Freshman Arianna Gordon is a new member of the Lambda Tau Omega sorority. But that’s not all of her credentials. Here, she talks to us about her fashion sense and what she does every day to ensure that she enchant the Rider University community with her effortless beauty.
Q: What is your daily makeup routine?
A: It varies on what I will be doing that day, but there are a couple of things that I never go without. I will always have foundation, mascara, and something on the lips (even if it’s just Chapstick). From there, blush, bronzer, eye shadow, eye liner, lipstick—anything can be added depending on if I am going to a party or another special event. But for everyday makeup, I always stick with the base for the skin, eyes, and lips.
Q: What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
A: The best beauty advice I have ever received was from my mother. She enforced the common saying that “Less is more.” I truly believe that this applies to anyone from anywhere at any time. As I have gotten older, I have followed this advice every day, and frequently relay the message to my friends. The key to really being beautiful is to keep the extra makeup and clothing to a minimum. While it is good to be trendy and stylish, it is important to pick items that enhance your own personal beauty—not try to mask or completely change it. What everyone wants is to look effortless when trying to look good. This is hard to do when piling on the accessories. Less is more; add what improves the look and stop there.
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?
A: If I had to guess, I probably own around thirty to forty or so pairs of shoes. Most of them are boots because they are great transition pieces. They can be worn with jeans when it is cold during the winter, or with a dress as it gets warmer in the spring. Boots are really a great investment that can last for a while and be paired with many outfits.
Q: What is inside your handbag says a lot about you. What do you always carry in your purse?
A: Bags never used to be that important to me. I used to be able to just carry the essentials on hand. Now, it is so much more convenient to carry a bag—you never know when you may need to carry something extra. I always carry a big bag with me; not only are they fashionably “in”, but they are functional when carrying all of your things. In my bag, you can always find the practical items (cell phone, wallet, keys) and the maintenance items (makeup, hair shine spray, perfume). With these pieces, you can be prepared for almost anything.
Q: What are your wardrobe staples?
A: There are a few things every woman should have in her wardrobe: jeans in different cuts, one nice black dress, some statement pieces of jewelry, sweaters and t-shirts in a few basic colors, and transition pieces. The jeans are good because with the different cuts (boot cut, skinny jeans, etc.) they can be worn to many occasions and can pass off as casual, business casual, or even dressy. It is crucial that every woman has the essential “little black dress”. My own dress has been worn to attend a picnic when worn with sandals and to a play when paired with heels and bold jewelry. The perfect dress will be able to go with many pairs of shoes, sets of jewelry, or pieces like scarves, tights, or sweaters. Transition pieces like boots, casual dresses, and a blazer are great to own because they are so versatile and can be worn from spring to winter, so shopping is not necessary with the arrival of each new season.
Q: Any fashion obsessions?
A: One fashion item that I really love is jewelry. Jewelry is something that can truly make an outfit. If you are looking for an everyday look, then simple studs might be good. Even a t-shirt and jeans can be dressed up for a party with earrings, a bracelet, and a necklace. I think every woman should have a few good staple pieces of jewelry in her repertoire because they are so versatile and because they can switch up an outfit that would be plain otherwise. Adding jewelry is classic and can always add something more to an ensemble.
Q: So what does your current wish-list consist of?
A: My current wish list consists of attaining new pieces for the spring and summer seasons. The one item that I really want to get more of are light dresses. They are so perfect for this time of the year because they are like instant outfits—all you need to add are shoes and maybe some jewelry. (These can carry into the fall with added tights, a sweater, and boots.) My favorite place to get clothes, especially dresses is Forever 21. I love the style of their clothes, and they are constantly coming out with new trendy designs.