1. When do you feel at your most attractive?

When I have done some sports, and after a good night of sleep. And I need to feel at ease within my skin. Then I pick up casual clothes. pair of jeans, black Tshirt, red shoes ... simple things. I also feel at ease in my "combat lingerie and shoes" set... but I am more tense.

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

I notice women with an aura. It is not their style but the sense of happiness or and fulfillment that irradiates from them.
They can be old, they can be young dressed casually or formally. Good looking or not, it doesn't matter if the sun shines from their smile and body.

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

I admire women who are natural (their image is equal to their personality; they do not play a role) and at ease and confident with themselves. And truly smiling women. Regarding clothes, women should feel comfortable in them, whatever their wear: formal suit or jeans...

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 used to dislike my nose and my hair. I still would prefer to change my nose but today, it does not matter anymore. It clicked when I realized that my bed hair unruly hair and my nose defines me as a person. If I change them, I will feel like I exchanged my body with the body of someone else and I would not recognize myself anymore. Same soul, different body. And it did not feel right at all. So I stopped thinking about fixing it and trying to make the best out of them. For dressing, it clicked when I felt that my default style was a jeans and simple tops. It feels "me" and anything else, although I do wear formal dresses and suits too, requires a small effort. So I always try to compensate with something that I love wearing: lingeries, shoes, ...

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

Never buy something that does not suit me, objectively, and never ask the sales women her advice.

If I see a pair of shoes and I fall in love with them, I get them.

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

I first decide which shoes I want to wear and then choose something that will go with them.

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

none really.

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

In my life, I look for the small happiness of every moment and get fulfillment from them. happiness is an attitude. I try to smile by default and it changes my mind too. I do not want to live with remorses, regrets so I try to give the best of myself. With my relationships too. I do not want to leave a sad/cruel image of myself in others so I try to give my best and if it is not enough, well, too bad. I do not look back either and I walk my life road. Sometimes, the friends walking with you choose another path (or it's me) and that's ok for me. with chores or sports, I do not like to let things go unfinished so I do my best and my competition is me only. Always try to challenge myself and win but I do not care if others are doing better. For work, being better, and better than other is important though but it goes first by improving myself.

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

lingeries and shoes.
I also have many hair accessories al livery similar to one another.

lingerie makes me feel feminine, sexy. It empowers me too. shoes are the same.

all of them allows me to formal up more or less casual choice of dresses too.

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

I think that jewels and clothes are very personal items so usually, I do not offer such things unless the person comes with me in the shop and chooses for herself.

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

I do not wear high waist stuffs and too close to the body skirts or pants. It does not suit my body shape. I do not wear things that will make me look ridiculous or ugly, whatever the trend but, as an exemple, goth style or punks. I do not really enjoy body jewels like navel ring or tattoo (although I was once tempted but today I am happy I did not do it).

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

when I was young, my mum did not want me to wear black. Today, black is my favorite color.

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

yes of course, and only with their consent.

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

no. not really.

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

not at all. I want to look feminine, sexy, and exactly who I am. In my professional life too. I use my look as a tool (a bit) but I care to be objectively respectful of others and "decent", with a look adapted to each situation. I also try to get business partners forget that they are not dealing with a man but without abusing of my looks because I want to fight with my mind. I am aware there are contradictions in what I say but here it is for you.

16. Please describe your body.

I am 1,66 tall, I am not skinny but I am thin. Small breast, narrow waist and large hips but well proportioned. I like my breast because it is not heavy, and gravity has no effect. My belly is not flat. My husband says it is my symbol although I dream of a flat belly. Long legs, very long. My buttock is nice too.

My body is well toned because I do sports and yoga and I let the sun tan me (but I don't care of the white skin marks)

My hair is auburn, lots of grey now, curly and unruly, middle length. Dark eyes and a lot of skin sign that I smile a lot... When I smile, there is a dimple in my checks.

17. Please describe your mind.

I guess it could be described as always looking forward, be happy and respectful of others.
I am not the kind to be too much anxious (even if I stress), and do not care for details too much.
I decide myself quite easily. I am obstinate and I hate to loose.
I am a quiet person, who loves a drink and good talk with her family (more than often while taking a walk), or with her friends. Enjoy the time alone too.

18. Please describe your emotions.

I try to be usually happy and feel at ease with myself.

I do not get angry easily but if something or someone upsets me just the one too much time, I shut down the relationship at once. No remorse. No nothing.

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

jeans and off-white pull-over with a V neck. socks with little flowers on them, coton slip and red La Perla bra.

face: nothing because it is the WE and weather is bad so I stay home. So, just the morning cream. I tied up my hair into a lose bun.

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

it is important because it makes me feel at ease in my skin. It feels like my look and myself are forming one harmonious entity.

21. With whom do you talk about clothes?

My husband.

22. How do institutions affect the way you dress?

They don't. But I care to dress appropriately to each occasion.

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

Taste is important because it is a reflection of your personality while style is the reflection of what magasine think you should wear this season.

So the point is to understand the style of the season but to let the taste get the best of it.

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

I bought a pair of sandal at Bottega Venetta and they are gorgeous but there are too few occasions for me to wear them.

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

I have my combat lingeries and my combat shoes. In them, I feel I can get anything.

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

I a pay attention to the look of my office and of 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.

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?

Usually yes to all questions.
I do not know where my discernment comes from. It is just there. I do hesitate sometimes and it is always when I do not feel at ease with myself.

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?

Yes. My mum taught me to "respect" my clothes: washing the colors and white separately, turn them inside out when washing, take the time to set them right to dry, iron my clothes with care. I also know how to adjust them and repair them.

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

mascara is a must. Then, lingerie and sexy shoes.
I try to look my best but at the same time, without too much sophistication.

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?

I think that you can get comfortable if you are confident in yourself. Confidence and self esteem is a feeling you can have independently from fashion. It is a state of mind, a consciousness of who you are, what is your potential and your capacity to translate it into actions. It comes also from being loved. and from having friends who do care for you and who you care for. It comes from challenging yourself yo do something to surpass you and do it.

Comfort comes from the inner feeling that your body and your mind are in harmony. and then, you have the clothes that suit this.

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?

make it simple, and adapted to your morphology, make it "you". Do your best to always look good (sports, alimentation, sleep...)

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

To be "oneself" and looking sincerely and truly happy.

34. What do you consider very ugly?

Mediocrity and sloppiness.
Jalousy and envy.
too much make up or too much efforts that they show.

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?

impulsive buy usually has a very short life with me. But falling in love with a clothe is a trade-mark for eternal love... usually simple things, that will go through the seasons without getting old and has-been.

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?

I've never done that.

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

The weather, the occasions waiting for me, the shoes I want to wear.

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

Being myself.

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

It is the extra effort you put because there is some good reason for it.

I realize that the concept of being dressed up is relative and depends on the person. For me deign dressed up might mean "I would never go out like with so little make-up or hair setting" to other women...

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

jeans, black Tshirt or high-neck jumper close to the body, and a hoody.
Or it could be a suit (with a pants or a skirt) too.

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

If I don't feel comfortable and at ease in the clothes, it's not me. Too much sophistication is not me either.

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

I am European. I am from the U2 generation and I guess I am still a rebel...

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?

Not really actually.

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

I put my hair in a bun, or something that guarantees it will not go in my face too much.
Usual make-up
a suit.
nice shoes.
nice watch and accessories.

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

I wear what I want and I do not care what people think of say. But as I said, I pay attentions to the occasions and dress accordingly too. For example, a day without appointment and I could go working in a casual fashion but if I have appointment, I want to be respectful of my partners and I dress more formally.

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

no.

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

no. If I need to wear a uniform, I accept the fact. And would wear nice lingeries and accessorize it a bit (hair, scarf )

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

I don't have any but it is quite simple - you do not need to think about what you will wear. I would compartmentalize my life. the one with a uniform and the one when I don'y wear it.

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?

a low-hip pair of jeans, boots cut, high-neck close to the body pull-over.
sexy red shoes, sexy lingerie

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?

No, never. God help me.

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

french-cancan and jazzy?

52. Do you consider yourself photogenic?

no.

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

I see myself. I see a beautiful women of 44. happy. healthy. looking good. Usually.

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

I think Monica Belluci and Halle Berry are in the feminity pantheon.
I guess I like the Middle Age period.

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

no.

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

looking sophisticated.

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?

a Diane Van Furstenberg dress.
or, a jeans, a Tshirt... you know the rest.

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

Attract everyone and repel no-one.

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

I think it is not good to hide oneself behind clothes and make-up.

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

I always wear perfume, it is part of my personality expression. I change my perfume avery 6 months or every year. It depends. I have some favorite and they come back every once in a while.

I wear perfume in those places I like to be kissed.

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

showered, hair dry, clean and well ironed clothes.
No hair under the armpit...

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

I do not think about it. Make-up takes 5 minutes. it is the time also necessary to transfer my prive self into my professional self. It is always the same routine: a little bit of eyeshadow (that I chance with fashion), mascara, a bit of red on the cheek in necessary. Eyebrow is clean. sometimes, a bit of lipstick. Sometimes a bit of dark concealer under the eyes.

My make-up does not change because occasion changes. it is always the same style.

I take care of my skin: always remove make-up and hydrate appropriately. Not too much alcohol and good sleep.

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?

No.
I never thought that I should fulfill expectations of others. I dress for myself. To feel good. And then, if I feel good, I will be able to "attract" others and please their eyes.

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

lots of jeans
lots of Tshirts and pull-overs. Mostly in basic colors but in summer, I also have vivid colors
white shirts
hoodies (a lot)
10-12 different suits
lots of skirts and pants
sports wears
many hair accessories
jewels: mainly rings and earrings.
perfume

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

A ring that my husband offered me for my 40th birthday. It is a ring made by an Italian artisan with a moon stone. It looks like a Middle Age ring in gold and steel and the chiseling so typical of Toscany. It is a ring with a soul.

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?

I have a black linen shirt that is very special. I used to wear it but today I don't anymore. Difficult to say why. But I love it anyway and I don't want to give it away.

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?

The things that are not influenced so much by fashion: turtle and high necks. simple Tshirts. Good shoes.

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?

Not really.

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

A pair of jeans and good shoes.

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

nothing really.

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

a Max Mara suit. yes, I still do own it and wear it.

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

no.

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

none

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

they are neat and practically organized so that I can get things easily. Things are a bit disheveled as I screen them everyday. So it is not spick and span type of neatness.

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

The ring my husband offered me.

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?

A Max Mara classic white shirt: it fits all occasions, it always look good.

77. How and when do you shop for clothes?

Usually on WE. I first know what I want or "need" and then I go on screening. To void impulsive purchase, I do not buy the same day. I go back another day. For shoes, if I fall in love with them, I try to consider if they will fit my drawer ... hard and sweet choices.

I always try on the clothes.
I don't like to spend a huge amount of time window-shopping and making sure I get the best priced item. I like my shopping to be efficient and rewarding.

78. Do you like to smell a certain way?

Yes. I like to smell a bit sweet, and musky of vegetal. Rather fresh and light than heavy and romantic.

I don't like roses or patchouli type.

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

they don't play a role

80. How does money fit into all this?

Well, I have a budget and clothes should fit into the budget. I prefer to buy only one good piece of clothe of shoe than too many season related fashionable items although I pay attention to fashion and to accessorize accordingly. I try to get a good mix. I don't spend on credit and there are more important things to spend money on that clothes.

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 (even though I do not wear it always)
earings and rings.

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

Beside my husband who tells me in many ways that he loves me and tells me when my dress is not well styled,

yes it happens sometimes. I don't consider myself beautiful, just normal. And someone told me I was.
Another person told me I was his buddy.

I thought it was all right to be myself and assume my choices, because how could I expect people to like me if I didn't like myself at first?

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?

It was when I purchased my first pair of jeans with my own pocket money, earned with a student job. And guess what, there was a black T-shirt too... I was 15 year old.

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

29-12-1970
I was born in Liege, Belgium and today I live in Tokyo, Japan.

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

I am a white Belgian girl from a middle class background.

What kind of work do you do?

I'm a diplomat (specialized in business affairs)

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

I am married, no children, a cat.

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

I like the fact that I feel at ease in my own skin and that I love every stage of my life and every age I experience.

How do you feel after filling out this survey?

I feel like getting a new pair of jeans and a black Tshirt because I have enough red shoes and enough lingerie to survive the next century.