DR. MARTENS X SHENTONISTA — In Practise

Each time we meet Ally (here, and here), she always looks a little different; that just goes to show how versatile her style is, and how she’s continually exploring different looks to find out what she likes. There’s a bit of a girlish charm in her shoes and bag today, tempered by the origami-like pleats of her skirt and her fuss-free blouse. Read on to find out more about what items she can’t live without, and her current favourites.

Q1. How do you try to personalise your outfit, or find some way of making it look different from the usual office crowd?

At work, I try to look professional, without compromising on comfort. This is quite different from popular, form-fitting clothing. You’ll always see me in baggy dresses, long skirts and pants; basically, anything I can cross my legs in after office hours (laughs).

Q2. We think that little things can make or break an outfit. What do you personally look for when it comes to shoes and accessories?

Definitely comfort. I don’t have many accessories, but I like to wear the pieces given to me by special people to remind me of them.

Q3. What are some of the items in your wardrobe or on your dresser that you can’t live without?

1. This weekend dress that I throw on almost every Saturday when I’m rushing out of the house. It’s a loose dress with tiny cats printed all over that I bought in Camden Market in London. It cost me about S$40, but I’ve probably worn it at least 40 times. Safe to say, it was a great buy.

2. Loose harem pants I bought in Siem Reap, Cambodia, which I bring on every beach holiday, or to any city casual enough for me to look like a bum (laughs).

3. Blue office dress from COS that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and style and is my go-to daily essential.

Q4. Do you believe in routine or spontaneity, both at work and off work? How so?

I’m a spontaneous person so I don’t like planning my days. I like starting the weekend free and being able to pounce on any opportunity that presents itself. At work, I’m much more pragmatic, so I plan how I’m going finish my work to make sure I meet all my deadlines. I appreciate that time management is key in the work place, and that’s why I like to live as freely as possible in my own time.

Q5. We often hear people say: don’t work hard, work smart. Have you found any way of working differently?

I like sitting by the river to unwind and relax. I make it my own quiet space. You can’t work smart if you never take the time to clear your thoughts.

Q6. Could you tell us about what you’re working on right now, or a personal project that you would love to undertake?

I’m still a trainee at the moment so my goal right now is to learn as much as I can, adapt, be flexible and open to new ideas, but stand firm when necessary. I haven’t had time to properly practice, but I would love to learn Cantonese. I think it’s a beautiful language.

Q7. What do you do when you’re simply having a terrible day at work? Or how do you personally cope/deal with stress from work?

I meet my sister for dinner and we eat by the grass near Raffles Place MRT. The area is very therapeutic at night; it’s breezy, there are less people, and the hustle and bustle of the day is replaced by complete stillness. We have a favourite spot where we sit cross-legged (and this is when I love myself for wearing comfy clothes), eat and talk.

Q8. What’s the one thing you think you should be doing more of, or that you wish you had more time to be doing?

I wish I had more time to paint. I’ve been working on a piece for some time now, but I haven’t had time to complete it.

Q9. Who is your all-time favourite musician or band? Or the artist that you’re currently into at the moment

No all-time favourite musician, but right now I love Bastille, Bonobo, and Simon & Garfunkel.

Q10. In light of the Dr. Martens #standforsomething campaign, what’s the one thing you stand for? What do you personally believe in, be it at work, or in life? 

I really believe in intrinsic self-worth; you should never let anyone influence the way you view yourself or make you want to change who you are. Love yourself, the person you are and the person you will be. Learn from your mistakes, for they will shape you and make you stronger, but they will never define you.

This is a Shentonista project for Dr. Martens Singapore.

For more on Dr. Martens, visit their Facebook here and their website here.