Read Surveys (By Author)
Meagan Rose Quirk
1. When do you feel at your most attractive?
When I am skinniest. The skinnier the better. I've always been a big girl- being too skinny is not my problem. Oh, and when my hair is long and curly and soft, then I feel pretty.
2. Do you notice women on the street? If so, what sort of women do you tend to notice or admire?
I always notice. I love bold fashion, and I love romantic fashion. I love the most, confidence without arrogance. I love happiness.
3. What are some things you admire about how other women present themselves?
The best thing a woman can do is look like she feels pretty. Most times that does the trick. Or, if she's not aiming for pretty, she must feel inside what she wants to portray. Strong, fashionable, vavavoom or virginal, I always admire a woman who looks the way she wants to look.
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; when I was about 24 I left the ultra-conservative religion and life I was brought up in. I was reborn to life, and I could now look any way I wanted to; I could now be whoever I chose to be. And fashion was the way to show off, to celebrate, the real me.
5. What are some shopping rules you wouldn’t necessarily recommend to others but which you follow?
My colors right now are green and orange and gold, but if everyone was wearing only those colors it would be silly. I think everyone should shake up the color at least five times a year.
6. What are some rules about dressing you follow, but you wouldn't necessarily recommend to others?
Oh, I haven't any of those, I think.
7. What is the most transformative conversation you have ever had on the subject of fashion or style?
You know, I think the documentary I watched called "Secret Haute Couture" and a book on Nanny's coffee table about the history of art got me thinking of Fashion Design as an artistic medium.
8. Do you have a unified way of approaching your life, work, relationships, finances, chores, etc.? Please explain.
What? Haha, no I don't think so. I just try not to freak out, and I try to do my best, make my best better. Just relax, y'know, and give em hell.
9. Are there any clothing (or related) items that you have in multiple? Why do you think you keep buying this thing?
I have a ton of vintage Gunne Sax by Jessica McClintock from the 70s, some that aren't even close to my size. I just love the romantic nostalgia in the design of those dresses, and I love thinking about the girl who owned the dress first, what it was for, and what the occasion was like.
10. Have you ever successfully given someone a present of jewelry or clothing that you continue to feel good about?
I bought a pink flamingo crystal keychain pendant for Aunt Heather one time. It was made for her, I just know.
11. Is there any fashion trend you’ve refused to participate in and why?
Umm, I think grills are no good. And I'm not in super love with these talon fingers they've got going on these days... but hey, I mean if you can rock it, rock it!
12. Can you say a bit about how your mother’s body and style has been passed down to you, or not?
My mom didn't have great self-image. I thought she was so beautiful until she told me she was ugly. My mom always looked perfect, perfect hair, perfect skirt, perfect teeth. You couldn't fault her. I try to make my style more bohemian - imprecise, but effortless.
13. Have you stolen, borrowed or adapted any dressing ideas or actual items from friends or family?
Oh, yes. I even stole a formal dress from my sister that I'm not giving back. But mostly I just draw inspiration from them. I used to WORSHIP Rachel with her Guess shirts.
14. Was there a point in your life when your style changed dramatically? What happened?
I morphed from a strict, nun-like dress code to a bohemian rhapsody of free expression and discovery. It was like an orgasm of fashion. It was pretty great.
15. Is there anything political about the way you dress?
Yeah, in a way we all state our political opinions thru our wardrobes. The plunging necklines and naked ribs of my current wardrobe tend to announce something of an Aquarian sympathy, while my knee length-skirts and 2 inch heels of my former life said the perfect opposite.
16. Please describe your body.
Oh, lord jesus, it's a fire! Well, my legs are strong and my belly is a little round and I have skinny arms. The Cowboys once called me 'the little toad', because I looked like a toad. But no warts. I think toads are cute, and I think I am cute.
17. Please describe your mind.
I have a great imagination. I can imagine anything. I love to imagine stories and my mind is a very playful, fun place to be.
18. Please describe your emotions.
My emotions are strong. Sometimes that's very good, but sometimes it can put you in embarrassing situations. It makes for very nice kissing and sex, but will not help to win an argument.
19. What are you wearing on your body and face, and how is your hair done, right at this moment?
I have on my workout shorts and workout bra because, ten points for me, I went climbing up a steep, sandy hill today. I also have on a bathrobe because now the workout is over. My hair is in two Dorothy Gale braids. Oh, and I have on mascara.
20. In what way is this stuff important, if at all?
Self expression for me has been very vital, I really think it kept me from running mad. Of course, it's not important the way medicine or saving whales is important, but it is key in the way that any great or classic art would be.
21. With whom do you talk about clothes?
Esther, who owns PolyEsthers Costume Boutique, or my Whiskey Sirens. Pinterest is useful for that, and Instagram.
22. How do institutions affect the way you dress?
Hmm, I don't think I know what you're talking about, 'institutions'.
23. Do you think you have taste or style? Which one is more important? What do these words mean to you?
I hope I have great style, that's my favorite. Great taste is a good one, too. Like, Grace Kelly and Ginger Rogers. But Scarlett O'Hara and Nefertiri, you know, they had that great style.
24. Do you remember the biggest waste of money you ever made on an item of clothing?
I splurged a shameful amount on a bunch of shirts I didn't really like, just to fit in with my girlfriends.
25. Are there any dressing tricks you’ve invented or learned that make you feel like you’re getting away with something?
Hippie is usually flattering and diverse, when in doubt, go boho. If you have a fat day, no one knows.
26. Do you have style in any areas of your life aside from fashion?
I have my burlesque, which is a big part of me. I love putting on those shows. Also, I love Bellydance and Ballroom dance. Yes, dancing and style, those two are good together.
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?
Well, an oversize sweater is always very comforting, and I've got some sentimental rings, Papa's ring and my Odins hammer that make me strong.
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?
Well, I certainly know what I like and I don't like, but I have very open taste. But if I say I don't like it, I really don't like it. It's bad. It's just instict; do I like the message this piece gives? Yes or no, it's pretty instantaneous.
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?
No, it was nearly all hand me downs, and the main the was that the clothes were respectable and modest. For a long time Paige and I were twinsies.
30. What sorts of things do you do, clothing or make-up or hair- wise, to feel sexy or alluring?
I try to make myself as soft and 'touchable' as possible. Soft, thick hair and soft, sweet skin. Soft makeup. Stuff like that.
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?
It means they know who they are and they're happy about it. They saw who they really are and went, 'Cool. Very awesome.'
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?
Your body, whatever size, color, age, whatever, is a statue. Your body is a masterpiece. You don't try to change or conceal a masterpiece, you only adorn it. Your clothing are your ornamemts, your baubles, but you are the Venus de Milo.
33. What is really beautiful, for you, in general?
Color. Laughter. Fire. Life.
34. What do you consider very ugly?
Hate, unkindness, harm. Ugliness is wickedness, real wickedness.
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?
You never know 100% of the time but I'd give my success rate a 95%.
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'm very hard, very harsh with myself, about my looks, there again is my mother's critical eagle eye, but I am typically forgiving of others sins, so I hope they will be forgiving of mine.
37. What is your process getting dressed in the morning? What are you considering?
I'm considering my mood, my vibe for the universe that day. Am I retro-groove, am I nautical casual, am I devil may care?
38. What are you trying to achieve when you dress?
Enhance my personality and body.
39. What, for you, is the difference between dressing and dressing up?
Dressing up is just putting an extra oomph in there.
40. If you had to wear a “uniform” what would it look like?
Uniform? Like a girl scout or a playboy bunny!? I have no idea haha.
41. What would you say is “you” and what would you say is “not you”?
Oh gosh I don't know, it's complicated.
42. What is your cultural background and how has that influenced how you dress?
I think my religions fixation on the 1800s fed into my love of Gunne Sax...
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?
Oh, yeah but that was all religious stuff.
44. What sorts of things do you do, clothing, make-up or hair-wise, to feel professional?
Ballet bun and a blazer always makes me feel like a CEO.
45. How do you conform to or rebel against the dress expectations at your workplace?
There is really no way to rebel against a code that doesn't exist.
46. Do you have a dress code, a school uniform, or a uniform that you wear for an extracurricular activity?
I used to be in 4H, and the Reno Rodeo, and the whole country scene has an unspoken dress code. I liked my Disney Lifeguard Uniform, it was fun.
47. Are there ways in which you conform to or rebel against these uniforms?
Oh yeah, I rolled up my shorts at the waistband to show off my legs. It was a no no.
48. Do you find it comforting or constraining to have a uniform?
It was very constraining to me, very stifling, but I can see how there could be comforting elements to it. Just not my style.
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?
Long sleeve, maxi mermaid dress with a long, double strand of pearls. Classic Goddess, any time in your life.
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?
Penises are intriguing, but I would only want to be strong and fast like a man, but I would not like to be shaped like one.
51. If there was one country or culture or era that you had to live in, fashion-wise, what would it be?
Oh, gosh. Never ask an astronomer which is their favorite star! Oh gosh, my first instict was to say 1870-90s. I love those bustles. No, I'd live now, I can wear whatever I please now.
52. Do you consider yourself photogenic?
Yes, most pictures of me are good.
53. When you see yourself in photographs, what do you think?
That I am a cutie pie.
54. Are there any figures from culture, past or present, whose style you admire or have drawn from?
Too many to rattle off, honestly and truely. I am a sponge.
55. Have you ever had a dream that involved clothes?
Oh, yes, frequently. Buying them, making them, fitting them, showing them... my dreams are full of yards of fabric.
56. What would be a difficult or uncomfortable look for you to try and achieve?
Architectural clothing seems difficult to pull off, but it's fascinating, it's definitely a look I'm developing towards.
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?
Smaller sizes, I reckon.
58. Is there anyone that you are trying to attract or repel when you dress?
I'm trying to attract life and love and all thing good :)
59. Are there any dressing rules you’d want to convey to other women?
Be who you want to be.
60. What do you think of perfume? Do you wear it?
I adore perfume. I am seduced by perfume. Sadly, perfume makes my eyes red and watery, so I am banished from that kingdom.
61. What are some things you need to do to your body or clothes in order to feel presentable?
Be clean. No stinkiness. Don't be gross.
62. How does makeup fit into all this for you?
Make up is like clothes; a tool for my use, but I define the makeup, no makeup can define me.
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'm interested in them all, I'd like to explore as much as I can.
64. Can you describe in a basic way what you own, clothing and jewelry-wise?
Tons, trunks. Loads of goodness.
65. What is your favorite piece of clothing or jewelry that you own?
No, nothing particular.
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?
A lot of my vintage is just for looking at it.
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?
Too much turnover!
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?
That damned green dress.
69. If you had to throw out all your clothes but keep one thing, what would you keep?
I'm keeping that green and red 60s maxi, no one can stop me.
70. Building up your wardrobe from nothing, what would you do differently this time?
I really need some gladiator boots pretty bad.
71. What’s the first “investment” item you bought? Do you still own or wear it?
Vintage Mink Stole. It's all mine!
72. Was there ever an important or paradigm-shifting purchase in your life?
I'm gonna have to say that Mink Stole.
73. What item of clothing are you still (or have you forever been) on the hunt for?
I need another green dress. I'm serious.
74. What are your closet and drawers like? Do you keep things neat, etc?
No, its a hot mess. I love a hot mess.
75. Were you ever given a present of clothing or jewelry that especially touched you?
The ring Papa gave me for Mexico, oh yeah.
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?
Red Maxi Dress helped me get my man back.
77. How and when do you shop for clothes?
I'm on the hunt 24/7.
78. Do you like to smell a certain way?
Just not stinky.
79. How does how you dress play into your ambitions for yourself?
Bathrobes dampen abition, I assure you.
80. How does money fit into all this?
Great Fashion has no price tag.
81. Is there an article of clothing, a piece of make-up, or an accessory that you carry with you or wear every day?
Eyedrops come in handy.
82. Did anyone ever say anything to you that made you see yourself differently, on a physical and especially sartorial level?
Esther said I was prettiest of the the Hansen girls. I was reborn.
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?
I remember I liked light sundresses best. I loved climbing trees in them.
What’s your birth date? Where were you born and where do you live now?
Stalker! I was born on Thanksgiving, that's all you get. I live up at Lake Tahoe. It's great.
Say anything you like about your cultural/ethnic/economic background.
I love all cultures, I'm a melting pot from the middle of the middle class.
What kind of work do you do?
I make women's clothing and lingerie, costumes, and baubles.
Are you single, married, do you have kids, etc.?
Oh, kids and all that someday, I got time...
Please say anything you like about yourself that might put this survey into some sort of context.
I've been told I have a peculiar dialect, or colloquialisms I suppose, and my last name is Quirk! Haha!
How do you feel after filling out this survey?
Happy, this was delightful good fun.
Bio
Hmm, this writer is going to be fabulously wealthy someday, so be nice and I bet we'll all have fun up at the Cabin at Lake Tahoe some day, okay?