1. When do you feel at your most attractive?

When I like what I am wearing - and it usually happens when it is old, tried and tested clothes and shoes.

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

Yes. Those who have good posture and walk with a purpose.

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

When their appearance feels lived in. Also when it looks expensive and tasteful, without any evidence of brand names.

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?

Don't know what triggered it, but something about makeup and hair being important came pretty late to me. I don't overdo it, but I pay attention now.

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

Don't buy cheap fabrics.
Buy less but better when I can.

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

I like modesty in the way I dress. My definition of sexy is probably quite conservative for a lot of people.

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

With my mother about her take on dressing up... she owned very few clothes but she made sure no matter which one of those she picked up and wore, it always looked immaculate.

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

Keep it simple.

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

I rarely buy mutiples. The only one I can think of is a COS dress that I have in 2 colors. It is so hard to find work dresses that are not too short or too tight.

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

So many... I hate to look like I got influenced by magazines or trends.

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

My mom was beautiful and known for always looking perfectly put together. Although I knew that she didn't own many clothes or jewelry but no one else could tell. She took pride in getting dressed, whatever the occasion. I hope to be like her.

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

I have and it has never worked for me. I just look silly.

16. Please describe your body.

Athletic, fit, no complaints.

17. Please describe your mind.

Curious

18. Please describe your emotions.

Restless

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

Grey pants and black/white striped t-shirt.

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

It is what people see when they meet me. It is as much as part of me as my thoughts and emotions are. I choose to present a version of me everyday to the world and clothes are a part of that narrative.

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

Yes- I think I do. Don't we all think we do?
Taste is more important because it extends beyond style.

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

it was probably a bunch of medium priced items on a trip to Paris a few years ago. I would have been served better if I had bought a single perfect item with all that money.

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

Jackets and scarves in winter hide many flaws.

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?

Yes I do know what I like in fashion and clothing. This discernment comes from years of trial and error.

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?

Take care of what you have. Iron your clothes, hand wash when you need to. I prefer older, well cared for clothes a lot more than new clothes that I am not used to yet.

30. What sorts of things do you do, clothing or make-up or hair- wise, to feel sexy or alluring?

lipstick and perfume.

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?

If I wear sneakers to office but then I am worried about it being too casual in office then those sneakers are not comfortable to me, regardless of how good it feels to my feet.

Confidence is if I don't care whether I look too casual in office or not.

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?

Know yourself and dress to represent the best version of that self. Don't try to be someone you are not.

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?

Yes - most of the times. Sometimes I buy things to push my limits a little bit and those can be hit or miss.

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 can't see myself from outside.

40. If you had to wear a “uniform” what would it look like?

Black or grey. High quality. Pants and shirt. Perfect fit.

41. What would you say is “you” and what would you say is “not you”?

Grey cashmere sweater, that doesn't pill and is not itchy is me.
anything polyester is not me.

42. What is your cultural background and how has that influenced how you dress?

Indian. It has given me appreciation of color and print, but also somehow driven me towards monotone dressing.

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?

When I was younger, I wore a lot more color. Not so much anymore. It happened gradually and I didn't even realize it.

44. What sorts of things do you do, clothing, make-up or hair-wise, to feel professional?

Hygiene, eye-brows shaped, some makeup to even out the skin. Look like an effort was made.
Hair - clean, straight down or up in a bun. Depending on how wavy the hair decide to be that day.

45. How do you conform to or rebel against the dress expectations at your workplace?

Workplace is pretty casual but I like to dress more professionally than my colleagues.

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?

I wish I could dress like a man. I like men's fashion and go for androgynous styles anyway. I think I could have some fun if I went all out.

51. If there was one country or culture or era that you had to live in, fashion-wise, what would it be?

Right now is pretty good!

52. Do you consider yourself photogenic?

Not at all.

53. When you see yourself in photographs, what do you think?

I hate it.

54. Are there any figures from culture, past or present, whose style you admire or have drawn from?

Charlotte Gainsbourg

56. What would be a difficult or uncomfortable look for you to try and achieve?

To look sexy

60. What do you think of perfume? Do you wear it?

Yes. I think it is essential.

72. Was there ever an important or paradigm-shifting purchase in your life?

Celine Trio bag. It was pricey and I expected to regret the purchase but I love it every time I use it. It turns out I like to carry expensive bags and don't find it trivial at all.

74. What are your closet and drawers like? Do you keep things neat, etc?

Yes- pretty neat.

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

Nov1979
Born in India and now living in Hong Kong

What kind of work do you do?

Corporate

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

Single

Please say anything you like about yourself that might put this survey into some sort of context.

Financially independent, well traveled woman who has lived in multiple countries and kind of know her mind.

How do you feel after filling out this survey?

I wish I had more time to think about some of these questions.