What did you do or do for work?

I retired on July 31, 2013 after 44 yrs and 11 mos with IBM. I started out as a programmer – now known as a coder– around the same time and with the same computers as the women in Hidden Figures, but they were much smarter. I spent most of my time in technical marketing, writing, teaching, and product management. I travelled extensively and lived and worked in Tokyo and Paris.

How would you describe your style as a teenager?

I went to HS and college in the 60’s. In HS we were very preppy– madras, loafers, yellow capezio flats, sweater and skirt sets, etc. But because I was larger than the average bear, it was hard to find clothes in my size. My mother taught me to sew and we made my clothes. My grandmother knit me sweaters ( I didn’t learn to knit until 20 years ago!). I never felt like I had the right clothes in the right colors. We shopped at discount stores. For example, for my prom I got a dress that was $10 reduced from $25- most of the girls got dresses from Seventeen Magazine, and had their hair and makeup done. However, as it turns out my dress was quite unique and memorable — partly because it was different.

I went to college in NYC, and my style shifted toward “hippie” ( now called “boho.”). I learned too crochet and made dresses and ponchos!

How would you describe your style now?

I joined IBM right out of college in NYC in 1968. This required a major shift in wardrobe. We had to wear suits or dresses!!! So I looked for the most unique ones I could find, had multiple ear piercings, and wore wild shoes like my wine colored knee high boots, favorite turquoise pumps or yellow platform sandals (My only pair of Charles Jordan shoes!). I sewed a number of designer dresses early on which were unique and fun.

As time went by my style changed to a more casual and artsy look. I wanted nothing that needed ironing so I turned to knits. What a relief. Also IBM relaxed its code with the times. I still had suit jackets for client occasions, but they were quite fun and often not matching the skirt or pants I wore with them.

I discovered Alembika in a great boutique in Albuquerque, NM. I think it was the first year — I got a black jacket with multi color/pattern wide piping around the edges. I had found my tribe.

My style is still artsy but comfortable. I feel most comfortable in Alembika or similar designers/brands.

What would you do with a whole day for yourself?

Being retired, I often have whole days to myself. I do whatever I feel like doing at that time. I try not to schedule more than one activity -at most two -during the day– eg dr appointments, hair or nail appointments, visiting with friends, etc. On some days I stay in bed late and read, talk on the phone, or nap. Although I am very social, as an Introvert I need alone time to recharge. I have no trouble doing nothing!

I do spend time with my craft hobbies- knitting, crocheting , macrame, making jewelry with unique beads. I used to read many more books than I do now but read news etc online.

I have regularly scheduled exercise– Pilates and water exercise, both I have been doing for 30 years.

Who gave you the most valuable piece of advice and what was it?

This is an interesting question. Over the years I’ve learned to give myself advice. The major advice I got was from a manager at work. My family and childhood did not give me a lot of confidence ( that came later after a lot of work). I didn’t realize I was doing this but one day my manager (now my friend after working for him 3-4 times!) looked at me and said, “You know, you are a perfect employee because you always tell me what you can’t do– helps in evaluations,” I realized he was right and started to build up my confidence and not focus on what I couldn’t do.

As I’ve matured, I’ve mellowed a lot and don’t worry as much, especially about those things over which I have no control.

One of my favorite sayings, “What do you mean worrying doesn’t help? Nothing I’ve ever worried about has happened.”

What’s on your Alembika Wishlist?

I have more clothes than I need but I feel that what I wear tells a lot about me.

I recently purchased the gold jacket with grey dots that was on my wishlist since I first saw it. I have worn it almost every day and always receive compliments.

I’ve always loved your evening collections but I don’t have enough events to wear them. I also loved the faux fur jackets and coats last year. And of course the dresses are wonderful. I was lucky enough to have visited the Alembika store in Tel Aviv and got one of my favorite styles– drop waist- I’ll include a picture below. I will send other pictures separately.

This is the dress I bought at the Alembika store in Tel Aviv. Hagar was at the store but I didn’t know at the time. Later on after I saw her picture I realized who she was.