1. When do you feel at your most attractive?

When I've actually been able to spend some time getting ready in the morning. Usually I "throw and go".

2. Do you notice women on the street? If so, what sort of women do you tend to notice or admire?

Yes I do notice women on the street. I tend to notice those who have a free and easy way about them, or a confident attitude, or who seem content.

3. What are some things you admire about how other women present themselves?

When there is an effortless quality to what they are wearing or how they have their hair, and yet they are exuding a certain loveliness. Even if they are "messy" it can come across as lovely.

4. Was there a moment in your life when something “clicked” for you about fashion or dressing or make-up or hair? What? Why did it happen then, do you think?

When I was high school, I learned how to properly gel my VERY curly hair. It was the first time I felt that I loved my hair. And the first time I ever thought of myself as pretty.

In college, I came in contact with many different styles of fashion and decided I wanted to have my own... style that is. I began selecting pieces that interested me, instead of pieces I thought fit a trend and eventually fell in love with vintage- they make up large portion of my wardrobe to this day.

8. Do you have a unified way of approaching your life, work, relationships, finances, chores, etc.? Please explain.

Yes I do. I am a Christian woman, very focused on living my life to honor and glorify God, which I have found fulfilling and joyful. I believe that is the essence of God's plan for us, that we pursue Him for His glory which results in our joy. I approach all of my life through this lens.

10. Have you ever successfully given someone a present of jewelry or clothing that you continue to feel good about?

I gave a pair of pearl earrings to a niece on her 16th birthday. She loved the classic vintage look and as a vintage lover myself, I wanted to give her something more real and lasting than some of the knockoff items she then had. After all, a pair of real pearls can be the best accessory you own and sometimes are the only one you'll need.

11. Is there any fashion trend you’ve refused to participate in and why? 

Mini skirts. Shear tops where you can see the bra beneath. I don't think I need to show off skin or try to tantalize men/women with my body. Just because it is something I CAN wear doesn't mean I should. I would not want some other woman walking past my husband wearing those kinds of items, even though I trust him to look away. So I will not do that to other men and their wives.

12. Can you say a bit about how your mother’s body and style has been passed down to you, or not?

I am petite like my mom. She had a love for lovely clothes that she definitely passed down to me. She dressed us in vintage before it was fashionable to do so. My love for those things come from her. She saved many items from her younger years that fit me now and I love to wear them.

13. Have you stolen, borrowed or adapted any dressing ideas or actual items from friends or family?

Yes. I think it's a compliment to them and tell them so. But I hate when someone says something to me (esp. family members) like "Oh, you are wearing it like I did a few weeks ago- I guess you liked it" when I had already been doing it for months.

14. Was there a point in your life when your style changed dramatically? What happened?

Yes. When I committed my life to Christ I stopped wearing tops that were skin tight and revealing. I began dressing more modestly, but at the same time (those college years) began looking for my own style.

16. Please describe your body.

Average weight and height- 125 lbs, 5'3". Somewhat hourglass figure, though not super buxom. I haven't exercised in years so my body could be a bit more toned.

17. Please describe your mind.

I prize wisdom. More than anything I would rather be a wise woman. Having a combination of knowledge and understanding that can be applied to different situations in a way that is godly and helpful to others.

I used to be a fast thinker and quick witted... then I had a baby boy. My mind has definitely slowed down but I would not trade it back!

I love to read. TV is fun but addicting so I try to avoid too much of it.

I process everything through a lens of biblical scripture. But I think about things realistically. I believe we are all held to the same standard of truth, but I don't expect people who believe differently than me to live that out.

I think a lot about how other people are feeling and what motivates them.

18. Please describe your emotions.

I am generally happy and look on the positive side of things. I do not get mad or angry easily, but if I allow myself I can get frustrated and react negatively towards friends and family. I have grown a lot in not getting impatient.

19. What are you wearing on your body and face, and how is your hair done, right at this moment?

I am wearing a pair of jeans that used to be flared until I redid the bottoms and now they are skinny jeans. I did that about 5 years ago and they are my favorite pair. They fall just below my ankle and hit the top of the black platform sandals I'm wearing. A turquoise blue paisley blouse is tucked into the top of the jeans. Over that is a gray light-weight jersey top. My sleeves are scrunched up. My hair is short and curly, cropped a bit and layered but parted on the side. I'm wearing vintage frames.

20. In what way is this stuff important, if at all?

It's important because how you present yourself says something about what is important to you to people around you. What are you representing?
I represent a lot of things but mostly Christ. If someone met me would they be startled to know that I am a follower of God because of how I dress and present myself?

24. Do you remember the biggest waste of money you ever made on an item of clothing?

I spent $200 on a dress I never wore. It did not fit me and I was never close to that size again. It still hangs in my closet.

26. Do you have style in any areas of your life aside from fashion?

I am an artist, though not "working" as such. Graphics, writing style, how the home is decorated, all of those things are embued with a sense of style. Even food on the plate looks a certain way when I have the time.

27. Can you recall some times when you have dressed a particular way to calm yourself or gain a sense of control over a situation that scared you?

Job interviews are a big one. They don't scare me, but I get the jitters about being able to answer the questions well... nerves, you know? Interviews are not just about wanting to look good- you NEED to present yourself well in order to have a successful interview. You don't have to be pretty or good-looking, but you have to be put together and be confident. Spending careful time over the details can make the interview easier for you, and put you in a good light in the interviewer's eyes.
And interview is a competition with other people... and the way you are dressed can give you a step above someone else.

30. What sorts of things do you do, clothing or make-up or hair- wise, to feel sexy or alluring?

If I want to feel sexy, I will wear makeup. Otherwise I never bother wearing it anymore. (And I work full time in a professional industry.)

31. Many people say they want to feel “comfortable,” or that they admire people who seem “confident.” What do these words really mean to you?

They go hand in hand to me. If you feel comfortable, it will have a big impact on whether or not you feel confident. And if you have neither, it is obvious to people around you. They may not know why, and it may have nothing to do with what they look like.

32. If dressing were the only thing you did, and you were considered an expert and asked to explain your style philosophy, what would you say?

A lover of fashion-forward vintage. With a modest twist.

33. What is really beautiful, for you, in general?

Someone who has a lovely soul.

34. What do you consider very ugly?

Someone filled with anger and bitter hatred.