I don’t have the money to actively pursue this really, and I’m not trying to BE anything stereotypical you’ve got in your mind. What I’m saying here is there are choices you can make in terms of your clothing, decor, hair and so forth that in sum is a way of saying to the world this is what I AM, when they only want to give you a cursory glance, and you don’t feel like explaining yourself.

And I’m tired of my high school and hand-me-down wardrobe—that’s right, masters student still wearing Kohl’s brands—I just want something more ME.

I would style myself in classic pieces from the 20s-40s—A-line skirts, starchy shirts, turtlenecks, that cut of trousers, those shoes. I would happily never wear jeans again. I have a pretty comprehensive idea in my mind: casual, slightly retro professional. Just a matter of putting the pieces together.

Anyway, yes. This is important to me.