Read Surveys (By Author)
Jette Mederre
1. When do you feel at your most attractive?
At the ocean. Hair blowing in the wind, salt spray on my face, in a bikini and wearing a sarong.
2. Do you notice women on the street? If so, what sort of women do you tend to notice or admire?
I notice confident plus size women (and men!). I notice women with bold, stand out colours and unique clothing styles. I try to mentally note aspects of those folks that I admire, and often try them out myself.
3. What are some things you admire about how other women present themselves?
I'm always looking for things I can do with my clothing that make me feel confident. You can SEE confidence, but sometimes you don't FEEL it. I admire women who have found their style groove and rock it with confidence, no matter what style it is.
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?
It took me ages to realize my hair doesn't have to be the same every day. I can change it to suit my mood just like my clothing choices. Same with lipstick. I CAN wear red! I think the change came when I got a little older and understood I am not a "sheeple" and I get to dress the way *I* want, not what others expect of me.
5. What are some shopping rules you wouldn’t necessarily recommend to others but which you follow?
Check clothing materials for quality stitching and smooth running zippers. If the sales folks ask to write your name on the dressing room door, leave that store. If the store doesn't have your size in stock in a beautiful item, make them get it in or hold it at another store.
6. What are some rules about dressing you follow, but you wouldn't necessarily recommend to others?
Wear jewel tone colours when possible. Find a red lipstick with blue undertones. Wear thong underwear for the well rounded bottom look in jeans and in dresses. Wear a bra with a "up and together" push-up quality. No material only bras, must avoid the "headlights" look. Use your fingertips to apply eyeshadow for a good blend.
7. What is the most transformative conversation you have ever had on the subject of fashion or style?
That was when I wore a statement ring with a drab work outfit, and I was asked why it was that I only had this small colourful piece to show the real me. It was a bit of an epiphany.
8. Do you have a unified way of approaching your life, work, relationships, finances, chores, etc.? Please explain.
I try to always put the real me into everything. I can be loud, and Im always colourful, I like new challenges and ideas and I tend to think outside the box. I try to maintain this in all aspects of my life. If I dont, it becomes a blight in the picture frame to me, and I feel I have to change it.
9. Are there any clothing (or related) items that you have in multiple? Why do you think you keep buying this thing?
If I find a clothing piece that I LOVE, I will generally return to buy a second piece....even if its in a different colour.The items I do this with are generally base wardrobe pieces. Like a good fitting well made top or a "perfect" pair of jeans. This applies to shoes to a much lesser degree as well. If I like them, they look good, are well made and make me feel confident, I think they're worth having a second one for when the first wears out.
10. Have you ever successfully given someone a present of jewelry or clothing that you continue to feel good about?
No. I don't do this. Everyone has to pick their own public image.
11. Is there any fashion trend you’ve refused to participate in and why?
Red sole shoes (real or fake), Coach/MK oversized open top totes, fur, pearls, fake lace collars....these just arent my groove. I don't want to look like everyone else.
12. Can you say a bit about how your mother’s body and style has been passed down to you, or not?
Ma tries to hide in her clothing. She doesn't want to be noticed, and outlaws most colours in her wardrobe saying "They clash with my skin tones". IE: she doesn't wear white, black, red, earthtones, fuschia, yellow or anything that could catch anyones attention.She also never ever ever wears dress boots or heels. Only drab closed toe flats. I DO NOT subscribe this this fashion sense.
13. Have you stolen, borrowed or adapted any dressing ideas or actual items from friends or family?
I borrowed the black leggings and black kneehigh boots look to try it. I felt like a fashion soldier. I ended up swapping out to printed leggings and metallic Docs boots as my version.
14. Was there a point in your life when your style changed dramatically? What happened?
Yes. I got an office job where I had to interact with clients. I went drab and boring for a while. Damn near killed me. I gave it up tho.
15. Is there anything political about the way you dress?
Nope
16. Please describe your body.
In evolution. Constantly changing.
Currently plus size. Roundy booty, smaller boobs (that will never droop!), long fingers, perfect bow lips, and a unique dimpled half smile that comes naturally
17. Please describe your mind.
Hmm....like an eagle on the wind. Constantly soaring and exploring. Observant in quiet moments. Always creative.
18. Please describe your emotions.
I get frustrated when forced into a box. I can run hot under the collar, I can be very introverted at times. I feel my best in the mornings when the sun is out. Darkness brings me down.
19. What are you wearing on your body and face, and how is your hair done, right at this moment?
Skinny dark wash jeans, black socks, A printed wifebeater layered over a hot pink sports bra, a military inspired cotton jacket with a diagonal zip and a snake necklace, stud earrings. My hair is scrunched and looking beachy. Earth tones smoky eye makeup, blood coloured lipstain and gloss. Metallic purple with hologram sparkle overcoat for my manicure. My CK black leather satchel bag is sitting here under the table.
20. In what way is this stuff important, if at all?
My hair is comfortable, but depicts my personality. The jacket is functional and unique. My manicure is often a conversation starter, so I choose interesting designs and colour combos. The makeup is down played, its Sunday. The snake necklace is unique and it reminds me of a friend who is far away right now. The CK satchel is my one give-in. It goes with everything. Its my one boring item.
21. With whom do you talk about clothes?
The bestie
22. How do institutions affect the way you dress?
My workplace does not allow for some of my bolder clothing choices.
23. Do you think you have taste or style? Which one is more important? What do these words mean to you?
I think my style is non style. I choose pieces I Like and mix them in sometimes controversial ways. I do not subscribe to the colour of the year, or seasonal fashions dictated by some corporation. Im no fashionista.
24. Do you remember the biggest waste of money you ever made on an item of clothing?
A pair of Toms shoes for air travel. Yeah, no. Never again. Worst product ever in my opinion. Never have I had such sore ankle, calves and foot muscles.
25. Are there any dressing tricks you’ve invented or learned that make you feel like you’re getting away with something?
Nope
26. Do you have style in any areas of your life aside from fashion?
I guess Im a bit Boho all around.
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?
Red lipstick is my armour.
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?
Does knowing what I DONT like count here? This question is overly complicated.
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?
My mother taught me to cover the boobs to be a respectable woman. She also abhors my red lipstick. Says its "too forward'. My father taught me not to let the "bits" show too much, lest one invite unwanted attention....but he also taught me how to throw a punch. How's that for conflicting messages?
30. What sorts of things do you do, clothing or make-up or hair- wise, to feel sexy or alluring?
I tend to cover a little more when i want to be alluring. One does not show all the goods, so to speak. My red lipstick goes into the cupboard when i want to be sexy. I feel it camouflages me too much in those moments. I tend to pick clothing that has some sort of noticeable texture that invites touching.
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?
Comfortable means nonbinding, non constricted, and easy to move in. Confident means head up, eyes bright, smiling and moving forward in the world without hiding from anyone who might lay eyes on you.
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?
Pick clothes that appeal to you. Dont dress for the myriad of expectations society put on you.
33. What is really beautiful, for you, in general?
A person who is calm and radiates that they are comfortable in their skin. Male or female, doesnt matter. When you meet them, they firmly shake your hand and look you in the eye with a genuine smile.
34. What do you consider very ugly?
Folks who are in their own bubbles. Whether its walking with earbuds in and eyes down, or if its seething under the surface when you meet them.
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?
So far, so good!
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?
I dont think I understand this question
37. What is your process getting dressed in the morning? What are you considering?
I consider who I will be in front of (clients, students), how long I will be on my feet (teaching or travelling), weather ( I live in a northern climate), and my mood.
38. What are you trying to achieve when you dress?
A tasteful and appropriate reflection of my inner creativity. I dont want to bash folks over the head with colours.
39. What, for you, is the difference between dressing and dressing up?
Dressing up for me usually means all feminine. Dressing is my daily mood choices.
40. If you had to wear a “uniform” what would it look like?
It would be Black bottoms, white tops and a whole selection of colour accents from jewelry to hats, scarves and nail colours
41. What would you say is “you” and what would you say is “not you”?
This box isnt big enough to answer that completely. I am not florals or barbie or hologram or girly girl. I am bold jewel tones and mixed styles in one outfit. But I can also be surprising.
42. What is your cultural background and how has that influenced how you dress?
This is irrelevant.
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?
I used to think the office meant I had to wear all black. To look respectable and professional. Not so much any more.
44. What sorts of things do you do, clothing, make-up or hair-wise, to feel professional?
Corporate colours, tamed hair and accessories.
45. How do you conform to or rebel against the dress expectations at your workplace?
I always have a flash of stand out colour in my clothing. I often wear boots of some sort. Statement jewelry.
46. Do you have a dress code, a school uniform, or a uniform that you wear for an extracurricular activity?
no
48. Do you find it comforting or constraining to have a uniform?
uniforms are yucky. You dont have any choices.
51. If there was one country or culture or era that you had to live in, fashion-wise, what would it be?
Depends on my mood. 50's rockabilly mostly
52. Do you consider yourself photogenic?
Not very often.
53. When you see yourself in photographs, what do you think?
Stand/sit up straighter!
54. Are there any figures from culture, past or present, whose style you admire or have drawn from?
no
55. Have you ever had a dream that involved clothes?
no
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?
The same as I do now
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?
USE COLOURS!
60. What do you think of perfume? Do you wear it?
I like perfume. Its says as much about you as your words. Chanel 19, tyvm. Coco had it right the first time.
61. What are some things you need to do to your body or clothes in order to feel presentable?
bathe! perfume. Hair styled.
62. How does makeup fit into all this for you?
I dont spend a lot of time on makeup. Ive perfected the 7 minute face. LOL
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?
I dont dress my age. I dress my mood.
65. What is your favorite piece of clothing or jewelry that you own?
A swarovski pendant necklace. It catches the sun/lights yet its small and unassuming.
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?
A leopard print corset.
I dont wear it because I cant in the workplace and its very restrictive. I keep it because it symbolizes that sometimes being in a tight place isnt always an ugly place. I just depends on how you view it.
67. Looking back at all your purchases over the past five to fifteen years, can you generalize about what sorts of things were the most valuable to buy?
properly fitting clothing. Dont just buy it because you like the print/colour. The fit is integral too.
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?
no
74. What are your closet and drawers like? Do you keep things neat, etc?
hell no
75. Were you ever given a present of clothing or jewelry that especially touched you?
my swarovski necklace.
78. Do you like to smell a certain way?
Chanel 19
79. How does how you dress play into your ambitions for yourself?
bigger brighter shinier faster!
80. How does money fit into all this?
it doesnt.
81. Is there an article of clothing, a piece of make-up, or an accessory that you carry with you or wear every day?
I wear dual thumb rings 24-7. Since I was 16. Im 42 now.
82. Did anyone ever say anything to you that made you see yourself differently, on a physical and especially sartorial level?
no
What kind of work do you do?
teacher, adult education.
Are you single, married, do you have kids, etc.?
single, never married, no kids.
Please say anything you like about yourself that might put this survey into some sort of context.
Generation X, free spirit