Hello fellow fashion mavens! My name is Arden Grace Kozeny. I am currently a junior studying English Literature and Geoscience at Denison University. Apparently, I made my first fashion statement right out of the womb when I threw my horrid, pink baby hat across the delivery room (I mean way across). I subsequently slipped on a pair of my mother’s heels a few years later, and eventually became the appointed stylist among my friends. Since then I have continued to embrace and pursue my interest in fashion.
Two years ago, between my freshman and sophomore year, I interned with the fashion department of the New York Post. Ultimately, I learned how a fashion editorial is actualized as I refined my eye for style in terms of finding unlikely, but fabulous combinations. Upon my return to school that fall I began to apply what I had learned at the New York Post by proposing and writing a bi-weekly style column for our university newspaper, The Denisonian. I then discovered that the theatre department is a wonderful resource for Fashionista/os, especially for those who attend a liberal arts college like myself. Last semester I took a theatre course called “Fashion: History, Culture, & Identity” in which I learned to identify a multitude of garments ranging from the eras of ancient Middle East to present. I also became more aware of how economic, political and social dynamics influence, and in some cases determine, fashions of a given time—a facet of fashion that I find undeniably intriguing. Last semester I was also featured by fellow Denisonian Natalie Hall for CollegeFashionista’s STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK column, and have since been thrilled with a nomination and the acceptance to be a Style Guru!
When out and about you can spot me in a signature maxi, be it a dress or a skirt, or in a tailored straight-leg pant paired with a skimming top and flats (I love a pointed toe). Either way, I am sure to add a bit of pizazz to my outfit with a touch of sparkle, another signature, in the form of embellishments, jewelry or a handbag and, of course, a smile. Otherwise, I gravitate towards mix-media garments, tailored jackets (especially leather), shirts of soft drapery and structured handbags.
However, I believe that style is more than a look and is also an essence, a way of living and being. I believe that our lives should (preferably) be as balanced and dynamic as our outfits. If you work, play; if you learn, discover; if you have, give back; if you dream, do. Acknowledge the past, but remember that it’s done; embrace the moment, but prepare for what may come; dream of the future so that your work will be fun. Let passion drive you and experience guide you. Like will gravitate towards like, so just be you and love every minute of it. Some days, and even weeks, living in style can be a challenge, but I believe that it is essential for any and all Fashionista/os. So, when you go to pick out your outfit every morning remember to pick out your “style vibe” as well.
Alongside fashion, I love working out (it’s my sanity), making ridiculous puns, going on city adventures with friends and dreaming up future business plans. I also love to dance, nosh on good food, try new things and meet new people. I am Treasurer and Co-Chair of Social Entrepreneurship for Denison University’s Business & Entrepreneurship Club, Assistant Director of Comedy for the University Programming Council and regularly attend leadership retreats. On occasion, I’ll go trapeze flying—you have to try it! I also make time throughout my week to keep tabs on current affairs and work on new photography portfolios— some of my photographs have been exhibited throughout Ohio! So far, I have been lucky enough to have traveled to six percent of the world (I used to live in India), and it is a dream of mine to set foot in every country.
I’m so excited to be a part of this fabulous community of Fashionista/os and I have a sneaky feeling that my time as a Style Guru will also be a journey in embracing the moment.
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