Read Surveys (By Author)
Fay Buzz
1. When do you feel at your most attractive?
Wearing lipstick and something that has a fantastic memory associated with it (ie I was given a compliment about a skirt or necklace).
2. Do you notice women on the street? If so, what sort of women do you tend to notice or admire?
Sometimes, women who are confident or are wearing something interesting on.
3. What are some things you admire about how other women present themselves?
The carefree way in which some women present themselves is inspiring. Their presentation sums up their attitude about them being in charge with their lives, not caring what others think.
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?
That dressing up doesn't always mean combining the most expensive things you own - sometimes it just means finding a neat balance of things that, regardless of price or origin, look great together.
This realisation came when I was 16 looking at some middle school photos.
5. What are some shopping rules you wouldn’t necessarily recommend to others but which you follow?
Unless you absolutely LOVE, like L.O.V.E., it in the store and have at least 3 things that it would go with in your closet currently - don't buy it.
6. What are some rules about dressing you follow, but you wouldn't necessarily recommend to others?
Finding something to wear that makes you confident each day - obviously this differs each day.
It is ok to take time getting dressed for everyday - but it should take no more than fifteen minutes. You can change your mind as often as you like within that time but by the end of that fifteen minutes - that's the end decision made.
If its for a special occasion there can be a maximum of one hour and fifteen minutes. ;)
9. Are there any clothing (or related) items that you have in multiple? Why do you think you keep buying this thing?
Tank tops and one specific stripy skirt - because they can be layered, aren't seasonally restrictive and have lovely colours.
10. Have you ever successfully given someone a present of jewelry or clothing that you continue to feel good about?
Homemade jewellery or jewellery with a special meaning is always lovely.
11. Is there any fashion trend you’ve refused to participate in and why?
Every Single fashion trend.
I try and avoid fashion trends mainly because (a) the items related to them are always more expensive, (b) it's always more unique to follow your own style, (c) not all fashion trends work for all people and (d) I dislike to have people tell me (even implicitly) what to wear.
12. Can you say a bit about how your mother’s body and style has been passed down to you, or not?
Not really, think my Ballet lessons from age 3 have been influential than my mothers style. Apart from her creativity.
13. Have you stolen, borrowed or adapted any dressing ideas or actual items from friends or family?
From a best friend - the use of blazers to jazz up any outfit.
14. Was there a point in your life when your style changed dramatically? What happened?
Once school had ended - there was a far greater ability to dress with less pressure.
15. Is there anything political about the way you dress?
Not often, often more cultural than political (despite being a politics student).
16. Please describe your body.
Tall, long shapely legs, wide (almost uncomfortably) shoulders, round shaped face and very pale porcelain skin.
17. Please describe your mind.
Very contrary. Easily distracted, yet love challenges. Value honesty but lie incredibly often.
18. Please describe your emotions.
Straightforward.
19. What are you wearing on your body and face, and how is your hair done, right at this moment?
Maroon lipstick, crystal earrings, necklace, two rings from Latvia, watch from Barcelona, University jumper, long sleeved grey top underneath jumper, jeans, pink and white socks. Hair in a high ponytail, hasn't changed since this morning.
20. In what way is this stuff important, if at all?
Maroon lipstick in winter/cold weather is a staple and makes me ready for anything. The necklace has doctor who connotations and reminds me to value honesty and kindness. The two rings make me proud of my Latvian ancestry and my country. The watch reminds me of travel, family, and fiscal patience (so does the jumper). Ponytail is my quick - ready for anything hairstyle.
21. With whom do you talk about clothes?
Mainly mother, sometimes friends (but mostly friends are just clothing compliments).
22. How do institutions affect the way you dress?
The fashion industry itself is a deciding influence (but sometimes unwanted) given that the industry has the power to determine trends, the nature of popular items and the power to label clothing and people. Sometimes I just want to avoid all that labelling and go against the flow.
23. Do you think you have taste or style? Which one is more important? What do these words mean to you?
Taste - understanding of what works well, mostly in regards to combinations. Style - understanding of what people view as 'highly desirable'.
Taste is the preferred because it gives an understanding of balance and isn't as likely to overload something.
24. Do you remember the biggest waste of money you ever made on an item of clothing?
Waste? An Alannah Hill outlet dress that I haven't yet worn, although I bought it like 3 years ago. :(
25. Are there any dressing tricks you’ve invented or learned that make you feel like you’re getting away with something?
If its cold - wearing pyjama tops underneath nice jackets or jumpers - which mean you don't have to put up with the cold that comes from changing or putting on another item of clothing.
26. Do you have style in any areas of your life aside from fashion?
Books.
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?
Putting a strong lipstick colour on or dress in a way that doesn't indicate individuality and therefore cannot incite people to pre-emptively judge based on appearance - giving me control of my presentation and how the other person judges me.
28. Would you say you “know what you like” in the area of fashion and clothing? If so, do you also know what you like in other areas of life, that is, are you generally good at discernment? Can you say where your discernment comes from, if you have it? Or if you don’t have it, why or why not?
Yes and yes. An understanding of how my individuality, personality and history (as well as internally judging other people's appearances).
29. Did your parents teach you things about clothing, care for your clothing, dressing or style? What lessons do you remember? Or did you just pick things up?
Just largely picked things up myself, but with some advice regarding the maintenance of clothes from my Mother.
30. What sorts of things do you do, clothing or make-up or hair- wise, to feel sexy or alluring?
Red lipstick is an all time classic. As is any strong lipstick colour.
Some black clothing item doesn't go amiss.
Confidence or even just the illusion of confidence is vital.
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?
People who know how they feel about themselves others and have some (even just a rudimentary) idea about what they want to do in the day/year.
People who seem to hold some kind of presence.
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?
Always dress appropriately. Style philosophy is: Preppy (workable), nostalgic (wearing things that have meaning for you personally - even if nobody else knows) and what makes you, personally feel powerful.
33. What is really beautiful, for you, in general?
Somebody or something who doesn't know it, but is inherently important to others.
34. What do you consider very ugly?
Somebody with no personal conviction or understanding.
35. Are you generally a good judge of whether what you buy will end up being worn? Have you figured out how to know in advance?
Didn't used to be but I think am now - you have to LOVE the item.
36. When you look at yourself before going out, and you are trying to see yourself from the outside, can you describe a bit about what this “other person” is like? What do they like, dislike, what sorts of judgments do they have? Is this “outer eye” based on someone you know or once knew?
Generally a composite collection of my friends and prospective guys. Often like simplicity and apparent ease, and (for those that know me) dislike things that 'aren't me'.
37. What is your process getting dressed in the morning? What are you considering?
Decide on one central item of clothing around which to focus other combinations. Mainly considering what I will look like or feel like after 3 hours in the outfit.
38. What are you trying to achieve when you dress?
The desire to feel good about myself.
39. What, for you, is the difference between dressing and dressing up?
Dressing is highly pragmatic but dressing up is unleashed.
40. If you had to wear a “uniform” what would it look like?
Short heels, with something black and has something that is ironable.
41. What would you say is “you” and what would you say is “not you”?
'Me' is whatever I feel like on a given day and 'Not me' is something that is clearly identifiable.
42. What is your cultural background and how has that influenced how you dress?
Largely just influences my jewellery to remind me of my and my families history.
43. Do you remember a time in your life when you dressed quite differently from how you do now? Can you describe it and what it was all about for you?
When I was younger when we went to go out we would dress ridiculously like I was consistently expecting to go to a formal or meet the President or something. Thankfully I'm over the phase and try and practice some form of moderation.
I believe it was about trying to make people respect me, even though I was young.
44. What sorts of things do you do, clothing, make-up or hair-wise, to feel professional?
Hair must be up and make up must be appropriate and there is a limit on the length of a skirt or cleavage-bearing top.
45. How do you conform to or rebel against the dress expectations at your workplace?
Not very well in either category.
46. Do you have a dress code, a school uniform, or a uniform that you wear for an extracurricular activity?
Yes.
47. Are there ways in which you conform to or rebel against these uniforms?
Not really.
48. Do you find it comforting or constraining to have a uniform?
Depends largely on the day I'm having.
49. What is an archetypal outfit for you; one that you could have happily worn at any point in your life? What do you like about it?
Shorts, tank top, dark blazer, necklace, two rings, bracelet, flat shoes.
Casual and smart-casual at the same time - blazer makes it interchangable.
50. Do you ever wish you were a man or could dress like a man or had a man’s body? Was there ever a time in the past?
Nah, women have heaps more choice and fun!
51. If there was one country or culture or era that you had to live in, fashion-wise, what would it be?
18th Century Europe (anywhere in Europe) OR 1920s New York Jazz Age.
52. Do you consider yourself photogenic?
No.
53. When you see yourself in photographs, what do you think?
'I like that outfit.' OR 'I remember that day.'
54. Are there any figures from culture, past or present, whose style you admire or have drawn from?
Audrey Hepburn, Taylor Swift, Jenna Coleman.
55. Have you ever had a dream that involved clothes?
If a 16th century Elizabethan court dream that was highly vivid counts then yes.
56. What would be a difficult or uncomfortable look for you to try and achieve?
Anything indie or hipster like.
57. If you were totally comfortable with your body, or your body was a bit closer to what you wish it was like, what would you wear?
Anything in the world!
58. Is there anyone that you are trying to attract or repel when you dress?
Attract: anyone that catches my eye.
Repel: Socially awkward people if I can.
59. Are there any dressing rules you’d want to convey to other women?
Never wear tight-fitting clothing if you can see something you're not supposed to.
Follow a variation of Coco Chanel's rule - if you're wearing more than 15 pieces of clothing/jewellery - take something off.
60. What do you think of perfume? Do you wear it?
Love it, of course.
61. What are some things you need to do to your body or clothes in order to feel presentable?
Take a freakin' shower, wearing my staple jewellery pieces.
62. How does makeup fit into all this for you?
Lipstick is powerful.
Foundation is secretive.
Perfume is captivating.
63. Is there a certain look you feel you’re expected to like that you have absolutely no interest in? What is it? Why aren’t you interested?
A lot of elements in the fashion industry because it makes me feel like I am limited in my choice of what to wear - when in fact I would want total freedom of choice.
64. Can you describe in a basic way what you own, clothing and jewelry-wise?
Lots of dark clothing, focus on silver jewellery, mainly stuff that is work-appropriate/office appropriate.
65. What is your favorite piece of clothing or jewelry that you own?
Latvian rings.
66. Tell us about something in your closet that you keep but never wear. What is it, why don’t you wear it, and why do you keep it?
Paul frank scarf. Don't wear it because it feels like the wrong length and (to my mind) is the wrong colour for me but I keep it because it was given to me by my godfather when I was younger and means a lot to me.
67. Looking back at all your purchases over the past five to fifteen years, can you generalize about what sorts of things were the most valuable to buy?
Black stockings, plain block coloured tank tops or long sleeved tops. They go with absolutely anything.
68. Is there an item of clothing that you once owned, but no longer own, and still think about or wish you had back? What was it, what happened to it, and why do you want it back?
A fantastic white pleated skirt from my family's favourite holiday destination. Perfect summer skirt. Outgrew it. But it went with bloody everything I owned and was the perfect length and fabric weight.
69. If you had to throw out all your clothes but keep one thing, what would you keep?
I would literally have to be paid $10 million to throw out all my clothes bar one. But if PUSHED. My university jumper.
70. Building up your wardrobe from nothing, what would you do differently this time?
Stop buying stuff that I 'hope' to wear in the future and just stick with what I 'will' wear.
71. What’s the first “investment” item you bought? Do you still own or wear it?
Alannah Hill monochrome coat (do own, rarely wear it).
72. Was there ever an important or paradigm-shifting purchase in your life?
Buying my first silver bracelet - with my first babysitting money. Working out I could buy for myself without any external advice or permission.
73. What item of clothing are you still (or have you forever been) on the hunt for?
A lovely Zimmerman strapless white dress with pink details all over it. Tried on in a size too small and went all over the city to find my size, but couldn't. Still remember it from 6 years ago.
Given up looking for it - but still want to try and find a variation of it because it was such a gorgeous dress.
74. What are your closet and drawers like? Do you keep things neat, etc?
Closet and drawers are tidy but there is a chair in my room that is my clothing 'dumping ground' and is constantly needing to be tidied.
75. Were you ever given a present of clothing or jewelry that especially touched you?
Pandora bracelet from my Godparents.
76. Did you ever buy an article of clothing without giving it much thought, only to have it prove much more valuable as time went on? What was the item and what happened?
University jumper.
77. How and when do you shop for clothes?
Shop instore mainly during sales.
78. Do you like to smell a certain way?
Always wear perfume that has a sharpness or distinct smell to it.
79. How does how you dress play into your ambitions for yourself?
Pragmatic.
80. How does money fit into all this?
Not that much of an issue, but am supremely cautious about buying items over $150
81. Is there an article of clothing, a piece of make-up, or an accessory that you carry with you or wear every day?
Lipstick, double hearted necklace, two Latvian rings, bracelet. I feel naked without them.
82. Did anyone ever say anything to you that made you see yourself differently, on a physical and especially sartorial level?
Possibly, but I can't remember it very well.
83. Do you remember the first time you were conscious of what you were wearing? Can you describe this moment and what it was about?
When I made a conscious choice to wear a zebra printed casual pantsuit when I was 12 that my mother made. Initially I hated it and never wore it. But one day I thought I would wear it because I had nothing to lose. At first I continued to dislike it, regretting my decision but over the course of the day I came to like the clothes. It made me realise that what you wear can have a conscious influence on how you feel.
What’s your birth date? Where were you born and where do you live now?
December 1993, born Sydney, Australia - still residing there.
Say anything you like about your cultural/ethnic/economic background.
Born and have lived all my life in Australia, heritage is Latvian. Economic situation is very comfortable.
What kind of work do you do?
Full time student with casual retail work on the side.
Are you single, married, do you have kids, etc.?
Single - happily so.
Please say anything you like about yourself that might put this survey into some sort of context.
Should've been doing uni work but this served as a fantastic procrastination measure - thank you!
How do you feel after filling out this survey?
Intrigued by the trends and ideas behind this sort of line of questions.
Bio
- Full time student, paradoxically unconcerned with fashion yet concerned with its application.