Do you prefer your short hair over your long hair? How do you deal with people who are openly insulting of you/your style in person? Favourite staples for the sultry summer months?

I do prefer my hair shorter! At one time I had particularly long hair (even longer than here in October ‘08) and it could often be quite a fuss.
I try to avoid hassles (especially in the trifling grooming department) at all costs, so Laurie Foley’s asymmetrical cut has been a boon! An unforeseen bonus? I think (hope!) that it may make me look older… or at the very least, a wee bit more like my age!
Insults are (an often humorous) par for the course. Thankfully any inelegant discomfort and awkwardness is avoided as said insults are rarely met face-to-face.
Summer staples? Espadrilles and vintage petticoats or breezy slips worn as dresses.

What are your favourite hobbies?

See question “What do you do for fun in your free time?” at
http://juliabunny.tumblr.com/post/310399486/formspring-me
ox

Even though the new year has only just begun, your diary must be bursting! Do you use a hard-copy diary which you carry round, or an electronic one on your phone? How do you separate work appointments from personal/social appointments? How many to-do lists do you make per day? And do you prefer to use pencil or pen to scribble down notes?

I frankly find myself and my typical daily goings-on rather boring (Rachel Maddow and tea, anyone?) and surprisingly enough, I haven’t kept a diary in several years. I tend to live according to Jackie O.’s credo: “I want to live my life, not record it.”
Golly, I am suddenly feeling rather guilt-ridden: I neither have a pen/pencil preference nor a to-do list tally to share. My apologies!

Have you ever done babysitting? Who for (family, neighbours?) and what sort of activities did you do? Did you have a ‘practical babysitting’ outfit to wear? I have my first babysitting client next week - any bunny tips?

My oh my! Why yes, I did babysit family on occasion. Truth be told, I’m a bit foggy in my recollection as to what activities we would do (it has, after all, been about a decade since the last time I babysat). I think we would usually play board games, read a book, watch a movie, do arts and crafts (I distinctly recall him calling it “arts and farts”), prepare dinner, and the like. I’m not a total fashion fiend, and from my experience I suppose the obvious babysitting tenet applies: be comfortable and prepared to get stains!

hi julia!! i’m a humongous fan of yours. i sent you a facebook message a month or so ago…did you receive it? i’m a friend of your friend, jaime, and she insisted we get in touch. i’m a fashion blogger (www.fashionfille.com) and would love to talk to you about our common passions! i’ll look for a response on your tumblr… :)

Hello there! Aww, thank you kindly for your warmhearted words! I kid you not, I currently have 948 (no really, 948 on the dot) unread facebook messages. My sincerest apologies! I have so much spam and superfluous mumble jumble lurking in that inbox that it’s quite difficult to ferret out the diamonds in the rough. It’s wonderful to make your acquaintance… how do you know Jaime Brand?

What is your most memorable fashion moment?

(My response first appeared in ELLE Japon December 2008 -thanks to the magic of copy and paste!)

“September 2008, Sonia Rykiel 40th Anniversary: I was fortunate enough to sit next to one of my idols at the Sonia Rykiel 40th anniversary presentation/dinner/soirée – Ikram Goldman, proprietor of the famed Chicago boutique Ikram and the acclaimed personal stylist of Michelle Obama.

When Ali Stephens merrily sauntered out sporting the Obama-emblazoned sweater ensemble that Kate and Laura Mulleavy (of Rodarte) designed in Sonia’s homage, the entire audience burst into an optimistic, hopeful, awe-stricken applause. I suddenly burst into tears (along with Ikram and my colleague, stylist Christine de Lassus). It was without a doubt a moment not soon to be forgotten.”

What is your opinion of companies like H&M and Zara that imitate designer clothes and sell them at much lower prices? And what of the people who buy them? (Thanks!)

I am an ardent fan of their divers designer collaborations and personally patronize Topshop in SoHo. I reckon it as stellar when high-end artistry and innovation trickles down to high street. Taking inspiration from prêt-à-porter is commendable, but when it crosses the ever-so-grey line of blunt creative infringement is when I think ethics should be called into question. I especially appreciate the democratic accessibility gained when these companies collaborate directly with the designers themselves, thereby avoiding the sticky issue of carbon-copy (albeit lower quality) imitations!

What is your favorite nail polish color/brand?

See http://bit.ly/7BR8Cn (about half-way down under grid)! ox

If you’re a live-foods vegan and animal-lover, why do you wear cashmere and leather?

I do my best to evade creating a demand for these materials and live as cruelty-free lifestyle as possible in our day and age. Have you ever seen me wear new leather? No… really?
I practically live in Stella McCartney’s vegan shoes and accessories! The only leather that I do don is either reclaimed, vintage, or (rarely) a gift (usually directly from the designer) that I cannot for some reason or another return. In terms of cashmere, I personally do my homework ahead of purchasing it and predominantly buy organic. Otherwise, any cashmere that I may wear is either passed-down, vintage or (unrefundable) gifted!

Are you a spontaneous bunny?

Hardly. Perhaps we’re tapping into an apposite 2010 resolution?

Feel free to ask me anything!