Read Surveys (By Author)

Hillary Easom

1. When do you feel at your most attractive?

When I've gotten enough sleep, eaten well and exercised. My body feels lighter, my skin shines, and no matter what I put on I feel as though I'm floating on air.

2. Do you notice women on the street? If so, what sort of women do you tend to notice or admire?

Absolutely. I tend to be an observer. I notice just about every woman. I admire women who are humbly confident -- those who walk tall, sure of themselves, with a smile on their faces…without being overconfident or letting ego drive their confidence. They're not putting on a show for others; this is all about them feeling good about themselves.

3. What are some things you admire about how other women present themselves?

I like creative fashion, women who present themselves in authentic ways without concern for what others will think is "right." I can't stand overconfidence (as stated before), because that serves only to make others feel bad about themselves. Instead, a woman who feels good about herself but presents herself with a smile and a warm, friendly attitude, is a more attractive person in general.

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?

After my first child was born, and I had this completely transformed body, I had to buy new clothes that fit this new shape. My sister went shopping with me, and I was hesitant to make bold choices…but I did, with her encouragement, and I felt GOOD! I began to embrace more authentic, bold choices in the clothes I wear. I also felt more like a grown-up as my children grew older, and I started to care a little more about putting some thought into my hair and occasionally make-up. I let go a little of my more hippie style and allowed myself to embrace fashion that was a little more bohemian, grown-up mom, sophisticated woman rolled into one.

5. What are some shopping rules you wouldn’t necessarily recommend to others but which you follow?

Avoid buying things full-price; they'll go on sale in very short order, long before they go out of style, and it doesn't hurt to wait. Your pocketbook thanks you.

6. What are some rules about dressing you follow, but you wouldn't necessarily recommend to others?

Wear underwear that makes you feel sexy, even if no one else is going to see it or care. It's your little secret, and you'll feel hot; if you feel sexy yourself, it'll radiate out to others. (Okay, I'd recommend that advice to others, too!)

7. What is the most transformative conversation you have ever had on the subject of fashion or style?

I'm not sure.

8. Do you have a unified way of approaching your life, work, relationships, finances, chores, etc.? Please explain.

No. I have a very organized mind but live among a little bit of clutter. It's a little OCD-meets-creative process-meets-busy working mom. I think everything reflects that a little, so perhaps that's my unified approach??

9. Are there any clothing (or related) items that you have in multiple? Why do you think you keep buying this thing?

Yes. Lots of yoga clothes. Kind of annoying to me that this has become women's fashion, though; for me, it's my uniform (literally -- I teach yoga), but while these pieces are very comfortable, when I am not going to work I am really eager to put on something a little more fashionable and a little more put-together. Ditch the yoga pants, Ladies…unless you're heading to the studio.

10. Have you ever successfully given someone a present of jewelry or clothing that you continue to feel good about?

I bought my sister a turquoise leather purse when I was in Italy, It screamed out her name, and she was thrilled to receive it. It was just perfect for her, and I felt joy buying it for her.

11. Is there any fashion trend you’ve refused to participate in and why? 

Short shorts, because they don't look good on my figure. Why wear something trendy if it's not flattering? I feel sad for women (especially young girls) who don't have the confidence to just say no when style doesn't really offer them any boost. There's always another option.

12. Can you say a bit about how your mother’s body and style has been passed down to you, or not?

I definitely inherited her thicker thighs and broader hips, which were great when I was pregnant with my kids. (I loved my pregnant body!) I did not, however, inherit her large breasts (I'm barely a 34), broader shoulders or average height. I'm really thankful for the latter; my dad's height has served me well.

13. Have you stolen, borrowed or adapted any dressing ideas or actual items from friends or family?

Of course! The best artists borrow from others, don't they? Best source of inspiration.

14. Was there a point in your life when your style changed dramatically? What happened?

I guess in college, when I moved from a mostly-black, fairly punk-rock wardrobe to a more grungy, hippie, Deadhead style. My attitude never changed, just my outward expression.

15. Is there anything political about the way you dress?

I suppose so. I'd never be mistaken for a conservative Republican, if that's what you mean! I'm a suburban mom who would never, ever embrace stereotypical "suburban mom" fashion. I'll always have more of an edge in my dress choices.

16. Please describe your body.

Long, fairly lean, pear-shaped. I have a small but strong upper body, a heavier, curvier lower body. Athletic but feminine -- not super-muscular.

17. Please describe your mind.

Progressive Gemini -- sometimes very calm and grounded, other times wrapped up in worrying. Monkey brain. Often overanalyzing, but usually much harder on myself than anyone else. I'm pretty non-judgmental...about other people. Still working on me.
:-)

18. Please describe your emotions.

I'm very emotional. I like a good cry. Probably tend to me more of a soft smiler than a loud laugher. My emotions are fairly calm and even most of the time. I suppose by this point in my life I've learned how to find contentment. For that I'm grateful.

19. What are you wearing on your body and face, and how is your hair done, right at this moment?

Ha! I have on a tankini, spandex shorts and a quick-dry, long-sleeve running shirt. No makeup, glasses, and hair that was done last night but only quickly brushed this morning. The result of a planned SUP Yoga class aborted by an unexpected migraine. Life throws us lots of unexpected surprises, doesn't it?

20. In what way is this stuff important, if at all?

It's not, really. If a woman feels good in her body, however she presents it she'll look confident and feel happy. Confidence and happiness are contagious. They come in all shapes, sizes and styles.

21. With whom do you talk about clothes?

My sisters and my mom. They all have great fashion sense, if eclectic.

22. How do institutions affect the way you dress?

Not sure.

23. Do you think you have taste or style? Which one is more important? What do these words mean to you?

I definitely have taste, and a fairly good sense of style. Taste is much more important; it helps us to make good choices and to be authentic.

24. Do you remember the biggest waste of money you ever made on an item of clothing?

I usually don't buy things I won't wear over and over again. I've never spend extravagant amounts of money, especially on trendy choices. I tend to buy things that suit my taste and style but that are a little more timeless.

25. Are there any dressing tricks you’ve invented or learned that make you feel like you’re getting away with something?

Wearing a dress over jeans. Comfy, casual but pretty darn cute!

26. Do you have style in any areas of your life aside from fashion?

Yes -- my home definitely reflects a more ethnic/rustic/creative style.

What’s your birth date? 
Where were you born and where do you live now?

5/26, born in Newton, MA and currently live in the SF Bay Area

Say anything you like about your cultural/ethnic/economic background.

American, upper middle class

What kind of work do you do?

yoga teacher

Are you single, married, do you have kids, etc.?

married with 2 kids

Share This Page

Read more surveys (By Author) Read more surveys (By Question)