1. When do you feel at your most attractive?

I feel the most attractive when I know I feel clean, my hair looks nice, and I'm wearing a sharp outfit.

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

Yes, I tend to notice when a woman is dressed nicely and I make a mental note of what she's wearing and why it would or wouldn't work on me. I also notice women's body shapes, especially if they are petite like me but have slim thighs (I do not.)

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

I like it when women are stylish and classy. I like it when women's outfits reflect their personalities.

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?

Yes. When I cut my hair short. I had always had long hair but I wanted something more "professional" looking when I got out of college. I cut my naturally wavy hair in an asymmetrical bob, short in the back, longer in the front. I realized that I looked great! I don't have to look like anybody else. As an immigrant, I always felt like I didn't fit in. Now I know that I don't have to. I can look like myself, talk like myself and live like myself.

5. What are some shopping rules you wouldn’t necessarily recommend to others but which you follow?

If you wouldn't wear it today, don't buy it. Know your what brands tailor to your body before you shop online. For example, I know that I am a 4 in H&M and a 0 in BCBG. Old Navy bottoms always fit me funny.
Shop on Ebay!!

NEVER buy uncomfortable shoes.

Nice bras and panties are a good investment!

6. What are some rules about dressing you follow, but you wouldn't necessarily recommend to others?

I am petite so I don't wear long skirts, only short. I feel like my bottom is bigger than my torso, so I don't wear patterned pants or skirts. I love wearing pastels because they look good on my skin. Always have nice jewelry and manicured hands. NEVER wear open-toed shoes to work, it's unprofessional.

ALWAYS smell nice. (This one is for everybody).

7. What is the most transformative conversation you have ever had on the subject of fashion or style?

Reading the book D.V. by Diana Vreeland. She was a style pioneer who said wonderful things like "Pink is the Navy of India." Basically, she taught me to appreciate luxury: fabrics that feel nice. I love cashmere, pearls, big watches and pencil skirts.

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

Yes, I like simple, elegant things. I like everything to be neat and organized. I like to look professional and responsible.

9. Are there any clothing (or related) items that you have in multiple? Why do you think you keep buying this thing?

Yes. H&m pencil skirts. They fit me great and they come in fantastic colors.

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

I like to give people unique monogrammed jewelry from Etsy. Maybe it's a southern thing, but people I know love the special touch.

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

Crop tops. I think it is sexier to show shoulders or nice legs.

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

I think I have influenced her style more than she's influenced me! I love going shopping with her and explaining what works and doesn't work for her.

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

My best friends in high school had beautiful, elegant European mothers. They wore scarves and nice loafers, always with a big watch or some pearl earrings. They were my idea of worldly women!

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

When I studied abroad in France I acquired a taste for simple clothing with beautiful silhouettes. I realized nice clothes come at all price ranges! Clothes with recognizable brands are lame!

15. Is there anything political about the way you dress?

I don't think so, though most public radio people think I'm a republican based on how I dress!

16. Please describe your body.

I am petite, pear-shaped, slim.

17. Please describe your mind.

I am creative, ambitious and hard-working.

18. Please describe your emotions.

I am anxious, friendly and loving.

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

My hair is in a short asymmetrical bob. I'm wearing a pink pencil skirt and grey simple blouse, I'm wearing a rose gold watch and a sparkly Swarovski ring. I'm wearing pink pearl earrings. I'm wearing sparkly Aerosole flats. I'm wearing BB cream with SPF, some blush and eyeliner. I'm wearing pink/grey Dior reading glasses that I love because they are a cat-eye shape.

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

It's all important! I dress in a retro-ish way for a 24 year old.

21. With whom do you talk about clothes?

No one really.

22. How do institutions affect the way you dress?

They don't, but I always want to look professional and presentable.

23. Do you think you have taste or style? Which one is more important? What do these words mean to you?

I think I have taste. Style is like putting things together to make a statement. My statement is that I'm here to work, that I'm beautiful, and I want to be taken seriously. Taste is knowing what you're doing, knowing HOW to put clothes together. Style is taking risks, and I don't really do that.

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

I bought a $400 dollar BCBG dress that now you can get on Ebay for $20.

25. Are there any dressing tricks you’ve invented or learned that make you feel like you’re getting away with something?

Sometimes you have to tuck your blouse into your underwear to keep it from riding up. If you have small breasts and you're wearing a backless dress, you can put bandaids on your nipples! Sticky tape is SO important.

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

Yes, I'm a good writer.

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?

I think the tailored way I dress gives me a sense of control.

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?

Absolutely. I know what I like in everything.

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?

My mom taught me how to care for my clothing. She taught me not to ever buy anything that I'm not willing to take care of in the right way.

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

I try to wear clothes that are flattering.

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?

Comfortable is usually slobby, but you should never wear uncomfortable shoes. Confident is knowing who you are and not apologizing for it.

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?

I would say my style philosophy is classic with a little surprise thrown in.

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

Flowers, landscapes, playing, children.

34. What do you consider very ugly?

Weeds, asphalt, chaos.

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?

I am generally a good judge.

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?

This person is kind of retro, smart, cares about what others think.

37. What is your process getting dressed in the morning? What are you considering?

I don't take very long, but my skincare routine is very important. My hair looking good is also important.

38. What are you trying to achieve when you dress?

I want to look neat and presentable.

39. What, for you, is the difference between dressing and dressing up?

Dressing up is when you're trying to really impress. Dressing just means looking presentable enough to do your job.

40. If you had to wear a “uniform” what would it look like?

Pencil skirt, blouse, cute flats, sparkly sweater.

41. What would you say is “you” and what would you say is “not you”?

Me: Classic, retro. Not me: trendy

42. What is your cultural background and how has that influenced how you dress?

I am an upper-middle class Mexican. I kind of rebel against the label-chasing and I try to look like an old movie star.

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?

Yes when I was in high school I always tried to fit in and wear whatever expensive thing I could wear. I don't care about that start.

What’s your birth date? 
Where were you born and where do you live now?

01/26/1990. Born in MExico, live in Austin.

Say anything you like about your cultural/ethnic/economic background.

Upper middle class

What kind of work do you do?

I'm a public radio producer.

Are you single, married, do you have kids, etc.?

Single, live with my boyfriend.