1. When do you feel at your most attractive?

I feel most attractive when I am confident in the space I am in and happy.

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

I admire women who have the courage to wear baggy shape hiding clothes and those who don't wear black.

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

Women who are having fun with their style really inspires me. I am talking about women who you can absolutely tell planned their outfit and are having a blast walking around in the street.

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 just turned thirty and at this stage in my wardrobe, I will say that my clothes aren't chic. I realized about a couple years ago that I should be dressing for myself, rather than what I expect people want to see. People don't notice others anyway, if so, it's just for a second or two then on to the next thought.

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

I recommend my one shopping rule to everyone, buy vintage or used everything. It will either be worth the price you paid for it or appreciate in value. Buying clothes new is like buying a car new, it's worth less after you drive it off the lot.

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

Shoes comfy enough to run in and small cross body purses are a great source of independence. I really don't like being asked if I can watch a stranger's purse. If it is too burdensome to take to the bathroom, why own it?

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

My husband once told me that he doesn't expect me to dress pretty and it was a relief. He enjoys being with me in any state of dress. I am so glad he doesn't expect me to wear heels or mini dresses.

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

Live with in what is comfortable. I try not do things because I expect that it is expected of me.

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 lot of Jean Paul Gaultier and flat bulbous toe oxfords. The Gaultier pieces I own were purchased used for $50-100 max. His designs are playful hand have simple silhouettes. Oxfords are the prefect instant dress up tool to any casual look.

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

I made my grandma about 20 pairs of earrings and gave them to her on a jewelry rack from a store that had closed down. She enjoys wearing them and has the rack on display in her room.

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

Anything Kardashisian related is something I just can't imagine myself emulating.

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

My mother and I have some major hip action going on, we are very pear shaped. It's a bit of a sore subject. She kicked me out of the house when I was a teenager and I haven't talked to her in ten years.

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

I really enjoy indigenous textiles and pick up yardage when ever I travel to other countries. I want to be able to have less garments in my closet. There shouldn't be a need in my life for so much stuff.

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

Not really, I have always dressed in vintage. I have found myself dressing less feminine. I feel best in long dresses and shapeless pants, rather than clothes that feature my waist or bust.

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

No.

16. Please describe your body.

Very curvy, 34-26-40, I know my measurements because I mostly shop vintage or online. I work in wardrobe for film and costume and can guess other people's measurements as well.

17. Please describe your mind.

My mind pays attention to details in everyday life. I notice zippers, length of pleats and types of wheels at the bottoms of furniture. I like to try to figure out why things are beautiful or what makes something not pleasant for me to look at and if something is not pleasant, does it make it more beautiful?

18. Please describe your emotions.

My emotions are a work in progress and I am happy that I am a better person than I was in my 20's .

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

I just woke up, my hair is in a bun and I am wearing socks, black tank top and boy short underwear.

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

This stuff is important because we make it important. I think if we accept our tastes and likes without comparing ourselves to what should or shouldn't be, appearance would be less important.

21. With whom do you talk about clothes?

My husband and I talk about clothes. He sews and patterns as well, and he sculpts and paints. We can talk about anything and appreciate the same aspects of how people dress.

http://www.jenmartinwardrobe.com