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June 11, 2017

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Out-of-date yet setting the fashion agenda

NELS Frye is former Editor-in-Chief of Life Style magazine, now the founder of vintage fashion boutique — Pawnstar. Passionate for second hand fashion, Frye opened one of Shanghai’s first second hand stores that focuses on sourcing designer goods with an unbelievable range of labels on offer.

My personal style is mostly just a motley collection of random stuff I found in thrift stores and put together in the only way I could figure out that made kind of sense — there are also some custom made items.

 

The best outfit I’ve ever worn for a special occasion was the slim fitting gray suit — custom made in Beijing — as one of seven groomsman at a beautiful wedding in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. I’m usually a couple seasons behind the chic because trendy items appear in second-hand stores a bit late. Sometimes that makes me ahead since the trends seem to cycle faster and faster.

 

I usually shop for clothes and accessories in second hand stores in Cambridge, Massachusetts and New York City. I get some accessories at the Brimfield Flea Market, also in Massachusetts and, of course, our own store in Shanghai, Pawnstar. For a treat or when someone else is paying, I occasionally have items custom made at high-end tailors like WW Chan, on Maoming Road.

 

My favorite fashion brands include Paul Smith, Etro, Gucci, as well as the smaller Italian brands like Lardini, Boglioli. Right now I like the collaborations that this store from Harvard Square, Concepts, is doing with New Balance and other brands.

 

The designer I most admire is Yves Saint Laurent. The style icon I look up to is my friend Jeffrey Ying. He really is an icon and has a unique look that I’m not wealthy or stylish enough to copy.

 

The last item I added to my wardrobe was a Paul Smith shirt with a sort of tropical but Japanese print — found at a secondhand shop on the Upper East Side.

 

The fashion item I’m eyeing next are sneakers from a New Balance collaboration with J. Crew. I want more comfortable shoes. I collect a few pairs of Stubbs and Wootton slippers and also tons of ties from different eras.

 

My signature perfume is oude cologne, but no particular brand.

 

The most memorable places I’ve traveled in the past were Kenya’s Masai Mara, the crowds of Mumbai, San Francisco’s Tenderloin — but memory changes over time.

 

The last book I read was “Ametora: How Japan Saved American Style” by W. David Marx.

 

Except Beijing, I would love to live in Cambridge, Masachusetts, which is, to some extent, my hometown.

Caroline Maguire is the fashion director at Shopbop, a leading e-commerce retailer for women’s fashion. The California native has brought her signature style, keen eye and over 15 years of industry experience to the role. She also serves as Shopbop’s primary brand ambassador in press interviews and media appearances, and delivers key style takeaways to the customer in creative on-site editorials.

My personal style is effortlessly chic, trend driven and fun. As the fashion director at Shopbop, while being a mother of two, I like to keep my look casual, yet pulled together.

 

The best outfit I’ve ever worn for a special occasion doesn’t always need to be a gown or fancy dress — think outside of the box — separates or a jumpsuit work just as well. We launched Caroline Constas on Shopbop and I recently wore this incredible off the shoulder, two-piece, matching palm print outfit for dinner we hosted in LA — I’m obsessed!

 

I’m checking out what’s new on social platforms, attending fashion shows, meeting with designers and editors, previewing new collections and upcoming brands. As fashion director of Shopbop, I travel the world to dictate the most relevant and inspiring seasonal global trends for the brand. I usually shop for clothes and accessories on Shopbop.

 

It’s impossible to choose just one favorite fashion brand. We’ve recently launched some really incredible new brands. I’m particularly excited about Nice Martin that just went live on our site — it’s an effortless and easy collection with strong silhouettes from Australia. Other brands that I’m loving include, Weiwei, an amazing bag collection from Brazil that mixes classic wicker with leucite details — Moussy Denim, a Japanese denim brand with the perfect everyday jeans, and Magda Butrym, a Polish brand with chic collections of sleek separates.

 

The designers I most admire are Design duo, Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, of Monse, who are doing incredible things. I love their daring yet feminine approach — so amazing.

 

The style icon I look up to is my mom. She’s my biggest cheerleader and has incredible effortless style — I’ve always loved how she puts amazing looks together.

 

The recent item I added to my wardrobe was Moussy Odessa jeans. You can never have enough denim!

 

The fashion item I’m eyeing next are just so many. For the Fall, I would have to say an amazing puffer jacket: one in a novel color that zips high and is cropped. I can’t wait.

 

I collect sunnies. They are the easiest accessories to make any look cool.

 

My grooming staple is wearing mascara. Even on the most exhausting days, a little mascara will make you look well rested. Another item I don’t leave home without is my lip balm — my go-to is the Fresh sport stick.

 

My favorite perfume is Another Thirteen by Le Labo.

 

The best souvenir I brought home is the wine club membership from Etude Vineyard from Napa Valley.

 

The most memorable place I’ve traveled to was Bora Bora. I went there for my honeymoon and hope to return soon.

 

The last book I’ve read was The Girl on The Train.

 

Except New York City, I would love to live in Shanghai. It reminds me so much of the city, or Taipei, as I have family there.




 

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