Lawrence.com

Arielle Hernandez

Age: 20.

Sign: Gemini.

Hometown: Houston.

Time in Lawrence: 2 1/2 years.

Occupation: KU student.



Shoes: Urban Outfitters, fall 2007, $15.

Tights: H&M, summer 2009, $16.

Skirt: Urban Outfitters, fall 2008, $48.

Shirt: Urban Outfitters, fall 2009, $9.

Jacket: NY thrift store, summer 2007, $25.

Purse: Value Village Thrift Store, summer 2009, $3.

What are your wardrobe essentials? I love to wear skirts and dresses, so I have tons of tights and leggings in order to wear these pieces year-round.

What were you doing when scouted? I was walking home from my Shakespeare class on campus.

How would you describe your style? My style is very feminine, very girly. I tend to “dress up” more often, versus wearing more casual outfits. I also incorporate modernity into my looks by juxtaposing feminine pieces with edgy accessories or apparel.

What are your current favorite fashion trends? All I’ve been buying recently are hats! I like that they are a functional wardrobe piece, plus they really add something to an outfit. I am particularly drawn to the colorful knit hats out this fall. I also still like high-waisted trend for skirts and pants.

What are your least favorite fashion trends? I think dressing appropriately for the season and for the temperature is important. This not only has relevance in the realm of fashion but also sheds light on your everyday sense of judgment.

What would you like to see more of in Lawrence? I love the thrift stores in Lawrence, so I would love even more reasonably priced vintage shops around town. I mix my thrift-store finds with newer items for a one-of-a-kind look. A thrift store that offers a wider variety of inventory would make this integration process even more individual and fun.

What would you like to see less of in Lawrence? I want to see less apprehensive dressers. Lawrence is such an eclectic and beautiful town, and so are the people. I want to see less people being bashful and more people embracing their uniqueness, especially in terms of style.

Who are your fashion influences? I read a lot of fashion magazines — Vogue, Nylon, Elle and T Magazine — The New York Times style magazine. I like to put my own twist on some of the outfits in their spreads, find my own version. I also read a lot of travel magazines that emphasize the concept of fashion as a universal movement that is fast-paced, constantly changing and globally inspired.

People say I look like: I was once mistaken by a barista at Starbucks for Selena Gomez, an actress on the Disney Channel. I came out with mixed emotions. I was glad because I got a free coffee, but I was mad that I look like I’m 15!

Tell us a secret: In terms of fashion, I appreciate following the rule of flattery. If a fashion trend or style doesn’t work for you, don’t force it. That being said, I am sometimes hypocritical — a victim of fashion.