10 Questions for Alice Kim + 3 for YOU
ByHello my dears,
I want to formally introduce you to my friend, Alice Kim.
Alice and I are partnering up to bring you “The Ultimate En Femme Fashion Guide” on November 10 … and we’ve got some goodies in store for you in the meantime. 
I posted an interview with Alice below and now I want to interview YOU. Keep reading and then post your answers to my questions in the comments section!
10 Questions for Alice Kim
Alice is a New York based image and style consultant with over 12 years of fashion experience. She has designed for Saks Fifth Avenue and produced a line of clothing that was featured in Bergdorf Goodman and speciality boutiques across the U.S. She is the founder of the image consulting company, Veritas Image, and her mission is to help TG women improve their lives by transforming their images.
1. Why did you decide to become an image and style consultant?
While working as a fashion designer for some time, I came to a point where I asked myself, “Is this what I want to do for the rest of my life?” I still loved fashion, but at the same time, I wanted something more fulfilling that directly helped people. After some self-assessment, the conclusion was that I had no particularly marketable skills besides my fashion expertise. Luckily, that skill-set was the perfect stepping stone to becoming an image and style consultant.
2. What do you love most about helping TG women improve their images?
I feel a genuine sense of fulfillment when helping TG women because they face a lot of challenges that most genetic women tend to take for granted. So when a TG woman improves her image, it’s that much more transformational and rewarding. Also, it’s been a rather humbling—as much as an eye-opening—experience for me. I thought I pretty much knew it all until I got hit over the head with TG challenges. They keep me on my toes and requires me to get creative. I appreciate that it keeps me from being lazy, and that I’m always learning something new.
3. What is the one fashion item you think every TG woman should own?
A really good, reliable, feminizing dress that totally flatters your body. The dress is the single item of clothing that represents femininity, so you’ll get an instant feminine boost every time you wear it. It’s an entire outfit in itself, so you don’t have to worry about coordinating separate pieces, and understanding what goes with what. Having said that, it’s also very versatile in that it works as a canvas upon which you can switch up jewelry, scarves, belts, jackets … you name it.
4. What’s your biggest secret for developing a sense of style?
Get to know yourself. Most people think style comes from wearing fabulous clothes, and to a certain extent, it’s true. But the real secret is to really know who you are as a wonderfully unique individual. When you know yourself, you automatically know what you are and what you’re not. Quite naturally, you’ll know how to select clothing that looks fabulous on you according to your body, coloring, age and personality. A great sense of style comes from you wearing the clothes, not the other way around.
5. Which celebrities do you think are great fashion role models for TG women?
Angelina Jolie: She’s a wonderful example of feminine strength and beauty without overdoing anything. She’s usually seen wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans, yet no one can contest her hotness. Yes, of course it’s easy for her—she’s only one of the hottest women alive—but really, there’s also a lot to say about her inner confidence and attitude. Michelle Obama: I think most TG women can relate to her tall, muscular physique, which she pairs so wonderfully with a modern, simple yet statement-making wardrobe. Our First Lady dresses just right for her body and age and never looks outdated or dowdy like many of her predecessors … with the exception of Jackie O, of course.
6. What are your favorite trends for Fall/Winter 2009?
Personally, I absolutely love the glam rock/dystopia trend with lots of studs, straps and the motorcycle-inspired “Mad Max” vibe. I also love the bold colors and shapes happening in clothing, shoes, bags and jewelry—this is great news for TG women. Oh, and tall tall boots—a must if you want to amp up your sex appeal.
7. What one trend do you want to see die?
Oh boy … it’s hard to pick just one. I never ever liked the bling-bling trend, with rhinestones and crystals dripping all over jackets, bags, jeans, and even cell phones. It’s just very tacky. I would have also said velour track suits, but I think that’s already dead now … I think. I hope.
8. Confession time: What was YOUR biggest fashion disaster?
Back in high school, I remember wearing MC Hammer pants with a Michael Jackson-inspired military jacket. Actually, the jacket was pretty cool, but the pants … they were truly unfortunate … the crotch drooped down to my knees. And I seriously thought I looked cool.
9. What’s your favorite piece of clothing in your closet?
I must confess I don’t have a big wardrobe, and I tend to prefer simple things that I wear over and over again. But if my closet was burning down and I had to save one piece of clothing, it would be my perfectly worn-in pair of Levi’s. However, it would be nice if I can salvage my next favorite—a $5 black t-shirt—so I won’t have to go around half naked.
10. What is one great fashion tip you can share with our readers?
Forget the boobs for a moment. Instead, make sure you do what you can to shape and define your waist. The waist/hip silhouette is the most important physical indicator of the female body, so the more you can work on that area, the better. The best way to do this is to wear some volume at the bottom, like a full skirt, and nip your waist with a belt. The volume of the skirt helps shrink your waistline by contrast, and does the added job of creating the illusion of more hips. OK–now back to the boobs…. 
3 Questions for YOU
Ok, your turn!!!!!! My interview questions for YOU:
- What is your favorite peice of clothing in your closet?
- What was your biggest en femme fashion disaster? (Just for fun and to acknowledge how far you’ve come …)
- What is one fashion tip you can share with me and the rest of the girls?
Post your answers in the comments section below! (You get extra points for posting a photo of your favorite piece of clothing.)
Love,
Lucille
I guess it’s only fair that I start!! Here are my answers:
1. My favorite piece of clothing is a snakeskin print bustier. I layer over a dress so it doesn’t look SO bare. (I’m shy!!)
2. My biggest fashion disaster was when I dressed as a cowgirl for Halloween and my jeans split down the back. The good news is that this got my future boyfriend’s attention and we’ve been together ever since.
3. My best fashion tip is to BE YOURSELF.
my jeans
my first pair of shoes, were they ever ugly
smile, it makes your eyes stand out
1. fire engine red sweater dress – midi length – i’m 60
2.short black velvet dress – i am too heavy and too “old” for it
3. get a favorite color like black (slimming), red (sexy), pink (girlie) and emphasize it.
1. Any matching skirt and blouse or sweater.
2. Wearing a tight t-shirt and short shorts when I was overweight.
3. Observe other women and what they are wearing in your area, then be yourself…and act your age! That way you can be the woman you would be if born a biological woman.
1, Black and silver lace covered cocktail dress, length just above the knee, very elegant
2, Bright yellow silky blouse,,,, to LOUD!
3, Dont over dress, you need to blend in, not stand out.
1. My favorite item, I don’t have anymore was a silver/grey dress with an oriental flavor to it. Next to it had to be a wonderful little black dress with a pleated skirt. Both were lost in a purge. Right now, I’d have to say my corset..lol…
2. Hmmm… I grew up with 3 older sisters, and would go shopping with my girlfriends in college. I guess I learned abit about style. My biggest mistake has to be dressing like a teenager, when I was in my late 30’s.
3. Hence, dress you age and for the right occasion. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, go to the local mall food court, sit and people watch. Look at women close to you size and age. What are they wearing? I’ll bet few have on stiletto boots… I know we all want to stay 18, but we are what we are.
My favorite piece of clothing is a must for most if not all TG Girls, and that is my silicone butt and hip panties. [ removeable silicone pads ] I do not know how to say ut but your butt and hips are instant and they act and feel and look real. I can shake my booty. My worst is easy, I dressed as a 20 year old in a shot mini skirt. real tacky. Well I think like most women my best tip would be buy a little black dress. The fuller the skirt the better.
1. My fav piece of clothing in my closet has to be my little black cocktail dress.
2. Worst fashion disaster- wearing Pan Stik foundation- It rubs off on anything and everything. A real pain.
3. One fashion tip from one cosmetologist to transitional clients for use with your stylist (whomever they might be)- be vocal about what you want. don’t go to a salon en drab(or even en femme) for a cut expecting a woman’s cut, and getting a guys cut. Be vocal. Tell the stylist what you want. Let them know your future goals for your hair. Bring in a picture of what you want to eventually reach and what you want for now. Use lots of pictures. Don’t be afraid to “out” yourself to your stylist. Most have heard it all and will be more than happy to work with you to achieve your dreams. Your worth it.
1. Blue Capri’s and a pink halter top with flat black stiletos. Always gets compliments
2. Crossdressed to work ,a group was going to but they didn’t, so it was just me.(still had fun:))
3. Believe you belong out! Not hidden away for no one to see the real you.
1. I love jeans
2. everytime I am dressed as woman, it is dizaster
3. try to look naturally
my favorite my tight black pencil skirt ankle length,and my black turtle neck cashmiere sweater
Short skirts
Clothes to tight
Use just 1 focal point
Favourite piece of clothing: A Jaeger top which covers me thru slim and not-slim times; covers up many of my figure defects – and which works equally well with jeans and tailored slacks.
Disaster: A borrowed dress for a formal occasion which made me look as if I had the shoulders of a quarterback…a fact I did not realise until I saw the photos (which were immediately destroyed!).
Fashion tip: Start off with what WORKS with your body and image – not the fantasy or the clothing you fell in love with many years ago; or on somebody else.
I agree. It’s the overall proportions, and not just waist-bottom ratios, but also waist-top. Take Audrey Hepburn, often very boyish, yet totally feminine, all because of her proportions, not to mention complexion. Besides diet and hormones which can change the flesh, there is another problem which would be bone structure, particularly the rib section which is naturally much wider in males. The only solution to this is to train the bones in this area via some kind of modern day corset, perhaps worn for a few hours a day or until discomfort comes into play when it should be removed. I’d suggest ‘Squeem’ which is manufactured in Brazil. It compresses yet is comfortable enough.
1. my faded pair of black jeans
2. buying heels; went out for the first time & barely halfway through the night, I could not wait to take them off!!!
3. be comfortable within yourself & who you are!
1 i have a green dress in the closet 2 when my half slip fell 3 dont over dress
1 i love my low cut jeans and my babydoll sweaters
2 when ever i wear dresses or skirts i feel i only look good when i wear heels along with either
3although i’m stuck in a male body i choose to be myself(a woman) and i wear the fashion that represents what i feel i am
This dress has been my stanby for a lot of years. It is quick and easy to wear. I do like to wear my taller boots rather then the ones I gad on in this picture. It is just basic black and I am just myself with it on.
1. My jean skirt that comes just above the knees.
2. A slim dress because I thought it was pretty but only looks
good on young thin girls and not one with a big belly.
3. Dress accordingly to the event or place your are attending.
No not overdue your style. You will stand out like a sore thumb.
1. My favourite piece of femme attire is my sequinned dress, worn with my sheer, shiny stockings, and my lovely rainbow wig.
2. My biggest disaster was my very first pair of shoes, too small, heel too low, and too plain.
3. Be proud of yourself, and always review how you look before you step out.
1: Long sleeve blouse with pants or long skirt and medium pumps.
2: Sleeveless dress.
3: Be true to yourself even if you have to hide the truth from others.
my favorite item is my wranglers after all i am a country girl
fashion disaster? not dressing my age trying to look to young
tips i dont have any but i sure could use some hugs Tammy
my favorate thing in my closet is my corset dress it flattins my stomach makes my breast look bigger gives me hips and when worn with the small jacket looks good my biggest disaster was wearing an old flower dress i got look really shabby made me look older i like to wear two bras ones to life me up the other on the outside water filled to give me more volume
Great interview with Ms. Kim. Question 1 : For me my favorite clothing at this time ,and that could change,is my Victoria Secret bra dress,which you can see in my photo. I love the way it shows my boobs. Question 2 …I haven’t had a big disaster ….sooo far.
Question 3 : What is one fashion tip? I really have several ,but since you want only one I will say long sleeve dresses or tops or blouses. Or three quarter length sleeves. It is amazing how fem longsleeves can be. Cover up those muscular arms gals lol
What is your favorite peice of clothing in your closet?
a green top which my sister gave me, before going to london, and its good for showing my figure
What was your biggest en femme fashion disaster? (Just for fun and to acknowledge how far you’ve come …)
the first 2 times puting on make up
What is one fashion tip you can share with me and the rest of the girls?
find some thing which not only looks good but also suits ur body prefectly (all over) show ever one got u got and dont be affraid, every one is beautiful