Read Surveys (By Author)
Sarah
1. When do you feel at your most attractive?
When my curls are looking their particular best, when my skin is clear, when my clothes fit well, when my nails are short and polished.
2. Do you notice women on the street? If so, what sort of women do you tend to notice or admire?
I notice women on the street all the time. When I was seventeen, reading Teen Vogue in dentist offices, going to New York meant seeing fashion magazines come to life. I notice women who possess a style I would like to emulate, women who know what work for them, and most of all women who are confident in themselves.
3. What are some things you admire about how other women present themselves?
I admire effort, I admire effortlessness, and a sort of messy grace. The one detail that stands out. Or style as a quiet extension of self, an outfit so well put together that you hardly notice it.
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?
HA! I still don't know how to dress myself, but when I was a teenager discovering the Internet and social media, recognizing and appreciating style was a theoretical awakening if not a practical one. I browsed websites, read articles and how to lists, kept tabs on IT girls and later culled vast quantities of photos that would become aspirational Pinterest boards. On another note, the summer after I graduated, I became OBSESSED with skincare. I still don't know why.
5. What are some shopping rules you wouldn’t necessarily recommend to others but which you follow?
Save money by not buying clothes? Buy clothing that's similar to what you already own? I wish I didn't do that.
6. What are some rules about dressing you follow, but you wouldn't necessarily recommend to others?
Don't stand out. Stay clean, professional (whatever that means). Sensible. Prepared for any environment but not necessarily over dressed. Bring a sweater.
7. What is the most transformative conversation you have ever had on the subject of fashion or style?
I'm hoping to have that conversation by reading and carrying around this very book.
8. Do you have a unified way of approaching your life, work, relationships, finances, chores, etc.? Please explain.
I just try to do the best I can but I usually wind up putting things off until the last minute.
9. Are there any clothing (or related) items that you have in multiple? Why do you think you keep buying this thing?
Cardigans. I keep thinking of the line in Brief Interviews with Hideous Men when the guy is like "Grad school took the little miss cardigan right out of you." And I wait for that to happen to me.
10. Have you ever successfully given someone a present of jewelry or clothing that you continue to feel good about?
Eh, one really hideous locket I gave to my cousin. I feel bad, looking back. I was so excited.
11. Is there any fashion trend you’ve refused to participate in and why?
Crop tops, although I think they can be both chic and hella cool. But I have a minor pooch.
12. Can you say a bit about how your mother’s body and style has been passed down to you, or not?
My mom has always struggled with her weight. And we never had a lot of money so it made it hard for her to find nice clothes. Shopping with her was tough. It was hard to see her get frustrated or cry. It was also important to her that my sister and k dressed modestly. I need a therapist.
13. Have you stolen, borrowed or adapted any dressing ideas or actual items from friends or family?
For sure tried. However unsuccessfully. Flowy scarves and such.
14. Was there a point in your life when your style changed dramatically? What happened?
No I've always dressed like a Mormon soccer mom.
15. Is there anything political about the way you dress?
I've been trying to shake off conservative Christian homeschooler but this crap sticks to me, man.
16. Please describe your body.
Small breasts long torso wide hips cute butt flat feet rounded shoulders.
17. Please describe your mind.
Filthy exhausted graveyard. Fruit roll up fever dream. The place behind the extensive bridge that leads to all the acceptable things I have to do and say on a daily basis.
18. Please describe your emotions.
Very deep within the surface and rarely acknowledged because once you pop the fun don't stop.
19. What are you wearing on your body and face, and how is your hair done, right at this moment?
I believe it's some version of "Sweatpants on hair up chillin with no make up on."
20. In what way is this stuff important, if at all?
I'm a homebody. With dry skin. And the same bedtime tshirts since high school.