1. When do you feel at your most attractive?

When I'm wearing something that's a combination of comfortable, slimming and on-trend. Sometimes I'll put on an outfit with an idea of the look I want to achieve, but when I look in the mirror, I realize I am not pulling it off...that makes me feel awful. When I look in the mirror and go, "Yes! That's the look!" I feel like a million bucks!

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

All of the time! I'm constantly admiring the way other women put together outfits. I'll often outright ask them where they bought clothing items. All too often, it was in Japan or Germany or a few seasons back. D'oh! I admire a woman who pulls off her own unique style.

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

There are so many style profiles I cannot pull off at all. For example Bohemian. I look ridiculous in this look, but when I see a woman pulling off that style, I totally admire it. I love it when women can create their own unique style.

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?

I think I was born with an innate love of fashion. I can't recall NOT thinking about it on a deeper level. At some point, though, I realized I was a fashion chameleon. I've morphed my look and style so many times over the years. There are some styles I could never fully achieve (Bohemian, for one.), but I've tried almost all of them. I AM shopping more for comfort, though. The more comfortable I feel, the better I feel.

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

1. 3/4 of my wardrobe should be in jersey fabric
2. don't buy pieces that can only stand alone (they have to mix with the full wardrobe) - wait...I'd actually recommend that to others
3. I know that bright pink dress is awesome cool, but pass it over and stick with the black one. It looks boring, but you'll wear it more.
4. shoe equation - 75% comfort, 25% style - or you'll only wear them once - oh...and buy shoes when your feet hurt. That way you'll know they are comfy.

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

1. Midi is the way to go. You are too old for mini and you'll spend your entire day tugging at your skirt and feeling self conscious. Midi looks awesome on you.
2. NO PLEATS EVER.
3. Always put a little leather rock-n-roll touch to your outfit
4. Stay away from accessories. They are fussy.
5. Stay away from sleeveless or bare shoulders.

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

I had a consultation given to me for free years ago. I thought it was stupid. But when I met with the fashion consultant, he told me to stay away from spaghetti straps and other bare shouldered outfits. I always thought my hips were the problem, but he helped me realize my hips are sexy and fabulous and my shoulders are pretty broad. So showing them made me look stalky.

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

Not at all. Or maybe I do. I struggle with being a grownup.

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

Black boots. I have 6 pairs - heeled, non-heeled, short, mid-calf, knee, suede, patent, leather - I just find black boots go with everything, but the cut of the boot matters for the outfit.

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

I'm actually pretty bad at this. And I find very few people can nail doing it for me.

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

Jumpsuits. Seriously? They look like pajamas on everyone except super models.

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

My mother's body is sort of timeless. Even as she's gained weight, it's curvy and feminine. Small waist, broader hips. I was lucky to inherit this. Her fashion style? Not really my thing. She shops at Costco and Eddie Bauer. She's ALL about comfort. She pulls it off herself, but if I tried, I'd feel frumpy.

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

Always!

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

I change up my style every year or two. I've always done this. My surroundings influence me, but it's not a pressure thing...it's more like, "Now I get to try THAT look!"

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

Not really.

16. Please describe your body.

Curvy. Sturdy.

17. Please describe your mind.

Open and creative.

18. Please describe your emotions.

Rollercoaster...but more stable as I've gotten older.

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

Body - a long black sweater dress with a cowl neck. Stretchy and fit fairly snug (not tight, but fitted). A wrap belt with leather and chains. Opaque tights. Black booties with a heel...a bit chunky. Face? Fuschia lips. Cat eye. Defined brows. My chunky awesome Celine glasses. My hair is short. Sort of a Louise Brooks cut. Sleek and short bobbed with short, dramatic bangs.

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

Totally. It's how I express myself. It's an art.

21. With whom do you talk about clothes?

All my girlfriends. People on the street.

22. How do institutions affect the way you dress?

Hard to tell. I'm sure I'm influenced by them more than I realize.

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

I have both a taste and multiple styles. I think they work together as a whole.

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

I sold my old car when I was 19 to get the money to buy a lovely pink suit at a designer boutique. I didn't wear it very often. It was lovely, but a dumb move.

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

Spanx! I didn't invent them, but I feel like I'm getting away with something.

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

Yes. I love design - home, technology, graphic, art...

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?

Yeah. Stretchies and a big, oversized sweater. I use that to hide in my home.

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. I think I was born with it.

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?

Not really.

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

Take the time to get my makeup done. Buy a new outfit.

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 - nothing itchy or fussy
confident - don't care what others think

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

July 15, 1973 - I was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and live in Toronto, Ontario

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

I'm caucasian - Dutch/English background

What kind of work do you do?

Digital Marketing

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

Divorced. I have a son who is 21. I am currently living with my long-time boyfriend.

How do you feel after filling out this survey?

I couldn't finish it! It's long! It was fun though!

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