1. When do you feel at your most attractive?

When I do my makeup and wear my hair down.

When I wear a dress or skirt. I like to wear a top that hides my tummy and arms but is low cut.

When I wear heels or boots with heels.

When I receive compliments on how I look.

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

Yes, sometimes.

I notice beautiful women. Maybe because of their hair or facial features. Or how tall or in shape they are. I admire natural beauty.

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

I admire women who look confident but friendly.

I admire women who are well put together in simple clothes. I like classic looks that are elegant and sophisticated. I'm not very good at putting together outfits so I'm always thinking, "that looks nice, I'll have to try that."

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?

Something unclicked for me! I grew up in Southern California and before I went to college, looking good was very important to me. I went to the mall once a week, had acrylic nails, and highlights in my hair. I always felt good about how I looked.

My first year of college was in north east Texas. I was getting a lot of attention for the way I looked. People were always staring at me and it made me feel like I stood out too much and was over dressed. I wasn't use to this attention so I started dressing down to fit in, wearing jeans and shirts.

When I moved out on my own my budget was limited so shopping trips were less often. I also discovered how much I loved traveling and I spent my extra money saving for that instead.

I can still fit in my same clothes so I rarely shop. And now I find it very difficult and not enjoyable. I don't usually find things I like or fit well. And i have a hard time deciding what to try on. I'm stuck in my jeans and tshirts.

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

Don't shop online. It never fits or looks as good in person.

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

Don't wear clothes with holes in them. Some of my favorite shirts and tank tops have little holes.

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

I don't think I've ever had one.

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

I like efficiency. Finding a way to do something with the least amount of effort and the least amount of error.

I'm realistic. I never spend more money than I have. I leave relationships if they're not working. I don't get carried away with emotion.

Honesty is very important to me. Even if it hurts, I can get over it. But when people lie or put up a facade, it seems like a game I need to figure out and I have no interest.

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

I have a lot of white tank tops, black long sleeve shirts, and grey hoodies.

Probably because they look good with jeans!

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

I've never bought clothes for someone.

I once but earrings for my cousin who was in high school at the time. They were little crowns with diamonds. But they were tiny studs, not too flashy. I thought they were so cute for a girl her age.

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

Yes! The high waisted cut off jean shorts! They don't look good on anybody.

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

Thankfully her style has not been passed down. She always wears these ugly brown shoes with heavy soles. They look like men's shoes and she's only 5'1" so it's a lot. She always wear salmon colored polos. She loves buying polos. And she loves wearing capri pants but she's so short that they hit at her ankle. I always pick out outfits for her when I visit. It's fun!

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

Yes. Knee high boots over black leggings with a loose, long tank and cardigan. And my leopard scarf. I got that from my friend and now it's my go to outfit.

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

Yes when I moved to Texas. See answer above.

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

Not really. I'm kind of a feminist so I don't appreciate attention from men because of my clothes. That's not my goal when I'm dressing.

16. Please describe your body.

I'm 5'1" and always had an athletic body. Broad back, heavy arms, muscular. I've gained 15lbs since high school so I'm a little thick and have to hide the belly. I like having long hair because it makes me feel pretty.

17. Please describe your mind.

This is a tough question!

My mind always needs a project or I get depressed. Sometimes I'll really get into cooking or hiking. Trying to find the best bowl of ramen in the city. Going out with friends every night. Shopping for bedroom furniture. Planning vacations.

But when I wake up on the weekends I lay in bed and just think about nothing. My mind is so clear. Answers to problems just pop up. I'll lay in bed for an hour or 2 because my mind is so peaceful. It's the exact opposite when I try to go to sleep! I have the hardest time falling asleep because my mind won't stop!

18. Please describe your emotions.

I'm moody and I don't know how to hide my emotions. I'm stubborn and sensitive and I don't know how to hold a grudge. I get mad but I get over it right away. I hate drama so I avoid people who are confrontational, uptight, and self centered. I'm easy going and love to laugh.

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

I'm wearing mascara, an old cheerleading tank top from high school, leopard pajama pants, and flip flops. My hair is in a bun.

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

I think clothing says something about who someone is and how they want to be perceived. Some people wear expensive labels or dress overly sexy. I think they're trying to impress others. I don't care about that stuff.

21. With whom do you talk about clothes?

Nobody really. My friend Michelle talks to me about clothes she wants or buys but I rarely have a response.

22. How do institutions affect the way you dress?

I don't think they do.

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

I would say taste and I think it's more important.

I think taste means having good judgement about wearing something appropriate and good quality.

I think style is keeping up to date on what's in. Or having a very clear and unique type of look.

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

I spent $100 on Doc Martens in high school. That was a lot of money at the time! I had to have them because they were so in. They were really uncomfortable and I never wore them.

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

Leggings and knee high boots. I feel dressy but also super comfy because of the elastic waist.

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

Sadly no.

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?

In one of my art classes I was once told that pink is soothing and no one can yell at you when you wear that. I think I tried it once when I thought I was in trouble. And I think it worked.