How did you dress in high school?
Terribly. I went to a private middle school where we all wore uniforms, so by the time I started high school I had no idea how to dress. First, I wore these baggy corduroys every day, plus lots of Emily Strange stuff. Then I got really into ska music - I thought I was the coolest kid ever, going to shows every weekend with ripped jeans, band t-shirts, and hair dyed black. It’s painful to look back on. Towards the end of high school I started to become interested in fashion, but still played it a bit safe - I had that “Audrey Hepburn, but edgier” phase that so many teen girls go through.

Who would you rather be trapped in a broken elevator with — Karl Lagerfield, Tyra Banks, or Lady Gaga?
Gaga. I’d use the time to get her to teach me the Bad Romance dance.

If you could dress like your favourite food what would it be?
This one time when I was a teenager, I stayed home sick from school and made layered jell-o with six different flavours. It’s not my favourite food per se, but I think it’d be pretty neato to translate into an outfit.

Last fashion related book or article you read. Was it good or bad?
It was a profile on Rodarte in the New Yorker. It was an alright read, but it didn’t really give me any new information and I didn’t agree with the author’s interpretation of their spring collection. I’m kind of a huge Rodarte fan - I read everything I can about them. Kate Mulleavy and I have the same favourite band, book and movie and that gives me the warm fuzzies.

What fashion blog do you think is underrated?
There are many, but lately I’ve been digging À l’Allure Garçonnière. Canadian ladies with intelligent musings on fashion? Yes please.

What fictional character has the best style?
Tie, between Pretty in Pink’s Duckie and Annie Hall. I like anybody - lady, gent, or other - who can rock a good vest.

What do you think about the relationship between fashion and conspicuous consumption?
Oh man - I think it would be hard to pretend that that relationship doesn’t exist, especially in a lot of mainstream fashion magazines. That being said, I’ve always been more interested in how people wear their clothes than the money spent on them (and I’m pretty sure that sentiment is shared amongst the Wornettes). I do tend to purchase my own clothing rather than making it (I’ve never been that handy with a sewing machine), but thanks to my university-student budget I’ve learned to become creative in finding thirty different ways to wear the same pair of jeans.

What movie’s costumes/clothes were better than their plot?
Would it be cliche to say Marie Antoinette? Yes? Ok, I’m going to go with Miranda July’s wardrobe in You and Me and Everyone We Know. Half the Worn staff tries to convince me I have no soul for disliking this movie, though it’s been a while since I’ve seen it so I should probably just give it another chance. For the record in every interview I’ve read with July she herself seems pretty cool - although all this is me straying from the original very simple question about the movie’s clothes. I liked those pink ballet shoes, let’s leave it at that.

What are your thoughts about this quote? “On matters of style, swim with the current, on matters of principle, stand like a rock.” – Thomas Jefferson
I’m not against the occasional swim with the current, but I think that really depends on where it is heading! I’m in the “do what feels right to you, everything else is incidental” camp.

Finish this sentence: There are two kinds of people in this world….
Those who can properly pronounce “Olivier Theyskens” and those who just sort of mumble his name when it comes up in conversation. I am in the latter category.

How did you dress in high school?
I polled my parents on this one and they both said, “Pretty regular.” High school was when I first really started thrifting and had the desire to experiment, although it was all sort of tentative. I was really drawn to coloured tights and interesting scarves, and developed a small collection of secretary blouses that I wore often. I had a pair of big, clunky, construction-worker-y boots that I insisted on wearing all the time, too.

Who would you rather be trapped in a broken elevator with — Karl Lagerfeld, Tyra Banks, or Lady Gaga?
I’m going to go with Lady Gaga. I am only just beginning to discover the huge volume of outrageous and entertaining things she has been putting out there (sometimes I am embarrassingly slow at keeping up with the world), but I find her pretty fascinating – a little crazy, but also really smart. I wouldn’t be able to resist asking her questions – about music or clothing or her favourite kind of tea or whether she preferred wearing Kermit or Hello Kitty. I feel like even if we were trapped for days, I definitely wouldn’t be bored.

If you could dress like your favourite food what would it be?
I would be an Earl Grey cupcake with lemon buttercream frosting. In my head it’s the perfect mix of seriousness and frivolity, in that I always associate Earl Grey tea with activities like reading musty, hardcover novels in big leather chairs or sitting at an enormous, fancy desk and writing very important things (which I don’t always do but often dream about) - but in cupcake form and with some sugary yellow icing, I would be equally ready for a tea party.

Last fashion-related book or article you read. Was it good or bad?
This article from New York Magazine about people only wearing clothing in one colour was really intriguing. I can’t imagine that kind of dedication and commitment to a colour. Since reading it, I’ve been on the lookout for any other writing about the same subject, but haven’t had much luck. I’ve also been wondering what colour I would choose if I ever had to pick only one, and I absolutely cannot decide.

What fashion blog do you think is underrated?
I stumbled upon What I Wore Drawings a few weeks ago and was shocked that I hadn’t heard of it sooner. Instead of photos of their daily outfits, contributors post drawings. With such a variety in illustration styles and commentary, the whole thing is completely adorable and interesting.
The blog was started by illustrator Gemma Correll, and I think came out of postings in a flickr group. Looking at it makes me itch to pick up a sketchbook.

What fictional character has the best style?
Lately, I feel like everything I wear is inspired by either Amélie Poulain or Angela Chase. I love Amélie for her mix of delicate and utilitarian (and her Zorro mask and polka-dot umbrella), and Angela for her amazing red hair, oversized everything, and plaid.

What do you think about the relationship between fashion and conspicuous consumption?
One of my favourite things about the huge variety of fashion and street style blogs out there is that I feel like they’ve helped make fashion less about cost and brand and label and more about actual style. Suddenly, all over the internet there are pictures of people looking amazing in outfits that are entirely secondhand, people who are dressed head-to-toe in designer clothing, people who can creatively imitate expensive pieces for considerably less money and people who fall somewhere in the middle, and they all seem to be valued equally, and valued for their confidence and creativity rather than their supply of cash. I love that.

What movie’s costumes/clothes were better than their plot?
Marie Antoinette, although I actually fell asleep halfway through it and so can’t really comment on the plot. But I feel like sleeping through the movie – especially such a visually interesting one - is pretty good indication of how engaged I was in the story. Maybe I should give it another chance.

What are your thoughts about this quote? “On matters of style, swim with the current, on matters of principle, stand like a rock.” – Thomas Jefferson (3rd American President)
I disagree! I think you can stand like a rock on matters of style, too. I admire the dedication of people who are committed to a particular kind of personal style – those who wear only one colour, for instance - because I feel like my own style is so all over the place sometimes. But even if you aren’t so obsessively dedicated, you can (and maybe should) stand like a rock when it comes to wearing what you love – whatever that is – without apology.

Finish this sentence: There are two kinds of people in this world…
…and they’re probably both very nice.

How did you dress in high school?
Most of grade nine was dominated by high-waisted Parasuco jeans, lots of belly tops, an extensive collection of skate shoes, and some solid Value Village items.

Who would you rather be trapped in a broken elevator with: Karl Lagerfeld, Tyra Banks, or Lady Gaga?
Karl Lagerfeld would probably be the most annoying in person. Tyra might have a momentary diva episode but I sense we could work through it together. Really I wouldn’t want to be stuck in a broken elevator period.

If you could dress like your favourite food what would it be?
A delicious gourmet cookie and an iced soy latte—which could translate to fashion very well considering I’m big on brown.

Last fashion related book or article you read. Was it good or bad?
I just read an article on cinema/style icon Anna Karina in issue 30 of RUSSH magazine. It was short but sweet, with some charming vintage black and white stills.

What fashion blog do you think is underrated?
I’m not sure how underrated it is, but my friend Nikole’s blog, forty-sixth at grace, is an inspiring dose of photography, style, pastries, and poetry all rolled into one.

What fictional character has the best style?
Betty Draper–the poster girl for 1960s fashion.

What do you think about the relationship between fashion and conspicuous consumption?
To me, conspicuous consumption is just like any kind of fashion that’s gone over the top–it’s no longer stylish. When the only striking thing about someone’s look is an overwhelming amount of designer labels, there’s no personality. Fashion needs to be about the individual in order to go beyond a capitalist impulse.

What movie’s costumes/clothes were better than their plot?
Marie Antoinette. The film’s plot strays too far from historical accuracy, but visually the costumes and cinematography are stunning.

What are your thoughts about this quote? “On matters of style, swim with the current, on matters of principle, stand like a rock.” – Thomas Jefferson (3rd American President)
Not the best advice in my opinion. Style is really a composite of an individual’s character: their interests, inspirations, and admirations, along with trends plucked from the masses. Style is about taking risks and not just following the crowd. The latter part of the quotation is pretty solid though; nobody likes a hypocrite.

Finish this sentence: There are two kinds of people in this world….
The selfish and the selfless.

Similar to each print edition of WORN, our blog requires the hard work of several dedicated worker bees. I was going to say ladies, but maybe that’s a bit too old fashioned, perhaps even a little sexist and really, posts written with some testosterone backing them would be just as appreciated — but I digress. What I wanted to share with you, in what will soon be a regular installment on this here blog, is a brief but interesting look at some of our contributing writers.

I’m excited to get the ball rolling on this little project, and I couldn’t be happier to kick start things by introducing Meaghan Kelly. She keeps her own blog called Left Hand Endeavour, which I may or may not follow religiously. Though her first name involves the most complicated spelling of Megan/Meghan/Meagan/Meaghan I’ve ever come across, she’s endearing as all get out so I let it slide. Meaghan, meet our WORN readers, WORN readers, meet Meaghan.

1. How did you dress in high school?
I don’t know if I could pin point my style because it changed every month or so, but the two I remember the most distinctly were my grungy-ripped-jeans-army-bags-and-granny-sweaters-from-Value-Village phase, and my Lorena McKennitt inspired Wiccan phase (which involved lots of black-flowy-sleeves and dark purples). I think I would have given my left foot to own a pair of Doc Martens at the time, but my Dad thought they were for neo-Nazis and refused to let me own a pair, and my babysitting money just didn’t allow for me to buy them for myself….I was never all that girly, which is strange since I literally cringe at the idea of wearing pants nowadays…

2. Who would you rather be trapped in an elevator with - Karl Lagerfeld, Tyra Banks, or Lady Gaga?
I think probably Tyra Banks? So I could see her get those crazy eyes in person! And provoke her with controversial topics until she has a stroke!

3. If you could dress like your favorite food what would it be?
Mmmm. I think I’d dress up like the spread at a Southern picnic….including (though not limited to) potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, strawberries and of course there’d be some mandatory gingham print in there! Not sure how that outfit would go…but it sounds delicious!

4. Last fashion related book or article you read. Was it good or bad?
I actually just got done with Issue 9 of WORN and loved every second of it. The Nancy Drew editorial was by far my favorite part. I also just got finished with the Great Gatsby for about the hundredth time and while it isn’t really a fashion related book, it’s always sort of been one of my main sources of literary fashion inspiration.

5. What fashion blog do you think is underrated?
Hands down the Advanced style street-style blog. All those fashionable older ladies and gents make me nuts. I just can’t wait to have earned my wings and feel justified in my insanity! Purplish-Grayish hair here I come.

6. What fictional character has the best style?
Like everything else, my answer to this question will change in about an hour, but as I’m writing this I’m thinking Rosemary Woodhouse. I want to buy myself a sewing machine and make holiday versions of each of her dresses and then find lots and lots of Christmas parties to attend so I can debut each and every one of them publically.

7. What do you think about the relationship between fashion and conspicuous consumption?
I think just about everything is related to conspicuous consumption. But I sort of feel like the most fashionable people I know manage to create their own looks, either by thrifting their clothes or by making it themselves. Conspicuous consumption is the easy way to be fashionable, like if you have no idea how to dress yourself, then there are always people out there who will put it all together for you if you’re willing to pay for it. But people who are really, honestly fashionable know how to make their visions happen without turning to consumerism.

8. What movie’s costumes/clothes were better than their plot?
I’m gonna have to go with Atonement. I think every time Kiera Knightley puts out one of her signature period pieces I like the wardrobe better than the movie. The Edge of Love and Pride and Prejudice had the same effect, but really Atonement was awful.

9. What are your thoughts about this quote? “On matters of style, swim with the current, on matters of principle, stand like a rock.” – Thomas Jefferson
On matters of style I tend to swim a little more with the past, so while I agree whole heartedly with the second half, I’m definitely someone who looks back as far as personal style is concerned.

10. Finish this sentence: There are two kinds of people in this world….
There are people who sit at the Grown-up table at Christmas, and people who sit at the Kids table. I am definitely of the Kids table variety. Me and my sister and our boyfriends like to be really anti-social and make inside jokes and spike our eggnog in the corner while everyone else talks about grown-up adult things.