1. When do you feel at your most attractive?

When I first wake up, before I've eaten anything. While wearing my favorite pair of trousers. Almost anytime I'm wearing a muscle tank. When I'm working a fierce berry lip.

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

Yes, constantly. Confident women who wear their clothes instead of their clothes wearing them. Fashion-forward women. Women who wear things and pull off looks I aspire to. Women who wear things I'd like in my closet. Stylish, sophisticated women. Women who look fashionable, yet still comfortable and happy.

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

Confidence. It comes through whether people realize it or not. Knowing your body shape and dressing for it. Wearing fashion-forward or "different" things that don't fall into the norm. Pushing boundaries. Being able to actually walk in a pair of 4+ inch heels.

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. Junior year of high school a friend introduced me to Nylon magazine and that was effectively the official beginning of a long, arduous relationship. I think it happened at that time specifically because I was just exiting one stage of growth and moving into another more fashion-conscious one. My sense of style went through a revolution.

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

"Don't listen to the shop girls, they're paid to lie to you." I only ask their opinion when I'm feeling hopelessly indecisive. It usually helps. "Try to come up with an outfit for something before you buy it." I usually do follow this and occasionally recommend it but sometimes, you just want something, think about what to wear it with later.

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

There are no rules I follow when it comes to dressing that I follow but would not recommend.

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

Talking about teaching the pastor's wife how to dress for her size (we weren't talking to her). How guys can be fashionable without being gay.

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

Lists. I create lists for everything because it helps me prioritize. I may not always follow them but that fact that they're there is so incredibly helpful. Also, being honest and true to myself. If it's not funny, I don't laugh. If it's offensive, I don't try to act like it's not. Being realistic about my life and everything around me. I'm learning more and more about how to do this on a daily basis.

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

Some muscle tanks from H&M. Skinny jeans. Loafers. Watches. Vintage blazers.

Well the blazers were given to me. The muscle tanks are just so comfortable. When I can't figure out what to wear or I want to feel skimpy and skinny or whatever the case may be, I throw one on with some jeans and ankle booties and I'm basically set. Comfort and basics. I can build up from all the things listed above.

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

I bought my dad a monogrammed dress shirt from Brooks Brothers for his birthday that was I think the most successful clothing item I've bought anyone, ever.

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

Skirts with sneakers, I just can't swing it. There was one other that I vowed never to participate in but for whatever reason I can't remember what it was. Also, animal prints. REALLY not my thing.

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

I am actually almost the same size my mother was when she was my age. She's gained some weight over the years but there was a time when she was 110lbs or less. Her style has and has not been passed down. She prefers lots of color whereas I'm a sucker for black. I don't always match my colors and prints, etc. but she likes to do the matchy matchy bit. She also is a big fan of wedges whereas I can't stand them. Give me a real heel or give me flats. We both go for sophisticated yet stylish looks though. Occasionally playful.

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

Stolen, not that I can remember no. Borrowed, and not returned, yes. I've adapted more dressing ideas from my friends than from family. And only a select few friends at that.

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

Yes. As I mentioned above I discovered Nylon Magazine. Before that it was all Baby Phat and Bebe and Apple Bottoms. I was basically covered in name brands. After Nylon, I stopped with the name brands and tight fitting everything. During this time I also started down the road to losing a fairly significant amount of weight. That had an effect because I was suddenly able to wear oversized things and have them actually look oversized on me. I also lost a muffin top so that was great plus.

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

There is in that I don't dress to please anyone other than myself. It doesn't matter if I'm going on a date, out with friends or hanging with family. If I want to wear short shorts, I'm going to do it. If I want to wear an oversized sweater and boyfriend jeans, I'm going to do it. It doesn't matter how many catcalls I get walking down the street in heels or "Hey pretty girl"'s I get while wearing tight jeans. I don't let the fear, though it is there, of being approached by the uninvited hinder me from wearing clothes I like. I don't wear what I wear because I want to be noticed or because I want you to like it or look at me in it. I dress for me and no one else. Period.

16. Please describe your body.

I'm 5'4", more legs than torso. My legs are toned and I'm quite proud of them. My arms a little less so but I'm working on that. I weigh between 115-117lbs usually. I have small wrists like a child's but my hands are sizable to the rest of me. My feet are an 8 so they're sizable too I guess. I have a flat-ish chest which allows me to wear bralettes or go braless with ease. My other end is just round enough to be cute. My shoulders are rounded which makes some sweaters, shrugs, and wraps difficult to keep on. My back is nice I guess, ever so slightly muscular. One major factor about my body is the stretch marks. They're everywhere. The backs of my arms, my breasts, my thighs, my waist, my knees even. I'm not ashamed of them.

17. Please describe your mind.

I'm fairly analytical. I proudly overthink some things more than I should. My mind is constantly assessing the grammar and spelling of others. A lot comes through about a person based on that. I also read, listen to music and watch movies a lot so sometimes things people say will trigger a reference to something else. I can feel scatterbrained at times just because my mind jumps from one subject to another so fast based on hardly any connection at all sometimes. I guess you could say I live in my head a bit.

18. Please describe your emotions.

All over the place. But usually fairly contained. When provoked, instead of getting loud like some I get very quiet and give these "death looks" apparently. I'm honest. Sometimes too honest. I'm told my emotions show up all over my face, even when I'm unaware of it. When I do get excited, it comes in short, intense bursts. I don't get surprised too much because I've learned to expect either everything or nothing from people. It's a little bleak I know, but it works for me.

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

Body: A thrifted jacquard black shift dress, a dark gray long sleeve sweater, embroidered neon orange loafers, a gold Michael Kors watch, a couple rings and skull bracelet, a dainty gold necklace I wear almost daily, a mint-colored FitBit flex, lacey underwear.
Face: black Benefit mascara, Maybelline eyeliner, chapstick from Whole Foods, argan oil from Josie Maran.
Hair: it's pinned up with two gold slides, one on each side, and down, slightly curled at the ends.

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

The necklace is important to me but I'm honestly not even sure why. I just love it a lot. It makes me feel pretty. The Michael Kors watch is also a little important since it was a birthday present. I'd wanted one for quite some time so it's nice to finally have one.

21. With whom do you talk about clothes?

Everyone and anyone. On a more regular basis though, a couple friends and my mom.

22. How do institutions affect the way you dress?

Work hinders a little but not a terribly awful amount. I can't wear these tailored or scalloped shorts I have because they'd be too short, even though otherwise they're very nice and appropriate. Church affects how I dress because again, probably shouldn't show up in shorts, though I do wear pants and jewelry unabashedly.

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

Yes, I'd like to think so. Style is more important. Taste is your opinion on clothes and trends and can be influenced more easily I feel. Style is how you wear what you're wearing, your overall aesthetic, it's more lasting than just what the cool kids of the moment are wearing. Hopefully, it's enduring.

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

I didn't actually pay for the item but I still feel bad because I hardly ever use it and it's so nice.

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

Nothing comes to mind. I don't really try to get away with too much with my dressing.

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

I have a certain aesthetic with my interior décor. I did with my car when I had one. My office no because there isn't as much freedom to really decorate my desk. I have a certain style of writing and speaking as well I feel. And how I carry or present myself.

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?

Not particularly. I was wondering about that earlier actually, whether or not I have a "security outfit" or article of clothing. I don't think I do. The only thing that comes to mind remotely is when I roll up my sleeves. But I'm not entirely sure that counts.

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, definitely. I know what I can push myself with and what's going too far, what will look good on my body shape and what won't, what I'm comfortable in, what I can try to be comfortable in, and what I will never be comfortable in. Yes. My discernment definitely comes from my mother. We are the same in that we know what we like, what we're willing to try and what we don't like.

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?

"Don't buy it if you can't come up with three outfits for it." "Always have basics then move up from there." "Be presentable. Put your best foot forward." The rest of everything else I know I picked up from various other places.

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

Wear red or dark colored lipstick. Don a body-con dress with or without heels. Wear darker/more eye shadow.

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 you look fantastic in what you're wearing but you can actually move around and get through your day as opposed to looking like a porcelain doll no one can touch that can't move for fear of breaking. Confidence comes through a lot in how you walk. Especially if you're wearing heels. Upright, head high, shoulders back, eyes front. Confidence is in your air, how you conduct yourself. To be confident, sophisticated and comfortable is what I think nearly every women aspires to be.

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?

Figure out your body shape and dress for it.
If you can't come up with anything, if you're running out of time, if it's a regular day, go with the black.
Statement pieces can save your outfit. Too many statement pieces is gaudy.
Don't be afraid to try clothing made for the opposite gender, you'd be surprised.
Two sizes too tight is not considered "fitted".
Overall my philosophy would be, Dress for yourself. If you like it and you look good, who cares what anyone else thinks. "You can never be overdressed or overeducated. "

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

The Zara on 5th Ave. Cityscapes in New York and LA. The color of smog in the air. A well-crafted handbag. Gold accessories. A perfectly assembled outfit. Nail polish. Some people's hands. My mother. Someone dancing like no one's looking. Especially on the train. Smiles.

34. What do you consider very ugly?

Cussing for no reason. Racism. Rape. Cockroaches. Closed or narrow-minded thinking. Gender inequality. Catcalling.

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?

Yes. If I can come up with something to wear it with in the store, then generally speaking it'll get worn. One method I use that works pretty well is, if I'm not sure about something, I won't buy it. Over the next day or two, if that item I gave up is haunting my thoughts and I find myself pining for it, then I'll go back to the store and purchase. If not however, then I just saved myself that money and piece of clothing never to be worn. It usually works unless I go back and the store doesn't have it anymore/in my size.

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?

They're very critical. They notice everything even if I'm reluctant or decline to fix things. They're looking to make sure I pulled off whatever look it is I'm attempting in the best possible way. They're also checking to make sure what I'm wearing is appropriate for wherever it is I'm going. They don't care for shabbiness, in any case. She don't like to see things disheveled unless that's the look. They like everything in it's proper place, neat and tidy. As far as I'm aware, this "outer eye" isn't based on anything.

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

After waking up and turning some music on, I brush my teeth, shower and put on lotion. While showering I start brainstorming about what I want to wear if I haven't decided already. Then I check the weather and continue putting together an outfit mentally while I do my make-up and decide on eyeliner. Coffee occasionally fits in here. After that comes my hair, which I only partially complete if I need to pull something over my head. Then I exit the bathroom and head over to my clothing rack where I pick out the outfit I've hopefully come up with by that time. If I haven't then I start thumbing through things immediately to find something. Once I've got appropriate undergarments and clothes on, I finish my hair, put on my watch and jewelry for the day and think about, but don't put on, shoes. At this point, if I'm eating at home, then I eat. If not, then I do put on the shoes, grab whatever lunch or food I plan on bringing with me and I'm out the door, sunglasses in hand.
I'm considering all sorts of things. How comfortable I'll be for the day. Will I be able to walk in these shoes past 3pm? Do I have enough food for the day? Am I going to freeze in this at work? Should I have left my hair down? Will I still like this outfit in an hour?

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

Personal happiness. Self-confidence. Occasionally looking like I'm fashion-forward. Looking put together but not in a breakable way. Comfort. Youthful sophistication.

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

Dressing is what you do everyday, even if it's sweats. You're getting dressed. Dressing up is what occurs when you go out. When you're heading to a specific event and your outfit is coordinated for that event, usually something more fancy or thought out. It's putting yourself together more, more effortful I feel.

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

Either a button down or a muscle tank. Black skinny jeans. Loafers or ankle booties. My navy vintage blazer, army shirt or leather jacket. Black sunglasses. Berry lipstick. Gold Michael Kors watch. A dainty gold plaque necklace. A ring or two.

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

Me: black anything, berry lipstick, loafers, nail polish, black, white, and red-themed design, minimalism, books, fitness, vegetarianism, culture, gold accessories, dramatic cinema, coffee, slight sarcastic humor.
Not me: animal print, crocs, pink most times, corduroy, nylon anything, meat, alcohol, bad music.

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

My cultural background is African-American. It's influenced me in that every so often I will not feel like doing my hair, wrap a scarf around my head like a turban and go. I have scarves bought for that express purpose. That's pretty much the only way I can think of that my culture might have affected my way of dress.

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, vividly. I was fat then. My clothes were much tighter. It was all about name brands and everyone knowing who I was wearing. It was about showing off "what my momma gave me." I also liked tennis shoes a lot.

44. What sorts of things do you do, clothing, make-up or hair-wise, to feel professional?

Cut back on the amount of eyeliner I'm wearing. The height of my heels goes down usually. My hair doesn't change much to be honest. My nails may or may not find themselves painted a nude hue. I cover up a bit more as far as wearing a sweater and not showing my entire chest is concerned. I go easy with the jewelry as well, maybe just a watch and necklace.

45. How do you conform to or rebel against the dress expectations at your workplace?

I rebel by wearing jeans that are ripped on Fridays instead of just jeans. I wear non-ripped, colored jeans every other day of the week. That about covers it for my workplace attire craziness. Our dress code is fairly lax and works for me.

46. Do you have a dress code, a school uniform, or a uniform that you wear for an extracurricular activity?

Nope. Unless you count the gym.

47. Are there ways in which you conform to or rebel against these uniforms?

I don't.

48. Do you find it comforting or constraining to have a uniform?

In some ways comforting because you never have to think too hard about what you're going to wear. You just pick one of maybe three to five options, your shoes and you're good to go. On the other hand, it's so incredibly constraining because there are rules about all the things you can't wear. That would prove too much a hindrance for me. You lose the freedom to express yourself as an individual.

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?

I don't really have one. My tastes have changed so much over the past decade there isn't really anything I could have worn both then and now and be contented I think.

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?

YES. They have it much easier in a lot of aspects. They don't have to worry about walking in heels all night or make-up being applied properly or looking too much "like a slut" or what have you. Even if a man does care about his appearance, I feel that he still never has it as hard as a woman does. Men's bodies are also much easier to tone than women's. We have more soft spots. A coupe summers ago I was intensely wanting abs and was working to get them but they just never showed up. That was probably one of the strongest times I wanted a man's body.

51. If there was one country or culture or era that you had to live in, fashion-wise, what would it be?

The 20s, flapper era. The decadence that came with Marie Antoinette. The Left Bank in Paris in the 60s. Possibly Egypt during the time of Cleopatra, Hatshepsut or Nefertiti.

52. Do you consider yourself photogenic?

Not particularly.

53. When you see yourself in photographs, what do you think?

It ranges between these four: "ew," "you smiled too big," "not bad," "you look gorgeous darling."

54. Are there any figures from culture, past or present, whose style you admire or have drawn from?

Coco Chanel. Marie Antoinette in the 2006 film. Wallis Simpson. Leandra Medine of Manrepeller. Alexa Chung. Anna Wintour. Carine Roitfeld. Kate Moss. Phoebe Philo. Raf Simons. Yves Saint Laurent. Hedi Slimane.

55. Have you ever had a dream that involved clothes?

Yes, but I don't remember the details.

56. What would be a difficult or uncomfortable look for you to try and achieve?

Something that included bondage straps and nothing else across my stomach.

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?

I probably wouldn't change much from what I wear now. I'm pretty comfortable with my body currently, despite it's little fluctuations here and there. BUT, if my stomach was as toned as I dream of it being, I would probably venture out in crop tops a bit more often. I do now, but I have to be in the right mood for it.

58. Is there anyone that you are trying to attract or repel when you dress?

I'm only trying to attract my own admiration and repel my own displeasure. No one else's opinion matters much.

59. Are there any dressing rules you’d want to convey to other women?

DRESS FOR YOUR BODY SHAPE. I cannot stress that enough. Just because it looks good on other people doesn't mean it'll look good on you. More is sometimes too much. First thought, best thought when it comes to your outfits. Don't be afraid to try for a different aesthetic as long as you stay true to yourself. Try not to follow the trends too much, they come and go anyway.

60. What do you think of perfume? Do you wear it?

I adore perfume. I wear it every day. I'm nearly in a panic if I realize I've forgotten it.

61. What are some things you need to do to your body or clothes in order to feel presentable?

Wear perfume. Wear mascara. Make sure my clothes are ironed if necessary. Make sure I'm doing my utmost to convey the look I want to convey. Try to keep things in place so I'm not stuck adjusting bra straps all day. Wearing shoes that are comfortable that I also love.

62. How does makeup fit into all this for you?

It factors in as far as eyeliner and lipstick are concerned but that's about it really. I go for a natural face and don't wear concealer or foundation, etc. You can tell quite a bit about my mood based on what's on my lips.

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?

All tight everything simply because I'm African-American. Maybe dresses all the time as well. I like them but I'm not interested in wearing one every day. I thoroughly enjoy the freedom pants give. Probably, due to my religion, less make-up and jewelry. Are you kidding? Make-up isn't that big an issue for me but I love a fabulous statement necklace and I'm basically lost without my gold watch.

64. Can you describe in a basic way what you own, clothing and jewelry-wise?

Clothes: Lots of skinny jeans and trousers. A couple printed pairs of pants. A couple shift, bodycon and easy dresses. 6 pairs of jean shorts. Only a few skirts. Lots of tops and some muscle tanks. Leather jackets, vintage blazers, and some coats. Lots of sweaters, varying in sleeve-length and thickness. Loafers, some flats and minimal strappy sandals. Lots of heels. Scarves.

Jewelry: lots of dainty necklaces. Lots of statement necklaces. 7 or 8 watches. Lots of rings. Some bracelets I don't wear. An ear cuff.

65. What is your favorite piece of clothing or jewelry that you own?

Probably this authentic army shirt that I have. I wear it as an over-shirt or light jacket.

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?

My baby shoes and a bustier.
The baby shoes I don't wear because they don't fit. And also they're Mary Janes. I don't care for Mary Janes. I keep them because they are memorabilia from a portion of my life long past. Plus, they're absolutely adorable.
I'm not really sure why I don't wear the bustier. I haven't found an event I wanted to wear it to bad enough I guess. I keep it in hopes that one day I'll actually put it on again.

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?

Valuable in terms of money, probably my furniture. All Ikea of course... Other than that, I haven't personally made any very expensive purchases with my own money. Most of it was gifted to me.

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?

Nothing comes to mind. Occasionally there will be things that I wish I had in the moment because I'd like to wear them with whatever outfit I'm donning but as far as one specific thing I wish I hadn't given up, I don't have one.

69. If you had to throw out all your clothes but keep one thing, what would you keep?

Oh mercy. Probably the vintage army shirt.

70. Building up your wardrobe from nothing, what would you do differently this time?

Buy more button-downs, attractive loafers, and printed trousers from the beginning. Have a decent duster in my possession. Stop buying bags I only want in the moment and buy bags I could use for at least a season.

71. What’s the first “investment” item you bought? Do you still own or wear it?

I have yet to purchase, with my own money, my first "investment" item. I imagine it'll be a bag or watch, but who can say for sure.

72. Was there ever an important or paradigm-shifting purchase in your life?

That idea is very interesting to think about. Possibly when I bought my bed, the idea of really growing up and starting to make larger purchases myself and have things that I owned that I also actually paid for with money I worked for.

73. What item of clothing are you still (or have you forever been) on the hunt for?

A Celine luggage tote.

74. What are your closet and drawers like? Do you keep things neat, etc?

Well I don't actually have drawers right now. Long story. But the rack I have for my closet stays pretty neat. It's not organized by color or clothing type or anything but I keep things in line on it.

75. Were you ever given a present of clothing or jewelry that especially touched you?

Possibly the vintage blazers my mother gifted to me that she used to wear. They're marvelous and I love them all to death.

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?

Yes. It's just this black dolman top that I got from Urban Outfitters on a whim because it fit nicely and honestly it's like my favorite top. It's simple, black and loose but I would be so lost without it I feel. I've been searching for duplicates for ages and have yet to find any. It's my go-to top. It's what I look for when I can't think of what else to wear and I want to be comfortable and still show off my clavicle.

77. How and when do you shop for clothes?

At work, when I'm bored. At the gym every so often. Online a lot. I plan shopping trips but they only happen about once a month or so. Usually when I go to an actual store, the timing ranges. It depends on where I'm going. If it's Soho, then I go after work one day. If it's somewhere else in Brooklyn, that usually happens over the weekend.

78. Do you like to smell a certain way?

Yes. Clean, sophisticated, ladylike but with a touch of sass.

79. How does how you dress play into your ambitions for yourself?

Yes. I dress as the fashionable young lady who handles her business, is intelligent, achieves her goals and looks fabulous doing it because I want to be the fashionable young lady who handles her business, is intelligent, achieves her goals and looks fabulous doing it.

80. How does money fit into all this?

Budgeting is key. Just because you look great doesn't mean you have to spend a boatload of cash and wonder how you're going to pay the rent. No no.

81. Is there an article of clothing, a piece of make-up, or an accessory that you carry with you or wear every day?

My gold Michael Kors watch, this little skull bracelet I bought online for $2 and my Rimmel London berry lipstick.

82. Did anyone ever say anything to you that made you see yourself differently, on a physical and especially sartorial level?

"You need to put some meat on those bones." "You could eat anything, you're so small." "Oh no, she doesn't eat. She's on a perpetual diet."

You don't know what it took to get to this size and how hard I work to stay here. I have to try, with lots of effort, not to get offended when people tell me to eat more. Obesity in this country is a problem and I absolutely refuse to go back to being borderline. Plus, Kate Moss was kind of right about the way skinny feels.

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?

The first memory I have of actually wearing something I was maybe 6 or 7. It was this dress that I wore to church. I called it my wedding dress because it was off-white and lacey. I loved that dress to death and wore it all the time.

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

August 18, 1991.
I was born in Southern California and currently reside in Brooklyn, New York.

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

I'm African-American. I enjoy cultural activities more than just about everyone I know. This has been enhanced by both my parents and my experiences in college. I come from the mid-to-upper middle class.

What kind of work do you do?

Currently I'm a receptionist. I'm applying to get into grad school. My aim is to be a cultural journalist.

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

Currently single, no children.
I'd very much like to be married one day. Two kids please.

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

My mother and father fostered a love of clothing into me from a very young age. My mom always dressed me to the nines and I don't regret it. My father introduced me to expensive things and between the two of them is where I get my penchant for fancy, pricier items.

How do you feel after filling out this survey?

Like I have a very deep relationship with fashion and it's very interesting to think about. I could write at length about this I imagine.

Bio

I'm Nina. I'm 23. I'm independent, a little sassy and an ardent lover of books, music, movies, museum visits, ice cream, coffee and New York City.

http://goldstains.blogspot.com