The latest Chanel film is titled "Reincarnation," starring Pharrell Williams and Cara Delevingne and directed by Karl Lagerfeld. 

Chanel has revealed a 40-second teaser of the film which will be unveiled in full on Chanel.com on December 1, in celebration of the French brand's Métiers d'Art show in Salzburg. 

The clip shows one of the faces of the brand, British model and actress Cara Delevingne, dancing with American singer Pharrell Williams, who also composed the film's soundtrack. In the film the pair are seen wearing clothes that take the viewer back to the full glories of the Viennese imperial court. 

Lagerfeld told WWD that it was Williams who sparked the idea after mentioning to the designer that he'd like to work with Delevingne. The 22-year-old also sings on the soundtrack, and says that when she first heard the news that Williams was writing a duet for her "I was so happy, I think I screamed down the phone at him."

Check out the teaser: 

These prints are so charming, you won't be able to resist getting yourself a few pairs. | Images: Lingerie by Sulli

As you can tell, these Lingerie by Sulli undies are insanely cute.

I’m not talking about Hello Kitty, Doraemon or Tsum Tsum collaborative designs. Those are cute too, but when undies are designed with prints like sushi, flamingos and underwater “monsters” – they definitely qualify for labels like quirky or charming.

Undies featuring underwater monsters

These undies from Singapore-based brand Lingerie by Sulli are 95 percent cotton and 5 percent spandex, and completely machine washable.

What I don’t understand is why an awesome online store likethat this isn’t all the rage yet. I’m already a fan and here are three reasons why.

1. It's hard to find cute panties priced so affordably

Let’s admit it. We like buying pretty underwear at a good deal. I have friends who go crazy whenever there are bundle sales at La Senza. At Lingerie by Sulli, they’re going at $8.90 a pop, which is a pretty reasonable price for undies with absurd prints like these. Plus, they offer free regular shipping when you buy a bundle of 5 undies. ("That’s not a lot, right?")

How random is this print with bulls and ping pong equipment?

It's panties – with sushi. 

2. You can also get limited edition gift boxes with the same charming prints

Just in time for Christmas, these gift boxes are going for $3 each. To be honest, it’s a tad pricey for what is essentially a cardboard box but the witty text (“Pretty panties alert!”) are perfect for gifting and the prints are so attractive you’ll want to reuse them over and over again.

3. Their About page has the most concise description I've ever seen

No wordy founding history or fluffy text on what the brand is all about. All it takes is one gif. See it here.

You can buy these cute undies at www.lingeriebysulli.com or see them in all their ‘flat lay’ glory on Instagram @lingeriebysulli.

Who is Hannah Quinlivan, and why should you care?

Besides that Jay Chou connection, a cursory Google search isn’t going to help her cause, I’m afraid: You’ll be forgiven if you dismissed the Taiwanese-Aussie model as just another dime-a-dozen Pretty Young Thing.

Peer just a little closer, however, and this PYT reveals herself to be a delightful study in subtlety, at least on the beauty side of things. Not convinced? Here are some of my favourite face moments from the future Mrs Chou:

LOOK #1

All images: Corbis Images

My vote for most cohesive use of a coral lippie yet. See how Hannah’s entire ensemble –  from brows and eyes to (somewhat suspect) suede tasselled jacket – is pulled together by the unifying use of an orange lip? Brilliant stuff.

The satiny finish is another sensational touch: Matte-matte smackers are so last season. Only quibble? That Zayn Malik-eque piece of hair plastered to one side of her face is making my eyes twitch; tuck it behind your ears, please!

LOOK #2

When your outfit’s this busy, restraint is required on the makeup front. I’m in love with what Hannah’s glam squad has done here: Slick hair pulled back to give her blouse space to “breathe”; beautifully bare (or bare-seeming) skin; a sexy nude lip and drama in spades on the lids.

Sure, you might say that this eye-or-lip dichotomy is Makeup 101, but when done right, as is the case here, a beauty pundit’s heart will sing. Best bit? The sooty smokiness of her eyes echoes the textured sheen of that … leather thingamajig around her waist. Very thoughtful, and very pleasing to the eyes.

LOOK #3

Okay, this princess-ey tulle monstrosity is twee beyond belief, but keep your focus on Hannah’s face, which is Beyonce-level flawless. She’s giving off incredibly strong K-Beauty vibes here; the apricot cheeks and honeyed hair are very Taeyeon of SNSD, no. Everything’s soft and sweet and calibrated just so. Jay Chou’s rumoured ex-beau (and purveyor of all things pretty) Jolin Tsai would approve.

LOOK #4

How gorgeous is this? I think I’m beginning to grasp Hannah’s particular aesthetic: Nothing too groundbreaking, but always adorable and perfectly put-together.

What’s so noteworthy about this look? I’m obsessed with her eyes, for starters; the chocolate liner and brown mascara really play off the delicious hazel hue of her peepers. Her hair game is seriously strong here, too; notice that lock of trendy rose gold behind her right ear? Someone give her a shampoo ad, stat!

You can follow Hannah Quinlivan on Weibo.

VALUE-FOR-MONEY SHAMPOOS

1. Best Clarifying Shampoo
Tsubaki Head Spa Extra Cleansing Shampoo, $15.90 (280ml), cleans the scalp thoroughly without drying out hair. It also leaves a subtle, refreshing, minty feel post-rinse.

2. Best Shampoo for Sensitive Scalps
Vichy Dercos Dermo-soothing Treatment Shampoo, $25 (200ml), soothes tightness and itchiness on the scalp, and makes tresses feel soft and weightless.

3. Best Shampoo for Coarse/Thick Hair
The Face Shop Keratin Intensive Shampoo, $16.90 (300ml), smooths unruly locks and at the same time, gives them some volume.

4. Best Shampoo for Fine Hair
John Frieda Luxurious Volume Touchably Full Shampoo, $15.90 (250ml), is a lightweight product that doesn’t make fine strands appear flat.

5. Best Shampoo for Curly/Wavy Hair
Cycle Vital Soft Curls Shampoo, $24.90 (250ml), helps to detangle curls, even without a conditioner! It helps the curls remain bouncy after rinsing, too.

6. Best Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo
Daeng Gi Meo Ri Vitalizing Shampoo, $35 (500ml), doesn’t make your hair or scalp feel dry. There was also less hair fall after using this for a month. The Korean medicinal herb-based formula is surprisingly fragrant, too!

7. Best Shampoo for Brittle/Dry/Damaged Hair
Dove Intense Repair Shampoo, $7.70 (375ml), $11.70 (700ml), lathers up easily, and helps hair feel instantly smoother and lighter after one wash.

8. Best Frizz-taming Shampoo
L’Oreal Paris Hair Expertise Eversleek Intense Smoothing Shampoo, $14.90 (250ml), tames frizz and makes your hair feel smooth and soft without weighing it down.

9. Best Shampoo for Dandruff Care
Vichy Dercos Anti-dandruff Shampoo for Sensitive Scalps, $25 (200ml), is sulphate-free, doesn’t create a lot of lather, and washes out easily.

10. Best Colour-protecting Shampoo
Keranove Radiance & Protection Shampoo, $19.90 (250ml), creates a lather that is creamy but washes out easily, so your scalp feels fresh, and your hair is soft and light.

LUXE SHAMPOOS

11. Best Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo
Shiseido Professional The Hair Care Adenovital Shampoo, $42 (250ml), refreshes your scalp and helps it feel more supple. We also noticed that hair fall was reduced after using it for two months.

12. Best Shampoo for Coarse/Thick Hair
Kerarganic Keratin Shampoo, $46 (236ml), makes tresses smooth and light, and leaves your scalp feeling refreshed and non-oily.

13. Best Frizz-taming Shampoo
Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo, $32 (236ml), really tames frizzy strands and smooths hair. The light formula doesn’t make hair look or feel heavy either.

14. Best Shampoo for Fine Hair
Alterna Caviar Repair Instant Recovery Shampoo, $48 (250ml), is super-moisturising and tames frizz. It soothes the scalp and helps soften and smooth hair while giving it a lift at the roots.

15. Best Clarifying Shampoo
Redken Hair Cleansing Cream, $29 (300ml), makes your scalp feel ultra-clean. It is suitable even for sensitive and oily scalps.

16. Best Colour-protecting Shampoo
Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo, $24 (300ml), works up a creamy lather that washes off easily without drying the scalp. It also guards hair against colour-fading caused by frequent washing.

17. Best Shampoo for Brittle/Dry/Damaged Hair
Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturizing Shampoo, $48 (250ml), $150 (1,000ml), detangles as you massage the shampoo in. Hair feels softer after use, and the subtle lavender scent lingers until the next shampoo.

18. Best Shampoo for Dandruff Care
Kerastase Specifique Bain Exfoliant Purifiant, $39 (200ml), has minimal lather but gently exfoliates the scalp with its microbeads without drying out your hair. It also helps thinning tresses by clearing out dead skin cells, oil and product build-up.

19. Best Shampoo for Sensitive Scalps
Apivita Propoline Shampoo for Sensitive Scalp, $30 (250ml), makes hair feel soft and light after the first use. It is free of sulphates, parabens, mineral oils and synthetic colours, and its runny texture soothes easily irritated scalps.

This article was originally published in Simply Her November 2014.

All product and pricing information was correct at the time of the magazine's publication. We advise readers to check with the stores for the latest availability and pricing information.

Pop star Rihanna has revealed her latest fragrance, which is hitting stores in time for the holiday season.

Designed to complement the release last month of her first male fragrance, Rogue Man, the new women's scent is titled Rogue Love and features a blend of fresh florals and citrus notes.  

The scent opens with mandarin with a berry and peach accord before developing a heart of honeysuckle, coconut, orchid and jasmine. The creamy drydown features amber, woods, caramel and vanilla. 

The bottle comes in heavy glass with rose gold kisses and a matte white cap, and it's housed in a white-on-white stingray-patterned carton.

Acclamed fashion photographer Mario Sorrenti captured Rihanna's sensual side for the campaign visuals, which show the Barbadian singer shot in black and white with her trademark undercut. 

The Eau de Parfum version of the fragrance is available now at Macy's in the following sizes: 125 mL for US$69 (S$89.70), 75mL for US$49 (S$64), 30mL for US$39 (S$50.70). As with her previous perfume launches, the scent will be available first in the US, with an international release to follow, according to WWD. -- AFP RELAXNEWS

This regal queen of a woman is not happy. Image: Corbis

Wow, talk about passive-aggressive passion. Witness Zhang Ziyi’s priceless reply to a gung ho Guangdong reporter’s query on her marital state of affairs: “Should be soon, I'm no longer young.”

Now if that’s not a veiled threat to future would-be hubbies, we don’t know what is.

That terse rejoinder – one can only imagine Ziyi’s cold, clipped tones icing up the press room – comes after a most mortifying ordeal earlier this year.

Need a refresher? Chinese pop culture pundits will recall how Ziyi’s rocker boyfriend Wang Feng more or less chickened out of a hugely hyped post-concert proposal (on Chinese Valentine’s Day, no less).

The fallout was farcical, to say the least. The absolute killer? Letv.com, a Chinese live-streaming site that was all set to beam Wang Feng on bended knee to millions of viewers, even blasted out a breathless “pre-event” press release trumpeting the “live” proposal, according to ever-reliable Hong Kong gossip rag Apple Daily.

In any case, the most recent “marriage should be soon” revelation by Ziyi was made at a promo junket for her upcoming period drama film The Crossing, in which the 35-year-old plays an aging street hustler who falls in love with a soldier.

Not jinxing it or anything, but fingers crossed and good luck, Zhang Ziyi, perpetual star-on-the-brink-of-superstardom. May your marriage maneuvers work out better than your attempts at breaking into Hollywood.

Oh, yeah, and Wang Feng, the ball (and rock; it better be a massive whopper of a ring) is in your court, again. Don’t drop it this time!

You can follow Zhang Ziyi on her fansite at www.helloziyi.com.

 
Celebrity newlyweds Zhou Xun and Archie Kao are super cute on camera. Watch the video for proof! | Image: H&M

For H&M’s second Chinese New Year ad campaign, the Swedish retail giant has picked acclaimed Chinese actress Zhou Xun and her beau Hollywood actor Archie Kao, who is best known for his role as Archie Johnson in detective drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

The celebrity couple caused quite a stir when they announced their marriage at Zhou Xun’s charity concert in July 2014, and then got hitched on stage.

Listen to their adorable accents and watch behind-the-scenes footage of the newlywed celebrity couple being cute on set:

If you’re in Singapore this January 2015 for Chinese New Year shopping, you’re in luck. H&M’s Chinese New Year 2015 collection is launching exclusively in Singapore, Malaysia, China and Hong Kong. It will be available in stores from January 29, 2015. Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hm, on Twitter @hm or Instagram @hm.

VALUE-FOR-MONEY CONDITIONERS

1. Best Colour-protecting Conditioner
Vidal Sassoon Color Care Conditioner, $8.50 (184ml), $14.50 (470ml), makes coloured tresses smooth and shiny.

2. Best Frizz-taming Conditioner
John Frieda Frizz Ease Flawlessly Straight Conditioner, $15.90 (250ml), hydrates and smooths frizz without making hair oily or causing it to look flat.

3. Best Conditioner for Brittle/Dry/Damaged Hair
John Frieda Full Repair Strengthen + Restore Conditioner, $16.90 (150ml), is a non-greasy formula that softens coarse hair and adds volume.

4. Best Conditioner for Fine Hair
John Frieda Luxurious Volume Touchably Full Conditioner, $15.90 (250ml), makes fine hair full and very soft with just one use. Blow-dry after that and your locks will look even more voluminous.

5. Best Conditioner for Curly/Wavy Hair
John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Conditioner, $15.90 (250ml), moisturises hair while defining curls.

LUXE CONDITIONERS

6. Best Colour-protecting Conditioner
Redken Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner, $24 (250ml), instantly detangles hair so it becomes smooth and glossy. A little goes a long way.

7. Best Conditioner for Curly/Wavy Hair
Redken Curvaceous Conditioner, $24 (250ml), leaves curls moisturised, defined and glossy looking.

8. Best Conditioner for Fine Hair
Goldwell Dualsenses Ultra Volume Lightweight Conditioner, $26 (200ml), creates natural-looking volume and does not weigh strands down. It is non-greasy, so hair feels light throughout the day.

9. Best Conditioner for Coarse/Thick Hair
Mucota K/51 Conditioner, $56 (200g), doesn’t feel oily or heavy, and conditions coarse hair effectively.

10. Best Frizz-taming Conditioner
KMS California Tame Frizz Conditioner, $34 (250ml), washes out easily to leave tresses smooth and shiny. It can even help to define curls.

11. Best Conditioner for Brittle/Dry/Damaged Hair
Redken Diamond Oil Conditioner, $24 (250ml), instantly detangles for smooth, shiny hair. Your tresses feel light and easy to comb through, and blow-drying feels easier too.

This article was originally published in Simply Her November 2014.

All product and pricing information was correct at the time of the magazine's publication. We advise readers to check with the stores for the latest availability and pricing information.

LUXE HAIR MASKS

1. Best Colour-protecting Hair Mask
Mucota Adllura Aire 08, $42 (100g), gives you a head of hair that feels light, smooth and supple.

2. Best Hydration Hair Mask for All Hair Types
Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturizing Masque, $63 (150ml), makes tresses soft, shiny and conditioned within two to five minutes.

3. Best Restorative Hair Mask for Coarse/Damaged/Thick Hair
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ultimate Remedy Extreme Restoration Treatment, $89 (200ml), washes out easily and prevents moisture loss. Hair will feel soft, smooth and nourished even after your next shampoo.

VALUE-FOR-MONEY HAIR MASKS

4. Best Restorative Hair Mask for Coarse/Damaged/Thick Hair
Daeng Gi Meo Ri Vitalizing Energy Nutrition Hair Pack, $35 (120ml), softens and strengthens hair. It smells pleasant, even though it contains Korean medicinal herbs.

5. Best Hydration Hair Mask for All Hair Types
John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Intensive Masque, $16.90 (150ml), helps to moisturise dehydrated hair, and makes it smooth and shiny in five minutes.

6. Best Colour-protecting Hair Mask
Keranove Radiance & Protection Mask, $29.90 (250ml), leaves tresses smooth, vibrant and glossy.

VALUE-FOR-MONEY LEAVE-ON TREATMENTS

7. Best Hair Oil for Coarse/Thick Hair
Moist Diane Smooth Hair Oil, $18.90 (60ml), may have a light consistency, but it manages to keep coarse, thick hair soft, smooth and shiny.

8. Best Hydrating Treatment for Normal Hair
Tsubaki Shining Hair Water, $16.90 (250ml), moisturises hair and helps it look naturally glossy without taking away volume.

9. Best Hydrating Treatment for Coarse/Thick Hair
Sunsilk Damage Reconstruction Instant Damage Reconstruction Cream, $5.90 (120ml), has a creamy texture that suits coarser tresses. It smooths and softens hair, and tames frizz too.

10. Best Hair Oil for Fine Hair
Asience Intensive Treatment Oil, $14.90 (28ml), with its light, non-oily consistency, helps fine hair retain moisture without weighing it down.

11. Best Hair Oil for Normal Hair
Bio-T Miracle Elixir Oil, $49 (96ml), is readily absorbed by hair, tames flyaway strands and doesn’t make tresses look greasy or flat.

LUXE LEAVE-ON TREATMENTS

12. Best Hair Oil for Normal Hair
Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil, $50 (30ml), hydrates and softens tresses without causing them to feel greasy. It also has a relaxing scent.

13. Best Hair Oil for Coarse/Thick Hair
Wella Professionals Oil Reflections, $49.22 (100ml), adds lots of shine, and conditions without a sticky or heavy effect.

14. Best Hydrating Treatment for Normal Hair
Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair 6 Effects Serum, $38 (100ml), is a lightweight formula that controls frizz well, and renders locks supple and soft.

15. Best Hydrating Treatment for Coarse/Thick Hair
Kerarganic Leave-in Ultra Moisturizer, $46 (236ml), does not make hair feel sticky. It softens the look of coarse strands and lends an instant shine. We love how easy it is to use – a spray nozzle dispenses the lightweight formula.

This article was originally published in Simply Her November 2014.

All product and pricing information was correct at the time of the magazine's publication. We advise readers to check with the stores for the latest availability and pricing information.

Puma has unveiled its second sneaker capsule collection with Solange, following on from the successful launch in February.

The recently married singer worked with the same design team from the sportswear label (Gerlan, William Okpo and Hisham Bharoocha). The first model called Wild Wonders will hit stores on November 28 in three styles, with the second, Behind the Bazaar, set to arrive on December 13. 

"I really wanted to focus on maximising different textures to their fullest potential," explained Solange. "This process was a bit more intense than the Girls of Blaze because we took a lot of risk, and created a lot of tweaks to get it right."

"The thing that I love about these two drops is you see the evolution of my personal style from the first collection into the second one. I love them both so much for totally different reasons."

The two models that have been reworked for the collection include the classic Suede show and the XT2 from the Trinomic range. "I honestly couldn't wait to get my hand on the suede," said Solange.

"However, I absolutely loved the XT2 as a silhouette and really wanted to get my hands on a great running shoe. I love a good running shoe that doesn't make you have to sacrifice your style, especially for a night out with friends for real dancing!" -- AFP RELAXNEWS

We're not saying that there are too many ramen restaurants in Singapore (we are), but if you're suffering from soupy-noodle-fatigue after the spate of ramen restaurant openings, these new Japanese (-and non-ramen) dining concepts will give all you Nipponphiles something to kanpai over. 

Chotto Matte

The semi-casual eatery may look more like your friendly neighbourhood haunt than a proper Japanese restaurant, but that doesn't mean that culinary standards here are anything less than exacting. Helmed by Chef Roy Chee, previously Executive Head Chef at Standing Sushi Bar, Chotto Matte brings quality yakitori, sushi and sashimi items to the table with an attention to detail not unlike that at fine-dining establishments. For one, chef Roy is more than happy to extol the virtues of the restaurant's Japanese-imported water system (from which water is used to wash and cook the rice - it apparently enhances the inherent sweetness of the grain), and the wild tuna that the restaurant uses (which, according to him, is worlds apart from the farmed variety that many conveyor belt restaurants use). Definitely not just your friendly neighbourhood joint. 

Must-try: Besides the yakitori platter ($19), which makes for a decent gateway into Chotto Matte's grilled offerings (it consists of a skewer of chicken wings, salmon belly, chicken breast with cod fish roe mayo, Wagyu beef and Kagoshima pork belly), definitely make room too for the excellent Kagoshima Pork Belly Don ($35, above) – this layers glistening slices of fatty Kagoshima pork belly on a generous bowl of aromatic garlic fried rice.

#01-01 54 Blair Road, tel: 6222-8846, www.chottomatte.com.sg

Teppan-Ya

There's something about having your food deftly fired up on shiny steel teppanyaki counters in front of full-length windows affording a view of the Marina Bay that works up quite the appetite. At Teppan-Ya (previously Wasabi Bistro), that's also its biggest draw. As its name suggests, the restaurant's main culinary draw is the selection of grilled meats and vegetables, meticulously prepared by teppanyaki chef Tony, and bolstered by a selection of sashimi, sushi, tempura and other Japanese sweet treats. The food isn't particularly spectacular, but factor in chef Tony's entertaining tableside manner and the winning view and you've got for yourself a decent dining option that won't disappoint. 

Must-try: With an extensive a la carte menu that takes quite a bit of effort to work through, we suggest leaving the indecision at the door and opting for one of the set menus - these range from $56 for chicken to $120 for Australian wagyu for lunch, and $98 (chicken) to $358 (chef's daily specials) for dinner. For lunch, top up $5 for a bowl of the fragrant garlic fried rice - chef's rendition is simply done but packs in the flavours. It's satisfying to the last grain, carbs be damned.  

Level 4, Mandarin Oriental Singapore, tel: 6885-3595, www.mandarinoriental.com/singapore/fine-dining/teppan-ya

Takumi Kacyo

For those familiar to the Keppel Bay area, Japanese restaurant Takumi, which has long since been a favourite of the business lunching crowd, isn't new. What's new however, is its collaboration with Tokyo establishment Kacyo, which brings with it a new teppanyaki component and ingredients flown in from the Tsukiji market. With the new addition, Takumi Kacyo now offers sushi, robatayaki and teppanyaki – perfect for large groups of friends who can never quite come to an agreement on what to have for dinner. 

Must-try: From Takumi's menu, the Takumi-style Caesar Salad ($14), which mixes generous chunks of Aburi salmon sashimi with leafy greens for a salad that's actually satisfying; and from Kacyo's menu, the stunning Premium A5 Wagyu Tenderloin ($120 for 120g, above), prepared to a beautiful pink and melt-in-your-mouth perfection. It's not cheap, but it's absolutely worth the splurge. 

#02-01, 2 Keppel Bay Vista, Marina at Keppel Bay, tel: 6271-7414, www.takumirestauranta.com 

Sushi Mieda

Just eight seats are available at the main dining counter of new haute dining concept Sushi Mieda (it shares the same space as Tong Le Private Dining), which makes it all the better to properly appreciate culinary prowess of Michelin-starred Kaiseki chef Nobumasa Mieda and sushi chef Keisuke Ohno. Here, the two elements of sushi and kaiseki are combined, a pairing that, according to chef Mieda, makes sense simply because they "each bear great testament to Japan's illustrious culinary heritage". Naturally, expect nothing less but the freshest of ingredients, and the undivided attention of the chefs as they present each course and dish personally to you.

Must-try: While you can have Sushi Mieda's food in Tong Le's space, nothing beats having an upclose and personal encounter with the chefs at the main dining counter. Pick one of the three menus – Koufufu (six courses), Mutsukari (eight courses) and Chef Omakase (eight courses with a premium selection – and let the maestros sweep you off your feet. 

Tong Le Private Dining, Level 10 OUE Tower, 60 Collyer Quay, tel: 8425-7835, www.sushimieda.sg

FUKU Fine Fugu Kaiseki Restaurant

If you've ever harboured any fears of trying out the notoriously poisonous fish, just remember this: chefs have to be specially licensed by the Japanese government before they're allowed to prepare fugu, and all the pufferfish imported to Singapore would have already had their internal organs (the source of the poison) removed. Now that there's cleared up, it's time to shelve your fears and sample FUKU's impressive menu of the fish presented in a multitude of ways (if only for the bragging rights). And yes, this is the only restaurant in Singapore where you can get fugu all year round, regardless of season.  

Must-try: The Thinly Sliced Fugu Sashimi ($70), which presents the fish in its most unadulterated form, to be eaten with Japanese baby leek and ponzu sauce with spicy radish. The sashimi has great bite, and has a delicate, pristine flavour that you'd be hard pressed to find in your run-of-the-mill sashimi.

Read our full review of FUKU here. 

14 Mohamed Sultan Road, tel: 6235-8216, www.fugu-fuku.com

The woman’s beauty looks are flawless, no doubt, but I’m not crazy about Hannah Quinlivan’s sartorial choices. As Mrs Jay Chou-to-be, this future tabloid darling might want to consider hiring a stylist just so she can look the part … and maybe win over some of her husband’s fans in the process.

Outfit #1: The graffiti-patchwork dress

All images: Corbis

What’s up with this look? The dress is interesting to say the least, but those shoes? Blah. The dress was the perfect opportunity to leap into edgier territory by wearing a pair of sneaker wedges or something. On the accessory front, she could have thrown on some bangles, rings or earrings. Anything, anything at all to spice up the outfit.

Outfit #2: Dress, check. Accessories… er.

Where do I even begin. Girl, you’ve got a great figure but you’re hiding it under this peplum dress. Plus, she’s really got a penchant for wearing platform heels when the outfit doesn’t call for it. And what’s with the aversion to accessories? It’s time to ditch those boring shoes and no-accessory look and go for something that’s more of a conversation starter.

Outfit #3: The animal-print kimono

Finally, the Taiwanese-Australian model is wearing something other than platform heels. She has her hair pulled back and I’m loving the different silhouette on her this time around. Maybe the obi-like belt wasn’t such a great idea and doesn’t give her the overall polished look she’s going for, but it’s a step forward.

Outfit #4: The pre-teen Miley Cyrus

Hannah’s got all the elements of Western cowgirl-chic down pat — the tan fringe vest, band tank top, dark jeans and lace up boots. It actually reminds me of the days when Miley Cyrus was still Disney-approved Hannah Montana instead of a controversial pot-smoking twerk princess. Any stylists for hire?

What happens when you do the filial thing and pop by your Grandpa’s for dinner? Why, if he’s anything like my Big Pop, you’ll get a brusque, “Boy, I can tell your zits are from drinking coffee”, that’s what.

Okay, explain. If you’re a born-and-bred Singaporean, odds are you would have heard of Mien Shiang, or face mapping in Mandarin.

What is it? Chinese face mapping is an ancient Ayurvedic approach that treats the bumps on your face as signposts for what’s ailing other parts of the body. Translation: Pimple on Facial Point X equals Problem Y somewhere else.

Image illustration: Showbit/Bernice Lam

Amusing, right? Some crucial caveats to note, the first being that face mapping is much like your daily horoscope; that is, it’s far from an exact science. Also, this story should never be a substitute for regular tune-ups at your go-to skin doctor.

Now that we’ve got the tedious T&Cs out of the way, here’s a handy roadmap for cracking the zit code:

ZONE #1. FOREHEAD

This was where I was breaking out that fateful night I visited Grandpa. If he and generations of TCM practitioners are right, pimples on your forehead might point to problems in your gut. More specifically, your blemishes are besmirching your bladder and you’re probably inundating your body with too much caffeine. Solution? Try cutting back on your daily java quota and see if that helps.

ZONE #2. BETWEEN BROWS

Blemishes between your brows? Booze may be to blame. Spots in this hotspot are said to be symptomatic of a stressed liver. Try abstaining from absinthe shots at the club, and hydrate with lots of (non-alcoholic) fluids.

ZONE #3. NOSE

Zits on your honker may be a sign of stress-induced high blood pressure. Do all the usual calming stuff, like meditating, power walking and yoga; a firmer bod will be an entirely welcome beauty bonus.

ZONE #4.  RIGHT CHEEK

TCM is huge on left-right dichotomies; in this instance, acne clusters on your right cheek might indicate lung-related woes. In the vaguely mystical vein of this story, try “training” your lungs by signing up for evening tai chi lessons at the nearest reservoir park.

ZONE #5. LEFT CHEEK

Ladies, lumps on the left cheek probably means you’re hot, and not in a good way. Try “cooling” down by downing cucumber juice, winter melon broth and the like.

ZONE #6. CHIN

I tend to get cluster-bombed by painful pimples on my chin, so this is of personal interest to me. According to my Grandpa-slash-TCM aficionado, chin cysts are caused by hormonal imbalances. (Make of that what you will.) If you find yourself breaking out during your period, this might just explain things.

And we’re done! Bookmark this page and do me a favour by sharing this story with your fellow beauty buddies. Have fun memorising this roadmap to Mien Shiang; I’ll send advance thanks to Grandpa Quek on your behalf. Cheers!

Imagine this man getting hitched in, I don't know, these gloves and a sequinned tuxe. Image: Corbis

Is Jay Chou the Chinese Kanye? Details on Mandopop’s wedding of the year have been dropping in tantalising dribs and drabs, but the latest revelation is a real doozy.

Get this: Chairman Chou (cringey nickname, I know) will be having not one, not one and a half, but two bridal bashes.  

This juicy nugget of nuptial intel was tossed to the ravenous reporters at a junket for CUG, a new pop band made up of Jay’s best bud Ken Lin and dance instructors Hsiao Mai and Ice Cream (another crazy monicker).

Pressed to divulge more, Jay more or less threw up his hands and said one will be held in Taiwan and the other at a “secret overseas location” that will not be Paris, as previously rumoured. (Make it Singapore, please!)

And yes, “Chinese Kanye” (I’m standing by this epithet; it’s totally apt given Jay’s similar propensity for pomp and pageantry) adds that the weddings will be a public affair.

Wedding dance for the ages? Image: Screenshot of CUG video

Well, then. The pieces are all beginning to fit together. Here’s what we know so far: Two weddings; one in Taiwan and the other in Country X; both by January 2015, if the Mandopop prince is to keep his pledge to get hitched before his 36th birthday on January 18.

What’s more, aforementioned dance teacher Ice Cream informed the assembled media mob that he’s actually seen the wedding photos, and that “[they] feel like a music video”. Translation: We can look forward to jaunty concert-calibre costumes on both bride and peacockish groom!

One last tidbit: Ice Cream also credits himself as being the matchmaker, having introduced the Mandopop prince to Hannah Quinlivan at a joint dinner gathering.

Gossip rag Apple Daily adds that Jay fell for Hannah’s guileless grace and girl-like glamour. Now that we can believe, given some of the dainty beauty looks we’ve seen sported by future Mrs Chou.  

All that’s left to do, I guess, is for us pop culture pundits to set a countdown clock. Less than two months to go, guys!

You can follow Jay Chou and Hannah Quinlivan on Weibo.

We take a lot of care in what we do to our face and the products we put on it, but do we pay that much attention to our hair?

Here are five things you might be doing to your hair everyday and why you should stop.

STOP: #1 Taking hot showers
Treat your scalp the same way you treat your skin.
You certainly wouldn’t wash your face with hot water because it will dehydrate your skin. Likewise, it will do the same to your scalp (and hair!).

Plus, too much heat may cause the overproduction of oil. So unless you like shiny flat hair, learn to shower without steaming up the whole bathroom. (I know it’s hard, but you need to find a better way to wake yourself up in the morning!)

STOP: #2 Shampooing just once
Those struggling with an oily scalp, this is for you. I used to struggle with oily hair at the crown of my head at the end of each day, but shampooing twice has done wonders for me.

Here’s how it works: Think of it like double cleansing your skin. First, the oil cleanser gets rid of the surface dirt and makeup. Next, the foaming cleanser goes deep into your pores and gets rid of all the excess sebum and treats your skin.

Similarly for your hair, the first wash loosens the grime and dirt in your hair, while the second rinses it out.

Lather a 20-50 cent amount of shampoo in your hand then work it into your scalp with your fingers (not your nails!). I know you love a good lather, but resist the urge to use more shampoo if it does not foam up as much as you would like it to.

Now rinse it all off! Shampoo again by taking an even smaller amount of shampoo (about 10 cent size). This time, it will lather and wash all the gunk out.

I find myself using a lot less shampoo with this method, and my scalp feels a lot fresher without having to use a harsh shampoo.

STOP: #3 Using the wrong conditioner
Keratin conditioners have become huge recently, but it does not mean that you should head out and get one just because the ends of your hair feel dry.

Sure, it will help with split-ends, but treating your hair with too much protein can instead make your hair feel hard and brittle because of its strengthening properties. You should instead, be looking for a moisturising conditioner like Davines Essential Hair Care Lovely Smoothing Conditioner.

Our hair needs a balance of both moisture and protein, so likewise, if the ends of your hair feel a little too “soggy” when they’re dry, you need a protein conditioner.

STOP: #4 Wrapping wet hair in a towel
We have all seen something like this — a female star getting out of a steamy shower or bathtub, proceeding to wrap her hair up with a towel and walking out in her bathrobe.

Well the truth is, this is really bad for your hair. Your hair is the most fragile when it is wet, so twisting it into a roll and flipping it up above your head is going to damage the hair shafts and pull at your roots. If you absolutely must put up your hair, use a cotton t-shirt instead of a towel.

Note: The same principle applies to brushing your hair when it is wet — be gentle! Use your fingers to comb through your hair instead.

STOP: #5 Pulling out your hair tie roughly
We all know how tying our hair too tightly causes a receding hairline in the long run.

Here's one more thing to look out for — how you pull out that hair tie. See all the hair strands sticking to it? That’s your proof. Elastic bands with metal and glue joinings tend to grab onto hair and cause them to break as you pull out the hair tie.

Try using a Twist Band, which is made of a soft piece of elastic, and be gentle with your hair. (If you’re tugging it very tightly while pulling the rubber band out, no product will work.) Remember to tie your hair loosely too!

Twistband Hair Ties 3 Pack, $6.95, is available at bellabox.sg. For more information, visit www.thetwistband.com, and follow Twistband on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Davines Essential Hair Care Lovely Smoothing Conditioner, $29 for 250ml, is available at Asterspring and selected Davines hair salons. For more information, visit www.davines.com, and follow the brand on Facebook.

Recipes by Ken Chia, chef at Rice & Fries

1 BAKED PRAWN PENNE WITH PARMESAN & MOZZARELLA

Serves 1
INGREDIENTS
100g penne
4 fresh prawns, shelled          
1 tsp unsalted butter
100ml bottled tomato-based pasta sauce
8 basil leaves, chopped
1 tsp chopped thyme
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
20g grated parmesan
80g grated mozzarella

DIRECTIONS
1 Bring a pot of water with a pinch of salt to the boil. Add the penne and cook for 5 min, then add the prawns and continue cooking for another 5min.
2 Drain the penne and prawns, and place in an oven-safe bowl. Mix in the butter, pasta sauce, basil, thyme, salt and pepper.
3 Mix the parmesan and mozzarella together, then sprinkle over the pasta.
4 Bake for 20min in a toaster oven pre-heated to 180 deg C.

2 BAKED SNAPPER WITH MIXED GREEN SALAD

Serves 1
INGREDIENTS
2 tsp chopped rosemary
1 tsp chopped thyme
1 clove garlic, chopped
½ yellow onion, chopped
3 tbsp cooking white wine
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 snapper fillet, cut into 2.5cm cubes
8 cherry tomatoes
1 packet mixed green salad

DIRECTIONS
1 Mix the rosemary, thyme, garlic, onions, white wine, olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl.
2 Marinate the fish cubes in the mixture for 15min, then place them with the cherry tomatoes on the oven tray.
3 Bake for 30min in a toaster oven pre-heated to 170 deg C.
4 Serve with the salad.

3 EGGS IN COCOTTE WITH SPINACH, BACON & TOAST

Serves 1
INGREDIENTS
A handful of baby spinach
1 tsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
2 pieces streaky bacon
2 eggs
2 slices bread, toasted

DIRECTIONS
1 Toss the baby spinach in the olive oil, salt and pepper.
2 Lay the bacon on the base of the cocotte and top with the spinach. Crack the eggs into the cocotte.
3 Bake for 20min in a toaster oven pre-heated to 160 deg C.
4 Serve with toast on the side.

4 ROASTED CHICKEN & AVOCADO SANDWICH

Serves 1
INGREDIENTS
30g plain yogurt
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 tsp chopped thyme
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 skinless chicken breast, sliced into 4 pieces
½ yellow onion, sliced
¼ avocado, sliced        
2 pieces lettuce (any kind)
3 slices tomato
1 slice cheddar
2 slices of bread, toasted

DIRECTIONS
1 Mix the yogurt, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper together.
2 Marinate the chicken in the yogurt mixture for 10min in the fridge.
3 Place the onions in a layer on the oven tray and top with the chicken slices.
4 Cook for 20min in a toaster oven pre-heated to 185 deg C.
5 Sandwich the chicken and the rest of the ingredients between the slices of bread.

Rice & Fries is at 484 Changi Road, tel: 9738-6648.

This article was originally published in Simply Her's October 2014 digital edition. For more exclusive stories found in our digital magazine, click here to subscribe: http://bit.ly/1xx3IAP