Guilty Pleasures
Stephanie Broek
One day I want to buy a hysterically large fun pair of glasses like the attractive fashion journalist Stephanie always wears on her face. It has become her trademark, just like the Rapunzel hair and the über cheerful 70’s clothing with glitter, fluo, and prints. Stephanie reports for Glamour on the international fashion weeks, tips sparkling new labels and designers, and has chats with the Fashion greats of the Earth. It's high time to figure out what her biggest mistakes, pointless irritations, and guilty pleasures are.
What is your strangest trait?
“According to my boyfriend, I suffer from tidying mania. I don't necessarily clean everything, it's more that I suddenly feel the urge to straighten everything out and remove it from my sight. I also can't sleep or sit still until doors/drawers/cabinets are closed.”
Who were you a huge fan of when you were younger?
“The Spice Girls. I naturally have light brown hair and curls, so I had to be Mel B according to my friends. I would have preferred to be Geri. And from Leonardo DiCaprio in his Titanic days. My mother gave me a magazine with only pictures of Leo. I was over the moon with it. By the way, I also had a Nelly phase. Yes, I even thought his band-aid was really cool back then.”
Favorite sing-along?
“I sing along at home with every song I know. And there are many. The part of my brain that remembers songs and roads/streets is extremely well developed. On the other hand, I have to grab my calculator even for the simplest addition.”
Which task do you always procrastinate?
“Expenses. Members of financial administrations, if you're reading along: I know you make it as difficult as possible for us so that we don't do it. But I won't let you win!”
Biggest pointless irritation?
“I get annoyed by cyclists who get annoyed by tourists because they can't cycle well or accidentally walk on the bike path. You don't have to yell or ring your bell loudly. Don't be so rude! They are on vacation here and are not used to this.”
Do you ever tell a little white lie?
“Only out of politeness or if I don't want to hurt someone.”
Secret favorite show?
“Pretty Little Liars. The storyline keeps getting worse, but I need to know who uber A is.”
Biggest expensive mistake?
“The perfect black Stella McCartney kitten heels with a pointed toe for which my feet turned out to be too wide.”
Biggest addiction?
“Series. House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Orphan Black, Suits, PLL, I watch (almost) everything. Not Game of Thrones, my delicate soul can't handle that. Too many murders.”
What is your catchphrase?
“Really?!”
Your biggest guilty pleasure when it comes to food?
“The vegan chocolate bar Vego with hazelnut. Even non-vegans agree with me that this creamy bar is the tastiest chocolate in the world.”
Biggest superficial turn-off?
“Rudeness.”
Hidden talent?
“Dancing. I spent my entire high school time doing street dance/hip hop. Although I never took ballet or modern dance lessons, I am convinced that I can do that too when I do a pirouette in my living room again.”
Do you have an embarrassing hobby?
“That I never go out others might find quite embarrassing. Call me a grandma, but I prefer to go out to eat with friends or my boyfriend and sleep on time.”
