Read Surveys (By Author)
Holly Lee
1. When do you feel at your most attractive?
When I am out and about seeing new places!
2. Do you notice women on the street? If so, what sort of women do you tend to notice or admire?
Women dressed in classic, tailored styles, especially those who are over 60 but still carry themselves well.
3. What are some things you admire about how other women present themselves?
Neat and tidy dress, good shoes and handbags, stylish hair, the colour of their lipstick, clothes that flatter as opposed to follow the trends.
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?
Getting my hair cut short! Finding a lipstick that didn't smudge or make me look like a clown. And when I learnt to sew and realised the importance of well made pieces.
5. What are some shopping rules you wouldn’t necessarily recommend to others but which you follow?
Never buy a crew or high neck - of course this depends on everyone's shape
6. What are some rules about dressing you follow, but you wouldn't necessarily recommend to others?
Always create a waist - again, it depends what your smallest point is.
7. What is the most transformative conversation you have ever had on the subject of fashion or style?
I can't pinpoint any in particular but I've had plenty of conversations with other women that have made me feel confident to follow my own style.
8. Do you have a unified way of approaching your life, work, relationships, finances, chores, etc.? Please explain.
It probably appears to be a lack of enthusiasm but is more likely my background (Australian) which is the fear of tall poppy syndrome coming out.
9. Are there any clothing (or related) items that you have in multiple? Why do you think you keep buying this thing?
Black skirts, and striped t-shirts. The stripes are neat and clean, not jumbled. And I like to feel feminine!
10. Have you ever successfully given someone a present of jewelry or clothing that you continue to feel good about?
Sure, my best friends and my mum have got continual use out of things (mostly jewellery) I have bought for them.
11. Is there any fashion trend you’ve refused to participate in and why?
Sky high stilettos, my feet just don't fit those shoes. Dungarees and plaid shirts - just don't suit me. Anything that doesn't suit my personality, because I just won't ever want to wear it!
12. Can you say a bit about how your mother’s body and style has been passed down to you, or not?
She is tall and I am short, but still have long legs for my height.she has always been quite preppy and I like this look but I like to play around with a lot of different styles more. I'm definitely more girly at times.
13. Have you stolen, borrowed or adapted any dressing ideas or actual items from friends or family?
I have occasionally been given items by family, and have definitely borrowed ideas! Imitation is the highest form of flattery.
14. Was there a point in your life when your style changed dramatically? What happened?
Moving states , or just now, countries, where the weather and fashions are different. My environment definitely influences my choices.
15. Is there anything political about the way you dress?
Not knowingly
16. Please describe your body.
Hourglass
17. Please describe your mind.
Introspective
18. Please describe your emotions.
Worn on my sleeve, I've been told, except when I'm excited, then I act bored....
19. What are you wearing on your body and face, and how is your hair done, right at this moment?
Black denim pedal pushers and a purple and black long tee, canvas sneakers - I've been out exploring my new city and the sun is shining! Make up - light colours for the day. And glasses as I get lost and confused without them! My hair is short and in need of a cut.
20. In what way is this stuff important, if at all?
It shouldn't be, but we all dress to express ourselves or what we're feeling. How other people perceive us can be different to what we think we're portraying.
21. With whom do you talk about clothes?
Friends and workmates, my mum, aunties and cousins
22. How do institutions affect the way you dress?
Probably to dress to fit in, so as not to offend, but my rebellious streak makes sure I have to do something a little differently....
23. Do you think you have taste or style? Which one is more important? What do these words mean to you?
Both are in the eye if the beholder. When I get dressed up I'm told I have style. But most if the time I think I look like a slob.
24. Do you remember the biggest waste of money you ever made on an item of clothing?
Plenty!! Dresses, $200 to wear once or not at all. And coats, when I lived in a desert climate.
25. Are there any dressing tricks you’ve invented or learned that make you feel like you’re getting away with something?
Statement costume jewellery or accessories with a simple outfit made of pieces from chain stores.
26. Do you have style in any areas of your life aside from fashion?
Art, home decor, especially making something out of nothing, and cooking....but it's my own style, no one else's. I love colour and I love creating things.
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?
Job interviews, but I hate office clothes! As a teenager I'm sure I did especially when trying to impress anyone.
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 know what I like when I see it! I no longer buy anything on first glance, but do find that whatever catches my eye when I first walk into a store of any kind, is what I end up choosing. I think I am easily influenced, so probably not discerning.
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?
Definitely about care for clothing and belongings, and the importance of presenting myself well. The most memorable being to dress to enhance my shape or features, and the importance of an iron!
30. What sorts of things do you do, clothing or make-up or hair- wise, to feel sexy or alluring?
Eyeliner, lipstick, blush. And that when it comes to clothing, a few details or embellishments in the right places or just a little skin is definitely more! A smile, always.
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?
Feeling like their appearance is accurately depicting themselves to others, and being happy in their own lives.
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?
Everything is always in if it's worn well, so dress in what flatters you, and you can still walk to the bus stop in
33. What is really beautiful, for you, in general?
Happiness
34. What do you consider very ugly?
Nasty, bitching, whiny people. Selfishness!!!
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?
Yeah but it doesn't stop me from buying it, because I want to be able to wear it...
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?
Sometimes I look more hipster than I was aiming for. I'm really not that alternative, more mainstream. But different in my own way! Hopefully I don't look like a sheep.
37. What is your process getting dressed in the morning? What are you considering?
The weather, what I'll be doing, who will see me and what is clean
38. What are you trying to achieve when you dress?
Being comfortable but still giving off a favourable impression
39. What, for you, is the difference between dressing and dressing up?
Dressing up is about decorating myself. Dressing is because I can't run down to the shops in the nude.
40. If you had to wear a “uniform” what would it look like?
I have had to for most of my life, between school and jobs. It would sit on the waist and be flattering and professional.
41. What would you say is “you” and what would you say is “not you”?
Me - denim, tweed, cotton
Not me - linen, synthetics
42. What is your cultural background and how has that influenced how you dress?
Australian and Canadian - casual, tomboyish, colourful
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?
I had gold platform shoes when I was 13. It was about being a grown up.
44. What sorts of things do you do, clothing, make-up or hair-wise, to feel professional?
Blow dry my hair!!!
Wear neutral colours but with more definition.
45. How do you conform to or rebel against the dress expectations at your workplace?
Mostly conform, but wear a lot of jewellery, and carry a colourful purse
46. Do you have a dress code, a school uniform, or a uniform that you wear for an extracurricular activity?
Work
47. Are there ways in which you conform to or rebel against these uniforms?
Of course
48. Do you find it comforting or constraining to have a uniform?
For the most part, comforting.
What’s your birth date? Where were you born and where do you live now?
27/8/85 Born in Sydney, Australia. Lived in Canada, Tasmania, Sydney during childhood, Perth (Western Australia) as a teenager and in my 20s, now living in London UK.
Say anything you like about your cultural/ethnic/economic background.
Middle class, 5th gen Australian on one side, 3rd gen Canadian on the other, German/Belgian descent.
Please say anything you like about yourself that might put this survey into some sort of context.
I just moved to London and looking for work