Boston Ballet Dancer Lawrence Rines Talks Off-Stage Style

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What makes Boston great? It's the plethora of interesting people doing interesting things. Though not always falling in the fashion realm, we think they deserve some notice. And just in time for The Nutcracker season, we're turning our focus on Boston Ballet dancer Lawrence Rines, a Philly native in his third year with the main company. Lawrence plays a variety of roles in the classic Christmas ballet, including the Harlequin, a Russian, and the Grandfather. This young man is no stranger to costume changes, but we wanted to hear about his off-stage style.

1. Describe your style.
I would have to say that my style is kind of an evolution on the classics. I like everything to be tailored, structured, and neat. Not a whole lot of mess or fuss. But I also don't like to look boring or stiff either. The pieces that I wear have to stand out whether it is in their detailing, color, or print.

2. How does your work influence your style?
I work with some of the most fashionable people I have ever met in my life. I come into work and probably say "You look so awesome" at least 15 times a day. It inspires me to get up every morning and put on an actual outfit instead of going to work in sweatpants and yoga apparel.

3. Where do you shop in Boston?
My top four stores would have to be Burberry, AllSaints Spitalfields, Marc Jacobs, and Michael Kors. I love Burberry's overall simplicity but when worn and styled correctly has such a wow factor. I wear tons of AllSaints because they take simple ideas (like T-shirts, jackets, coats, sweaters, boots, etc.) and add this dark, almost gothic, and angular edge to them. I mean where else are you going to find such AMAZING leather jackets?! Marc Jacobs has been one of my favorite designers since high school. He is the master of patterns and color blocking. Very seldom do I walk out of the house not wearing any Marc Jacobs. Lastly, MK. The king of accessories. His watches and bags are so classic and elegant. They really can make any outfit pop just that much more.

4. Where do you not shop in Boston?
I tend to stay away from stores that are super mass produced. It makes the clothing not as special if you see 20 people walking down the street with the same thing on you just bought.

5. Describe Boston's fashion sense in three words.
Trendy. Layered. Simple.

6. What's the one thing you can't live without?
My cat. She is like my first born. Brightens up my day every time I see her.

7. And the one you can't live with?
Chocolate and coffee. Blech! I know. I am weird but never liked the taste of either and never will.

8. What is your biggest indulgence?
I would have to saying shopping. I do it when I am sad. I do it when I am happy. I pretty much do it all the time.

9. If you could only exist in one moment in time, what would it be?
I have always been intrigued by the whole Andy Warhol factory scene since I first learned of it. So I feel like I would choose to go back to one the parties there and meet the iconic Edie Sedgwick. I am obsessed with her.

10. And what would you be wearing?
I love the mod style that was popular in the 60s. So just put me in a gray slim-cut tailored suit with matching vest, an awesome pocket square and tinted circle glasses and I am good to go.
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