to snag the last daifuku!

Other than the desserts, we were also very smittened by the stunning decor, which explains the numerous photos that we took on our way out. Here are some of my favourite snapshots for your viewing pleasure. ;)

Credit goes to my lovely hubby JW, who doubled up as the photographer the entire trip. Photography isn't his hobby (not yet), but he sure takes splendid photos!

Curly Twirly Dress by DOT

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Chase those Sunday or Monday blues away and get a little pick-me-up with DOT ! After all, a little retail therapy could well be the antidot...

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Chase those Sunday or Monday blues away and get a little pick-me-up with DOT! After all, a little retail therapy could well be the antidote for any negativity that comes your way. ;)

I love dresses that can take me from work to play and the Curly Twirly Dress is just perfect. The sweet ruffles that adorn the neckline, coupled with the subtle pleat details, lend an air of femininity and grace to this breezy little dress.

I especially like the modest length and the simplicity of the design as this can only mean that the styling options are endless.

Throw on a jacket to transform it into a work-appropriate dress or let your creative juices flow by adding a quirky accessory or two for the weekend!

The Curly Twirly dress comes with a sash too, but you can always use your own belt to add variety and interest. Another accessory that I'm absolutely crazy about is socks, so this time, I threw on a pair of white lace socks for a more girl-next-door look. ;)

Curly Twirly Dress from DOT
Vintage belt from my mum's closet (yes, literally)
Lace socks from Paddy's Market (Sydney)
Nude pumps from Salvatore Ferragamo

For updates on DOT's new arrivals, LIKE their Facebook page here!

Happy shopping dearies! :)

A&W is Love

Friday, March 23, 2012

I love A&W's root beer float. I know it's only root beer and a scoop of vanilla ice-cream, but it just feels and tastes differen...

Friday, March 23, 2012

I love A&W's root beer float. I know it's only root beer and a scoop of vanilla ice-cream, but it just feels and tastes different when you're drinking it out of an A&W mug. The frothy top alone is enough to brighten up my day! Ah..the simple pleasures in life. It's a pity we can't find A&W in Singapore anymore.

When I'm tired from shopping, all I need is a mug of root beer float and bam, I'm all recharged and ready to go again!

Another Hound Cafe

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Another Hound Cafe is one restaurant that I always have to visit when I head to Bangkok. It was highly recommended by my friend Lyndie and t...

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Another Hound Cafe is one restaurant that I always have to visit when I head to Bangkok. It was highly recommended by my friend Lyndie and trust me, the food never disappoints. Ever.

I especially love my spaghetti with anchovies and sundried tomatoes. It's so delicious and flavourful. The other dish I really like here is the fried chicken drumlets. They may look miserable, but once you pop them into your mouth, oooh the experience is beyond orgasmic!

We woke up really late the day after our cruise and this became our first meal of the day. It was an especially satisfying one, to say the least!

New Year's Eve Cruise

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Our New Year's Eve was spent on a cruise along the Chao Praya river, away from the flashy partying crowd. In light of the recent floods,...

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Our New Year's Eve was spent on a cruise along the Chao Praya river, away from the flashy partying crowd. In light of the recent floods, we also figured that it's probably safer for us to be on water rather than on land. LOL!

I loved the cozy ambiance on board. The warm glow of the tea lights complemented the dazzling brightly-lit buildings that dotted the riverbanks. While the gentle breeze wafted the wonderful sound of music to our ears, our eyes were treated to the magnificent view of Bangkok by night.

Our stomachs were a little disappointed in comparison, for the buffet spread provided was less than satisfactory, but the lovely company of JW and Karen more than made up for that!

Before long, it was time for the countdown! We took out our party props in anticipation of what was to come. At the stroke of midnight, loud cheers and confetti filled the air, followed by a gorgeous display of fireworks in the skies above!

The beautiful fireworks lighted up the skies with colourful splashes of red, gold, green and blue! What a sight to behold!

As the fireworks came to an end, the dance floor came alive with oldies from the 1960s and 70s, a huge contrast from the clubs across the river where techno tunes blasted from the speakers. I found it quite hilarious as we seemed a little out of place surrounded in a sea of uncles and aunties, but you know what they say, oldies are goodies and music transcends all boundaries!

Street Food in Bangkok

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Although I haven't tried much of the street food for fear that my weak stomach would protest and thus risk jeopardizing all my shopping ...

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Although I haven't tried much of the street food for fear that my weak stomach would protest and thus risk jeopardizing all my shopping plans, the multitude of colours and wide variety of delectable options never fail to make me salivate.

This trip, all of us shared a chocolate banana crepe located near our hotel/Platinum Mall at Karen's recommendation. Other flavours such as ham and cheese were available, but we figured this was the most hygienic combination given that the bananas were peeled on the spot and the chocolate came straight from a bottle of Nutella!

After tossing and flipping, our crepe was finally ready to be devoured. :D

It was sizzling hot, crispy and oozing with chocolatey goodness with every bite! Don't ever miss this if you're heading to Bangkok. I was a little reluctant to pass the crepe to Karen and JW (as you can see from the pic below) as it was way too yummy! LOL!

Along the way to Platinum Mall, we also chanced upon a cute little old lady tending to her stall. She looked so adorable in her Santa Claus hat, although it was already New Year's Eve then. Totally lovable isn't she? :)

Shopping in Bangkok during the New Year

Monday, March 19, 2012

It’s funny how my “pilgrimage” to Bangkok seems to have become a bi-annual affair. Last year alone, I stepped foot on the Land of Smiles twi...

Monday, March 19, 2012

It’s funny how my “pilgrimage” to Bangkok seems to have become a bi-annual affair. Last year alone, I stepped foot on the Land of Smiles twice within a 6 month span. If you’re interested, you can read more about my earlier visit in June here.

Then in December, Bangkok beckoned again. Karen, JW and I decided to spend our New Year’s Eve holiday there. It was such a spontaneous decision! We booked the tickets and accommodation on a whim just one week before and poof, before we knew it, we were raring to go! This time, we travelled by Tiger Airlines as the ticket prices were rather exorbitant during the New Year period. The main objective of going to Bangkok was to eat, shop, and eat…and shop. You get the drift.

Shopping began bright and early at the budget terminal. Both Karen and I gravitated to the MAC counter like bees to honey. Before long, we were chatting merrily with the sales assistant and making a beeline for the checkout counter.

After we checked in at our hotel at Centrepoint Petchburi (near Platinum Mall), out we went for yet another dose of shopping. Our plans to shop at Platinum Mall were initially thwarted as we decided to explore a new mall called Shibuya 19. It was rather boring as most of the shops were closed due to the New Year celebrations and the floods that occurred some months back seemed to have taken a toll on the variety of products available.

The same could be said for Platinum Mall, but still, the shopaholics in us manifested in more ways than one. Well, well, what can I say? Old habits die hard!