Read Surveys (By Author)
Ahna C
1. When do you feel at your most attractive?
Fresh face, washed hair, fitted but comfortable clothes and shoes. I want to move, not be constricted or distracted by my clothing, but not reduced to yoga pants like a perpetual weekender. I feel most attractive when dressed like an adult with purpose.
2. Do you notice women on the street? If so, what sort of women do you tend to notice or admire?
Notice and admire are different. The outrageous is notable, but not in an admirable way, as is the 'sad'- the woman who slumps along or scuffs her feet as she moves.
Admirable is the woman who walks straight- no slouching, staring at feet, clumping in ill-suited shoes. She dresses well (not sloppy, tidy is enough, though stylish is better)... the woman who walks as though she is comfortable and sure of herself.
3. What are some things you admire about how other women present themselves?
Nice nail polish. No matter the color it looks garish on me, so I admire a women who wears a nice polish and not look this-season-trend junk.
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?
Hair and makeup. By my early thirties I not only gave up attempting what was 'in,' but also decided to LIKE that I was less-is-more suited anyway.
5. What are some shopping rules you wouldn’t necessarily recommend to others but which you follow?
Own silk scarves. I don't wear mine all the time, but I love the artistry and luxury of the item. It is buying not only an accessory, but a piece of art, so I enjoy it whether I wear it or simply pull it out and look at it. (It did take me awhile to find ease with wearing them.)
6. What are some rules about dressing you follow, but you wouldn't necessarily recommend to others?
Don't fight your hair. Some people are willing to wrangle their hair every day, or even find it easy or enjoyable. I don't.
7. What is the most transformative conversation you have ever had on the subject of fashion or style?
Defending (and believing) myself when I defied the trendy girls. Too damn bad they didn't approve.
8. Do you have a unified way of approaching your life, work, relationships, finances, chores, etc.? Please explain.
Nope: I'll get too attached to process instead of result. Courtesy and competency are requirements, but the how is not.
9. Are there any clothing (or related) items that you have in multiple? Why do you think you keep buying this thing?
Scarves- dual purpose of use and art. And sweaters. They both serve my psyche.
10. Have you ever successfully given someone a present of jewelry or clothing that you continue to feel good about?
Yes - my mother.
11. Is there any fashion trend you’ve refused to participate in and why?
Dark nail polish - YEEECH! and flipflops.
12. Can you say a bit about how your mother’s body and style has been passed down to you, or not?
She was stylish when younger, but gave up the effort with weight gain. She needed to keep a positive attitude about her body and clothes instead of giving up.
13. Have you stolen, borrowed or adapted any dressing ideas or actual items from friends or family?
Chunky/retro/mens shoes. As a petite they are supposed to be a no-no, but I like a bit a character in my shoes.
14. Was there a point in your life when your style changed dramatically? What happened?
(jr high) I'm girlie, but I hated mom dressing me in either frilly things or my tom-boy sister's discards. I was expected to either make up for my sister or be exactly like her, what a relief when I finally said 'NO.'
15. Is there anything political about the way you dress?
Always thought cleavage (fore or aft) was tacky, if that can be considered political.
16. Please describe your body.
Short, not a thin as I used to be, strong without a hint of athleticism.
17. Please describe your mind.
Always busy.
19. What are you wearing on your body and face, and how is your hair done, right at this moment?
Brushed out hair from yesterday, barest makeup, trousers, sweater and huge silk scarf, origami rabbit earrings and grey oxford shoes.
20. In what way is this stuff important, if at all?
Structured without being too precise, if someone chose to look closely they would get the drift of my personality.
22. How do institutions affect the way you dress?
Dress appropriately - don't go to the symphony or church in shorts, don't ever be anywhere except home in your pajamas. Have a little respect for society at large.
23. Do you think you have taste or style? Which one is more important? What do these words mean to you?
Style is more important as it is individual. I have my own style, but my taste does not tend to sync with the general populace much.
24. Do you remember the biggest waste of money you ever made on an item of clothing?
Painful shoes.
26. Do you have style in any areas of your life aside from fashion?
Decor.
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?
I know better in clothing, but can be too eclectic in other areas to be efficient.
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?
Mom taught me how to handwash sweaters properly. Otherwise on my own.
30. What sorts of things do you do, clothing or make-up or hair- wise, to feel sexy or alluring?
Perfume and lip color.
34. What do you consider very ugly?
Sloppy unkempt appearance, dirty hair and hands.
38. What are you trying to achieve when you dress?
Comfort and respect.
39. What, for you, is the difference between dressing and dressing up?
Dressing is everyday, Dressing Up is more precise but often less comfortable, has some awkwardness despite expectation.
41. What would you say is “you” and what would you say is “not you”?
Softly structured, yes. Very polished, no, I cannot carry it.
45. How do you conform to or rebel against the dress expectations at your workplace?
I resist dry-clean. Surely there is a better way.
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?
Skirt and sweater - a bit of style but nothing showy.
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?
Yes- seems simpler. And their shoes aren't so narrow.
51. If there was one country or culture or era that you had to live in, fashion-wise, what would it be?
1930's
52. Do you consider yourself photogenic?
nope
53. When you see yourself in photographs, what do you think?
meh
54. Are there any figures from culture, past or present, whose style you admire or have drawn from?
K and A Hepburn.
55. Have you ever had a dream that involved clothes?
Does caught naked count?
56. What would be a difficult or uncomfortable look for you to try and achieve?
Overly structured is not for me, neither is lots of layers.
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?
A 2-pc swimsuit and sheath dresses.
59. Are there any dressing rules you’d want to convey to other women?
Ease up on the product- you should never be wearing so much foundation, shampoo, lotion, etc. that it can be smelled.
60. What do you think of perfume? Do you wear it?
Sometimes. Should be fresh and light and only notable by someone in your personal space. NO WAKES!
61. What are some things you need to do to your body or clothes in order to feel presentable?
Fresh washed me and my clothes, fitted without binding, brushed hair and some swipe of makeup.
62. How does makeup fit into all this for you?
A little is necessary.
63. Is there a certain look you feel you’re expected to like that you have absolutely no interest in? What is it? Why aren’t you interested?
Leggings don't suit me, physically or mentally. High heels are a no-go.
66. Tell us about something in your closet that you keep but never wear. What is it, why don’t you wear it, and why do you keep it?
Old sweatshirt- from trip as teen, still fits, but wearing thin and last worn as comfort shirt when mother died.
68. Is there an item of clothing that you once owned, but no longer own, and still think about or wish you had back? What was it, what happened to it, and why do you want it back?
White button flats- wore them to pieces. Comfortable, a bit different, traveled in them- all good things.
69. If you had to throw out all your clothes but keep one thing, what would you keep?
The pants that fit and look good- too difficult to find.
70. Building up your wardrobe from nothing, what would you do differently this time?
Fewer items, crystal ball to know what would be excellent instead of just okay.
81. Is there an article of clothing, a piece of make-up, or an accessory that you carry with you or wear every day?
Wedding ring and blusher.