Read Surveys (By Author)
Martha Jane Harris
1. When do you feel at your most attractive?
When I am wearing something new, and I am with people who's company I enjoy.
2. Do you notice women on the street? If so, what sort of women do you tend to notice or admire?
Women who manage to look stylish without looking overdone; women who dress to suit their body shape, their own personal style.
3. What are some things you admire about how other women present themselves?
Women who seem comfortable and happy in how they look. That is the ultimate goal. I also admire women who dress simply, in a considered but effortless way.
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?
Fashion clicked for me when I went to university and stopped dressing like my much loved and much envied best friends. It was a coming of age experienced by many upon flying the nest - when you realise that the people around you have no preconceived ideas about who you are, and that you can decide how you want to appear accordingly. That is a very empowering thing to realise.
5. What are some shopping rules you wouldn’t necessarily recommend to others but which you follow?
I am a sucker for 'wow' pieces; heavily patterned, statement pieces. I would advise others to focus on quality of material and the symbiosis of a piece with your existing wardrobe. If I was wiser (and had more disposable funds) I would focus on quality over and quantity, and dress only in COS. I would be so chic...
6. What are some rules about dressing you follow, but you wouldn't necessarily recommend to others?
I try to avoid trends as much as possible (partly due to one too many teenage faux pas), but I am aware that this is partly due to my lack of confidence in the strength of my own personal style. Trends can definitely be incorporated successfully by those with style confidence.
7. What is the most transformative conversation you have ever had on the subject of fashion or style?
I have had many fashion conversations with my sometimes acid-tongued Nana, whose opinion I almost always disagree with. Although I would never follow her advise to the letter she does always make me question my choices (both life and style) in a positive way; fashion is just one of the topics on which the opinion of an older generation is invaluable.
8. Do you have a unified way of approaching your life, work, relationships, finances, chores, etc.? Please explain.
I try to present a version of my best self in all situation - however my innately jealous nature and my tendency to compare my life unfavourably to my peers often makes this impossible.
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 are often mocked for our dedication to the striped top. I have adopted her (rather extreme) enthusiasm and do believe that there is nothing more classic than a breton stripe.
16. Please describe your body.
I am a Bridget Jones; I will probably always be slightly over-weight. That said, by paring my short legs and curves with a healthy life-style I have learnt to love my body.
19. What are you wearing on your body and face, and how is your hair done, right at this moment?
I am baring my currently hormone-spotted face with pride, have donned what my mum often describes as my most unflattering pair of jeans, and one of her old t-shirts, and have experimented with a plaited crown in practice for an upcoming wedding.
20. In what way is this stuff important, if at all?
When I hit across a piece of clothing or a style choice that I feel proud to own then I experience a real buzz, and it is that feeling that is important. When you are in the post-university slightly friendless abyss anything that puts you on the up should be cherished and exploited.
21. With whom do you talk about clothes?
No one other than family really - my best friend gets annoyed at my fashion choices, which she perceives to be 'spendy' and at odds with my constant insistence that I am skint.
23. Do you think you have taste or style? Which one is more important? What do these words mean to you?
I like to think I have taste, and I much prefer that word. Taste to me means that you are discerning, and this can be applied to all facets of life. I suppose it is my enthusiasm for 'good taste' that sees me poring over Pinterest and other such sites into the wee hours.
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 wore what I deemed to be a 'power dress' to the birthday party of a boy I was ill-advisedly (and unrequitedly) infatuated with - a black velvet short hemmed masterpiece that made me feel alluring. Unfortunately I spent the night hiding underneath a table after meeting his new girlfriend, which slightly ruined the illusion.
30. What sorts of things do you do, clothing or make-up or hair- wise, to feel sexy or alluring?
I have grown my hair to a very long length which DOES make me feel sexy, but I often question whether this is because I like it or because for some reason I think it makes me appear more feminine to male eyes. If I really think about it, I might be much happier with a bob.
54. Are there any figures from culture, past or present, whose style you admire or have drawn from?
Monica Geller from Friends.
73. What item of clothing are you still (or have you forever been) on the hunt for?
The perfect polo-neck jumper! Bane of my life.
75. Were you ever given a present of clothing or jewelry that especially touched you?
On my 21st birthday I was given my great grandmothers engagement ring from the twenties; the only ring I think I've ever received that has made me cry. Keepsakes make the best gifts.
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 being looked after by a hideous child minder and ripping my teddybear leggings on the climbing frame. A generally tragic moment.
What’s your birth date? Where were you born and where do you live now?
19/03/1992, born in Manchester (UK) living in London.
Say anything you like about your cultural/ethnic/economic background.
Quintessentially English!
What kind of work do you do?
Editorial Assistant wannabe.
Are you single, married, do you have kids, etc.?
I have a lovely boyfriend.
How do you feel after filling out this survey?
Curious.
Bio
My name is Martha Jane, I am 22 (which seems a hopeless age), and I enjoy tragic love stories, striped tops and tea.