Read Surveys (By Author)
Elizabeth Hogben
1. When do you feel at your most attractive?
On a holiday evening, after swimming in the sea all day.
2. Do you notice women on the street? If so, what sort of women do you tend to notice or admire?
Stylish women of my age
3. What are some things you admire about how other women present themselves?
Clothes with interesting patterns and shapes, that the wearer looks comfortable in.
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?
Having my hair cut short, less time needed to take care of it and look stylish on a day to day basis. For clothes it has been a more gradual (and ongoing) process of working out what I liked and what suited me.
5. What are some shopping rules you wouldn’t necessarily recommend to others but which you follow?
Don't bother trying to buy shoes in Japan as they won't fit my 'huge' fit. Go shopping alone and trust your own instincts.
6. What are some rules about dressing you follow, but you wouldn't necessarily recommend to others?
No crop tops, no short skirts without opaque tights, no brown, beige or orange, no artificial textiles if possible (too sweaty), comfortable but supportive underwear (worth the shopping time to find it).
7. What is the most transformative conversation you have ever had on the subject of fashion or style?
It has usually been about what I have read or seen, not a conversation with someone else. Find your own style.
8. Do you have a unified way of approaching your life, work, relationships, finances, chores, etc.? Please explain.
Ha!
9. Are there any clothing (or related) items that you have in multiple? Why do you think you keep buying this thing?
Underwear! When you find something right and you know it has a limited lifespan and can afford more than one then it makes sense to stock up.
10. Have you ever successfully given someone a present of jewelry or clothing that you continue to feel good about?
Shirts to my husband
11. Is there any fashion trend you’ve refused to participate in and why?
The list is very long: clam diggers, knickerbockers, vertiginous high heels, trainers with wedge heels inside, platforms, tutus, butt cleavage dresses, any dress that requires no bra. I could go on - probably about 80% of any seasonal fashion trends are a definite NO.
12. Can you say a bit about how your mother’s body and style has been passed down to you, or not?
Long legs and big feet
13. Have you stolen, borrowed or adapted any dressing ideas or actual items from friends or family?
Thanks to my friend Gina I now wear eye liner most working days.
I might steal from my sister occasionally
Inspired by colleagues and people I see on the street, or in magazines but unlikely to copy exactly.
14. Was there a point in your life when your style changed dramatically? What happened?
The haircut
15. Is there anything political about the way you dress?
Yes if prioritising function and comfort (eg not wearing heels) is considered a political statement as a feminist rather than a rational action as a human being.
16. Please describe your body.
Almost 40 years old, 5'8" tall, UK size 10, fully functional for running, climbing, swimming, childbearing, and dancing, shrinking breasts and growing arse but still admired by some.
17. Please describe your mind.
Still functioning but slower that before
18. Please describe your emotions.
Also still functioning despite myself.
19. What are you wearing on your body and face, and how is your hair done, right at this moment?
Pajamas, dressing gown, not done at all. What do you expect for an Internet survey?
20. In what way is this stuff important, if at all?
We are social species - what you wear and how you present yourself matters in this context. It affects how other people see you and judge you. It can affect how we feel about ourselves, how we express ourselves and our allegiances, how we attract a mate, bond with our friends, maintain our dignity, perform effectively at the task in hand.
21. With whom do you talk about clothes?
Friends
24. Do you remember the biggest waste of money you ever made on an item of clothing?
A non-leather biker jacket. Never worn, couldn't send back, most money ever spent on a single item of clothing