Up And On

Elaine is quite the style chameleon; she’s lucky that the industry she’s working in lets her play around with whatever she wants to wear. “I can go feminine, edgy, or grungy,” she says. One of her favourite combinations is old-school sneakers with a boyfriend-style sweater, although on days when she feels like being more feminine, she is partial to a good pair of black boots or bright pointy heels. Even on days when she’s dressed down, she says that the trick to looking good is to make sure that you have on an item that highlights your overall style. “For example, a simple plain tee paired with the perfect cropped pants and boots and sneakers should do the trick,” she says. “I love looks that are functional, yet effortlessly chic in the simplest way possible. But most importantly, the key to confidence is being comfortable in your own skin.” This need for functionality probably stems from Elaine’s active lifestyle; she goes running after work and proclaims her love for climbing mountains. “I need to climb at least one mountain a year, otherwise I’ll be experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.” Perhaps this extreme sport has taught her the importance of perseverance, both in life and at work. “Kids in the younger generation give up too easily nowadays,” she says. “Don’t quit even if you’re constantly beaten down at work. Learn from your rejections and seek better ways to improvise. Remember: if your parents or your bosses have gone through it, why can’t you?” Elaine loves that her job allows her to interact with and learn from different people in the industry, but if she had the chance, she’d love to be a travel writer. “My inner soul is yearning to explore the different cultures of the globe,” she says. “Not forgetting—having a Singaporean DNA—I have an unwavering quest to search for food!” Elaine seems to be ready for adventure, anytime, anywhere, and this is reflected in some of her personal beliefs. “If you want something, you’ve got to ask for it. Don’t be shy; seek it out,” she says. “But stick to your personal morals and principles in life, and do not forget those who have helped you along the way, and show gratitude.”