1. When do you feel at your most attractive?

Nude.
When I'm creating--singing, painting, felting, laughing

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

Women who look comfortable being themselves, can walk easily in their shoes and boots and have some sort of unique style or handmade, wearable art as clothing, accessory. There's an artistry about being oneself adn all of one's many selves.

Women for whom there is not a big gap or visible attempt at looking different from how they are. Self-acceptance, however difficult, is a good starting point for a great look.

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

I particularly notice and admire women whose physical features, size, etc varies greatly from the super tall, skinny, sexless looks our culture seems to worship--if they have found a way to accept theirdifferences and even flaunt them with various accents. Fun adn whimsy are great. And of course, I am way into wearable art.

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. My dad took me shopping for a change and that trip did not have the anxiety that perhaps my mom (and I) generated in fitting rooms. I tried on clothes he helped me select and I could tell I looked great when I came out to show him. I bought two favorite skirts in gorgeous saturated colors in raw silk--so perfect to dance in. But perfect for absolutely anything I might do--no matter how dressy or casual the ocassion. I had the feeling that they were "my skin" and I felt super powerful and also attractive in them. I felt I looked like exactly who I am.

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

To find what you like and only wear it. Example Eileen Fisher pants in black. While I follow this for the basis of my wardrobe--and supplement it with surprises--I think it has the effect of narrowing my stylistic possibilities. But at the moment Im fine with that.

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

Only wear comfortable footwear. But maybe I Should recommend it to others...

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

I might be having it right now with your survey.

I think it would involve the idea of clothing as moving, flowing drapes around a 3-D living sculpture.

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

???
I look for the art in most aspects of life--and to a large degree find it.

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

Yes. Lots.
Danskos. Eileen Fishcer pants. T-necks, Black Tank tops, leggings. a certain kind of boot.

They are good base layers and look great on me--but are easy to layer. They show my body well which is curvey and soft, but strong and capable.

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

I make scarves out of silk and various kinds of fleece. They are a wonderful gift--not really answerring the question you intended. Perhaps the answer is no.

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

High heels, pointy-toes shoes. Any footwear that de-stabilizes my natural alignment. I am unaware of what is "in style" and have never been aware of that. So maybe I haven't so much refused as been oblivious to trends.

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

My mother was beautifyl and wore clothes well when she was young. She valued her beauty because at her time her value was determined by that to a large degree. As she aged and her daughters came of age, she was anxious and fretful about her body not being right, or too fat, or legs too short, head too flat blah blah blah. We all knew it was VERY important to look attractive to men. But by age 15 I had pretty much found my own style and path.

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

Of course!
Merely good artists imitate, great artists steal!

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

I stopped trying to hide what I had perceived as "flaws" and even accentuated them in my choice of clothes. I felt happier. And I did get a lot of compliments about my "style."

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

I think I do not dress with men's lust as the metric for success. Anything that binds or immobilizes in the slightest my natural motion I would not wear.

16. Please describe your body.

I am curvaceous, zaftig. Small waist. Powerful legs. Prominent fanny. Small neck ad head. Delicate but large feet.

17. Please describe your mind.

Quick, penetrating, laser-focused at times, diffuse at other times. Im interested in what lurks behind surfaces and my mind instantly finds ways to sense it. I think metaphorically, by linking the known to the unknown.

18. Please describe your emotions.

I am aware of a warmth that is my most constant emotion--an opening raying out of my interest and myself. When I get hurt and have failed to see disappointment coming, I go to anger. I am generous with myself--to myself and others.

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

A summer cotton nightie, clean face, hair down. In bed.

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

Not sure I can answer that right now. It's important, tho.

21. With whom do you talk about clothes?

NO one.

22. How do institutions affect the way you dress?

Not sure. I do remember being so amazed at reading about Georgia O'Keeffe who made and designed her own clothes at night after painting all day. How cool is that?

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

Yes. Both. Getting tired.

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

no.

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

Layering on top of form-fitting comfortable clothes.

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

My home.

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?

no, but that doesn't mean I don't do it.

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 have strong discernment in many areas of life. I think it might be related to presence, self-confidence--something very basic that gives one poise ad the power of knowing what they think about almost anything.

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?

Both.

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

I accentuate my eyes, make sure my hair is flowing and a bit wild, layer clothes with distinct patterns and some strong color over black.

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?

That they have presence. It's a mystery to me where it comes from and what it is exactly. It is very attractive.

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?

Start with what you reallly have body-wise and like clothing -wise. If you like it, wear it.

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

I'm in the mystery as beauty camp.

34. What do you consider very ugly?

Anything that does not have depth and mystery.

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 think so.

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?

no.

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

1959, Selma AL
Portland OR

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

WASP-Serbian- affinity to tribal culture.

What kind of work do you do?

artist

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

married, one child

Please say anything you like about yourself that might put this survey into some sort of context.

well, I got to question 36 before going to bed--even though it was way past bedtime.

How do you feel after filling out this survey?

It's been interesting to ponder these questions and I will continue to think about this.