Read Surveys (By Author)
Sophie Crompton
1. When do you feel at your most attractive?
When I've put some real thought into my appearance.
2. Do you notice women on the street? If so, what sort of women do you tend to notice or admire?
I notice shoes, coats, how their hair is done. Anything bright catches my attention. Usually they are brunettes like me and I am trying to see what might work for me.
3. What are some things you admire about how other women present themselves?
Some women have such endless energy when it comes to getting dressed every day. I am a kind of roll out of bed throw something on, go to work. But there are women I work with who look like the just fell out of Vogue every morning. I don't know where a) they get the energy and b) the know how to make it all work and seem so effortless.
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 early adult life, I realized that I am a little quirky and that is OK. I enjoy odd styles that are not "mainstream" and I have accepted that about myself. I don't fit in the "box" so to speak.
5. What are some shopping rules you wouldn’t necessarily recommend to others but which you follow?
Don't go with friends. I can't shop with friends, I feel like my choices are being judged. I know that would not work for others.
6. What are some rules about dressing you follow, but you wouldn't necessarily recommend to others?
Does it keep me from standing out. Most days I want to just be invisible at work, I wear a lot of blacks, grays and blues. Despite the fact that when I feel like making an effort I try to stand out, the majority of the time I like to feel like I blend in.
7. What is the most transformative conversation you have ever had on the subject of fashion or style?
A girl in high school commented on a way I should wear my hair to compliment my face, parting it slightly off center. I've been wearing it that way ever since. Also the woman who did my makeup for my wedding gave me a sheet of instructions, up to that point foundation was a mystery to me, now I experiment with all kinds of makeup when I feel like making an effort.
8. Do you have a unified way of approaching your life, work, relationships, finances, chores, etc.? Please explain.
Does it make me happy? Will I have any regrets? Can I make someone else happy? Will it chip into time with my husband? I am very protective of the time I have with my husband and I am very focused on what makes me happy in life. I grew up in a household of workaholics and emotionally damaged people so I know how not to spend my time. I also like to make other people smile.
For Finances and chores I try to be practical and efficient in what I do. Still working on that though!
9. Are there any clothing (or related) items that you have in multiple? Why do you think you keep buying this thing?
Dresses, I love dresses, despite the fact that I rarely wear them, as I like to blend in. I just keep buying them because when I do finally wear them they make me very happy. I think because I am such a tom boy in the way I approach clothing buying dresses is a way for me to express my very girly girl side, which does not often get to surface.
10. Have you ever successfully given someone a present of jewelry or clothing that you continue to feel good about?
I dislike making choices like that about those items as for me clothes and jewelry are very personal things. I feel that I cannot make a good enough decision for the person I am buying for and will only disappoint them.
11. Is there any fashion trend you’ve refused to participate in and why?
I don't really pay super close attention. Although I really disliked the insane attraction to crazy prints that didn't seem to match.
12. Can you say a bit about how your mother’s body and style has been passed down to you, or not?
My mother hated her body. She had weight problems that she often put on me, calling me fat etc. The one fashion thing I got from her was scarfs. I really like scarfs, I use them to hide my figure or to complete an outfit depending on how I am feeling that day.
13. Have you stolen, borrowed or adapted any dressing ideas or actual items from friends or family?
I went through a goth phase that was borrowed from a friend when I was 19. But since then I've really followed my own tastes, so its unconscious if I have adapted any of their styles.
16. Please describe your body.
5 foot 10"
160lbs
Pear shaped
17. Please describe your mind.
Forgetful
A little too internal at times
Open to new ideas
Flexible
18. Please describe your emotions.
Can be intense but I've learned to keep an even keel by protecting myself.
Mostly I am a happy person.
19. What are you wearing on your body and face, and how is your hair done, right at this moment?
Old frayed jeans, very old rugby polo from my high school in the UK, old large comfy hoody given to me by my mother-in-law. Warm socks, my wedding rings, single diamond earring in the top piercing in my left ear.Hair is pulled back twisted up into a clip, unbrushed from the shower. Basically... super comfy weekend uniform.
20. In what way is this stuff important, if at all?
Obviously the wedding rings are super important to me, I love them, they are beautiful and I just like looking at them. The old rugby shirt is sentimental to me as I loved that school. Its really old and tatty, but I love it. The hoody is my favorite hoody as its huge and warm and represents a kind gift from my mother-in-law. The diamond earring was one of a set from my parents for my 21st birthday, but to be honest its force of habit as to why I am wearing it now. The rest are just clothes.
21. With whom do you talk about clothes?
My girlfriends sometimes, usually at work, when I compliment them on something they are wearing. My husband as he tries to encourage me to buy things I want.
22. How do institutions affect the way you dress?
Only in the sense that I don't wear jeans to work. And on days when I have important meetings I will be dressed appropriately as first impressions are key and no matter how much we like to think our skills speak for themselves, you have to play the part too.
23. Do you think you have taste or style? Which one is more important? What do these words mean to you?
I've never really thought about it, I like comfortable clothes, but also vintage and pieces that engage my imagination.
24. Do you remember the biggest waste of money you ever made on an item of clothing?
I spent $30 on at-shirt a few weeks ago I didn't even like, just because I felt I needed something new and was in a bad mood. Unusual for me to do that. The other would be something that was spent for me, my mother bought me a very expensive fur coat when I was in my early 20's huge waste of money. I didn't wear it, gave it to a friend who didn't have a problem wearing rabbit.
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?
I have a pair of pink shoes, if I am in a particularly bad mood or feeling more introverted than usual I'll wear them. Every time I look down they make me feel more confident.When I travel to visit my family in the UK I wear almost all the jewelry my husband and his family have given me as a form of shield against my mother. Having those items on me, where I can touch them when she is being mean helps me to remember I have people who love me and to be strong in the moment.
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 feel I do know what I like in fashion, despite my tastes being a little all over the place. I'm pretty confident in my likes in other areas of life as well, albeit not every aspect. I try to trust my instincts and not rush anything, when I rush I make mistakes and use poor judgement. I think discernment comes from within, being quiet within yourself and taking time to consider what is before you. Be it clothes, a situation or a person.
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?
Nope, my mother taught me to flaunt myself at men. She thought it amusing and would allow me to go out wearing clothes I'd never let a teenager go out in now. My father tried to have a say, but she told him to butt out and at the time I thought getting to dress in such a risky way was fun. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.My mother hated her body and also hated men and so molded me using that hate.
30. What sorts of things do you do, clothing or make-up or hair- wise, to feel sexy or alluring?
I'll wear sexy under-wear. Straighten or wear my hair down with its natural curl.
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 means warmth and being relaxed, not restricted in any way. Confident is an inner feeling. A person can be dressed to the nines and I can still tell if they are wearing a mask or are feeling confident. Its how you project yourself.
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?
Always be yourself and pick out your outfit for work the night before. That way you will have more energy to put into it than first thing in the morning.But be true to your sense of self, don't try to match a specific way of dressing because you think that is how you are expected to dress, you will be uncomfortable and it will show through.
33. What is really beautiful, for you, in general?
I'm guessing this isn't just in the sense of clothing.
Happiness to me is really beautiful, just a normal day hanging out with my husband and our puppy is also really beautiful. Plus we live in a really stunning part of Northern Ontario, so wilderness is also really beautiful.
In the sense of clothing a really well made dress, with rich natural fabrics.
34. What do you consider very ugly?
Anger, manipulative people, two-faced people.
Synthetic clothing, which almost everything is these days. I think its horrible.
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?
Again I trust my instincts, I usually take my time in buying something. I only fail in that if I am in a bad mood or rush into a purchase.
37. What is your process getting dressed in the morning? What are you considering?
I usually lay my clothes out the night before. If I don't its because I am sick of my wardrobe and end up throwing something as bland as possible on.
38. What are you trying to achieve when you dress?
Either blending into the masses or standing out, it just depends on my mood.
39. What, for you, is the difference between dressing and dressing up?
Dressing up, I will do something with my hair, often wear some make-up and the outfit will usually involve a dress or a nice blazer. Dressing involves bland colors, a baggy top, a scarf and flat shoes.
40. If you had to wear a “uniform” what would it look like?
Hoody, jeans, sketcher shoes, scarf.
41. What would you say is “you” and what would you say is “not you”?
Comfort is me. Glamour is not.
42. What is your cultural background and how has that influenced how you dress?
I'm originally from the UK, I now live in Northern Ontario, Canada. I think growing up in the UK in a fairly affluent family has certainly influenced my tastes to the point that I like really expensive things. Though I rarely buy them.But other than that, it has likely influenced me in an unconscious way as I don't really think of my culture all that often seeing as the brits exported themselves and their ideals around the world, Canada being no exception.
44. What sorts of things do you do, clothing, make-up or hair-wise, to feel professional?
Wearing make-up, as I usually don't unless I have an important meeting. And wearing a well put together outfit is what makes me feel professional. But again only done when I need to as in my position I can get away with wearing bland outfits quite often.
45. How do you conform to or rebel against the dress expectations at your workplace?
My pink shoes really irritate my boss, I don't wear make-up and I don't over try and look like I fell out of vogue every day. I think alongside my laziness and desire to blend, that is also a way I rebel, as young professional women are supposed to "dress the part" if they want to be taken seriously, despite their skills.
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?
No, not ever.
51. If there was one country or culture or era that you had to live in, fashion-wise, what would it be?
Victorian, England, they had some great outfits, but my mind would be bored. India has some fantastic colors and outfits too, but I'd never willingly live there, due to the way women are treated.
52. Do you consider yourself photogenic?
nope
53. When you see yourself in photographs, what do you think?
I don't mind being photographed I think people who shy away and make a big deal out of it just want to be told they are pretty and that they look good on that particular occasion. When I see a picture of myself I remember what I was doing in that moment and how I felt. Usually its a good thing.
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?
I'm happy with my body.
58. Is there anyone that you are trying to attract or repel when you dress?
Nope
59. Are there any dressing rules you’d want to convey to other women?
Just enjoy what you wear, though I don't always follow that.
60. What do you think of perfume? Do you wear it?
I used to wear it because in the UK people wear it a lot, but my husband has allergies, so I stopped wearing it when we started dating and now I can't stand it.
61. What are some things you need to do to your body or clothes in order to feel presentable?
Feel confident, I will spend time picking out an outfit that will help me to feel by best, it doens't have to be something that others would consider "dressed up" it just has to be something that makes me feel good, that way I can feel confident and portray myself as I need to through my actions.
62. How does makeup fit into all this for you?
Depends on how I am feeling. Sometimes I'll wear it, most of the time not.
64. Can you describe in a basic way what you own, clothing and jewelry-wise?
4 pairs of dress pants
numerous shirts and work related tops
2 pairs of jeans
2 pairs of lined jeans for winter
3 hoodies
lots of warm socks
several nice dresses bought from Monsoon in the UK
my jewelry is elegant and simple, I've never been able to get into the large bulky necklaces that people seem to like.
I prefer diamonds and smaller pieces.
65. What is your favorite piece of clothing or jewelry that you own?
My wedding bands, I love them.
A winter wool coat that looks like something from Victorian England.
My Roots hoody.
My wedding shoes, they rock, they are from Irregular choice in the UK.
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 skirt, doesn't fit but I really like it, one day I'll find something similar and throw it out. It gives me inspiration to look for something like it.
69. If you had to throw out all your clothes but keep one thing, what would you keep?
My roots hoody
70. Building up your wardrobe from nothing, what would you do differently this time?
Add more colors and accessories.
71. What’s the first “investment” item you bought? Do you still own or wear it?
Big heavy winter wool coat from Bench. Love it.
73. What item of clothing are you still (or have you forever been) on the hunt for?
A really nice fitted dress I can wear to work. Kinda like Mad Men style.
74. What are your closet and drawers like? Do you keep things neat, etc?
Wardrobe is color coded and item coded. My drawers are a mess.
75. Were you ever given a present of clothing or jewelry that especially touched you?
Leaving aside my wedding rings and other items my husband gave me, my Roots hoody was given to me by my mother-in-law, its an expensive shop and they don't have much, so it really means a lot to me that she chose to buy my this.
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?
I bought a sexy top at a clothes festival when I was 16, it went on to become a staple of my nights out, many memories were made wearing that top. Good and bad, I think it cost 10 pounds.
77. How and when do you shop for clothes?
Now, very rarely. Although a friend at work recently introduced me to Modcloth online so I think I will be making some purchases from there. They have some cool items.
When I go to the UK I always go to Monsoon, almost everything in that store is something I would wear, I haven't found an equivalent here in Canada.
78. Do you like to smell a certain way?
I love the body shop, so I always put on some fruity body lotion after getting out of the shower. Plus my husband likes it too. :)
79. How does how you dress play into your ambitions for yourself?
I don't feel that it needs to, my ambitions for myself are separate from how I dress, although I am not so delusional to think that is how the rest of the world operates. I understand the idea of "dressing for the job you want, not the job you have" which is why when I meet with certain people at work I dress a certain way.
80. How does money fit into all this?
It restricts me in the sense there are more important things I can buy. For example a new toy for our puppy, or tickets to the latest Avengers movie etc. I only spend money on clothes if I really love the item.
81. Is there an article of clothing, a piece of make-up, or an accessory that you carry with you or wear every day?
Hand cream lives in my bag, along with lip balm and a little mirror.
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 was standing in my dorm room in high school and I realized that I had lost weight and grown. I was in my underwear cleaning my room and noticed my reflection in the mirror. It was the first time I looked at myself and liked what I saw. I was 16.
What’s your birth date? Where were you born and where do you live now?
January, 5th, 1984, Liverpool, England
I now live in Northern Ontario
Say anything you like about your cultural/ethnic/economic background.
Grew up in a wealthy family and learned nothing about money, I now dislike spending money as I don't trust myself to understand what I am doing.
What kind of work do you do?
I work at a Local Community College and I love it!
Are you single, married, do you have kids, etc.?
Married, child-free, 1 furbaby
Please say anything you like about yourself that might put this survey into some sort of context.
Big ole nerd, I love fantasy, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and all that jazz and I am not afraid to admit it.
How do you feel after filling out this survey?
I thought it was interesting and it made me realize that I really don't spend that much time thinking about styles and that is OK.