Required Mods:
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/8583 - Ashen race

Purpose of this mod
This is my own taste of Lydia.
This mod takes away the need for Lydia to be armored since she will have a armor set that will become stronger as she levels.
EDIT: She is now close to standalone except for her race.
UPDATE: i forgot to mention that she takes on armor bonuses and a new armor as she progresses.

Steps for obtaining the Ashen race master file(.esm.)
1) Open TESVsnip and the .esp file.
2) Right below Oriental race.esp, there is "TES4". Double click it, you will see a window by the name of "HeaderEditor".
3) Find the checkbox that specifics "(Esm file)" and tick it.
4) Save it as an esm file.
Note: the esm file and esp file being used in load order will result in 2 Ashen race. Use console to see it.

My other similar mod:
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/52537