Read Surveys (By Author)
Stephanie Allison
1. When do you feel at your most attractive?
About three hours into day. Dressed and had coffee.
2. Do you notice women on the street? If so, what sort of women do you tend to notice or admire?
Put together, whether classic or trendy. An artistic touch whether colors, textures, or styles.
3. What are some things you admire about how other women present themselves?
Styles that show confidence, not afraid to attract positive attention.
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?
Yes, about eighth grade, when friends started socializing
Independently.
5. What are some shopping rules you wouldn’t necessarily recommend to others but which you follow?
Don't worry if it is expensive or over your budget if it is something you love and makes you feel good, happy, secure, empowered.
6. What are some rules about dressing you follow, but you wouldn't necessarily recommend to others?
Don't be afraid to look attractive, as long as it's tasteful.
7. What is the most transformative conversation you have ever had on the subject of fashion or style?
Mother told me never to let other women's jealousy influence my style. Went through a period of dressing dowdy so as to not to infuriate matronly unattractive female managers. Once I dressed for myself, everybody's style kicked up a notch. Raised bar, everybody happier.
8. Do you have a unified way of approaching your life, work, relationships, finances, chores, etc.? Please explain.
Do things a certain way, stick to routine so as not to feel unbalanced an confused.
9. Are there any clothing (or related) items that you have in multiple? Why do you think you keep buying this thing?
Black boots, booties, from same designer. Like "signature"
looks. Makes it easier to plan around.. Anchors Wardrobe decisions.. Also boho type blouses for casual wear. I think looks good on me so easy go to without worrying .
10. Have you ever successfully given someone a present of jewelry or clothing that you continue to feel good about?
Yes, Mostly to my mother.
11. Is there any fashion trend you’ve refused to participate in and why?
Big zippers on outside of clothes or boots. I don't want to look like a suitcase.
Grunge. I don't want to look like a drug addict.
Bare midriff..plunging necklines, Side boobs exposed,high slits on dresses... all too attention getting and not attractive.
12. Can you say a bit about how your mother’s body and style has been passed down to you, or not?
simply that she is stylish and invests time and money in looking attractive and always takes care of body through good eating habits and exercise.. I don't have Same style, just same attitude.
13. Have you stolen, borrowed or adapted any dressing ideas or actual items from friends or family?
No,. What's theirs is theirs and mine is mine. Don't mind if people follow me, but usually doesn't look the Same.
14. Was there a point in your life when your style changed dramatically? What happened?
70's . College, Hippie look but not hippie. That vibe is always my go to comfort look.
15. Is there anything political about the way you dress?
I work in a male dominated field. I nevertheless dress femininely. See #7.
16. Please describe your body.
Petite. Average. Not skinny. Not overweight but curvy.
Well proportioned. Legs good. Have waist, hips. Can wear clothes pretty well,
17. Please describe your mind.
Somewhat intelligent. In scientific field. Prefer logic in all thoughts, decisions.
18. Please describe your emotions.
Somewhat emotional. Cry at movies or anything that pulls heartstrings.. Also quick to anger at injustices or stupidity.
19. What are you wearing on your body and face, and how is your hair done, right at this moment?
No makeup. Pretty Camisole top. Funky pajama bottoms.
Haven't brushed hair. Still in coffee drinking Mode on day off.
20. In what way is this stuff important, if at all?
Nice to be introspective. Never Spend much time doing that on this subject.
21. With whom do you talk about clothes?
husband.
22. How do institutions affect the way you dress?
see #7.
23. Do you think you have taste or style? Which one is more important? What do these words mean to you?
Both. Taste is more important. Style - personal expression
utilizing currently available products and trends. Taste: personal expression of Values.
24. Do you remember the biggest waste of money you ever made on an item of clothing?
Something in pink leather.
25. Are there any dressing tricks you’ve invented or learned that make you feel like you’re getting away with something?
I wear red when I need to fend off aggressive people or in
threatening situations. Not only because of its Psycological effect on other people, but it flatters me very well. I save it for when I need it.
26. Do you have style in any areas of your life aside from fashion?
My car. My home furnishings. my office. my tech gear.
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?
see #25. Will also dress a particular way in social situations that are intimidating. Depends on situation.
"All beige" to "best dressed'! Just depends.
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?
Yes . Discernment comes from trial and error and learning from mistakes. Mistakes are things that make me not feel good or other people flat out tell me look bad or I sense it.
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?
Just by example.
30. What sorts of things do you do, clothing or make-up or hair- wise, to feel sexy or alluring?
keep things simple. Use color properly to flatter.Use fabrics, cuts, Shapes, movement of clothing .
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?
once you're dressed clothes and accessories are like 2nd skin. No self-Consciousness about anything.
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?
I dress to make myself happy about myself but a big part of that is having acceptance and admiration from family, friends, and colleagues. I want to be a nice accessory in other people's lives.
33. What is really beautiful, for you, in general?
Nature. Flowers, Trees, Butterflies. Sun. Moon. Sky. Clouds. Grass. Rain. Flat horizon. Mountains. Desert. Beach. Lake. Valley. Stars.
34. What do you consider very ugly?
Vulgar Rap music
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?
Yes, Pretty much. Wrong colors. Too much fabric. Too much print.
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?
Probably wonder what my oldest friend Would think.
Not my conservative relatives or colleagues.
She has a different style but stylish and honest.
37. What is your process getting dressed in the morning? What are you considering?
Schedule, meetings. Where, with whom. What will indoor and outdoor weather be? Will I have to remove my jacket or sweater? Is so, does underlying clothing Stand on its own appropriately?
38. What are you trying to achieve when you dress?
Stylish but professional. Attractive but not attention getting. Good taste .. Platform for Showcasing Special jewelry.
39. What, for you, is the difference between dressing and dressing up?
Dressing up is to crank up clothes make up to match Some high energy or high emotion event like turning up the volume at a party. Exterior has to match emotional level. Weddings, funerals, festivals all have certain levels
to which clothing, Make up must be tuned. Dressing appropriately is like making music? Playing your instrument well as part of an orchestra to effect a beautiful symphony?
40. If you had to wear a “uniform” what would it look like?
Black pants. Simple blouse, Cardigan. Black boots. bracelets. rings. necklace. Silver and turquoise, coral Oh wait. That is my uniform.
41. What would you say is “you” and what would you say is “not you”?
Casual chic me. Preppy-not me.
42. What is your cultural background and how has that influenced how you dress?
Texan.. Casual- Cool. Western. Native American. Beachy.
Natural.
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?
See #7.
44. What sorts of things do you do, clothing, make-up or hair-wise, to feel professional?
Keep it tasteful,
45. How do you conform to or rebel against the dress expectations at your workplace?
conform - pants not dresses.
rebel- form fitting pants. pretty blouses and sweaters.
49. What is an archetypal outfit for you; one that you could have happily worn at any point in your life? What do you like about it?
boho blouse. Blue jeans. Sandals. Always takes me back to happiest times of life.
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?
never, Sometimes wish I could wear hair short for ease and to save time but I do not want to lose feminity.
51. If there was one country or culture or era that you had to live in, fashion-wise, what would it be?
USA 65-75.
52. Do you consider yourself photogenic?
No.
53. When you see yourself in photographs, what do you think?
Yuck.. Until time passes then I look better then than now,or just not as critical.
54. Are there any figures from culture, past or present, whose style you admire or have drawn from?
Faye Dunaway. Diane Von Furstenburg. Diane Keaton.
Audrey Hepburn.
55. Have you ever had a dream that involved clothes?
Don't think so.
56. What would be a difficult or uncomfortable look for you to try and achieve?
Queen Elizabeth. Hillary Clinton. Barbara Bush. Greta Von Sustern.
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?
Shorter skirts.
58. Is there anyone that you are trying to attract or repel when you dress?
no.
59. Are there any dressing rules you’d want to convey to other women?
don't dress slutty.
60. What do you think of perfume? Do you wear it?
Never in workplace, only for occasions. Should be everyone's rule.
61. What are some things you need to do to your body or clothes in order to feel presentable?
Clean. No wrinkles.
62. How does makeup fit into all this for you?
Must have but neutral.
What’s your birth date? Where were you born and where do you live now?
1953. Texas. Texas.
Say anything you like about your cultural/ethnic/economic background.
Texan, raised Middle class. Healthy income.
What kind of work do you do?
Engineering type
Are you single, married, do you have kids, etc.?
married, grown children,
Please say anything you like about yourself that might put this survey into some sort of context.
Baby boomer. Enjoy trying to stay young looking.
How do you feel after filling out this survey?
Enjoyed!