1. When do you feel at your most attractive?

Fit and healthy. After a couple of exercise sessions. Wearing high-waisted jeans, silk shirts and high heeled boots.

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

I always notice women on the street. I tend to admire women who have a commitment to an idea or a look. Especially if it's really different from my own. I always check out women and sometimes covet what they wear, but then quickly realize that what I'm responding to is their own uniqueness.

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

I like it when some women can pull off a fully monochromatic look. I wish I was that disciplined but I need color. I love how some women seem to have the a great sense of scale. Like, their bags to their shoes....things that I wouldn't feel comfortable with but I admire on them.

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?

Once I started growing my hair long at 39, I realized that I wanted to feel 'groovy'. After my son was born, and when I was getting my style and body back..I wanted to feel more earthy, grounded but sexy. And I ended up finding great jeans (i have a big collection of high-waisted jeans) and suddenly tricked into my 70's, Lauren Hutton, groovy vibe. And it felt like me.

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

I like jeans that fully cover my butt and waist. I look for shirts that I can wear without bras. It's better to buy things on sale but if it's classic and incredible and some key part of your wardrobe identity, go for full price.

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

Dress like you're preparing to meet your worst enemy.

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

With my male art director partner. Realizing that all the fashion talismans of my youth were not just the fever dreams of a young girl, but legitimate expressions of creativity and ambition. My fashion ideas as a kid would lead me to the path I have now.

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

I try to live in a streamlined, unfussy way with a shot of danger. I guess that speaks to my personal, professional and life style.

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

Silk shirts and Highwaisted jeans. They are my go-to uniform. I am sleek and protected with a flash of sex.

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

I gave my husband a collection of vintage heavy metal t-shirts. This is a man who hates clothes and shopping, but he loves the nostalgic shirts of his youth. It made him happy.

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

Cropped shirts. I hate anything that is physically awkward or makes me look young.

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

My mother is incredibly fit and has great style. My earliest memory of my mother's style is a one-shouldered asymetrical navy-blue cocktail dress. That dress was imprinted on my brain as the height of glamour and became the touchstone that I measured everything else against.

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

I used to wear my father's old Burberry trenchcoats in the 80's. I was an androgynous girl as a teenager and wanted to be David Bowie from "Lets Dance". I thought men's ties, trenchcoats and baggy pants were the shit.

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

after I turned 40 I actually think I became more softer, more sensual. Less needing to have clothes make a point. More owning what I was wearing vs having it wear me.

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

I think of the politics and silhouettes of the 70's as very political. And that's an era I draw a lot of inspiration from. In the 70's, fabrics changed and became much drapier and casual, women were demanding more autonomy over the lives and their bodies. It makes sense that the political first waves of feminism coincide with the fashion of Halston. In 2015 I hate anything that feels infantalizing or makes women less powerful than they really are. So in that way, I dress with the agenda of subtle power.

16. Please describe your body.

Thin and muscular. Petite frame. Small breasts. Angular and slightly boyish.

17. Please describe your mind.

I'm really lucky with my mind. It's my best asset. At my best, I'm clear and tuned in and sometimes even psychic. Able to really process things on multiple levels. I see things for what they are and am able to be critical and sharp and guided by wisdom. At worst, I'm abrupt and overcritical.

18. Please describe your emotions.

Mostly stable. Sometimes compartmentalized. Not as many highs or lows as when I was young.

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

I'm wearing yoga pants and a sweatshirt as I'm going to the gym when I finish this. My hair is in a ponytail.

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

It's a 1000 percent important. Clothing and style is our beacon in the world. It's the outward manifestion of inward desires. It tells you everything about someone in the blink of an eye, even the things they can 't say about themselves.

21. With whom do you talk about clothes?

My work partner, Mike who is an art director and designer. My friend Liz who is in music and fashion. My friend Rose who is a fashion photographer and documents a fashion blog I created.

22. How do institutions affect the way you dress?

They give you something to work against. Institutions are a sounding board. You can fall in line, rebel, conform....sometimes uniforms set you free. Sometimes they break your spirit. But they are never neutral.

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

I do have taste. I know what is right for various situations and what is appropriate. But I think beyond that I have style which is a unique expression of my values and is utterly trend-proof.

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

11/01/1972. I was born in Chicago, Illinois and now live in NYC

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

Born culturally Jewish. Parents of Russian Jewish background which I think makes me susceptible to ridiculous attempts at glamour.

What kind of work do you do?

I'm a creative director and filmmaker

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

Married with one child.

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

I think about this stuff all the time. I'm delighted to know that there's a community of people who think about it too.

How do you feel after filling out this survey?

Satisfied.

http://www.carolynandmichael.nyc