Triple Treat

Lydia works in advertising, which means she gets to dress up mostly however she’d like for work, but she’s still rather surprised that we wanted to take her photo. “There are wackier-dressed people in my office,” she says. “I think my style is quite subtle.” Subtle isn’t a bad thing, and we like how Lydia mixes different colours and textures to pull her outfit together. She also exemplifies a little, unspoken fashion secret — that a maximum of three main colours or shades in one outfit usually makes for the best look. Lydia’s outfit is made up of quite a few pieces that she picked up from Melbourne, which is one of her favourite shopping haunts, she says. “I went on holiday with my friends there, and I just fell in love with the city and the fashion. It’s chic but laidback, and the clothes fit in well with Singapore’s weather.” She’s planning for another trip to Melbourne soon, but gives us a little tip that she’s picked up. “For well-made, tailored clothes, go to Vietnam. Everyone goes to Thailand to get their clothes made, but if you know where to look, Vietnam is even better.” Beyond just shopping trips, Lydia has had several life-changing experiences doing voluntary work overseas. “I’ve done two voluntary trips before. It was 10 years ago but the memories are still so alive in me,” she says. “Spending or giving time back to those who need it is really something I recommend to anyone.” When it comes to work outfits, Lydia has a couple of things she steers clear away from. “Some people push boundaries a bit too far. When bosses give you freedom, it doesn’t give you the right to bare back tops or low cut tops,” she says. “Oh, and no fit flops. Please. Don’t.” And although she says that she’s still trying to find ways to balance her life and work, Lydia always tells herself to keep moving forward. “I’m constantly reminding myself to let it go. Is that too cliche?” she laughs. We think it’s classic advice.