1. When do you feel at your most attractive?

When I'm happy & wearing something that enhances my confidence. Heels usually help, so do bright colours, especially red.

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

I'm always observing people & what they're wearing. I appreciate when someone's style stands out, when they where it confidently regardless of whether it's the latest look. There's anlady I often see who has this fantastic 1950s twist to her style. Head to toe she always looks amazing

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

Well accessorised outfits, interesting textures & combinations. Outfits that make you wonder about the wearer & their story

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?

In my teens, I wanted to wear what was in, but it didn't always suit me. Having always sewed, I quickly discovered the joy of refashioning existing clothes & putting my twist on it. I started getting compliments on what I created, so I started embracing being a little different in my wardrobe. Now I'm more drawn to great finds in op shops rather than retail stores. Working in a shopping centre, I still want my clothes to have a unique feel to them

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

Unless you love it, don't buy it, it'll just end up staying in your wardrobe. Know what works for you & stick to it, but then don't be afraid to try something new. If you're not sure about an item, leave it- if you're still thinking about it before the end of your shopping trip then go get it, the good ones stick in your mind

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

Have fun with outfits. Try & factor in what you need to be doing that day eg I wear my comfiest shoes on days when I known I'll be on my feet a lot

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

I'm often asked to help my family members clean out their wardrobes. It's so cathartic & cleansing when they let go of clothes that no longer work for them & then see them get excited by the possibilities of what's left to wear.

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

I try to keep meaning in what I do, it gives me a sense of purpose. Even the mundane things have a point, so remembering that usually keeps me motivated. That being said, there are times you just need to 'stuff it all' & switch off for awhile

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

Red shoes, polka dot skirts & jackets. I have far too many of them, but they're my favourites & I always feel good in them.

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

I love finding presents for people in my life. Last year I found my mum a gorgeous gold locket, round in a half frame that allowed it to be flipped over with swirling engraving on the front. My mum has always had a locket, but hers had been stolen a few months prior & she was devastated. I put new family photos on the new locket for her. She got very ready when I gave it to her. I still smile every time I see her wear it.

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

Neon, mullet skirts, hot pants. They're just not me, they don't suit my body, style or personality.

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

My mum has a very different figure to me, she's tall & willowy. Still fits in her wedding dress after having 5 kids (I'm wishing she'd passed on those genes). I'm short & curvy. Mums always worn what she feels good in. She loves blue, at times I've steered away from it, but now I've embraced it. Mum doesn't care about others opinions of her fashion sense. She sometimes makes her own clothes & they're really bold & fun. I think that's been passed on to me

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

My grandma has a gorgeous collection of costume jewellery, but it often stays in the drawer. She passed on a love of unique vintage jewllery. Mums fun, creative & handmade clothes were definitely a big inspiration for me, I still create pieces for myself.

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

At about 10 I was allowed to choose more of what I wanted to wear. When I was little I was dressed in lots of girly pretty dresses. At ten I discovered jeans & oversized shirts, I loved them. I was also a big fan of the Babysitters Club books, the characters always had descriptions of these cool sounding outfits, I started experimenting.

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

I don't think so. I dress how I want to dress & at times how I'd like to be percieved (professionally). Heels & a jacket are a favourite before a big meeting.

16. Please describe your body.

I'm 5'5", curvy & blonde. I like my legs, they're short but dad passed on his calves to me. I wear glasses. This year I'm trying to focus on a healthier body image- getting more active so I feel better about myself.

17. Please describe your mind.

I'm a very creative person, an introvert prone to overthinking & analysing. Art, photography & fashion are my outlets. There are always lots of ideas boxing around in my head, if I don't get them out, I can get quite antsy.

18. Please describe your emotions.

I feel emotions quite deeply. I battle depression & anxiety, but I've got to a point where it's manageable. I try and hold on to a positive outlook to stay strong.

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

Today's been a home day to relax. I'm in my coral fleece robe. It's navy & incredibly cozy. My hair's freshly washed & loose. No makeup, just moisturiser to give my skin a break.

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

Whilst I love clothing & fashion, it's not an obsession. Clothes are functional but should make you feel good about yourself. I think there's a powerful way of communicating in fashion. Somedays the extra boost of heels, good tailoring or a pop of colour can make the day that extra bit better.

21. With whom do you talk about clothes?

My family, especially mum, my sister & sister in law. My work mate is great to talk about op shopping with.

22. How do institutions affect the way you dress?

My work environment does influence my work wardrobe. Apart from that I don't think any other institutions influence how I dress.

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

I'd say I have more style, it's not to everyones tastes, but it's what I like. I don't think one is more important than the other. Style for me is your personality expressed in what you wear. Taste is very personal, it's what you like or a drawn to.

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

A pair of shoes that I bought on impulse for a party. I spent way more than I wanted to. I wore them 5 times before one of them snapped in half.

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

A-line skirts help to nip in my waist & balance my bust. Longer, looser tops are more flattering with jeans. I need a good fit under the bust & around the waist to slim me down. Hemlines on the knee or just above are the best proportions for my height.

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

Interior style is really important to me, I love decorating my apartment. I'm also an artist so there's my style in what I create.

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?

Absolutely, I have a handful of jackets that are my go to if I have an important meeting or want to be taken seriously. There's a pair of black pointy heels with zips that are my 'don't mess with me shoes'

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?

I definitely know what I like in clothing & in most areas of my life. Generally I am quite discerning. I think that comes from my dad, he knows what he wants & sticks to it. He always encouraged us to be decisive & to stick to our guns.

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?

My parents taught me to be resourceful, frugal & inventive. Clean clothes are a must. Always soak your stained items. A bit of sunlight does wonders for brightening up white clothes.

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

Perfume, extra make up, lacy underwear. Textures that feel good.

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 is feeling good, relaxed, often to the point that you don't notice or feel what you're wearing. Confident is ready for anything, strong, positive, prepared.

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?

Clothing should make you feel your best, to prepare you for what's in store in a day. It's a way to express yourself & also communicate how you'd like to be percieved. It should be fun, a bit exciting.

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

Intricate details, colour, sparkle. Moments that connect with you on multiple levels.

34. What do you consider very ugly?

Arrogance, bullying. Garish fashion, orange tint fake tan.

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 know what I buy will be worn. Firstly I only buy it if I love it. If I love it, I'll find ways to wear it. I love having a new piece to mix into the wardrobe.

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

4 March 1985. Born Cowra NSW, Australia. Residing Queanbeyan NSW Australia

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

I'm Australian with a mix of German, English & French blood.

What kind of work do you do?

I'm a Retail Marketing Manager

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

Married, no kids. 2 rabbits

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

I'm reading Women in clothes & really enjoying the stories that come from clothing.

How do you feel after filling out this survey?

Appreciating the influences on my wardrobe

Bio

Born & raised in Australia, creative & arty with very itchy feet. Lived in England & New Zealand before coming back to Australia. Married to a sport loving Kiwi. Loves art, creating, fashion & rabbits

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