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25 Most Stylish Bostonians of 2009 -- Oliver Lubin, James Reinhart, and Chris Homer

Chris Homer, James Reinhart, and Oliver Lubin (Photographed at Frank Stella; Yoon S. Byun/Globe Staff)
By Alyssa Giacobbe
Globe Correspondent / November 5, 2009

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Oliver Lubin

Age: 30

Occupation: Cofounders, thredUP, a newly launched online clothing share

ThredUP is a clothing exchange site - sort of like Netflix meets online consignment. What do you love most about your job? Everyone has the same problem: what to do with the clothes you no longer wear. The great thing is that when you start to crowd-source part of your wardrobe, it opens you up to a lot of great styles you may not have considered or even known about.

You sang a cappella in college. Does music continue to inspire you? Definitely. I find that music helps me dislodge creative ideas that have gotten stuck or need a little persuasion. Singing with the Bostonians of Boston College - yes, this is a shout out - was one of the highlights of college. James [Reinhart] was one of or biggest fans. Please don’t ask him to sing, though.

So you must be amazing at karaoke.

I don’t karaoke. Not unless I have to. Guys don’t like looking stupid.

How would you describe your style? Casual and comfortable. After three years of working at a law firm, I’ll slowly be converting a closet full of “firm-appropriate’’ to the casual stuff I now wear every day. I might retain a small collection for tie Tuesdays.

Do you enjoy shopping?

I love spending a day on Newbury popping into random stores and discovering brands I’ve never heard of. But actually, my girlfriend will tell you I make for a great personal shopper. I think I enjoy shopping for her more than I do shopping for myself.

James Reinhart

Age: 30

Job: Cofounder, thredUP

Any style tips for looking good in a recession? Get a haircut, buy a pair of decent shoes and jeans, and then be creative.

What’s the best item of clothing you’ve gotten from someone else? A paisley pink and purple shirt I would not have bought, but which was perfect under a blue blazer on a recent trip to Vegas.

What’s your go-to outfit these days? I find I can’t go wrong with dark jeans, a v-neck sweater, and a blazer. The key is some sort of accent, like a white belt, a yellow pocket square, or some bright argyle socks. When I find a cut of something, like a great sweater, I buy it in five colors. I’ve been a late convert to top-line cashmere, and now I’m not sure I can go back to merino wool.

Where do you shop? Frank Stella, J.Crew. I’m accepting sponsors!

What changes would you like to see Boston men embrace, style-wise? I think most guys underestimate how easy it is to put together a classic look. Half a dozen solid sweaters, some button down shirts, a few polos, a couple of dark blazers, nice brown and black belts, and some well-fitting pants - I like Bonobos - and then the occasional pocket square or pink sweater and you’re golden. And quality matters. Spend the extra few dollars for something well made and it will look good season in and season out.

Chris Homer

Age: 26

Occupation: Cofounder, thredUP

What’s a man’s best accessory? A fun and interesting belt. Belts are the icing on the cake to a good ensemble. My favorite belt buckle was a hawk with its wings spread, flying over a wave.

What do you always buy too much of? DVDs and ice cream: Staples for a solid night in. Last movie night involved a pint of the new Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Macadamia and “Jaws.’’ Hey, I like the classics.

What’s the right amount to spend on a haircut? And on a suit? I guess it all depends on how picky you are. I’m sure John Edwards has a different opinion on this, but $40 is my limit for a haircut. For a suit, fit is more important than price. If you’re lucky enough to be able to buy off the rack, congratulations, you should be able to pay a lot less than someone who needs a custom tailored suit.

I heard that thredUP was created, in part, as a conversation starter with women. Has it actually helped you meet girls? Girls? Who has the time in a bootstrapped start-up? How’s that for a personal ad?

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