Living with Elizabeth Little: Nelly Tan savours life's simplest moments
Some of our loveliest friendships begin on two wheels. Nelly Tan first came to Elizabeth Little through a dear friend from her cycling community — Soo Ling, who also happens to be our founder Eileen's sister. What began as a shared love of the open road soon became a shared love of beautiful, well-made things, and we have had the joy of dressing Nelly ever since.
A mother of two and a Financial Services Consultant of twenty years, Nelly is, above all, someone who knows how to celebrate life. Her days are full — of family and friends, of cycling and dancing, of an unhurried gratitude for the small moments most of us rush past.
That spirit shows in the way she dresses too. There is nothing laboured about her style; she reaches for colour and print the way she moves through the world, with warmth and a quiet confidence. She simply knows what makes her joyful, and she wears it well.
It was a privilege to spend a morning with her at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, where she let us in on the pieces she loves most and the philosophy that guides how she lives.
Nelly wears her bespoke Penelope Dress in a captivating Liberty print - Betsy Gingham Sunshine.
She lets the print lead, drawing out its sunlit tones with coral and a touch of emerald, and keeping her jewellery simple and stylish — a quiet lesson in how a single beautiful piece can carry a whole look.
For Nelly, the appeal of Elizabeth Little was immediate, and it has only deepened over the years.
"I discovered Elizabeth Little through a dear friend from my cycling community, whose sister is Eileen, the founder. From the moment I wore my first piece, I was captivated. I love how every design blends timeless elegance with exceptional craftsmanship and comfort. Elizabeth Little has become my go-to because it makes me feel effortlessly confident and beautifully put together, no matter where the day takes me."
That word — effortless — is the thread running through everything Nelly wears. She dresses to feel at ease, never weighed down, always ready for wherever the day leads. And when we ask what she has learned over the years, she returns, again and again, to the same idea: the beauty of slowing down.
"I've learned that life isn't about rushing through it — it's about slowing down and truly being present. Whether it's sharing laughter with my family and friends, enjoying a peaceful bike ride, dancing with people who bring me joy, or simply watching a beautiful sunrise, these little moments remind me how blessed I am. Gratitude keeps me grounded, and I've come to believe that the simplest moments in life often bring the greatest happiness."
Nelly wears our latest Anna Dress in Provence, a Liberty print with shimmery details. True to her playful streak, she offsets its elegance with a whimsical Totoro sling bag and her favourite coral sandals — indeed, a little joy is always the best finishing touch!
There is a lightness to the way Nelly puts herself together — an elegant Liberty print here, a bit of fun there — and it mirrors the way she fills her days. Cycling and dancing, she tells us, are her two ways of celebrating life, and both are really about the people she meets along the way.
"Cycling is incredibly therapeutic and has taken me to beautiful places I've never seen before, both in Singapore and around the world. Dancing has introduced me to so many kind-hearted and inspiring people, filling my life with positive energy, joy, and lasting friendships. Both have taught me to stay curious, embrace new challenges, and enjoy the journey rather than just the destination. They keep me physically active, mentally refreshed, and remind me that some of life's greatest blessings are the people we meet and the memories we create along the way."
One of those memories is especially close to her heart — and it is one she wore Elizabeth Little for.
"One memory that stays close to my heart was wearing an Elizabeth Little collection to my very first Brompton World Championship race this year. It wasn't just about the outfit — it was about how it made me feel: comfortable, confident, and completely at ease while embracing such a memorable experience. The best part was receiving so many lovely compliments on my attire, which made the day even more special. Sometimes, it's the simplest moments that become the most unforgettable."
Nelly wears our bestselling Akiko Shirt in the Liberty print Protea, paired with our latest Joni Shorts in Meringue Linen.
She styles the look entirely around the print, pulling its teal, blue, pink, and yellow straight into her socks and track shoes, topping it with a straw cap — and, of course, bringing along her beloved Brompton, the Provence sash from earlier tied to the back.
It was the perfect note to end on: Nelly and her bicycle, coordinated down to the very last stripe on her socks, ready for the ride. Watching her, it was wonderful to see that for Nelly, dressing well and living well are one and the same — an everyday act of joy, worn with grace and with a smile.
Our heartfelt thanks to Nelly for spending her morning with us and sharing such warmth and spirit, and to Soo Ling for the introduction that started it all. We are so grateful for customers who find as much joy in our designs as we do in creating them — and who remind us to savour the simplest moments along the way.
Written by Eileen Tay
Photos by Beige Social